Identification of novel protein biomarkers from the blood and urine for the early diagnosis of bladder cancer via proximity extension analysis.

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer (BC) is a very common urinary tract malignancy that has a high incidence and lethality. In this study, we identified BC biomarkers and described a new noninvasive detection method using serum and urine samples for the early detection of BC. METHODS: Serum and urine samples were retrospectively collected from patients with BC (n = 99) and healthy controls (HC) (n = 50), and the expression levels of 92 inflammation-related proteins were examined via the proximity extension analysis (PEA) technique. Differential protein expression was then evaluated by univariate analysis (p < 0.05). The expression of the selected potential marker was further verified in BC and adjacent tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and single-cell sequencing. A model was constructed to differentiate BC from HC by LASSO regression and compared to the detection capability of FISH. RESULTS: The univariate analysis revealed significant differences in the expression levels of 40 proteins in the serum (p < 0.05) and 17 proteins in the urine (p < 0.05) between BC patients and HC. Six proteins (AREG, RET, WFDC2, FGFBP1, ESM-1, and PVRL4) were selected as potential BC biomarkers, and their expression was evaluated at the protein and transcriptome levels by IHC and single-cell sequencing, respectively. A diagnostic model (a signature) consisting of 14 protein markers (11 in serum and three in urine) was also established using LASSO regression to distinguish between BC patients and HC (area under the curve = 0.91, PPV = 0.91, sensitivity = 0.87, and specificity = 0.82). Our model showed better diagnostic efficacy than FISH, especially for early-stage, small, and low-grade BC. CONCLUSION: Using the PEA method, we identified a panel of potential protein markers in the serum and urine of BC patients. These proteins are associated with the development of BC. A total of 14 of these proteins can be used to detect early-stage, small, low-grade BC. Thus, these markers are promising for clinical translation to improve the prognosis of BC patients.

Digital inclusive finance and consumption-based embodied carbon emissions: A dual perspective of consumption and industry upgrading.

Promoting the development of financial instruments can influence carbon emission reduction in the context of the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals. There are currently no theoretical mechanisms to explain whether and how digital inclusive finance, as a new type of financial service, influences residential consumption-based embodied carbon emissions. This study employs the mediation model, moderation model, and moderated mediation model to empirically evaluate the influence mechanism of digital inclusive finance on consumption-based embodied carbon emissions per capita in China from 2011 to 2019. The findings demonstrate that the development of digital inclusive finance increases residents' consumption-based embodied carbon emissions by upgrading consumption level and consumption structure, but that upgrading industrial structure does indeed have a significantly negative moderating effect in implications paths, causing consumption-based embodied carbon emissions to shift from positive to negative. This study, by focusing on the advancement of digital inclusive finance, offers policymakers suggestions for reducing consumption-based embodied carbon emissions from the standpoints of consumption upgrading and industrial structure upgrading, respectively.

Evolution of household carbon emissions and their drivers from both income and consumption perspectives in China during 2010-2017.

Household inputs and consumption play important roles in driving carbon emissions in China. However, existing studies have mainly studied consumption-based household carbon emissions in specific years to highlight consumption guidance and management, and little attention has been given to income-based accounting and policy-making focused on primary input behaviors and product allocation behaviors. In the quest for more coordinated and efficient mitigation strategies, we applied input-output analysis (IOA) combined with the biproportional scaling method (RAS) to obtain both income- and consumption-based annual accounting of rural and urban household carbon emissions from 2010 to 2017 and then used structural decomposition analysis (SDA) to determine key driving factors and sectors. Our results revealed that the proportions of income-based household emissions in gross emissions were higher than that of consumption-based household emissions. In terms of driving factors, per capita income/consumption contributed the largest increase in household emissions for most of the period, and population changes also showed a weak positive effect. However, intermediate input/output structure and carbon emission intensity were the main offsetting factors for household emissions. Compared with the consumption-based results, the income-based results can identify some new critical sectors that lead to household emission changes. Furthermore, the discrepant results for rural and urban household carbon emissions from both income and consumption perspectives suggest that differentiated measures of rural and urban households in key sectors are necessary. Finally, we propose industrial chain adjustment strategies and household input and consumption behavior recommendations in the context of urbanization.

[Analysis of 10 years' data of systematic male reproductive system ultrasonography in diagnosis of azoospermia etiology].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the value of systematic male reproductive system ultrasonography in the diagnosis of azoospermia etiology. METHODS: Retrospective analysis and classification statistics were conducted on the data of azoospermia cases who underwent systematic male reproductive system ultrasound examination at the First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University from January 2013 to January 2023. RESULTS: A total of 375 cases were included in the group, of which 303 cases could be diagnosed by ultrasound, including 161 cases of obstructive causes, 110 cases of non obstructive causes, and 32 cases of mixed causes. Obstructive causes mainly include bilateral absence or underdevelopment of the seminal vesicles and vas deferens, non obstructive causes mainly include bilateral simple testicular dysplasia, and the most common combined causes are bilateral absence or underdevelopment of the seminal vesicles and vas deferens combined with bilateral testicular dysplasia. The main causes involved a single organ in 174 cases, with 82 cases, 43 cases, and 4 cases involving 2-4 organs, respectively. In addition, there are multiple accompanying ultrasound manifestations of non primary causes. CONCLUSION: Systematic ultrasound examination can comprehensively evaluate the male reproductive system, effectively diagnose the causes of most azoospermia, and provide valuable imaging evidence for clinical treatment.

[Mechanism of Xiaoluanwan(II) in treating mouse epididymitis through the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome].

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of Xiaoluanwan(II) in treating lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced epididymitis and its impact on the NLRP3 inflammasome. METHODS: The murine epididymitis model was established through local injection of LPS. The study included a control group (n=5), a model group (n=5), a model group treated with Xiaoluanwan(II) (Ⅱ) (n=5), and a saline group treated with Xiaoluanwan(II) (n=5). After 14 consecutive days of oral administration of Xiaoluanwan(II) or physiological saline, pathological changes in the epididymal tissues, expression levels of NLRP3 inflammasome and Caspase-1, as well as associated protein levels were examined. RESULTS: Compared to the model group, Xiaoluanwan(II) significantly alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration and lesions, as evidenced by a reduction in the protein expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, Cleaved-Caspase-1, IL-1ß, IL-18, GSDMD, and p-p38 MAPK (P<0.05 or P<0.01), thereby mitigating the inflammatory response. CONCLUSION: Xiaoluanwan(II) alleviates epididymal inflammation and ameliorates mouse epididymal epithelial injury by modulating the NLRP3-mediated cell pyroptosis pathway.

DNA Nanoribbon for Efficient Anti-miRNA Peptide Nucleic Acid Delivery and Synergistic Enhancement of Cancer Cell Apoptosis.

Antisense peptide nucleic acid (asPNA), an effective antisense drug, has been employed as a gene therapy agent and a useful tool in molecular biology. Gaining control over the delivery of asPNA to target tissues has been a major hindrance to its wide application in clinical practice. A simple and efficient DNA nanoribbon (DNR)-based drug delivery process has been designed in this study that releases the asPNA agent to inhibit oncogenic microRNAs (miRNAs). Furthermore, we demonstrated how the AS1411 aptamer that binds nucleolin on the cell membranes works as a control mechanism capable of identifying target cancer cells and enhancing the enrichment capacity of DNR. With the biodegradability of DNR, we can efficiently initiate the release of asPNA into the cytoplasm, particularly targeting the intended miR-21 and synergistically increasing programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) expression to enhance cell apoptosis. We assume that this well-defined delivery mechanism will aid in designing antisense site-specific treatments for various diseases, including cancer.

Acidity-Activatable Nanoparticles with Glucose Oxidase-Enhanced Photoacoustic Imaging and Photothermal Effect, and Macrophage-Related Immunomodulation for Synergistic Treatment of Biofilm Infection.

The pH-responsive theragnostics exhibit great potential for precision diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Herein, acidity-activatable nanoparticles of GB@P based on glucose oxidase (GO) and polyaniline are developed for treatment of biofilm infection. Catalyzed by GO, GB@P triggers the conversion of glucose into gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), enabling an acidic microenvironment-activated simultaneously enhanced photothermal (PT) effect/amplified photoacoustic imaging (PAI). The synergistic effects of the enhanced PT efficacy of GB@P and H2 O2 accelerate biofilm eradication because the penetration of H2 O2 into biofilm improves the bacterial sensitivity to heat, and the enhanced PT effect destroys the expressions of extracellular DNA and genomic DNA, resulting in biofilm destruction and bacterial death. Importantly, GB@P facilitates the polarization of proinflammatory M1 macrophages that initiates macrophage-related immunity, which enhances the phagocytosis of macrophages and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, leading to a sustained bactericidal effect and biofilm eradication by the innate immunomodulatory effect. Accordingly, the nanoplatform of GB@P exhibits the synergistic effects on the biofilm eradication and bacterial residuals clearance through a combination of the enhanced PT effect with immunomodulation. This study provides a promising nanoplatform with enhanced PT efficacy and amplified PAI for diagnosis and treatment of biofilm infection.

Use of the O-Z Flap to Repair Scalp Defects After Cancer Tumor Resection.

BACKGROUND: Large benign and malignant tumors in the scalp cannot be sutured directly after resection. Instead, skin grafting or skin flap repair is the most commonly used techniques. Local tissue depression and lack of hair growth are some of the drawbacks associated with these techniques. The use of a modified local flap (the O-Z flap) may effectively overcome these issues. OBJECTIVE: To explore the application of O-Z flap in wound repair after excision of benign and malignant tumors of the scalp. METHODS: Between April 2016 and November 2017, the authors treated 6 patients with scalp tumors. They underwent round or oval radical tumor resection with negative margins. Tumor specimens were diagnosed by cryosection during operation. According to the wound defect size and location, surrounding scalp looseness, and hair distribution, 2 rotating flaps in opposite directions were formed on the left and right sides or front and back of the wound. Subsequently, the skin flaps were rotated in opposite directions to repair the wound. RESULTS: The scalp tumors comprised 2 cases of basal cell carcinoma, 2 cases of squamous cell carcinoma, 1 case of hair sheath carcinoma, and 1 case of epidermoid cyst. After complete tumor resection, the wound defect area was between 3.0 cm × 3.5 cm and 5.0 cm × 6.0 cm. After operation, approximately 6% of the tip of the skin flap was necrotized. The wounds healed after 4 weeks of dressing treatment. All skin flaps survived in stage I and no complications occurred. All patients were followed up for 3 to 12 months; the scalps were in good condition and no tumor recurrence was found. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the O-Z flap to repair scalp wounds offers flexible design, good blood circulation, uniform tension, and good hair growth after operation; thus, this technique is suitable for wound repair following scalp tumor resection.

Identification of novel biomarkers in Hunner's interstitial cystitis using the CIBERSORT, an algorithm based on machine learning.

BACKGROUND:  Hunner's interstitial cystitis (HIC) is a complex disorder characterized by pelvic pain, disrupted urine storage, and Hunner lesions seen on cystoscopy. There are few effective diagnostic biomarkers. In the present study, we used the novel machine learning tool CIBERSORT to measure immune cell subset infiltration and potential novel diagnostic biomarkers for HIC. METHODS: The GSE11783 and GSE57560 datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus for analysis. Ten HIC and six healthy samples from GSE11783 were analyzed using the CIBERSORT algorithm. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed to identify biological processes that occur during HIC pathogenesis. Finally, expression levels of 11 T cell follicular helper cell (Tfh) markers were compared between three healthy individuals and four patients from GSE57560. RESULTS: Six types of immune cells in HIC from GSE11783 showed significant differences, including resting mast cells, CD4+ memory-activated T cells (CD3+ CD4+ HLA-DR+ cells), M0 and M2 macrophages, Tfh cells, and activated natural killer cells. Except for plasma cells, there were no significant differences between Hunner's lesion and non-Hunner's lesion areas in HIC. The GSEA revealed significantly altered biological processes, including antigen-antibody reactions, autoimmune diseases, and infections of viruses, bacteria, and parasites. There were 11 Tfh cell markers with elevated expression in patients from GSE57560. CONCLUSION: This was the first demonstration of Tfh cells and CD3+ CD4+ HLA-DR+ cells with elevated expression in HIC. These cells might serve as novel diagnostic biomarkers.

Paroxetine in the treatment of premature ejaculation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Paroxetine is one of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used in the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE). However, this use is not approved in many countries. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to review the efficacy and safety of paroxetine for PE patients. METHODS: We searched relevant randomized, controlled trials through May 2018, using PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Central Register. The main endpoint included intra-vaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) and side effects in the treatment of PE. Cochrane Collaboration's Revman software, version 5.3, was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Out of 493 unique articles, a total of 19 randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) were reviewed. Quite a few RCTs were considered to have unclear risk of bias because of limited information. Pooled outcomes suggested that paroxetine was more effective than placebo, fluoxetine and escitalopram at increasing IELT (all p < 0.05). However, there existed a high level of heterogeneity in the paroxetine vs. fluoxetine groups and the paroxetine vs. placebo groups. Comparing paroxetine with tramadol, sertraline, phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is), local lidocaine gel, behaviour therapy or dapoxetine, we found that the increase in IELT was not statistically significant between groups. Paroxetine combined with tadalafil or behaviour therapy was more efficacious than paroxetine alone (all p < 0.05). Although the side effects in the combination group were more common than in the paroxetine alone group, the most common adverse events, such as nausea, muscle soreness, palpitation and flushing, were mild and tolerable. The main limitations of this systematic review and meta-analysis were the different definitions of PE and short follow-up times. CONCLUSIONS: According to this systematic review and meta-analysis, paroxetine provided better efficacy than placebo, fluoxetine and escitalopram in the treatment of PE, with well-tolerated side effects. The combination group had better efficacy than the paroxetine alone group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This review was reported in agreement with the PRISMA statement and was registered on PROSPERO 2018CRD42018097014 .

A Reliable Femoral Osteotomy in Total Hip Arthroplasty for Hartofilakidis Type C Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: Proximal Femoral Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Procedure of the femur is extremely challenging during total hip arthroplasty (THA) for Hartofilakidis type C developmental dysplasia of the hip. The main purpose of this study is to compare the clinical effectiveness of proximal femoral reconstruction (PFR) with subtrochanteric transverse osteotomy (STO). METHODS: Between 2006 and 2015, 33 primary THAs in 26 patients were performed with PFR and 16 hips in 13 patients underwent STO. The mean follow-up was 4.2 (range, 2.2-10.8) years in PFR group and 5.9 (range, 3.5-11.3) years in STO group. At the final follow-up, clinical scores and radiographic results were evaluated for 33 hips in PFR group and 15 hips in STO group. RESULTS: Postoperative Harris hip scores and implant position did not differ between the treatment groups. The mean length of the oblique osteotomy line at proximal femur was 6.9 cm (range, 5.8-7.6 cm) in PFR group. The amount of bone union occurred within 6 months after surgery was 24 (72.7%) hips in PFR group and 9 (60.0%) in STO group. Three major postoperative complications occurred in PFR group, and medial femoral calcar erosion was noted in 1 hip in STO group. CONCLUSION: Similar with STO, the clinical results of PFR technique are a reliable solution for femoral procedure during THA in patients with Hartofilakidis type C developmental dysplasia of the hip.

[A new procedure of penoplasty for concealed penis reduces postoperative preputial edema].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the advantage of a new procedure of penoplasty by T-shaped incision and three-point fixation (TSI+TPF) in reducing postoperative preputial edema in the treatment of concealed penis. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 244 cases of concealed penis treated in our center between June 2014 and June 2017, 185 by TSI+TPF penoplasty and the other 59 by modified Devine surgery (MDS). We compared the incidence of postoperative preputial edema between the two groups of patients. RESULTS: The incidence rate of preputial edema was obviously lower in the TSI+TPF penoplasty than in the MDS group at 2 (28.1% vs 33.9%) and 4 weeks after surgery (11.4% vs 20.3%), though with no statistically significant difference, and that of moderate to severe edema was significantly lower in the former than in the latter at 4 weeks (1.1% vs 6.8%, P < 0.05). And no long-term residual edema was observed after TSI+TPF penoplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Penoplasty by T-shaped incision and three-point fixation can effectively reduce the incidence of postoperative preputial edema, especially that of moderate to severe edema, in the treatment of concealed penis.

GOLM1 promotes prostate cancer progression through activating PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. Various molecular mechanisms account for PCa progression and elucidation of these mechanisms is key for selection of optimal therapies and improvement of patient outcome. Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) has been identified as a novel biomarker for PCa, but its biological functions and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. METHOD: GOLM1 expression was determined in PCa by tissue microarrays (TMAs) and real-time RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analyses. To investigate GOLM1 functions in vitro and in vivo, we overexpressed and knocked down GOLM1 in PCa cell lines and established xenograft mice models. A series of cytological function assays were used to determine the role of GOLM1 in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway downstream of GOLM1 was detected by Western blot and IHC analyses. RESULT: GOLM1 expression is up-regulated in PCa of all stages and grades. GOLM1 promotes proliferation, migration and invasion, and inhibits apoptosis in PCa cell lines (DU145, PC3, and CWR22Rv1) and xenograft mice models. Moreover, PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling is positively regulated by GOLM1, whereas PI3 K inhibitor BKM120 significantly abrogates the oncogenic functions of GOLM1. CONCLUSION: GOLM1 acts as a critical oncogene by promoting PCa cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and inhibiting apoptosis. GOLM1 plays oncogenic functions mainly through activating PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. Therefore, agents that block PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway could be used in PCa patients with GOLM1 up-regulation.

Choosing the appropriate ShangRing size for paediatric circumcision using the no-flip technique.

AIM: To determine the correct ShangRing size for paediatric circumcision using the no-flip technique. METHODS: A cohort of 104 boys (from 6 to 14 years) underwent ShangRing circumcision at Ningbo First Hospital, China. The patients were randomly divided into three groups according to the different methods used for choosing the ring size. For Group A, the ring size was chosen using the ShangRing measuring tape; for Group B, ring size was chosen based on the diameter of penis measured using a self-designed scale plate; and for Group C, ring size was chosen based on the diameter of the glans measured using the self-designed scale plate. The surgery duration, foreskin dorsal slit rate, intra-operative and post-surgery pain score, pain duration, post-surgery ring detachment duration, pain score for ring detachment, complication rate and satisfaction rate were compared. RESULTS: Group A had the highest dorsal slit rate and the longest surgical period. There were no significant differences in intra-/post-surgery pain or ring detachment duration among the three groups. The post-surgery oedema rate and foreskin asymmetry occurrence rate was the highest in Group A at 40.62 and 21.88%, respectively. Group C had the highest satisfaction rate (97.14%), with a significant difference from Group A (75.00%). Oedema and asymmetry of the foreskin increased, while the satisfaction rate simultaneously decreased when a larger ShangRing was chosen. CONCLUSIONS: The size of the ShangRing should be chosen in accordance with the diameter of the glans in paediatric ShangRing circumcision using the no-flip technique.

Chinese Shang Ring Male Circumcision: A Review.

Chinese Shang Ring adult male circumcision (SC) is a safe and effective procedure which is easy to learn and to perform. By a specially designed small device, male circumcision (MC) can be performed in 5 min. Compared with conventional adult MC (CC), SC has shorter operation time, less blood loss, less pain score, higher appearance satisfaction rate, and lower complication rate. SC was first developed in China. As recent studies have demonstrated that MC reduced the risk of acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection via vaginal intercourse in African countries, SC was introduced into Africa to fight HIV. Other sexually transmitted diseases such as human papillomavirus infection may also be prevented by SC. In conclusion, Chinese Shang Ring, a small device, provides an easy, quick, safe, and effective method to perform adult MC.

[Penoplasty with T-shaped incision and three-point fixation for concealed penis].

OBJECTIVE: To search for a safe and effective method of penoplasty with low incidence of complications for concealed penis by evaluating penoplasty with T-shaped incision and three-point fixation in comparison with modified Devine's technique. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 169 cases of concealed penis treated in our center by penoplasty with T-shaped incision and three-point fixation (group A, n = 110) or modified Devine's surgery (group B, n = 59). We compared the operation time, postoperative complications, and recurrence rate between the two groups of patients. RESULTS: Operations were successfully completed in all the cases, the urinary catheters removed at 3 days and the elastic bandages applied for 2 to 4 weeks. The patients were followed up for 4 to 12 months. The penis was satisfactorily exposed. The operative time was significantly shorter in group A than in B (ï¼»52.8 ± 6.9ï¼½ vs ï¼»61.5 ± 10.6ï¼½ min, P < 0.001), the postoperative complication rate was obviously lower in the former than in the latter (prepuce edema: 17.27% ï¼»19/110ï¼½ vs 33.89% ï¼»20/59ï¼½, P = 0.021; bleeding: 0.90% ï¼»1/110ï¼½ vs 3.38% ï¼»2/59ï¼½, P = 0.552; skin necrosis: 0.90% ï¼»1/110ï¼½ vs 5.08% ï¼»3/59ï¼½, P = 0.123; skin infection: 0.90% ï¼»1/110ï¼½ vs 5.08% ï¼»3/59ï¼½, P = 0.123), and so was the recurrence rate (0.90% ï¼»1/110ï¼½ vs 6.77% ï¼»4/59ï¼½, P = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Penoplasty with T-shaped incision and three-point fixation deserves to be popularized clinically for its advantages of minor invasion, clear exposure, reliable penile fixation, low incidence of postoperative complications and recurrence, and satisfactory outcomes.

[Etiological factors for calculus-associated seminal vesiculitis: Analysis of calculus composition in 6 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the etiological factors for calculus-associated seminal vesiculitis by analyzing the composition of seminal vesicle calculus samples. METHODS: This retrospective study included 6 cases of recurrent hematospermia diagnosed with seminal vesicle calculus by non-contrast pelvic CT. The patients were aged 28 to 69 years, with persistent or recurrent hematospermia for 3 months to 6 years, and 5 of them with a history of acute urethritis. All the patients underwent seminal vesiculoscopy, which confirmed calculus-associated seminal vesiculitis. The calculus samples were obtained with a spiral dislodge and their composition was determined with a second-generation infrared calculus composition analyzer. The patients were followed up for 2 to 12 weeks postoperatively, during which non-contrast pelvic CT was employed for observation of recurrent calculus in the reproductive tract. RESULTS: Pelvic CT scanning indicated recurrence of seminal vesicle calculus in 3 cases at 12 weeks postoperatively, of which, 2 were accompanied with recurrent hematospermia, both observed at 4 weeks after operation. As for the composition of the calculus, the infrared calculus composition analyzer revealed struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate) in 5 cases and a mixture of calcium oxalate dihydrate, calcium oxalate monohydrate, and carbonate apatite in the other one. CONCLUSIONS: Seminal vesicle calculi are most commonly composed of struvite, and infection is the main etiological factor for calculus-associated seminal vesiculitis.

Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty With a High Hip Center for Hartofilakidis Type B Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: Results of Midterm Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Acetabular reconstruction in adults with Hartofilakidis type B developmental dysplasia of the hip is a major technical challenge. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate hip function and radiographic outcomes regarding high hip center at midterm follow-up. METHODS: From January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2009, 37 patients who had Hartofilakidis type B developmental dysplasia of the hip underwent a primary total hip arthroplasty using a high hip center technique. Functional, radiographic, and survivorship outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 37 patients, 31 patients (83.8%) were available for the mean follow-up of 6.1 years (range, 1.5-7.6 years). Thirty-one cementless cups were located at an average vertical distance of 38.1 ± 3.3 mm and at a mean horizontal distance of 35.5 ± 3.4 mm. The mean ratio of the height of the hip center was 2.4% (range, 2.0%-2.9%). The Harris Hip Scores were improved from 50.3 points (range, 38-63 points) preoperatively to 92.3 points (range, 85-100 points) at the final follow-up (P < .001). Four patients continued to present with Trendelenburg gait pattern at the last follow-up. With use of revision for any reason and aseptic loosening as the end point, the 5-year survival rates were 90.3% (95% CI, 79.9%-100%) and 93.3% (95% CI, 84.3%-100%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The high hip center technique in conjunction with a cementless acetabular component seems to be a valuable alternative to achieve satisfactory midterm outcomes for Hartofilakidis type B developmental dysplasia of the hip.

[Application value of Toshiba 320-row dynamic volumetric CT angiography in the diagnosis of venous erectile dysfunction].

Objective: To investigate the application value of Toshiba 320-row dynamic volumetric CT angiography in the diagnosis of venous erectile dysfunction (VED). METHODS: We enrolled in this study 33 patients diagnosed with ED by audiovisual sexual stimulation screening in the outpatient department. Penile erection was induced in the patients by injection of 2 mg phentolamine plus 30 mg papaverine into the corpus cavernosum, followed by that of contrast agent of iobitridol through the vein and corpus cavernosum successively. Then 320-row dynamic volumetric CT angiography was performed and the images of the corpus cavernosum in the arterial and venous phases were collected and processed. RESULTS: Different degrees of abnormal venous drainage were observed in 29 of the patients, including 7 cases (24.1%) of back deep venous leakage, 6 cases (20.7%) of foot venous leakage, 3 cases (10.3%) of dorsal superficial venous leakage, 1 case (3.5%) of intervertebral venous leakage, 2 cases (6.9%) of cavernous venous leakage, and 10 cases (34.5%) of mixed venous leakage. Ten of the patients underwent surgery, dorsal deep penile vein ligation in 2 cases, dorsal deep vein embedding plus foot vein ligation in 4, and foot vein ligation in the other 4. Eight of the patients were followed up for 3－12 months post-operatively, during which 2 achieved obvious erectile improvement, while the other 6 gained normal penile erection. CONCLUSIONS: Toshiba 320-row dynamic volumetric CT angiography is a reliable method for the diagnosis of VED, which displays the precise location of venous leakage for clinical treatment, with the advantages of clearer images, lower doses of contrast agent and radiation, and faster examination than X-ray penile angiography.

Synergistic enhancement mediated sensitive SERS-based immunoassay of PSA using versatile PDMS@AgNPs@ZIF-67 biomimetic substrates.

Among various biomimetic polymer materials, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stands out as an ideal matrix for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) due to its unique intrinsic Raman signal and tenacity. In order to realize the precise detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), we proposed a sandwich-type SERS-active immunostructure composed of PDMS@silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs)@ZIF-67 biomimetic film as the immunosubstrate and gold nanorods (Au NRs) as immunoprobes. Due to the synergistic effect of electromagnetic enhancement facilitated by biomimetic surfaces and chemical enhancement achieved by ZIF-67, this structure enabled an ultrasensitive and selective detection of PSA across a broad range from 10-3 to 10-9 mg/mL. The achieved limit of detection was as low as 3.0 × 10-10 mg/mL. Particularly, the intrinsic Raman signal of PDMS matrix at 2905 cm-1 was employed as a potential internal standard (IS) in the detection, achieving a high coefficient of determination (R2) value of 0.996. This multifunctional SERS substrate-mediated immunoassay holds vast potential for early diagnosis of prostate cancer, offering promising prospects for clinical applications.