[Aging and Small-sized Particles Release Characteristics of Tire Microplastics in Various Environmental Media].

In recent years, research on microplastics has mostly focused on thermoplastic materials, and there is a lack of research on the pollution status and environmental behavior of tire microplastics, a type of rubber elastomers. In order to investigate the aging and small-sized particles release characteristics of tire microplastics in various environmental media, the aging process of two different tire microplastics, one for cars and the other for electric bicycles, was simulated in dry and aquatic environments under laboratory conditions. The results showed that the tire microplastics would be aged after 30 d of UV illumination, which was manifested by the roughness of the surface and the appearance of cracks and flaking.

[Effect of modified holmium laser enucleation of the prostate on postoperative urinary control and sexual function in elderly patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia].

Objective: To investigate the impact of retaining part of the urethral mucosa on postoperative urinary control, erectile function, and ejaculatory function in patients undergoing holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) surgery.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 176 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients who underwent surgical treatment at our hospital from January 2019 to January 2022, including 80 cases of modified HoLEP surgery and 96 cases of standard HoLEP surgery. Preoperative and postoperative clinical data were collected and analyzed.

[Clinical effects of the circumcision stapler, foreskin cerclage, and traditional circumcision: A comparative study].

Objective: To compare the clinical effects of the circumcision stapler, circumcision cerclage, and traditional circumcision in the treatment of phimosis and redundant prepuce.

Methods: Using the circumcision stapler (group A), foreskin cerclage (group B), and traditional circumcision (group C), we treated 276 patients with phimosis or redundant prepuce. We made comparisons among the three groups in the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative and 24-hour postoperative pain scores, and incidence of postoperative complications.

[Relationship between serum β2-microglobulin and lower extremity atherosclerotic occlusive disease].

Objective: To explore the relationship between fasting serum level of β2-microglobulin (β2-M) and the development of lower extremity atherosclerotic occlusive disease (LEAOD).

Methods: A total of 59 LEAOD patients at our hospital from March 2011 to August 2012 were recruited into the LEAOD group while another 32 non-LEAOD patients into the control group. Their clinical profiles and the parameters of ankle brachial index (ABI),β2-M and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were recorded and analyzed.