Objective To investigate the toxic effects of combined yttrium and lead exposure on liver and kidney functions in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Methods Adult male specific pathogen-free SD rats were randomly divided into four groups. Rats in the low-, medium-, and high-dose groups were co-administered with yttrium acetate (10.0, 50.0, and 100.0 mg/kg body weight, respectively) and lead acetate (4.0, 20.0, and 40.0 mg/kg body weight, respectively) by intragastric gavage, once per day for 28 consecutive days. Rats in the control group received an equal volume of deionized water. Yttrium and lead levels in whole blood, liver, and kidney tissues of the rats were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Serum index of liver and kidney function were measured by a double reagent method, and histopathological changes in the liver and kidney were observed. Results The body weights of rats in all the three exposure groups were lower than those in the control group from day 14 of exposure until the end of exposure (all P<0.05). Body weight gain of rats was observed only in the low-dose group at day 28, whereas no body weight gain was observed throughout the exposure period in the medium- and high-dose groups. Histopathological examination showed dose-dependent liver and kidney injuries in rats of the three exposure groups compared with the control group. Specifically, the liver exhibited widening of intercellular spaces and increased inflammatory cell infiltration, while the kidney showed increased tissue hemorrhage and increased damage to glomeruli and renal tubules. Lead levels in whole blood, liver, and kidney tissues of the rats were higher than yttrium levels in all the three exposure groups (all P<0.05). Blood yttrium levels in rats of the high-dose group were higher than those in the other three groups (all P<0.05), and yttrium levels in the liver and kidney tissues of the three exposure groups were higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05). Lead levels in whole blood, liver, and kidney tissues of the rats increased with increasing exposure dose (all P<0.05). At the end of exposure, the kidney organ coefficient of rats in the high-dose group was higher than those in the other three groups (all P<0.05). The serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ratio of rats in the high‑dose group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The serum urea and uric acid levels in the medium‑ and high‑dose groups were lower than those in the control group (both P<0.05). The serum cystatin C level in the high‑dose group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Blood yttrium and blood lead levels were each negatively correlated with serum ALT/AST ratio, serum urea nitrogen, and uric acid levels (both P<0.05). Both yttrium and lead levels in liver tissue were each negatively correlated with serum ALT/AST ratio (all P<0.05). Both yttrium and lead levels in kidney tissue were each negatively correlated with both serum urea nitrogen and uric acid levels (all P<0.05), and each positively correlated with serum cystatin C levels (both P<0.05). Conclusion Co-exposure to yttrium and lead induces dose‑dependent hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in male SD rats. Lead exhibits a more pronounced accumulation effect and contributes more substantially to the observed toxicity.

Objective:To investigate the effectiveness, safety and feasibility of transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (TU-LESS) for abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) lesion resection.Methods:A total of 11 patients who underwent AWE lesion resection via TU-LESS at The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2022 to May 2024 were enrolled. The size, invasion depth of the lesion, horizontal distance from the lesion center to the original surgical scar, vertical distance from the lesion to the skin, body mass index (BMI), the thickness of abdominal wall fat, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, perioperative complications, postoperative pathology, postoperative incision healing and recurrence were recorded and analyzed.Results:All 11 patients in this study had a history of cesarean section, 10 of whom had transverse incision and 1 had longitudinal incision. The age was (35.0±6.2) years old. BMI was (25.0±4.0) kg/m 2, with the highest being 33.9 kg/m 2. The lesion size was (24.7±12.1) mm, with an average horizontal distance from the lesion center to the original surgical scar of (11.6±6.0) mm. The abdominal wall fat thickness was (21.4±5.8) mm, and the vertical distance from the lesion to the skin was (14.5±7.9) mm. There were a total of 12 lesions in the 11 patients. Among them, 1 lesion extended to the peritoneum inferiorly, 5 lesions extended to the rectus abdominis inferiorly, 5 lesions reached the anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis inferiorly, and 1 lesion was completely located within the abdominal wall fat. The operative time was (84.2±35.4) minutes, and the intraoperative blood loss was (9.0±4.2) ml. The postoperative incision healing of all patients was grade A. The anatomical structure of their umbilical region remained normal, free from any scarring, which contributed to the high satisfaction levels expressed by the patients. Postoperative pathological examination confirmed endometriosis with negative surgical margins, and no recurrence had been observed during follow-up. Conclusion:TU-LESS for AWE lesion resection is safe and feasible, particularly suitable for patients with lesions located far from the original surgical scar, deep lesion location, thick abdominal wall fat, and multiple focal leisons.

Objective:To investigate the effectiveness, safety and feasibility of transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (TU-LESS) for abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) lesion resection.Methods:A total of 11 patients who underwent AWE lesion resection via TU-LESS at The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2022 to May 2024 were enrolled. The size, invasion depth of the lesion, horizontal distance from the lesion center to the original surgical scar, vertical distance from the lesion to the skin, body mass index (BMI), the thickness of abdominal wall fat, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, perioperative complications, postoperative pathology, postoperative incision healing and recurrence were recorded and analyzed.Results:All 11 patients in this study had a history of cesarean section, 10 of whom had transverse incision and 1 had longitudinal incision. The age was (35.0±6.2) years old. BMI was (25.0±4.0) kg/m 2, with the highest being 33.9 kg/m 2. The lesion size was (24.7±12.1) mm, with an average horizontal distance from the lesion center to the original surgical scar of (11.6±6.0) mm. The abdominal wall fat thickness was (21.4±5.8) mm, and the vertical distance from the lesion to the skin was (14.5±7.9) mm. There were a total of 12 lesions in the 11 patients. Among them, 1 lesion extended to the peritoneum inferiorly, 5 lesions extended to the rectus abdominis inferiorly, 5 lesions reached the anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis inferiorly, and 1 lesion was completely located within the abdominal wall fat. The operative time was (84.2±35.4) minutes, and the intraoperative blood loss was (9.0±4.2) ml. The postoperative incision healing of all patients was grade A. The anatomical structure of their umbilical region remained normal, free from any scarring, which contributed to the high satisfaction levels expressed by the patients. Postoperative pathological examination confirmed endometriosis with negative surgical margins, and no recurrence had been observed during follow-up. Conclusion:TU-LESS for AWE lesion resection is safe and feasible, particularly suitable for patients with lesions located far from the original surgical scar, deep lesion location, thick abdominal wall fat, and multiple focal leisons.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between serum proprotein convertase subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) level and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in healthy population.Methods:Consecutive healthy individuals underwent routine physical examinations at the Department of Neurology, Jinling Hospital Affiliated to Medical School of Nanjing University (April 2023 to December 2023) and Hexi Branch of Nanjing First Hospital (March 2024 to April 2024) were included prospectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect serum PCSK9 level. The Fazekas scale was used to assess the severity of WMHs (total score 0-6) and they were divided into no or mild WMHs group (0-2) and moderate to severe WMHs group (3-6). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent correlation between the serum PCSK9 level and the severity of WMHs. Results:A total of 177 subjects were enrolled, including 110 males (62.1%), aged 66.7±10.1 years. The median serum PCSK9 level was 203.9 ng/L. According to the Fazekas score, there were 102 patients (51.6%) in the no or mild WMHs group, and 75 (42.4%) in the moderate to severe WMHs group. One way analysis of variance showed that serum PCSK9 level significantly increased with the increase of WMHs total score ( P=0.001). The serum PCSK9 level in the moderate to severe WMHs group was significantly higher than that in the no or mild WMHs group (437.2±260.4 ng/L vs. 217.9±141.7 ng/L; P=0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for age, gender, and other confounding factors, there was a significant independent correlation between higher serum PCSK9 level and moderate to severe WMHs (odds ratio 3.201, 95% confidence interval 2.107-5.082; P=0.001). Conclusion:Higher serum PCSK9 level is an independent risk factor for moderate to severe WMHs in healthy individuals.

Objective:To investigate abnormal urination and penile appearance satisfaction of preschool children (3-6 years old) after hypospadias repair.Methods:From January 2016 to December 2020, children with primary hypospadias, who had no postoperative complications for more than 1 year and were at pre-school age at the time of investigation (January 2022), were selected. The abnormal urination manifestations and satisfaction with penile appearance of the children after operation were investigated by questionnaires to their parents.The questionnaire was designed based on the reported abnormal urination after hypospadias surgery, including 4 items (urination spraying, urination dripping, deflection of urine line, small urine line). Another questionnaire was used to evaluate the penis appearance satisfaction according to the existing pediatric penile perception score (including 4 items: the position and shape of the external urethral orifice, the shape of glans, the appearance of the prepuce, and the overall appearance; items were scored according to the subjective satisfaction of the subjects: very satisfied 3 points, satisfied 2 points, dissatisfied 1 point, very dissatisfied 0 point). The patients were divided into two groups according to whether the penile curvature after degloving was more than 30°. In group Ⅰ (penile curvature≤30°), 28 patients without severe penile curvature underwent tubularized incised plate (TIP) surgery, with a median age of 3.2 years (ranged 1.1-5.4 years). In group Ⅱ (penile curvature>30°), there were 27 patients with severe penile curvature and they underwent staged flap operation. Their median age was 2.8 years (ranged 1.5-4.7 years). There was no significant difference in age at operation between the two groups ( P=0.82). The questionnaire content was analyzed and the differences between the two groups were compared. Results:Among the 55 children, 21(38%, 21/55) had abnormal urination, and there was a significant difference between group Ⅰ (25%, 7/28) and group Ⅱ (52%, 14/27)( P=0.04). All the items of penis appearance satisfaction were satisfactory (scores ≥2), and the total scores of group Ⅰ and group Ⅱ were respectively 10.3±2.2 and 9.0±2.9, with no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.63). Conclusions:In the postoperative follow-up of preschool children with hypospadias, parents were satisfied with the appearance of the penis.The abnormal urination was common. Compared with children without severe penile curvature treated by TIP surgery, abnormal urination was more common in children with severe penile curvature treated by staged flap operation.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between the lipocalin-2 (LCN-2) level and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in patients with ischemic stroke.Methods:Consecutive patients with ischemic stroke admitted to the Department of Neurology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University from September 2021 to November 2021 and whose duration from onset to hospitalization <14 d were prospectively enrolled. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the serum LCN-2. Fazekas scale was used to assess the severity of periventricular and subcortical WMHs. A total WMHs score ≥3 was defined as severe WMHs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the correlation between serum LCN-2 level and WMHs. Results:A total of 179 patients were enrolled, including 122 males (68.2%), aged 64.7±11.6 years. The median serum LCN-2 level was 387.1 g/L, and 86 patients (48.0%) had severe WMHs. Serum LCN-2 in the severe WMH group was significantly higher than that in the non-severe WMH group (505.3±342.4 g/L vs. 367.8±224.5 g/L; t=3.110, P=0.002). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for the relevant confounding factors, there was a significant correlation between higher serum LCN-2 and severe WMHs (odds ratio 2.32, 95% confidence interval 1.17-4.63; P=0.017) and higher total WMHs score (odds ratio 1.62, 95% confidence interval 1.12-2.35; P=0.011). Conclusion:Higher serum LCN-2 level is associated with severe WMHs in patients with ischemic stroke.

Objective To investigate the effect of a modified preputial flap urethroplasty in twostage treatment of severe hypospadias.Methods The clinical characteristics of the severe hypospadias patients (41 cases) who underwent the staged urethroplasty by using the procedure of preset urethral plate with preputial flap from January 2015 to December 2016 were analyzed retrospectively.We used a modified method (modified group,23 cases):Form the distal urethra with the transected distal urethral plate by using tubularize incised plate (TIP) procedure during the first stage operation,after completely straightened the penis,urethral plate was preseted with transverse preputial flap at the penis shaft.While in the traditional group (18 cases),urethral plate was preseted with preputial flap by using Bracka procedure after transecting urethral plate.The corresponding missing part of urethra underwent urethroplasty at the second stage operation six months later.The patients in the modified group were 9 to 18 months old,and the median age was 13 months;meatus were located at the penis shaft in 10 cases,scrotum in 12 cases,perineum in 1 case.The patients in the traditional group were 9 to 18 months old,and the median age was 13 months;meatus were located at the penis shaft in 6 cases,scrotum in 10 cases,and perineum in 2 cases.There was no statistic difference in age and meatus position between the two groups.Results During the first stage operation,distal urethra was repaired by 13-19 mm,with an average of (14.5 ± 1.3) mm,and the proximal urethra was repaired by 0-6 mm,with an average of (3.1 ± 2.4) mm at the modified group.While at the traditional group,the length of proximal urethra was repaired of 0-9 mm,with an average of (5.6:±:2.9) mm.The urethral length required for reconstruction was measured during the second stage operation,with an average of (26.3:t:4.4) mm in the modified group and (40.5 ± 3.3) mm in the traditional group (P ＜ 0.05).There were 3 case of urethral stricture after removed the catheter,with 2 cases in the modified group and 1 case in the traditional group.Postoperative follow-up was 2 to 3 years,with an average of 2.4 years.There were 3 cases (3/23,13.0％) of urethral fistula in the modified group and 3 cases (3/18,16.7％) in the traditional group.Ascended testis occured in 2 patients in the traditional group after operation.No case of urethrostenosis,diverticulum,chordee or concealed pennis was recorded.There was no significant difference in postoperative complications between the two groups (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions The modified staged preputial flap method shorten the new forming urethra by making full use of its own materials at the second stage operation,which was helpful to reduce complications.

Objective: To investigate the safety of argatroban in vertebral artery stenting and its effect on postoperative restenosis. Methods: From January 2013 to September 2017, patients undergoing vertebral artery stenting in the Department of Neurology, Jinling Hospital were enrolled prospectively. They were divided into agatraban group and heparin group by random number table method. The argatroban group received argatroban anticoagulation during the procedure, and was continuously used for 5 d after procedure; while the heparin group underwent heparin anticoagulation during the procedure, and used saline as placebo after procedure. Clinical follow-up was performed at 1, 3, and 6 months after procedure. Digital subtraction angiography, CT angiography, or magnetic resonance angiography were performed at 6 months to evaluate the restenosis of the treated blood vessels. The primary endpoints included intraoperative safety, in-stent restenosis after procedure, and any clinical events that occurred during the follow-up period, including stroke, cardiovascular events, and death. Major safety events included bleeding from various organs, allergic reactions, liver dysfunction, and embolism events. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to evaluate the incidence of vascular events during the follow-up period. Results: A total of 105 patients were enrolled in the analysis, including 53 in the argatroban group and 52 in the heparin group. During the periprocedural period, no hemorrhagic events, allergic reactions, liver dysfunction or embolism events occurred in both groups. There were no significant differences in preoperative vertebral artery stenosis degree, postoperative residual stenosis degree, and stenosis degree at 6 months after procedure between the two groups, but the increase of stent stenosis at 6 months after procedure in the agatroban group was significantly lower than that in the heparin group (13.56%±26.41% vs. 4.25%±15.76%; P=0.031). There was no significant difference in the incidence of stroke recurrence (P=1.000) and clinical events (P=0.739) between the two groups during the long-term follow-up period. Conclusions It is safe to use agatraban anticoagulant therapy in the vertebral artery stenting. Continuous use of agatraban anticoagulation after procedure may effectively reduce the increase of stent stenosis at 6 months after procedure.

Objective To investigate the application of pedicled tunica vaginalis flap cover new urethra in redo and second-stage hypospadias repair.Methods Retrospective analysis was performed in 45 redo hypospadias repair cases,aged from 1 year 3 months to 9 years 4 months (median 5 years 3month).All patients were divided into urethral dehiscence after hypospadias repair (group A) and the second stage surgery of two-stage hypospadias repair (group B) based on medical history.According to the site of dehiscence,the group A were further divided into midshaft urethral dehiscence (A1) and glans and distal urethral dehiscence with urethral opening located on midshaft (A2).After new urethra was completed,the appropriate size of the pedicledtunica vaginalis flap was transferred to cover the new urethra.Results There was no scrotal hematoma occurred in all 45 cases,and somecomplications occurred,including scrotal swelling in 1 case,high-riding testicle in 2 cases,penile clockwise torsion in 1 case,urethrocutaneous fistula in 6 cases.All the 45 cases were followed up for 1 to 4 years,with mean of 1.8 years.One more urethrocutaneous fistula occurred in group A2 and 1 more urethrocutaneous fistula with urethral stricture occurred in group B.There was no penile curvature and urethral diverticulum occurred in all cases.Conclusions Pedicled tunica vaginalis flap could be used as waterproofing layer to cover new urethra in redo hypospadias repair and presented a low incidence rate of postoperative complications.

Objective To investigate the influencing factors and clinical significance of high-resolution magnetic renounce imaging (HR-MRI) plaque enhancement in patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic (ICAS) stenosis.Methods Patients with symptomatic ICAS stenosis confirmed by digital subtraction angiography and examined by HR-MRI were enrolled prospectively.The demographic data,vascular risk factors,laboratory tests,and imaging features of plaques were compared according to whether the plaques were enhanced or not.They were randomly divided into an ischemic stroke group and a transient ischemic attack (TIA) group according to the results of diffusion-weighted imaging.The relationship between plaque enhancement and ischemic stroke was analyzed.Results Thirty-fiwe patients with symptomatic ICAS stenosis were enrolled.Their mean age was 53 ± 13 years and 25 were males.There were 21 patientswith ischemic stroke and 14 patients with TIA;22 had plaque enhancement and 13 did not have.The leukocyte count ([7.50±2.30] × 109/L vs.[5.80± 1.00] × 109/L;t=2.487,P=0.018) and proportion of severe stenosis (86.4％ vs.53.8％;P =0.040) of the plaque enhancement group were significantly higher than those of the non-enhancement group.The proportion of smoking was significantly lower than the non-enhancement group (13.6％ vs.46.2％;P=0.050).The plaque enhancement rate of the ischemic stroke group was higher than that of the TIA group (71.4％ vs.50.0％;P =0.288),but there was no significant difference.Conclusions In patients with symptomatic ICAS,the degree of vascular stenosis and the leukocyte level were associated with plaque enhancement.In addition,there was no significant correlation between plaque enhancement and the occurrence of ischemic stroke in patients with symptomatic ICAS.