We reported a rare case of aorto-left ventricular fistula with the unruptured aneurysm of the Valsalva sinus due to the infective endocarditis. Preoperatively trans-echocardiographic examination revealed the ruptured left sinus of Valsalva aneurysm protruded toward the left ventricule. Aorto-left ventricular fistula contiguous to the unruptured aneurysm of the right valsalva sinus, however, was detected at operation. Granulation tissue resembling healed infective vegetation was detected in the margin among the orifices of this fistula and Valsalva aneurysm. Pathological examination showed excessive accumulation of white blood cells, which suggested infective endocarditis.

The objective of this study was to develop a scale that measures job satisfaction in public health nurses (PHNs) employed in the public sector and to test its reliability and validity. Results of semi-structured interviews with PHNs employed in the public sector and findings in literature review were assessed for content validity. A preliminary scale consisting of 74 items was thus developed, and its reliability and validity were tested in 1,030 PHNs employed in the public sector. Valid responses obtained from 422 PHNs (valid response rate, 41.0%) were subjected to item analysis followed by exploratory factor analysis using the principal factor method with promax rotation. Accordingly, 3 factors and 18 items were extracted, and the hypostatic factors were named “duties and responsibilities of PHNs”, “senior staff's understanding and environment facilitating personal development”, and “thoughts and trust in residents”. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the goodness of fit of the hypothetical model. Cronbach’s t was 0.907 (0.847-0.900 for subscales), confirming the reliability of the scale. The intraclass correlation coefficient (r) by the test-retest reliability method was .847 (.727-.830 for subscales), confirming stability. The criterion-related validity was confirmed by positive correlations of the draft scale with a general job satisfaction scale (r = .642, p.001), a self-esteem scale (r = .452, p.001), a self-efficacy scale (r =.411, p.001), an interpersonal support ability scale (r = .452, p.001), and a scale for ability to support and manage the community (r =.532, p.001). In sum, we developed a scale consisting of 3 factors and 18 items that measures job satisfaction in PHNs employed in the public sector. The contents of this scale will contribute to aspects of job satisfaction in diverse human resource development of the future. Thus, this scale is expected to be useful as a human resource development tool for PHNs employed in the public sector.

Background and Aims: The gastrointestinal motility effects by carbonated water have not yet been sufficiently investigated. The aim of this study was to determine whether single pre-prandial carbonated water administration might have an effect on the rate of liquid gastric emptying using the 13C-acetic acid breath test. Methods: Eight healthy volunteers (F/M; 3/5) participated in this randomized, 3-way crossover study. The subjects fasted overnight and were randomly assigned to receive 200mL of carbonated water before ingestion of the liquid test meal (200 kcal per 200 mL, containing 100 mg 13C acetate) or 200mL of carbonated water before the test meal or the test meal alone. Under all conditions, breath samples were collected for 150 min following the meal. Liquid gastric emptying was estimated by the values of the following parameters: T1/2, Tlag, the gastric emptying coefficient (GEC) and the regression-estimated constants (β and κ), calculated using the 13CO2 breath excretion curve using the conventional formulae. The parameters between the 3 test conditions were compared statistically. Results: Carbonated water significantly decreased k and beta, but T1/2, Tlag and GEC remained unchanged. Conclusions: The present study revealed that carbonated water has dual effects on liquid emptying: an initial acceleration with a subsequent deceleration in asymptomatic volunteers.