Objective To observe Meissner's corpuscles in prepuces of different shapes and ages. Methods The Meissner's corpuscles were detected with immunohistochemical stain in 204 prepuce sam- ples of different shapes and ages (3-59 years),and the density of Meissner's corpuscles in every sample was obtained as well.The difference of Meissner's corpuscle densities between phimosis and redundant pre- puce,and correlation between Meissner's corpuscle densities and ages were analyzed with Chi-square test and linear regression,respectively.Results The density of Meissner's corpuscles in redundant prepuce has begun to increase since infancy and reached the peak at the age about 15 years.No significant difference in densities of Meissner's corpuscles between phimosis and redundant prepuce was observed till the age of 20 years,and then there was a trend of disappearance of Meissner's corpuscles in redundant prepuce.A signifi- cantly negative correlation between the densities of Meissner's corpuscles and ages was revealed in redundant prepuce (r=-0.236,P=0.009),whereas an insignificantly positive correlation between the densities of Meissner's corpuscles and ages was shown in phimosis (r=0.193,P=0.084).Conclusions The den- sities of Meissner's corpuscles in redundant prepuce develop synchronically with genital differentiation and accord with the status of sexual function in adult males.The persistent high level of Meissner's corpuscles in adult phimosis might be a mechanism of physiological compensation.

OBJECTIVETo study the rehabilitation effects ergometry on COPD patients.

METHODSThirty COPD out-patients in our Hospital were randomly divided into 2 groups. Rehabilitation group, 15 patients, performed leg ergometry exercise of 80% peak Watt x 30min/d x 3d/w x 12w. Another 15 patients were control group without exercise. All patients received conventional therapy. Pulmonary function testing (PFT), cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), arterial blood gas analysis (ABG), Borg and CAT sores were done at both baseline and 12 w.

RESULTSThere was no statistically difference in lung function testing, blood gas analysis and cardiopulmonary exercise test when pre- exercises between 2 sub-groups. The IC, peak VO2 and peak, W of rehabilitation group significantly increased (P < 0.05); and Borg and CAT.scores significantly decreased (P < 0.05) from baseline; and other PFT and ABG did not change (P > 0.05). While there was no difference in control group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONLeg submaximal ergometry rehabilitation improves health condition and ameliorate dyspnea symptoms in COPD patients.

Blood Gas Analysis ; Dyspnea ; therapy ; Exercise Test ; Exercise Therapy ; Humans ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; therapy ; Respiratory Function Tests

Aged ; Female ; Heart Atria ; pathology ; Humans ; Middle Aged

Acute Disease ; Adult ; Aged ; Blood-Brain Barrier ; physiopathology ; Brain Diseases ; blood ; chemically induced ; Carbon Monoxide Poisoning ; complications ; Female ; Humans ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged

BACKGROUNDTrans-sacral axial L5/S1 interbody fusion (AxiaLIF), a novel surgical procedure, recently adopted in clinical practice, has excellent clinical outcomes. However, there is inadequate data on the feasibility of the approach in all adult patients and the optimal surgical approach is currently unclear; therefore, further studies are required. In order to enhance the surgical approach for AxiaLIF, prospective anatomical imaging optimization is necessary. The objective of this study was to investigate the ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to achieve an optimal procedural setting.

METHODSThe subjects (n=40) underwent lumbosacral MRI examination. The median sagittal MRI images were analyzed and four measurement markers were defined as follows: the center of the L5/S1 disc (A), the anterior margin of the S1/2 disc space (B), the sacrococcygeal junction (C), and the coccygeal tip (D). The measurement markers were connected to each other to produce five lines (AB, AC, AD, BC, and BD), as reference lines for surgical approaches. The distance between each reference line and the anterior and posterior margins of the L5 and S1 vertebral bodies was measured to determine the safety of the respective approaches.

RESULTSIn all patients, Lines AB and AC satisfied the imaging safety criteria. Line AB would result in a significant deviation from the median and was determined to be unsuitable for AxiaLIF. Line AD satisfied the imaging safety criteria in 39 patients. However, the anal proximity of the puncture point proved to be limiting. For lines BC and BD, the imaging safety criteria were satisfied in 70% and 45% of patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONSThe AxiaLIF procedure is a safe technique for insertion of fusion implants in all subjects. Line AC is a favorable reference line for surgical approach and safe for all subjects, while line BC is not suitable for all subjects.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Fractures, Bone ; surgery ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sacrum ; surgery ; Spinal Fusion ; methods ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo analyze retrospectively the clinical symptoms, signs, radiological findings and results of treatment of posttraumatic syringomyelia.

METHODSThe data of 7 patients with posttraumatic syringomyelia confirmed by computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in our hospital between 1999 and 2004 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients underwent decompressive laminectomy or syringo-subarachnoid (S-S) shunting with microsurgery. Long-term follow-up was available (range: 13-65 months).

RESULTSThe major clinical manifestations of posttraumatic syringomyelia usually included the onset of increasing signs and the development of new symptoms after an apparently stable period. The clinical symptoms included pain, sensory disturbance, weakness, and problems in autonomic nerves. Syrinx existed merely at the cervical level in 4 cases and extended downward to the thoracic levels in the other 3 cases. One case underwent decompressive laminectomy, 6 cases were treated by S-S shunting. During the early postoperative period, all the patients showed an improvement of symptoms of syrinx without major complication or death. The decreased size or collapse of the syrinx was demonstrated by postoperative MRI.

CONCLUSIONSPosttraumatic syringomyelia is a disabling sequela of spinal cord injury, developing months to years after spinal injury. MRI is the standard diagnostic technique for syringomyelia. The patients with posttraumatic syringomyelia combined with progressive neurological deterioration should be treated with operations. S-S shunting procedure is effective in some patients with posttraumatic syringomyelia. Decompressive procedure may be an alternative primary surgical treatment for patients with kyphosis and cord compression.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Decompression, Surgical ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Laminectomy ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; complications ; Syringomyelia ; etiology ; surgery ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVESince 2011 EB-APS conference, we hypotheses that phase switching of inspiration-expiration is dominantly initiated by oscillatory information PaO2, PaCO2 and [H+] via fast peripheral chemical receptors. However, the evidence of the waveform of ABG is lack.

METHODSSix surgery patients with normal heart function and negative Allen test, had been placed the arterial catheterization directly connected to 3 x 1 000 mm pre-heparin plastic pipe for continuous collecting arterial blood. We counted the number of heart beat for the blood collecting time, and separated the blood pipe into the heart beat numbers' short pieces using haemostatic forceps, then put pipe into iced water at once fir analyzing PaO2, PaCO2, pH and SaO2 as soon as possible. We selected two breaths cycles of waveform from each patient for data calculations of magnitudes and time interval.

RESULTSThe heart beat numbers for filling blood into pipe were 16 ± 2, and all covered more than 2 breathing cycles. Each breathing cycle is cover 5 ± 0.6 heart beat. There were significant changes of PaO2, PaCO2, [H+] a and SaO2 (i.e. the highest high values compare to the next lowest values, P < 0.05). The time interval of changing PaO2, PaCO2, [H+]a and SaO2 magnitudes were 11.28 ± 1.13 mmHg, 1.77 ± 0.89 mmHg, 1.14 ± 0.35 nmol/L and 0.52% ± 0.44% respectively.

CONCLUSIONThis simple continuous beat-by-beat arterial blood sampling and ABG analyzing method is new and practicable. We obtain a clear evidence of periodic parameters ABG waveform, which following breathing cycle.

Arteries ; physiology ; Blood Gas Analysis ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Monitoring, Physiologic ; methods ; Respiration

OBJECTIVETo evaluate protein loss in critically ill patients with acute renal failure during continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) and analysis the major factor impacting protein clearance.

METHODSA analysis was carried out in eighteen (twelve male and six female) sepsis or severe acute pancreatitis patients with acute renal failure from September 2008 to September 2009. The average age was 45 years (39 - 62 years). CVVH was conducted for 24 h in all patients. Effluent volume, blood speed, ultrafiltration rate and transmembrane pressure (TMP) were 4000 ml/h, (277 ± 89) ml/h, (179 ± 4) ml/min and (173 ± 48) mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) respectively. Blood samples were collected before and after filtration in order to detect protein concentration. Ultrafiltrate was obtained hourly to measure protein concentration and calculate protein loss during session.

RESULTSMean protein concentration was (231 ± 67) mg/L and protein loss was (22 ± 6) g/d in ultrafiltrate samples. The difference in serum protein level during hemofiltration was not significant [(56 ± 6) g/L vs. (55 ± 10) g/L, P > 0.05], while there was a weak, but statistically significant correlation between the ultrafiltrate protein concentration and the corresponding value for serum protein (r = 0.481, P < 0.05). However, there was a strong and statistically significant correlation between the ultrafiltrate protein concentration and the TMP (r = 0.564, P < 0.01). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that TMP and serum protein concentration played a pivotal role in ultrafiltrate protein loss.

CONCLUSIONSIn addition to renal replacement therapy, serum protein would be cleared through hemofilter during CVVH. TMP and serum protein concentration are the main factors that affect protein loss in ultrafiltrate. As a result, it is necessary to take account of the protein loss in ultrafiltrate when setting nutritional schedule.

Acute Kidney Injury ; therapy ; Adult ; Blood Proteins ; deficiency ; Critical Illness ; Female ; Hemofiltration ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Male ; Malnutrition ; etiology ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo explore the effects of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Serine-threonine kinase (PI3K/Akt) signal pathway on the proliferation of HL-60 cells exposed to benzoquinone (BQ).

METHODSHL60 cells were divided into 3 groups: control group (treated with PBS), BQ group (treated with 3 micromol/L BQ) and LY294002 plus BQ group (treated with 20 micromol/L LY294002 plus 3 micromol/L BQ). The cell proliferation was measured with alamar blue dye assay. Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of p-Akt and Akt proteins and flow cytometer was used to observe the cell cycle.

RESULTSThe cell proliferation rate and the cell proportion in the S, G2 phase of BQ group were 185.00% +/- 30.00%, 48.23% +/- 1.37% and 15.40% +/- 1.21%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those (100.00% +/- 0.00%, 42.47% +/- 0.45% and 5.40% +/- 0.40%) of control group (P<0.05). But the cell proportion rate (36.37% +/- 0.40%) in the G1 phase in BQ group was significantly lower than that (52.13 +/- 0.75%) in control group (P<0.05). The expression level of p-Akt protein in BQ group was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). The cell proliferation rate and the cell proportion in the S, G2 phase of LY294002 plus BQ group were 82.59% +/- 15.00%, 42.03% +/- 0.50% and 3.87% +/- 0.47%, respectively, which were significantly lower than those of BQ group (P<0.05). But the cell proportion rate (54.43% +/- 0.40%) in the G1 phase in LY294002 plus BQ group was significantly higher than that in BQ group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe PI3K/Akt signal pathway may play an important role in the proliferation of HL-60 cells exposed to BQ.

Benzoquinones ; toxicity ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; HL-60 Cells ; Humans ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase ; metabolism ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction

Objective: To investigate the value of early postoperative monitoring of serum albumin in the prediction of surgical site infection (SSI) in colorectal cancer surgery. Methods: A total of 169 patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery between December 2012 and January 2016 were collected for this study. Patients was divided into SSI group and no SSI group according to whether SSI occurred after surgery. We continuously collected venous blood three days after surgery. Serum albumin, C-reactive protein level, Procalcitonin and White blood-cell were performed to evaluate the relationship between albumin changes and postoperative SSI. Results: There were 40 cases (23. 7％) of SSI, and the average time for clinical diagnosis of SSI was 3. 2 days after surgery. ALB decreased, and PCT, CRP, and WBC levels increased in the SSI group on the second postoperative day. The decrease in albumin concentration (A ALB2) was significantly higher on the second postoperative day than in the SSI group (P ＜ 0. 001). Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis showed that △ ALB2 had significant value in predicting the occurrence of SSI (area under the curve = 0. 864, sensitivity 97. 5％, specificity 70. 5％), and the optimal cutoff was 15. 5％. Multiple regression analysis showed that A ALB2 ＞15. 5％ was an independent predictor of SSI (OR=2. 10, 95％CI=1. 52-2. 90, P ＜ 0. 001). Conclusions: The dynamic change of serum albumin is valuable to predict the occurrence of SSI after colorectal cancer surgery.