A novel solution for freezing individual spermatozoa using a right angular cryopiece embedded in a grooved petri dish.

Herein, we introduced a novel individual sperm freezing device named SpermCD, which consists of a right angular cryopiece (RA-Cryopiece, or "C") and a grooved petri dish ("D"). SpermCD allows embryologists to transfer sperm and perform ICSI on the same focal plane. Thirty-five patients underwent single sperm cryopreservation using SpermCD, including four patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), 14 patients with virtual azoospermia and 17 patients with cryptozoospermia. One hundred and twenty-five cryopreserved spermatozoa from nine patients were thawed on the day of the oocyte retrieval and 121 spermatozoa were found, with a sperm recovery rate of 97.1 ± 4.6%. Sixty-five MII oocytes from their spouse were injected with thawed sperm. Normal fertilization and high-quality embryo rates were 68.0% ± 33.2% and 24.4% ± 22.2%. Nineteen transplantable embryos were formed after fertilization with frozen sperm, eight of which were transplanted in five couples, resulting in four successful deliveries. SpermCD is a simple and practical individual sperm freezing device.

Transforming growth factor beta1 from endometriomas promotes fibrosis in surrounding ovarian tissues via Smad2/3 signaling.

To elucidate whether the endometriotic cells of endometriomas synthesize transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) and understand how it affects surrounding ovarian tissue. We collected biopsies of the cystic walls from 42 endometriomas and 29 mature teratomas and compared mRNA and protein expression of fibrosis-related factors between the cystic walls. Then we detected TGFB1 mRNA synthesis in endometriomas, and tested TGF-beta1 fibrotic effect in vitro. Moreover, we verified the expression of Smad2/3 signaling components in the endometriotic cystic wall in order to understand whether TGF-beta1/Smad signaling is involved in fibrosis formation of the tissue surrounding endometriomas. The cystic walls from endometriomas demonstrated severe adhesion to ovarian tissue and obvious fibrosis compared with the mature teratomas, which was proven by the increased mRNA expression of fibrotic markers. Additionally, TGFB1 was obviously expressed in the endometriotic cystic wall, and total TGFB1 protein was significantly higher in the cystic walls of endometriomas than mature teratomas. Interestingly, TGFB1 mRNA was confirmed to be specifically synthesized in the endometriotic loci through fluorescence in situ hybridization. Cultured endometriomas derived stromal cells showed obvious fibrosis after exposed to TGF-beta1. Furthermore, components of the TGF-beta1/Smad pathway such as Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, and their phosphorylated forms were also expressed in the same location as TGF-beta1, TGF-beta receptor1, and fibrotic factors expressed in the endometriotic cystic walls. In summary, endometriotic cells of endometriomas synthesize TGF-beta1 leading to fibrosis and adhesion to ovarian tissues, and TGF-beta1/Smad signaling pathway is involved in this pathological process.

[Application of Femoston in hormone replacement treatment-frozen embryo transfer and its clinical outcomes].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the application of Femoston in hormone replacement treatment-frozen embryo transfer (HRT-FET) versus endometrial preparation with Progynova and examine the effects of different endometrial thickness and estradiol levels on clinical outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was conducted for a total of 1072 HRT-FET cycles at our center during January-June 2012. According to the type of medication, the patients were divided into 2 groups: Group A: Progynova only (798 cycles). Group B: non-satisfactory endometrial thickness or E2 level only by Progynova or repeated implantation failure, Progynova plus Femoston for preparing endometrium (274 cycles). Then the inter-group differences of basic profiles and clinical outcomes were compared. Comparison of clinical outcomes was performed based on different estradiol (E2) levels and endometrial thickness on the day of using progesterone. And then, the patients whose endometrial double thickness was thinner than 7 mm in Progynova + Femoston group were compared with the group of similar endometrial thickness in 2011. The data were analyzed with SPSS 16.0. RESULTS: In Group A, the percentage of first transfer, average endometrial thickness on the day of using progesterone in FET cycles were all significantly higher than Group B. And the ratio of < 7 mm was significantly higher in Group B (8.8% vs 2.4%). However, no significant differences existed in clinical pregnancy rate (54.8% vs 52.9%) or embryo implantation rate (38.1% vs 35.8%). With endometrial thickening, both clinical pregnancy and embryo implantation rates increased. There was no significant difference in maximum E2 level. Clinical pregnancy rate, embryo implantation rate and live birth rate of the patients whose endometrial double thickness was thinner than 7 mm in Group B were all higher than those of similar endometrial thickness (all Progynova only) in 2011. CONCLUSION: For patients with thin endometrium, vaginal Femoston may be added if ideal endometrial thickness or E2 level is not achieved by Progynova alone. It improves endometrial receptivity and clinical outcomes are more satisfactory.

[Impact of age, single or double, fresh or frozen embryo transfer on pregnancy outcome after in vitro fertilization treatment].

OBJECTIVE: To separately evaluate the embryo implantation rate (IR), clinical pregnancy rate and multiple pregnancy rate between women <38 years old or ≥ 38 years old in fresh or frozen thawed embryo transfer cycles, or in single or double embryo transfer cycles. METHODS: A total of 7465 single or double embryo transfer cycles between January 2010 and December 2012 at Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University were analyzed. There were 1546 single embryo transfer cycles and 5919 double embryo transfer cycles; 2447 fresh embryo transfer cycles and 5018 frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles. RESULTS: (1) Regardless of whether fresh or frozen-thawed embryo was used for transfer, there was no significant difference in embryo implantation rate between single and double embryo transfer groups in women <38 years. The clinical pregnancy rate significantly increased if double embryos were replaced (fresh embryo transfer, 53.3% vs 35.5%; frozen-thawed embryo transfer, 59.8% vs 38.0%, P < 0.01). Twin pregnancy rate also significantly increased (fresh embryo transfer, 28.7% vs 0.6%; frozen-thawed embryo transfer, 31.1% vs 3.0%, P < 0.01); (2) embryo implantation rate in fresh embryo transfer significantly increased in women ≥ 38 years old between groups of single or double embryo transfer (20.3% vs 9.5%, P < 0.05). No significant difference existed in IR for frozen-thawed embryo transfer. The clinical pregnancy rate significantly increased (P < 0.01) if double embryos were replaced (fresh embryo transfer, 33.2% vs 9.5%; frozen-thawed embryo transfer, 39.0% vs 21.1%, P < 0.01). Twin pregnancy rate was 19.4% in fresh embryo transfers versus 13.4% in frozen-thawed embryo transfers. There was no twin pregnancy in single embryo transfers. CONCLUSION: Compared with single embryo transfer in women < 38 years, double embryo transfer can significantly increase the rates of clinical pregnancy nd twin pregnancy. Decision is made after thorough consultations and single embryo transfer is justifiable. Double embryo transfer is indicated for women ≥ 38 years.

[Value of nasal bone and serological screening for the detection of fetal chromosomal disorders in second trimester].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of fetal chromosomal abnormality screening by a maternal serum test plus fetal nasal bone length in second trimester (parallel test). METHODS: From January 2009 to December 2010, fetal nasal bone was measured at 19 - 22 weeks gestation in 6173 unselected cases. Karyotyping was performed in cases with a high risk for maternal serum test and/or abnormal fetal nasal bone length. All cases were followed-up postnatally. RESULTS: Nasal bone was assessed successfully in 5607 cases (90.83%). Normally it is increases with gestational age. The detection rate of chromosomal abnormality was 69.64% by maternal serum test, 79.76% by maternal serum test plus hypoplastic nasal bone and 83.93% by maternal serum test plus shortened nasal bone. CONCLUSION: Fetal nasal bone hypoplasia is closely correlated with chromosomal abnormality. And sonographic evaluation of nasal bone may be a useful tool for screening chromosomal abnormality. The combination of maternal serum test and fetal nasal bone length will boost the detection rate of chromosomal abnormality.

[Clinical significance of combined detection of thinprep cytology test and high risk human papillomavirus hybrid capture 2 assay in the screening and recurrence predication of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical significance of combined detection of TCT and HR-HPV-HC2 assay in the screening and recurrence prediction of CIN. METHODS: A total of 725 patients with suspected cervical abnormalities received TCT plus HR-HPV-HC2 detection and histopathological examinations.203 CINII-III patients received TCT and HC2 detection and histopathological examinations after treated with loop electrosurgical excision procedure or cold knife conization operation. The results of pathological examinations were gold standard. The sensitivity and specificity of TCT, HR-HPV-HC2 and TCT plus HR-HPV-HC2 were analyzed. RESULTS: The missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis rate of TCT and HC2 alone were 19.23%, 12.50% and 48.15%, 74.07% and sensitivity and specificity 90.02%, 97.01% and 51.85%, 17.76% respectively. The sensitivity, missed diagnosis rate and negative predictive value were 98.25%, 1.75% and 89.70% when TCT or HR-HPV-HC2 met the CIN diagnostic criteria. The specificity and positive predictive value were 58.95% and 72.80% when TCT and HR-HPV-HC2 met the CIN diagnostic criteria. The specificity of TCT or HR-HPV-HC2 alone was 80% for the prediction of recurrence at Month 6 postoperation. The specificity of TCT plus HR-HPV-HC2 was 98.27% for the prediction of recurrence at Month 3 postoperation and the negative predictive value was 98.75% at Month 6 postoperation. The sensitivity of TCT or HR-HPV-HC2 was 97.22% for the prediction of recurrence at Month 3/6. And the negative predictive value was 99.17% at Month 6 postoperation. CONCLUSION: The combined detection of TCT and HR-HPV-HC2 may improve the sensitivity and specificity of CIN and the predication of its postoperative recurrence.

Are testicular sperms superior to ejaculated sperms in couples with previous ART failure due to high rate of fragmented embryos? A retrospective cohort study.

Objective: The aim was to clarify whether using testicular sperm reduces embryo fragmentation and improves cycle outcomes. Methods: Fragmented embryo was defined as an embryo in which fragments account for more than one third of the embryonic surface area. High rate of fragmented embryos was defined by a proportion of fragmented embryos higher than 50%. We recruited infertile couples who had undergone at least one ovarian stimulation cycle using ejaculated sperm but failed to conceive due to high rate of fragmented embryos in each previous cycle. After fully informed consent, the couples agreed to obtain testicular sperm by testicular puncture and use testicular sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The normal fertilization rate, transferable embryo rate, fragmented embryo rate and cycle outcomes were compared between ejaculated sperm group (EJA-sperm group) and testicular sperm group (TESTI-sperm group). Results: Twenty-two couples who agreed to participate in our study underwent 32 ICSI cycles with ejaculated spermatozoa and 23 ICSI cycles with testicular spermatozoa. Embryo transfers were cancelled in 8 ejaculated cycles and 4 testicular cycles because of no transferable embryos. There were no significant differences in age, normal fertilization rate and high-quality embryo rate between ejaculated and testicular groups. The transferable embryo rate and implantation rate in TESTI-sperm group were significantly higher than those in EJA-sperm group (36.9% vs. 22.0%, p < 0.01; 34.2% vs. 0%, p < 0.001). The fragmented embryo rate in TESTI-sperm group was significantly lower than that in EJA-sperm group (61.2% vs. 75.7%, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our small retrospective cohort study suggests that using testicular sperm may be a recommended option for couples with previous ART failure because of high rate of fragmented embryos. Large samples, multicenter studies or randomized controlled trial (RCT) are needed to further confirm the superiority of testicular sperm.

[Analysis of risk factors for triplet pregnancy after a simultaneous transfer of triplicate embryos].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the risk factors for triplet pregnancy after a simultaneous transfer of triplicate embryos. METHODS: The investigators carried out a retrospective analysis of 769 cycles in which three embryos were transferred in one treatment cycle, including 298 fresh embryo transfer (ET) cycles and 471 frozen-thawed ET (FET) cycles. The impact of patient age and the number of good embryos transferred on the rates of clinical pregnancy and triplet pregnancy was studied according to different cycle types. RESULTS: (1) The rates of clinical and triplet pregnancy were significantly higher in the FET group (P < 0.05) than those in the fresh ET group; (2) all patients with a triplet pregnancy in the fresh ET group (n = 6) were younger than 35 years old (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between the subgroups in the FET cycle according to patient age (P > 0.05); (3) when none, 1, 2 or 3 good embryos were transferred in the fresh ET cycle, the clinical pregnancy rates were 28.3%, 46.7%, 50.6% and 58.7% and the triplet pregnancy rates 0, 2.3%, 4.7% and 6.8% respectively. A similar clinical pregnancy rate (P > 0.05) and a significantly lower triplet pregnancy rate (P < 0.05) were observed when 1 good embryo was transferred versus 2 good embryos (P < 0.05). When 0, 1, 2 or 3 good embryos were transferred in the FET cycle, the clinical pregnancy rates were 38.9%, 54.8%, 59.7%, 63.9% and the triplet pregnancy rates 0, 5.0%, 13.8%, 15.8% respectively. A similar clinical pregnancy rate (P > 0.05) and a significantly lower triplet pregnancy rate (P < 0.05) were observed when 1 good embryo was transferred versus two good embryos (P < 0.05). All triplet pregnancies occurred in cycles in which more than 1 good embryo was transferred (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The patients have more triplet pregnancies in the FET cycle than in the fresh ET cycle. In the FET cycle, the patient age is irrelevant. It is recommended that no more than 2 embryos should be transferred. Selective single blastocyst embryo transfer is preferable if there are more than 2 good embryos available for transfer. No more than 2 embryos should be transferred in the fresh ET cycle if good embryos are available and a patient is under 35 years old.

Evaluation of the Genetic Variation Spectrum Related to Corneal Dystrophy in a Large Cohort.

AIMS: To characterize the genetic landscape and mutation spectrum of patients with corneal dystrophies (CDs) in a large Han ethnic Chinese Cohort with inherited eye diseases (IEDs). METHODS: Retrospective study. A large IED cohort was recruited in this study, including 69 clinically diagnosed CD patients, as well as other types of eye diseases patients and healthy family members as controls. The 792 genes on the Target_Eye_792_V2 chip were used to screen all common IEDs in our studies, including 22 CD-related genes. RESULTS: We identified 2334 distinct high-quality variants on 22 CD-related genes in a large IEDs cohort. A total of 21 distinct pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations were identified, and the remaining 2313 variants in our IED cohort had no evidence of CD-related pathogenicity. Overall, 81.16% (n = 56/69) of CD patients received definite molecular diagnoses, and transforming growth factor-beta-induced protein (TGFBI), CHTS6, and SLC4A11 genes covered 91.07, 7.14, and 1.79% of the diagnosed cases, respectively. Twelve distinct disease-associated mutations in the TGFBI gene were identified, 11 of which were previously reported and one is novel. Four of these TGFBI mutations (p.D123H, p.M502V, p.P501T, and p.P501A) were redefined as likely benign in our Han ethnic Chinese IED cohort after performing clinical variant interpretation. These four TGFBI mutations were detected in asymptomatic individuals but not in CD patients, especially the previously reported disease-causing mutation p.P501T. Among 56 CD patients with positive detected mutations, the recurrent TGFBI mutations were p.R124H, p.R555W, p.R124C, p.R555Q, and p.R124L, and the proportions were 32.14, 19.64, 14.29, 10.71, and 3.57%, respectively. Twelve distinct pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations of CHTS6 were detected in 28 individuals. The recurrent mutations were p.Y358H, p.R140X, and p.R205W, and the proportions were 25.00, 21.43, and 14.29%, respectively. All individuals associated with TGFBI were missense mutations; 74.19% associated with CHTS6 mutations were missense mutations, and 25.81% were non-sense mutations. Hot regions were located in exons 4 and 12 of TGFBI individuals and located in exon 3 of CHTS6 individuals. No de novo mutations were identified. CONCLUSION: For the first time, our large cohort study systematically described the variation spectrum of 22 CD-related genes and evaluated the frequency and pathogenicity of all 2334 distinct high-quality variants in our IED cohort. Our research will provide East Asia and other populations with baseline data from a Han ethnic population-specific level.

Identification of Fe-polycarboxylic complexes by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and reduction of interferences by ion chromatography/inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with an octopole reaction system.

Stable complexes are required during the ion chromatographic (IC) separation of Fe-polycarboxylic acid complexes. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) was used to identify 1:1 stoichiometric complexes of Fe[HEDTA], Fe[EDTA](1-) and Fe[DTPA](2-), and the spectra showed that these Fe complexes were stable in solution. Furthermore, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) using an octopole reaction system (ORS) reduced polyatomic ion (40)Ar(16)O(+) interference in the detection of (56)Fe via the addition of either H(2) or He to the ORS, with He at a flow rate 3.5 mL min(-1) being the optimum collision gas. Finally, IC/ICP-MS was used for the separation and detection of Fe complexes with an eluent containing 30 mM (NH(4))(2)HPO(4) at pH 8.0, but only Fe[HEDTA], Fe[EDTA](1-) and Fe[DTPA](2-) were observed within 10 min with reasonable resolution. Detection limits in the range of 10-13 µg L(-1) were achieved using He as the collision gas. The proposed method was used for the determination of Fe species in soil solutions.

[Clinical analysis of Metzenbaum scissors in transcervical incision of a complete septate uterus].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Metzenbaum scissors in the transcervical incision of a complete septate uterus. METHODS: Eight patients with a complete septate uterus were identified and recruited. The age range was 24 to 39 years old. After diagnosis by hysteroscopy, the transcervical incision was performed by Metzenbaum scissors and followed by hysteroscopic incision of corporal portion. The associated diseases were treated using laparoscopy. RESULTS: All patients were successfully treated and the operation duration was 5 - 10 minutes. The postoperative period was uneventful and there was no perforation, pelvic organ damage or water intoxication. Three months later, hysteroscopy revealed no uterine scarring or adhesion. And the shape of uterine cavity was normal. CONCLUSION: Using Metzenbaum scissors for transcervical incision of cervical portion of complete septate uterus, followed by hysteroscopic incision of corporal portion, is convenient, fast and safe. This approach has no effect upon the growth of endometrium.

Factors associated with the incidence of ectopic pregnancy in women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment.

BACKGROUND: Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a common complication in women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment, but the underlying causes for this remain unclear. This study aimed to explore factors affecting the incidence of EP in in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). METHODS: This was a retrospective study on the incidence of EP in IVF/ICSI cycles between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2017. Patient age, infertility diagnosis (tubal factor or not), primary or secondary infertility, type of cycle (frozen-thawed or fresh), type of embryo(s) transferred (cleavage embryo or blastocyst), number of embryos transferred (one, two, or three), previous history of EP, and endometrial combined thickness were analyzed to explore their relationships with the incidence of EP. Based on clinical typing results, the patients were divided into an EP group or a non-EP group. Categorical variables were analyzed using Chi-squared test or Fisher exact test. Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore their associations with the incidence of EP. RESULTS: The percentage of patients with primary infertility in EP group was significantly lower than that in non-EP group (31.3% vs. 46.7%, χ = 26.032, P < 0.001). The percentage of patients with tubal infertility in EP group was also significantly higher than that in non-EP group (89.2% vs. 63.6%, χ = 77.410, P < 0.001). The percentages of patients with transfer of cleavage-stage embryo or blastocyst (91.4% vs. 84.4%, χ = 10.132, P = 0.001) and different endometrial combined thickness (ECT) (χ = 18.373, P < 0.001) differed significantly between EP and non-EP groups. For patients who had a previous history of one to four EPs, the percentage of patients undergoing transfer of a cleavage-stage embryo was significantly higher in EP group than that in non-EP group (92.2% vs. 77.6%, χ = 13.737, P < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, tubal infertility was strongly associated with EP (adjusted odds ratio: 3.995, 95% confidence interval: 2.706-5.897, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In IVF/ICSI cycles, transfer of a blastocyst-stage embryo, especially for patients with a previous history of EP, reduced the rate of EP. Tubal infertility was strongly associated with EP.

[Study on the function of decoction for invigorating the kidney and improving blood circulation to thrombosis on rabbit blood stasis model].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of decoction for invigorating the kidney and improving blood circulation to thrombosis and pathology on rabbit blood stasis model. METHOD: Thirty rabbits were ramdomly divided into normal group, model group, high dose group, low dose group and Xue Shuan Ning group. Tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI), fibrinogen (Fbg) and D-dimer (DD) were investigated after those rabbits had been treated. One rot was solected randomly from each group to observe pathological changes. RESULT: There were significant differences in t-PA, PAI, Fbg and DD between normal group and other groups is very obvious (P < 0.01) . Between groups of high dose low dose Xue Shuan Ning and model, the statistical differeces were significant, as well as between groups of high dose, low dose and Xue Shuan Ning groups (P < 0.05). However, there was no statistical difference between high dose group and high dose group (P > 0.05). The pathological changes in model group were most serious, those in Xue Shuan Ning were less serious. There were slight pathological changes in high dose group and low dose group. CONCLUSION: Models ware made successfully. High dose group and low dose group have stronger effect on thrombosis than Xue Shuan Ning group.

[Study on function of decoction for invigorating the kidney and improving blood circulation on rabbits blood stasis model].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of decoction for invigorating the kidney and improving blood circulation to thrombosis on rabbits blood stasis model. METHOD: Thirty rabbits were randomly divided into normal group, model group, heavy dose group, slight dose group and xue shuan ning group. Tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI), fibrinogen (Fbg) and D-dimer (DD) were investigated after those rabbits had been treated. One was selected randomly from each group to observe pathological changes. RESULT: There was significant difference in t-PA, PAI, Fbg and DD between normal group and other groups (P < 0.01). Among groups of heavy dose, slight dose, xue shuan ning and model, the statistical differences were significant, as well as among groups of heavy dose, slight dose and xue shuan ning (P < 0.05). However, there was no statistical difference between heavy dose group and slight dose group (P > 0.05). The pathological changes in model group were most serious, and those in xue shuan ning were less serious. There were slight pathological change in heavy dose group and light dose group. CONCLUSION: Models were made successfully. Heavy dose group and slight dose group have stronger effect on thrombosis than xue shuan ning group.

[The study of yi-shen-huo-xue fang's effects on expression of GMP-140 and cleaning out the oxygenic free radicle on rabbits blood stasis model].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of Yi-Shen-Huo-Xue Fang on expression of GMP-140 and cleaning out the oxygenic free radicle on rabbits blood stasis model. METHOD: Thirty rabbits were divided randomly into five groups as the normal group, model group, large dose of "Yi-Shen-Huo-Xue Fang" group, small dose of "Yi-Shen-Huo-Xue Fang" group and "Xue-Shuan-Xin-Mai-Ning" group. After being treated respectively, granule membrane protein 140(GMP-140), erythrocyte sueroxide dismutase (E-SOD), erythrocyte lipid peroxide(E-LPO), plasma lipid peroxide(P-LPO) were checked up. RESULT: The GMP-140, E-SOD, E-LPO, P-LPO in normal control were compared with those in model groups, With the difference(P < 0.01), model control group was compared with large dose group and small dose group (P < 0.01), with "Xue-Shuan-Xin-Mai-Ning" group(P < 0.05), large dose group was compared with "Xue-Shuan-Xin-Mai-Ning" group(P < 0.05), and large dose group were compared with small dose group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The model was made successfully. Large dose group, small dose group and "xue-shuan-xin-mai-ning" group can inhibit expression of GMP-140, enhence SOD activity and decrease LPO content on blood stasis rabbit model. Large dose group and small dose group have stronger effect than "xue-shuan-xin-mai-ning" group.

Removal of methyl orange from aqueous solution using bentonite-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron.

Zero-valent iron (ZVI) nanoparticles tend to agglomerate, resulting in a significant loss in reactivity. To address this issue, synthesized bentonite-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (B-nZVI) was used to remove azo dye methyl orange (MO) in aqueous solution. Batch experiments show that various parameters, such as pH, initial concentration of MO, dosage, and temperature, were affected by the removal of MO. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that B-nZVI increased their reactivity and a decrease occurred in the aggregation of iron nanoparticles for the presence of bentonite (B). Using B-nZVI, 79.46% of MO was removed, whereas only 40.03% when using nZVI after reacting for 10 min with an initial MO concentration of 100 mg/L (pH=6.5). Furthermore, after B-nZVI reacted to MO, XRD indicated that iron oxides were formed. FTIR showed that no new bands appeared, and UV-vis demonstrated that the absorption peak of MO was degraded. Kinetics studies showed that the degradation of MO fitted well to the pseudo first-order model. A degradation mechanism is proposed, including the following: oxidation of iron, adsorption of MO to B-nZVI, formation of Fe(II)-dye complex, and cleavage of azo bond. Finally, the removal rate of MO from actual wastewater was 99.75% when utilizing B-nZVI.

Synthesis, characterization and kinetic of a surfactant-modified bentonite used to remove As(III) and As(V) from aqueous solution.

In this study, organobentonites were prepared by modification of bentonite with various cationic surfactants, and were used to remove As(V) and As(III) from aqueous solution. The results showed that the adsorption capacities of bentonite modified with octadecyl benzyl dimethyl ammonium (SMB3) were 0.288 mg/g for As(V) and 0.102 mg/g for As(III), which were much higher compared to 0.043 and 0.036 mg/g of un-modified bentonite (UB). The adsorption kinetics were fitted well with the pseudo-second-order model with rate constants of 46.7 × 10(-3)g/mgh for As(V) and 3.1 × 10(-3)g/mgh for As(III), respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of As(V) derived from the Langmuir equation reached as high as 1.48 mg/g, while the maximum adsorption capacity of As(III) was 0.82 mg/g. The adsorption of As(V) and As(III) was strongly dependent on solution pH. Addition of anions did not impact on As(III) adsorption, while they clearly suppressed adsorption of As(V). In addition, this study also showed that desorbed rates were 74.61% for As(V) and 30.32% for As(III), respectively, after regeneration of SMB3 in 0.1M HCl solution. Furthermore, in order to interpret the proposed absorption mechanism, both SMB3 and UB were extensively characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses.

Removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solution using modified and unmodified kaolinite clay.

Modified kaolinite clay with 25% (w/w) aluminium sulphate and unmodified kaolin were investigated as adsorbents to remove Pb(II) from aqueous solution. The results show that amount of Pb(II) adsorbed onto modified kaolin (20mg/g) was more than 4.5-fold than that adsorbed onto unmodified kaolin (4.2mg/g) under the optimized condition. In addition, the linear Langmuir and Freundlich models were used to describe equilibrium isotherm. It is observed that the data from both adsorbents fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm. The kinetic adsorption of modified and unmodified kaolinite clay fitted well to the pseudo-second-order model. Furthermore, both modified and unmodified kaolinite clay were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Finally, both modified and unmodified kaolinite clay were used to remove metal ions from real wastewater, and results show that higher amount of Pb(II) (the concentration reduced from 178 to 27.5mg/L) and other metal ions were removed by modified kaolinite clay compared with using unmodified adsorbent (the concentration reduced from 178 to 168 mg/L).

Cervical cerclage before blastocyst transfer in patients having cryopreserved embryo transfer.

OBJECTIVE: To present two successful pregnancy results following cervical cerclage before blastocyst transfer in patients who had cryopreserved ET and in whom cervical insufficiency was diagnosed. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Assisted reproduction unit in a university hospital. PATIENT(S): Two patients with infertility and cervical insufficiency. Both patients signed informed consent. INTERVENTION(S): Cervical cerclage before blastocyst transfer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pregnancy and birth. RESULT(S): Both women achieved pregnancy after transfer of a single, high-quality blastocyst and gave birth to a healthy infant. CONCLUSION(S): Cervical cerclage can be performed before blastocyst transfer in patients with cervical insufficiency who undergo cryopreserved ET. The procedure is especially relevant to patients in whom the cervical os is dilated and the distal cervical segment is short. Transfer of a single, high-quality blastocyst can result in pregnancy and birth.