MiRNA-224-5p regulates the defective permeability barrier in sensitive skin by targeting claudin-5.

BACKGROUND: Sensitive skin is hypersensitive to various external stimuli and a defective epidermal permeability barrier is an important clinical feature of sensitive skin. Claudin-5 (CLDN5) expression levels decrease in sensitive skin. This study aimed to explore the impact of CLDN5 deficiency on the permeability barrier in sensitive skin and the regulatory role of miRNAs in CLDN5 expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 26 patients were retrospectively enrolled, and the CLDN5 expression and permeability barrier dysfunction in vitro were assessed. Then miRNA-224-5p expression was also assessed in sensitive skin. RESULTS: Immunofluorescence and electron microscopy revealed reduced CLDN5 expression, increased miR-224-5p expression, and disrupted intercellular junctions in sensitive skin. CLDN5 knockdown was associated with lower transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and Lucifer yellow penetration in keratinocytes and organotypic skin models. The RNA-seq and qRT-PCR results indicated elevated miR-224-5p expression in sensitive skin; MiR-224-5p directly interacted with the 3`UTR of CLDN5, resulting in CLDN5 deficiency in the luciferase reporter assay. Finally, miR-224-5p reduced TEER in keratinocyte cultures. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the miR-224-5p-induced reduction in CLDN5 expression leads to impaired permeability barrier function, and that miR-224-5p could be a potential therapeutic target for sensitive skin.

[Identification and visual analysis of ginsenosides in multi-steamed roots of Panax quinquefolium based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and MALDI-MSI].

This study aims to investigate the component variations and spatial distribution of ginsenosides in Panax quinquefolium roots during repeated steaming and drying. Ultra performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was employed to identify the ginsenosides in the root extract. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging(MALDI-MSI) was employed to visualize the spatial distribution and spatiotemporal changes of prototype ginsenosides and metabolites in P. quinquefolium roots. The UPLC results showed that 90 ginsenosides were identified during the steaming process of the roots, and polar ginsenosides were converted into low polar or non-polar ginsenosides. The content of prototype ginsenosides decreased, while that of rare ginsenosides increased, which included 20(S/R)-ginsenoside Rg_3, 20(S/R)-ginsenoside Rh_2, and ginsenosides Rk_1, Rg_5, Rs_5, and Rs_4. MALDI-MSI results showed that ginsenosides were mainly distributed in the epidermis and phloem. As the steaming times increased, ginsenosides were transported to the xylem and medulla. This study provides fundamental information for revealing the changes of biological activity and pharmacological effect of P. quinquefolium roots that are caused by repeated steaming and drying and gives a reference for expanding the application scope of this herbal medicine.

Facile synthesis of hydroxylated triazine-based magnetic microporous organic network for ultrahigh adsorption of phenylurea herbicides: An experimental and density-functional theory study.

Microporous organic networks (MONs) are highly porous materials that are particularly useful in analytical chemistry. However, the use of these materials is often limited by the functional groups available on their surface. Here, we described the polymerization of a sea urchin-like structure material at ambient temperature, that was functionalized with hydroxyl, carboxyl, and triazine groups and denoted as OH-COOH-MON-TEPT. A substantial proportion of OH-COOH-MON-TEPT was intricately decorated EDA-Fe3O4, creating a well-designed configuration (EDA-Fe3O4 @OH-COOH-MON-TEPT-EDC) for superior adsorption of the target analytes phenylurea herbicides (PUHs) via magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE). The proposed method showed remarkably low limits of detection ranging from 0.03 to 0.22 ng·L-1. Experimental investigations and theoretical analyses unveiled the adsorption mode between EDA-Fe3O4 @OH-COOH-MON-TEPT-EDC and PUHs. These findings establish a robust foundation for potential applications of EDA-Fe3O4 @OH-COOH-MON-TEPT-EDC in the analysis of various polar contaminants.

Identification of a novel pyroptosis-related gene signature in human spermatogenic dysfunction.

PURPOSE: To reveal the underlying roles that pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) played in human spermatogenic dysfunction. METHODS: One discovery set and three validation sets were employed to inspect the previously reported 33 PRGs in the human testis with different status of spermatogenesis. PRGs that differentially expressed in all sets were considered as key differentially expressed pyroptosis-related genes (PR-DEGs). The relationships between key PR-DEGs and samples' clinicopathological, therapeutic, and immune patterns were respectively studied. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNS-seq) analyses were conducted to show the expression changes and related mechanisms of key PR-DEGs at a single-cell resolution. RESULTS: CASP4 and GPX4 were identified as two key PR-DEGs. These two genes were significantly dysregulated in spermatogenic dysfunctional samples, but with opposite tendency. CASP4 was negatively correlated with Johnsen scores but positively correlated with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels (all p < 0.05), while GPX4 exhibited significant positive correlations with Johnsen scores and negative relevance with FSH. For treatments, both molecules showed a prospective value of being predictors for sperm retrieval surgeries. Moreover, CASP4 and GPX4 were potential immunoregulators in the testicular immune microenvironment and showed significant correlations to testicular macrophages and mast cell infiltration. In scRNA-seq analyses, GPX4 was highly expressed in germ cells, which therefore suffered a sharp reduction with the loss of germ cells in spermatogenic dysfunction. On the other hand, CASP4 were basically somatic cell-derived, and the proportion of CASP4-positive Leydig cells significantly increased in disease testes (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In all, we revealed two key PRGs of human testes that might be functional in spermatogenic dysfunction.

Application of single-cell RNA sequencing on human testicular samples: a comprehensive review.

So far there has been no comprehensive review using systematic literature search strategies to show the application of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) in the human testis of the whole life cycle (from embryos to aging males). Here, we summarized the application of scRNA-seq analyses on various human testicular biological samples. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), focusing on English researches published after 2009. Articles related to GEO data-series were also retrieved in PubMed or BioRxiv. 81 full-length studies were finally included in the review. ScRNA-seq has been widely used on different human testicular samples with various library strategies, and new cell subtypes such as State 0 spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) and stage_a/b/c Sertoli cells (SC) were identified. For the development of normal testes, scRNA-seq-based evidence showed dynamic transcriptional changes of both germ cells and somatic cells from embryos to adults. And dysregulated metabolic signaling or hedgehog signaling were revealed by scRNA-seq in aged SC or Leydig cells (LC), respectively. For infertile males, scRNA-seq studies revealed profound changes of testes, such as the increased proportion of immature SC/LC of Klinefelter syndrome, the somatic immaturity and altered germline autophagy of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia, and the repressed differentiation of SSC in trans-females receiving testosterone inhibition therapy. Besides, the re-analyzing of public scRNA-seq data made further discoveries such as the potential vulnerability of testicular SARS-CoV-2 infection, and both evolutionary conservatism and divergence among species. ScRNA-seq analyses would unveil mechanisms of testes' development and changes so as to help developing novel treatments for male infertility.

Development of Magnetic Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Coupled Nanospray Ion Source for Analysis of Cephalosporin Antibiotics in Food Samples.

A magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer (MMIP) coupled nanospray ion source was developed for analysis of cephalosporin antibiotics in food samples. MIP coated Fe3O4 nanospheres were prepared for magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) of the antibiotics in the extract of samples and then integrated into the nanospray capillary for further desorption and mass spectrometry analysis. The developed device combines the advantages of high extraction efficiency of MSPE, unique selectivity of MIPs, and fast analysis speed of ambient ionization mass spectrometry (AIMS). Five cephalosporin antibiotics in milk, egg, and beef samples were analyzed using the developed methods. High sensitivities with limits of detection (LODs) from 0.3 to 0.5 µg kg-1 were achieved for cephalosporin antibiotics in milk, egg, and beef samples, respectively. Good linearity, determination coefficient values (R2 > 0.992), and precision (RSD < 15%) with recoveries ranging from 72.6% to 115.5% were obtained using the spiked milk, egg, and beef sample matrices.

Identification and validation of CCL2 as a potential biomarker relevant to mast cell infiltration in the testicular immune microenvironment of spermatogenic dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Spermatogenic dysfunction is an important cause of azoospermia. Numerous studies have focused on germ-cell-related genes that lead to spermatogenic impairment. However, based on the immune-privileged characteristics of the testis, the relationship of immune genes, immune cells or immune microenvironment with spermatogenic dysfunction has rarely been reported. RESULTS: Using integrated methods including single-cell RNA-seq, microarray data, clinical data analyses and histological/pathological staining, we found that testicular mast cell infiltration levels were significantly negatively related to spermatogenic function. We next identified a functional testicular immune biomarker, CCL2, and externally validated that testicular CCL2 was significantly upregulated in spermatogenic dysfunctional testes and was negatively correlated with Johnsen scores (JS) and testicular volumes. We also demonstrated that CCL2 levels showed a significant positive correlation with testicular mast cell infiltration levels. Moreover, we showed myoid cells and Leydig cells were two of the important sources of testicular CCL2 in spermatogenic dysfunction. Mechanistically, we drew a potential "myoid/Leydig cells-CCL2-ACKR1-endothelial cells-SELE-CD44-mast cells" network of somatic cell-cell communications in the testicular microenvironment, which might play roles in spermatogenic dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed CCL2-relevant changes in the testicular immune microenvironment in spermatogenic dysfunction, providing new evidence for the role of immunological factors in azoospermia.

The emerging role of extracellular vesicles in the testis.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized membrane-bounded particles, released by all cells and capable of transporting bioactive cargoes, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, to regulate a variety of biological functions. Seminal plasma is enriched in EVs, and extensive evidence has revealed the role of EVs (e.g. prostasomes and epididymosomes) in the male genital tract. Recently, EVs released from testicular cells have been isolated and identified, and some new insights have been generated on their role in maintaining normal spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in the testis. In the seminiferous tubules, Sertoli cell-derived EVs can promote the differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), and EVs secreted from undifferentiated A spermatogonia can inhibit the proliferation of SSCs. In the testicular interstitium, EVs have been identified in endothelial cells, macrophages, telocytes, and Leydig cells, although their roles are still elusive. Testicular EVs can also pass through the blood-testis barrier and mediate inter-compartment communication between the seminiferous tubules and the interstitium. Immature Sertoli cell-derived EVs can promote survival and suppress the steroidogenesis of Leydig cells. Exosomes isolated from macrophages can protect spermatogonia from radiation-induced injury. In addition to their role in intercellular communication, testicular EVs may also participate in the removal of aberrant proteins and the delivery of antigens for immune tolerance. EVs released from testicular cells can be detected in seminal plasma, which makes them potential biomarkers reflecting testicular function and disease status. The testicular EVs in seminal plasma may also affect the female reproductive tract to facilitate conception and may even affect early embryogenesis through modulating sperm RNA. EVs represent a new type of intercellular messenger in the testis. A detailed understanding of the role of testicular EV may contribute to the discovery of new mechanisms causing male infertility and enable the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for the treatment of infertile men.

Room-temperature synthesis of nitrogen-rich conjugated microporous polymers for solid-phase extraction of trace synthetic musks.

This study synthesized a conjugated microporous polymer (CMP) at room temperature, which has high surface area, large conjugate system, and nitrogen-rich features. The material was explored as a solid-phase extraction (SPE) column, and it showed a higher extraction efficiency for nitro-musks compared to most commercial columns. Under optimal SPE conditions, a sensitive and efficient method for determining five nitro-musks was established based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The method showed excellent linearity (R2 ≥ 0.996), low limits of detection (0.13-0.57 ng·L-1), good repeatability (1.1-4.0 %, n = 6) and was applied to the detection of trace nitro-musks in water and milk samples. The mechanism was further discussed combined with a simulation calculation. The advantages of the proposed method were mainly reflected in the extraction efficiency and sensitivity, which also indicated the potential of CMPs as a sample pretreatment material.

Global Pattern and Trends in Penile Cancer Incidence: Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Penile cancer is a relatively rare genital malignancy whose incidence and mortality are rising in many countries. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the recent incidence and mortality patterns and incidence trends of penile cancer. METHODS: The age-standardized incidence and mortality rates (ASIR and ASMR, respectively) of penile cancer in 2020 were estimated from the Global Cancer Registries (GLOBOCAN) database. Incidence trends of penile cancer from 1973 to 2012 were assessed in 44 populations from 43 countries using the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents plus (CI5plus) and the Nordic Cancer Registries (NORDCAN) databases. Average annual percentage change was calculated to quantify trends in ASIR using joinpoint regression. RESULTS: Globally, the estimated ASIR and ASMR of penile cancer were 0.80 (per 100,000) and 0.29 (per 100,000) in 2020, equating to 36,068 new cases and 13,211 deaths in 2020, respectively. There was no significant correlation between the ASIR (P=.05) or ASMR (P=.90) and Human Development Index. In addition, 15 countries saw increasing ASIR for penile cancer, 13 of which were from Europe (United Kingdom, Lithuania, Norway, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Cyprus, Netherlands, Italy, Croatia, Slovakia, Russia, and the Czech), and 2 from Asia (China and Israel). CONCLUSIONS: Although the developing countries still bear the higher incidence and mortality of penile cancer, the incidence is on the rise in most European countries. To mitigate the disease burden resulting from penile cancer, measures to lower the risk for penile cancers, including improving penile hygiene and male human papillomavirus vaccination, may be warranted.

Exosomes released from Sertoli cells contribute to the survival of Leydig cells through CCL20 in rats.

Reciprocal communication between Sertoli and Leydig cells occurs in the testes; however, the detailed mechanisms involved are not completely understood. Exosomes can communicate within neighboring or distant cells to regulate cell function. Our aim was to determine whether exosomes released from Sertoli cells can regulate the survival of Leydig cells. We found that exosomes released from rat primary Sertoli cells could be internalized by Leydig cells in vitro, and promote the survival of Leydig cells, as assessed by optical density at 450 nm, compared to untreated control (mean ± SD: 0.95 ± 0.04 vs 0.79 ± 0.03, P < 0.05). When the exosomes were injected into the interstitial area of rat testis, they could also be internalized by Leydig cells in vivo. To investigate if exosomes released from Sertoli cells can reach Leydig cells in vivo, exosomes were injected into the efferent duct, from where they entered the interstitial space from seminiferous tubules, which indicated that they may cross the blood-testis barrier (BTB). Further in vitro studies found that exosomes released from Sertoli cells significantly increased CC-chemokine ligand 20 (Ccl20) mRNA (mean ± SD: 2.79 ± 0.08 vs 0.98 ± 0.04, P < 0.01) and protein (mean ± SD: 1.08 ± 0.06 vs 0.53 ± 0.05 ng/ml, P < 0.01) levels in Leydig cells, compared to the untreated Leydig cells. CCL20 promoted the phosphorylation of AKT (protein kinase B) in Leydig cells, compared to untreated control (mean ± SD: 0.074 ± 0.002 vs 0.051 ± 0.002, P < 0.01). In conclusion, our results demonstrated that exosomes released by Sertoli cells may cross the BTB and promote the survival of Leydig cells. The findings may add new evidence for Sertoli-Leydig cell communication.

Comparison of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes in infertile men with spermatogenic impairment of differing severity.

The extent of spermatogenic impairment on intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes and the risk of major birth defects have been little assessed. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between various spermatogenic conditions, sperm origin on ICSI outcomes, and major birth defects. A total of 934 infertile men attending the Center for Reproductive Medicine of Ren Ji Hospital (Shanghai, China) were classified into six groups: nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA; n = 84), extremely severe oligozoospermia (esOZ; n = 163), severe oligozoospermia (sOZ, n = 174), mild oligozoospermia (mOZ; n = 148), obstructive azoospermia (OAZ; n = 155), and normozoospermia (NZ; n = 210). Rates of fertilization, embryo cleavage, high-quality embryos, implantation, biochemical and clinical pregnancies, abortion, delivery, newborns, as well as major birth malformations, and other newborn outcomes were analyzed and compared among groups. The NOA group showed a statistically lower fertilization rate (68.2% vs esOZ 77.3%, sOZ 78.0%, mOZ 73.8%, OAZ 76.6%, and NZ 79.3%, all P < 0.05), but a significantly higher implantation rate (37.8%) than the groups esOZ (30.1%), sOZ (30.4%), mOZ (32.6%), and OAZ (31.0%) (all P < 0.05), which was similar to that of Group NZ (38.4%). However, there were no statistically significant differences in rates of embryo cleavage, high-quality embryos, biochemical and clinical pregnancies, abortions, deliveries, major birth malformations, and other newborn outcomes in the six groups. The results showed that NOA only negatively affects some embryological outcomes such as fertilization rate. There was no evidence of differences in other embryological and clinical outcomes with respect to sperm source or spermatogenic status. Spermatogenic failure and sperm origins do not impinge on the clinical outcomes in ICSI treatment.

Seminal exosomal miR-210-3p as a potential marker of Sertoli cell damage in Varicocele.

BACKGROUND: Varicocoele-associated stressors, such as hypoxia and heat, can damage cell function and viability, and some exosomal biomarkers released from impaired cells may reflect the cell status in testis. OBJECTIVES: To find if seminal exosomal microRNAs can reflect the Sertoli cell function in varicocoele. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental left varicocoele rat model was established (n = 24), and patients with different grades of varicocoele (n = 104) were enrolled. Primary rat Sertoli cells were isolated with enzymatic hydrolysis. Exosomes were isolated from primary rat Sertoli cells, rat epididymis tissue, and human seminal plasma with polymer-based precipitation method. Exosomal microRNAs were quantified with qPCR. Inhibin-B was detected with enzyme immunoassay. The correlation analysis between microRNA and inhibin-B was evaluated with Spearman's correlation. RESULTS: We screened 12 previously reported hypoxia-responsive microRNAs in the primary rat Sertoli cells and found that 4 exosomal microRNAs increased significantly in response to in vitro hypoxia treatment (P < .05). Of the 4 microRNAs, only miR-210-3p was upregulated in the rats with experimental varicocoele (P < .01). In the patients with varicocoele, we found that seminal exosomal miR-210-3p significantly increased in patients with grade II and III varicocoele (P < .01), and miR-210-3p negatively correlated with sperm count (P < .01) and seminal inhibin-B expression (r = -0.39, P < .01). For the 30 patients with microsurgical varicocelectomy, the operation notably decreased miR-210-3p (P < .01). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Seminal exosomal miR-210-3p may be a novel, sensitive, and non-invasive biomarker of Sertoli cell damage in varicocoele.

Lipophagy Contributes to Testosterone Biosynthesis in Male Rat Leydig Cells.

In recent years, autophagy was found to regulate lipid metabolism through a process termed lipophagy. Lipophagy modulates the degradation of cholesteryl esters to free cholesterol (FC), which is the substrate of testosterone biosynthesis. However, the role of lipophagy in testosterone production is unknown. To investigate this, primary rat Leydig cells and varicocele rat models were administered to inhibit or promote autophagy, and testosterone, lipid droplets (LDs), total cholesterol (TC), and FC were evaluated. The results demonstrated that inhibiting autophagy in primary rat Leydig cells reduced testosterone production. Further studies demonstrated that inhibiting autophagy increased the number and size of LDs and the level of TC, but decreased the level of FC. Furthermore, hypoxia promoted autophagy in Leydig cells. We found that short-term hypoxia stimulated testosterone secretion; however, the inhibition of autophagy abolished stimulated testosterone release. Hypoxia decreased the number and size of LDs in Leydig cells, but the changes could be largely rescued by blocking autophagy. In experimental varicocele rat models, the administration of autophagy inhibitors substantially reduced serum testosterone. These data demonstrate that autophagy contributes to testosterone biosynthesis at least partially through degrading intracellular LDs/TC. Our observations might reveal an autophagic regulatory mode regarding testosterone biosynthesis.

Dysregulation and functional roles of miR-183-96-182 cluster in cancer cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis.

Previous studies have reported aberrant expression of the miR-183-96-182 cluster in a variety of tumors, which indicates its' diagnostic or prognostic value. However, a key characteristic of the miR-183-96-182 cluster is its varied expression levels, and pleomorphic functional roles in different tumors or under different conditions. In most tumor types, the cluster is highly expressed and promotes tumorigenesis, cancer progression and metastasis; yet tumor suppressive effects have also been reported in some tumors. In the present study, we discuss the upstream regulators and the downstream target genes of miR-183-96-182 cluster, and highlight the dysregulation and functional roles of this cluster in various tumor cells. Newer insights summarized in this review will help readers understand the different facets of the miR-183-96-182 cluster in cancer development and progression.

Microsurgical vasoepididymostomy for patients with infectious obstructive azoospermia: cause, outcome, and associated factors.

Azoospermia is of great importance to male infertility. Obstructive azoospermia (OA) due to infection is the most prevalent form of OA in China and has been less studied. We aim to observe the treatment outcome of microsurgical vasoepididymostomy (VE) and also to identify the factors relative to the result after reconstructive surgery. Two hundred and eight men presenting with OA due to infection during the study period from July 2010 to July 2013 were prospectively evaluated. Clinical examination, semen analysis, serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and scrotal ultrasound were done before surgical exploration. Among the 198 men who were selected for surgical procedures, 159 candidates underwent microsurgical VE with sperm detected in the epididymal fluid. As for the other 39 cases, reconstruction was not feasible. The average age was 28.5 ± 3.9 years (range 22-38), with average follow-up being 16.5 ± 5.9 months (range 4-28). According to the 150 cases being followed after VE procedures, the total patency rate was 72% (108/150). During follow-up, 38.7% (58/150) natural pregnancies occurred, with overall live birth rate being 32.7% (49/150). Our data suggested that microsurgical VE is an effective therapy for postinfectious epididymal OA. Individualized counseling with prognosis based on etiology should be offered to patients to select optical therapy.

In situ hydrothermal growth of ytterbium-based metal-organic framework on stainless steel wire for solid-phase microextraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from environmental samples.

In this paper, we report the use of a porous ytterbium-based metal-organic framework (Yb-MOF) coating material with good thermal stability for the headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from environmental samples. The Yb-MOF thin films, grown in situ on stainless steel wire in solution, exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity toward PAHs. Under the optimal conditions, the novel fibers achieved large enrichment factors (130-2288), low limits of detection (0.07-1.67ngL(-1)), and wide range of linearity (10-1000ngL(-1)) for 16 PAHs in the tested samples. The novel fiber was successfully used in the analysis of PAHs in real environmental samples. These results demonstrated that Yb-MOF is a promising coating material for the SPME of PAHs at trace levels from environmental samples.

Accelerated solvent extraction combined with dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction before gas chromatography with mass spectrometry for the sensitive determination of phenols in soil samples.

A method combining accelerated solvent extraction with dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction was developed for the first time as a sample pretreatment for the rapid analysis of phenols (including phenol, m-cresol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol) in soil samples. In the accelerated solvent extraction procedure, water was used as an extraction solvent, and phenols were extracted from soil samples into water. The dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction technique was then performed on the obtained aqueous solution. Important accelerated solvent extraction and dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction parameters were investigated and optimized. Under optimized conditions, the new method provided wide linearity (6.1-3080 ng/g), low limits of detection (0.06-1.83 ng/g), and excellent reproducibility (<10%) for phenols. Four real soil samples were analyzed by the proposed method to assess its applicability. Experimental results showed that the soil samples were free of our target compounds, and average recoveries were in the range of 87.9-110%. These findings indicate that accelerated solvent extraction with dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction as a sample pretreatment procedure coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry is an excellent method for the rapid analysis of trace levels of phenols in environmental soil samples.

Feasibility of metal-organic nanotubes [Cu3(µ3-O)(µ-OH)(triazolate)2]+-coated fibers for solid-phase microextraction of polychlorinated biphenyls in water samples.

Metal-organic nanotubes (MONTs), a novel class of hybrid materials, have attracted considerable attention because of their uniform and fixed internal diameters, impressive topological structures, and versatile applications. However, to the best of our knowledge, no studies on MONTs coating fabrication for solid-phase microextraction are yet available. The aim of this work is to investigate the feasibility of using [Cu3(µ3-O)(µ-OH)(triazolate)2]+ as a solid-phase microextraction coating material to enrich trace levels of polychlorinated biphenyls in water samples. The novel [Cu3(µ3-O)(µ-OH)(triazolate)2]+-coated fibers achieved large enhancement factors (396­1343), low limits of detection (3.9­21.7 pg L−1), and wide linearity (0.1­500 ng L−1) for detecting polychlorinated biphenyls. Relative standard deviations obtained ranged from 2.12 to 7.22%, and spiked PCBs recoveries (spiking concentrations of 1 and 5 ng L−1) in four environmental water samples ranged from 71.3 to 104%. These findings indicate that [Cu3(µ3-O)(µ-OH)(triazolate)2]+ as a solid-phase microextraction coating material is an excellent alternative for the rapid and sensitive analysis of trace levels of polychlorinated biphenyls in the environment.

[Microsurgical management of male infertility in china: 15-year development and prospects].

Male infertility is a common and complex disease in urology and andrology, and for many years there has been no effective surgical treatment. With the emergence of microsurgery and assisted reproductive medicine (IVF/ICSI), rapid development has been achieved in the treatment of male infertility. The Center for Male Reproductive Medicine and Microsurgery at Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University has been playing an important leading role in developing microsurgical techniques for the management of male infertility. The development of microsurgical treatment of male infertility in China has experienced the 3 periods of emerging, making, and boosting ever since its systematic introduction from Weill Cornell Medical College 15 years ago. At present, many Chinese hospitals have adopted microsurgery in the management of male infertility, which has contributed to the initial establishment of a microsurgical treatment system for male infertility in China. However, some deficiencies do exist concerning microsurgical treatment of male infertility, as in normalized technical training programs for competent surgeons, unified criteria for evaluation of surgical outcomes, and detailed postoperative follow-up data. This article presents an overview on the 15-year development of microsurgical management of male infertility in China, points out the existing deficiencies, and offers some propositions for the promotion of its development.