Antiarrhythmic effects of an aconitine-like compound, TJN-505, on canine arrhythmia models.

We examined the effects of an aconitine-like compound, TJN-505 (1alpha-16beta-dimethoxy-20-ethyl-14alpha-(4-methox ybenzoyloxy)-aconitan-8,13-diol hydrochloride), on canine arrhythmias provoked by digitalis, two-stage coronary ligation, adrenaline, programmed electrical stimulation, or aconitine. TJN-505 (2-2.5 mg/kg i.v.) suppressed digitalis-, two-stage coronary ligation- and adrenaline-induced ventricular arrhythmias. The antiarrhythmic plasma concentrations (IC50) of TJN-505 for these arrhythmia models were 1.26, 0.94 and 1.31 microg/ml, respectively. TJN-505 (2 mg/kg i.v. followed by the infusion of 0.1 mg/kg per min) prolonged PR, QRS, QTc and JTc intervals and the ventricular effective refractory period and reduced the incidence of programmed electrical stimulation-induced arrhythmias in dogs with 7-day-old myocardial infarction (P < 0.05). TJN-505 (2 mg/kg i.v.) also suppressed the aconitine-induced atrial arrhythmias. In conclusion, TJN-505 suppressed various canine ventricular and atrial arrhythmias and seems to act as a blocker of multiple channels.

[A case of pulmonary infiltrates associated with a neutrophil-specific antibody transfusion reactions].

A normovolemic pulmonary edema associated with blood transfusion developed in a 38-year-old woman during gynecological operation. Bilateral pulmonary infiltrates and profound leucopenia (700.microliters-1) were observed. An antibody reactive with the recipient's neutrophils was found in a donor and an antibody reacting with the lymphocytes of the recipient was identified in another donor. Both donors were multiparous women. Respiratory failure was improved with mechanical ventilation but chest X-ray showed pulmonary infiltrates for the next 3 days. The white blood cell count rose to 2900.microliters-1 in the next day, and it took 2 weeks to be normalized. Transient pulmonary infiltrates can be caused by antileukocyte antibodies passively transfused by multiparous donors.

[Aortocaval fistula secondary to rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm; report of two cases].

Two cases of aortocaval fistula secondary to rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm were presented. First case was 70 year old man who was admitted with pulsating abdominal mass. Prior to admission, he had been suffering from congestive heart failure. On physical examination, a pulsating mass, remarkable thrill and continuous bruit were recognized on his abdomen. Aortography showed abdominal aortic aneurysm and aortocaval fistula. The fistula (5mm X 3mm) was repaired within the aneurysm controlling the bleeding from the fistula by the direct digital compression. Aortic reconstruction was done with woven dacron bifurcation graft. Postoperative course was uneventful. Second case was 68 year old man who was admitted with the sudden onset of severe back pain. On admission, his physical status was already deteriorated. Diagnosis was made easily by the physical examination. Immediately after aortography, cardiac arrest occurred suddenly. After resuscitation, he was operated in the same manner of the first case. Large fistula (2 cm X 1cm) was noted. This patient died of renal failure and cerebral damage on 30th post operative day. Problems of pre- and post-operative patient management and surgical therapy for aortocaval fistula secondary to rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm were discussed.

Magnetization amplified by structural disorder within nanometre-scale interface region.

Direct magnetization measurements from narrow, complex-shaped antiphase boundaries (APBs; that is, planar defect produced in any ordered crystals) are vitally important for advances in materials science and engineering. However, in-depth examination of APBs has been hampered by the lack of experimental tools. Here, based on electron microscopy observations, we report the unusual relationship between APBs and ferromagnetic spin order in Fe70Al30. Thermally induced APBs show a finite width (2-3 nm), within which significant atomic disordering occurs. Electron holography studies revealed an unexpectedly large magnetic flux density at the APBs, amplified by approximately 60% (at 293 K) compared with the matrix value. At elevated temperatures, the specimens showed a peculiar spin texture wherein the ferromagnetic phase was confined within the APB region. These observations demonstrate ferromagnetism stabilized by structural disorder within APBs, which is in direct contrast to the traditional understanding. The results accordingly provide rich conceptual insights for engineering APB-induced phenomena.

Vestibuloplasty after secondary alveolar bone grafting.

OBJECTIVE: This paper introduces a surgical technique for vestibuloplasty after secondary alveolar bone grafting of patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP). This paper also reports on the patients who underwent this modified vestibuloplasty. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: The vestibuloplasty technique described in this paper consists of: (1) reduction of submucosal scar tissue of the upper lip, (2) V-Y plasty of the superficial mucosa, (3) placement of horizontal mattress sutures between nostril floor skin and freed marginal mucosa, (4) application of artificial skin to cover the exposed periosteal surface, and (5) use of a removable retention splint. CONCLUSION: This surgical procedure appears to be very useful for patients with CLP. The technique enables the surgeon to obtain an adequate sulcus depth around the graft area. In addition, this technique releases the mucosal scar contraction and improves the shape and mobility of the upper lip.

[A case of invasive thymoma in the left hilus of the lung].

Reported is the case of a 62-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital because of the presence of a left hilar mass found during a routine chest X-ray examination. Shortly thereafter, a left thoracotomy was performed. The tumor was located under the aortic arch in the left hilus of the lung and had invaded the pericardium and pulmonary trunk. There was no connection, however, to the anterior mediastinum. A histological examination revealed an invasive thymoma of epithelial cell of the predominant type. Seen scattered abroad were thymic tissue in the adipose tissue around the tumor of the left hilus. Postoperatively, a distant metastasis of the right lung was observed and the patient died due to respiratory failure.