Six-Month Comparison of Coronary Endothelial Dysfunction Associated With Sirolimus-Eluting Stent Versus Paclitaxel-Eluting Stent

ObjectivesThis study was designed to investigate whether endothelial dysfunction is related to drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation at 6 months after stenting.BackgroundCurrent available DES could delay vessel healing and subsequently impair endothelial function.MethodsEndothelial function was estimated at 6-month follow-up in 75 patients (31 men, mean age 62.1 years) with a DES (39 sirolimus-eluting stents [SES], 36 paclitaxel-eluting stents [PES]), and 10 patients with a bare-metal stent (BMS) to the left anterior descending artery, by incremental acetylcholine (Ach) infusion (20 μg/min, 50 μg/min, 100 μg/min) and nitrate (200 μg/min) into the left coronary ostium. Vascular responses were quantitatively measured in arterial segments 5 mm proximal and distal to DES and compared with corresponding segments in the BMS group and midsegments in the left circumflex artery as a reference nonstented artery. All antianginal agents were withheld for at least 72 h before coronary angiography.ResultsGreater vasoconstriction to Ach was observed in both the SES and PES groups than in the BMS group or control segments of left circumflex artery. Vasoconstriction to Ach was more prominent in arterial segments distal to stents in both SES and PES groups compared with those in the BMS group (p < 0.001). The degree of vasoconstriction to Ach was similar between the SES and PES groups. Endothelium-independent vasodilatation to nitrate did not differ significantly between the study groups.ConclusionsAbnormal vasoconstriction to Ach was found in the SES and PES groups, especially in arterial segments distal to DES at 6 months after stenting, which suggests that DES has a potential long-term adverse effect on local coronary endothelial dysfunction

Optical observations of NEA 3200 Phaethon (1983 TB) during the 2017 apparition

The near-Earth asteroid 3200 Phaethon (1983 TB) is an attractive object not only from a scientific viewpoint but also because of JAXA's DESTINY+ target. The rotational lightcurve and spin properties were investigated based on the data obtained in the ground-based observation campaign of Phaethon. We aim to refine the lightcurves and shape model of Phaethon using all available lightcurve datasets obtained via optical observation, as well as our time-series observation data from the 2017 apparition. Using eight 1-2-m telescopes and an optical imager, we acquired the optical lightcurves and derived the spin parameters of Phaethon. We applied the lightcurve inversion method and SAGE algorithm to deduce the convex and non-convex shape model and pole orientations. We analysed the optical lightcurve of Phaethon and derived a synodic and a sidereal rotational period of 3.6039 h, with an axis ratio of a/b = 1.07. The ecliptic longitude (lambda) and latitude (beta) of the pole orientation were determined as (308, -52) and (322, -40) via two independent methods. A non-convex model from the SAGE method, which exhibits a concavity feature, is also presented.Comment: 14 pages, 4 figures, 1 figure in Appendix A. Accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics (A&A

Effect of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb Extract on the Antinociception and Mechanisms in Mouse

In the present study, the antinociceptive profiles of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb extract were examined in ICR mice. Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb extract administered orally (200 mg/kg) showed an antinociceptive effect as measured by the tail-flick and hot-plate tests. In addition, Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb extract attenuated the writhing numbers in the acetic acid-induced writhing test. Furthermore, the cumulative nociceptive response time for intrathecal (i.t.) injection of substance P (0.7 µg) was diminished by Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb extract. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) pretreatment with yohimbine (α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist) attenuated antinociceptive effect induced by Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb extract in the writhing test. However, naloxone (opioid receptor antagonist) or methysergide (5-HT serotonergic receptor antagonist) did not affect antinociception induced by Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb extract in the writhing test. Our results suggest that Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb extract shows an antinociceptive property in various pain models. Furthermore, this antinociceptive effect of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb extract may be mediated by α2-adrenergic receptor, but not opioidergic and serotonergic receptors