SERS-Based Hydrogen Bonding Induction Strategy for Gaseous Acetic Acid Capture and Detection.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) can overcome the existing technological limitations, such as complex processes and harsh conditions in gaseous small-molecule detection, and advance the development of real-time gas sensing at room temperature. In this study, a SERS-based hydrogen bonding induction strategy for capturing and sensing gaseous acetic acid is proposed for the detection demands of gaseous acetic acid. This addresses the challenges of low adsorption of gaseous small molecules on SERS substrates and small Raman scattering cross sections and enables the first SERS-based detection of gaseous acetic acid by a portable Raman spectrometer. To provide abundant hydrogen bond donors and acceptors, 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) was used as a ligand molecule modified on the SERS substrate. Furthermore, a sensing chip with a low relative standard deviation (RSD) of 4.15% was constructed, ensuring highly sensitive and reliable detection. The hydrogen bond-induced acetic acid trapping was confirmed by experimental spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT). In addition, to achieve superior accuracy compared to conventional methods, an innovative analytical method based on direct response hydrogen bond formation (IO-H/Iref) was proposed, enabling the detection of gaseous acetic acid at concentrations as low as 60 ppb. The strategy demonstrated a superior anti-interference capability in simulated breath and wine detection systems. Moreover, the high reusability of the chip highlights the significant potential for real-time sensing of gaseous acetic acid.

Novel strategy using a spiral embedded flap for meatal stenosis after post-penile cancer amputation surgery: a single-center experience.

This study aimed to investigate the curative effect of spiral embedded flap urethroplasty for the treatment of meatal stenosis after penile carcinoma surgery. From January 2015 to January 2021, we used our technique to treat strictures of the external urethral orifice in seven patients, including four cases of meatal stenosis after partial penile resection and three cases of meatal stenosis after perineal stoma. All patients had previously undergone repeat urethral dilatation. The patients underwent spiral embedded flap urethroplasty to enlarge the outer urethral opening. The patients' mean age at the time of surgery was 60 (range: 42-71) years, the mean operative time was 43 min, and the median follow-up period was 18 months. The patients voided well post-operatively, and urinary peak flow rates ranged from 18.3 ml s-1 to 30.4 ml s-1. All patients were successful with absence of urethral meatus stricture. The present study showed that using spiral embedded flap urethroplasty to treat meatal stenosis after penile carcinoma surgery is an effective surgical technique with good long-term outcomes.

Selective Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer Photothermal Ablation With Copper Sulfide Nanoplates.

OBJECTIVE: To explore new therapies for castration-resistant prostate cancer to improve patients' quality of life and extend life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The synthesis, morphology analysis, phase analysis, spectral analysis, and photothermal conversion test were referenced to our previous articles. Then near-infrared light-driven copper sulfide (CuS) nanoplates to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells in vivo and in vitro was carried out. Transmission electron microscope, mCherry-LC3 syncytial virus labeling, acridine orange staining, and autophagy protein were used to detect the autophagy caused by CuS nanoplates and chloroquine was used to inhibit the process of autophagy. RESULTS: The CuS nanoplates prepared in this study feature low cytotoxicity, simple preparation, and high photothermal conversion efficiency. Driven by 980 nm near-infrared light, CuS nanoplates could inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells in vivo and in vitro, while triggering the autophagy and cytoprotection of prostate cancer cells. CONCLUSION: CuS nanoplates are a kind of commendable photothermal therapy agent in castration-resistant prostate cancer treating. Autophagy inhibition enhances the photothermal efficiency of CuS nanoplates, which indicates favorable application prospects in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.