Feasibility analysis of immediate implant placement in the maxillary molar region / 中华口腔医学杂志

Objective: To study the clinical outcomes and feasibility of immediate implantation after flap surgery and minimally invasive extraction in the maxillary molar area and to provide a reference for it. Methods: Forty-one patients (41 molars in total) with maxillary molars that could not be preserved, treated from June 2018 to June 2020 at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, were selected. There are 24 males and 17 females with the age of (49.7±1.8) years (range 18-66 years). Pre-operative cone-beam CT (CBCT) was taken for measurement and analysis. After flap surgery and minimally invasive tooth extraction, the inflammatory granulation tissues attached to the soft and hard tissues were completely scraped and clipped, followed by the preparation of the implants in the correct three-dimensional position. Torque value and implant stability quotient (ISQ) were recorded after implant placement and with non-submerged healing. CBCT examination was taken 6 months after surgery and ISQ value was checked before crown restoration. CBCT examination was also taken 1 year after the permanent restoration. The survival rate of 6 months after surgery, the success rate of 1 year after permanent restoration, and the size of jump gaps immediately after surgery, 6 months after surgery, 1 year after permanent restoration respectively, were performed. The ISQ values were compared immediately and 6 months after surgery. Results: A total of 41 implants were placed in 41 patients. Six months after surgery, the survival rate was 100% (41/41). Twelve months after permanent restoration, the success rate of the implant restoration was 100% (41/41). The torque value after implant implantation was (42.77±0.79) N·cm. The buccal and palatal jump gaps were (3.15±0.16) mm and (2.86±0.18) mm immediately after surgery, respectively. The mesial and distal jump gaps were (2.94±0.19) mm and (3.77±0.21) mm, respectively. CBCT showed that no jump gap around the implants at 6 months after surgery and 1 year after permanent restoration. The ISQ values at immediately and 6 months after surgery were (74.78±0.59) and (80.20±0.49) respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (t=-9.03, P<0.001). Conclusions: Immediate dental implantation in the correct three-dimensional position could achieve good osseointegration by means of flap surgery, minimally invasive extraction and thorough removal of inflammatory tissue on the surface of soft and hard tissues. The clinical outcomes were satisfactory.

The role of parvalbumin interneuron-mediated disinhibition in the antidepressant effects of ketamine / 医学研究生学报

ObjectiveTo observe the role of parvalbumin interneuron-mediated disinhibition in the antidepressant effects of ketamine.MethodsForty-eight adult male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the following four groups (n=12): group Saline + Saline (group SS), group LPS + Saline (group LS), group Saline + Ketamine (group SK) and group LPS + Ketamine (group LK). The depression model was established by intraperitoneal injection of LPS (1 mg/kg), and ketamine (10 mg/kg) or physiological saline (equal volume) intraperitoneally injected 20 hours later. Four hours after ketamine administration, the open field test and the forced swimming test were performed. The hippocampus was harvested after the behavioral test. PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expressions of PV and GAD67. Electrophysiology were used to detect the change of miniExcitatory post-synaptic current of pyramidal neurons in hippocampus CA1 region.ResultsCompared with the group SS, the time spent in the center zone of the arena was significantly decreased, the immobility time was significantly increased, the mRNA and protein content of PV were significantly increased, the amplitude and frequency of miniEPSC were significantly decreased in the group LS (P0.05).ConclusionKetamine can exert rapid antidepressant effects by down-regulating the expression of PV and then exerting disinhibition regulation on pyramidal neurons.

Smoking control calls counted and handled at 12345 citizens′ hotline in Shanghai / 上海预防医学

Objective To analyze the situation of smoking control calls at 12345 citizens′ hotline in Shanghai and investigate the smoking control hotspots concerned by citizens, the handling efficiency and quality of the hotline management, especially after the tobacco control ordinance was amended. Methods Statistical analysis was made on 48 945 smoking control calls, and data model established by natural language processing. Results After amendment of the tobacco control ordinance, there was a great increase in the number of smoking control calls, which reached a peak in 2017, and became 6.7 times that of 2016.Complaint report was the most important part of tobacco control calls, accounting for 76.24% of the total.Work and dining places were the main venue for complaints, while restaurants and offices were with the largest number of calls.The proportion of health departments in all responsible departments was the largest, accounting for 29.71%.Criticism and education were still the main way to deal with the problem, which was far from meeting the demands of citizens in this regard. Conclusion Publicity can mobilize the enthusiasm of the citizens to participate in tobacco control.The working efficiency and quality of responsible departments still needs to be improved.Citizen′s appeal can serve as a reference for future amendments to the law.

Smoking control calls counted and handled at 12345 citizens′ hotline in Shanghai / 上海预防医学

Objective To analyze the situation of smoking control calls at 12345 citizens′ hotline in Shanghai and investigate the smoking control hotspots concerned by citizens, the handling efficiency and quality of the hotline management, especially after the tobacco control ordinance was amended. Methods Statistical analysis was made on 48 945 smoking control calls, and data model established by natural language processing. Results After amendment of the tobacco control ordinance, there was a great increase in the number of smoking control calls, which reached a peak in 2017, and became 6.7 times that of 2016.Complaint report was the most important part of tobacco control calls, accounting for 76.24% of the total.Work and dining places were the main venue for complaints, while restaurants and offices were with the largest number of calls.The proportion of health departments in all responsible departments was the largest, accounting for 29.71%.Criticism and education were still the main way to deal with the problem, which was far from meeting the demands of citizens in this regard. Conclusion Publicity can mobilize the enthusiasm of the citizens to participate in tobacco control.The working efficiency and quality of responsible departments still needs to be improved.Citizen′s appeal can serve as a reference for future amendments to the law.

Transurethral holmium laser enucleation of the prostate combined with Jisheng Shenqi Decoction for benign prostatic hyperplasia / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To assess the clinical effects of transurethral holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) combined with Jisheng Shenqi Decoction (HoLEP + JSSD) on BPH.@*METHODS@#This study included 110 BPH patients treated in our hospital from August 2017 to April 2018, who were randomly assigned to receive HoLEP (n = 55) or HoLEP + JSSD (n = 55). We compared the pre- and post-operative IPSS, quality of life (QOL) score, prostate volume, postvoid residual urine volume (PVR), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), average urinary flow rate (Qavg) and levels of serum T, E2 and T/E2 as well as postoperative complications between the two groups of patients.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, both IPSS and QOL score were significantly lower in the HoLEP + JSSD than in the HoLEP group (P 0.05) or the total incidence rate of complications postoperatively (21.82% vs 29.09%, P > 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#HoLEP + JSSD can significantly alleviate the lower urinary tract symptoms as well as improve the QOL and bladder and urinary tract functions of BPH patients.

The importance of biological mesh repair in adolescent inguinal hernia repair / 中国实用外科杂志

Adolescent is a special group which is still at the period of growth and development. Protecting reproductive function, reducing recurrence and chronic postoperative inguinal pain are the key points of treatment of inguinal hernia in adolescents. Although there are different surgical treatments for inguinal hernia in adolescents at present, the characteristics of biological mesh which can promote tissue regeneration and remodeling make them valuable for inguinal hernia repair in adolescents. Correct selection and implementation of biological mesh inguinal hernia repair are important to ensure the effect of adolescent inguinal hernia repair.

The Efficacy and Safety of Enoxaparin: A Meta-analysis.

The efficacy and safety of enoxaparin (ENOX) in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains unaddressed. The primary endpoint evaluated was myocardial infarction (MI) or death. The secondary endpoint was defined as major bleeding complications. Studies comparing the differences in the efficacy and safety of ENOX versus unfractionated heparin (UFH) in PCI for the treatment of STEMI were evaluated. We presented the odds ratios for individual studies and performed heterogeneity, quality assessment, and publication bias analysis. This meta-analysis examined four randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and 5585 patients were included (2334 ENOX patients and 3251 UFH patients). The follow-up period of the endpoints was 30 or 90 days. Compared with UFH, ENOX significantly reduced the incidence of MI (OR, 0.74; P<0.01) and death (OR, 0.74; P<0.03), while there was no significant difference between the two treatments on major bleeding (OR,0.81; P=0.33). The findings from this meta-analysis suggested that the efficacy and safety of ENOX in the treatment of STEMI patients undergoing PCI were significantly better than patients treated with UFH. According to this meta-analysis, ENOX is the preferred anticoagulant for STEMI patients receiving PCI compared to UFH.

The Prognostic Value of Heart-Type Fatty Acid Binding Protein in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

The effect of heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) remains unclear on the quality of the prognoses of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The authors searched the EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Medline electronic databases from their respective inceptions throughout June 2017. Odds ratios were pooled from individual studies, and conducted heterogeneity analysis, quality assessment, and publication bias analysis. A total of four studies with 1,994 patients were included (554 positive patients; 1,440 negative patients). Pooled analysis of these studies showed that patients positive for H-FABP had higher incidence for mortality (OR, 6.39; p<0.01) and cardiac events (OR, 3.94; P<0.01) than negative patients, but myocardial infarction (MI) (OR, 1.43; P=0.32) showed no significant differences. ACS patients positive for H-FABP had higher rates in cardiac events and mortality. The incidence of MI showed no significant difference, possibly because this study was based on limited data from randomized studies. Additional substantial randomized controlled trials certainly needed to verify these discovery.

Status and progress of diagnosis and treatment of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy(PCV) is a common disease of the retina,the disease is more found in colored race.In China,the mainly nosogenic population is the female about 60 years old.The pathogenesis of PCV is unknown and there is no specific medicine at present.The funduscopic present is orangered lesions,bleed and exudation.Indocyanine green angiography(ICGA) could make a definite diagnosis of PCV.In recent,the main treatment of PCV includes photodynamic therapy,intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy,surgery for treatment of complications and combined therapy.We review the treatment and diagnosis of PCV,and propose the further research direction.

Early clinical efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as a bariatric surgery for obese patients: a uni-center report in China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To report the experience with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as a bariatric surgery in our center.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty obese patients were followed up for 1 year after receiving laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as a bariatric surgery in our center from January 2009 to October 2010, during which their general conditions, complications, and improvement of obesity-related diseases were assessed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 20 patients, 19 underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and 1 underwent open sleeve gastrectomy with no death occurred. The average weight loss was 36.4±10.0 kg, the average BMI decreased from 46.1±11.5 to 33.6±5.6 kg/m2, and the excess weight loss was 55.9%±14.2% one year after the operation. The majority of obesity-related diseases were improved. In one year after the operation, excellent, good, fairly good and poor scores were achieved in 2 (10.0%), 8 (40.0%), 7 (35.0%), and 3 patients (15.0%), respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as a bariatric surgery is a safe and feasible procedure for obesity with excellent short-term effects. More studies with a long-term follow-up are needed to validate its benefits.</p>

Behavioral Intervention in the Overweight and ObeseEmployee: The Challenge of Promoting Weight Lossand Physical Activity / Journal of Rural Medicine

Effects of gender and employment situation on weight loss and lifestyle modification were assessed in a 3-month intervention study done for overweight and obesity. A total of 384 individuals in Izumo City Japan, participated from 2000 to 2006. Lifestyle modifications were quantitatively evaluated by calculating calories of energy intake and expenditure. Eleven men and 15 women failed to complete the intervention; they were significantly younger in both genders, and the women had a higher rate of employment than the completing group (91 men and 267 women). Intervention induced a weight loss of 1.9 kg for men and 1.6 kg for women, with no significant differences by gender. Significant differences were found in changes in energy intake and expenditure in both genders, but these disappeared after adjusting for weight. There were significant decreases in weight (1.6 kg in unemployed, 2.5 kg in employed) in men. Increases in walking and exercise for the employed were smaller than those for the unemployed. The relationship between changes in weight and energy balance by employment status was independently significant using multiple regression analysis. Employment is associated with difficulty in losing weight due to limited exercise time in behavioral intervention.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among rural adult residents in Ningxia / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To describe the prevalence of metabolic syndrome(MS) among rural adult residents in Ningxia, under IDF2005 ATP Ⅲ 2005 AHA and CDs2004 definition. Methods Stratified cluster sampling methods was used and the participants were interviewed by trained health workers under a structured questionnaire. The number of research subjects was 1612. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), blood lipids, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) of all samples (1612 subjects) were measured, and related data was analysed by IDF2005, ATP Ⅲ 2005 AHA, as well as CDs2004 definition of MS. Results The age-standardized prevalence of MS was 15.00% by ATP Ⅲ 2005 AHA definition and 11.80%by IDF 2005 definition and 6.71% by CDs 2004 definition, respectively. Based on IDF 2005 and ATP Ⅲ 2005 AHA definition, women had higher prevalence than men (16.3% vs. 5.4%, 18.9% vs. 8.9%, P<0.01), but there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between them according to the CDs definition. MS prevalence among Hui (Muslim) ethnic group was higher than Han ethnic group(P<0.05). The prevalence of MS increased with age in all samples and the prevalence of MS started at age of 35 in Hui ethnic group, higher than in Han ethnic group. There was no significant difference in the prevalence rates of MS between male Hui ethnic group and male Han ethnic group (P>0.05). The prevalence of MS in female Hui ethnic group was higher than Han ethnic group females (P<0.05). Conclusion The prevalence of MS was high in the rural adult residents, in Ningxia. Clusters of MS components were commonly seen, and the main disorder appeared in lipid abnormalities and abnormal glucose metabolism. It is necessary to discuss that the cut off point of central obesity for the waist circumference diagnostic criteria of MS in different ethnic groups in China. Big differences on the components of MS were seen in different ethnic groups. It is important to choose suitable MS definition for prevention of MS and to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease.

Preparation and in-vitro bioactivity of a novel superantigen conjugate targeting bladder carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Superantigens have shown potent effects against bladder tumours by inducing Vbeta-specific T-lymphocyte proliferation and massive cytokine release but therapeutic benefit is compromised by cytotoxicity towards non-malignant cells and hypotoxicity to major histocompability complex (MHC) II-negative tumour cells. We are therefore interested in a conjugate preparation of a monoclonal antibody (MAb)-superantigens conjugate for which these drawbacks would be resolved. METHODS: The Fab fragment of the anti-bladder carcinoma MAb BDI-1 was conjugated to one member of the staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) superantigen using the chemical conjugating reagent, N-succinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate. RESULTS: After HPLC purification through a Superdex-200 gel column, another peak with a molecular mass of 250 KDa was observed before Fab and SEA were eluted. Indirect immunocytochemical analysis and immunofluorescence tests showed that the cell membranes of most human bladder cancer cells were positively stained only by the conjugate, confirming the ability of the conjugate to target human bladder carcinoma. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation and cytokine release were similar with the conjugate and SEA. Cytotoxicity targeting in MHC II-negative bladder cancer cell lines, evaluated by flow cytometry, showed significant differences between the conjugate and SEA, whereas there was no difference in the Lovo colon cancer cell line. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate the conjugate of SEA protein and BDI-1 Fab fragment was prepared successfully and targeted bladder carcinoma in vitro.

Study an E protein epitopes and primary identification of main yellow virus / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To analysis the E protein epitopes of dengue virus type 1-4, Japanese encephalitis virus and yellow fever virus and to distinguish the shared or specific epitopes among them. Methods Bioinformatic software DNAStar was used to analyze the hydrophilicity, flexibility, surface probability and antigenicity of dengue virus type 1-4, Japanese encephalitis virus and yellow fever virus E prtein amino acid sequences. The influence of secondary structure was also considered. Based on the bio-informatic analysis of E protein epitopes, 6 specific epitopes were amplified and inserted into prokaryotic expression vector pMAL-c2x. The vectors was then transferred into E.coli BL21 (DE3) and Rosetta (DE3). Isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG) was used to induce the expression of gene segments and SDS-PAGE were used identify the expression proteins. The antigenieity was tested, using Western blot. Results 15 shared epitopes and 47 specific epitopes were forecasted by bioinformatic analysis, and 6 specific epitopes from dengue virus type 1-4, Japanese encephalitis virus and yellow fever virus E protein were expressed in E.coli successfully. Two specific antigenic determinant from dengue virus type 1 and dengue virus type 2 were confirmed using Western blot, while the others epitopes shown no antigenic reaction property. Conclusion Two specific antigenic determinant were confirmed, under Western blot.

Influence of different types of prostatectomy on male sexual function / 中华男科学杂志

With the approaching of the aged society, the number of patients with BPH and those with prostate cancer is increasing, particularly the latter. As the gold standard for the treatment of the two diseases, prostate surgery falls into various types, each with its own characteristics in postoperative recovery of sexual function. In the past few years, the traditional laparotomy procedure has been gradually replaced by the laparoscopic technique. Doctors and patients are not merely satisfied with the improvement of micturition function any longer; they are beginning to pay more attention to the pre- and post-operative sexual function. This paper gives an overview of the influence of various types of prostatectomy on male sexual function.

Relatively light general anesthesia is more effective than fluid expansion in reducing the severity of epinephrine-induced hypotension during functional endoscopic sinus surgery / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Epinephrine infiltration of the nasal mucosa causes hypotension during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) under general anesthesia. A prospective randomized-controlled study was designed to determine whether relatively light general anesthesia is superior to fluid expansion in reducing epinephrine-induced hypotension during FESS.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety patients undergoing elective FESS under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to three groups with 30 patients in each. Each patient received local infiltration with adrenaline-containing (5 microg/ml) lidocaine (1%, 4 ml) under different conditions. For Group I, anesthesia was maintained with propofol 2 microg/ml and rimifentanil 2 ng/ml by TCI. Group II (control group) and Group III received propofol 4 microg/ml and rimifentanil 4 ng/ml, respectively. In Groups I and II, fluid expansion was performed with hetastarch 5 ml/kg within 20 minutes; hetastarch 10 ml/kg was used in Group III. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded at 30-second-intervals for 5 minutes after the beginning of local infiltration. Simultaneously, the lowest and the highest MAP were recorded to calculate the mean maximum increase or decrease percent in MAP for all patients in each group. Data analysis was performed by chi(2) test, one-way analysis of variance, or one-way analysis of covariance.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Hemodynamic changes, particularly a decrease in MAP accompanied by an increase in HR at 1.5 minutes (P < 0.05), were observed in all groups. The mean maximum decrease in MAP below baseline was 14% in Group I, 24% in Group III and 26% in Group II. There were statistically significant differences between Group I and Groups II and III (P < 0.05). The mean maximum increase in MAP above baseline was 9% in Group I, 6% in Group III and 2% in Group II.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Relatively light general anesthesia can reduce the severity of epinephrine-induced hypotension more effectively than fluid expansion during FESS under general anesthesia.</p>

Assessment of a Bathing Beach Environment and Human Health Effect / 环境与健康杂志

Objective To investigate the environmental quality and water quality of bathing beach in Haikou,Hainan province and the effects on human health.Methods The investigation of the bathing beach environment and the water quality were conducted according to Bathing Beach Monitoring Regulations(2002).The water samples were collected at PM 3:00-5.00 on May 28th to June 3th in 2007 from three sampling sites,No.1(easily be polluted),No.2(crowded),No.3(less pollution).The questionnaire survey was conducted on the present day and 7 days later,the items included the respiratory,digestive systems infection and eye,ear,nose and skin inflammation,the survey was completed in two days.Results The environment survey of bathing beach suggested that non-point source pollution caused by domestic wastewater emerged on raining days,the salinity was 31‰-33‰,clarity exceeded 30 centimeter and no heat pollution was found.The pH value,chroma,dissolved oxygen,nitrate nitrogen,chemical oxygen demand,inorganic nitrogen,fecal coli group was 8.01-8.10,11.42-15.00 NTU,5.60-6.71 mg/L,0.16- 0.17mg/L,2.70-3.40mg/L,0.19-0.21 mg/L and 35.0-36.0/L respectively.Four hundred and eight questionnaires were eligible, the response rate was over 90%.The results demonstrated that the swimmers were facing to the increased illness risk from the water quality,such as skin pruritus,gastrointestinal allergies,throat sore,eye and ear and nose infections.There was distinct higher proportion in the participants with water contact and complained one or more symptoms than those without water contact(P

Observation and preventative strategies of complications in transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate: report of 920 cases / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the post-operative complications and preventative strategies of them in transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate(TVP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Nine hundred and twenty patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were treated by TVP.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Post-operative complications included severe Hemorrhage in 30 cases (3.3%), transurethral resection syndrome (TURS) in 6 cases (0.7%), acute lower urinary tract infection in 16 cases (1.7), acute epididymitis in 11 cases (1.2%), acute urinary retention in 34 cases (3.7%), incontinence in 35 cases (3.8%), urethral stricture in 26 cases (2.8%), recurrence in 22 cases (2.4%). There were retrograde ejaculation in 54.5% (24/44) and impotence in 9.1% (4/44).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Although TVP is more effective than standard TURP in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms caused by BPH, complications during TVP procedures require special consideration.</p>

Combined use of TUVP and TURP for prostate cancer with bladder outlet obstruction / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate a new surgical method for the treatment of prostate cancer with bladder outlet obstruction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-seven patients with prostate cancer complicated with bladder outlet obstruction were treated by combined use of transurethral electrovaporization ablation of the prostate (TUVP) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The operations were successful, with satisfactory results and no serious complication. IPSS decreased from (26.5 +/- 4.8) pre-operatively to (8.5 +/- 2.2) post-operatively (P < 0.05); Qmax increased from (4.6 +/- 1.5) ml/s to (14.5 +/- 3.6) ml/s (P < 0.05); and PSA decreased from (58.1 +/- 7.2) microg/L to (3.6 +/- 1.8) microg/L (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The combined use of TUVP and TURP is a safe and ideal method for the treatment of prostate cancer with bladder outlet obstruction.</p>

Predictive performance of 'Diprifusor' TCI system in patients during upper abdominal surgery under propofol/fentanyl anesthesia / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the predictive performance of 'Diprifusor' TCI (target-controlled infusion) system for its better application in clinical anesthesia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The predictive performance of a 'Diprifusor' TCI system was investigated in 27 Chinese patients (16 males and 11 females) during upper abdominal surgery under total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol/fentanyl. Measured arterial propofol concentrations were compared with the values predicted by the TCI infusion system. Performance was determined by the median performance error (MDPE), the median absolute performance error (MDAPE), the divergence (the percentage change of the absolute PE with time), and the wobble (the median absolute deviation of each PE from the MDPE).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The median (range) values of 14.9% (-21.6%-42.9%) for MDPE, 23.3% (6.9%-62.5%) for MDAPE, -1.9% h(-1) (-32.7%-23.0% h(-1)) for divergence, and 18.9% (4.2%-59.6%) for wobble were obtained from 227 samples from all patients. For the studied population, the PE did not increase with time but with increasing target propofol concentration, particularly following induction. conclusions: The control of depth of anaesthesia was good in all patients undergoing upper abdominal surgical operation and the predictive performance of the 'Diprifusor' target controlled infusion system was considered acceptable for clinical purposes. But the relatively bigger wobble showed that the pharmacokinetic model is not so suitable and requires improvement.</p>