The Usefulness of Non-contact Erection Observation for Evaluation Sexual Function in Male Rat / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: Evaluation of sexual function is an important step for animal studies about sexual function. Male rats could display penile erection in the presence of an inaccessible estrous female. We examined the usefulness of observing non-contact erection (NCE) for the evaluation of sexual function in male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty five Long-Evans male rats (8 weeks old) were used in this study. Tests for NCE were conducted in a glass chamber divided in half by 2 wire-mesh screens that prevented direct contact, but the rats freely passed other forms of stimulation. If at least 1 NCE could be observed during 45 minutes, we considered this as a positive response. In case of two or three positive responses in three NCE tests, that was considered as NCE (+). After NCE, copulation observations were noted to evaluate sexual function. If at least two ejaculations could be observed during 45 minutes, we considered that a positive response. In case of two or three positive responses in three copulation observations, that was considered as normal sexual function. RESULTS: Twenty one of 45 male rats (47%) were NCE (+) and 34 of 45 male rats (76%) had normal sexual function. In 21 NCE (+) rats, 20 rats had normal sexual function: only one was impotent. The positive predictive value of the NCE observation for the evaluation of sexual function was 95%. In 11 impotent rats, 10 rats were NCE (-). The specificity of the NCE observation was 91%. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that NCE observation could be a useful method for evaluating the sexual function of male rat.

Kinematic and Kinetic Changes of the Ankle After the Correction of Spastic Equinus Deformity: Z-plastic Lengthening versus Strayer Method / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the post-operative changes and to determine the factors affecting results obtained after surgical correction of spastic equinus deformity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among cerebral palsy patients who had received Tendo Achilles Lengthening (TAL) or the Strayer procedure, eighty nine patients (114 cases: TAL, 78 cases and Strayer, 36 cases) were included in this study. We evaluated clinical assessment data, kinematic data, and kinetic data pre- and post-operatively, according to the geographic type of cerebral palsy, age at operation, and sex. RESULTS: Clinically, equinus deformities were corrected with an increased passive range of motion of the ankle in both groups. Accord-ing to the kinematic results, both groups showed a normal ankle motion pattern with an increased dynamic range of motion. Kinetic results revealed that peak plantarflexor moment and power generation (A2) increased in both groups and that this increase was statisti-cal significant in TAL group. CONCLUSION: Both the TAL and Strayer procedures corrected the spasticity and equinus deformity, and resulted in an increased dynam-ic range of motion of the ankle joint without compromising the triceps power. However, care must be taken not to decrease power gen-eration when TAL is performed in diplegic cases older than 13 years of age.