The effects of cardiac cooling under surface-induced hypothermia on the cardiac function in the in situ heart.

It has been reported that in the excised cross-circulated dog heart model, cardiac cooling increases Emax (contractility index) and the external work (EW) of the left ventricle without affecting the systolic pressure volume area (PVA)-independent myocardial oxygen consumption (VO2). However, it remains unclear whether this cooling inotropism and oxygen-saving effect can also be demonstrated in an in situ heart. In the present study, we investigated the effect of cardiac cooling under surface-induced hypothermia in the in situ heart to assess the practical application of this method.

Dextran sulfate as a leukocyte-endothelium adhesion molecule inhibitor of lung injury in pediatric open-heart surgery.

Background: In spite of the progress in operative techniques and pre- and postoperative management for congenital heart disease, lung injury induced by the extracorporeal circulation is still a serious insult in pediatric open-heart operations. To prevent this injury, we used a leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion molecule blocking agent, dextran sulfate, in a clinical setting.

Methods: Sixty mg/kg of dextran sulfate (DS) was intravenously infused to the patients just before cardiopulmonary bypass was started and 600 mg was added to the bypass circuit prime.

Increased expression of integrin alpha3beta1 in highly brain metastatic subclone of a human non-small cell lung cancer cell line.

To clarify the roles of integrin and extracellular matrix (ECM) in the process of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) brain metastasis, we established an in vivo model of brain metastasis of human NSCLC cell line EBC-1/original in athymic mice, and established highly brain metastatic subclone EBC-1/brain and highly bone metastatic subclone EBC-1/bone. Integrin expression of these subclones was evaluated by flow cytometry. In vitro cell attachment, migration and proliferation assays with ECMs were performed using these subclones.

MR-axillography oriented surgical sampling for assessment of nodal status in the selection of patients with breast cancer for axillary lymph nodes dissection.

Background: We have reported that magnetic resonance axillography (MR-axillography) is the best method for assessing lymph node size and representing the relation of the lymph node to normal anatomy.

Methods: The four largest nodes on MR-axillography were sampled in 62 consecutive patients with breast cancer undergoing axillary clearance. Axillary clearance yielded a mean of 17.

Cosmetic benefits of lower midline skin incision for pediatric open heart operation. A review of 100 cases.

Objective: Since we developed the procedure in 1996, we have now performed 100 pediatric open heart operations using a lower midline skin incision and a minimal sternotomy approach.

Methods And Results: To elucidate the benefits of this approach, we analyzed these 100 cases retrospectively. There was no death, and no major complication, caused by this approach, and the resulting scarring in each patient is difficult to be seen under a common undershirt.