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Objective:To explore the effect of conducting core stability training (CST) on an unstable supporting surface using thoracolumbar fracture patients with an incomplete spinal cord injury.Methods:Forty thoracolumbar fracture patients with incomplete spinal cord injury were randomly divided into an experiment group and a control group, each of twenty. Both groups received 30 minutes of CST five times per week for 8 weeks. The patients in the control group were trained on a stable supporting surface while those in the experiment group used an unstable surface. Evaluations were conducted before and after the 8-week intervention. Gait and static balance data were collected and analyzed using 3D motion analysis software and an EAB-100 active balancer.Results:After the intervention, the average stride length and comfortable walking speed of the experimental group were both significantly better than the control group′s averages. Moreover, the path length, circumferential area, rectangular area and effective value area of the Romberg rate were all significantly better, on average, in the experiment group, as was the average displacement of the deflection center with the eyes closed in static balance.Conclusions:An unstable supporting surface is superior to a stable one for conducting CST after thoracolumbar fracture with incomplete spinal cord injury. The effect may be due to improved nonvisual postural control.
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Objective To investigate the duration of indwelling ureteral stent after the ureteroscopic lithotripsy.Methods 300 cases of patients were retrospectively analyzed from June 2015 to June 2017,including 168 with renal calculi and 132 with non-incarcerated upper ureteral calculi.The size of stone is ＜2 cm in diameter.According to the length of time for indwelling ureteral stent,all patients were divided into two groups-150 cases in 14-day group (Group A) and 150 in the 28-day group (Group B) for comparing the complication and outcome,and then received modular flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy combined with holmium laser.Lastly,6F ureteral stent was indwelling postoperatively.Results Complications happened in both two groups after stenting.There were 140 cases (93.3％) complained of bladder irritation symptoms (LUTS) in Group A,while 107 (71.3％) in Group B;85 cases (56.7％) suffered from flank or abdominal pain in Group A and 36 (24％) in Group B;gross hematuria happened in 133 cases (88.7％) of Group A and 60 cases (40％) of Group B.As the duration of indwelling ureteral stent extended,the incidence of complications increased,significantly (P ＜ 0.05).CT scan showed there was no statistical difference in stone-free rate (diameter ＜ 3 mm) of two groups [A group:91.3 ％ (137/150) vs.B group:89.3 ％ (134/150),respectively].Conclusion With high stone-free rate and low complication incidence,2-week indwelling ureteral stent is safe for patients suffered from renal calculi or non-incarcerated upper ureteral calculi (diameter ＜ 2 cm).
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Objective To evaluate the clinical value of a new optic puncture needle designed by our department for renal calculi treatment. Methods There were 8 patients undergoing micro-PCNL with the new device from June 2016 to February 2017. Values of basic demographic data ,operation time ,pain score ,drop in hemoglobin and complications were recorded. Results The mean stone size,operation time,pain score,drop in hemoglobin,and in-hospital time was(21.9 ± 7.3)mm,(43.6 ± 13.6)min,2.8 ± 1.3,7.0 g/L[(133.2 ± 10.3 g/L vs.(123.2 ± 13.9)g/L,P>0.05]and(3.1 ± 1.0)d,respectively. No patient required blood transfusion. Stone-free rate at 1 and 3 months post-operation were 87.5%(7/8)and 100%(8/8),respectively. One suffered urinary tract infections( ClavienⅠ)and was treated with antibiotics. There were no major complications. Conclusion The new device for treatment of renal calculi is feasible and effective.
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Objective To study the non-fastidous antibiotic-resistance bacteria pollution in tap water from a neighborhood in Tianjin.Methods Tap water samples were collected and bacteria were isolated by R2A agar,and 16S rRNA gene sequence for the identification of bacteria isolates was used.Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method.Results Among the 39 non-fastidous bacteria isolates,the resistance rate of antibioticresistance bacteria was 79.49％,including Enterococcus,Staphylococcus,Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas.Some bacteria (28.21％) showed resistance against only one antibiotic.The others (51.28％) were multiple resistant bacteria.Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole resistance was most prevalent (53.85％),and sulfamethoxazole resistance was also widely distributed (28.21％).Conclusion Tap water from this neighborhood is heavily polluted by non-fastidous antibioticresistantance bacteria,which deserves more attention.
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Objective To evaluate the clinical value of a new optic puncture needle designed by our department for renal calculi treatment. Methods There were 8 patients undergoing micro-PCNL with the new device from June 2016 to February 2017. Values of basic demographic data ,operation time ,pain score ,drop in hemoglobin and complications were recorded. Results The mean stone size,operation time,pain score,drop in hemoglobin,and in-hospital time was(21.9 ± 7.3)mm,(43.6 ± 13.6)min,2.8 ± 1.3,7.0 g/L[(133.2 ± 10.3 g/L vs.(123.2 ± 13.9)g/L,P>0.05]and(3.1 ± 1.0)d,respectively. No patient required blood transfusion. Stone-free rate at 1 and 3 months post-operation were 87.5%(7/8)and 100%(8/8),respectively. One suffered urinary tract infections( ClavienⅠ)and was treated with antibiotics. There were no major complications. Conclusion The new device for treatment of renal calculi is feasible and effective.
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At present, the objective of cutting and pruning Cistanche deserticola is to harvest in successive years and enhance the harvesting yield and quality of C. deserticola in the process of the artificial cultivating C. deserticola. An experiment was conducted focusing on cutting and pruning C. deserticola in artificial forests of Haloxylon ammodendron drip-irrigated with saline water at the hinter-land of the Taklimakan desert, according to different growth stages and lengths. The results were following: (1) The effect of cutting on C. deserticola was similar to that of pruning, which resulted in three kinds of morphological types, not related to the bloom and size of C. deserticola. (2) The growth forms were diversified after pruning. Among them, there had sprouting new body, died or maintaining life with no sprouting, mildewed on its surface layer, etc. However, some of new bodies were sprouting from the lower part of the old body. The death rate of bloomed C. deserticola was higher than that of the underground, and the death rate of the 40 cm in stubble height for C. deserticola was higher than those with the stubble height of 20 cm and 5 cm. (3) Most of the diameter of living C. deserticola after pruning was increasing, but some of them changed little. (4) The mildew and rot of C. deserticola and the broken of the roots of the H. ammodendron and the fallen of the point of the inoculated when it was dug, which would cause the death of the C. deserticola. On the other, the yield-increasing effect and the economic benefit of the techniques of the pruning of Cistanche would need further research and evaluate. Therefore, the application of this technique needs to be cautious.
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Amaranthaceae , Cistanche , Forests , Fruit , Plant RootsABSTRACT
Objective To explore the effects and mechanisms of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptor 1 antagonist (SC-19220) on proliferation,prostaglandin synthase and extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) signal pathway induced by transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1) in glomerular mesangial cells.Methods Mouse glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) were divided into 5 groups:control group,TGF-β1 (10 μg/L) group,TGF-β1 (10 μg/L) plus SC-19220 group (0.1,0.5,1.0 μmol/L).The proliferation of GMCs was measured by CCK-8.The PGE2 in supernatant was measured by ELISA.The expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF),laminin (LN),cyclooxygenase 2(COX2),membrane-bound prostaglandin E2 synthase 1 (mPGES1) protein and mRNA was examined by Westem blotting and real-time quantitative PCR,ERK1/2 or phospho-ERK1/2 was measured by Western blotting as well.Results TGF-β1 induced the proliferation of GMCs and increased the secretion of PGE2.Besides,TGF-β1 significantly up-regulated the expression of CTGF,LN,COX2 and mPGES1 mRNA and protein (P ＜ 0.05),and increased the expression of phospho-ERK1/2 protein (P ＜ 0.05).However,SC-19220 significantly attenuated the changes of above-mentioned parameters and their activities (P ＜ 0.05).All the effects of SC-19220 were in dose-dependent manner.Conclusions SC19220 may reduce TGF-β1-induced cell damage by suppressing the activity of ERK1/2,and feedback inhibition of COX2,mPGES1 and PGE2,thus decreases the expression of LN and CTGF.
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<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>5α-Reductase inhibitors (5α-RI) act by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), thereby preventing DHT induced benign prostatic hyperplasia. The existing 5α-RIs can be classified into two types: competitive and noncompetitive. Currently, limited evidence is available concerning the effect differences between the two types of 5α-RI on androgens. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of competitive and noncompetitive 5α-RIs on serum and intra-prostatic androgens in beagle dogs.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty beagles with spontaneous benign prostatic hyperplasia were randomly allocated into two groups: epristeride group (n = 10) in which beagles were treated with epristeride at 1 mg/kg once a day for 3 months, and finasteride group (n = 10) in which beagles were treated with finasteride at 1 mg/kg once a day for 3 months. The levels of intra-prostatic testosterone and DHT were measured before treatment and on day one after three months medication. Serum levels of testosterone and DHT were measured at the same time points. Changes in androgen levels before and after treatment were analyzed, and comparisons were made within each treatment group and between treatment groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After 3-month treatment, serum and intra-prostatic DHT levels all decreased significantly in both the epristeride and finasteride groups. The change of DHT in serum was significantly higher in the finasteride group (-14% and -43% in epristeride and finasteride groups respectively, with P < 0.001); however there was no significant difference in the changes of intra-prostatic DHT between the two groups (-47% and -51% in epristeride and finasteride groups, respectively, P = 0.304). The decreases in DHT levels were accompanied by reciprocal increases in serum and intra-prostatic testosterone levels. Changes of testosterone were significantly higher in finasteride group both in serum (20% and 42% in epristeride and finasteride groups, respectively, P < 0.001) and in prostate tissue (18% and 29% in epristeride and finasteride groups, respectively, P = 0.004).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Two types of 5α-RI have similar effects in reducing DHT in prostate tissue in beagles. Competitive 5α-RI may reduce serum DHT to a greater scale, and significantly increase testosterone in beagle serum and prostate.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Dogs , Male , 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors , Pharmacology , Androgens , Blood , Metabolism , Androstadienes , Pharmacology , Dihydrotestosterone , Blood , Metabolism , Finasteride , Pharmacology , Prostate , MetabolismABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The 12th rib is an important anatomic marker in the process of percutaneous renal surgery; while the previous models without ribs can not provide close simulation conditions to human upper abdomen. To facilitate the learning and training of percutaneous renal access and intrarenal procedures under ultrasound and fluoroscopy guidance, we reported a biological bench model for percutaneous renal surgery.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The model was developed using an ex vivo porcine kidney with a longer than 3 cm ureter, a flap of full thickness of thoracic wall with skin, subcutaneous fascia, muscle and two ribs, as well as the standard equipment for percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The porcine kidney with a catheterized ureter was placed within the porcine flap and fixed to a wooden board with two long steel nails. Afterward, contrast medium or physiological saline (0.9% sodium chloride solution) was injected through the ureter, and the urinary system was examined with a fluoroscopy unit or an ultrasound. Artificial stone material was implanted in the renal pelvis. After practicing, the model could be dissected for kidney examination and a technical analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The advantage of this model was simple to set up and inexpensive, by using widely available material. The biological bench model can be employed for percutanous renal access, tract dilation, nephroscopy, and stone disintegration in the training and learning of clinical practice. Imaging is feasible under fluoroscopic and ultrasound guidance. The kidney models were utilized in hands on courses with over 100 people, and 90.5% attendants rated the porcine kidney model for simulation of percutaneous renal surgery as "very helpful" or "helpful".</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This biological training model simulates realistically the clinical procedure of percutaneous nephrolithotomy under fluoroscopic and ultrasound guidance.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Fluoroscopy , Kidney , Diagnostic Imaging , General Surgery , Models, Animal , Swine , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
Objective To lessen the learning curve of percutaneous renal lithotripsy(PCNL),we introduced a novel ex-vivo learning and training model for PCNL under fluoroscopy and ultrasonography-guided access. Methods The model was set up nailing an adult porcine kidney with＞3 cm ureter (freshly removed from the slaughtering factory),with a full thickness flap of the thoracic wall or abdomen wall with two ribs,to a board.The porcine kidney was placed within the flap with the catheterized ureter outside.The kidney was enclosed by the flap so as to create a roodel for percutaneous renal surgery;with the ribs overlying the upper portion of the kidney.The model was fixed to the board by two nails.Artificial stone material was implanted in the renal pelvis.Fluoroscopy guidance access:Retrograde pyelography via injection of contrast medium into the ureteral catheter images the collecting system. After the long axis of the target calyx is identified,the C-arm is rotated 30 degrees toward the surgeon,placing the C-arm axis in the same posterior plane of the kidney.The needle is advanced in the plane of the fluoroscopic beam,and the appropriate needle placement is determined by obtaining a bull's-eye sign on the fluoroscope screen. Rotating the C-arm to a vertical position monitors the depth of the needle penetration. Ultrasonography guidance access:The renal pelvis can he filled with normal saline through a catheter to simulate hydronephrosis and the target calyx is identified under ultrasonography guidance.The tract dilation and stone disintegration were followed.After training,the kidney can be opened to examine the target calyx and the complication of dilation. Results Altogether,126 urologists attended a urologic endoscopic technique training course.Of the 126 trainees,104 (82.5%) successfully performed the whole percutaneous procedure.At the end of training,114 (90.5 %) of the 126 attendees rated the porcine kidney model for simulation of percutaneous renal surgery as very helpful or helpful.Conclusions This biological training model simulates realistically the clinical procedure of PCNL with respect to trainee experience in a low stress environment that provides an opportunity for repetitive performances in order to learn basic technical skills for the clinical procedure of PCNL in the future.
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Objective To assess the symptoms of patients due to indwelling double ureteral stent and their impact on quality of life. Methods Sixty patients were assessed by the specific questionnaire. Average time of indwelling stent was 21.4 d. All patients finished the special questionnaire when the stent was removed by cystoscope, including specific urinary symptoms, IPSS (international prostate symptom score), VAS (visual analogic scale) and QOL (quality of life). To assess the pain feeling, the patients were divided into 3 groups by varied methods of anesthesia, including local anesthesia, balance anesthesia and general anesthesia. Results Insertion or removal of ureteral stents with local anesthesia provoked pain in 11 of 12 (91%) patients and 8 of 10 (80%) patients in balance anesthesia group. But 38 patients of general anesthesia group did not feel any pain when inserting stents. In 54 of 60 (90%) patients, the indwelling catheter provoked one or several urinary symptoms: nocturia (70%), frequency (65%), urgency (60%), tenesmus (58%), dysuria (52%), hematuria (35 % ) and incontinence (30 %). 75 % of the patients experienced pain, in the flank and lower abdomen. 29 (48 %) patients were found to be unsatisfied with their quality of life due to the indwelling stent. Among them, 18 (62%) patients demonstrated that the provoked overactive bladder symptoms were the main influence factor of QOL, compared with 5(17 %) patients complaining pain feeling. Conclusions Urinary symptoms and pain associated with indwelling double J ureteral stents could interfere the daily activities and 50 % of patients were found reduced quality of life. Overactive bladder symptoms were the main influence of QOL during the time of indwelling stent.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the mean age of sexual activity termination, the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED), and their related factors in the old male population in Beijing.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We included in this study 764 males aged over 60 years old received in the health examination clinic and investigated the prevalence of ED and the related factors using the sexual health assessment resource (SHARE) and IIEF-5 questionnaires.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average age of sexual activity termination (no sexual intercourse in over 2 years) was 68.4 +/- 5.2 years among the subjects. The prevalence of ED was 89.4% , of which the rates of mild, moderate and severe ED and non-sexuality were 6.7, 18.6, 28.4 and 35.7% , respectively. Those who had no sexual intercourse for over 2 years because of severe ED accounted for 26.8% among the 60-64 years old males and more than 50% in the >70 yr group. The main risk factors for ED-induced sexual activity termination included age, diabetes, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, obesity, and low urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ED is a common problem as well as the main risk factor for sexual activity termination, and age and general health status are significantly associated with the prevalence of ED among aging males.</p>
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Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Age Distribution , China , Epidemiology , Erectile Dysfunction , Epidemiology , Prevalence , Sexual Behavior , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish a computer-aided three-dimensional visualization operation simulation system based on Mimics and Unigraphics NX software to provide reliable evidence for accurate preoperative surgical planning.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The preoperative CT scans of 5 patients with intertrochanteric fractures were used for three-dimensional reconstruction of intertrochanteric fractures using Mimics software. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the surgical instruments was carried out using the modeling function of Unigraphics NX software, whose assembly function was used to visualize the simulates internal fixations of intertrochanteric fractures with dynamic hip screw (DHS) system. The operative procedures simulated by Unigraphics NX were analyzed preoperatively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The virtual surgery procedures were clearly and vividly visualized in three dimensions. The fracture reduction and surgical effects could be predicted using this system.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This system of three-dimensional visualization of virtual surgery for intertrochanteric fractures has important values in surgical planning, risk assessment and clinical training, and can help improve the reliability and outcome of orthopedic surgery.</p>
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Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Bone Screws , Computer Simulation , Hip Fractures , General Surgery , Imaging, Three-Dimensional , Software , Surgery, Computer-Assisted , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , User-Computer InterfaceABSTRACT
Nine hundred and forty nine general physicians in Beijing urban area received surgical skill assessment in 2008.The assessment results of five surgical skills (taking out stitches,changing dressings,skin suture,knot with gloves and wearing isolation gown) were analyzed with the relations of different gender,age,educational background,professional title,specialty,hospital grade,length of service and times of test taking.The average score of the total assessment was 71.The score was lower in the practitioners who were male,older than 50 years,higher educational background,lower professional tide,more than 2 times of test taking,and who were specialized in traditional Chinese medicine,ophthalmology and otorhinolaryngology and emergency medicine.Results suggest that the levels of surgical skills in general practitioners are generally low and periodical training is needed.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in cerebral ischemia and the mechanism of protective effects of U0126 (1,4-diamino-2,3-dicyano-1,4-bis[2-aminophenylthio] butadiene) on ischemic brain.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Mice underwent left middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) by introducing a suture in the lumen. U0126 was injected intravenously through the internal jugular vein. The immuno-activity of phosphorylated ERK1/2 (pERK1/2), phosphorylated mitogen activated protein kinase kinase (pMEK), and phosphorylated Elk-1 (pElk-1) was assessed by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Interleukin (IL)-1beta mRNA level was measured by ribonuclease protection assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Phosphorylated ERK1/2 in 2 hours MCAO mice was down-regulated after intravenous injection of U0126. The inhibition was dose dependent and treatment time related. pMEK and pElk-1 were also reduced in a similar fashion after U0126 treatment. IL-1beta mRNA increased after 1 and 2 hours of MCAO. After injection of U0126, it was down-regulated during 1 to 4 hours after MCAO.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Intravenous administration of the MEK inhibitor U0126 inhibits pMEK, pERK1/2, and pElk-1 up-regulation induced by cerebral ischemia. The protective effect of U0126 against ischemic injury is probably resulted from the reduction of IL-1beta mRNA via the inhibition of ERK pathway.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Mice , Butadienes , Pharmacology , DNA-Binding Proteins , Metabolism , Enzyme Inhibitors , Pharmacology , Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery , Metabolism , Interleukin-1 , Genetics , Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 , Metabolism , Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases , Metabolism , Nitriles , Pharmacology , Phosphorylation , Proto-Oncogene Proteins , Metabolism , RNA, Messenger , Genetics , Signal Transduction , Transcription Factors , Metabolism , ets-Domain Protein Elk-1ABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>In response to the inflammatory reaction, circulating leukocytes aggregate and adhere to the endothelial cells and eventually pervade into tissues, resulting in cell damage. This study was to detect the inflammatory reactions in mouse focal cerebral ischemia and their distinct characteristics in the ischemic basal ganglia and surrounding cortex.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Mice were subjected to permanent occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery (MCAO) by introducing a suture for 2 to 120 hours. The expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and Mac-1 was determined immunohistochemically. The myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity of the ischemic regions was measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Four hours after MCAO, the number of ICAM-1 positive vessels in the ischemic basal ganglia increased (9.2 +/- 2.8 per mm(2)), peaked at 48 hours (29.6 +/- 4.8 per mm(2)), and decreased after 72 hours. In the ischemic cortex, the number increased rapidly 4 hours after MCAO (19.4 +/- 6.1 per mm(2)), peaked at 48 hours (44.4 +/- 16.8 per mm(2)), and declined after 72 hours. Mac-1 positive cells were seen in the ischemic basal ganglia (3.4 +/- 1.2 per mm(2)) 12 hours after MCAO, peaked after 48 hours (20.2 +/- 6.3 per mm(2)), and decreased after 72 hours. In the ischemic cortex, however, the number increased 4 hours after MCAO (4.3 +/- 1.7 per mm(2)), peaked after 48 hours (20.9 +/- 8.4 per mm(2)), and remained high at 120 hours. The MPO activity increased in the ischemic basal ganglia 12 hours after MCAO (0.111 +/- 0.023 U/g), peaked after 24 hours (0.194 +/- 0.059 U/g), and decreased after 72 hours. In the ischemic cortex, the MPO activity increased 12 hours after MCAO (0.110 +/- 0.032 U/g), peaked after 24 hours (0.210 +/- 0.067 U/g), and remained elevated at 120 hours.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The increased expression of ICAM-1 in the ischemic brain of mouse in the early phase of MCAO followed by the over-expression of Mac-1 and the increased MPO activity suggests that focal ischemia leads to early onset of inflammation. The inflammatory response is more persistent and intensive in the ischemic cortex than in the ischemic basal ganglia.</p>