Acidolysis kinetics on the process of the hydrolysis acidification by using glucose as the only energy sources was researched.It was concluded that the acidolysis kinetics constants are V_(max)=8.45d~(-1) and K_s=1089mg/L,under the circumstances of a temperature 37℃?0.5℃and the influent pH value 6.5.The results show that the rate of anaerobic acidification process is greater than that of completed an- aerobic or anoxic process.

OBJECTIVETo explore the procedures of dynamic infusion cavernosometry and cavernosography (DICC) and their application in the diagnosis and classification of venous erectile dysfunction (VED).

METHODSThis study included 103 ED patients, aged 20 to 43 years, highly suspected of VED, with disease courses of 4 months to 6 years. DICC was performed and analyses were made on the results, especially the parameters of flow-to-maintain (FTM) and pressure decay (PD) in the corpus cavernosum.

RESULTSBased on the parameters of FTM and PD, 21 of the patients were normal, 5 were suspected of VED, 39 had mild VED, 25 had moderate VED, and 13 had severe VED. Penile subcutaneous hematoma was found in 4 of the patients, all recovered after 3 to 5 days, with no other complications.

CONCLUSIONDICC is a reliable, safe and minimally invasive method for the diagnosis and classification of VED.

Diagnostic Techniques, Urological ; adverse effects ; Hematoma ; etiology ; Humans ; Impotence, Vasculogenic ; classification ; diagnosis ; Male ; Penile Diseases ; etiology ; Penis ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; Radiography ; Veins

OBJECTIVETo compare the effects and complications of subinguinal microscopic ligation, laparoscopic transperitoneal varicocelectomy, laparoscopic retroperitoneal varicocelectomy, open retroperitoneal high ligation, and interventional embolotherapy in the treatment of varicocele.

METHODSWe conducted a retrospective study that included 632 varicocele patients treated by subinguinal microscopic ligation (group A, n = 79), laparoscopic transperitoneal varicocelectomy (group B, n = 120), laparoscopic retroperitoneal varicocelectomy (group C, n =137), open retroperitoneal high ligation (group D, n = 283), and interventional embolotherapy (group E, n = 13). We compared the baseline and 3-month postoperative semen parameters, postoperative complications, and pregnancy rate among the five groups of patients.

RESULTSThe operation time was longer in groups A ([2.02 ± 1.25] h) and E ([2.17 ± 1.02] h) than in the other three groups, while the postoperative hospital stay was the shortest in group E ([1.1 ± 0.1] d). Intestinal injury or incision bleeding occurred intraoperatively in 2 cases in group B and 1 case in group E. Postoperative scrotal edema developed in 3.7, 17, 10, and 19% of the patients in groups A, B, C, and D, respectively, but not in group E. The rate of 1-year recurrence was the lowest in group A (1.6%) and highest in group E (22%). Sperm concentration and the percentages of progressively motile sperm and morphologically normal sperm were improved postoperatively in all the patients (P < 0. 05), but there were no statistically significant differences among the five groups either in the above three parameters or in the postoperative pregnancy rate (P > 0. 05).

CONCLUSIONIn the surgical treatment of varicocele, laparoscopic retroperitoneal approach involves short operation time and few complications, subinguinal microscopic ligation has the advantages of little injury, rapid recovery, and few complications but requires specialized microsurgical techniques, and interventional embolotherapy leaves no incision scar and needs only local anesthesia and 1-day postoperative hospital stay, which is uitable for those with a contraindication to anesthesia.

Embolization, Therapeutic ; adverse effects ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; adverse effects ; methods ; Length of Stay ; Ligation ; adverse effects ; methods ; Male ; Operative Time ; Postoperative Complications ; Postoperative Hemorrhage ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Rate ; Recurrence ; Retroperitoneal Space ; Retrospective Studies ; Sperm Count ; Urogenital Surgical Procedures ; adverse effects ; Varicocele ; surgery ; Vascular Surgical Procedures ; adverse effects ; methods

OBJECTIVETo study the impact of left varicocele (VC) and varicocelectomy (VCT) on the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells and the levels of nitrogen monoxidum (NO) and interleukin 1 (IL-1) in the rat testis.

METHODSWe randomly divided 60 adolescent male SD rats into four groups of equal number: sham operation control, VC model 1 (VC1), VC model 2 (VC2), and VCT. We determined the semen quality and levels of NO and IL-1 in the testis tissue, detected the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells by TUNEL, and compared the indexes obtained among different groups.

RESULTSAn experimental VC model was successfully established by partially ligating the left renal vein of the rats. Sperm concentration and motility were significantly decreased in the VC1 ([1.54 ± 1.16] x 10⁶/ml and [44.23 ± 15.46]%) as compared with those in the sham operation group ([2.80 ± 1.62] x 10⁶/ml and [72.34 ± 12.62]%) (P < 0.05), but remarkably higher in the VCT ([1.82 ± 1.34] x 10⁶/mI and [51.21 ± 12.62]%) than in the VC2 group ([1.04 ± 1.21] x 10⁶/ml and [39.23 ± 13.21]%) (P < 0.05). The levels of NO and IL-1 in the left testes were markedly elevated in the VC1 ([0.172 ± 0.030] ng/ml and [1.468 ± 0.080 ] mg/ml) in comparison with those in the sham operation group ([0.134 ± 0.021] ng/ml and [0.782 ± 0.079 ] mg/ml) (P < 0.05), and significantly higher in the VC2 ([0.198 ± 0.020] ng/ml and [1.994 ± 0.090] mg/ml) than in the VCT group ([0.141 ± 0.010] ng/ml and [0.781 ± 0.036] mg/ml) (P < 0.05). However, the NO and IL-1 levels in the right testis showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups, and the two levels were positively correlated (r = 0.492, P < 0.01). The rats of the VC1 group exhibited remarkable apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in the bilateral testes, with significant differences in the apoptosis index ( AL) between the two sides (P < 0.05) as well as in the same side in comparison with the sham operation group (P < 0.01). The Als of spermatogenic cells in the bilateral testes showed statistically significant differences in the VCT (P < 0.05) but not in the VC2 group (P > 0.05), and those in the same side manifested dramatic differences between the VCT and VC2 groups (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONVaricocele induces changes of the NO and IL-1 levels in the testis tissue and increases the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells, which might be one of the causes of testis damage and spermatogenic dysfunction.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Germ Cells ; pathology ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; Interleukin-1 ; analysis ; Ligation ; Male ; Nitrogen ; analysis ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Semen Analysis ; Spermatogenesis ; Testis ; chemistry ; Varicocele ; complications ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo assess the feasibility and accuracy of CT coronary angiography (CTCA) combined with adenosine stress myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) for diagnosis of flow-limiting coronary stenosis.

METHODSA total of 105 patients with suspected or established coronary artery disease (CAD) underwent CTCA and MPS within 4 weeks before invasive coronary angiography. The accuracy of CTCA/MPS in the diagnosis of flow-limiting coronary stenosis was evaluated in comparison with the results of quantitative coronary angiography and MPS.

RESULTSThe sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of CTCA/MPS as a combined approach for detection of flow-limiting coronary stenosis were all 100%. In 16% (9/55) of the patients, revascularization procedures were performed and no flow-limiting stenosis was found.

CONCLUSIONCombination of CTCA and MPS has an excellent accuracy for detecting flow-limiting coronary stenosis as compared with quantitative coronary angiography/MPI, and can be a useful gatekeeper for revascularization procedures.

Adenosine ; Aged ; Coronary Angiography ; methods ; Coronary Stenosis ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Perfusion Imaging ; methods ; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon ; methods ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of low-dose phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor tadalafil on arterial erectile dysfunction.

METHODSForty-three patients with arterial erectile dysfunction were requested to take 5 mg tadalafil after supper on alternate days for 4 weeks. All the patients were scored on IIEF-5 and received intracavernous injection of 10 microg prostaglandin E1, followed by measurement of the peak systolic velocity (PSV) of the cavernosal artery by color Doppler ultrasonography.

RESULTSStatistic analyses showed an obvious increase in the IIEF-5 score and PSV after the treatment, with significant differences from the baseline (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONLow-dose tadalafil can significantly improve the PSV of the cavernosal artery and hence the erectile function of arterial ED patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Arteries ; Carbolines ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Erectile Dysfunction ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Tadalafil

OBJECTIVEThis study was performed to evaluate the relationship between the stent fracture and restenosis after drug-eluting stent implantation.

METHODSThe study enrolled 536 patients with angiographies during stenting procedure and follow-up, the patients were divided into DES group (n=397) and BMS group (n=139). The coronary angiography images were analyzed to detect restenosis and stent fracture.

RESULTSRestenosis rate was significantly lower in DES group (31/397, 7.8%) compared that in BMS group (30/139, 21.6%, P<0.05). Stent fracture (n=5) was found only in DES group and not in BMS group (P<0.05). Restenosis were found in all stent fracture segments. The stent fracture developed at the angulated tortuosity lesions.

CONCLUSIONStent fracture is one of the causes of restenosis after drug-eluting stents implantation and related to implantation of long DES stent at the location of angulated tortuosity lesions.

Aged ; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary ; Coronary Restenosis ; diagnostic imaging ; etiology ; Drug-Eluting Stents ; adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prosthesis Failure ; Radiography ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the three-dimensional lip vermilion changes after extraction and non-extraction orthodontic treatment in female adult patients and explore the correlation between lip vermilion changes and incisor changes. METHODS: Forty-seven young female adult patients were enrolled in this study (skeletal Class III patients were excluded), including 34 lip-protruding patients treated by extraction of four first premolars (18 patients requiring mini-implants for maximum anchorage control and 16 patients without mini-implants) and 13 patients requiring non-extraction treatment. Nine angles, seven distances, and the surface area of the lip vermilion were measured by using pre- and post-treatment three-dimensional facial scans. Linear and angular measurements of incisors were performed on lateral cephalograms. RESULTS: There were no significant changes in the vermilion measurements in the non-extraction group. The vermilion angle, vermilion height, central bow angle, height/width ratio, and vermilion surface area decreased significantly after the orthodontic treatment in the extraction groups, but the upper/lower vermilion proportion remained unchanged. Significant correlations were found between the changes in incisor position and those in vermilion angles, vermilion height, and surface area. CONCLUSIONS Extraction of the four first premolars probably produced an aesthetic improvement in lip vermilion morphology. However, the upper/lower vermilion proportion remained unchanged. The variations in the vermilion were closely related to incisor changes, especially the upper incisor inclination changes.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the safety and efficiency of local paclitaxel delivery using the double-balloon perfusion catheter to prevent restenosis in the canine coronary artery.

METHODSTwenty domestic canines underwent bare-mental stent implantation after balloon injure of the left coronary artery. A novel double-balloon perfusion catheter was used to deliver the drug locally in the canine coronary artery. In the treatment group (n = 15), paclitaxel (10 ml, 20 micromol/L) was delivered using the double-balloon perfusion catheter before stent implantation. In the control group (n = 5), 10 ml saline was delivered using the double-balloon perfusion catheter before stent implantation. The perfusion time in both groups was (26.45 +/- 5.18) s. Animals underwent coronary angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) 90 days after stent implantation and were sacrificed. Vessels were perfusion-fixed and morphometric analysis was performed using conventional techniques.

RESULTSCoronary angiography results showed restenosis rate in control group was significantly higher than that in treatment group (60% vs. 33.33%, P < 0.05). The parameters of OCT showed in treatment group and control group: the neointimal thickness was (0.19 +/- 0.08) mm and (0.38 +/- 0.03) mm, the neointimal area was (1.52 +/- 0.49) mm2 and (2.51 +/- 0.47) mm2, the lumen area was (3.50 +/- 0.66) mm2 and (2.78 +/- 0.57) mm2, the extent of stenosis was (30.13 +/- 8.56)% and (47.40 +/- 4.50)%, and all the variances above were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). The histologic parameters showed in treatment group and control group: the neointimal thickness was (0.22 +/- 0.10) mm and (0.47 +/- 0.05) mm, the neointimal area was (1.85 +/- 0.78) mm2 and (3.43 +/- 0.25) mm2, the lumen area was (3.15 +/- 0.43) mm2 and (1.85 +/- 0.55) mm2, the extent of stenosis was (36.00 +/- 10.97)% and (65.40 +/- 8.23)%, and all the variances above were also significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). The stents of both the groups were fully endothelialized. No thrombus or aneurysm was found in stents.

CONCLUSIONLocal delivery of paclitaxel with the double-balloon perfusion catheter to prevent restenosis in coronary stents is safe and efficient.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary ; Animals ; Catheters ; Coronary Restenosis ; prevention & control ; Disease Models, Animal ; Dogs ; Injections ; Paclitaxel ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Stents

A novel sesquiterpenoid (1) and three known compounds identified as isoaltenuene (2), altenuene (3), and alternariol 4, 10-O-dimethyl ether (4), were isolated in our investigation of the cytotoxic constituents from solid cultures of the endophytic fungus Colletotrichum sp. The structures of these compounds were elucidated through spectroscopic data analysis. All compounds exhibited cytotoxic activity against lung cancer cell line A549, breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 and pancreatic cancer cell line PANC-1. Compound 4 could induce the PANC-1 cells inflation or death, but couldn't induce apoptosis at the IC50 of 60.2 microg x mL(-1).
Antineoplastic Agents ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Colletotrichum ; chemistry ; Humans ; Inhibitory Concentration 50 ; Lactones ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Molecular Structure ; Sesquiterpenes ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology