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Objective: To investigate the role of the serum inhibin B (INHB) level in evaluating the testicular function of the prepubertal patient with varicocele (VC) after high ligation of the spermatic vein (HLSV)., Methods: This study included 31 prepubertal male patients with left VC, averaging 12.55 years of age and 9 complicated by right VC. We collected peripheral blood samples before and at 4, 12 and 26 weeks after HLSV as well as spermatic venous blood samples intraoperatively for determination of the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), anti-sperm antibody (AsAb) and serum INHB by ELISA., Results: Compared with the baseline, statistically significant differences were observed in the INHB level in the peripheral blood at 12 and 26 weeks after operation (［255.18 ± 69.97］ vs ［141.78 ± 59.82］ pg/ml, P < 0.05) and that in the spermatic venous blood intraoperatively (［255.18 ± 69.97］ vs ［412.44 ± 259.42］ pg/ml, P < 0.01). Spearman's analysis showed a negative correlation between the level of INHB and that of FSH (r = －0.224, P < 0.01)., Conclusions: The level of serum INHB in the peripheral blood of the prepubertal VC patient is decreased within 6 months after HLSV and negatively correlated with that of FSH. The levels of INHB and FSH may well reflect the testicular function of the prepubertal VC patient.

Objective: To investigate human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) glycoprotein B (gB) genotypes and clinical features in neonates with congenital infections., Methods: Urine samples were obtained from 67 neonates with HCMV infection confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The gB gene fragment was amplified by nested PCR. HCMV gB genotyping was detected by restriction fragment length polymorphism., Results: In all these cases, the most prevalent genotype was gBl (50.7%), followed by gB3 (23.9%), gB2 (17.9%), and gBl/gB3 coinfection (7.5%); gB4 was not found. Moreover, gB1 was more prevalent in infants with liver damage (27/37, 73.0%) than in other symptomatic infants without liver damage (13/30, 43.3%; P < 0.05)., Conclusion: The gBI genotype is the most prevalent in infants with congenital symptomatic HCMV disease, especially in those with liver damage, followed by genotypes gB3, gB2, and gB4.

Objective: to discuss the feasibility and efficacy of one-stage anteroposterior hemi-vertebra resection and segmental internal fixation for young children with congenital scoliosis., Methods: thirty-five patients undergoing one-stage anteroposterior hemi-vertebra resection and segmental internal fixation were retrospectively studied. The mean followed-up period was 5.3 years (range: 1.2 - 8.7). The Cobb's angle of scoliosis at pre and post-operation was compared., Results: all children's parents were satisfied with the outcome. The Cobb's angle of scoliosis was corrected from (42.5 ± 6.7)° to (16.2 ± 3.2)° at post-operation. The coronal correction rate was 64.7%. The angle of kyphosis improved from preoperative (33.5 ± 5.2)° to postoperative (13.3 ± 5.6)° in 14 cases. Operative duration was 210 - 280 minutes with an average of 240 minutes. The intra-operative blood loss was 80 - 200 ml with an average of 120 ml. There was no significant correction loss at follow-up. No neurological complication, infection or pedicular fracture was reported., Conclusion: the procedure of one-stage anteroposterior hemi-vertebra resection and segmental internal fixation is a safe and effective treatment for scoliosis by congenital hemi-vertebra in young children. A satisfactory correction may be achieved with a short fusion segment.

Objective: To investigate the enhancing effect of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on the bystander effect of the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase(HSV-TK)/ganciclovir (GCV) against androgen unresponsive prostate cancer., Methods: The bystander effect of the HSV-TK/GCV system was measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay on PC-3 cells before and after ATRA treatment. The growth and the histopathology of transplant tumors were observed in 4 groups of nude mice with prostate cancer., Results: ATRA augmented significantly the bystander effect of the HSV-TK/GCV system by reducing TK positive PC-3 cells from 50% to 30% (P < 0.05). HSV-TK showed an inhibiting effect, while ATRA with the HSV-TK/GCV system produced significant effect on prostate cancer 1 week earlier than the former (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: ATRA can argument the in vivo and in vitro bystander effect of the HSV-TK/GCV system in the treatment of androgen unresponsive prostate cancer.