An in vitro evaluation of a new cannula tip design compared with two clinically established cannula-tip designs regarding aortic arch vessel perfusion characteristics

We investigated in vitro aortic arch vessel perfusion characteristics of single and multiple jet-stream cannulae and a new dispersion stream tip aortic cannula. Pressures and flows of all arch vessels were measured while directing cannulae jets at the different arch vessels using 6 l/min pump flow. The highest increase in pressure above the set systemic level of 80 mmHg and increase in flow above the set normal flow distribution in the arch vessels occurred in the jet-streamed arch vessels with the single stream cannula. The values were as follows: 29 mmHg and 118 ml/min for the innominate artery, 28 mmHg and 42 ml/min for the left common carotid artery, and 25 mmHg and 54 ml/min for the left subclavian artery. The dispersion stream cannula showed increases in pressure and flow, followed by the multiple stream cannula. Aortic cannula tips and the orientation of jets are potential sources of imbalances of arch vessel perfusion with possible clinical implications regarding perfusion of arch vessels during extracorporeal circulation.     

Longitudinal zinc balances in breast-fed and formula-fed infants

Longitudinal zinc (Zn) balance studies were performed under domestic conditions in term breast-fed (n = 10), term formula-fed (n = 5; Zn concentration in the formula: 4 mg/l) and preterm formula-fed (n = 3) infants during the first 17 weeks of life. Samples of milk, urine and feces were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. The median daily Zn intake in breast-fed infants decreased from 0.592 (0.457-0.829) mg Zn/kg body weight to 0.151 (0.095-0.304) mg Zn/kg body weight in the first 17 weeks of life; comparable values for bottle-fed term infants were 0.58 (0.511-0.701) and 0.674 (0.529-0.731) mg Zn/kg body weight. The median percent retention of Zn intake was 27 (-60 to 81.4)% in breast-fed infants and 21.5 (-42 to 64)% in formula-fed infants. In view of the urinary and fecal Zn losses measured, a daily intake of 0.3-0.5 mg Zn/kg body weight is considered to be sufficient to ensure a Zn retention equivalent to breast-fed infants. This requires a Zn concentration of 2-3 mg/l of Zn depending on milk volume intake.     

Biological mechanisms influencing the function of the aortic root

Optimal function of the aortic root relies upon the ability of its component structures to move in a coordinated fashion. Some of the cells that make up the structures of the aortic root have been shown to contain nerves, receptors, and contractile elements. The ability to contract or relax may contribute to the successful function of the valve by allowing it to move in a coordinated manner in response to biological stimuli. It is known that cusp tissue receives primary, sensory, and autonomic nerves, suggesting a role for neuronal regulation of cusp function. In addition, cusp tissue has been shown to express a wide variety of receptors and to contract to a range of common vasoactive agents. The cells that constitute the valve have also shown secretory and proliferative responses. The biological signals that mediate the cross-talk between the different parts of the root have not been established. This review will examine the mechanisms that have been documented to be present and to assess their potential contribution in affecting aortic valve function.     

Arylomycins A and B,new biaryl-bridged lipopeptide antibiotics produced by Streptomyces sp. Tü 6075. I. Taxonomy,fermentation, isolation and biological activities

New lipopeptide antibiotics, colourless arylomycins A series and yellow arylomycins B series were detected in the culture filtrate and mycelium extracts of Streptomyces sp. Tü 6075 by HPLC-diode-array and HPLC-electrospray-mass-spectrometry screening. Arylomycins are a family of lipohexapeptide antibiotics, which represent the first examples of biaryl-bridged lipopeptides. They show antibiotic activities against Gram-positive bacteria.     

Bronchial stenting and high-frequency percussive ventilation treatment of descending aortic aneurysm-induced atelectasis of the left lung

IMPLICATIONS: This case report shows that atelectasis of the left lung-induced by extrinsic compression of the left main bronchus by an aortic aneurysm and persisting despite aggressive conservative treatment-may be effectively treated by bronchial stenting and high-frequency percussive ventilation.