Persistent magnetic coherence in magnets

When excited, the magnetization in a magnet precesses around the field in an anticlockwise manner on a timescale governed by viscous magnetization damping, after which any information carried by the initial actuation seems to be lost. This damping appears to be a fundamental bottleneck for the use of magnets in information processing. However, here we demonstrate the recall of the magnetization-precession phase after times that exceed the damping timescale by two orders of magnitude using dedicated two-colour microwave pump-probe experiments for a Y3Fe5O12 microstructured film. Time-resolved magnetization state tomography confirms the persistent magnetic coherence by revealing a double-exponential decay of magnetization correlation. We attribute persistent magnetic coherence to a feedback effect, that is, coherent coupling of the uniform precession with long-lived excitations at the minima of the spin-wave dispersion relation. Our finding liberates magnetic systems from the strong damping in nanostructures that has limited their use in coherent information storage and processing.

Classification of Patients with Painful Tumors to Predict the Response to Palliative Radiotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Palliative radiotherapy is an effective and commonly used treatment for pain relief in metastatic cancer patients. This study aimed to classify the patients to predict their response to palliative radiotherapy.

MATERIALS/METHODS

This study used the data from our single-center, prospective observational study (UMIN000044984), which included all patients undergoing palliative radiotherapy for the painful tumor, except for postoperative setting or brain metastases. The eligibility criteria were as follows: (1) numerical rating scale (NRS) was two or more before treatment, and (2) underwent palliative radiotherapy between August 2021 and September 2022. Questionnaires for pain site, NRS, and presence/dose of opioids were obtained before, on the last day of treatment, two weeks later, one month later, three months later, and every three months after that. Patients with severe performance status (PS) were contacted by telephone. Pain response was defined to reduce NRS 2 or more at the treated site without an analgesic increase. The primary outcome was the response rate within three months of the treatment. We used multivariable logistic regression to find the independent prognostic factors for the response based on the following covariates: age, sex, PS, body mass index, NRS, history of radiotherapy, treated site, radiographic features (lytic/sclerotic/mixed), metastatic complication, presence/dose of opioids, bone-modifying agents, radiation dose, type of primary tumor, radiosensitivity, number of metastases, and days from diagnosis to treatment. A classification model was created using significant factors, and response rates were calculated for each class. Statistical significance was defined as P<0.05.

RESULTS

Among 488 targets of 300 patients registered, 366 targets of 261 patients met the criteria. The median age was 65 years, 44% were female, and PS (0/1/2/3/4) was 6/63/18/9/4%. The major type of tumor was gastrointestinal (32%), lung (19%), and breast (12%). Bone metastases were 75% at treated sites. Opioids were used by 72%, BMA was 27%, and chemotherapy was 50%. Re-irradiation rate was 22%. With a median follow-up of 5.8 months, 113 patients were alive, 129 had died, and 20 were lost follow-up. The average NRS was reduced from 6.1 to 3.1 from pretreatment to 3 months later per evaluable 232 targets, resulting in a pain relief rate of 60%. Opioids use (P<0.001) and re-irradiation (P<0.001) were significant factors of poor response in multivariate analysis. In our classification model, 89 targets were classified as class 1 (no opioids & no irradiation history), 211 were class 2 (other than class 1 and 3), and 66 were class 3 (opioids & re-irradiation), were 75/61/36% (P<0.001) of response rate. The 6-month cumulative pain progression rate was 12/22/32% (P<0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Palliative radiotherapy is highly effective for patients with painful tumors especially for those without previous irradiation history or use of opioids.

The Impact of Working Memory on the Development of Social Play in Japanese Preschool Children: Emotion Knowledge as a Mediator

Through enriched play, children learn social-emotional skills necessary for academic achievement and interpersonal relationships with others. Further research is needed on how specific factors associated with social play, such as working memory and emotion knowledge, interact to promote it. Previous studies have examined the association of working memory and emotion knowledge with social play. However, there are no consistent results as to which abilities influence which skills first. Thus, the present study examines the impact of working memory on the development of social play and the role of emotion knowledge in the relationship between working memory and social play. Forty-seven Japanese preschoolers were tested on working memory, social play, and emotion knowledge. Regression analysis indicated that working memory was significantly related to social play. Furthermore, mediation analysis indicated that emotion recognition mediates the effects of working memory on social play. Working memory was found to contribute to social play by improving emotion recognition in children. These results indicate that the pathway from working memory to social play is mediated by emotion recognition and expands previous perspectives on the developmental mechanisms of emotion knowledge in children.

RIB induced reactions: Studying astrophysical reactions with low-energy RI beam at CRIB

Astrophysical reactions involving radioactive isotopes (RI) often play an important role in high-temperature stellar environments. The experimental studies on the reaction rates for those are still limited mainly due to the technical difficulties in producing high-quality RI beams. A direct measurement of those reactions would be still challenging in many cases, however, we can make a reliable evaluation of the reaction rates by an indirect method or by studying the resonance prorerties. Here we ntroduce recent examples of experimental studies on such RI-involving astrophysical reactions, performed at Center for Nuclear Study, the University of Tokyo, using the low-energy RI beam separator CRIB. One is for the neutron-induced destruction reactions of 7Be in the Big-Bang nucleosynthesis, and the other is the study on the 22Mg(α, p) reaction relevant in X-ray bursts, which was performed with the resonant scattering method from the inverse reaction channel.

Electrophysiological characteristics and catheter ablation of atypical fast-slow atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia using an inferolateral left atrial slow pathway

Background

Understandings of subtypes of atypical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) using variants of slow pathway (SP) are still growing. Inferolateral (inf-lat-) left atrial (LA) SP is a rare variant extending into an inf-lat-LA along the mitral annulus (MA).

Purpose

To characterize an unknown subtype of atypical fast-slow (F/S-) AVNRT using an inf-lat-LA-SP as a retrograde limb (inf-lat-LA-F/S-AVNRT).

Methods

This Japanese multicenter retrospective study enrolled 4 patients of inf-lat-LA-F/S-AVNRT that was characterized by the earliest site of atrial activation during tachycardia (EAA) between 3 and 6 o'clock along the MA. The diagnosis was made by an exclusion of AV reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) and atrial tachycardia (AT) according to the standard criteria and was confirmed by successful elimination of tachycardia and the inf-lat-LA-SP.

Results

Surface ECG during tachycardia revealed long RP appearance except one who had short RP due to a short conduction time across the inf-lat-LA-SP. During tachycardia, far-field LA activation preceding near-field activation of coronary sinus (CS) musculature was visible in the CS recording in 2. Retrograde conduction via the inf-lat-LA-SP with a decremental delay was consistently reproducible with ventricular stimulation in 2, 1 of whom had double atrial response, while it was always masked by the presence of a retrograde conduction via the fast pathway in 1 and a retrograde block at the lower common pathway in 1. An injection of a small dose of ATP transiently interrupted a retrograde conduction over the inf-lat-LA-SP, suggesting its ATP-sensitivity. Exclusion of AVRT was made by no resetting of tachycardia with left ventricular extrastimulus in 2 and VA dissociation during overdrive pacing of tachycardia in remaining 2. Exclusion of AT was made by V-A-V response after ventricular entrainment in 1 and termination without atrial capture by ventricular pacing in 2. Ablation of the right-sided SP was unsuccessful to eliminate the tachycardia, but ablation at or near the EAA by transseptal approach was successful to cure the tachycardia, associated with an elimination of a retrograde conduction over the inf-lat-LA-SP following a development of an accelerated junction rhythm in all. Low-frequency potentials preceding local atrial activation, consistent with a retrograde activation via the inf-lat-LA-SP were detected along the MA medial to the EAA in 1.

Conclusions

Differential diagnosis of tachycardia with the EAA in the inf-lat-LA and especially long RP appearance should include inf-lat-LA-F/S-AVNRT. Presumed arrhythmogenic substrate of the inf-lat-LA-SP seemed to be consistent with the remnant of embryogenic AV ring tissue in the electropharmacological and locational characteristics. Successful elimination of this AVNRT can be obtained by ablation of the inf-lat-LA-SP, but not of the right-sided SP.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Community pharmacists' measurement of health-related quality of life in outpatients taking high-risk drugs

Patients experiencing severe side effects when taking high-risk drugs may have a significantly reduced health-related quality of life (QOL); therefore, it is important to identify changes in the health-related QOL in these patients. This study aimed to determine the health-related QOL in community pharmacy outpatients taking high-risk drugs. This prospective observational study was conducted in 29 community pharmacies with 71 pharmacists in 12 regions and cities in Japan from October to December 2020 and 760 patients were enrolled. Using descriptive questionnaires of EuroQOL-5-dimensions-5-levels (EQ-5D-5L), community pharmacists obtained health-related QOL data from outpatients taking high-risk drugs. The mean health-related QOL of all outpatients was 0.869. The health-related QOL decreased with increasing age. The outpatient health-related QOL was 0.700, 0.763, 0.785, and 0.817 when taking antiepileptic, antidepressant, digitalis, and antiarrhythmic drugs, respectively, which was lower than the average health-related QOL of all outpatients. Mobility and pain/ discomfort accounted for a large proportion of the decline in the health-related QOL with increasing age. There were no significant differences in personal care with increasing age; however, the number of outpatients with mobility, normal activity, and pain challenges decreased with age. In contrast, outpatients aged <65 years with anxiety/depression showed a lower than overall average health-related QOL. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in Japan to report an investigation by community pharmacists regarding health-related QOL assessment in outpatients taking high-risk drugs.

AB0439 COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF RAPID AND CONVENTIONAL GLUCOCORTICOID TAPERING REGIMENS IN TREATING PATIENTS WITH PROLIFERATIVE LUPUS NEPHRITIS IN THE REAL WORLD SETTING

Background

Rapid glucocorticoid (GC) tapering is recommended for lupus nephritis (LN) by 2019 EULAR/ERA-EDTA recommendations [1]. However, slower conventional GC tapering regimen is still common in the real world setting, and it is controversial whether a rapid GC tapering regimen is as effective as the conventional regimen.

Objectives

We aimed to compare the renal outcomes between rapid and slower GC tapering regimens in patients with LN.

Methods

We retrospectively surveyed the medical records of 27 patients with proliferative LN (class Ⅲ or Ⅳ) at Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital. These patients were divided into two groups (rapid GC tapering group and conventional GC tapering group) according to GC dosage at month 6. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association of GC tapering regimens with achievement of primary efficacy renal response (PERR) and complete renal response (CRR) which were defined by Furie et al. [2] at month 24.

Results

Twenty-seven patients (19 women and 8 men) with class Ⅲ or Ⅳ LN were included. The mean age was 43 years. The mean eGFR and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio at baseline were 66.7 mL/min/1.73m2 and 3.125 g/gCr, respectively. Concomitant class Ⅴ LN was present in 26.0%. The rapid GC tapering group (PSL≦10 mg/day at month 6) and the conventional GC tapering group (PSL>10 mg/day at month 6) were 11 and 16 patients, respectively. Baseline characteristics were balanced between the two groups except for use of cyclophosphamide or mycophenolate mofetil. Mean urine protein-to-creatinine ratio at month 24 were 0.46 g/gCr in the rapid GC tapering regimen group and 1.08 g/gCr in the conventional GC tapering regimen group (p=0.790). Achievements of PERR and CRR at month 24 were 54.0% and 43.8% in the rapid GC tapering group and 54.5% and 25.0% in the conventional GC tapering group, respectively. After adjustment of cyclophosphamide or mycophenolate mofetil usage and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio at baseline, adjusted odds ratio was 1.52 (95% confidence interval [0.126 to 18.29], p=0.743) and 2.99 (95% confidence interval [0.34 to 28.52], p=0.341), respectively.

Conclusion

Our results suggest rapid GC tapering regimen is as effective as conventional slower tapering regimen for patients with proliferative LN.

References

[1]Fanouriakis A, Kostopoulou M, Cheema K, et al. 2019 Update of the Joint European League Against Rheumatism and European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (EULAR/ERA-EDTA) recommendations for the management of lupus nephritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2020;79:713–723.

[2]Furie R, Rovin BH, Houssiau F, et al. Two-Year, Randomized, Controlled Trial of Belimumab in Lupus Nephritis. N Engl J Med 2020;383:1117–1128.

Table 1.

Baseline patients characteristics.

Rapid GC tapering group(n=11)Conventional GC tapering group(n=16)P valueAge – years41.7 ± 14.743.9 ± 16.20.863Female – no. (%)9 (81.8)10 (62.5)0.405Class Ⅲ LN – no. (%)6 (54.5)7 (43.8)0.704Class Ⅳ LN – no. (%)6 (45.5)9 (56.3)0.704Concomitant Class Ⅴ LN – no. (%)4 (36.4)3 (18.8)0.391Induction therapy (use of CY or MMF) – no. (%)10 (90.9)8 (50.0)0.042Serum creatinine – mg/dL1.15 ± 0.721.14 ± 0.800.882eGFR – mL/min/1.73m265.2 ± 39.067.8 ± 34.50.835UPCR – g/gCr3.29 ± 2.963.01 ± 3.250.604C3 – mg/dL41.1 ± 20.145.0 ± 21.50.639C4 – mg/dL6.8 ± 4.710.1 ± 8.00.346

GC, glucocorticoid; LN, lupus nephritis; UPCR, urine protein-to-creatinine ratio; CY, cyclophosphamide; MMF, mycophenolate mofetil

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

First measurement of 25Al+p resonant scattering relevant to the astrophysical reaction 22Mg(α,p)25Al

Type I X-ray bursts (XRBs) are the most frequently observed thermonuclear explosions in nature. The 22Mg(α,p)25Al reaction plays a critical role in XRB models. However, experimental information is insufficient to deduce a precise 22Mg(α,p)25Al reaction rate for the respective XRB temperature range. A new measurement of 25Al+p resonant scattring was performed up to the astrophysically interested energy region of 22Mg(α,p)25Al. Several resonances were observed in the excitation functions, and their level properties have been determined based on an R-matrix analysis. In particular, proton widths and spin-parities of four natural-parity resonances above the α threshold of 26Si, which can contribute the reaction rate of 22Mg(α,p)25Al, were first experimentally determined.

Experimental studies on astrophysical reactions at the low-energy RI beam separator CRIB

Experimental studies on astrophysical reactions involving radioactive isotopes (RI) often accompany technical challenges. Studies on such nuclear reactions have been conducted at the low-energy RI beam separator CRIB, operated by Center for Nuclear Study, the University of Tokyo. We discuss two cases of astrophysical reaction studies at CRIB; one is for the 7Be+n reactions which may affect the primordial 7Li abundance in the Big-Bang nucleosynthesis, and the other is for the 22Mg(α, p) reaction relevantin X-raybursts.

Advancement of Photospheric Radius Expansion and Clocked Type-I X-Ray Burst Models with the New ^{22}Mg(α,p)^{25}Al Reaction Rate Determined at the Gamow Energy

We report the first (in)elastic scattering measurement of ^{25}Al+p with the capability to select and measure in a broad energy range the proton resonances in ^{26}Si contributing to the ^{22}Mg(α,p) reaction at type I x-ray burst energies. We measured spin-parities of four resonances above the α threshold of ^{26}Si that are found to strongly impact the ^{22}Mg(α,p) rate. The new rate advances a state-of-the-art model to remarkably reproduce light curves of the GS 1826-24 clocked burster with mean deviation <9% and permits us to discover a strong correlation between the He abundance in the accreting envelope of the photospheric radius expansion burster and the dominance of ^{22}Mg(α,p) branch.

Cost-effectiveness of primary prophylaxis of febrile neutropenia with pegfilgrastim in docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil therapy for esophageal cancer

Objective: The efficacy of docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) therapy in treating esophageal cancer has been reported. However, febrile neutropenia (FN) is a potentially serious adverse event of DCF therapy with an incidence of 10 to 40%. Pegfilgrastim, a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), has been shown to have a primary prophylactic role in FN. However, it has been suggested that excessive use of expensive G-CSF should be avoided. Therefore, we performed a cost-utility analysis of primary prophylaxis with pegfilgrastim. Design: Cost-effectiveness analysis using decision tree modelling. Methods: We used a decision tree analysis model based on the report of primary prophylaxis with pegfilgrastim. Based on a previous study, the FN incidence rate was set at 40.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 11.9-68.1) for the pegfilgrastim group and 43.5% (95%CI: 21.6-65.4) for the no pegfilgrastim group. The FN treatment cost was US$726.63, and the duration of FN was 3.65±1.20 days. The utility value of patients who received DCF therapy was 0.643, and the change in utility value at FN onset was -0.15. Expected cost, quality-adjusted life year (QALY), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were calculated, and cost-utility analysis was performed. Results: The ICER of pegfilgrastim was 184,976.75 USD/QALY. As a result of sensitivity analysis, the utility of FN had the greatest impact on the cost-effectiveness analysis, followed by the drug cost of pegfilgrastim. Conclusion: Primary prophylaxis of FN with pegfilgrastim might not be cost-effectiveness. In determining whether to administer pegfilgrastim it is necessary to consider patient factors, not just the incidence of FN.

A rabbit monoclonal antibody-mediated lateral flow immunoassay for rapid detection of CTX-M extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales

Infections of CTX-M extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales are a severe threat in clinical settings. CTX-M genes on plasmids have been transferred to many Enterobacterales species, and these species have spread, leading to the global problem of antimicrobial resistance. Here, we developed a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) based on an anti-CTX-M rabbit monoclonal antibody. This antibody detected CTX-M variants from the CTX-M-9, CTX-M-2, and CTX-M-1 groups expressed in clinical isolates. The LFIA showed 100% sensitivity and specificity with clinical isolates on agar plates, and its limit of detection was 0.8 ng/mL recombinant CTX-M-14. The rabbit monoclonal antibody did not cross-react with bacteria producing other class A β-lactamases, including SHV. In conclusion, we developed a highly sensitive and specific LFIA capable of detecting CTX-M enzyme production in Enterobacterales. We anticipate that our LFIA will become a point-of-care test enabling rapid detection of CTX-M in hospital and community settings as well as a rapid environmental test.

Printable PICN Composite Mechanically Compatible with Human Teeth

Polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) composites are mechanically compatible with human enamel, and are therefore promising dental restorative materials. Fabrication technology for PICN composites used in tooth restorative material has been established through computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) milling, however, to date, has not been successfully developed using 3-dimensional (3D) printing. This study aimed to develop a 3D-printable PICN composite as a restorative material. The PICN composite was fabricated using a specific method based on 3D printing. A 3D-printable precursor slurry containing a high concentration of silica nanoparticles was produced and 3D-printed using stereolithography (SLA). The 3D-printed object was sintered to obtain a nano-porous object, and subsequently infiltrated and polymerized with resin monomer. Three different fabrication condition combinations were used to produce the 3D-printed PICN composites, which were characterized based on microstructure, mechanical properties, inorganic content, physicochemical properties, and overall shrinkage. The 3D-printed PICN composites were also compared to 2 commercially available CAD/CAM composite blocks, namely a PICN composite and a dispersed-filler composite. The 3D-printed PICN composites exhibited a nano-sized dual-network structure comprising a silica skeleton with infiltrated resin. The 3D-printed PICN composite exhibited a similar Vickers hardness to enamel, and a similar elastic modulus to dentin. The 3D-printed PICN composite exhibited comparable flexural strength (>100 MPa) to the CAD/CAM block, and acceptable water sorption and solubility for practical use. Further, the 3D-printed model-crown underwent isotropic shrinkage during sintering without fatal deformation. Overall, the potential of this 3D-printable PICN composite as a restorative material with similar mechanical properties to human teeth was successfully demonstrated.

Perinatal rib fractures in 18 calves delivered from Holstein dams

•

We diagnosed rib fractures by palpation, computed tomography, and thoracic necropsy.

•

For 163 symptomatic calves delivered from Holstein-Friesian dams on farms in Japan, 11.0% (18) showed rib fractures by palpation.

•

Four of five calves that were scanned or necropsied presented with pneumonia despite not having tracheal stenosis.

•

Rib fractures decreased sale prices at a livestock market and longevity.

Cranial rib fractures during dystocia and the ensuing callus formations in calves often cause tracheal stenosis. Rib fractures may affect the lung since ribs tend to fracture above the costochondral junction during delivery. Considering that calving assistance rates for dystocia are high, calves with fractured ribs may develop respiratory disease which results in economic loss. The objective of this study was to elucidate the contribution of rib fractures to economic loss through respiratory disease in calves. Of 163 sick calves delivered from Holstein-Friesian dams included in this study, a total of 18 rib fractured calves was found, giving an incidence of rib fracture in sick calves of 11.0%. There were significant differences in incidence by the rib involved, indicating the 2nd to 7th ribs tend to break. Many of the rib fractured calves showed dyspnea and pyrexia. In this study, four of five scanned or necropsied calves had pneumonia lesions despite the fact that these four calves did not have tracheal stenosis. Rib fractured calves sold at below market value with a median difference from average sale price of minus 64,861 yen. Survival analysis indicated an overall association between rib fracture and time to death. In this study, we demonstrated that rib fractures happened most frequently in the 2nd to 7th ribs, and these cases tended to cause pneumonia, which decreased sale prices and longevity. Farmers should work to reduce risks and rates of dystocia so as to lessen economic loss and poor welfare in calves due to rib fractures.

DEVELOPMENT OF A JAPANESE INFANT HEAD-CHEST PHANTOM AND INVESTIGATION OF THE CURRENT STATUS OF INFANT HEAD CT EXAMINATIONS IN JAPAN

The aim of this study was to develop a head-chest phantom that could mimic the physique of a Japanese 0.5-year-old child and to investigate the current status of exposure dose in infant head computed tomography examinations in Japan. The phantom was produced by machine processing, and radiophotoluminescence glass dosemeters were installed in the phantom for dose measurement. Organ doses were measured for seven different head scan protocols routinely used in three hospitals. In this study, the average dose of the brain and lens within the scan region was equivalent to that measured using infant phantoms in previous studies. In contrast, the doses of both salivary glands and thyroid glands adjacent to the scan region were 1.4-1.8 times higher than those in previous studies. Expansion of the scan area accompanied by a transition of the scan mode from non-helical to helical may have resulted in the differences in organ doses.

FRI0535 NEWLY DETECTED HYPERTHYROIDISM WITH THERAPEUTIC INDICATIONS IN RHEUMATIC DISEASE PATIENTS AND HEALTHY CONTROLS IN JAPAN: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

Background:

Thyroid disorders are known as common comorbidities of rheumatic diseases(RD) [1]. However, data regarding prevalence of hyperthyroidism with treatment indication in RD patients are limited.

Objectives:

This study aims to reveal and compare the frequency of newly developed hyperthyroidism with treatment indication between RD patients and healthy controls (HC), and identify risk factors to identify patients whose thyroid function should be followed up carefully.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed charts of RD patients and HC who had thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) measured at least once between 2004 and 2018 from immuno-rheumatology center and preventive medicine center in St. Luke’s International Hospital, Japan. We compared frequency of hyperthyroidism requiring treatment (TSH ≦ 0.1μU/mL or for which physicians started treatment) with Kaplan-Meier curve and log rank test. Cox regression multivariate analysis was performed to reveal risk factors for the new onset of hyperthyroidism with treatment indication in participants without treatment-indicated hyperthyroidism at initial assessments.

Results:

Overall, 2307 RD patients and 78251 HC were included. Newly detected hyperthyroidism with treatment indication were significantly more frequent in RD patients at initial assessment (1.3% vs 0.5 %, p < 0.001) and in total (2.9% vs 1.7%, p<0.001) (Table 1, Figure 1). Cox regression multivariate analysis revealed systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE), polymyositis dermatomyositis (PMDM), mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) as significant risk factors of new developments of hyperthyroidism during follow up after adjusting confounders. (Table 2)

Table 1.

Patients characteristics and results of hyperthyroidism

Rheumatic Disease (n = 2307)Control (n = 78251)p.valueAge(yr)53.7 (16.2)46.1 (11.9)<0.001Female (%)1826 (79.2)38632 (49.4)<0.001 Rheumatoid arthritis (%)1091 (47.3)-NA Spondyloarthritis161 (7.0)-NA ANA associated disease (%)944 (40.9)-NA  SLE(%)363 (15.7)-NA  SS (%)396 (17.2)-NA  PMDM(%)104 (4.5)-NA  SSc (%)222 (9.6)-NA  MCTD (%)43 (1.9)-NA Vasculitis (%)202 (8.8)-NA Others (%)244 (10.6)-NATimes of TSH measurement2.0 [1.0, 5.0]5.0 [3.0, 9.0]<0.001Follow up of TSH (days)258.00 [0, 1315]1992 [958, 3632]<0.001Baseline TSH (μU/mL)2.28 (3.21)2.15 (4.07)0.137 ≦0.45 μU/mL (%)86 (3.7)1371 (1.8)<0.001 ≦0.1 μU/mL (%)29 (1.3)389 (0.5)<0.001Baseline FreeT4 (μU/mL)1.16 (0.24)1.30 (0.20)<0.001≧1.65 μU/mL (%)17 (0.8)2355 (3.0)<0.001TSH level in follow up ≦0.45 μU/mL (%)231 (0.0)3926 (5.0)<0.001 ≦0.1 μU/mL (%)84 (3.6)1388 (1.8)<0.001Newly detected hyperthyroidism with treatment indication (%)68 (2.9)1350 (1.7)<0.001 At initial assessment (%)29 (1.3)389 (0.5)<0.001 In follow up (%)39 (1.6)961 (1.2)<0.001Treatment for hyperthyroidism (%)21 (0.9)325 (0.4)0.002Figure 1.

Hyperthyroidism with treatment indication in rheumatic patients and control

Table 2.

Risk factors for newly detected hyperthyroidism with treatment indication

Adjusted HRp valueAge0.99 (0.98-0.99)< 0.001Female2.68 (2.31-3.12)< 0.001BMI1.04 (1.02-1.06)< 0.001Baseline TSH ≦ 0.455.71 (4.47-7.30)< 0.001Baseline Free T4 ≧ 1.651.16 (0.79-1.69)0.45Rheumatoid arthritis1.05 (0.50-2.21)0.90ANA associated diseases-- SLE2.29 (1.11-4.71)0.025 SS1.91 (0.91-4.01)0.089 PMDM12.90 (5.50-30.22)< 0.001 SSc0.67 (0.18-2.43)0.541 MCTD8.02 (2.62-24.51)< 0.001Vasculitis1.44 (0.35-5.92)0.610Spondyloarthritis3.04 (0.74-12.52)0.120Others1.98 (0.67-5.81)0.214

Conclusion:

Hyperthyroidism with therapeutic indications are considerably more frequent in RD patients (particularly with SLE, PMDM and MCTD) both at initial assessment and during follow up. We recommend routine screening at initial assessment and careful follow up of thyroid function test in those patients.

References:

[1] Rev Bras Rheumatol 2012;52(3):417-430

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0533 ANTI-NEUTROPHIL CYTOPLASMIC ANTIBODY (ANCA) IN GENERAL POPULATION WITHOUT ANCA ASSOCIATED VASCULITIS

Background:

Currently it is hypothesized that many systemic autoimmune diseases occur due to environmental risk factors in addition to genetic risk factors. Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA) is mainly associated with three systemic autoimmune disease including granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). It is known that ANCA can be positive before clinical symptoms in patients with known diagnosis of GPA and ANCA titers rise before clinical manifestations appear. However, prevalence of ANCA among general population is not well known. It has not been described as well how many of people with positive ANCA eventually develop clinical manifestations of ANCA associated Vasculitis.

Objectives:

This study aims to estimate prevalence of ANCA in general population without ANCA associated Vasculitis. It also describes natural disease course of people with positive ANCA without ANCA associated Vasculitis. Risk factors for positive ANCA are also analyzed.

Methods:

This is a single center retrospective study at Center for Preventive Medicine of St. Luke’s International Hospital in Tokyo. ANCA was checked among the patients who wished to between 2018 and 2019. St. Luke’s Health Check-up Database (SLHCD) was utilized to collect the data. The patients whose serum was measured for ANCA were identified. The data for basic demographics, social habits, dietary habits and laboratory data were extracted. The charts of the patients with positive ANCA were reviewed.

Results:

Sera of total 1204 people were checked for ANCA. Of these 1204 people, 587 (48.8%) are male and the mean age was 55.8 years (32.6 to 79). There were total 11 patients with positive ANCA. Myeloperoxidase ANCA (MPO-ANCA) was positive for 3 patients and proteinase 3 ANCA (PR3-ANCA) was positive for 8 patients. Of these 11 patients, 5 were male (45.5%) and the mean age was 54.6 years. Two patients had history of autoimmune disease (primary biliary cirrhosis and ulcerative colitis). Five patients were evaluated by rheumatologists with the median follow-up period of 274 days. None of them developed clinical signs and symptoms of ANCA associated Vasculitis. Four out of five patients had ANCA checked later, two of which turned negative. The prevalence of ANCA in this cohort was 0.9% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.5% to 1.6%). Univariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors of positive ANCA. The variables analyzed include age, gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking habits, alcohol intake, dietary habits (fruits, fish, red meat), hypertension, dyslipidemia, and laboratory data. None of these variables demonstrated statistically significant differences except for positive rheumatoid factor (ANCA positive group: 33 % vs ANCA negative group: 9.1%, p value = 0.044).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of ANCA in this cohort was 0.9% (95% CI: 0.5% to 1.6%). None of them who had a follow-up developed ANCA associated Vasculitis during the follow-up period. Longer follow-up and more patients are necessary to determine natural course of people with positive ANCA.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

SAT0525 EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF MZR FOR IgG4-RELATED DISEASE

Background:

IgG4-Related Disease (IgG4RD) is known to cause multiple organ lesions with infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells, and patients often have relapses with tapering treatments despite an initial good response to glucocorticoids therapy. Mizoribine (MZR) is an immunosuppressant working as an inhibitor of purine synthesis, which mechanism of action is similar to mycophenolate mofetil. Data regarding the efficacy and safety of MZR on IgG4RD is limited although some previous case reports1showed effectiveness for IgG4RD.

Objectives:

This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of MZR in patients with IgG4RD.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed charts of IgG4RD patients who used MZR between January 2004 and December 2019 at Immuno-Rheumatology Center in St. Luke’s International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. We investigated basic demographics, involved organs, results of blood tests including IgG and IgG4 titer, and medications used including glucocorticoid and other immunosuppressants (IS). We followed IgG4 titer, dose of glucocorticoid, flare of disease and retention of MZR at the beginning, 6 and 12months after starting MZR. We compared changes in PSL (prednisolone) doses and IgG4 titers over time using Friedman test with Bonferroni correction. We also checked adverse events during follow up.

Results:

Twenty-two patients with IgG4RD who used MZR were included. Median age was 62 years old, and 15 (68.2%) patients are male. Lacrimal and salivary glands, pancreatitis and retroperitoneal fibrosis were common lesions. All patients were initially treated with glucocorticoids. Flare was observed in 5 (22.7 %) patients before initiation of MZR. The number of patients who continued MZR without flare are 19 (86.4 %) at 6 months, and 14 (73.7 %) at 12 months. IgG4 titer significantly declined at 6 and 12 months from baseline although significant consecutive decrease in PSL dose (Figure 1, 2). Liver dysfunctions are commonest adverse events (n=16, 72.7%) but mild (grade1; n=15, 68.2%) and most cases are apparently due to other reasons. Serious infection (SI) occurred in 3 (13.6%) patients in total follow up, however no SI were observed during 1 year after MZR treatment.

Conclusion:

MZR can be safely used in patients of IgG4RD with high retention rate, and seemed to have steroid-sparing effect. Prospective comparative studies are needed.

References:

[1]Nanke Y, Kobashigawa T, Yago T, Kamatani N, Kotake S. A case of Mikulicz’s disease, IgG4-related plasmacytic syndrome, successfully treated by corticosteroid and mizoribine, and then by mizoribine alone. Intern Med 49: 1449-1453, 2010.

Table 1.

Patient characteristics

    Table 2.

Disease and treatment status before and after initiation of MZR

    Figure 1.

Serum IgG4 level changes

Figure 2.

Changes in the PSL dose over time

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0198 SMOKING AND POSITIVITY OF RHEUMATOID FACTOR AND ANTI-CYCLIC CITRULLINATED PEPTIDE ANTIBODY IN THE GENERAL POPULATION

Background:

It is well known that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) occurs due to environmental risk factors in addition to genetic risk factors. Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA) are strongly associated with RA, and these biomarkers could turn to be positive before development of clinical symptoms. While smoking, particularly Brinkman index (BI) is well known as a risk factor for RA and ACPA positivity, it is still unclear whether smoking intensity or smoking duration contribute more to positive RF and ACPA.

Objectives:

This study aims to evaluate risk factors for RF and ACPA positivity in the general population. It also describes whether smoking intensity, duration, and BI are significant.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional, observational, single center study. We reviewed the baseline characteristics of the general population who checked RF and ACPA at Preventive Medicine Center in St. Luke’s International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan from January 2004 to December 2018.

The data for basic demographics, dietary habit, smoking intensity, smoking duration, BI, and blood tests including RF and ACPA were extracted. The data was analyzed statistically.

Results:

A total of 127472 people who checked RF are included. Of these 127472 people, 64504 (50.6%) are male and the mean age was 44.9 years. RF was positive in 11477 people (9.0%). Among these, 1667 (1.2%) were checked for ACPA, and 21 people (1.3%) had positive ACPA. None of variables demonstrated significant association with RF positivity. In contrast, BI and smoking duration was significantly associated with an increased risk of ACPA positivity (13.3 years vs 7.49 years, p value = 0.023), although the number of cigarettes smoked was not. The smoking duration for 10 years or more was associated with an increased risk of ACPA positivity even after adjusted for age and sex (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.47 [95% confidence interval: 1.04-5.87]; p=0.04).

Conclusion:

In this study, no significant risk factor for positive RF was found. Even smoking was not associated with RF positivity. On the other hand, smoking duration, not smoking intensity was significantly associated with an increased risk of ACPA positivity.

References:

[1]Verpoort KN. Association of smoking with the constitution of the anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide response in the absence of HLA-DRB1 shared epitope alleles. Arthritis Rheum 2007;56:29138.

Table 1.

Patient characteristics with RF and ACPA positivity

RF positive (n=11477)RF negative (n=115995)p valueACPA positive (n=21)ACPA negative (n=1646)p valueAge44.86 (12.32)44.94 (12.47)0.5437.90 (9.07)45.26 (12.58)0.008Male (%)5659 (49.3)57309 (49.4)0.84511 (52.4)834 (50.7)1Body Mass Index22.33 (3.38)22.35 (3.40)0.52121.64 (3.28)22.34 (3.37)0.346Smoker, total (%)4509 (39.3)45738 (39.4)0.77212 (57.1)642 (39.0)0.115Current smoker (%)1959 (17.1)20483 (17.7)0.1148 (38.1)277 (16.8)0.017Previous smoker (%)2550 (22.2)25255 (21.8)0.2714 (19.0)365 (22.2)1Brinkman index144.8 (299.3)145.2 (313.8)0.897280.9 (409.7)145.3 (300.3)0.041Number of cigarettes (/day)17.7 (18.5)17.4 (13.3)0.16619.8 (12.0)17.4 (12.1)0.511Smoking Duration (years)7.43 (11.68)7.45 (11.66)0.85113.33 (14.11)7.49 (11.68)0.023Alcohol Drinker (%)6972 (60.7)70010 (60.4)0.41810 (47.6)1005 (61.1)0.261Alcohol Intake (g/day)13.67 (21.88)13.58 (21.32)0.67616.70 (26.89)14.06 (22.16)0.59Exercise ≧3 times/week (%)2792 (24.3)28293 (24.4)0.8825 (23.8)402 (24.4)1White blood cell (103/μL)5.32 (1.46)5.35 (1.50)0.135.59 (2.05)5.37 (1.54)0.52Hemoglobin (g/dL)13.82 (1.44)13.82 (1.45)0.75314.12 (1.03)13.83 (1.43)0.36Creatinine (mg/dL)0.73 (0.20)0.73 (0.25)0.1940.76 (0.16)0.73 (0.18)0.586AST (U/L)21.89 (9.39)21.93 (11.65)0.78220.95 (6.02)21.68 (8.29)0.69LDL cholesterol (mg/dL)115.41 (30.90)115.48 (30.77)0.815112.62 (33.26)115.36 (31.03)0.688Triglyceride (mg/dL)97.63 (78.46)97.70 (80.36)0.929100.57 (63.40)97.85 (78.37)0.874Uric Acid (mg/dL)5.32 (1.42)5.33 (1.42)0.6235.76 (1.34)5.34 (1.42)0.172

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Search for η^{'} Bound Nuclei in the ^{12}C(γ,p) Reaction with Simultaneous Detection of Decay Products

We measured missing mass spectrum of the ^{12}C(γ,p) reaction for the first time in coincidence with potential decay products from η^{'} bound nuclei. We tagged an (η+p) pair associated with the η^{'}N→ηN process in a nucleus. After applying kinematical selections to reduce backgrounds, no signal events were observed in the bound-state region. An upper limit of the signal cross section in the opening angle cosθ_{lab}^{ηp}<-0.9 was obtained to be 2.2  nb/sr at the 90% confidence level. It is compared with theoretical cross sections, whose normalization ambiguity is suppressed by measuring a quasifree η^{'} production rate. Our results indicate a small branching fraction of the η^{'}N→ηN process and/or a shallow η^{'}-nucleus potential.