Background: Developing and validating a modified parameter, the SYS-G angle (the angle between the lower endplate of the C2 and the upper endplate of C7 vertebrae), as a feasible substitute for the C2–C7 Cobb method in assessing cervical sagittal alignment and exploring its reference range through a large-scale retrospective study. Methods: The visibility of the C6, C7 upper, and C7 lower endplates was graded and compared. Baseline data such as height, weight, body mass index (BMI), age, and sex were analyzed for their impact on the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Values of C2-6 Cobb angle, SYS-G angle, and C2-7 Cobb angle were measured. The intra- and interobserver reliability, differences, and efficacy of evaluation on cervical lordosis of the parameters were compared, and the correlations among the parameters were analyzed. Furthermore, reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established based on lateral cervical spine x-rays of 825 asymptomatic Chinese adults across different age groups and sexes. Results: The visibility of the C7 lower endplates was significantly reduced compared to the C6 lower and C7 upper endplates.Age, weight, BMI, and male sex were identified as factors negatively influencing the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Both intraobserver and interobserver reliability demonstrated excellence for all tested parameters. The linear regression model unveiled a stronger association of the SYS-G angle with the C2-7 Cobb angle compared to the C2-6 Cobb angle. Furthermore, the SYS-G angle exhibited excellent efficacy in evaluating cervical lordosis. Age displayed a positive correlation with the SYS-G angle, and across every age bracket from 20 to 69 years, men exhibited a higher mean SYS-G angle compared to women. Conclusions The visibility of the C7 lower endplate diminishes with increasing age, weight, BMI, and male sex. In cases where the C7 lower endplate is unclear, the SYS-G angle emerges as a reliable method for estimating cervical sagittal morphology. Reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established across various age groups and sexes among asymptomatic Chinese adults, offering a valuable resource to guide therapeutic interventions for cervical spine disorders and deformities.

Background: Developing and validating a modified parameter, the SYS-G angle (the angle between the lower endplate of the C2 and the upper endplate of C7 vertebrae), as a feasible substitute for the C2–C7 Cobb method in assessing cervical sagittal alignment and exploring its reference range through a large-scale retrospective study. Methods: The visibility of the C6, C7 upper, and C7 lower endplates was graded and compared. Baseline data such as height, weight, body mass index (BMI), age, and sex were analyzed for their impact on the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Values of C2-6 Cobb angle, SYS-G angle, and C2-7 Cobb angle were measured. The intra- and interobserver reliability, differences, and efficacy of evaluation on cervical lordosis of the parameters were compared, and the correlations among the parameters were analyzed. Furthermore, reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established based on lateral cervical spine x-rays of 825 asymptomatic Chinese adults across different age groups and sexes. Results: The visibility of the C7 lower endplates was significantly reduced compared to the C6 lower and C7 upper endplates.Age, weight, BMI, and male sex were identified as factors negatively influencing the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Both intraobserver and interobserver reliability demonstrated excellence for all tested parameters. The linear regression model unveiled a stronger association of the SYS-G angle with the C2-7 Cobb angle compared to the C2-6 Cobb angle. Furthermore, the SYS-G angle exhibited excellent efficacy in evaluating cervical lordosis. Age displayed a positive correlation with the SYS-G angle, and across every age bracket from 20 to 69 years, men exhibited a higher mean SYS-G angle compared to women. Conclusions The visibility of the C7 lower endplate diminishes with increasing age, weight, BMI, and male sex. In cases where the C7 lower endplate is unclear, the SYS-G angle emerges as a reliable method for estimating cervical sagittal morphology. Reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established across various age groups and sexes among asymptomatic Chinese adults, offering a valuable resource to guide therapeutic interventions for cervical spine disorders and deformities.

Background: Developing and validating a modified parameter, the SYS-G angle (the angle between the lower endplate of the C2 and the upper endplate of C7 vertebrae), as a feasible substitute for the C2–C7 Cobb method in assessing cervical sagittal alignment and exploring its reference range through a large-scale retrospective study. Methods: The visibility of the C6, C7 upper, and C7 lower endplates was graded and compared. Baseline data such as height, weight, body mass index (BMI), age, and sex were analyzed for their impact on the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Values of C2-6 Cobb angle, SYS-G angle, and C2-7 Cobb angle were measured. The intra- and interobserver reliability, differences, and efficacy of evaluation on cervical lordosis of the parameters were compared, and the correlations among the parameters were analyzed. Furthermore, reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established based on lateral cervical spine x-rays of 825 asymptomatic Chinese adults across different age groups and sexes. Results: The visibility of the C7 lower endplates was significantly reduced compared to the C6 lower and C7 upper endplates.Age, weight, BMI, and male sex were identified as factors negatively influencing the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Both intraobserver and interobserver reliability demonstrated excellence for all tested parameters. The linear regression model unveiled a stronger association of the SYS-G angle with the C2-7 Cobb angle compared to the C2-6 Cobb angle. Furthermore, the SYS-G angle exhibited excellent efficacy in evaluating cervical lordosis. Age displayed a positive correlation with the SYS-G angle, and across every age bracket from 20 to 69 years, men exhibited a higher mean SYS-G angle compared to women. Conclusions The visibility of the C7 lower endplate diminishes with increasing age, weight, BMI, and male sex. In cases where the C7 lower endplate is unclear, the SYS-G angle emerges as a reliable method for estimating cervical sagittal morphology. Reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established across various age groups and sexes among asymptomatic Chinese adults, offering a valuable resource to guide therapeutic interventions for cervical spine disorders and deformities.

Background: Developing and validating a modified parameter, the SYS-G angle (the angle between the lower endplate of the C2 and the upper endplate of C7 vertebrae), as a feasible substitute for the C2–C7 Cobb method in assessing cervical sagittal alignment and exploring its reference range through a large-scale retrospective study. Methods: The visibility of the C6, C7 upper, and C7 lower endplates was graded and compared. Baseline data such as height, weight, body mass index (BMI), age, and sex were analyzed for their impact on the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Values of C2-6 Cobb angle, SYS-G angle, and C2-7 Cobb angle were measured. The intra- and interobserver reliability, differences, and efficacy of evaluation on cervical lordosis of the parameters were compared, and the correlations among the parameters were analyzed. Furthermore, reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established based on lateral cervical spine x-rays of 825 asymptomatic Chinese adults across different age groups and sexes. Results: The visibility of the C7 lower endplates was significantly reduced compared to the C6 lower and C7 upper endplates.Age, weight, BMI, and male sex were identified as factors negatively influencing the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Both intraobserver and interobserver reliability demonstrated excellence for all tested parameters. The linear regression model unveiled a stronger association of the SYS-G angle with the C2-7 Cobb angle compared to the C2-6 Cobb angle. Furthermore, the SYS-G angle exhibited excellent efficacy in evaluating cervical lordosis. Age displayed a positive correlation with the SYS-G angle, and across every age bracket from 20 to 69 years, men exhibited a higher mean SYS-G angle compared to women. Conclusions The visibility of the C7 lower endplate diminishes with increasing age, weight, BMI, and male sex. In cases where the C7 lower endplate is unclear, the SYS-G angle emerges as a reliable method for estimating cervical sagittal morphology. Reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established across various age groups and sexes among asymptomatic Chinese adults, offering a valuable resource to guide therapeutic interventions for cervical spine disorders and deformities.

Objective To analyze the causal relationship between Sjogren's syndrome(SS)and primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)and abnormal liver function by two-sample Mendelian randomization.Methods From the ge-nome-wide association study,single nucleotide polymorphisms of SS,PBC,alkaline phosphatase,alanine amin-otransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,γ-glutamyltransferase,direct bilirubin and total bilirubin levels were extrac-ted as instrumental variables.Inverse-variance weighted(IVW)analysis was used as the main analysis,supplemen-ted by weighted median,MR-Egger,weighted mode,and simple mode.And a series of sensitivity analyses were car-ried out to verify the robustness of the results.Results The IVW analysis results of PBC on SS were as follows:P=8.57E-11,OR=1.185 9,95％CI=1.126 4-1.248 5;IVW analysis of PBC on SS(P＞0.05).IVW analysis results of SS on alkaline phosphatase were as follows:P=0.041 5,Beta=-0.007 2,95％CI=-0.014 0--0.000 3;IVW analysis results of SS on alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,γ-glutamyltransferase,direct bilirubin,total bilirubin levels showed no statistically significant difference.Conclusion PBC can significantly increase the risk of SS,but SS cannot be proved to have a causal effect on the occurrence of PBC.SS has a potential effect on re-ducing alkaline phosphatase levels,but it is not proved that SS has causal relationship with alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,γ-glutamyltransferase,direct bilirubin,total bilirubin levels.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of progressive transfer of penile flap combined with local scrotal flap in correction of severe concealed penis in children.Methods:The clinical data of children with severe concealed penis admitted to the Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from July 2021 to July 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The concealed penis was corrected by progressive transfer of penile flap combined with local scrotal flap. During the operation, a small amount of excess inner prepuce was removed and the outer prepuce was cut in the middle of the dorsal side of the penis. Then the penile flap was transferred from dorsal to ventral, gradually covering the wound without tension. The local scrotal flap was lifted upwards and sutured to the frenulum for covering the ventral foreskin defect of the penis. The amount of blood loss during the operation was recorded. The pain tolerance, the duration of prepuce edema, the length of penis extension and the healing of skin flap were observed. The appearance of the penis was followed up to observe whether the penis was retracted, and the satisfaction of the children and their guardians was recorded.Results:A total of 32 male children were enrolled, ranging in age from 3 to 10 years, with an average age of 7.2 years. The penis of all the children had a conical appearance, and the penile shaft was buried under the subcutaneous anterior pubis, which was difficult to palpate in its natural state. The average intraoperative blood loss was about 5 ml. All patients had pain after the operation. Two patients needed a pump to relieve pain, and the rest could tolerate it after rectum administration of indomethacin suppositories. The edema of the prepuce was mild after the operation, and the edema basically disappeared when the patient was discharged 7-9 days later. The penis could be lengthened by 1.5-3.0 cm under static conditions, averaging about 2.0 cm. After surgery, only 1 patient had a small area (about 5 mm × 4 mm) of infection in the scrotal flap and poor incision healing, and scar healing after dressing change and intensive nursing. The other flaps healed well. After 6 to 12 months of follow-up, the penis length of 2 cases was slightly retracted from the time of discharge, and the remaining 30 cases had no significant change. The patients and their guardians were satisfied with the operation results.Conclusion:The progressive transfer of penile flap combined with local scrotal flap correction of severe concealed penis in children can fully lengthen the penile body, and the degree of postoperative retraction is low, the appearance of the penis is good, and the patient satisfaction is high.

Objective:To present the experience of the anatomical of dartos fascia and describe a new technique for the correction of congenital severe concealed penis.Methods:This retrospective study was conducted on patients with congenital severe concealed penis who underwent surgery at Department of Urology, Children’s Hospital Affiliated with Zhengzhou University from January 2021 to December 2022. Reflex erection tests were routinely performed before surgery. The technique involved creating a median longitudinal incision combined with a curved incision of the ventral penile skin, dividing and excising the deep layer of dartos fascia, fixing the subcutaneous dermis at the pubic symphysis with sutures to the tunica albuginea of the penile root, and transferring the skin of the ventral root of the penis and scrotum to match the internal plate to cover the shaft of the penis. Follow-up of complications occurred after surgery, and the surgical effect was evaluated 6 months after surgery.Results:A total of 54 patients were enrolled, aged 2.8-10.0 years, with a median age of 6.7 years. In the presence of reflex erection, the penile skin was severely deficient in children with congenital severe concealed penis. The surgery was successfully completed, and the postoperative appearance was circumcised. In 43 cases with partial penile scrotal transposition, the transposition was corrected simultaneously. The incision healed well after surgery, with no infection or incisional dehiscence. Follow-up for 6 to 20 months, with an average of 12 months, showed mild edema of the prepuce in all children, which disappeared within 2 to 4 weeks after surgery. In 51 cases, the penis body showed good exposure, with no swelling of the penis skin and no retraction of the penis. The family members were satisfied with the appearance of the penis. The penis was partially retracted in 3 cases, that affected the appearance of the penis during the sitting position.Conclusion:In congenital severe concealed penis with severe skin deficiency, a deep dartos fascia was excised using a ventral median penile combined with a curved scrotal incision approach, and the penile root and scrotal skin covered the penile body with a circumcised appearance after surgery. The scrotal transposition of the penis was corrected at the same time to give the external genitalia an optimal appearance and provide good functional and cosmetic result.

[Objective] To summarize various treatment methods and experiences of bladder and urethral foreign bodies in children. [Methods] A total of 15 children with bladder and urethral foreign bodies admitted to our hospital during Aug.2015 and Feb.2024 were selected.The characteristics, clinical manifestations, surgical methods, surgical skills and postoperative recovery were analyzed. [Results] The patients aged 7-13 (11.0±1.6) years, including 14 males and 1 female.Preoperative diagnosis was confirmed with color Doppler ultrasound and abdominal standing plain film.Emergency surgery was performed in 14 cases, and open surgery in 1 case with concurrent pyuria, whose foreign bodies were removed after 2 days of anti-infection treatment.Among the 15 children, 9 had foreign bodies removed through cystoscopy, 2 through cystoscopy combined with percutaneous renal puncture kit, 2 through cystoscopy combined with a small incision on the pubic bone, 1 through cystoscopy combined with a scrotal incision, and 1 through cystoscopy combined with a perineal incision.The average surgical time was (63.3±50.5) min, blood loss (1.9±1.9) mL, and postoperative hospitalization (5.8±3.8) days.No complications such as urinary extravasation, urinary fistula, bladder diverticulum, or urinary disorders occurred.Postoperative follow-up of 1 and 3 months showed no complications such as abnormal urination or urinary tract infections. [Conclusion] The onset of bladder and urethra foreign bodies in children is concealed.Once the diagnosis is confirmed, surgery should be performed as soon as possible.The surgical method should be selected based on the comprehensive evaluation of the location, size, shape, and number of foreign bodies and presence of calculi.Minimally invasive surgery can be performed in most cases.

Objective:To present the experience of the anatomical of dartos fascia and describe a new technique for the correction of congenital severe concealed penis.Methods:This retrospective study was conducted on patients with congenital severe concealed penis who underwent surgery at Department of Urology, Children’s Hospital Affiliated with Zhengzhou University from January 2021 to December 2022. Reflex erection tests were routinely performed before surgery. The technique involved creating a median longitudinal incision combined with a curved incision of the ventral penile skin, dividing and excising the deep layer of dartos fascia, fixing the subcutaneous dermis at the pubic symphysis with sutures to the tunica albuginea of the penile root, and transferring the skin of the ventral root of the penis and scrotum to match the internal plate to cover the shaft of the penis. Follow-up of complications occurred after surgery, and the surgical effect was evaluated 6 months after surgery.Results:A total of 54 patients were enrolled, aged 2.8-10.0 years, with a median age of 6.7 years. In the presence of reflex erection, the penile skin was severely deficient in children with congenital severe concealed penis. The surgery was successfully completed, and the postoperative appearance was circumcised. In 43 cases with partial penile scrotal transposition, the transposition was corrected simultaneously. The incision healed well after surgery, with no infection or incisional dehiscence. Follow-up for 6 to 20 months, with an average of 12 months, showed mild edema of the prepuce in all children, which disappeared within 2 to 4 weeks after surgery. In 51 cases, the penis body showed good exposure, with no swelling of the penis skin and no retraction of the penis. The family members were satisfied with the appearance of the penis. The penis was partially retracted in 3 cases, that affected the appearance of the penis during the sitting position.Conclusion:In congenital severe concealed penis with severe skin deficiency, a deep dartos fascia was excised using a ventral median penile combined with a curved scrotal incision approach, and the penile root and scrotal skin covered the penile body with a circumcised appearance after surgery. The scrotal transposition of the penis was corrected at the same time to give the external genitalia an optimal appearance and provide good functional and cosmetic result.

MiR-138-5p is a microRNA that plays an important regulatory role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.MiR-138-5p regulates various biological processes,including inflammation,cell apoptosis and proliferation,and matrix degradation in osteoarthritis,by modulating signaling pathways including nuclear factor-κB,Wnt/β-catenin,and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT.This review summarizes the research progress regarding the mechanism of miR-138-5p in osteoarthritis.