Hyperacute postprocedural high platelet reactivity: a novel predictor for in-hospital adverse events in acute coronary syndrome with prasugrel loading

Introduction

Postprocedural High platelet reactivity (HPR) seems to associate long term adverse cardiovascular events, mainly intrastent thrombosis. However, the relationship between hyper-acute postprocedural HPR with prasugrel loading and clinical outcomes in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is still unclear. Moreover, factors contributing HPR in ACS with prasugrel loading are also unknown.

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the impact of hyper-acute postprocedural HPR with prasugrel loading on clinical outcomes in ACS during hospitalization, as well as to define appropriate cut-off values and identify contributing factors of HPR.

Methods

We performed a single-centre, retrospective observational study that enrolled 207 patients who underwent emergent PCI for ACS with prasugrel loading. The P2Y12reaction unit (PRU) value was measured immediately after PCI with the VerifyNow System. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE, defined as the composite of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, ventricular arrhythmia needing defibrillation).

Results

Mean patient age (standard deviation) was 70.5 (±13.0) years, 78.7% were male, and average time from prasugrel intake to PRU calculation was 98.3 (±49.1) min. During a mean hospital stay of 15.9 (±9.3) days, there were 34 in-hospital MACE (16.4%) and 10 deaths (4.8%). Thrombosis events, didn't stand out and mechanical complications, such as cardiac rupture and cardiac tamponade occupies most of cardiovascular death which occurred before 10 days on admission. PRU was significantly higher in MACE group than Non-MACE group (279±65 vs 227±72, p<0.001 respectively). The ROC curve analysis of PRU for discriminating significant in-hospital MACE showed the cut off value of 293 (sensitivity:52.9%, specificity:83.2% [AUC=0.709, p<0.0001]). 47patients (29.4%) were thus categorized as HPR (PRU>293) immediately after emergent PCI. Kaplan-Meyer curve showed MACE events occurred in HPR group than non-HPR group (38.2% vs 10.0%, p<0.001). Multiple cox analysis demonstrated that HPR was independent predictors of MACE in patients with ACS underwent PCI (OR 5.416, 95% CI 2.157–13.598, p<0.0001). Multiple logistic regression model showed female sex, low haemoglobin value, and large mean platelet volume were independent predictors of HPR.

Conclusion

PRU was significantly higher in MACE group, and appropriate cut-off value of HPR in this study was 293. HPR was independent predictor of MACE during hospitalization, however thrombosis event was not significant. Evidence of clinical impact with postprocedural HPR within 120 minutes after prasugrel loading is scarce. This study shows post-procedural HPR, even without sufficient time after prasugrel intake, can be a useful predictive marker of adverse events during hospitalization.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. PRU between Non-MACE and MACE groupKaplan-Meyer curve

Cardio-ankle vascular index is useful screening method to detect obstructive coronary artery disease in asymptomatic diabetes patients with subclinical atherosclerosis

Background

Patients with diabetes mellitus are at very high risk for obstructive coronary artery disease; however, invasive coronary angiography is not allowed to apply in all patients. Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), a marker of arterial stiffness has been reported to reflect atherosclerotic burden.

Purpose

To assess the diagnostic performance of CAVI vs. coronary calcium score for detecting obstructive coronary artery disease determined by Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) in asymptomatic diabetes patients.

Methods

During May 2015 to December 2019, 816 patients with diabetes mellitus were evaluated. First, intima-media thickness of carotid artery was measured in all subjects. Then, patients with intima-media thickness over 11mm underwent CAVI. Finally, 209 patients who have one or more cardiovascular risk factors other than diabetes mellitus were enrolled (68±11 years, 68% men). Patients were excluded if they had a disorder of the kidney, a prior history of coronary artery revascularization, atrial fibrillation, LV ejection fraction <50%, ABI <0.9 or allergy to contrast. Diagnostic performance of CAVI was evaluated with coronary stenosis >50% by CCTA.

Results

CAVI, Agatston score, and intima-media thickness of carotid artery were 9.2±1.3, 396±621 and 2.0±0.7mm, respectively. CAVI was significantly correlated with age (r=0.530, p<0.001), coronary artery calcification (r=0.182, p=0.008), and intima-media thickness of carotid artery (r=0.195, p=0.005). Among them, 108 patients (48%) had coronary stenosis. CAVI, Agatston score and intima-media thickness of carotid artery in patients with coronary stenosis were higher than that without coronary stenosis, respectively (9.8±1.1 vs 8.5±1.0, p<0.001, 526±676 vs. 255±525, p=0.001, 2.2±0.7 vs. 1.8±0.6, p<0.001). The ROC curve analysis of CAVI for discriminating coronary stenosis showed that the sensitivity 75.0% and specificity 77.2% at the cut off value of 9.23 (AUC=0.812, p<0.001). Contrastingly, diagnostic performance of coronary calcium score and intima-media thickness of carotid artery were less than CAVI (sensitivity: 91.7%, specificity: 56.4%, AUC=0.753, p<0.05 vs. CAVI, sensitivity: 68.5%, specificity: 59.4%, AUC=0.663, p<0.05 vs. CAVI). Multivariate logistic analysis demonstrated that CAVI was significantly associated with coronary stenosis (OR=4.133, p<0.001) after adjustment of conventional risk factors, although coronary calcium score was not correlated with coronary stenosis.

Conclusion

CAVI could be informative to select patients having obstructive coronary artery disease in asymptomatic diabetes patients with thick intima-media thickness.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Impact of high platelet reactivity on left ventricular remodeling in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Background/Introduction

Previous studies demonstrated that high platelet reactivity (HPR) predicts future cardiovascular death and coronary events in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, few studies have focused on the impact of HPR on left ventricular remodeling (LVR) and each echocardiographic parameter.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of HPR in ACS patients on LVR and changes in echocardiographic volume indexes and LV ejection fraction.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data in a single center that enrolled patients who underwent emergency PCI for ACS including STEMI and NSTEMI with prasugrel loading. The primary outcome of the study was LVR associated with HPR. Secondary endpoints were changes in indexed LVESV, LVEDV, LVEF, E/e' and LAVI between baseline and follow-up. The P2Y12 reaction unit (PRU) value in response to prasugrel was assessed by the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay. Blood samples were collected once per procedure immediately after PCI. LVR index was calculated as the relative change in LVEDV observed at follow-up compared with baseline. LVR was defined as a relative increase in LVEDV ≥20%, measured at follow-up visit compared with the baseline value before discharge.

Results

A total of 196 ACS patients who underwent emergency PCI between January 2016 and July 2020 were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the study population was 69.9 years, and 76.0% were male. On echocardiography at follow up visit of mean duration of 7.0±4.0 months, LVR was found in 38 patients (19.4%). The optimal cutoff for PRU associated with increased LVR assessed by receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was 245.5 (AUC: 0.656; 95% CI: 0.564 to 0.749; p=0.003). On the basis of this cutoff, HPR was found in 82 patients (42.1%) and the prevalence of LVR was significantly higher in the HPR group compared to the non-HPR group (30.5% vs. 11.4%; p=0.001). Multiple Cox regression analysis showed that HPR was an independent predictor of LVR (OR 4.22, 95% CI 1.83–9.71, p=0.001). In addition, Δ% EDV and Δ% ESV increased in the HPR group, and decreased in the non-HPR group with significant differences (5.8±32.6% vs. −8.0±26.2% in Δ% EDV; p=0.002, 2.0±37.5% vs. −13.3±33.0% in Δ% ESV; p=0.004, respectively). Δ%EF, Δ%E/e', Δ%LAVI were numerically improved in the non-HPR group compared with the HPR group, but this difference did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

In patients with ACS, HPR defined as PRU ≥246 immediately after emergency PCI was an independent predictor of LVR in the chronic phase.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Predictors of the presence of LVRChanges (Δ%) of LVEDV and LVESV

A novel therapeutic approach for coronary inflammation and lymphatic vessels using non-invasive low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in a porcine model with DES-induced coronary hyperconstricting responses

Background

The coronary adventitia harbors lymphatic vessels (LVs). We previously demonstrated that coronary adventitial inflammation and LV dysfunction play important roles in the pathogenesis of coronary artery spasm, including drug-eluting stent (DES)-induced coronary hyperconstricting responses, in pigs and humans. However, a direct therapeutic approach to the coronary adventitia remains to be developed.

Purpose

In this study, we aimed to examine whether our novel and non-invasive therapy with low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) ameliorates DES-induced coronary hyperconstricting responses, and if so, what mechanisms are involved.

Methods

An everolimus-eluting stent (EES) was implanted into the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery in normal male pigs. They were randomly assigned to the LIPUS or the sham therapy groups. After EES implantation, in the LIPUS group, LIPUS (32 cycles, 193 mW/cm2) was applied to the heart at 3 different levels (proximal and distal stent edges and middle portion of the stent) through X-ray fluoroscopy for 20 min at each level for every other day for 2 weeks (6 days in total) (Fig. 1A, B). The sham therapy group was treated in the same manner but without LIPUS. At 4 weeks after the procedure, we performed coronary angiography to examine coronary vasoconstricting responses to intracoronary serotonin in vivo. Finally, stented coronary vessels were harvested for immunohistochemistry of vasa vasorum (vWF), LVs (LYVE-1), vascular inflammation (CD68-positive macrophages and IL-1β expression), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A, angiogenesis marker), VEGF-C and VEGF receptor 3 (VEGFR3, lymphangiogenesis markers).

Results

Coronary vasoconstricting responses to intracoronary serotonin at the DES edges in the LAD were significantly enhanced in the sham group but were significantly suppressed in the LIPUS group, while those responses were comparable at the non-DES implanted left circumflex (LCx) coronary artery between the 2 groups (Fig. 1C, D). In addition, in vivo lymph transport speed was significantly faster in the LIPUS group than in the sham group (Fig. 1E–G). In histological analysis, the number of LVs was significantly increased in the LIPUS group compared with the sham group, whereas those of CD68 and IL-1β expressions were significantly reduced in the LIPUS group compared with the sham group. In contrast, the density of vasa vasorum was comparable between the 2 groups. Mechanistically, the extents of VEGF-C and VEGFR3 expressions were increased in the LIPUS group, whereas that of VEGF-A was comparable between the 2 groups (Fig. 1G–K). Importantly, there were significant correlations among the LV-related changes and enhanced coronary vasoconstricting responses.

Conclusion

These results provide the first evidence that the LIPUS therapy ameliorates DES-induced coronary hyperconstricting responses in pigs in vivo through structural and functional alterations of LVs (Fig. 1L).

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Cardio-ankle vascular index as an arterial stiffness marker improves on cardiovascular events by adding to framingham risk score

Background

The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) is a non-invasive measurement that evaluates arterial stiffness using the analysis of oscillometric waveform during cuff-Inflation. Several studies reported that CAVI is associated with cardiovascular risk factors, while the clinical prognostic value of CAVI as a surrogate marker of atherosclerosis has not been fully elucidated. Meanwhile, the Framingham risk score (FRS) is an established marker of cardiovascular outcomes.

Purpose

To investigate whether adding CAVI to Framingham risk score improves the prediction of cardiovascular events.

Methods

This prospective observational study included consecutive 422 patients with cardiovascular risk factors but without known coronary artery disease (69±8 years, 63% men). CAVI was measured by the oscillometric method with VaSera vascular screening system. Patients with atrial fibrillation, left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, both ABI<0.9, severe valvular diseases, or hemodialysis were excluded. Primacy outcomes were cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for heart failure and revascularization.

Results

During a median follow-up of 3.1 years, cardiovascular events occurred in 12.8% (3.3%, 15.7%, and 19.1% in the low, intermediate and high-risk group of stratification by FRS, respectively). The ROC curve analysis for discriminating cardiovascular events showed that the AUC of CAVI added to Framingham risk score was the highest compared to Framingham risk score and CAVI alone (CAVI added to Framingham risk score: AUC 66.9, 95% CI 59.6–74.2, Framingham risk score alone: AUC 61.5, 95% CI 53.8–69.1, CAVI alone: AUC 62.3, 95% CI 54.1–70.6). The logistic regression analysis demonstrated that CAVI and Framingham risk score were independent predictors of cardiovascular events (CAVI: OR 1.381, 95% CI 1.164–1.597, p=0.004, Framingham risk score: OR 1.135, 95% CI 1.044–1.225, p=0.007). Next, when logistic regression analysis was performed simultaneously on Framingham risk factor and CAVI, CAVI was an independent predictor of cardiovascular events (OR 1.347, 95% CI 1.124–1.569, p=0.009). Furthermore, in the likelihood ratio test, CAVI added to Framingham risk score significantly improved the cardiovascular event prediction ability than Framingham risk factor alone. Next, when patients with intermediate risk (n=217) were divided into two groups based on CAVI of 9.0, the Kaplan-Meier estimate showed that events occurred more frequently in higher CAVI group (9.3% and 29.1%, log-rank, P=0.009) and the C-statistic was 0.662. Multiple Cox analysis showed that, in the intermediate risk group, CAVI was an independent predictor of primary outcomes (HR 1.387 per 1 index, 95% CI 1.081–1.779, p=0.010).

Conclusion

The measurement of CAVI could be a useful predictor for cardiovascular events. In addition, the combination of CAVI and Framingham risk score could improve the predictability compared to the Framingham risk score alone.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

P104 Prognostic value of Circulating Amino Acids (AAs) in Patients with Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

Methods

Consecutive 59 patients with DCM (M/F: 46/13, mean age: 59 years) were enrolled. We measured 25 kinds of plasma AA concentration, derivative of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) as marker of oxidative stress, and washout rate of Tc-99m Sestamibi (WOR) as function of mitochondria and LVEF as LV function parameters. The occurrence of rehospitalization for cardiac events or cardiac death were followed during mean 1101 days (13-2626).

Results

Histidine, arginine and Fischer ratio (FR) showed a significant positive association with LVEF (p < 0.05). Threonine and asparagine showed a significant negative association with WOR (P < 0.05). Histidine and arginine showed a significant negative association with levels of d-ROMs (p < 0.05).Rehospitalization for cardiac events and cardiac death were recorded in 16 patients (27%) and 6 patients (10%), respectively. Kaplan-Meier curves analysis showed similar trend of rehospitalization in subjects with lower FR and those with higher values. However, cardiac death in subjects with lower FR was observed more frequently as compared to those with higher values (22.2% vs 5.3% p < 0.05).

ConclusionsThe plasma FR could be a novel prognostic biomarker in DCM patients.

P3648Plasma glutamate are increased in non-smoker patients with vasospastic angina pectoris and associated with plasma cystine and antioxidant capacity

Background

Endothelial dysfunction of the coronary arteries caused by oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of vasospastic angina pectoris (VSAP). Glutamate, a non-essential amino acid, exerts endothelial dysfunction by oxidative stress production through N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activation. Besides oxidative stress, decrease of antioxidant may be responsible for endothelial dysfunction. Glutathione (GSH), an important antioxidant, is synthesized from imported cystine through the cystine/glutamate antiporter system (XC-) in association with the export of glutamate. Glutamate also competitively inhibits cystine import into the endothelial cells through the XC-leading to GSH depletion. Thus the extracellular glutamate and cystine are crucial for the intracellular redox status. However, it remains unclear whether glutamate and/or cystine are implicated in the pathogenesis of VSAP. As smoking induces powerful oxidant stresses in the whole body, we investigated plasma glutamate, cystine, oxidative stress markers and antioxidant capacity in non-smoker patients with VSAP.

Methods and results

Sixty-two consecutive non-smoker patients suspected having VSAP were performed coronary angiograms (CAG). Forty-nine patients who did not show any significant coronary stenosis (<50%) were performed the intracoronary acetylcholine provocation test. Patients were categorized into the VSAP-positive group (n=27) and the VSAP-negative group (n=22) on the basis of test results. Blood samples were collected from the femoral sheath before the CAG. Plasma glutamate, cystine, nitrotyrosine (NT), reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) were measured. The levels of plasma glutamate and cystine in the VSAP-positive group were significantly higher than those in the VSAP-negative group (59.8±25.7 vs 43.5±18.7 nmol/L, p=0.0054, and 35.3±14.2 nmol/L vs 25.2±9.1 nmol/L, p=0.0018, respectively). The levels of plasma glutamate showed significant and positive association with the levels of plasma cystine (r=0.40, p=0.005). There were no significant differences in the levels of NT and d-ROMs as oxidative stress markers, and BAP as an antioxidant capacity between the two groups, respectively. However, the levels of plasma glutamate showed significant and negative association with BAP values (r=−0.3, p=0.038).

Conclusions

Plasma levels of glutamate were increased in non-smoker patients with VSAP and positively associated with plasma cystine levels and negatively associated with antioxidant capacity, suggesting that plasma glutamate modulate plasma cystine levels and antioxidant capacity through the XC- inhibition, and could be a novel risk factor of VSAP.

1407Drug effect of luseogliflozin and voglibose on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in diabetic patients: a multicenter randomized-controlled trial

Background

Recent randomized, placebo-controlled trial in patients with type 2 diabetes demonstrated that the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors reduced mortality, cardiovascular events and hospitalization for heart failure. However, those trials were not specialized design to investigate the effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in patients with heart failure, in particular with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the drug efficacy of luseogliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, compared with voglibose, an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, using brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in type 2 diabetes patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Methods

This study was a prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized-controlled trial, comparing luseogliflozin 2.5 mg once daily or voglibose 0.2 mg three times daily in patients with type 2 diabetes suffering from heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (left ventricular ejection fraction >45% and BNP ≥35 pg/ml2) in a 1:1 randomization fashion. Randomization was undertaken using a computer-generated random sequence web response system. The primary outcome was the difference from baseline in BNP after 12 weeks of treatment between two drugs. The key secondary outcomes were the change from baseline in left ventricular ejection fraction and E/e' in echocardiographic parameters, body weight, glycohemoglobin level after 12 weeks of treatment. The safety outcomes included the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events, hypoglycemic adverse events, and urinary tract infection.

Results

Between December 2015 and September 2018, 173 patients from 16 hospitals and clinics have been included in this study. Of those, 83 patients were assigned to receive luseogliflozin and 82 to receive voglibose. There was no significant difference in the reduction in the BNP concentration after 12 weeks from baseline between the two groups; the ratio of the average values at week 12 to the baseline value was 0.91 in the luseoglifllzin group as compared with 0.98 in the voglibose group (percent change, −9.0% vs. −1.9%, ratio of change with luseogliflozin vs. voglibose, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.78 to 1.10; p=0.26). The key secondary outcomes including left ventricular ejection fraction, E/e', body weight, glycohemoglobin level and the safety outcomes did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusions

In type 2 diabetes patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, the administration of luseogliflozin did not lead to a significant reduction in the BNP concentration than that of voglibose. Left ventricular ejection fraction, E/e', body weight and glycohemoglobin level after 12 weeks of treatment, comparing with at baseline did not differ significantly between the two groups. (UMIN Clinical Trial Registry number, UMINehz748.005618395)

Acknowledgement/Funding

Novartis

P4634Acute-phase high platelet reactivity with prasugrel loading is correlated with clinical outcomes during hospitalization in acute coronary syndrome

Background/Introduction

Although high platelet reactivity (HPR) seems to be associated with adverse cardiovascular events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the relationship between post-procedure HPR with prasugrel loading and clinical outcomes in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is still unclear. Moreover, factors contributing to HPR in ACS with prasugrel loading are also unknown.

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the impact of post-procedure HPR with prasugrel loading on clinical outcomes in ACS during hospitalization, as well as to define appropriate cut-off values and identify factors contributing to HPR.

Methods

We performed a single-centre, retrospective observational study that enrolled 132 patients who underwent emergent PCI for ACS with prasugrel loading. The P2Y12 reaction unit (PRU) value was measured immediately after PCI with the VerifyNowR System. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE, defined as the composite of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, ventricular arrhythmia needing defibrillation).

Results

Mean patient age (standard deviation) was 70.7 (±12.5) years, 76% were male, and average time from prasugrel intake to PRU calculation was 101 (±48.8) min. During a mean hospital stay of 15.4 (±8.0) days, there were 22 (16%) MACE events and 6 (4%) deaths. The post-procedure PRU value was 241±66. HPR was significantly higher in MACE group than non-MACE group [287 (±55) vs 232 (±64), p<0.001]. The ROC curve analysis of PRU for discriminating significant in-hospital MACE showed a cut off value of 293 (sensitivity: 64%, specificity: 84% [AUC=0.764, p<0.0001]). Thus, 33 patients (25%) were found to have HPR (PRU>293) immediately after emergent PCI. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed MACE events occurred more frequently in the HPR group than in the non-HPR group (42% vs 8%, log rank p<0.001). Multiple Cox regression analysis showed that peak creatine phosphokinase >3,000 U/L and HPR were independent predictors of MACE in patients with ACS who underwent PCI (OR 4.96, 95% CI 1.86–13.26, p=0.001, and OR 7.52, 95% CI 2.73–20.7, p<0.0001, respectively). HPR was significantly correlated with age, female sex, and reference lumen short diameter (pre-dilation) used in PCI.

Conclusion

HPR was significantly associated with adverse event during hospitalization in ACS patients. Female patients with large culprit lesion diameter were more likely to have HPR. Appropriate cut-off value of HPR in this study was 293. HPR in early-phase of ACS with prasugrel loading is a useful predictor of adverse events during hospitalization.

Subjective Evaluation of Denture Adhesives: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

Many reports show that denture adhesives improve the retention and stability of dentures. However, few randomized controlled trials have examined the effects of denture adhesives.

OBJECTIVE

This 10-center randomized controlled trial with parallel groups involving 200 edentulous patients wearing complete dentures aimed to evaluate the effects of short-term use of cream and powder denture adhesives.

METHODS

Patients were allocated into 2 cream- and powder-type adhesive groups and 1 control group. Intervention groups were treated with the 2 adhesives (1 each), and the control group received saline solution. Adhesive or control was applied to the denture-mucosal surface for 4 d, and data at baseline and after day 4 of intervention (i.e., 8 meals) were obtained. Patient satisfaction was evaluated with a 100-mm visual analog scale. Oral health-related quality of life was measured with the Japanese version of the Oral Health Impact Profile for Edentulous Patients. Perceived chewing ability was evaluated by a questionnaire regarding ease of chewing and swallowing food. Between-group comparisons were performed with Kruskal-Wallis tests with the Mann-Whitney U test adjusted by Bonferroni correction. Within-group comparisons of pre- and postintervention measurements were performed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Intention-to-treat analysis was also performed.

RESULTS

Between-group comparisons showed no significant differences for general satisfaction or Oral Health Impact Profile for Edentulous Patients. However, significant differences in satisfaction with various denture functions with cream- and powder-type adhesives were seen in pre- and postintervention comparisons (P < 0.05). Significant differences were also observed for perceived chewing ability of hard foods (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that although denture adhesives do not invariably improve denture function, they do affect subjective evaluations and possibly chewing of hard foods. Therefore, the effects of denture adhesive use are insufficient to resolve any fundamental dissatisfaction with dentures ( ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01712802 ).

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT

The results of this study suggest that denture adhesives should be applied under certain conditions; however, an appropriate diagnosis is important before application. These practice-based data provide information to establish evidence-based guidelines for applying denture adhesives.

Abstract P5-11-03: Difference between 1st and 2nd generation serotonin receptor antagonists in triplet antiemetic therapy for highly emetogenic chemotherapy in breast cancer patients – according to recent multi-institutional double-blind randomized clinical research on the AC regimen

&lt;Background&gt;

The information presented herein extends our recent study of TTT (Trial for Triplet Antiemetic Therapy).

One of our main clinical questions has been whether a 2nd generation serotonin receptor antagonist (5-HT3ra) would be superior to 1st generation 5-HT3ra when administering triplet antiemetic therapy for the prevention of chemotherapy induced nausea & vomiting (CINV), since a prior Japanese trial demonstrated palonosetron to be superior to granisetron for controlling the delayed phase of CINV induced by highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC) and to doublet antiemetic therapy including dexamethasone for anthracycline and cyclophosphamide containing regimens (AC).

&lt;Objectives&gt;

In this study, we assessed the efficacies of 1st and 2nd generation 5-HT3ra agents for use as triplet antiemetic therapy for AC, by monitoring CINV, focusing especially daily CR in the delayed phase.

&lt;Material and method&gt;

Between 2012 and 2015, 491 women with breast cancer receiving AC were recruited from 11 institutions in Japan, and randomly assigned to either single-dose palonosetron (0.75mg) or granisetron (40μg/kg) prior to chemotherapy on day 1, both with dexamethasone (9.9 mg intravenously) and aprepitant (125mg orally) on day 1 followed by additional doses (80mg orally) on days 2 and 3. Age, institution and habitual alcohol intake were used as stratification factors. The primary endpoint was a complete response (CR). Statistical analysis was done by Mantel-Haenszel Method. This trial was registered with UMIN000007882.

&lt;Results&gt;

All 491 patients were included in efficacy analyses (ITT): 246 patients in the palonosetron group and 245 in the granisetron group. We previously reported that the difference in CR during the delayed phase, i.e. 24 hours after the administration of AC, did not reach statistical significance (53.8% vs 58.5%) in MASCC 2016. However, daily CR in the palonosetron group was much higher than that in the granisetron group after 48 hours.

&lt;Conclusions&gt;

Palonosetron showed better efficacy in controlling CINV during the late period of the delayed phase, i.e. 48 hours after AC administration, than granisetron as triplet antiemetic therapy for AC.

&lt;Considerations&gt;

The pattern of CINV reportedly shows two peaks including an acute phase caused by serotonin and a delayed phase caused by substance P, though the pattern of CINV with triplet antiemetic therapy administration might be different if the suppression of each of these peaks were to be achieved more efficiently. CINV may not be divided into two phases in the future, or the borderline area between the acute and delayed phases may require revision. The analysis of the late period of the delayed phase was ad hoc in this trial. However, when conducting studies related to CINV, it might be worthwhile to revise the borderline area between the two phases of CINV to facilitate elucidating the mechanisms underlying this potentially debilitating side effect of chemotherapy.

Citation Format: Ogata H, Saito M, Tsuneizumi M, Kutomi G, Hosoya K, Kawai Y, Sugizaki K, Katsumata N, Senuma K, Kitabatake T, Suda M, Uomori T, Miura K, Kurata M, Nitta Y, Yonemoto N, Matsuoka J. Difference between 1st and 2nd generation serotonin receptor antagonists in triplet antiemetic therapy for highly emetogenic chemotherapy in breast cancer patients – according to recent multi-institutional double-blind randomized clinical research on the AC regimen [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-11-03.

Standardization of haematology critical results management in adults: an International Council for Standardization in Haematology, ICSH, survey and recommendations

INTRODUCTION

These recommendations are intended to develop a consensus in the previously published papers as to which parameters and what values should be considered critical. A practical guide on the standardization of critical results management in haematology laboratories would be beneficial as part of good laboratory and clinical practice and for use by laboratory-accrediting agencies.

METHODS

A working group with members from Europe, America, Australasia and Asia was formed by International Council for Standardization in Haematology. A pattern of practice survey of 21 questions was distributed in 2014, and the data were collected electronically by Survey Monkey. The mode, or most commonly occurring value, was selected as the threshold for the upper and lower alert limits for critical results reporting.

RESULTS

A total of 666 laboratories submitted data to this study and, of these, 499 submitted complete responses. Full blood count critical results alert thresholds, morphology findings that trigger critical result notification, critical results alert list, notification process and maintenance of critical results management protocol are described. This international survey provided a snapshot of the current practice worldwide and has identified the existence of considerable heterogeneity of critical results management.

CONCLUSION

The recommendations in this study represent a consensus of good laboratory practice. They are intended to encourage the implementation of a standardized critical results management protocol in the laboratory.

Comparison of the multidetector-row computed tomography findings of IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

AIM

To compare the multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) findings of IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EH-CCA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two radiologists who had no knowledge of the patients' clinical information retrospectively evaluated the CT findings of patients with IgG4-SC (n=33) and EH-CCA (n=39) on a consensus basis. Another radiologist measured the biliary lesions. IgG4-SC was diagnosed using the Japan Biliary Association criteria (2012) or the Mayo Clinic's HISORt criteria. EH-CCA was diagnosed based on surgical findings.

RESULTS

Compared with EH-CCA, IgG4-SC exhibited the following findings significantly more frequently: (a) wall thickening alone, (b) concentric wall thickening, (c) smooth inner margins, (d) homogeneous attenuation in the arterial phase, (e) a lesion involving the intrapancreatic bile duct, (f) smooth outer margins, (g) fully visible lumen, (h) a funnel-shaped proximal bile duct, (i) skip lesions, and (j) abnormal pancreatic findings. Conversely, (k) dual-layered attenuation in all phases was significantly more common in EH-CCA. The specificity values of parameters (e-k) were >80%. Regarding dimensions, (l) the biliary lesions were longer in IgG4-SC than in EH-CCA. (m) The diameters of the dilated proximal common bile duct and (n) the dilated proximal intrahepatic bile duct were smaller in IgG4-SC than in EH-CCA.

CONCLUSION

A number of CT findings are useful for differentiating between IgG4-SC and EH-CCA. CT findings (e-k) are particularly useful for this purpose.

Detection of Epstein-Barr virus DNA in human tumors

The presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA in biopsies of human tumors was tested by complementary RNA (cRNA) hybridization on membranes and DNA-DNA reassociation kinetics. DNA-DNA reassociation kinetics can detect as few as 1 EBV genome in every 50 cells, and the cRNA method can detect EBV genomes if 2 or more are present in a cell. Twenty-three out of 24 African Burkitt's lymphoma biopsies, 18 out of 23 African nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC), and 8 out of 24 other African tumors were positive for EBV DNA. Three cases of American Burkitt's lymphoma were tested by the cRNA method, and EBV DNA was not detected. Three out of 25 American tumors other than American Burkitt's lymphoma contained 0.1 to 0.3 genomes per cell of EBV DNA.

Potential for acceleration of bone formation after implant surgery by using a dietary supplement: an animal study

Dental implant treatment is an effective modality to restore lost aesthetic and masticatory functions. However, healing after implant surgery takes at least 3-6 months. This prolonged healing period poses several difficulties for individuals with a large edentulous area and decreases their quality of life. Consequently, shortening the healing period and accelerating final prosthesis placement after surgery is very clinically important. Peri-implant bone formation may be enhanced by systemic approaches, such as the use of osteoporosis supplements, to promote bone metabolism. To confirm whether intake of a supplement developed for osteoporosis, synthetic bone mineral (SBM), was effective in accelerating peri-implant bone formation as part of the healing process after implantation. Twenty-four 5-week-old female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to receive a standardised diet without (control group, n = 12) or with SBM (n = 12). The rats had implant surgery at 8 weeks of age under general anaesthesia. The main outcome measures were bone mineral density (BMD) and pull-out strength in the implant and femur, which were compared between the groups at 2 and 4 weeks after implantation using the Mann-Whitney U test. BMD was significantly greater in the SBM group at 2 and 4 weeks after implantation compared to the control group. Pull-out strength was significantly greater in the SBM groups at 2 and 4 weeks after implantation compared to the control group. This study demonstrated that SBM could be effective in accelerating peri-implant bone formation during the healing period after implantation.

Clinical significance of ERG rearrangement subtype and its association with increased p53 expression in Japanese and German prostate cancer

This study investigated differences in prevalence of the androgen-regulated transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and ETS transcription factor family member, v-ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog (ERG) fusion gene (TMPRSS2-ERG fusions) in clinically localized prostate cancer Japanese and German patients. A total of 105 specimens, including 69 Japanese and 36 German patients, were collected. The status of TMPRSS2-ERG fusion was determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization, and correlations of the TMPRSS2-ERG fusion with clinicopathological characteristics and immunohistochemistry were studied. Gene fusions were identified in 20% (14/69) of Japanese and 53% (19/36) of German patients (P < 0.001). The difference in the type of gene fusion between the two ethnic groups was statistically significant (P=0.024). Overexpression of ERG protein was significantly associated with gene fusion. Biochemical recurrence was significantly higher in patients with ERG overexpression than in those without, and not related to TMPRSS2-ERG fusion status. Interestingly, two types of gene fusions (deletion and increase of copy number) were significantly associated with increased p53 expression (P = 0.005). Association of specific gene fusions harboring higher genomic alterations with p53 expression levels suggests that p53 mutation might drive more aggressive arrangements of TMPRSS2-ERG fusion in prostate cancer.

KEYWORDS

ERG, p53, prostate cancer, TMPRSS2-ERG fusion.

Lactobacillus gasseri requires peptides, not proteins or free amino acids, for growth in milk

Lactobacillus gasseri is a widespread commensal lactic acid bacterium inhabiting human mucosal niches and has many beneficial effects as a probiotic. However, L. gasseri is difficult to grow in milk, which hurts usability for the food industry. It had been previously reported that supplementation with yeast extract or proteose peptone, including peptides, enables L. gasseri to grow well in milk. In this study, our objective was to confirm peptide requirement of L. gasseri and evaluate efficacy of peptide release by enzymatic proteolysis on growth of L. gassei in milk. Three strains of L. gasseri did not grow well in modified DeMan, Rogosa, Sharpe broth without any nitrogen sources (MRS-N), but addition of a casein-derived peptide mixture, tryptone, promoted growth. In contrast, little effect was observed after adding casein or a casein-derived amino acid mixture, casamino acids. These results indicate that L. gasseri requires peptides, not proteins or free amino acids, among milk-derived nitrogen sources for growth. Lactobacillus gasseri JCM 1131T hardly had growth capacity in 6 kinds of milk-based media: bovine milk, human milk, skim milk, cheese whey, modified MRS-N (MRSL-N) supplemented with acid whey, and MRSL-N supplemented with casein. Moreover, treatment with digestive proteases, particularly pepsin, to release peptides made it grow well in each milk-based medium. The pepsin treatment was the most effective for growth of strain JCM 1131T in skim milk among the tested food-grade proteases such as trypsin, α-chymotrypsin, calf rennet, ficin, bromelain, and papain. As well as strain JCM 1131T, pepsinolysis of milk improved growth of other L. gasseri strains and some strains of enteric lactobacilli such as Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gallinarum, Lactobacillus johnsonii, and Lactobacillus reuteri. These results suggest that some relatives of L. gasseri also use peptides as desirable nitrogen sources, and that milk may be a good supplier of nutritious peptides to enteric lactobacilli including L. gasseri after peptic digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. This is the first report showing peptide requirement of L. gasseri and efficacy of pepsinolysis on the growth of L. gasseri and its relatives in milk. This study would contribute to increasing usability of L. gasseri and its relatives as probiotics in dairy foods.

Safety and efficacy of edoxaban, an oral factor xa inhibitor, for thromboprophylaxis after total hip arthroplasty in Japan and Taiwan

Edoxaban, an oral direct factor Xa inhibitor, has proven antithrombotic efficacy. In a multicenter, phase II study, 264 total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients randomly received edoxaban 15 or 30 mg once daily or enoxaparin 2000IU (20-mg) twice daily for 11-14 days. Thromboembolic event incidences were 3.8% (3/78), 2.8% (2/72), and 4.1% (3/74) for edoxaban 15-mg, 30-mg, and enoxaparin, respectively (P=1.00). Edoxaban-induced prolongation of prothrombin time, international normalized ratio, and activated partial thromboplastin time were proportional to plasma edoxaban concentration. Major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding incidences were 2.2% (2/89), 1.2% (1/85), and 2.3% (2/87) for edoxaban 15-mg, 30-mg, and enoxaparin, respectively (P=1.00). Once-daily edoxaban showed similar efficacy and safety to enoxaparin for prevention of thromboembolic events in patients undergoing THA.

Reliability of pain tolerance threshold testing by applying an electrical current stimulus to the alveolar ridge

The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of testing pain tolerance threshold (PTT) by applying an electrical current stimulus to the alveolar ridge. Twenty volunteers studying or working at the Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo participated in this study. Participants were seated comfortably on a dental chair in a quiet room during testing. A single operator obtained mucosal PTT measurements around the right greater palatine foramen using a Neurometer CPT/C(®) device (Neurotron Inc., Baltimore, MD, USA) to deliver electrical stimulation at frequencies of 5, 250 and 2000 Hz. The participant released a button to automatically discontinue the stimulus when it could no longer be tolerated. Two types of factors were confirmed: the consistency of repeated measurements and a potential carry-over effect on PTTs. The consistency and carry-over effects of pain with regard to PTT measurements were analysed via Cronbach's coefficient α. The Cronbach's coefficient α of PTTs calculated more than 6 days of PTT testing at 5, 250 and 2000 Hz was 0.97, 0.95 and 0.97, respectively, suggesting that the consistency of the measurements was excellent. The Cronbach's coefficient α calculated when the three frequencies of 5, 250 and 2000 Hz were applied in different orders was 0.91, 0.87 and 0.90, respectively, suggesting no carry-over effect. In conclusion, the measurement of PTTs at the alveolar ridge as assessed by applying an electrical current stimulus with an electro-diagnostic device exhibited excellent reliability, and thus, it constitutes a widely available option for PTT measurement in the clinical setting.

Nisin A extends the shelf life of high-fat chilled dairy dessert, a milk-based pudding

AIMS

The aims of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of nisin A to control the growth of spore-forming bacteria, Bacillus and Paenibacillus, in chilled high-fat, milk pudding and to reduce heat treatment to improve aroma and flavour.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Nisin A was added to milk pudding containing 5·0 and 7·5% fat to final concentrations of 40, 80, 120 and 240 IU ml(-1). Spores from Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus cereus and Paenibacillus jamilae were inoculated into samples at 10 spores ml(-1) prior to pasteurization at 130°C for 2 s. Milk pudding without inoculation was pasteurized using less heat condition (100, 110 and 120°C for 2 s) to measure the effect of adjusting the ingredients to prevent naturally occurring bacteria. The viable cells during storage at 15, 20 and 30°C showed nisin A inhibited spiked bacteria to varying degrees depending on species, sensitivities to nisin A concentration and fat content, and inhibited natural populations at 80 IU g(-1) nisin A in 5·0% fat and at 120 IU g(-1) in 7·5% fat milk pudding. An aroma compound analysis and organoleptic assessment showed processing at 110 and 120°C decreased the temperature-dependent unpleasant odours, for example, reduced dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide by 1·2-1·5 times and increased rankings in taste tests compared with 130°C treated pudding.

CONCLUSIONS

Nisin A was found to be effective as a natural preservative to control spoilage bacteria in high-fat milk pudding and extend its shelf life, when using reduced heat treatments to improve the flavour and aroma without compromising food safety.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This is the first report showing nisin A is effective in reducing spoilage bacteria in high-fat, chilled dessert, milk pudding. Therefore, nisin A can be used to improve milk puddings to satisfy both industry and consumer demand for food quality and safety.

Effect of dentist's clinical experience on treatment satisfaction of a complete denture

The relationship between the prosthodontic experience of dentists and satisfaction of complete denture wearers remains unknown. To investigate whether a prosthodontist's clinical experience affects treatment satisfaction of a complete denture wearer. From April 2004 to July 2006, we conducted a randomised controlled trial at two centres, including 74 edentulous patients; of these, 32 and 30 were randomly allocated to the ED or ID group, respectively. All the patients rated their satisfaction with dentures, including general satisfaction and satisfaction of chewing ability, speaking, cleaning, stability, retention, comfort and aesthetics. These satisfaction ratings were measured by a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS). Perceived chewing ability to foods, divided into five grades, was measured using a questionnaire. The mastication index (MI) was calculated for each grade. General satisfaction and satisfaction of speaking, stability and retention were significantly higher in the ED than in the ID group (P = 0·049, 0·003, 0·019 and 0·041, respectively). No significant difference existed between the MI of the ED (71·3 ± 18·4) and ID group (64·1 ± 16·53). However, the perceived chewing ability of grade 5 food, whose texture was the hardest among all the grades, was significantly higher in the ED group than in the ID group. Within its limitations, this study showed that a clinician's prosthodontic experience affects a complete denture wearer's satisfaction ratings.

A new disorder of praxis in neurodegenerative disease that may be part of Alzheimer's disease

Apraxia is a well-known disorder of praxis and is caused mainly by damage to the left parietal lobe. We presented two cases of neurodegenerative disease with a distinct disorder of praxis, predominantly involving left parietal lobe. While both patients could understand what they should do, they were not able to initiate action and often stopped during execution of actions. They had no apraxia and no temporal and spatial errors on praxis. Magnetic resonance imaging of both patients showed atrophy of the left parieto-occipital and temporo-occipital lobes, and single photon emission computed tomography showed hypoperfusion in the same lobes. Moreover, one of our cases, using [11C] PIB PET, demonstrated increased uptake in the cerebral cortices, suggesting Alzheimer's disease. The symptoms described are different from other disorders of praxis and similar to bradyphrenia or freezing.

Effects of lower body positive pressure on cardiovascular responses during walking in elderly women

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of lower body positive pressure (LBPP) on cardiovascular responses during a 15-min walking trial in young (22.1+/-0.4 years) and elderly women (67.8+/-1.1 years). The application of 20 mm Hg LBPP reduced ground reaction forces by 31.2+/-0.5 kgw in both groups. We hypothesized that cardiovascular responses to LBPP during walking were different between the young and elderly subjects. Applying 20 mm Hg of LBPP increased diastolic and mean blood pressure but not systolic blood pressure in both groups. LBPP-induced reduction in heart rate (HR) occurred more quickly in the young group compared to the elderly group (p<0.05). Applying LBPP also decreased double product (systolic blood pressure x HR) in both groups, suggesting that LBPP reduces myocardial oxygen consumption during exercise. These results suggest that heart rate responses to LBPP during exercise vary with increasing age.