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.

Retrospective study on the efficacy of monocyte distribution width (MDW) as a screening test for COVID-19

BACKGROUND

Pathogenic genetic testing for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can detect viruses with high sensitivity; however, there are several challenges. In the prevention, testing, and treatment of COVID-19, more effective, safer, and convenient methods are desired. We evaluated the possibility of monocyte distribution width (MDW) as an infection biomarker in COVID-19 testing.

METHODS

The efficacy of MDW as a screening test for COVID-19 was retrospectively assessed in 80 patients in the COVID-19 group and 232 patients in the non-COVID-19 group (141 patients with acute respiratory infection, 19 patients with nonrespiratory infection, one patient with a viral infection, 11 patients who had received treatment for COVID-19, one patient in contact with COVID-19 patients, and 59 patients with noninfectious disease).

RESULTS

The median MDW in 80 patients in the COVID-19 group was 23.3 (17.2-33.6), and the median MDW in 232 patients in the non-COVID-19 group was 19.0 (13.6-30.2) (P < 0.001). When the COVID-19 group was identified using the MDW cut-off value of 21.3 from the non-COVID-19 group, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.844, and the sensitivity and specificity were 81.3% and 78.2%, respectively. Comparison of MDW by severity between the COVID-19 group and patients with acute respiratory infection in the non-COVID-19 group showed that MDW was significantly higher in the COVID-19 group for all mild, moderate I, and moderate II disease.

CONCLUSIONS

MDW (cut-off value: 21.3) may be used as a screening test for COVID-19 in fever outpatients. Trial registration This study was conducted after being approved by the ethics committee of National Hospital Organization Omuta National Hospital (Approval No. 3-19). This study can be accessed via https://omuta.hosp.go.jp/files/000179721.pdf .

Extended p_{3/2} Neutron Orbital and the N=32 Shell Closure in ^{52}Ca

The one-neutron knockout from ^{52}Ca in inverse kinematics onto a proton target was performed at ∼230  MeV/nucleon combined with prompt γ spectroscopy. Exclusive quasifree scattering cross sections to bound states in ^{51}Ca and the momentum distributions corresponding to the removal of 1f_{7/2} and 2p_{3/2} neutrons were measured. The cross sections, interpreted within the distorted-wave impulse approximation reaction framework, are consistent with a shell closure at the neutron number N=32, found as strong as at N=28 and N=34 in Ca isotopes from the same observables. The analysis of the momentum distributions leads to a difference of the root-mean-square radii of the neutron 1f_{7/2} and 2p_{3/2} orbitals of 0.61(23) fm, in agreement with the modified-shell-model prediction of 0.7 fm suggesting that the large root-mean-square radius of the 2p_{3/2} orbital in neutron-rich Ca isotopes is responsible for the unexpected linear increase of the charge radius with the neutron number.

AB0201 INTAKE OF FISH RICH IN n-3 POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS IS ASSOCIATED WITH GOOD RESPONSE TO TREATMENT IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS RECEIVING TARGETED THERAPIES

Background

The management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been transformed by the use of molecular targeted therapies. Early treatment and treat-to-target approach leads to good clinical response and remission (responders), but not in all patients.

Environmental factors including diet contribute to the development, activity and severity of RA. Evidence from clinical trials suggested that dietary interventions, such as Mediterranean diet or supplementation with fish oil rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), have positive effects on RA. Japanese and Mediterranean diets are associated with longevity and characterized by high fish intake. Clinical studies have identified predictors of treatment response in individual RA patients, however, the influence of fish consumption on treatment response in RA patients treated with targeted therapies has not been elucidated.

Objectives

To assess whether fish consumption is associated with a good response to targeted therapies in RA patients with Japanese and Mediterranean dietary patterns.

Methods

The study is a collaborative international cross-sectional retrospective study enrolling patients with RA on treatment with biologics or JAK inhibitors attending to Hokkaido University Hospital, Japan or Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Spain.

Enrolled patients were asked to complete a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ) and a detailed fish frequency questionnaire (DFFQ) referring to consumption frequency in the previous month. At study entry, alcohol consumption, tobacco habits, educational level and employment status were recorded and RA disease activity evaluated by qualified rheumatologists. Demographic, clinical/laboratory data were retrospectively extracted from the medical records.

By December 2021, 279 patients (Japan 217, Spain 62) returned the questionnaires. A preliminary analysis was carried out with the first 58 Japanese patients in which all clinical and laboratory data could be collected. A descriptive analysis was performed and the relative risks approximated by odds ratios.

Results

Fifty-eight Japanese RA patients, 45 females, median age at entry 66 yrs [IQR 54-73], median disease duration 11yrs [IQR 7-20] were included in this analysis. Fifty-three (93%) of patients were on biologic therapies and four (7%) on JAK inhibitors with a median treatment duration of 4.5 yrs [IQR 1-7]. Concomitant treatment with conventional DMARDS and glucocorticoids were reported in 69% and 48% of patients, respectively. Forty-two (72%) patients were responders to treatment defined as DASESR ≦3.2. Another systemic autoimmune disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia or gout history were present in 29%, 29%, 9%, 33% and 10% of patients, respectively.

All patients had consumption of fish in the last month and an intake of n3-PUFA rich fish (fatty fish) was indicated by 82% (<1 time/week 34%, ≧ 1 time/week 48%).

The patients’ fatty and non-fatty fish intake scores were calculated with a mathematical formula based on the intake of each of the fish included in the DFFQ and number of responses. In the group of high fatty fish score patients (≧ 1 time/week) 94% were responders to treatment vs. 6% non-responders, [OR 8.75, CI [1.0-73.54, p= 0.022] while only 63% of patients in the high non-fatty fish score group respond to the treatment.

Conclusion

Fatty fish intake associated with a good response to treatment in patients receiving targeted therapies, suggesting that fish consumption may have some beneficial effects on RA treatment.

References

There is no reference.

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements to Ms. Y. Ikea and S. Kumagai for their enriching support on the nutritional properties of fish. Supported by the Kakenhi C grant number 20K11597 from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Risk factors for thrombocytopenia and analysis of time to platelet transfusion after azacitidine treatment

The use of azacitidine (AZA) has been known to lead to a high incidence of hematotoxic adverse events. The aims of this study were to identify the risk factors for thrombocytopenia after the administration of AZA and to analyze time to the initial platelet transfusion. Sixty-two patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), who were treated with AZA in Gifu Municipal Hospital between March 2012 and June 2020, were included in this study. The risk factors for thrombocytopenia were identified using univariate analysis of patient characteristics, disease type, and laboratory values immediately before the start of treatment. Variables with p<0.2 identified in the univariate analysis were used as independent variables in the multivariate analysis. This analysis identified "creatinine clearance (CCr) <60 mL/min" as a significant factor (odds ratio, 4.790; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.380-16.70; p=0.014). Subsequently, time in days to the initial platelet transfusion after the initial administration of AZA was analyzed using the log-rank test. The overall median time in days to platelet transfusion was 370 days. The log-rank test was used to determine the influence of patient characteristics, disease type, and laboratory values immediately before the start of treatment. The subsequent Cox proportional hazard regression analysis using variables with p<0.2 as independent variables identified "hemoglobin (Hb) <8.0 g/dL" as a significant factor (hazard ratio, 2.143; 95% CI, 1.001-4.573; p=0.048). The results of this study led to the following clinical implications: first, patients with CCr of <60 mL/min at the start of treatment should be treated with caution due to the risk of thrombocytopenia. Second, patients with Hb of <8.0 g/dL at the start of treatment may require platelet transfusion in the early stage of treatment.

Pairing Forces Govern Population of Doubly Magic ^{54}Ca from Direct Reactions

Direct proton-knockout reactions of ^{55}Sc at ∼220  MeV/nucleon were studied at the RIKEN Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory. Populated states of ^{54}Ca were investigated through γ-ray and invariant-mass spectroscopy. Level energies were calculated from the nuclear shell model employing a phenomenological internucleon interaction. Theoretical cross sections to states were calculated from distorted-wave impulse approximation estimates multiplied by the shell model spectroscopic factors, which describe the wave function overlap of the ^{55}Sc ground state with states in ^{54}Ca. Despite the calculations showing a significant amplitude of excited neutron configurations in the ground-state of ^{55}Sc, valence proton removals populated predominantly the ground state of ^{54}Ca. This counterintuitive result is attributed to pairing effects leading to a dominance of the ground-state spectroscopic factor. Owing to the ubiquity of the pairing interaction, this argument should be generally applicable to direct knockout reactions from odd-even to even-even nuclei.

Effects of polypharmacy on the prevalence of adverse drug events resulting in outpatient visits and hospitalization

A high proportion of hospitalizations is attributable to the prevalence of adverse drug events. This retrospective study included outpatients and inpatients to determine the prevalence of adverse drug events and if polypharmacy increases it. The prevalence, classification, and causality of adverse drug events were assessed based on medical records, laboratory values, and other data. Multivariate analysis (multiple logistic regression analysis) was performed with the presence or absence of adverse drug events at the time of the visit as the dependent variable and items for which the P-value was <0.25 in the univariate analysis as independent variables. The prevalence of adverse drug events was 13.0%, 10.9%, and 16.0% among all patients, the outpatient group, and the inpatient group, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that polypharmacy (≥5 drugs) significantly increased the risk of adverse drug events in all patients. The prevalence of adverse drug events significantly increased with each additional drug used. We expect that minimizing the number of medications through moderation of the number of prescription drugs and elimination of polypharmacy will reduce the number of outpatient visits and hospitalizations due to adverse drug events.

Roles of cytokines and T cells in the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue caused by the presence of autoantibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) or the muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK). Activated T, B and plasma cells, as well as cytokines, play important roles in the production of pathogenic autoantibodies and the induction of inflammation at the neuromuscular junction in MG. Many studies have focused on the role of cytokines and lymphocytes in anti-AChR antibody-positive MG. Chronic inflammation mediated by T helper type 17 (Th17) cells, the promotion of autoantibody production from B cells and plasma cells by follicular Th (Tfh) cells and the activation of the immune response by dysfunction of regulatory T (T_reg ) cells may contribute to the exacerbation of the MG pathogenesis. In fact, an increased number of Th17 cells and Tfh cells and dysfunction of T_reg cells have been reported in patients with anti-AChR antibody-positive MG; moreover, the number of these cells was correlated with clinical parameters in patients with MG. Regarding cytokines, interleukin (IL)-17; a Th17-related cytokine, IL-21 (a Tfh-related cytokine), the B-cell-activating factor (BAFF; a B cell-related cytokine) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL; a B cell-related cytokine) have been reported to be up-regulated and associated with clinical parameters of MG. This review focuses on the current understanding of the involvement of cytokines and lymphocytes in the immunological pathogenesis of MG, which may lead to the development of novel therapies for this disease in the near future.

Serum level of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) as a disease severity marker of myasthenia gravis: a pilot study

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoantibody-mediated inflammatory disease of the neuromuscular junction. Biomarkers indicating disease activity in MG are warranted. Recently, the soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) has been reported to be associated with inflammation, tissue damage, disease activity and prognosis in various diseases, including autoimmune diseases. In this study, serum suPAR levels were measured in 40 patients with anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive MG and 30 controls, and their correlations with clinical variables and severity scale scores were investigated. We identified that serum suPAR levels significantly correlated with MG activities of daily living scale (Spearman's ρ = 0·45; P = 0·004) and MG Foundation of America classification (Spearman's ρ = 0·37; P = 0·02) at serum sampling, but not with anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody titers. In conclusion, serum suPAR levels can be a candidate for a novel biomarker of disease activity in anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive MG.

Changes in serum complements and their regulators in generalized myasthenia gravis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate changes in serum complements and their regulators in the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis (MG).

METHODS

Forty-four patients with acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive MG, as well as 20 patients with non-inflammatory neurological disorders were enrolled. Serum complements (C3, C4 and soluble C5b-9) and complement regulators (vitronectin, clusterin and properdin) were extensively analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and their associations with clinical profiles of MG were examined.

RESULTS

Serum C3, C4 and clusterin levels were not significantly different between patients with MG and controls. The patients with MG had higher soluble C5b-9 (P = 0.09) and vitronectin (P = 0.001) levels than the controls; moreover, vitronectin levels decreased after treatment (P = 0.09). Serum properdin (P = 0.03) levels were lower in the patients with MG than in the controls, and negatively correlated with the MG Activities of Daily Living score (rs = -0.26, P = 0.09) and with the presence of bulbar palsy (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Our results show that activation of complements and an altered complement network could contribute to the inflammatory pathogenesis of MG.

Extending the Southern Shore of the Island of Inversion to ^{28}F

Detailed spectroscopy of the neutron-unbound nucleus ^{28}F has been performed for the first time following proton/neutron removal from ^{29}Ne/^{29}F beams at energies around 230  MeV/nucleon. The invariant-mass spectra were reconstructed for both the ^{27}F^{(*)}+n and ^{26}F^{(*)}+2n coincidences and revealed a series of well-defined resonances. A near-threshold state was observed in both reactions and is identified as the ^{28}F ground state, with S_{n}(^{28}F)=-199(6)  keV, while analysis of the 2n decay channel allowed a considerably improved S_{n}(^{27}F)=1620(60)  keV to be deduced. Comparison with shell-model predictions and eikonal-model reaction calculations have allowed spin-parity assignments to be proposed for some of the lower-lying levels of ^{28}F. Importantly, in the case of the ground state, the reconstructed ^{27}F+n momentum distribution following neutron removal from ^{29}F indicates that it arises mainly from the 1p_{3/2} neutron intruder configuration. This demonstrates that the island of inversion around N=20 includes ^{28}F, and most probably ^{29}F, and suggests that ^{28}O is not doubly magic.

Nutritional factors affecting length of hospital stay in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery

Cardiovascular surgery is a highly invasive intervention that is often performed in elderly patients at risks of complications because of malnutrition and reduced immunity. This study investigated nutritional factors that affected length of hospital stay in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery. Among 68 patients who underwent surgery at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of Gifu Municipal Hospital between April 2013 and March 2015, 55 with complete data were included in the analysis. Data on serum albumin (ALB), transferrin (Tf), pre-albumin (PA) and retinol binding protein (RBP) levels were collected. The median length of hospital stay was 29 days (stays of ≥30 days were considered long-term hospitalization). Multivariate analysis (multiple logistic regression) included age (≥ 65 years), sex (female), and ALB (≤ 3.0 g/dL), Tf (≤ 150.0 mg/dL), PA (≤ 10.0 mg/dL) and RBP (≤ 1.5 mg/dL) levels. ALB [odds ratio (OR) 10.37, 95% CI (confidence interval): 1.185-90.80, P = 0.035] and Tf [OR 4.743, 95% CI: 1.375-16.36, P = 0.014] were significantly associated with length of hospital stay. Nutritional management of patients and careful monitoring of ALB and Tf levels can shorten length of hospital stay in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery.

Quasifree Neutron Knockout from ^{54}Ca Corroborates Arising N=34 Neutron Magic Number

Exclusive cross sections and momentum distributions have been measured for quasifree one-neutron knockout reactions from a ^{54}Ca beam striking on a liquid hydrogen target at ∼200  MeV/u. A significantly larger cross section to the p_{3/2} state compared to the f_{5/2} state observed in the excitation of ^{53}Ca provides direct evidence for the nature of the N=34 shell closure. This finding corroborates the arising of a new shell closure in neutron-rich calcium isotopes. The distorted-wave impulse approximation reaction formalism with shell model calculations using the effective GXPF1Bs interaction and ab initio calculations concur our experimental findings. Obtained transverse and parallel momentum distributions demonstrate the sensitivity of quasifree one-neutron knockout in inverse kinematics on a thick liquid hydrogen target with the reaction vertex reconstructed to final state spin-parity assignments.

P3389Angioscopic differences in quality and quantity of neointima in patients experiencing an acute coronary syndrome treated with bare metal, first-, second-, and third generation drug-eluting stents

Background

Although drug-eluting stents (DES) have substantially reduced the need for early target lesion revascularization (TLR) compared with bare-metal stents (BMS) by inhibiting neointima hyperplasia, early generation DES have been associated with an increased risk of very late stent failure (VLSF) due to stent thrombosis and TLR after 1 year. Although the incidence of VLSF is reduced with newer generation DES, VLSF remains an unresolved problem and its mechanisms are not fully explored.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate quality and quantity of neointima and presence of thrombus by using coronary angioscopy at long-term follow-up in patients who experienced an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) treated with BMS and DES on dual antiplatelet therapy.

Methods

Coronary angioscopy was performed at 6 and 10 months after BMS and DES implantation, respectively, in ACS patients. We assessed neointimal coverage (NC) of the stent struts, yellow color grade (YG) of stented segment and the existence of thrombus. Angioscopic NC was defined as follows: grade 0= fully visible struts; grade 1= visible struts through thin neointima; grade 2= no visible struts. We determined maximum (Max-NC) and minimum coverage (Min-NC) grades and the dominant NC grades. YG was classified into 4 grades (0= white; 1= slight yellow; 2= yellow; 3= intensive yellow). The obtained findings were compared with BMS, first-generation (1st-) DES, second-generation (2nd-) DES and third-generation (3rd-) DES.

Results

A total of 212 patients were enrolled: BMS (n=127), 1st DES (n=26, sirolimus-eluting stent), 2nd-DES (n=38, permanent polymer everolimus-eluting stent), and 3rd-DES (n=21, bioresorbable polymer everolimus-eluting stent). Max-NC and Min-NC grade were significantly lower with 1st- and 2nd-DES than with BMS and 3rd-DES (Figure). The same trend was also observed in the dominant NC grades. There was a lower trend of YG in BMS and 3rd-DES than in 1st or 2nd-DES (Figure). The presence of thrombus was significantly lower in 3rd-DES in comparison with BMS, 1st-, and 2nd-DES (3rd-DES 0%, BMS 20.5%, 1st-DES 24%, 2nd-DES 13.5%, P=0.01).

Figure 1

Conclusion

Patients treated with 3rd-DES have higher NC grade, lower incidence of intrastent thrombus, and lower YG than in 1st and 2nd-DES. These findings may explain the lower incidence of VLSF associated with these newer generation stent platforms.

Frequency and features of myasthenia gravis developing after thymectomy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Thymectomy is an effective treatment for myasthenia gravis (MG) with anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies. We rarely encounter patients who develop MG after surgery for thymic tumors. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and frequency of post-thymectomy onset (PostTx) MG.

METHODS

We reviewed the clinical information of thymoma-associated MG in 158 patients. Of these, 18 (11%) patients with PostTx MG were identified.

RESULTS

The presence of anti-AChR antibodies (82%) and electrophysiological abnormalities (50%) was confirmed before thymectomy in patients with PostTx MG. The clinical characteristics of PostTx MG were similar to those of pre-thymectomy onset (PreTx) MG. In PostTx MG, the duration between thymectomy and MG onset were distributed as < 6 months (early-onset PostTx MG) and ≥ 6 months (late-onset PostTx MG). Notably, some patients with late-onset PostTx MG were associated with thymoma relapse.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that approximately 11% of patients with thymoma-associated MG were PostTx MG and pre-surgical assessment of anti-AChR antibody titer or electrophysiological testing may predict PostTx MG development. However, no difference in clinical manifestation and prognosis was observed between PreTx MG and PostTx MG.

Cost utility analysis of pharmacist counseling care for breast cancer chemotherapy outpatients

Chemotherapy for cancer is increasingly implemented in the outpatient setting. Pharmacists contribute to cancer treatment by conducting counseling during outpatient chemotherapy visits. They provide guidance on drug treatment, side effects, and side effect countermeasures on every visit. However, there have been few economic evaluations of pharmacist involvement in outpatient chemotherapy. Therefore, we performed a cost utility analysis. We assigned usual care (control) and pharmacist counseling to two groups of 19 patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy for breast cancer at Gifu Municipal hospital. Quality of life was measured at three timepoints before and during chemotherapy treatment using the EuroQol 5 dimension instrument (EQ-5D). EQ-5D values across the timepoints were 0.831, 0.757, and 0.791 for the control group, and 0.882, 0.883, and 0.921 for the pharmacist counseling group. The additional cost in the pharmacist counseling group was 2,227 yen per counseling session. The change in quality-adjusted life years (QALY) was a maximum of -0.021±0.186 in the control group and 0.007±0.199 in the pharmacist counseling group. The maximum cost for one QALY was 1,360,558 yen (≈12,460 US dollars). Pharmacists' counseling in outpatient cancer chemotherapy for breast cancer patients had an acceptable incremental cost-effect ratio, contributing to improved patient quality of life without significant additional expenditure to healthcare.

Relationship Between Initial Renal Function and the Inhibitory Effect of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor Treatment on Renal Function Decline

We retrospectively investigated the renal function index of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to examine the influence of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors on renal function between patients up to early nephropathy and after overt nephropathy. Patients with T2DM (>18 years old) who had been prescribed hypoglycemic agents for ≥3 months at Gifu Municipal Hospital between March 2010 and April 2014 were included in the study. Renal function was evaluated as the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline from baseline at 12 months. Patients in the DPP-4 inhibitor-treated and untreated groups with an eGFR ≥60 (358 [58.2 %] and 257 [41.8 %], respectively) and eGFR <60 (115 [60.2 %] and 76 [39.8 %], respectively) were subjected to multiple logistic regression analysis. Among patients with an eGFR ≥60, no significant differences were observed in eGFR decline rates over time. However, among patients with an eGFR <60, significant decreases were observed in eGFR decline rates >10 % (6 months; odds ratio, 0.476; P = 0.043, 12 months; odds ratio, 0.413; P = 0.010). Similar results were obtained for an eGFR decline rate >20 % (12 months; odds ratio, 0.369; P = 0.049). DPP-4 inhibitors are renoprotective in patients with T2DM and an eGFR <60.

How Robust is the N=34 Subshell Closure? First Spectroscopy of ^{52}Ar

The first γ-ray spectroscopy of ^{52}Ar, with the neutron number N=34, was measured using the ^{53}K(p,2p) one-proton removal reaction at ∼210  MeV/u at the RIBF facility. The 2_{1}^{+} excitation energy is found at 1656(18) keV, the highest among the Ar isotopes with N>20. This result is the first experimental signature of the persistence of the N=34 subshell closure beyond ^{54}Ca, i.e., below the magic proton number Z=20. Shell-model calculations with phenomenological and chiral-effective-field-theory interactions both reproduce the measured 2_{1}^{+} systematics of neutron-rich Ar isotopes, and support a N=34 subshell closure in ^{52}Ar.

Factors influencing the use of over-the-counter drugs and health foods/supplements

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and health foods/supplements are used as means of self-medication with the aim of preventing diseases and maintaining health. No reports have yet addressed the relationship between healthcare systems and self-medication. Here, we carried out a retrospective survey to identify healthcare system factors affecting OTC drug and health food/supplement usage. Patients hospitalized at Gifu Municipal Hospital between October 1, 2014 and March 31, 2015 were given a survey. The items surveyed were age, gender, disease, alcohol intake/smoking status, insurance classification, and medical pharmaceuticals, OTC drugs, and health foods/supplements used immediately before hospitalization. We performed multiple logistic regression analysis using OTC drugs and health foods/supplements as dependent variables with patient attributes, medical insurance, etc. as independent variables. A total of 5,965 patients were analyzed. OTC users comprised 2.6 % (156 people) of the total. The use of OTC drugs was significantly higher for females and alcohol consumers than in other categories. In contrast, the use of OTC drugs was significantly lower for participants in public expense/medical subsidy programs. Health foods/supplements were used by 4.0 % of all subjects (240 people); their use was significantly higher among females and users of medical pharmaceuticals. On the other hand, the use of health foods/supplements was significantly lower for smokers, users of the latter-stage elderly healthcare system, and users of public expense/medical subsidy programs.

Preoperative Hyperthermia Combined with Chemotherapy and Irradiation for the Treatment of Patients with Esophageal Carcinoma

Aims and Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the combined effects of hyperthermia, chemotherapy and irradiation on esophageal cancer.

Methods and material

Since 1978, we have clinically applied hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy and irradiation (HCR therapy), to patients with carcinoma of the esophagus. The clinical results of 136 patients receiving preoperative HCR therapy were then compared with those of 107 cases undergoing preoperative chemo-radiotherapy (CR).

Results

A histological examination of the resected esophagus after preoperative treatment revealed that 65.4% and 50.5% of the patients responded markedly (no viable cancer cells) and moderately (more than two thirds of all cancer cells destroyed) to HCR and CR therapies, respectively (p <0.05). The five-year survival rates were 22.3% and 13.7% in the HCR and CR groups, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p <0.01). In particular, for the patients classified as TNM Stages III and IV, a significantly longer survival period was obtained with HCR therapy (p <0.05). In addition, no severe side effects were encountered in the patients given just hyperthermia.

Conclusion

Our clinical results suggest that preoperative hyperthermo-chemo-radiotherapy shows great promise for treatment of patients with advanced carcinoma of the esophagus.

An Inter- and Intraprofessional Education Program in Which Dental Hygiene Students Instruct Medical and Dental Students

The aim of this study was to develop, implement, and evaluate an inter- and intraprofessional education program with a peer support joint practice in which dental hygiene students teach medical and dental students about oral health care for older people requiring long-term care. In 2015 at Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 22 dental hygiene students in their third year at the School of Oral Health Care Sciences (OH3), 110 students in their third year at the School of Medicine (M3), and 52 students in their third year at the School of Dentistry (D3) participated in this program. The OH3 students practiced with a whole-body-type simulator to learn oral health care for older people and then taught the methods to the M3 and D3 students according to their self-designed teaching plan. All M3 and D3 students experienced being both practitioner and patient. The number of respondents and response rates on the questionnaires after the training were 22 (100%), 102 (92.7%), and 52 (100%) for the OH3, M3, and D3 students, respectively. Self-assessment by the OH3 students indicated that they could supervise other students sufficiently (77-86%), and 91% of them found the preclinical practice with the simulator efficient for the peer support joint practice. Almost all the M3 and D3 students reported that they gained understanding of the methods (99%), significance (100%), and important points of oral health care for older people (97%) in addition to the jobs and roles of dental hygienists (93%) because of this program. The M3 students understood the methods and significance of oral health care more deeply than did the D3 students (p<0.05). This study found that an interprofessional program with a peer support joint practice to cultivate practical clinical ability aided in increasing understanding and cooperation between medicine and dentistry.

Maternal Separation Induces Orofacial Mechanical Allodynia in Adulthood

It is well known that exposure to maternal separation (MS) in early life causes plastic changes in the nervous system in adulthood, occasionally resulting in ubiquitous chronic pain. However, the pathogenic mechanisms of pain hypersensitivity remain unclear. Here, the authors examined the involvement of corticosterone in orofacial mechanical hypersensitivity induced by MS. To establish a rat model of MS, pups were placed in isolated cages 180 min/d and kept in a temperature-controlled environment at 22 ± 2 °C for 14 d. Mechanical allodynia in the whisker pad skin in adulthood was induced by MS and was significantly suppressed by successive postnatal subcutaneous administration of the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist mifepristone. Corticosterone levels were increased in the serum of MS rats, and successive postnatal administration of subcutaneous corticosterone to naive rats induced mechanical allodynia in the whisker pad skin. The number of P2X3 receptor-immunoreactive (P2X3R-IR) trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons innervating the whisker pad skin was significantly increased in MS rats and decreased following subcutaneous administration of mifepristone. The number of P2X3R-IR TG neurons innervating the whisker pad skin was also significantly increased following successive postnatal administration of subcutaneous corticosterone in naive rats. Moreover, the mechanical allodynia was suppressed 30 min after administration of the P2X3R antagonist A317491 to the whisker pad skin in MS rats. These findings suggest that the increase in P2X3R-IR TG neurons innervating the whisker pad skin via enhanced neonatal corticosterone signaling by MS plays an important role in orofacial mechanical allodynia in adulthood.

Significance of histologic pattern of carcinoma and sarcoma components on survival outcomes of uterine carcinosarcoma

BACKGROUND

To examine the effect of the histology of carcinoma and sarcoma components on survival outcome of uterine carcinosarcoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A multicenter retrospective study was conducted to examine uterine carcinosarcoma cases that underwent primary surgical staging. Archived slides were examined and histologic patterns were grouped based on carcinoma (low-grade versus high-grade) and sarcoma (homologous versus heterologous) components, correlating to clinico-pathological demographics and outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 1192 cases identified, 906 cases were evaluated for histologic patterns (carcinoma/sarcoma) with high-grade/homologous (40.8%) being the most common type followed by high-grade/heterologous (30.9%), low-grade/homologous (18.0%), and low-grade/heterologous (10.3%). On multivariate analysis, high-grade/heterologous (5-year rate, 34.0%, P = 0.024) and high-grade/homologous (45.8%, P = 0.017) but not low-grade/heterologous (50.6%, P = 0.089) were independently associated with decreased progression-free survival (PFS) compared with low-grade/homologous (60.3%). In addition, older age, residual disease at surgery, large tumor, sarcoma dominance, deep myometrial invasion, lymphovascular space invasion, and advanced-stage disease were independently associated with decreased PFS (all, P < 0.01). Both postoperative chemotherapy (5-year rates, 48.6% versus 39.0%, P < 0.001) and radiotherapy (50.1% versus 44.1%, P = 0.007) were significantly associated with improved PFS in univariate analysis. However, on multivariate analysis, only postoperative chemotherapy remained an independent predictor for improved PFS [hazard ratio (HR) 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.27-0.43, P < 0.001]. On univariate analysis, significant treatment benefits for PFS were seen with ifosfamide for low-grade carcinoma (82.0% versus 49.8%, P = 0.001), platinum for high-grade carcinoma (46.9% versus 32.4%, P = 0.034) and homologous sarcoma (53.1% versus 38.2%, P = 0.017), and anthracycline for heterologous sarcoma (66.2% versus 39.3%, P = 0.005). Conversely, platinum, taxane, and anthracycline for low-grade carcinoma, and anthracycline for homologous sarcoma had no effect on PFS compared with non-chemotherapy group (all, P > 0.05). On multivariate analysis, ifosfamide for low-grade/homologous (HR 0.21, 95% CI 0.07-0.63, P = 0.005), platinum for high-grade/homologous (HR 0.36, 95% CI 0.22-0.60, P < 0.001), and anthracycline for high-grade/heterologous (HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.14-0.62, P = 0.001) remained independent predictors for improved PFS. Analyses of 1096 metastatic sites showed that carcinoma components tended to spread lymphatically, while sarcoma components tended to spread loco-regionally (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Characterization of histologic pattern provides valuable information in the management of uterine carcinosarcoma.

Prognostic significance of thymidylate synthase (TS) expression in cutaneous malignant melanoma

Thymidylate synthase (TS) plays an essential role in the pathogenesis and development of cancer, and TS-targeting agents have been widely used against different types of cancers. However, it remains still unclear whether or not TS is expressed in malignant melanoma. We conducted the clinicopathological study to investigate the prognostic significance of TS expression in cutaneous malignant melanoma. Ninety-nine patients with surgically resected cutaneous malignant melanoma were assessed. Tumor sections were stained by immunohistochemistry for TS, Ki-67, and microvessel density (MVD) determined by CD34. TS was positively expressed in 26% (26 out of 99). The expression of TS was significantly associated with T factor, cell proliferation (Ki-67) and MVD (CD34). By Spearman's rank test, TS expression was significantly correlated with Ki67 and CD34. By univariate analysis, ulceration, disease stage, TS, Ki-67 and CD34 had a significant relationship with survival. Multivariate analysis confirmed that TS was an independent prognostic factor for poor prognosis of cutaneous malignant melanoma. The positive expression of TS could be a useful marker for predicting poor prognosis in patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma, and TS-targeting agents may be worth trying for the treatment of this dismal disease.

Risk factors for developing infusion reaction after rituximab administration in patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Rituximab (RTX), a monoclonal antibody against CD20, is known to cause fewer side effects than conventional anti-cancer drugs; however, infusion reaction (IR), which is specific to monoclonal antibody therapy, is frequently triggered by RTX. Therefore, we designed this study to identify risk factors based on clinical test values for developing IR after RTX administration. Eighty-nine patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma who had received RTX for the first time between February 2010 and March 2013, at the Gifu Municipal Hospital were enrolled as subjects. Analysis of data was conducted for 87 patients, after excluding patients whose data were missing. Univariate analysis showed significant differences in the number of patients exhibiting a soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sLL-2R) level > 2,000 U/L and hemoglobin (Hb) < lower standard limit (LSL) between the IR and non-IR groups. Multivariate analysis showed significant differences with respect to slL-2R > 2,000 U/L [odds ratio (OR), 4.463; 95% confidence interval (Cl), 1.262-15.779; P = 0.020], Hb < LSL [OR, 3.568; 95% CI, 1.071-11.890; P = 0.038], and steroid administration [OR, 0.284; 95% Cl, 0.094-0.852; P = 0.025]. Our findings show that sIL-2R > 2,000 U/L, Hb < LSL, and a lack of steroid premedication are risk factors for developing IR following RTX treatment.

Determination and profiling of purines in foods by using HPLC and LC-MS

Purines in food are known to raise serum uric acid levels. We determined the purine content of sweet potato and beef by high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The purine content of the samples was 118-1,034 μmol/100 g. The total purine content was also divided into purine bases, nucleosides, nucleotides, and nucleic acids. Our results suggest that differences in total purine content and in the ratio of purine types between vegetables and beef cause a difference in elevation of serum uric acid levels.

Examination of the effect of changing to azilsartan from candesartan in renal transplant patients

BACKGROUND

Azilsartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), was administered to renal transplant recipients to investigate the safety and antihypertensive effect in addition to its ARB-characteristic organ-protective effect.

METHODS

The subjects were 20 patients (18 males, 2 females; baseline serum creatinine 2.39 ± 1.33 mg/dL) responding poorly to candesartan, who suffered albuminuria (>0.3 g/g creatinine) and hypertension (>140/90 mm Hg) following renal transplantation. Three months after candesartan was switched to azilsartan 20 mg/d, blood pressure, creatinine-corrected urinary albumin excretion, urinary L-type acid binding protein, urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguano-sine, serum creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate were evaluated. Thirteen patients received cyclosporine (65.0%) and 7 received tacrolimus (35.0%). Another hypertensive (calcium antagonist) agent was combined in 7 (35.0%).

RESULTS

Systolic blood pressure significantly decreased from 139.5 mm Hg (baseline) from 128.7 mm Hg (at 3 months), whereas no significant changes were observed for diastolic blood pressure. The percentage of patients achieving the target level of antihypertensive effect (blood pressure < 130/80 mm Hg) significantly improved from 30.0% (baseline) to 70.0% (at 3 months). No significant changes were observed in renal graft function, oxidative stress marker level, or biochemical examination findings.

CONCLUSION

Sufficient antihypertensive effect was demonstrated soon after switching to azilsartan. However, no significant change was found in renal damage markers. Long-term study must be conducted to confirm the protective effect azilsartan on the transplanted kidney, as found with candesartan. The safety of azilsartan was demonstrated. If the transplanted kidney protection is demonstrated, this drug is expected to contribute to the improved long-term prognosis of renal transplant recipients.

Hyponatremia and hypokalemia as risk factors for falls

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Fall accidents may reduce an individual's quality of life and ability to perform the activities of daily life, and may delay recovery from illness. Consequently, medical institutions need to take measures to prevent falls. There are various risk factors for falls, including advanced age, illness and medication effects. Although hyponatremia and hypokalemia have been reported to increase the rate of falls, how they affect falls is not fully understood.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

We retrospectively examined 2948 patients, ⩾18 years old who had been hospitalized for ⩾3 days at Gifu (Japan) Municipal Hospital between May 2012 and April 2013 to determine the effects of hyponatremia and hypokalemia on the risk of falls. After the patients had been divided into fall and non-fall groups, their data were subjected to univariate and multiple regression analysis to identify significant differences.

RESULTS

The univariate analysis results revealed significant differences between the groups in terms of age (⩾65 years); the presence of hyponatremia, hypokalemia, central nervous system disease, cardiovascular disease and/or peripheral nerve/muscular disease; intake of medications that increase the risk of falls; and increased sedative dosage. The multivariate analysis results revealed significant differences between the groups in terms of the presence of hyponatremia (odds ratio (OR), 1.751; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.020-3.005), hypokalemia (OR, 2.209; 95% CI, 1.280-3.813), central nervous system disease (OR, 2.492; 95% CI, 1.629-3.814) and/or age ⩾65 years (OR, 2.180; 95% CI, 1.242-3.826).

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated that the presence of hyponatremia or hypokalemia increases the risk of falls.