Objective To determine the median effective target plasma concentration (EC50) of remifentanil inhibiting responses to skull-pin placement when combined with propofol in the female patients undergoing neurosurgery.Methods Sixteen female patients,aged 20-60 yr,with body mass index of 18-30 kg/m2,of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ,scheduled for elective neurosurgery under general anesthesia,were enrolled in this study.Anesthesia was induced with propofol and remifentanil given by target-controlled infusion and iv rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg.The target plasma concentration (Cp) of remifentanil and propofol was set at 5 ng/ml and 3 μg/ml,respectively.At 3 min after tracheal intubation,the target Cp of remifentanil was adjusted and set at 5 ng/ml in the first patient.The skull-pin was placed after the target effect-site and plasma concentrations were balanced.The Cp increased/decreased by 20％ each time in the next patient depending on whether or not the response to skull-pin placement was positive.The ratio between the two successive concentrations was 1.2.The response to skull-pin placement was defined as positive when heart rate and/or mean arterial pressure increased by 20％ of the baseline value within 1 min after placement.The EC50 and 95％ confidence interval of remifentanil required to inhibit responses to skull-pin placement were calculated when combined with propofol.Results The EC50 (95％ confidence interval) of remifentanil required to inhibit responses to skull-pin placement was 3.74 (3.43-4.09) ng/ml when combined with propofol.Conclusion When combined with propofol,the EC50 of remifentanil inhibiting responses to skull-pin placement is 3.74 ng/ml in the female patients undergoing neurosurgery.

Objective To investigate the effect of gender and age on the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of normal adult pancreas.Methods A total of 383 patients with normal pancreas (290 male,93 female,range from 21 to 78 years of age) were enrolled in this study.The subjects were divided into four groups based on different age (≤40 years,41-50 years,51-60 years and ＞60 years) with patient number of 56,108,139 and 80,respectively.Breath-hold single-shot echo-planar DWI (b value =0,500 s/mm2) was performed to determine ADCs on all patients.The average ADCs was calculated by four ADCs measured from the head to tail part of the pancreas in each patient.Patients with different age or gender were analyzed by independent-samples t test.Effect of gender on ADCs was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test.Relationship between ADCs and age was analyzed using Spearman rank-order correlation test,and Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare the ADCs among 4 age groups.Results The median pancreatic ADC values in female group(n =93) [1.60 × 10-3 mm2/s (1.47 × 10-3-1.77 × 10-3) mm2/s] was higher than that in male group (n =290) [1.57 × 10-3mm2/s(1.41 × 10-3-1.74 × 10-3)mm2/s].Mann-Whitney U test results showed the mean ADCs was similar between the two groups (Z =1.335,P =0.182).The age distribution was similar between the male [(52 ± 10) years of age] and female [(51 ± 11) years of age]groups (t =0.267,P=0.790).The age spectrum showed that there was no correlation between the average ADC values and age (r =0.016,P =0.752).The median ADC values of the four age groups were 1.58 ×10-3,1.54 × 10-3,1.59 × 10-3 and 1.57 × 10-3 mm2/s,respectively.Kruskal-Wallis H test showed no significant difference of mean ADCs among the age groups (x2 =2.15,P =0.542).Conclusion There is no correlation of ADCs between age and gender in normal adult pancreas.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that in China, human bone marrow mesenchymal stem ceils are mostly harvested from adults. Studies on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in children are few.OBJECTIVE: To isolate and expand bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from children, and to analyze the biological characteristics of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and their potential of differentiating into osteoblasts, adipocytes and neural like cells.DESIGN: Observational comparative study.SETTING: Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology.MATERIALS: Experiments were performed at the Laboratory of Department of Orthopaedics of Wuhan Tongji Hospital from March to September 2006. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were collected from one boy patient and two girl patients aged 5-8 years, who received pelvis osteotomy for dysplasia of the hip joint. The experimental procedures were approved by the Hospital Ethics Committee and family members of all children patients singed the informed consent.Dexamethasone, vitamin C, β-sodium glycerophosphate, 3-1sobutyl-1-methylxanthine, insulin, indometacin and butylated hydroxyanisole were bought from Sigma Company. Dimethyl sulphoxide was purchased from Amersco Company.METHODS: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were cultured from mononuclear cells isolated over a Percoll gradient.Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were observed under an inverted phase contrast microscope. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells could differentiate into osteoblasts, adipocytes and neural like cells with osteoblast inductor (β-sodium glycerophosphate, dexamethasone, vitamin C), lipoblast inductor (dexamethasone, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine,bovine insulin, indometacin) and serum-free medium inductor (dimethyl sulphoxide, butylated hydroxyanisole) respectively.Osteoblast marker (alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin mRNA, calcium node), adipocyte marker (lipid droplet, PPAR γ-2mRNA) and neural ceil-like marker (nissl body, neuron specific enolase, neurofilament protein) were respectively determined by the immunohistochemical method, polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemical method.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ①Appearance and proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem ceils from children,and ②determination results of osteoblast, adipocyte and neural cell markers.RESULTS: ①Children bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells could easily adhere to the wall, appeared fusiform, had high reproductive activity and arranged vortically after fusing. ②Appearance of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells changed after receiving inductor. Osteoblast marker, adipocyte marker and neural cell-like marker were positive after chemical staining, polumerase chain reaction and immunocyte staining.CONCLUSION: Children bone marrow mesenchymai stem cells show stable proliferation, passage and multi-direction differentiation towards osteoblasts, adipocytes and neural like cells.

Objective To observe the effects of ultrasound-guided laryngeal nerve block combined with intratracheal surface anesthesia on the intubation reaction of double-lumen endotracheal tube in elderly hypertensive patients.Methods Sixty elderly hypertensive patients,including 37 males and 23 females, with ASA physical statusⅡor Ⅲ,aged 65-85 years,scheduled for thoracic surgery under general anesthesia requiring one-lung ventilation,were equally and randomly divided into either laryngeal nerve block combined with intratracheal surface anesthesia group (group S)or general anesthesia group (group C).Internal jugular vein blood samples were taken to measure the plasma concentrations of epinephrine (E)and norepinephrine (NE) when patients entering the operating room (T0 ),before intubation (T1 ),immediately after intubation (T2 ),at 1 min (T3 ),3 min (T4 ),5 min (T5 )and 10 min (T6 )after intubation.Adverse e-vents,such us hypertension and tachycardia,were recorded during induction and intubation.Results Com-pared with T0 ,the plasma concentrations of E and NE were significantly increased at T2-T5 in group C (P<0.05 or P <0.01),while there were no such significant changes in group S.The plasma concentration of E and NE at T2-T5 in group S were significantly lower than that in group C (P <0.05 or P <0.01).The incidence of hypertension in group S was significantly lower than that in group C during induction of intuba-tion (0% vs 37%,P <0.01).There were no hypotension,tachycardia and bradycardia during induction and intubation in both groups.Conclusion Ultrasound-guided laryngeal nerve block combined with intratra-cheal surface anesthesia can effectively inhibit the intubation reaction of double-lumen endotracheal tube in elderly hypertensive patients,which is helpful for maintaining the hemodynamic stability during anesthesia induction.

Objective To evaluate the changes in the expression of spinal endothelin-1 (ET-1) and its receptors in a mouse model of bone cancer pain (BCP).Methods Ninety-six healthy male SPF C3H/HeN mice,aged 4-6 weeks,weighing 20-25 g,were divided into 2 groups (n=48 each) using a random number table:sham operation group (group S) and BCP group.BCP was produced by injecting α-MEM 20 μl containing 1×104 cells/μ1 NCTC 2472 osteosarcoma cells into the distal medullary cavity of the right femur bone.In group S,t-MEM 20 μl was injected into the distal medullary cavity of the right femur bone.Mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT) and the number of spontaneous flinches (NSF) were measured on 1 day before inoculation (T0) and 4,7,10,14 and 21 days after inoculation (T1-5).Twelve mice of each group were randomly sacrificed at T0,2,4,5,and the lumbar enlargement segments of the spinal cord were harvested to detect the expression of ET-1,endothelin type A receptor and endothelin type B receptor protein and mRNA (using Western blot or real-time polymerase chain reaction).Results The MWT was significantly lower and the NSF was higher at T1 in group S and at T1-5 in group BCP than at T0 (P＜0.05).Compared with group S,the MWT was significantly decreased and the NSF was increased at T2-s,and the expression of ET-1,endothelin type A receptor and endothelin type B receptor protein and mRNA was down-regulated at T2,4,5 in group BCP (P＜0.05).Conclusion The pathophysiological process of BCP is associated with down-regulating the expression of spinal ET-1 and its receptors in mice.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of Parkinson′s disease factor on the sedative efficacy of dexmedetomidine.Methods:The patients of either sex, aged 45-64 yr, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅱor Ⅲ, with body mass index of 18.5-30.0 kg/m 2, undergoing non-intracranial space-occupying lesions in neurosurgery, were selected.Patients were divided into control group (group C) and Parkinson′s disease group (group P) according to whether they had Parkinson′s disease or not.The ED 50 of dexmedetomidine was determined by using the Dixon′s up-and-down method.The initial dose of dexmedetomidine was 0.5 μg/kg in both groups, and each time the concentration increased/decreased by 0.05 μg/kg in the next patient, which was repeated until 7th independent crossover pair (loss of consciousness) appeared, and then the test was ended.The ED 50 and 95% confidence interval of dexmedetomidine inducing loss of consciousness were calculated using the probit test in a Logistic regression model.Hypertension, hypotension, bradycardia and nausea and vomiting were recorded. Results:Compared with group C, the ED 50 of dexmedetomidine inducing loss of consciousness was significantly increased in group P ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the incidence of adverse reactions in group P ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Parkinson′s disease factor can decrease the sedative efficacy of dexmedetomidine.

Objective To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation (TEAS)on prognosis in the patients at high risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. Methods Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists physical statusⅡorⅢpatients of both sexes, aged 65-72 yr, with body mass index of 18-25 kg∕m2, scheduled for elective thoracoscopic and laparoscopic radical resection of e-sophageal cancer, were divided into placebo control group(group C, n=30)and TEAS group(n=30). In group TEAS, bilateral Zusanli(ST36), Hegu(LI4)and Feishu(BL13)acupoints were stimulated for 30 min(disperse-dense waves, frequency 2∕100 Hz, intensity of currents 8-12 mA)starting from 30 min be-fore anesthesia induction.In group C, electrodes were placed on the same acupoints before anesthesia induc-tion, but no current was given.General anesthesia was performed in two groups.Before one-lung ventilation, at 30 min and 2 h of one-lung ventilation and at 1 h after operation(T1-4), blood samples were drawn from the radial artery for blood gas analysis, and oxygenation index and alveolar-arterial oxygen partial pressure difference were calculated.Blood samples were collected from the internal jugular vein at T1-3and 24 h after surgery(T5)for determination of plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6(IL-6)and IL-10 con-centrations.The development of postoperative pulmonary complications, time for removal of drainage tube and length of hospital stay were recorded. Results Compared with group C, the oxygenation index at T2-4and plasma IL-10 concentrations at T3were significantly increased, the alveolar-arterial oxygen partial pressure difference at T2,3, plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentrations at T2,3, plasma IL-10 concentrations at T3,5and incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications were decreased, and the time for removal of drainage tube and length of hospital stay were shortened in group TEAS(P<0.05). Conclusion TEAS can improve prognosis in the patients at high risk of postoperative pulmonary complications.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on perioperative anxiety and postoperative pain in living kidney donors (LKDs).Methods:Seventy-two American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ LKDs, aged 18-64 yr, with body mass index of 18-28 kg/m 2, undergoing living kidney transplantation, were selected, and divided into 2 groups ( n=36 each) using a random number table method: TEAS group (group T) and sham stimulation group (group S). In group T, TEAS was performed on the forenoon at 1 day before surgery (T 0), at 30 min before anesthesia induction on the morning of the operation day (T 1) and on the forenoon at 1 day after surgery (T 2) at bilateral Neiguan, Taichong and Yintang with a frequency 2-100 Hz, disperse-dense waves and current intensity 6-15 mA, and each TEAS lasted for 30 min.Only electrode patches were applied at the same acupoint and at the same time point, but no stimulation was applied in group S. In T and S groups, brachial venous blood samples were collected before each stimulation for measurement of the plasma 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) concentration.The Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale-Anxiety subscale (HADS-A) scores at T 0, T 1, T 2, on day 3 after surgery (T 3) and before discharge (T 4) in the 2 groups were recorded.The consumption of anesthetics during operation, laryngeal mask airway removal time, requirement for rescue analgesia within 72 h after surgery and the development of postoperative complications were recorded.The LKDs were followed up by telephone at 3 months after surgery (T 5) to record the scores of HADS-A and Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Sign (LANSS) scale. Results:Compared to group S, the incidence of anxiety was significantly decreased T 1, T 2 and T 3, the incidence of rescue analgesia within 72 h after surgery was decreased, plasma concentration of 5-HT was increased at T 1 and T 2, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was decreased, and the time to first flatus was shortened in group T ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the consumption of anesthetics during operation, laryngeal mask airway removal time, and the incidence of anxiety and neuropathic pain within 3 months after surgery between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:TEAS can relieve early preoperative and postoperative anxiety and alleviate postoperative pain in LKDs.

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical features of patients with hepatolenticular degeneration （HLD） aged above 35 years. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of the patients with HLD， aged above 35 years， who attended West China School of Public Health， Sichuan University， from April 2018 to April 2023， and according to their clinical symptoms， they were divided into mixed type group with 13 patients， liver type group with 12 patients， and brain type group with 5 patients. Related data were collected， including general information （sex， clinical manifestation， age at confirmed diagnosis， time from initial symptoms to confirmed diagnosis， and family history）， laboratory examination （routine blood test， liver and renal function， serum copper， serum ceruloplasmin， urinary copper， and coagulation function）， and radiological examination. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups， and the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups； the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. ResultsFor the 30 patients with HLD， the male/female ratio was 3∶1， and the mean age was 46.13±5.88 years； the patients with positive Kayser-Fleischer ring of the cornea accounted for 43.33%， and the patients with liver cirrhosis accounted for 66.67%. There were significant differences between the three groups in globulin， albumin/globulin ratio， alanine aminotransferase， prothrombin time， international normalized ratio， and activated partial thromboplastin time （F=5.893， 4.513， 4.424， 5.029， 5.248， and 4.942， all P<0.05）. ConclusionMost patients are male among the patients diagnosed with HLD after 35 years of age， with the main clinical types of mixed type and liver type， and such patients tend to have poor liver and coagulation functions. For unexplained liver function abnormalities and liver cirrhosis in this age group， the indicators such as serum ceruloplasmin and urinary copper should be screened as early as possible， and liver and kidney function and coagulation function should be monitored.