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BackgroundNon-erosive reflux disorder, which represents more than 60% of gastro-esophageal reflux disorders, lacks objective parameters for diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between non-erosive minimal lesions at the lower esophagus and gastro-esophageal reflux disorder.MethodsPatients were asked to answer a symptom questionnaire. The endoscopic findings were either graded by LA classification or recorded as non-erosive minimal lesions. Patients with minimal lesions were treated with rabeprazole or a placebo and responses were evaluated at weeks 1 and 4.ResultsIn 8 centers, 3454 patients were screened. In patients with heartburn or acid regurgitation as the most bothersome symptom, 23.7% had endoscopy negative reflux disorder, 40.1% showed minimal lesions, and 36.2% had mucosal break esophagitis. Thirty-four percent of patients with minimal lesions and 39.1% of patients with LA ‘grade A’ mild esophagitis reported typical reflux symptoms as their main symptom. In patients with minimal lesions, medication with rabeprazole reduced symptoms significantly at weeks 1 and 4, but not with the placebo.ConclusionPatients with non-erosive minimal esophageal lesions had similar reflux symptoms comparable to those with mild erosive reflux esophagitis, and reflux symptoms were improved with a short-term proton pump inhibitor. Thus, non-erosive minimal esophageal lesion constitutes a great part of gastro-esophageal reflux disorder.

The plasma membrane, which is a phosphoglyceride bilayer at the outer edge of the cell, plays diverse and important roles in biological systems. Visualization of the plasma membrane in live samples is important for various applications in biological functions. We developed an amphiphilic two-photon (TP) fluorescent probe (THQ-Mem) to selectively monitor the plasma membrane in live samples. This probe exhibited red emission (620–700 nm), large TP absorption cross sections (δmax > 790 GM), and high selectivity to the plasma membrane. In cultured cells and in vivo hepatic tissue imaging, THQ-Mem showed bright TP-excited fluorescence (TPEF) and remarkable selectivity for the plasma membrane. Furthermore, simultaneous in vivo imaging with THQ-Mem and a TP lipid droplet probe could serve as an efficient tool to monitor morphological and physiological changes in the plasma membrane and lipid droplets.

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Myocardial free wall rupture is the most serious complication of acute myocardial infarction. Although it is not uncommon, it is difficult to treat successfully. We report a case of acute inferior myocardial infarction complicated with left ventricular free wall rupture that occurred 8 hours after onset of chest pain. In this case, progression of mild pericardial effusion to cardiac tamponade was monitored by transthoracic echocardiography. Pericardiocentesis and drainage failed to treat cardiac tamponade, and surgical repair was performed successfully. The patient discharged uneventfully on 28th day and followed regularly at the outpatient department. Korean Circulation J 1999 ; 29 1 : 73-78 KEY WORDS Ventricular rupture·Acute myocardial infarction·Echocardiography·Cardiac tamponade· Pericardiocentesis. 서 론