Objective To assess the anesthetic effect of different concentrations of hyperbaric ropivacaine used in lumbar anesthesia for elderly transurethral prostatic resection. Methods We randomly divided 58 elderly patients who un-derwent transurethral prostatic resection with ASA (American Surgical Association) physical status level Ⅰ-Ⅱ into 2 groups as group A and B, using numeric random table method. Each group includes 29 cases. After being punctured between L3-L4, patients were injected with 0.5%(group A) and 0.75%(group B) hyperbaric ropivacaine (diluted with 10%glucose) to the subarachnoid space in a speed of 0.1-0.3 mL/s and the overall dose was 12.5 mg in each case. Then the extents of sen-sory and motor block were compared between two groups, and their anesthesia effect and adverse reactions were also record-ed. Results Compared with group A, onset time of sensory block in group B was significantly shorter (P＜0.05), while onset time for motor block was of no significant difference;By contrast to group A, acting time of sensory block in group B pro-longed significantly (P＜0.05) while acting time of motor block was of no statistically significant difference(P>0.05);By con-trast to group A, the anesthesia effect of group B was more effective while the adverse reactions of the two groups was of no significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusion 0.75%hyperbaric ropivacaine in lumbar anesthesia for elderly patients un-dergoing transurethral prostatic resection could provide a better anesthesia and analgesia effect than 0.5%hyperbaric ropiva-caine without more significant adverse reactions.

Objective To investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine preconditioning on ischemia-reperfusion(I/R) injury to isolated rat hearts.Methods Twenty-four male Wistar rats weighing 230-260 g were anesthetized with intraperitoneal 10％ chloral hydrate 400 mg/kg and heparin 500 IU/kg.Their hearts were excised and perfnsed in a Langendorff apparatus with K-H solution saturated with 95％O2-5％CO2 at 37 ℃.Twenty-four isolated rat hearts were randomly divided into 3 groups after 10 min of equilibration(n =8 each):group I/R,dexmedetomidine 0.23,2.30 ng/ml preconditioning group (groups D I,D Ⅱ ).In group I/R,the hearts were perfused continuously for another 30 min.In groups D Ⅰ and D Ⅱ,the hearts were perfused with K-H solution containing dexmedetomidine 0.23,2.30 ng/ml for 20 min followed by 10 min washout before ischemia.All hearts were subjected to 30 min of global ischemia followed by 120 min of reperfusion with K-H solution.The activities of creatine kinase(CK) and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) in coronary effluent were measured at the end of 10 min equilibration(balance),and at 5,30,60 and 120 min of reperfusion.Myocardial tissues were obtained at the end of reperfusion for determination of the activity of SOD and the content of MDA.Results Compared with group I/R,the CK and LDH activities in coronary effluent and MDA content in myocardium were significantly decreased,the SOD activity was significantly increased in groups D I and D Ⅱ ( P ＜ 0.05).Compared with group D Ⅰ,the CK and LDH activities in coronary effluent and MDA content in myocardium were significantly decreased,the SOD activity was significantly in group DⅡ ( P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Dexmedetomidine preconditioning can attenuate myocardial I/R injury in a concentration-dependent manner in rats.

Objective To determine the median effective effect-site concentration (EC50 ) of remifentanil inhibiting responses to laryngeal mask airway insertion when combined with propofol in elderly male patients . Methods Thirty ASA physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ male patients ,aged 65>yr ,with body mass index <30 kg/m2 , scheduled for elective transurethral resection of bladder tumor or prostate under general anesthesia ,were enrolled in this study .Anesthesia was induced with target-controlled infusion of propofol with a target plasma concentration (Cp) of 3 μg/ml .When Observer′s Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (OAA/S ) score ≤1 ,remifentanil target-controlled infusion was started with the initial target Cp set at 4.0 ng/ml . The concentration of propofol was adjusted until BIS value reached 55-65 ,and then the laryngeal mask airway was inserted .Modified Dixon’s up-and-down method was used to determine the Cp of remifentanil . Each time the Cp of remifentanil increased/decreased in the next patient depending on whether or not the response to laryngeal mask airway insertion occurred . The ratio of the two successive Cps was 1.2 .The response to laryngeal mask airway insertion was defined as development of coughing ,laryngospasm and/or body movement during insertion or within 3 min after insertion .The number of patients in whom inhibition of responses to insertion was effective/ineffective was recorded .The EC50 of remifentanil required to inhibit responses to laryngeal mask airway insertion and the 95% confidence interval when combined with propofol were calculated .Results The EC50 (95% confidence interval ) of remifentanil required to inhibit responses to laryngeal mask airway insertion was 1.86 (1.64-2.12) ng/ml when combined with propofol in elderly male patients .Conclusion The EC50 of remifentanil required to inhibit responses to laryngeal mask airway insertion is 1.86 ng/ml when combined with propofol in elderly male patients .

Objective To determine the effective volume of 1.5％ lidocaine for obturator nerve block (ONB) in 50％ of patients (EV50) undergoing transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT).Methods Thirty-six ASA physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients with bladder tumor,aged 18-64 yr,with body mass index of 19-30 kg/m2,scheduled for elective TURBT and required ONB before TURBT,were enrolled in the study.ONB was performed with 1.5 ％ lidocaine using the pubic approach under the guidance of a nerve stimulator.The volume of 1.5％ lidocaine was determined by up-and-down sequential trial.The initial volume of hdocaine was 10 ml and the ratio between the two successive volumes was 1.1.Successful ONB was considered to be positive response.The EV50 and 95 ％ confidence interval (CI) of 1.5 ％ lidocaine for ONB were calculated.Results The EV50 of 1.5 ％ lidocaine for ONB was 5.53 rnl and the 95 ％ CI was 5.10-6.00 ml.Conclusion The EV50 of 1.5 ％ lidocaine is 5.53 ml when used for ONB in patients undergoing TURBT.

Objective To compare the efficacy of suprainguinal approach and pubic tubercle approach to obturator nerve block (ONB) in patients undergoing transurethral resection of bladder tumor.Methods Sixty ASA physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients of both sexes,aged 41-80 yr,with body mass index of 17.5-31.0 kg/m2,scheduled for elective transurethral resection of bladder tumor,were randomly divided into 2 groups (n =30 each) using a random number table:pubic tubercle approach group (group P) and suprainguinal approach group (group S).Nerve blocks were performed using a 100-mm insulated needle for ONB (21-gauge) under the guidance of a nerve stimulator.In group P,the insertion point of the needle was 1.5 cm lateral and 1.5 cm inferior to the pubic tubercle.In S group,the insertion point of the needle was at the midpoint of the line drawn in the inguinal crease between the femoral artery and the inner border of the adductor longus tendon and the needle was advanced 3 cm cephalad in the major axis of thigh.The number of puncture eliciting contraction of adductor muscle,time taken to elicit contraction of adductor muscle starting from onset of puncture,depth of puncture,and highest visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores during application of the block were recorded.The myodynamia of adductor muscle was evaluated.The development of complications was also recorded.Results Compared with group P,the number of puncture,highest VAS scores,and myodynamia of adductor muscle at 4 and 6 min of blockade were significantly decreased,the time taken to elicit contraction of adductor muscle was shortened,and the success rate of puncture at first attempt was increased in group S (P ＜ 0.05 or 0.01).There was no significant difference in the incidence of puncture point bleedings between the two groups (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion The suprainguinal approach for ONB offers more accurate location,faster onset,lighter degree of noxious stimulation and better safety than the pubic tubercle approach in patients undergoing transurethral resection of bladder tumor.

Objective Comparing the effects of ultrasound with nerve stimulation guided obtu-rator nerve block(ONB)with simple nerve stimulation guided ONB for transurethral resection of blad-der tumor(TURBT),so as to realize the validity and advantages of ultrasound with nerve stimulation guided ONB.Methods Sixty ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ,male or female,age 39-77 years old,BMI 1 9-30 kg/m2 patients undergoing elective TURBT were randomly divided into two groups,nerve stimulation group (group S)and ultrasound and nerve stimulation group (group US).Success rate of the first puncture, visual analog scale (VAS)pain score,insertion-adductor contraction interval (ICI),puncture times corresponding to ICI,adductor strength,incidence of complications and validity were observed during and after ONB.Results There was no significant difference of the general validity,adductor strength and complication incidence between the two groups.The success rate of the first puncture was signifi-cantly higher in group US than that in group S (P < 0.01).VAS pain score,ICI and puncture times were significantly lower in group US than those in group S (P < 0.05).Conclusion Compared with simple nerve stimulation guided ONB,ultrasound with nerve stimulation guidance showed less punc-ture time,more accurate positioning and more comfort.

Objective To evaluate development of gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) during laparoscopic surgery in lateral jack-knife position under general anesthesia through comparing with reverse Trendelenburg/ Trendelenburg position in the patients lying supine.Methods Ninety patients of both sexes,aged 18-64 yr,of ASA physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ,with body mass index of 18-30 kg/m2,scheduled for elective laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia,were randomly divided into 3 groups (n =30 each):lateral jack-knife position group (group L),Trendelenburg position group (group T) and reverse Trendelenburg position group (group Tre).Anesthesia was induced with midazolam,sufentanil,propofol and cisatracurium besylate and maintained with propofol and remifentanil given by target-controlled infusion.A pH-sensitive probe was inserted through nose into the lower esophagus and pH value was continuously recorded until 1 min after extubation.GER was defined as pH value ≤ 4 lasting for ≥ 1 min in the lower esophagus during surgery.The development of GER during surgery and the lowest pH value in the lower esophagus when GER developed were recorded.Results Compared with group Tre,the incidence of GER (27％) and total number of times GER had occurred were significantly increased in group L,and no significant changes were found in the indices mentioned above in L and T groups.When GER developed,the lowest pH value in the lower esophagus was 2.1 ± 1.3,2.6 ± 1.2 and 3.5 in L,T and Tre groups,respectively.Conclusion The incidence of GER is 27 ％ during laparoscopic surgery when the patients are in lateral jack-knife position and it is higher than that obtained with reverse Trendelenburg position in the patients lying supine.

Objective To investigate the effect of L-carnitine on the apoptosis in Schwann cells induced by high glucose.Methods The cell line RSC96 cultured in vitro were seeded in 96-well plates at a density of 1.5 × 104/ml (200 μl/well) or in 6-well plates at a density of 2 × 105/ml (2 ml/well) and cultured for 24 h.The cells were randomly divided into 4 groups (n =24 each) using a random number table:normal control group (group C),high glucose group (group H),high glucose + L-carnitine group (group H + L),and mannitol osmotic control group (group M).The cells in group C were incubated in the plain culture medium containing normal glucose (5.6 mmol/L).The cells were incubated in the medium containing glucose 50 mmol/L in group H or in the medium containing glucose 50 mmol/L and L-carnitine 50 μmol/L (final concentration) in group H + L.The cells were incubated in the medium containing normal glucose (5.6 mtmol/L) and mannitol 44.4 mmol/L in group M.At 48 h of incubation,cell growth conditions were observed under inverted microscope,superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was measured by xanthine oxidase method,malondialdehyde (MDA) content was measured by thiobarbituric acid test,cell viability was measured by MTT assay and cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry.The expression of activated caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) protein was detected by Western blot.Results Compared with group C,the cell viability and SOD activity were significantly decreased,MDA content and apoptotic rate were increased,and the expression of activated caspase-3 and PARP-1 protein was up-regulated in H and H + L groups,and no significant changes were found in group M.Compared with group H,the cell viability and SOD activity were significantly increased,MDA content and apoptotic rate were decreased,and the expression of activated caspase-3 and PARP-1 protein was down-regulated in group H + L.Conclusion L-camitine can attenuate high glucose-induced apoptosis in Schwann cells by inhibiting oxidative stress responses and down-regulating the expression of activated caspase-3 and PARP-1.

Objective To determine the median effective concentration (EC50) of lidocaine for obturator nerve block (ONB) guided by a nerve stimulator in patients undergoing transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT).Methods American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients with bladder tumor,scheduled for elective TURBT,required ONB according to the results of cystoscopy or CT examination performed before operation,with body mass index of 19-30 kg/m2,aged 18-64 yr,were enrolled in the study.ONB was performed with lidocaine using the suprainguinal approach under the guidance of a nerve stimulator.The concentration of lidocaine was determined by up-and-down sequential trial.The initial concentration of lidocaine was 1.5％,and the ratio between the two successive concentrations was 1.2.Successful ONB was considered to be positive response.The EC50 and 95％ confidence interval of lidocaine for ONB guided by a nerve stimulator was calculated.Results The EC50 of lidocaine was 0.57％,and the 95％ confidence interval was 0.55％-0.59％ when used for ONB guided by a nerve stimulator.Conclusion The EC50 of lidocaine is 0.57％ when used for ONB guided by a nerve stimulator in the patients undergoing TURBT.

BACKGROUND: Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common disease of older males. Although the etiology remains unclear, the factors of life style and habits may have an effect on the disease.OBJECTIVE:To examine the association of cigarette smoking and body mass index with the risk of clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia.DESIGN: A hospital-based case-control study SETTINGS:Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, Public Health School,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Department of Preventive Medicine, Liaoning Medical College.PARTICIPANTS：Totally 343 males with benign prostatic hyperplasia of 50-82 years old (patient group),who were surgically treated between May 2004 and May 2006,were selected from the Department of Urinary Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital and Third Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical College (former Jinzhou Railway Central Hospital),Jinzhou Central Hospital and Jinzhou Second People's Hospital．Inclusive criteria：① males above 50 years old；intemational prostatic symptom score(IPSS)＞7；②Digital recta examination (DRE) after miction indicated prostate grade Ⅰ(transverse diameter＞3 cm); ③prostatic volume≥30 g;④maximum unnary flow rate＜15 mL／s；Meanwhile，361 inpatients with diseases irrelative to the risk factors of benign prostatic hyperplasia,prostatic cancer and prostatitis were selected trom the above hospitals as the control group,they were 50-82 years of age with an average of 65 years old．Informed contents were obtained from all the enrolled subjects．METHODS：All the patients and controls were interviewed using an anonymous questionnaire．All participants were asked to report whether they had smoked 20 packs of cigarettes or more in their lifetimes and,if yes,they were smokers,on the contrary they were non-smokers．Based on usual number of cigarettes reported in the questionnaire, men were categorized as 1-10，11-20，21-30 and ＞30 cigarettes per day．Based on duration of smoking,the participants were funher classified as never smoke，1-19,20-29 and ≥30 years．Body mass index(BMI)was assessed from measured body mass and body height，and che standards of BMI in adults in China was 18．5-23．9 for normal,24．0-27．9 for overweight and ≥28．0 for obesity)，then the participants were further classified as BMI＜18．4，18．5-23．9,24．0-27．9 and ≥28．0 subgroups respectively．Years of education(＜7,7-11,and≥12) and occupation(worker,peasant, Intellectual and others) were also investigated．The results of the investigation were input into computer to establish database，the odds ratios (OR) and the 95％ confidence interval(CI)in relation to the various measures were estimated using unconditional multiple logistic regression models, including number of cigarettes smoked per day，BMI,years smoked，years of education,occupation．MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES：Relationships of number of cigarettes smoked per day,years smoked．BMI,years of education and occupation with benign prostatic hyperplasia．RESULTS：Totally 343 cases in the patient group and 361 cases in the control group were involved in the analysis of results．①Patients smoked≥30 cigarettes per day had an elevated risk of benign prostatic hypertrophy as compared with the non-smokers(OR=1．32，95％ CI:0．92-2．58，P＜0．01)．②The risks of benign prostatic hypertrophy in overweight and obesity were significantly increased as compared with non-smokers(OR=1.68,95％ CI: 1．32-3．67；OR=2．35，95％CI:1．83-4．16)，③Manual worker (peasant) was negatively correlated with the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (χ2=6．62，P＜0．01)．CONCLUSION:Smoking 30 cigarettes per day was positively related to benign prostatic hyperplasia.For male who were both overweight(BMI 24.0-27.9)and obesity(BMI≥28.0)，smoking was significantly associated the increased risk of surgically treated benign prostatic hyperplasia.