Transcapillary PO2 Gradients in Contracting Muscles of Type I Diabetic Rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to clarify the effect of Type I diabetes (DIA) on transcapillary PO2 gradients, which are oxygen-driving factors between the blood and the interstitium, in the contracting muscle of rats. METHODS: Wistar male rats were divided into the diabetic (streptozocin i.p.) and sham groups. Microvascular and interstitial PO2 were measured in the extensor digitorum longus muscle during electrical stimulation-induced muscle contraction, using the phosphorescence quenching method. Transcapillary PO2 gradient, ΔPO2, was calculated as microvascular minus interstitial PO2. RESULTS: Resting microvascular PO2 was higher in the diabetic group than in the sham group (6.3 ± 1.7 vs. 4.7 ± 0.9 mmHg, p < 0.05) and remained for 180 s. Interstitial PO2 from rest to muscle contraction did not differ between the groups. The ΔPO2 was higher in the diabetic group than in the sham group at rest and during muscle contraction (4.03 ± 1.42 vs. 2.46 ± 0.90 mmHg at rest; 3.67 ± 1.51 vs. 2.22 ± 0.65 mmHg during muscle contraction, p < 0.05). Marked muscle atrophy was observed in the diabetic group. CONCLUSION: DIA increased microvascular and transcapillary PO2 gradients in the skeletal muscle. The enhanced PO2 gradients were maintained from rest to muscle contraction in diabetic muscle.

Prolonged Sitting Induces Elevated Blood Pressure in Healthy Young Men: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

Introduction Prolonged sitting-induced blood pooling in the lower legs can increase blood pressure through increased sympathetic nerve activity and peripheral vascular resistance, an aspect that has been understudied as a primary outcome. This study compared the effects of prolonged sitting with those of prolonged supination on blood pressure in healthy young men. Methods This randomized crossover study included 16 healthy young men (mean age: 21.6 ± 0.7 years) who were randomly assigned to a three-hour supine (CON) or three-hour sitting (SIT) condition, followed by a washout period of at least one week. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), low-frequency/high-frequency (LF/HF) ratio derived from heart rate variability, and leg circumference were measured at 60, 120, and 180 minutes from baseline. These indices were compared by two-way (time × conditions) analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results In the SIT condition, DBP, MAP, HR, LF/HF ratio, and leg circumference increased significantly over time (P < 0.05) and were significantly higher than those in the CON condition (P < 0.05). However, SBP showed no significant change over time and between conditions. Conclusions The findings indicate the involvement of sympathetic nerve activity and increased peripheral vascular resistance induced by fluid retention in the lower legs with increased DBP and MAP in healthy young men.

Establishment of a Novel Miniature Double-Lumen Catheter Single-Cannulation Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Model in the Rat.

In recent years, venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) has been used to support patients with severe lung disease. Active use of VV ECMO was also recommended for severe respiratory failure due to COVID-19. However, VV ECMO is also known to cause various complications due to extracorporeal circulation. Although we conducted ECMO research using rats, we have not been able to establish whether double-lumen single-cannulation VV ECMO models in rats have been described previously. The purpose of this study was to establish a simple, stable, and maintainable miniature double-lumen single-canulation VV ECMO model in rats. A double-lumen catheter used as a plain central venous catheter (SMAC plus Seldinger type; Covidien Japan Co., Tokyo, Japan) was passed through the right external jugular vein and advanced into the right atrium as a conduit for venous uptake. The VV ECMO system comprised a roller pump, miniature membrane oxygenator, and polyvinyl chloride tubing line. During VV ECMO, blood pressure and hemodilution rate were maintained at around 80 mmHg and 30%, respectively. Hemoglobin was kept at >9 g/dL, no serious hemolysis was observed, and VV ECMO was maintained without blood transfusion. Oxygenation and removal of carbon dioxide from the blood were confirmed and pH was adequately maintained. This miniature VV ECMO model appears very useful for studying the mechanisms of biological reactions during VV ECMO.

The effect of sepsis and reactive oxygen species on skeletal muscle interstitial oxygen pressure during contractions.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the effect of sepsis on the dynamics of skeletal muscle partial oxygen pressure during muscle contractions as well as the effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger (ascorbic acid, Asc). METHODS: Twenty-seven male Sprague-Dawley rats (2-3 months old) were randomly assigned to three groups; sham, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), or CLP plus ascorbic acid treatment group (CLP + Asc). Electrical stimuli-induced muscle contractions and partial oxygen pressure measurements were performed at 3 h after CLP. The interstitial oxygen pressure (PO2 is) in the spinotrapezius muscle was measured by the phosphorescence quenching method. RESULTS: The PO2 is at rest was not different between the three groups. The PO2 is decreased from rest to contraction in all groups. Compared to the sham, the time to decrease PO2 is was significantly faster in CLP but not in CLP + Asc (p < .05). Compared to the sham, the PO2 is during muscle contractions was significantly lower in both CLP and CLP + Asc (p < .05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that CLP-induced sepsis accelerated the decay of PO2 is at the onset of muscle contractions and maintained a low level of PO2 is during muscle contractions.

Relationship between self-esteem and suicidal ideation before and during COVID-19 in a non-clinical sample: mediating effects of psychological distress and hopelessness.

Introduction: Several studies have highlighted the impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on suicide. Accordingly, investigating the risk factors of suicide during this crisis is important. Based on the escape theory of suicide, the current study examined the serial mediating roles of psychological distress and hopelessness in the relationship between self-esteem and suicidal ideation. It also aimed to explore whether or not the COVID-19 pandemic changed the mediation effect in any way. Methods: Data were collected from 645 university students before and during the pandemic. The study employed mediation and multi-group analyses to test the hypotheses. Results: The results demonstrated that individuals with low self-esteem reported high psychological distress, which further lead to hopelessness and eventually heightened suicidal ideation. Multi-group analysis revealed that psychological distress exerted a greater impact on suicidal ideation during COVID-19. Discussion: The finding suggested that self-esteem, hopelessness, and psychological distress could help elucidate the development of suicidal ideation. Clinicians may target these factors in suicide prevention programs, particularly in the settings of the COVID-19 pandemic or future crisis.

Japanese Society of Anxiety and Related Disorders/Japanese Society of Neuropsychopharmacology: Clinical practice guideline for social anxiety disorder (2021).

The development of clinical practice guidelines for social anxiety disorder began in March 2018 when the Joint Clinical Practice Guideline Development Committee for Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders was formed by the Japanese Society of Anxiety and Related Disorders and Japanese Society of Neuropsychopharmacology to jointly develop guidelines for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Based on the universal concept of evidence-based medicine, three clinical questions (CQs) about pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy were developed for clinical guidelines for social anxiety disorder, panic disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder in accordance with the Minds "Manual for Guidelines Development 2017 by the Japan Council for Quality Health Care: CQ1-"What is the recommended pharmacotherapy for social anxiety disorder in adults?"; CQ2-"What is the recommended psychotherapy (psychological intervention) for social anxiety disorder in adults?"; and CQ3-"What are the recommendations regarding monotherapy and combination therapy for social anxiety disorder in adults in terms of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy (psychological interventions)?" Summarized recommendations for social anxiety disorder in adults are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor for CQ1, cognitive behavioral therapy for CQ2, and there are no recommendations regarding monotherapy and combination therapy for CQ3. These were answered by considering the balance between benefits and harms based on systematic reviews of each. The aim of this brief guideline for the standard-of-care (i.e., medical treatment) for social anxiety disorder in adults (18 years and older) was to help "shared decision making," in which medical professionals, including physicians, and patients share scientific evidence to decide on a course of treatment.

Gene Expression of Inflammatory Cytokines in Major Organs by Extracorporeal Circulation.

(1) Background: Extracorporeal circulation (ECC) is indispensable for cardiac surgery. Despite the fact that ECC causes non-physiological damage to blood components, its pathophysiology has not been fully elucidated. In our previous study, we constructed a rat ECC system and observed a systemic inflammatory response during and after blood tests assessing ECC, while the damage per organ localization caused by ECC was not examined. In this study, we used a rat model to assess the gene expression of inflammatory cytokines in major organs during ECC. (2) Methods: The ECC system consisted of a membranous oxygenator, tubing line, and a small roller pump. Rats were divided into a SHAM (which received surgical preparation only, without ECC) group and an ECC group. Proinflammatory cytokines were measured using real-time PCR in major organs after ECC to evaluate local inflammatory responses in the organs. (3) Results: Interleukin (IL)-6 levels were significantly elevated in the ECC group compared to the SHAM group, especially in the heart and lungs. (4) Conclusions: This study suggests that ECC promotes organ damage and the inflammatory response, but the degree of gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines varies from organ to organ, suggesting that it does not uniformly cause organ damage.

The Effectiveness of Self-Esteem-Related Interventions in Reducing Suicidal Behaviors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Suicide is a serious social issue and is often treated using psychological interventions. The current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effectiveness of self-esteem-related interventions on suicidal behaviors. A systematic literature search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including a self-esteem component was conducted on 29 May 2021 and updated on 4 April 2022. In total, 12 studies were included in the systematic review and five studies were included in the meta-analysis. Small effect sizes were found for suicidal ideation at post intervention [g = -0.24, 95% CI (-0.48, 0.00)] and a 3-month follow-up [g = -0.36, 95% CI (-0.62, -0.11)]. However, these results should be interpreted cautiously due to the limited number of included studies and varied sample population. In conclusion, the current review suggests that future intervention studies should incorporate self-esteem enhancement in the treatment of suicidal behaviors, especially for suicidal ideation. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=250882.

Antidepressants for social anxiety disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: This systematic review is aimed to update and reintegrate the pharmacotherapy of social anxiety disorder (SAD), including the Japanese medical database. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of pharmacotherapy of SAD according to the Medical Information Distribution Service. We used data from a most recent systematic review, and updated search were conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, CENTRAL, ICTRP, and ICHUSHI from August 1st, 2017 to January 31st, 2022. The outcome were response rates assessed by Clinical Global Impressions Improvement, efficacy assessed by the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), and dropout rates. We performed a random effect of meta-analysis to obtain the differences in each outcome between active medication and placebo. We used RevMan version 5.3 for analyses. RESULTS: We identified 5 studies through update search and performed meta-analysis for 33 studies on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and 6 studies on serotonin noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). The response rate (RR = 1.62) and the LSAS score reduction (mean difference = -9.65) of SSRI, and the response rate (RR = 1.57) and the LSAS score reduction (mean difference = -11.72) of SNRI were significantly different from placebo. The dropout rates of SSRI or SNRI were not significant. The response rates of SSRIs in both Japanese studies (RR = 1.44) and countries other than Japan (RR = 1.67) were significant. Most findings were based on low quality of evidence. CONCLUSION: SSRIs are valid option for pharmacotherapy of SAD including Japanese patients. SNRIs are another effective option. However, the results should be interpreted cautiously due to several risk of bias.

Predictors of social anxiety disorder with major depressive episodes among Japanese university students.

BACKGROUND: Social anxiety disorder (SAD) develops in the early teens and is a common disorder among university students. Understanding the predictive factors of SAD comorbid with major depressive episode (MDE) is important for student mental health care. The aim of this study was to identify the personality traits that predict SAD with MDE by analyzing longitudinal data of Japanese university students. METHODS: In this retrospective study, Japanese university students who visited the health care center of Hokkaido University for the first time were divided into the following four groups: "Control" (n = 43), "MDE" (n = 16), "SAD" (n = 28), and "SAD with MDE" (n = 61) based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, and core anxiety symptoms for SAD in the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview during screening. Predictors for SAD with MDE were identified by a four-group comparison of the Temperament and Character Inventory and PHQ-9 data previously obtained at the enrollment using analysis of variance and post-hoc tests. RESULTS: Upon comparing the four groups using analysis of variance, there were significant differences in the baseline PHQ-9 summary score, Harm-Avoidance (HA), and Self-Directedness (SD). According to results of the post-hoc test, all three showed a significant difference between the "Control" and "SAD with MDE." Furthermore, there was a significant difference in HA scores between "SAD" and "Control." In all the groups, the mean time from enrollment to the first visit to the center was >2 years. CONCLUSION: A higher HA score at baseline is a predictor of SAD with or without MDE. Higher PHQ-9 summary and lower SD scores at baseline are predictive factors of SAD with MDE.

Character configuration, major depressive episodes, and suicide-related ideation among Japanese undergraduates.

AIM: To enable early identification of university students at high risk for suicide, we examined personality as a predictive factor for major depressive episodes and suicide-related ideation. METHODS: From 2011 to 2013, we administered the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) to 1,997 university students at enrollment (T1). We previously conducted a study using the same data set; this is a re-analysis of the dataset. To prevent contamination of data, participants diagnosed with a depressive episode were excluded at T1. Three years after enrollment (T2), we re-administered the PHQ-9 to the same students. We statistically compared TCI scores at T1 among depressive episode groups and suicide-related ideation groups. Two-way ANOVA and Cochran-Armitage trend tests were used to analyze the relationships between personality traits, depressive episodes, and suicide-related ideation. RESULTS: The PHQ-9 summary scores at baseline (T1) were 3.0 (±2.7), with female students scoring 4.6 (±2.9) and male students 2.9 (±2.6, p = 0.025). The major depressive episode group at T2 had lower self-directedness (SD) scores at T1 than the non-depressive episode control group. The suicide-related ideation (SI) group at T2 also had higher harm avoidance (HA), lower SD, and lower cooperativeness (C) scores than the non-SI group at T1. The Cochran-Armitage trend tests revealed significant associations between character configurations composed of SD and C, and both depressive episodes at T2 and SI at T2. CONCLUSION: The temperament feature of high HA at baseline and character configurations of low SD and low C at baseline are the most contributory predictors for the novel development of depressive episodes and SI among Japanese university students.

Effectiveness of suicide prevention gatekeeper training for university teachers in Japan.

Suicide is a leading cause of death among Japanese college and university students. Our previous study showed that the gatekeeper training (GKT) program significantly improved competence and confidence in the management of suicidal students in university administrative staff. However, we could not determine which component of the program was effective, nor if this program was effective for university teachers as well. In the current study, 81 university teachers were recruited; 63 of them received a general mental health lecture (MHL) and 18 of them received a 2.5 -h GKT program based on the Mental Health First Aid program. Competence and confidence in managing suicide intervention and behavioral intention as a gatekeeper were assessed by a self-report questionnaire before and immediately after the intervention. As a result, we found a significant improvement in competence in the management of suicidal students in the GKT group compared to the MHL group. We also found significant improvements in confidence in the management of suicidal students and behavioral intention as gatekeepers in the GKT group, although the questionnaires for these outcomes were not validated. The program satisfaction score was significantly higher in the GKT group than in the MHL group. To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate a GKT program for university teachers in Japan. By comparing the two groups, we explicitly confirmed that active involvement of the participants is crucial for effective suicide prevention training.

Diabetic Pathophysiology Enhances Inflammation during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in a Rat Model.

Systemic inflammatory responses in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) contribute significantly to ECMO-associated morbidity and mortality. In recent years, the number of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients has increased, and the number of these patients undergoing ECMO has also increased. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a high-risk factor for complications during ECMO. We studied the effects of ECMO on inflammatory response in a diabetic rat ECMO model. Twenty-eight rats were divided into 4 groups: normal SHAM group (normal rats: n = 7), diabetic SHAM group (diabetic rats: n = 7), normal ECMO group (normal rats: n = 7), and diabetic ECMO group (diabetic rats: n = 7). We measured the plasma levels of cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), and liver-type fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) were examined in the rat cardiopulmonary bypass model to ascertain organ damage. In addition, the lung wet-to-dry weight (W/D) ratio was measured as an index of pulmonary tissue edema. A pathologic evaluation of kidneys was conducted by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and periodic-acid-methenamine-silver (PAM) staining. In the diabetic ECMO group, levels of cytokines, AST, ALT, LDH, and L-FABP increased significantly, reaching a maximum at the end of ECMO in comparison with other groups (p < 0.05). In addition, hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid-methenamine-silver staining of renal tissues showed marked injury in the ECMO group (normal ECMO and diabetic ECMO groups). Furthermore, when the normal ECMO and diabetic ECMO groups were compared, severe organ injury was seen in the diabetic ECMO group. There was remarkable organ injury in the diabetic ECMO group. These data demonstrate that diabetes enhances proinflammatory cytokine release, renal damage, and pulmonary edema during ECMO in an animal model.

ß-blockade prevents coronary macro- and microvascular dysfunction induced by a high salt diet and insulin resistance in the Goto-Kakizaki rat.

A high salt intake exacerbates insulin resistance, evoking hypertension due to systemic perivascular inflammation, oxidative-nitrosative stress and endothelial dysfunction. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) have been shown to abolish inflammation and redox stress but only partially restore endothelial function in mesenteric vessels. We investigated whether sympatho-adrenal overactivation evokes coronary vascular dysfunction when a high salt intake is combined with insulin resistance in male Goto-Kakizaki (GK) and Wistar rats treated with two different classes of ß-blocker or vehicle, utilising synchrotron-based microangiography in vivo. Further, we examined if chronic carvedilol (CAR) treatment preserves nitric oxide (NO)-mediated coronary dilation more than metoprolol (MET). A high salt diet (6% NaCl w/w) exacerbated coronary microvessel endothelial dysfunction and NO-resistance in vehicle-treated GK rats while Wistar rats showed modest impairment. Microvascular dysfunction was associated with elevated expression of myocardial endothelin, inducible NO synthase (NOS) protein and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT). Both CAR and MET reduced basal coronary perfusion but restored microvessel endothelium-dependent and -independent dilation indicating a role for sympatho-adrenal overactivation in vehicle-treated rats. While MET treatment reduced myocardial nitrates, only MET treatment completely restored microvessel dilation to dobutamine (DOB) stimulation in the absence of NO and prostanoids (combined inhibition), indicating that MET restored the coronary flow reserve attributable to endothelium-derived hyperpolarisation (EDH). In conclusion, sympatho-adrenal overactivation caused by high salt intake and insulin resistance evoked coronary microvessel endothelial dysfunction and diminished NO sensitivity, which were restored by MET and CAR treatment in spite of ongoing inflammation and oxidative-nitrosative stress presumably caused by uninhibited renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) overactivation.

Establishment of a novel miniature veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation model in the rat.

Recently, veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) has been commonly used in the world to support patients with severe respiratory failure. However, V-V ECMO is a new technology compared to veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and cardiopulmonary bypass, and there are few reports of basic research. Although continuing research is desired, clinical research that standardizes conditions such as patients' background characteristics is difficult. The purpose of this study was to establish a simple and stably maintainable miniature V-V ECMO model to study the mechanisms of the biological reactions in circulation during V-V ECMO. The V-V ECMO system consisted of an original miniature membrane oxygenator, polyvinyl chloride tubing line, and roller pump. The priming volume of this system was only 8 mL. Polyethylene tubing was used to cannulate the right femoral vein as the venous return cannula for the V-V ECMO system. A 16-G cannula was passed through the right internal jugular vein and advanced into the right atrium as the conduit for venous uptake. The animals were divided into 2 groups: SHAM group and V-V ECMO group. V-V ECMO was initiated and maintained at 50-60 mL/kg/min, and oxygen was added into the oxygenator during V-V ECMO at a concentration of 100% (pump flow:oxygen = 1:10). Blood pressure was measured continuously, and blood cells were measured by blood collection. During V-V ECMO, the blood pressure and hemodilution rate were maintained around 80 mm Hg and 20%, respectively. Hb was kept at >10 g/dL, and V-V ECMO could be maintained without blood transfusion. It was possible to confirm oxygenation of and carbon dioxide removal from the blood. Likewise, the pH was adequately maintained. There were no problems with this miniature V-V ECMO system, and extracorporeal circulation progressed safely. In this study, a novel miniature V-V ECMO model was established in the rat. A miniature V-V ECMO model appears to be very useful for studying the mechanisms of the biological reactions during V-V ECMO and to perform basic studies of circulation assist devices.

The apparition macrophage and Döderlein bacillus is negatively correlated in class I Papanicolaou smear: A morphological examination.

BACKGROUND: Nonspecific vaginitis, also known as Bacterial vaginosis, unlike genital candidiasis and trichomoniasis, is caused by microbiome breakdown. Döderlein's bacillus are gram-positive bacillus that form a microbiome, reproduce in the female vagina after gaining sexual maturity, secrete lactic acid, and prevent the growth of other vaginitis-causing bacteria. Clue cell are squamous epithelial cells with Gardnerella sp. attached to their cell surface. The presence of clue cell is one of the diagnostic criteria for nonspecific vaginitis. Additionally, although macrophages are reported to protect against candidal vaginitis, there are no reports of studies examining the association between macrophages and clue cell. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After re-staining 300 class I specimens by cervical cancer screening with Papanicolaou staining, the appearance of Döderlein's bacillus, macrophages, and clue cell was observed. RESULT: Age group and appearance of Döderlein's bacillus were negatively correlated. The rate of appearance of macrophages was positively correlated with the age group. In people aged 50 years or more, the appearance rate of clue cells was significantly lower in the macrophage appearance group than that in the non-appearance group. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that macrophages, and not Döderlein's bacillus, may play an important role in defense against nonspecific vaginitis.

Development of a Pulsatile Flow-Generating Circulatory Assist Device (K-Beat) For Use with Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in a Pig Model Study.

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) preserves the life of heart failure patients by providing an adequate oxygen supply and blood flow to vital organs. For patients with severe cardiogenic shock secondary to acute myocardial infarction or acute myocarditis, V-A ECMO is commonly used as the first choice among cardiac circulatory support devices. While V-A ECMO generates circulatory flow using a centrifugal pump, the provision of pulsatile flow is difficult. We previously reported our development of a new circulatory flow assist device (K-beat) for cardiac management with pulsatile flow. To obtain more efficient pulsatile assist flow (diastolic augmentation), an electrocardiogram (ECG)-analyzing device that can detect R waves and T waves increases the assist flow selectively in the diastole phase by controlling (opening and closing) the magnetic valve of the tamper. Here, we describe the first use of the K-beat on a large animal in combination with a clinical device. In addition, the diastolic augmentation effect of the K-beat as a circulatory flow assist device was examined in a pig V-A ECMO model. The K-beat was stopped every 60 minutes for a period of a few minutes, and blood pressure waveforms in the pulsatile and non-pulsatile phases were checked. This experiment showed that stable V-A ECMO could be achieved and that hemodynamics were managed in all animals. The pulsatile flow was provided in synchrony with the ECG in all cases. A diastolic augmentation waveform of femoral arterial pressure was confirmed in the pulsatile phase. K-beat could be useful in patients with severe heart failure.

Evaluation of Inflammation Caused by Cardiopulmonary Bypass in a Small Animal Model.

Extracorporeal circulation (ECC) methods are being increasingly used for mechanical support of respiratory and cardio-circulatory failure. Especially, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during cardiovascular surgery, sustenance of the patient's life by providing an appropriate blood flow and oxygen supply to principal organs. On the other hand, systemic inflammatory responses in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery supported by CPB contribute significantly to CPB-associated mortality and morbidity. Our previous research showed that CPB causes a systemic inflammatory response and organ damage in a small animal CPB model. We have been studying the effects of hyperoxia and blood plasma substitute on CPB. In this review, we present a study focusing on the systemic inflammatory response during CPB, along with our findings.