[Situations and cognitive appraisals in 'agari' experiences: feature analyses of 'agari' experiences].

The purpose of this study was to examine the 'agari' experiences in everyday life. 'Agari' is a Japanese noun (the verb form is 'agaru'), referring to broad experiences including stage-fright, choking under pressure, social anxiety, and so on. Based upon the self-reports of 452 subjects, we constructed, in Study 1, a 52-items Features of 'Agari' Experience Questionnaire (FAEQ). In Study 2, another sample of 364 completed the FAEQ, and factor analysis was performed. The analysis found six primary factors: Self insufficiency, physical insufficiency, trembling, pressure, physiological response, and awareness of others. A second-order factor analysis was performed on them, and two factors emerged: Self-reflection and awareness of self-importance. It may be therefore concluded that looking at the self leads to an 'agari' experience. In addition, hierarchical cluster analysis divided twelve 'agari' situations into four clusters. The clusters were differentiated by two factors of FAEQ. It is suggested that eliciting situations and associated cognitive appraisals differentiated 'agari' experiences.

[Reoperation for late pseudoaneurysm in the ascending aorta following the modified Bentall procedure--a case report].

We performed reoperation for annuloaortic ectasia (AAE) in a patient with Marfan's syndrome. The initial operation was the modified Bentall procedure, in which the root of the ascending aorta and the aortic valve were replaced with a composite graft with a prosthetic mechanical valve, and the coronary arteries were reconstructed by direct anastomosis to the right coronary ostium or with an interposing graft to the left coronary ostium. At 1 year and 6 months after the initial operation, a pseudoaneurysm developed in the ascending aorta following the reconstructed coronary ostium on the right side was detached. At reoperation, the hole in the composite graft was closed, but the right coronary artery could not be reconstructed. Her postoperative course was uneventful. In addition, Piehler's method is effective for reconstruction of the coronary arteries, especially for patients with AAE in the Marfan's syndrome.

Two cases of scimitar variant.

The scimitar sign is characteristic of partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage into the inferior vena cava (IVC). We encountered two variant cases of scimitar sign. In one case, the scimitar vein entered both the IVC and the left atrium (LA) without any intracardiac shunts. Surgical repair was made by simple ligation of the scimitar vein to correct the left to right shunt. Retrograde balloon occlusion angiography of the scimitar vein was diagnostic. In the other case, the scimitar vein showed a meandering course, and then drained into the LA without any connection with the IVC, and surgical intervention was not required.

[A case of isolated congenital left ventricular diverticulum].

Isolated congenital diverticulum of the left ventricle is a rare malformation. A 2-year-old boy was admitted to our hospital for evaluation of heart murmur. The echocardiogram and MRI showed an extra cavity communicating with the left ventricle. The diagnosis was made by LV angiography. He was diagnosed as having congenital isolated diverticulum of the left ventricle without other cardiac anomalies. He received resection of the diverticulum under cardiopulmonary bypass. Histological examination showed a fibrous diverticulum. Postoperative clinical course was uneventful. We can expect good prognosis after resection of the congenital diverticulum of the left ventricle, if necessary under cardiopulmonary bypass.

[A case report of coronary sinus atrial septal defect].

We experienced an uncommon case of coronary sinus atrial septal defect, which was not associated with a left superior vena cava (LSVC). A 29-year-old woman, who experienced fatigue during moderate exercises, was found to have the atrial septal defect located in the lower part of the septum by echocardiography preoperatively. On operation, the coronary sinus ASD was diagnosed. The ostium of coronary sinus was located in the left atrium. This type is classified as partially unroofed coronary sinus without LSVC. Our case, in the absence of the LSVC, was repaired by simple closure of the coronary sinus ASD, so the coronary veins drained into the left atrium. Postoperative course was uneventful.

[An elder case of common atrium: surgical repair at a 56-year-old man].

A 56-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with dyspnea. The ultrasonographic and hemodynamic features proved complete absence of atrial septum. The data of catheterization showed right to left shunt (59%) and QP/QS value of 1.7 and also, oxygen saturation of pulmonary arterial blood (87%) was almost as same as that of systemic arterial blood (90%). The radical operation was performed of making a new atrial septum with artificial patch. He did not have the cleft of atrioventricular valves and anomalies of systemic venous drainages. We reported a case of common atrium, which was diagnosed for the first time at the age of 56.

[A case of an operation for lung cancer after PTCA].

A 64-year-old lung cancer patient combined with angina pectoris was admitted to our hospital. Chest roentgenogram showed a coin lesion in the left upper lobe. Broncho-fiberscopic examination proved adenocarcinoma. Coronary angiography revealed 90% stenosis of the left circumflex artery. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was done and resulted in success. Eight days after PTCA, left upper lobectomy for lung cancer was undergone. Postoperative course was uneventful. Compared with coronary artery bypass grafting, PTCA was very useful for the patient having malignant disease combined with angina pectoris because of little surgical stress and no delay of operation.

Cor triatriatum dexter with anomalous pulmonary venous drainage and sinus venosus atrial septal defect.

The atypical location of a membrane in a case of cor triatriatum dexter prompted successful repair of accompanying anomalies, with in situ use of the membrane. The anatomy is described with a review of the literature.

Temporary above-knee prostheses and training programme during chemotherapy.

A temporary prosthesis has been developed for above-knee amputees who receive long-term post-amputation chemotherapy. The temporary prosthesis has an adjustable laminated quadrilateral socket, the size of which is adjusted by metal screws. Fifteen patients were fitted with the temporary prosthesis. Initial fittings were carried out after a period averaging 46 days from amputation. All of the patients were able to walk with one crutch after about one month from initial fitting. Although patients often had to discontinue their prosthetic training owing to chemotherapy, they could resume wearing their prostheses simply by adjusting the socket. One patient, who was fitted with a cosmetic ultra-light prosthesis initially due to her poor general condition, was later fitted with the temporary prosthesis. She regained the ability to walk 60 days later and still wears it. Early fitting of temporary prostheses for these patients is not only of practical convenience but also improves their mental state.