ERCP using balloon-assisted endoscopes versus EUS-guided treatment for common bile duct stones in Roux-en-Y gastrectomy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

We compared ERCP using a balloon-assisted endoscope (BE-ERCP) with EUS-guided antegrade treatment (EUS-AG) for removal of common bile duct (CBD) stones in patients with Roux-en-Y (R-Y) gastrectomy.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who had previous R-Y gastrectomy undergoing BE-ERCP or EUS-AG for CBD stones in 16 centers were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

BE-ERCP and EUS-AG were performed in 588 and 59 patients, respectively. Baseline characteristics were similar, except for CBD diameter and angle. The technical success rate was 83.7% versus 83.1% (P = .956), complete stone removal rate was 78.1% versus 67.8% (P = .102), and early adverse event rate was 10.2% versus 18.6% (P = .076) in BE-ERCP and EUS-AG, respectively. The mean number of endoscopic sessions was smaller in BE-ERCP (1.5 ± .8 vs 1.9 ± 1.0 sessions, P = .01), whereas the median total treatment time was longer (90 vs 61.5 minutes, P = .001). Among patients with biliary access, the complete stone removal rate was significantly higher in BE-ERCP (93.3% vs 81.6%, P = .009). Negative predictive factors were CBD diameter ≥15 mm (odds ratio [OR], .41) and an angle of CBD <90 degrees (OR, .39) in BE-ERCP and a stone size ≥10 mm (OR, .07) and an angle of CBD <90 degrees (OR, .07) in EUS-AG. The 1-year recurrence rate was 8.3% in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Effectiveness and safety of BE-ERCP and EUS-AG were comparable in CBD stone removal for patients after R-Y gastrectomy, but complete stone removal after technical success was superior in BE-ERCP.

Oligodendrocyte-derived LGI3 and its receptor ADAM23 organize juxtaparanodal Kv1 channel clustering for short-term synaptic plasticity

Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as intellectual disability (ID), epilepsy, and autism, involve altered synaptic transmission and plasticity. Functional characterization of their associated genes is vital for understanding physio-pathological brain functions. LGI3 is a recently recognized ID-associated gene encoding a secretory protein related to an epilepsy-gene product, LGI1. Here, we find that LGI3 is uniquely secreted from oligodendrocytes in the brain and enriched at juxtaparanodes of myelinated axons, forming nanoscale subclusters. Proteomic analysis using epitope-tagged Lgi3 knockin mice shows that LGI3 uses ADAM23 as a receptor and selectively co-assembles with Kv1 channels. A lack of Lgi3 in mice disrupts juxtaparanodal clustering of ADAM23 and Kv1 channels and suppresses Kv1-channel-mediated short-term synaptic plasticity. Collectively, this study identifies an extracellular organizer of juxtaparanodal Kv1 channel clustering for finely tuned synaptic transmission. Given the defective secretion of the LGI3 missense variant, we propose a molecular pathway, the juxtaparanodal LGI3-ADAM23-Kv1 channel, for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders.

Usefulness of Intraductal Placement of a Dumbbell-Shaped Fully Covered Self-Expandable Metal Stent for Post-Cholecystectomy Bile Leaks

Background and aims: In the treatment of post-cholecystectomy bile leaks, endoscopic naso-biliary drainage (ENBD) or biliary stenting using plastic stents is the standard of care. Fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) placement across the sphincter of Oddi is considered a salvage therapy for refractory cases, but pancreatitis and migration are the major concerns. Intraductal placement of a dumbbell-shaped FCSEMS (D-SEMS) could avoid these drawbacks of FCMSESs. In this retrospective study, we investigated the usefulness of intraductal placement of the D-SEMS for post-cholecystectomy bile leaks. Methods: Six patients who underwent intraductal placement of the D-SEMS for post-cholecystectomy bile leaks were enrolled. This method was performed as initial treatment in three patients and as salvage treatment in three ENBD refractory cases. Results: Technical and clinical successes were obtained in 6 (100%) patients and 5 (83%) patients, respectively. One clinically unsuccessful patient required laparoscopic peritoneal lavage. The early adverse event was one case of mild pancreatitis (17%). The median duration of the D-SEMS indwelling was 61 days (42-606 days) with no migration cases, all of which were successfully removed. The median follow-up after index ERCP was 761 (range: 161-1392) days with no cases of recurrent bile leaks. Conclusions: Intraductal placement of the D-SEMS for post-cholecystectomy bile leaks might be safe and effective even in refractory cases.

First observation of 28O

Subjecting a physical system to extreme conditions is one of the means often used to obtain a better understanding and deeper insight into its organization and structure. In the case of the atomic nucleus, one such approach is to investigate isotopes that have very different neutron-to-proton (N/Z) ratios than in stable nuclei. Light, neutron-rich isotopes exhibit the most asymmetric N/Z ratios and those lying beyond the limits of binding, which undergo spontaneous neutron emission and exist only as very short-lived resonances (about 10-21 s), provide the most stringent tests of modern nuclear-structure theories. Here we report on the first observation of 28O and 27O through their decay into 24O and four and three neutrons, respectively. The 28O nucleus is of particular interest as, with the Z = 8 and N = 20 magic numbers1,2, it is expected in the standard shell-model picture of nuclear structure to be one of a relatively small number of so-called 'doubly magic' nuclei. Both 27O and 28O were found to exist as narrow, low-lying resonances and their decay energies are compared here to the results of sophisticated theoretical modelling, including a large-scale shell-model calculation and a newly developed statistical approach. In both cases, the underlying nuclear interactions were derived from effective field theories of quantum chromodynamics. Finally, it is shown that the cross-section for the production of 28O from a 29F beam is consistent with it not exhibiting a closed N = 20 shell structure.

Expanded quantum vortex liquid regimes in the electron nematic superconductors FeSe1-xSx and FeSe1-xTex

The quantum vortex liquid (QVL) is an intriguing state of type-II superconductors in which intense quantum fluctuations of the superconducting (SC) order parameter destroy the Abrikosov lattice even at very low temperatures. Such a state has only rarely been observed, however, and remains poorly understood. One of the key questions is the precise origin of such intense quantum fluctuations and the role of nearby non-SC phases or quantum critical points in amplifying these effects. Here we report a high-field magnetotransport study of FeSe_1-xS_x and FeSe_1-xTe_x which show a broad QVL regime both within and beyond their respective electron nematic phases. A clear correlation is found between the extent of the QVL and the strength of the superconductivity. This comparative study enables us to identify the essential elements that promote the QVL regime in unconventional superconductors and to demonstrate that the QVL regime itself is most extended wherever superconductivity is weakest.

Suicidality in civilian women with PTSD: Possible link to childhood maltreatment, proinflammatory molecules, and their genetic variations

Background

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a robust risk factor for suicide. Studies have suggested an association between suicide and elevated inflammatory markers, although such evidence in PTSD is scarce. Suicide risk, PTSD, and inflammatory molecules are all shown to be associated with childhood maltreatment and genetic factors.

Methods

We examined the association between suicidal ideation/risk and inflammatory markers in 83 civilian women with PTSD, and explored the possible influence of childhood maltreatment and inflammatory genes. Suicidal ideation and risk were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II and the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Childhood maltreatment history was assessed with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Blood levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity tumor necrosis factor-α were measured. Genetic polymorphisms of CRP rs2794520 and IL6 rs1800796 were genotyped.

Results

Suicidal ideation was significantly positively correlated with hsCRP (p = 0.002) and IL-6 (p = 0.015) levels. Suicide risk weighted score was significantly positively correlated with hsCRP (p = 0.016) levels. The risk alleles of CRP rs2794520 and IL6 rs1800796 leading to increased respective protein levels were dose-dependently associated with higher risk of suicide (p = 0.007 and p = 0.029, respectively). The CTQ total score was significantly correlated with suicidal ideation and risk, but not with inflammatory marker levels. Furthermore, a multivariate regression analysis controlling for PTSD severity and potential confounders revealed that rs2794520 and rs1800796, but not hsCRP or IL-6 levels, significantly predicted suicidal ideation (p < 0.001) and risk (p = 0.007), respectively.

Conclusion

Genetic variations within inflammatory genes might be useful in detecting PTSD patients at high risk of suicide.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Gastrojejunostomy for Malignant Afferent Loop Syndrome Using a Fully Covered Metal Stent: A Multicenter Experience

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic-ultrasound-guided gastrojejunostomy (EUS-GJ) can be a new alternative for patients with malignant afferent loop syndrome (MALS). However, a fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) has not been well investigated in this setting.

METHODS

This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study. Consecutive patients that underwent EUS-GJ using a FCSEMS for MALS between April 2017 and November 2022 were enrolled. Primary outcomes were technical and clinical success rates. Secondary outcomes were adverse events, recurrent symptoms, and overall survival.

RESULTS

Twelve patients (median age: 67.5 years (interquartile range: 58-74.8); 50% male) were included. The most common primary disease and type of previous surgery were pancreatic cancer (67%) and pancreatoduodenectomy (75%), respectively. Technical success and clinical success were achieved in all patients. Procedure-related adverse events occurred in one patient (8%) with mild peritonitis. During a median follow-up of 96.5 days, one patient (8%) had recurrent symptoms due to the EUS-GJ stent dysfunction; including biliary events unrelated to the EUS-GJ stent, five patients (42%) had recurrent events. The median overall survival was 137 days. Nine patients (75%) died due to disease progression.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-GJ with a FCSEMS seems safe and effective for MALS with high technical and clinical success rates and an acceptable recurrence rate.

A pilot study of Spring Stopper Stents: Novel partially covered self-expandable metallic stents with anti-migration properties for EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy

Background and Objectives

EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) is an effective salvage procedure when conventional endoscopic transpapillary biliary drainage is difficult or fails. However, the risk of stent migration into the abdominal cavity has not been resolved completely. In this study, we evaluated a newly developed partially covered self-expandable metallic stent (PC-SEMS) that has a spring-like anchoring function on the gastric side.

Methods

This retrospective pilot study took place at four referral centers in Japan between October 2019 and November 2020. We enrolled 37 cases consecutively who underwent EUS-HGS for unresectable malignant biliary obstruction.

Results

The rates of technical and clinical success were 97.3% and 89.2%, respectively. Technical failures included one case in which the stent was dislocated during the removal of the delivery system, requiring additional EUS-HGS on another branch. Early adverse events (AEs) were observed in four patients (10.8%): two with mild peritonitis (5.4%) and one each (2.7%) with fever and bleeding. No late AEs were observed during the mean follow-up period of 5.1 months. All recurrent biliary obstructions (RBOs) were stent occlusions (29.7%). The median cumulative time to RBO was 7.1 months (95% confidence interval, 4.3 to not available). Although stent migration in which the stopper was in contact with the gastric wall on follow-up computed tomography was observed in six patients (16.2%), no migration was observed.

Conclusions

The newly developed PC-SEMS is feasible and safe for the EUS-HGS procedure. The spring-like anchoring function on the gastric side is an effective anchor preventing migration.

Study of the N=32 and N=34 Shell Gap for Ti and V by the First High-Precision Multireflection Time-of-Flight Mass Measurements at BigRIPS-SLOWRI

The atomic masses of ^{55}Sc, ^{56,58}Ti, and ^{56-59}V have been determined using the high-precision multireflection time-of-flight technique. The radioisotopes have been produced at RIKEN's Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory (RIBF) and delivered to the novel designed gas cell and multireflection system, which has been recently commissioned downstream of the ZeroDegree spectrometer following the BigRIPS separator. For ^{56,58}Ti and ^{56-59}V, the mass uncertainties have been reduced down to the order of 10 keV, shedding new light on the N=34 shell effect in Ti and V isotopes by the first high-precision mass measurements of the critical species ^{58}Ti and ^{59}V. With the new precision achieved, we reveal the nonexistence of the N=34 empirical two-neutron shell gaps for Ti and V, and the enhanced energy gap above the occupied νp_{3/2} orbit is identified as a feature unique to Ca. We perform new Monte Carlo shell model calculations including the νd_{5/2} and νg_{9/2} orbits and compare the results with conventional shell model calculations, which exclude the νg_{9/2} and the νd_{5/2} orbits. The comparison indicates that the shell gap reduction in Ti is related to a partial occupation of the higher orbitals for the outer two valence neutrons at N=34.

The Feasibility of Whole-Liver Drainage with a Novel 8 mm Fully Covered Self-Expandable Metal Stent Possessing an Ultra-Slim Introducer for Malignant Hilar Biliary Obstructions

BACKGROUND

In the case of an unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO), the optimal drainage method has not yet been established. Recently, an 8 mm, fully covered, self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) with an ultra-slim introducer has become available. In this article, the results of whole-liver drainage tests using this novel FCSEMS for MHBO are reported.

METHODS

Unresectable MHBOs up to Bismuth IIIa with strictures limited to the secondary branches were eligible. The proximal end of the stent was placed in such a way as to avoid blocking the side branches, and the distal end was placed above the papilla when possible. Consecutive patients treated between April 2017 and January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The technical and functional success rates, rates and causes of recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO), time to RBO (TRBO), revision for RBO, and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Eleven patients (Bismuth I/II/IIIa: 1/7/3) were enrolled. Two stents were placed in nine patients and three were placed in two patients. Both the technical and functional success rates were 100%. RBO occurred in four (36%) patients due to sludge formation. Revision was performed for three patients, with the successful removal of all stents. The median TRBO was 187 days, and no late AEs other than the RBO occurred. Regarding the distal position of the stent, the RBO rate was significantly lower (14.3% vs. 75%, p = 0.041) and the cumulative TRBO was significantly longer (median TRBO: not reached vs. 80 days, p = 0.031) in the case of the placement above the papilla than the placement across the papilla.

CONCLUSION

For unresectable MHBOs of Bismuth I, II, and IIIa, whole-liver drainage with a novel 8 mm FCSEMS possessing an ultra-slim introducer was feasible and potentially safe, with favorable stent patency. Placement above the papilla might be preferrable to placement across the papilla.

Prediction of recurrence after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation using left atrial morphology on preprocedural computed tomography: application of radiomics

Background

Radiomics is a comprehensive analysis methodology of medical image and involves the extraction of numerous features from standard imaging. Its usefulness has been reported mainly in the field of cancer for diagnosis and prediction of prognosis. In the territory of cardiac imaging, several reports have investigated the utility of radiomics for classifying the risk of prognosis in coronary artery disease, and few practical applications have been reported for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Although the left atrial morphology can affect the clinical course after the PVI procedure, it is unclear whether the radiomics feature values of the left atrial morphology on cardiac computed tomography (CT) is useful for predicting the AF recurrence after PVI.

Purpose

To predict the recurrence of AF after PVI using the radiomics feature values of the left atrial morphology on cardiac computed tomography (CT).

Methods

We analyzed 525 consecutive three-dimensional cardiac CT in patients with atrial fibrillation who underwent PVI from 2018 to 2019 in our institute. After marking the region of interest on left atrium (including the root of pulmonary veins) semiautomatically, 107 radiomics feature values were obtained by Python program. After excluding the parameters having collinearity or with low predictive capability for the recurrence of AF after PVI, 42 parameters were applied to the final prediction model. Two prediction models were constructed by multivariate Cox regression analysis and machine learning model by support vector machine algorithm.

Results

The area under the curve (AUC) for predicting the recurrence of AF was 0.815 for the multivariate Cox regression model and 0.826 for the machine learning model by support vector machine.

Conclusion

The radiomics feature values on preprocedural cardiac CT could be helpful for predicting the recurrence of AF after PVI. Since radiomics feature analysis yields a huge number of numerical values representing the left atrial morphology in a reproducible manner, it would provide a new direction to construct a good prediction model using machine learning including artificial intelligence out of a routine cardiac CT scan.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Interrelation between baseline plaque characteristics and changes in coronary atherosclerosis with the PCSK9-inhibitor alirocumab: insights from the PACMAN-AMI randomized trial

Background

Patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) frequently experience recurrent atherothrombotic events, largely attributable to non-culprit lesions with high-risk characteristics. Statins can halt the progression of coronary atherosclerosis, and addition of protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9-inhibitors (PCSK9i) results in incremental low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering and atheroma regression.

Purpose

We sought to examine the interrelation between baseline imaging characteristics, on-treatment LDL-C levels, and changes in coronary atherosclerosis as assessed by serial, multi-modality intracoronary imaging in patients with AMI.

Methods

This is a post hoc analysis from the PACMAN-AMI randomized trial. Patients were randomly allocated to biweekly alirocumab 150 mg vs. placebo on top of high-intensity statin initiated within 24h of presentation with AMI, and underwent serial imaging of the two non-infarct-related arteries at baseline and after 52 weeks. The primary endpoint was percent atheroma volume (PAV) by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Powered secondary endpoints were maximal lipid core burden index (maxLCBI4mm) by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and minimum fibrous cap thickness (FCTmin) by optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Results

Of 300 randomized patients (mean age 58.5±9.8 years, 18.7% women, baseline LDL-C 3.94±0.87 mmol/L), IVUS was serially performed in 265 patients (537 arteries). LDL-C levels decreased to 1.92±0.79 mmol/L with placebo and 0.61±0.61 mmol/L with alirocumab (p&lt;0.001). Compared with placebo (statin alone), alirocumab added to statin resulted in greater PAV reduction (−2.13% vs. −0.92%; p&lt;0.001), greater maxLCBI4mm reduction (−79.42 vs. −37.60; p=0.006), and greater increase in FCTmin (62.67 vs. 33.19 μm; p=0.001). Changes in PAV and maxLCBI4mm were inversely related to on-treatment LDL-C levels, and change in FCTmin was positively related to on-treatment LDL-C levels (Figure 1). Across all patients, we found significant, inverse relationships between change in PAV and baseline PAV [slope: −0.072 (95% CI −0.101 to −0.042); p&lt;0.001], between change in maxLCBI4mm and baseline maxLCBI4mm [slope: −0.437 (95% CI −0.505 to −0.369); p&lt;0.001], and between change in FCTmin and baseline FCTmin [slope: −0.436 (95% CI −0.541 to −0.332); p&lt;0.001]; these findings indicate greater PAV and maxLCBI4mm regression in lesions with greater PAV and LCBI4mm at baseline, and greater fibrous cap thickening in lesions with thinner fibrous caps at baseline.

Conclusion

In this study of intensive LDL-C lowering treatment initiated in the acute AMI setting, more favorable plaque changes were observed in patients with lower on-treatment LDL-C levels and in lesions with more adverse baseline plaque characteristics. Whether AMI patients with high-risk plaque features might derive greater clinical benefit from early initiation of intensive LDL-C-lowering therapies requires further investigation.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Sanofi, Regeneron

Impact of alirocumab added to high-intensity statin therapy on platelet function in AMI patients: a pre-specified substudy of the randomized, placebo-controlled PACMAN-AMI trial

Background

Previous small observational studies have suggested a potential association of proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and platelet reactivity. However, the role of the PCSK9 inhibitor alirocumab on platelet aggregation among patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains unknown.

Purpose

We investigated the effect of alirocumab on P2Y12 reaction unit (PRU) on top of high-intensity statin therapy among AMI patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with a potent P2Y12 inhibitor (ticagrelor or prasugrel).

Methods

This was a pre-specified, powered, pharmacodynamic substudy nested within the PACMAN (effects of the PSCK9 antibody AliroCuMab on coronary Atherosclerosis in patieNts with Acute Myocardial Infarction) trial, a randomized, double-blind trial comparing biweekly alirocumab (150mg) versus placebo in AMI patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients recruited at Bern University Hospital, receiving DAPT with either ticagrelor or prasugrel at 4 weeks and adherent to the study drug (alirocumab or placebo) were analyzed for the current study. The VerifyNow P2Y12 point-of-care assays were used to measure PRU at baseline (i.e. before first study drug administration), 4 weeks, and 52 weeks after study drug administration (higher PRU levels indicating greater platelet aggregation). The primary endpoint was PRU at 4 weeks.

Results

Among 139 randomized patients (mean age 58.2 years [SD, 9.5], 21 [15.0%] women, mean LDL-C level 150.6mg/dL [SD, 30.9]), baseline characteristics were well balanced between groups including baseline PRU (50.0 [IQR, 120.0] in the alirocumab group vs. 62.0 [IQR, 122.0] in the placebo group, P=0.75). At 4 weeks, mean LDL-C was significantly lower in the alirocumab group (23.5 [SD, 23.7] mg/dL vs. 74.4 [SD, 30.5] mg/dL, P&lt;0.001). The majority of patients received ticagrelor DAPT at 4 weeks (57 [86.4%] vs. 69 [94.5%], P=0.14). There were no significant differences in PRU at 4 weeks (12.5 [IQR, 27.0] vs. 19.0 [IQR, 30.0], P=0.26) and at 52 weeks (25.0 [IQR, 37.0] vs. 34.0 [IQR, 59.0], P=0.07) (Figure). Consistent results were observed in 126 patients treated with ticagrelor (i.e. after excluding 13 patients treated with prasugrel) at 4 weeks (13.0 [IQR, 20.0] vs. 18.0 [IQR, 27.0], P=0.28).

Conclusion

Among AMI patients receiving DAPT with potent P2Y12 inhibitors, alirocumab had no significant effect on platelet function as assessed by PRU.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Bern University Hospital

Proton Distribution Radii of ^{16-24}O: Signatures of New Shell Closures and Neutron Skin

The root mean square radii of the proton density distribution in ^{16-24}O derived from measurements of charge changing cross sections with a carbon target at ∼900A  MeV together with the matter radii portray thick neutron skin for ^{22-24}O despite ^{22,24}O being doubly magic. Imprints of the shell closures at N=14 and 16 are reflected in local minima of their proton radii that provide evidence for the tensor interaction causing them. The radii agree with ab initio calculations employing the chiral NNLO_{sat} interaction, though skin thickness predictions are challenged. Shell model predictions agree well with the data.

Dopamine drives neuronal excitability via KCNQ channel phosphorylation for reward behavior

Dysfunctional dopamine signaling is implicated in various neuropsychological disorders. Previously, we reported that dopamine increases D1 receptor (D1R)-expressing medium spiny neuron (MSN) excitability and firing rates in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) via the PKA/Rap1/ERK pathway to promote reward behavior. Here, the results show that the D1R agonist, SKF81297, inhibits KCNQ-mediated currents and increases D1R-MSN firing rates in murine NAc slices, which is abolished by ERK inhibition. In vitro ERK phosphorylates KCNQ2 at Ser414 and Ser476; in vivo, KCNQ2 is phosphorylated downstream of dopamine signaling in NAc slices. Conditional deletion of Kcnq2 in D1R-MSNs reduces the inhibitory effect of SKF81297 on KCNQ channel activity, while enhancing neuronal excitability and cocaine-induced reward behavior. These effects are restored by wild-type, but not phospho-deficient KCNQ2. Hence, D1R-ERK signaling controls MSN excitability via KCNQ2 phosphorylation to regulate reward behavior, making KCNQ2 a potential therapeutical target for psychiatric diseases with a dysfunctional reward circuit.

Corticocortical innervation subtypes of layer 5 intratelencephalic cells in the murine secondary motor cortex

Feedback projections from the secondary motor cortex (M2) to the primary motor and sensory cortices are essential for behavior selection and sensory perception. Intratelencephalic (IT) cells in layer 5 (L5) contribute feedback projections to diverse cortical areas. Here we show that L5 IT cells participating in feedback connections to layer 1 (L1) exhibit distinct projection patterns, genetic profiles, and electrophysiological properties relative to other L5 IT cells. An analysis of the MouseLight database found that L5 IT cells preferentially targeting L1 project broadly to more cortical regions, including the perirhinal and auditory cortices, and innervate a larger volume of striatum than the other L5 IT cells. We found experimentally that in upper L5 (L5a), ER81 (ETV1) was found more often in L1-preferring IT cells, and in IT cells projecting to perirhinal/auditory regions than those projecting to primary motor or somatosensory regions. The perirhinal region-projecting L5a IT cells were synaptically connected to each other and displayed lower input resistance than contra-M2 projecting IT cells including L1-preferring and nonpreferring cells. Our findings suggest that M2-L5a IT L1-preferring cells exhibit stronger ER81 expression and broader cortical/striatal projection fields than do cells that do not preferentially target L1.

Practical Tips for Safe and Successful Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Hepaticogastrostomy: A State-of-the-Art Technical Review

Currently, endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) is widely performed worldwide for various benign and malignant biliary diseases in cases of difficult or unsuccessful endoscopic transpapillary cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Furthermore, its applicability as primary drainage has also been reported. Although recent advances in EUS systems and equipment have made EUS-HGS easier and safer, the risk of serious adverse events such as bile leak and stent migration still exists. Physicians and assistants need not only sufficient skills and experience in ERCP-related procedures and basic EUS-related procedures such as fine needle aspiration and pancreatic fluid collection drainage, but also knowledge and techniques specific to EUS-HGS. This technical review mainly focuses on EUS-HGS with self-expandable metal stents for unresectable malignant biliary obstruction and presents the latest and detailed tips for safe and successful performance of the technique.

Frequency and prognostic impact of periprocedural myocardial infarction determined by various MI definitions in patients with chronic coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

Several definitions of peri-procedural myocardial infarction (MI) requiring different biomarker thresholds with or without ancillary criteria for myocardial ischemia are currently recommended without being fully validated in real-world patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and prognostic value of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin-based peri-procedural MI according to contemporary MI definitions using a large real-world PCI cohort.

Methods

In CCS patients undergoing elective PCI enrolled to the Bern PCI registry (NCT02241291) between 2010 and 2018, peri-procedural myocardial injury and infarction were assessed according to the 4th and 3rd universal definition of MI (UDMI), academic research consortium (ARC)-2, and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) criteria. The primary endpoint was cardiac death at 1 year.

Results

Among 4404 CCS patients, peri-procedural MI defined by the 4th UDMI, 3rd UDMI, ARC-2, and SCAI were observed in 14.9%, 18.0%, 2.0%, and 2.0% of patients, respectively. Cardiac mortality at 1 year in patients with peri-procedural MI defined by 4th UDMI, 3rd UDMI, ARC-2, and SCAI were 3.0%, 2.9%, 5.8%, and 10.0%, respectively. After multivariate adjustments, peri-procedural MI defined by the ARC-2 and SCAI were independently associated with cardiac death at 1 year, while those defined by the 4th and 3rd UDMI were not.

Conclusion

Among CCS patients undergoing PCI, periprocedural MIs defined by theARC-2 and SCAI occurred 7 to 9 times less frequently as compared with the 4th and 3rd UDMI, and were the only definitions significantly associated with cardiac mortality.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Cardiac death at 1 year

Comprehensive non-invasive and invasive functional assessment of anomalous coronary arteries with anatomical high-risk features

Background

Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) is a rare congenital disease associated with an increased risk of myocardial ischemia. In AAOCA, the occurrence of ischemia is based on the extent of a fixed and a dynamic component, each attributed to different anatomical high-risk features (i.e., acute take-off angle, slit-like ostium, proximal narrowing, elliptic vessel shape and intramural course). Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is the primary non-invasive imaging method to depict the presence and quantitatively assess anatomical high-risk features while invasive physiologic evaluation under maximal dobutamine-volume challenge is the gold standard to unravel the hemodynamic relevance of AAOCA.

Methods

We included all consecutive AAOCA patients with anatomical high-risk features from our prospective, open-label registry. The objective is to quantify anatomical high-risk features in the CCTA and to measure hemodynamic relevance using invasive fractional flow reserve with maximal dobutamine-volume challenge (gradually increasing dose of dobutamine max. 40 μg/kg per body weight/min, max. 3000 mL ringer lactate and max. 1mg atropine). Pathological invasive FFR was defined as FFR Dobutamine&lt;0.80. Additionally, CCTA-data were processed to assess computational fluid dynamics (CT FFR) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was used to determine minimal lumen area (MLA) during baseline and maximal stress conditions.

Results

A total of 11 patients were included between 05/19 and 11/2020. Mean age was 59±13 years (range: 40–79), 10 patients showed a right-AAOCA and one patient showed a single right coronary artery. All patients had either one (i.e., in 1 patient) or more than one anatomical-high risk features (i.e., in 10 patients). Mean invasive FFR Dobutamine was 0.88±0.07 with n=2 (18%) being pathological. Mean non-invasive CT FFR was 0.89±0.04 (FFR&lt;0.80; n=0), mean invasive FFR Adenosine was 0.92±0.06 (FFR&lt;0.80; n=1; 9%). There was a significant decrease in IVUS MLA between rest (7.93±2.79mm2) and under dobutamine-volume challenge (6.57±3.20mm2, p=0.008). Mean percentage of MLA reduction was 19±18%.

Conclusion

Our preliminary results provide evidence that relevant myocardial ischemia seems to be often absent in a middle-aged population with AAOCA and anatomical high-risk features. However, in a minority of cases hemodynamic relevance could be depicted, especially when stressing with dobutamine-volume challenge. The presence of a dynamic component in AAOCA is represented by the reduced minimal lumen area under stress conditions. Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation should be performed to prevent unnecessary guideline recommended open-heart surgery in a middle-aged population with AAOCA.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Identifying patients with atrial fibrillation during sinus rhythm on ECG: confirming the utility of artificial intelligence algorithm in a small-scale cohort without structural heart diseases

Background

Detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) out of electrocardiograph (ECG) on sinus rhythm (SR) using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm has been widely studied within recent couple of years. Generally, it is believed that a huge number of ECGs are necessary for developing an AI-enabled ECG to be adequate to correspond to a lot of minor variations of ECGs. For example, structural heart diseases have typical ECG characteristics, but they could be a noise for the purpose of detecting the small signs of electrocardiographic signature of AF. We hypothesized that when patients with structural heart diseases are excluded, AI-enabled ECG for identifying patients with AF can be developed with a small number of ECGs.

Methods

We developed an AI-enabled ECG using a convolutional neural network to detect the electrocardiographic signature of AF present during normal sinus rhythm (NSR) using a digital, standard 10-second, 12-lead ECGs. We included all patients who newly visited the Cardiovascular Institute with at least one NSR ECG between Feb 1, 2010, and March 31, 2018. We classified patients with at least one ECG with a rhythm of AF as positive for AF (AF label) and others as negative for AF (SR label). We allocated ECGs to the training, internal validation, and testing datasets in a 7:1:2 ratio. We calculated the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve for the internal validation dataset to select a probability threshold, which we applied to the testing dataset. We evaluated model performance on the testing dataset by calculating the AUC and the sensitivity, specificity, F1 score, and accuracy with two-sided 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

We totally included 19170 patients with 12-lead ECG. After excluding patients with structural heart diseases, 12825 patients with NSR ECGs at the initial visit were identified (1262 were clinically diagnosed as AF anytime during the time course and 11563 were never diagnosed as AF). Of 11563 non-AF patients, 1818 patients who were followed over 1095 days were selected for the analysis with the SR label, to secure the robustness for maintaining SR. Of 1262 AF patients, 251 patients were selected for the analysis with the AF label, of whom a NSR ECG within 31 days before or after the index AF ECG (the first AF ECG during the time course) could be obtained. In the patients with AF label, the NSR ECG of which the date was the nearest to the index AF ECG was selected for the analysis. The AI-enabled ECG showed an AUC of 0.88 (0.84–0.92) with sensitivity 81% (72–88), specificity 80% (77–83), F1 score 50% (43–57), and overall accuracy 80% (78–83).

Conclusion

An AI-enabled ECG acquired during NSR allowed identification of patients with AF in a small population without structural heart diseases.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Derivation and validation of myocardial bridge characteristics by optical coherence tomography: a prospective multimodality imaging study

Background

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings of myocardial bridge (MB) have not been established.

Purpose

We aimed to establish the OCT appearance of MB compared with the half-moon sign derived by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and to assess the prevalence among patients undergoing coronary angiography and OCT in clinical practice.

Methods

For derivation of the OCT appearance of MB, imaging data obtained from 122 patients undergoing OCT and IVUS for the left anterior descending artery (LAD) enrolled in two prospective imaging studies were analyzed. To assess the prevalence of OCT-derived MB, 470 patients undergoing OCT for LAD in clinical routine were analyzed.

Results

We found a homogeneous band with intermediate light intensity surrounding the vessel wall as assessed by OCT corresponding to half-moon sign derived by IVUS. Mean length, angle, and thickness of OCT-MB were 21.2±10.8mm, 205.7±56.5°, and 0.39±0.06mm, respectively. Mean length of IVUS-MB was significantly longer as compared with OCT-MB (23.7±11.9, P=0.010), while there were no significant differences in angle and thickness. MB angle was &gt;180° in approximately 50% of frames with MB. There was a strong/moderate correlation between OCT-MB and half-moon sign (MB length: r=0.81, P=0.001, MB angle: r=0.58, P=0.001). In the derivation cohort, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of OCT-MB for the milking effect by angiography were 96.3%, 62.1%, 41.9%, 98.3%, and 69.7%, respectively, and much comparable with the IVUS half-moon sign. In the validation cohort, OCT-detected MB was observed in 139 (29.6%) patients, of whom 57.6% (n=80) did not have angiographic evidence of milking effect.

Conclusion

OCT is able to identify IVUS-defined MB as homogenous band with intermediate light intensity surrounding the vessel wall. There was a high concordance in terms of MB angle and thickness between OCT and IVUS. In clinically-indicated OCT cases of the LAD, more than half of OCT-MBs were angiographically silent. OCT assessment of MB may facilitate the accurate diagnosis of MB and thus provide useful information in determining the subsequent treatment strategy for the patients with MB.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Representative imaging of MBCase of OCT-MB without milking effect

Material survey for a millimeter-wave absorber using a 3D-printed mold

Radio absorptive materials (RAMs) are key elements for receivers in the millimeter-wave range. We previously established a method for production of RAM by using a 3D-printed mold. An advantage of this method is a wide range of choices for absorptive materials to be used. To take advantage of this flexibility, we added a range of absorptive materials to a base epoxy resin, STYCAST-2850FT, and examined the optical performance of the resultant RAM across a wide frequency range under cryogenic conditions. We found that adding a particular type of carbon fiber produced the best performance with a reflectance at 77 K estimated as 0.01%-3% over a frequency range of 20-300 GHz.

Radiofrequency ablation of hyperplasia at an uncovered portion of a partially covered metal stent in endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (with video)

Highlight Endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy with a partially covered metal stent has a potential risk of stent occlusion due to hyperplasia at an uncovered portion of the stent. Matsubara and colleagues report that radiofrequency ablation of hyperplasia with additional placement of an uncovered metal stent is useful for preventing recurrent stent occlusion.

Association of CRP genetic variation with symptomatology, cognitive function, and circulating proinflammatory markers in civilian women with PTSD

BACKGROUND

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been associated with increased inflammation. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of systemic inflammation, and recently, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CRP gene have been associated with increased blood CRP protein levels and illness severity in PTSD patients. However, the mechanism by which the CRP SNPs are involved in PTSD remains unclear. Here we investigated the association of CRP genetic variation with blood proinflammatory protein levels, symptomatology, and cognitive function, and further explored the moderating effect of childhood maltreatment history, in adult patients with PTSD.

METHODS

Fifty-seven Japanese civilian women with PTSD and 73 healthy control women were enrolled. Three SNPs in the CRP gene, namely rs2794520, rs1130864, and rs3093059, were genotyped, and analyses focused on rs2794520 (T/C). Serum levels of high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP), high-sensitivity tumor necrosis factor-α (hsTNF-α), and interleukin-6 were measured. PTSD symptoms were evaluated by the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale. Cognitive function was assessed by the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status. Childhood maltreatment history was assessed by the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Patients with the rs2794520 CC/CT genotype, compared to those with the TT genotype, showed significantly higher levels of hsCRP (p=0.009) and hsTNF-α (p=0.001), more severe PTSD symptoms (p=0.036), and poorer cognitive function (p=0.018). A two-way analysis of variance revealed a significant genotype-by-maltreatment interaction for more severe PTSD avoidance symptom (p=0.012).

LIMITATIONS

The relatively small sample size limited our findings.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings may provide an insight into the etiology of PTSD from the inflammatory perspective.

Effects of multisession transcranial direct current stimulation as an augmentation to cognitive tasks in patients with neurocognitive disorders in Japan: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a potentially novel strategy for cognitive enhancement in patients with disorders. We present a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of tDCS combined with cognitive tasks on cognition in such patients.

METHOD AND ANALYSIS

This is a two-arm, parallel-design, randomised, sham-controlled trial, in which participants and raters will be blinded at a single centre. Stratified randomisation will be conducted, and a randomisation sequence will be generated through the Electronic Data Capture system. Patients who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 criteria for neurocognitive disorders will be recruited and randomised to receive either active (2 mA for 20 min) or sham (stimulation ramped up and down for 1 min) stimulation in 10 sessions over five consecutive days. A direct current will be transferred by a 35 cm² saline-soaked sponge electrode. An anode will be placed over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and a cathode will be placed over the right supraorbital cortex. Calculation tasks will be conducted in both arms as a cognitive task for 20 min during the stimulation. This task consists of basic arithmetic questions, such as single-digit addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. The primary outcome will be the mean change in the Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale-cognition at Day 5 after baseline. Depressive symptoms, as measured by the geriatric depression scale, and quality of life, as measured by the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey, will also be assessed. Data will be collected at baseline, within 3 days following the final stimulation and 1 month thereafter. The estimated sample size is 46 per group based on the assumptions that an estimated mean difference is -1.61 and SD is 2.7. Mixed models for repeated measures will be used for the statistical analysis.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The National Center of Neurology and the Psychiatry Clinical Research Review Board (CRB3180006) approved this study. The results of this study will be published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION DETAILS

Japan Registry of Clinical Trials jRCTs032180016.

A Proposed Algorithm for Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Rendezvous Technique in Failed Biliary Cannulation

Background: The selection of an approach route in endoscopic ultrasound-guided rendezvous (EUS-RV) for failed biliary cannulation is complicated. We proposed an algorithm for EUS-RV. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated consecutive EUS-RV cases between April 2017 and July 2020. Puncturing the distal extrahepatic bile duct (EHBD) from the duodenal second part (D2) (DEHBD/D2 route) was attempted first. If necessary, puncturing the proximal EHBD from the duodenal bulb (D1) (PEHBD/D1 route), puncturing the left intrahepatic bile duct (IHBD) from the stomach (LIHBD/S route), or puncturing the right IHBD from the D1 (RIHBD/D1 route) were attempted in this order. Results: A total of 16 patients were included. The DEHBD/D2 route was used in 10 (62.5%) patients. The PEHBD/D1 route was attempted in five (31.3%) patients, and the biliary puncture failed in one patient in whom the RIHBD/D1 route was used because of tumor invasion to the left hepatic lobe. The LIHBD/S route was applied in one (6.3%) patient. Successful biliary cannulation was achieved in all patients eventually. The time from the puncture to the guidewire placement in the DEHBD/D2 route (3.5 min) was shorter than that in other methods (14.0 min) (p = 0.014). Adverse events occurred in one (6.3%) patient with moderate pancreatitis. Conclusions: The proposed algorithm might be useful for the selection of an appropriate approach route in EUS-RV.

Prediction of atrial fibrillation by 12-lead electrocardiogram parameters in patients without structural heart disease

Background

Recently, the analysis of electrocardiogram (ECG) waveform by artificial intelligence has been reported to pick out those who have atrial fibrillation (AF) or have a high potential of developing AF, which, however, cannot explain the mechanisms or algorisms for the prediction from its nature.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis to investigate the difference of weighting in predicting capability for AF among hundreds of automatically-measured ECG parameters using a single ECG at sinus rhythm.

Methods and results

Out of Shinken Database 2010–2017 (n=19170), 12825 patients were extracted, where those with ECG showing AF rhythm at the initial visit (including all persistent/permanent AF and a part of paroxysmal AF) and those with structural heart diseases were excluded. Out of 639 automatically-measured ECG parameters in MUSE data management system (GE Healthcare, USA), 438 were used. [Analysis 1] A predicting model for paroxysmal AF were determined by logistic regression analysis (Total, n=12825; paroxysmal AF, n=1138), showing a high predictive capability (AUC = 0.780, p&lt;0.001). In this model, the relative contribution of ECG parameters (by coefficient of determination) according to the time phase were P:72.4%, QRS:32.7%, and ST-T:13.7%, respectively (Figure A). [Analysis 2] Excluding AF at baseline, a predicting model for new-developed AF were determined by Cox regression analysis (Total, n=11687; new-developed AF, n=87), showing a high predictive capability (AUC = 0.887, p&lt;0.001). In this model, the relative contribution of parameters (by log likelihood) according to the time phase were P:40.8%, QRS:42.5%, and ST-T:24.9%, respectively (Figure B).

Conclusions

We determined ECG parameters that potentially contribute to picking up existing AF or predicting future development of AF, where the measurement of P wave strongly contributed in the former whereas all time phases were similarly important in the latter.

Weighting of parameters to predict AF

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Private hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Self funding of the institute

Heart rate recovery after exercise as a prognostic predictor in patients with atrial fibrillation

Background

A delayed heart rate recovery (HRR) after exercise is related to mortality in sinus rhythm. This study aimed to investigate this concept can be applied to patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

We analyzed 483 patients with AF (mean 65 years, male 74%). HRR integral was calculated by integrating the difference in HR in every 3 second between the end of exercise and the specified time after the exercise (30, 60, 120 and 180 seconds). After evaluating the prognostic power of each HRR integral, we selected HRR integral of 180 seconds (180HRR-integral).

Results

We divided the patients into two groups using median value of 180HRR-integral. All-cause mortality, the incidence of cardiovascular events and heart failure events were higher in the poor 180HRR-integral. After adjustment for covariates, the impact of the high 180HRR-integral for all-cause mortality was 3.15 (p=0.057), 1.77 for cardiovascular events (p=0.067) and 1.28 for heart failure events (p=0.519).

Conclusion

Poor HRR was associated with worse prognosis in patients with AF.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Quantitative flow ratio to predict non-target-vessel-related events at 5 years in STEMI patients undergoing angiography-guided revascularization

Background

In patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), angiography-based complete revascularization is associated with superior outcomes compared with culprit-lesion-only percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Quantitative Flow Ratio (QFR) is a novel, non-invasive, vasodilator-free method to assess the hemodynamic significance of coronary stenoses.

Purpose

To investigate the incremental value of QFR over angiography alone in the assessment of non-culprit lesions (NCL) in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI.

Methods

In the randomized, multicenter COMFORTABLE AMI trial, STEMI patients underwent angiography-guided complete revascularization. QFR was determined in untreated non-target vessels by assessors blinded for clinical outcomes.

Results

Out of 1161 STEMI patients, 946 vessels in 617 patients could be analyzed by QFR. At 5-year follow-up, the rate of the primary endpoint cardiac death, non-target vessel myocardial infarction (non-TV-MI) and clinically indicated, non-target vessel revascularization (non-TVR) was significantly higher in patients with QFR ≤0.80 compared with QFR &gt;0.80 (62.9% vs. 12.7%, HR 7.20, 95% CI 4.46–11.62, p&lt;0.001), driven by higher rates of non-TV-MI (15.4% vs. 3.6%, HR 4.59, 95% CI 1.72–12.23, p=0.002) and non-TVR (58.6% vs. 7.7%, HR 10.99, 95% CI 6.39–18.91, p&lt;0.001). No significant differences for cardiac death were observed. Multivariate analysis identified QFR ≤0.80, MI SYNTAX score and left ventricular function as independent predictors of the primary endpoint. QFR ≤0.80 showed an accuracy of 86.1%, sensitivity of 23.2%, specificity of 97.5%, positive predictive value of 62.9% and negative predictive value of 87.5% for the prediction of the primary endpoint.

Conclusions

Our study results suggest incremental value of QFR over angiography-guided PCI for NCL among STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI.

Kaplan-Meier curves of primary endpoint

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Shape Coexistence at Zero Spin in ^{64}Ni Driven by the Monopole Tensor Interaction

The low-spin structure of the semimagic ^{64}Ni nucleus has been considerably expanded: combining four experiments, several 0^{+} and 2^{+} excited states were identified below 4.5 MeV, and their properties established. The Monte Carlo shell model accounts for the results and unveils an unexpectedly complex landscape of coexisting shapes: a prolate 0^{+} excitation is located at a surprisingly high energy (3463 keV), with a collective 2^{+} state 286 keV above it, the first such observation in Ni isotopes. The evolution in excitation energy of the prolate minimum across the neutron N=40 subshell gap highlights the impact of the monopole interaction and its variation in strength with N.

Electromagnetic character of the competitive γγ/γ-decay from 137mBa

Second-order processes in physics is a research topic focusing attention from several fields worldwide including, for example, non-linear quantum electrodynamics with high-power lasers, neutrinoless double-β decay, and stimulated atomic two-photon transitions. For the electromagnetic nuclear interaction, the observation of the competitive double-γ decay from ^137mBa has opened up the nuclear structure field for detailed investigation of second-order processes through the manifestation of off-diagonal nuclear polarisability. Here, we confirm this observation with an 8.7σ significance, and an improved value on the double-photon versus single-photon branching ratio as 2.62 × 10^-6(30). Our results, however, contradict the conclusions from the original experiment, where the decay was interpreted to be dominated by a quadrupole-quadrupole component. Here, we find a substantial enhancement in the energy distribution consistent with a dominating octupole-dipole character and a rather small quadrupole-quadrupole component in the decay, hindered due to an evolution of the internal nuclear structure. The implied strongly hindered double-photon branching in ^137mBa opens up the possibility of the double-photon branching as a feasible tool for nuclear-structure studies on off-diagonal polarisability in nuclei where this hindrance is not present.

Two-Neutron Halo is Unveiled in ^{29}F

We report the measurement of reaction cross sections (σ_{R}^{ex}) of ^{27,29}F with a carbon target at RIKEN. The unexpectedly large σ_{R}^{ex} and derived matter radius identify ^{29}F as the heaviest two-neutron Borromean halo to date. The halo is attributed to neutrons occupying the 2p_{3/2} orbital, thereby vanishing the shell closure associated with the neutron number N=20. The results are explained by state-of-the-art shell model calculations. Coupled-cluster computations based on effective field theories of the strong nuclear force describe the matter radius of ^{27}F but are challenged for ^{29}F.

Abatacept reduces disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis independently of modulating anti-citrullinated peptide antibody production

Abatacept may exert its clinical effect on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by suppressing anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody production. This study was undertaken to test this hypothesis by examining the changes of disease activity of RA and anti-CCP antibody levels over time after starting abatacept. Sixty Japanese RA patients who started abatacept were included in this multicenter, prospective observational study. Simple Disease Activity Index (SDAI) and anti-CCP antibody levels were evaluated at 12, 24, and 52 weeks. The mean SDAI score significantly decreased within 12 weeks after starting abatacept and was maintained thereafter. On the contrary, the mean anti-CCP antibody levels did not change until 52 weeks. At the individual level, there were substantial changes of anti-CCP antibody levels, but these were not correlated with the changes of disease activity at any time points. Thus, abatacept reduces the disease activity of RA independently of modulating anti-CCP antibody production.