Effects of stimulation frequency,amplitude, and impulse width on muscle fatigue

Introduction: We investigated the effect of stimulation intensity (in percent of maximal tolerated stimulation current, mTSC), frequency, and impulse width on muscle fatigue. Methods: Using a randomized crossover design, 6 parameter combinations (80% mTSC, 80 Hz , 400 μs; 60% mTSC, 80 Hz , 400 μs; 80% mTSC, 20 Hz , 400 μs; 60% mTSC, 20 Hz , 400 μs; 80% mTSC, 80 Hz , 150 μs; 60% mTSC, 80 Hz , 150 μs) were tested in both legs of 13 athletic men (age 26 ± 2.3). The slope of the linear regression line over all tetani (FIS) and the number of tetani whose force was above 50% of the initial tetanus (FIN) were used to quantify fatigue. Results: FIS and FIN were significantly lower in high‐frequency protocols. No effects on FIS and FIN were found for intensity and impulse width. Conclusions: Stimulation frequency, but not impulse width or intensity, affected fatigue kinetics. Muscle Nerve 53 : 608–616, 2016     

Pityriasis Versicolor and Pityrosporum ovale

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have been performed on skin material of patients with pityriasis versicolor who were orally treated with itraconazole. Before as well as after therapy, variously sized spherical structures were observed on the surface of the keratinocytes with SEM. TEM examination revealed Pityrosporum ovale, predominantly in its mycelial phase, inside keratinocytes. The spherules as observed by SEM appeared to be amorphous, lipid-like droplets originating from the inside of the keratinocytes. The cytoplasm of the keratinocytes was at least partly occupied by the same amorphous material. It is therefore suggested that P. ovale penetrates the keratinocyte where degradation of the normal keratinous content to amorphous material takes place. This newly formed lipidic substrate may be an essential nutritive factor. The lipidified state of the stratum corneum persisted for at least 3 weeks after eradication of the fungus by itraconazole. It is speculated that the presence of large quantities of this lipid-like material might be the cause of hypopigmentation because it may constitute an ultraviolet light block.     

Elevated short chain fatty acid concentrations in anaerobic small bowel contamination

Viable bacteria were identified and counted, and short chain fatty acid concentrations measured in small intestinal fluid from 74 fasting children. In nine children with anaerobic small bowel contamination, individual and total short chain fatty acid concentrations were significantly higher than the remainder of the group (p less than 0.01). Using 100 mumol/l as the upper reference limit for total short chain fatty acid concentration, the sensitivity and specificity as a test for anaerobic small bowel contamination was 89% and 98%, respectively. Measuring luminal short chain fatty acid concentrations in proximal small intestinal fluid is an accurate method for detecting anaerobic small bowel contamination in children.     

A comparative study of Cardi‐O‐Fix septal occluder versus Amplatzer septal occluder in percutaneous closure of secundum atrial septal defects

Aim: We sought to investigate the safety and efficacy of Cardio‐O‐Fix septal occluder (CSO) in percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects (ASD) as compared to the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO). Methods: A consecutive of 351 patients received transcatheter ASD closure with CSO or ASO from July 2004 to October 2010 were studied. The ASDs were divided into simple‐ (isolated defects <26 mm) or complex‐types (isolated defect ≥26 mm, double or multifenestrated defects). The procedures were guided by fluoroscopy and transthoracic or transesophageal echocardiography. Clinical and echocardiographic follow‐ups were arranged before discharge, at 1 month and then every 6‐month after implantation. Results: During the study period, 185 (125 males, aged 18.5 ± 15.6 years) and 166 (103 males, aged 21.0 ± 15.7 years) patients attempted CSO and ASO implants, respectively. The CSO group had similar ASD and device sizes, prevalence of complex lesions (17 vs. 16%, P = 0.796), procedural times and success rates (97% vs. 96%, P = 0.635) as compared to the ASO group. Acute residual shunts were less prevalent in CSO than ASO group and most shunts closed spontaneously at 6‐month follow‐ups. The average equipment cost per patient was lower in CSO group (US$ 4,100 vs. US$ 5,900, P < 0.001). The prevalence of device embolization and atrial arrhythmia (all <2%) were similar in both patient groups. Conclusion: Transcatheter ASD occlusion with CSO is safe and effective and it appeared to be an attractive alternative to ASO in closing simple‐type ASD because of its relatively low cost. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

B-Twin可膨胀式融合器系统腰椎融合术

目的:介绍B-Twin可膨胀式融合器系统及相关B-Twin椎间融合术的开展情况。方法:应用计算机检索“B-Twin expandable cage,lumbar interbody space fusion,lumbar disc degenerative disease,minimal invasive spinal fusion”;中文期刊检索词“B-Twin、腰椎融合术”。检索工具:Pubmed,google,CNKI中文期刊网。同时有部分国外会议资料。结果:腰椎间盘退行性疾病是临床上引起腰腿痛及功能障碍的一类疾病,目前常用的治疗方法包括保守治疗、微创手术以及外科手术治疗。传统的腰椎融合术多为开放性手术,创伤大,恢复时间长,近年来,可膨胀的B-Twin融合器的应用使经皮腰椎融合术成为可能,并且具有创伤小、恢复快、操作简便、安全性高的特点。结论:可膨胀的B-Twin融合器的应用,使得经皮腰椎融合术成为可能,具有广阔的前景。