Transcriptomic analysis and epigenetic regulators in human oocytes at different stages of oocyte meiotic maturation.

Human oocytes are highly specialized cells with the capacity to store and regulate mRNAs during oocyte maturation, in preparation for post-fertilization steps. Here we performed single-oocyte transcriptomic analysis of human oocytes in three meitoic maturation stages - Germinal Vesicle (GV; n = 6), Metaphase I (MI; n = 6) and Metaphase II (MII; n = 7). Single-oocyte transcriptomic analysis revealed that the total number of expressed genes progressively decreased from GV to MII stages, with 9660 genes being transcribed in GV, 8734 in MI and 5889 in MII.

In-vitro mechanical and biological evaluation of novel zirconia reinforced bioglass scaffolds for bone repair.

Bone defects resulting from infections, tumors, or traumas represent a major health care issue. Tissue engineering has been working togehter with medicine to develop techniques to repair bone damage and increase patient's life quality. In that context, scaffolds composed of bioactive ceramics have been explored, although their poor mechanical properties restrain their clinical applications as highly porous structures.

Cell adhesion evaluation of laser-sintered HAp and 45S5 bioactive glass coatings on micro-textured zirconia surfaces using MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells.

Laser texturing is a technique that has been increasingly explored for the surface modification of several materials on different applications. Laser texturing can be combined with conventional coating techniques to functionalize surfaces with bioactive properties, stimulating cell differentiation and adhesion. This study focuses on the cell adhesion of laser-sintered coatings of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and 45S5 bioactive glass (45S5 BG) on zirconia textured surfaces using MC3T3-E1 cells.

Micro-CT based finite element modelling and experimental characterization of the compressive mechanical properties of 3-D zirconia scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

The present study aims at developing a computational framework with experimental validation to determine the mechanical properties of zirconia foams for bone tissue engineering. A micro-CT based finite element model that allows characterizing the mechanical property of such cellular structures is developed. Micro-CT images are filtered to vanish noises and smooth boundaries before constructing 3D zirconia foams using an adaptive Body-Centered Cubic background lattice.

Y-TZP/porcelain graded dental restorations design for improved damping behavior - A study on damping capacity and dynamic Young's modulus.

The development of dental restorative materials that mimic tooth-like properties provided by graded structures, aesthetics and properties such as strength, damping capacity and the ability for a continuous remodeling according to the biomechanical solicitation is a great challenge. In this work, damping capacity and dynamic Young's modulus of Y-TZP/porcelain composites for all-ceramic dental restorations were studied. These mechanical properties were assessed by dynamic mechanical analyses (DMA) at frequencies of 1, 5 and 10 Hz, over a temperature ranging from 0 to 60 °C, simulating extreme conditions when a cold or hot drink is experienced.

Production and characterization of zirconia structures with a porous surface.

The aim of this study was to produce zirconia structures with a porous surface by the dip coating technique and assess the mechanical properties of the structures as well as the integrity of the porous layers. Surface porous layers with homogenous and graded porosity were produced over zirconia substrate discs using zirconia powders with different average sizes (d = 40 μm; d = 70 μm and d = 100 μm) and without pore forming fugitive phases. Specimens were inspected using Scanning Electron Microscopy.

Development of novel zirconia implant's materials gradated design with improved bioactive surface.

Zirconia implants are becoming a preference choice for different applications such as knee, dental, among others. In order to improve osseointegration, implant's surfaces are usually coated with bioactive materials like hydroxyapatite (HAp) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) that are very similar to the calcium phosphates found in bones. However, due to the implantation process, these coatings can be detached from the zirconia surface, leading to implant premature failure.

Sliding behavior of zirconia porous implant surfaces against bone.

Different zirconia porous layers were produced on zirconia dense zirconia substrates by slip casting using powder with different mean sizes: 40 μm (Z40), 70 μm (Z70), and 100 μm (Z100). The dynamic and static coefficients of friction against bovine femoral bone, mimicking the implantation process, were conducted using a ball-on-flat reciprocating sliding tribometer under 3 N of normal load. Additionally, the porous layers were assessed with regard to their low temperature degradation (aging).

Influence of laser structuring of PEEK, PEEK-GF30 and PEEK-CF30 surfaces on the shear bond strength to a resin cement.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a surface conditioning technique using laser ablation and acid etching on PEEK substrate on its bonding strength to a resin cement.

Materials And Methods: Cylindrical specimens of unfilled PEEK, 30% glass fiber reinforced PEEK and 30% carbon fiber reinforced PEEK were separated in four groups according to the following surface treatments: acid etching with HSO, laser ablation with 200 µm holes spaced 400 µm apart (D2E4), laser ablation with 200 µm holes spaced 600 µm apart (D2E6), and laser ablation (D2E4) followed by acid etching. A dual-curing resin cement (Allcem CORE) was then applied to the PEEK surface.

Bond strength enhancement of zirconia-porcelain interfaces via Nd:YAG laser surface structuring.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of laser surface structuring on the bond strength of feldspar-based porcelain to zirconia, as compared to conventional sandblasting treatment.

Materials And Methods: Thirty cylindrical zirconia substrates, previously sintered, were divided in three groups according to the type of surface conditioning: 1) sandblasting with 50 µm AlO; 2) laser structuring (Ø25 µm holes); and 3) laser structuring (Ø50 µm holes). Porcelain was injected onto the zirconia substrates.

Mesoporous bioactive glass embedding propolis and cranberry antibiofilm compounds.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical reactivity of 58S mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) particles in as-synthesized condition and after embedding propolis and cranberry antibiofilm compounds at different concentrations. MBG 58S was synthesized by alkali sol-gel method with the addition of the triblock pluronic copolymer P123 as surfactant. Samples were characterized by physicochemical properties measurement, N adsorption/desorption analysis, and field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEGSEM) observations.

Inhibition of multi-species oral biofilm by bromide doped bioactive glass.

Bioactive glass is an attractive biomaterial that has shown excellent osteogenic and angiogenic effects for oral bone repairing procedures. However, anti-biofilm potential related to such biomaterial has not been completely validated, mainly against multi-species biofilms involved in early tissue infections. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-biofilm effect of 58 S bioactive glass embedding calcium bromide compounds at different concentrations.

THERMAL RESIDUAL STRESSES IN BILAYERED, TRILAYERED AND GRADED DENTAL CERAMICS.

Layered ceramic systems are usually hit by residual thermal stresses created during cooling from high processing temperature. The purpose of this study was to determine the thermal residual stresses at different ceramic multi-layered systems and evaluate their influence on the bending stress distribution. Finite elements method was used to evaluate the residual stresses in zirconia-porcelain and alumina-porcelain multi-layered discs and to simulate the 'piston-on-ring' test.

The bending stress distribution in bilayered and graded zirconia-based dental ceramics.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biaxial flexural stresses in classic bilayered and in graded zirconia-feldspathic porcelain composites. A finite element method and an analytical model were used to simulate the piston-on-ring test and to predict the biaxial stress distributions across the thickness of the bilayer and graded zirconia-feldspathic porcelain discs. An axisymmetric model and a flexure formula of Hsueh et al.

Influence of interlayer design on residual thermal stresses in trilayered and graded all-ceramic restorations.

Residual thermal stresses are formed in dental restorations during cooling from high temperature processing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of constructive design variables (composition and interlayer thickness) on residual stresses in alumina- and zirconia-graded restorations. Restorations' real-like cooling conditions were simulated using finite elements method and temperature-dependent material properties were used.

Couples' discontinuation of fertility treatments: a longitudinal study on demographic, biomedical, and psychosocial risk factors.

Purpose: This study aims to explore the role of infertility-psychosocial variables on treatment discontinuation after controlling for demographic and biomedical variables in couples seeking reimbursed fertility treatment.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted in 139 couples seeking fertility treatment. Between February 2010 and March 2011, participants completed measures of anxiety (STAI-State), depression (BDI-II), infertility-stress (FPI), and infertility coping strategies (COMPI-CSS).

Processing and strengthening of 58S bioactive glass-infiltrated titania scaffolds.

In this work, TiO ceramic scaffolds were fabricated by the replica method using polyurethane (PU) sponges. Suspensions with high solid content were used to achieve scaffolds with improved mechanical behavior. TiO ceramic suspensions were optimized by rheological studies using different additives.

Anti-biofilm properties of bioactive glasses embedding organic active compounds.

Bioactive glasses (BGs) are promising materials for bone repair due to their desirable properties such as osteoconductivity, biodegradability, angiogenic potential, and antibacterial activity. Ionic dissolution products from bioactive glasses increase the medium pH inhibiting surrounding bacteria proliferation. The activity of BGs against biofilm formation has been enhanced by incorporating organic antibacterial compounds.

[Successful pregnancies outcomes with the use of in vitro fertilization after Essure® unilateral hydrossalpinx occlusion].

Introduction: Since two decades we witnessed the publication of several studies devoted to the study of the influence of the presence of hydrosalpinx on the results of embryo transfer techniques. The aim of this study is to present the results of treatment and pregnancy outcomes in women with a history of infertility associated with unilateral hydrosalpinx, visible on vaginal ultrasound, which were subjected to unilateral occlusion with Essure® and subsequent treatment with in vitro fertilization.

Material And Methods: We performed a prospective analysis of a sample of 6 women, with a history of infertility and unilateral hydrosalpinx, between April 2010 to May 2013.

Dyadic dynamics of perceived social support in couples facing infertility.

Study Question: Is perceived social support from partner, family, and friends associated with increased infertility-related stress?

Summary Answer: While men's perceived support did not seem to influence their partners' stress, women's perceptions of spousal and familial support can affect the way men deal with the challenge of infertility.

What Is Known Already: Previous studies showed that low levels of social support are associated with poor psychosocial adjustment and treatment termination in women and men. Studies examining the impact of social support using the couple as unit of analysis are lacking.

Scalp tumour as a sign of systemic B-cell lymphoma.

An 86-year-old man presented with a painful reddish tumour on the scalp with a 3-month history, mental confusion with recent onset and lymphadenopathies. Histological examination of the lymph node and cutaneous lesion revealed a dense infiltrate of atypical and large B cells. There was no evidence of bone marrow invasion.

Atopy, nickel sensitivity, occupation, and clinical patterns in different types of hand dermatitis.

Background: The etiologic diagnosis of hand dermatitis (HD) is often difficult. Knowledge of the relationship between atopy and nickel sensitivity as risk factors for HD is limited.

Objective: To compare irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema relative to personal atopy, patch-testing results, occupation, and clinical patterns.

Tuberculosis in a child presenting as asymptomatic oropharyngeal and laryngeal lesions.

We describe an 11-year-old boy who had several, asymptomatic, erythematous papules in the oropharynx and larynx with recent onset, two cervical lymphadenopathies, and a painless, erythematous plaque on the right wrist with a 2.5-year history of slow growth. Histologic examination of the mucocutaneous lesions revealed a submucous infiltrate of lymphocytes and Langhans giant cells in the papules and granulomatous dermatitis in the plaque.

Dermatological and ophthalmological sequels in toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Background: Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare, drug-induced disease characterized by epidermal detachment and mucosal involvement. After an acute period, potentially disabling cutaneous and ocular sequels may appear. Although long-term complications are not rare, only few outcome studies are published.

Tufted hair folliculitis after scalp injury.

We describe the case of a 38-year-old epileptic man with tufted hair folliculitis. The condition started 5 years ago after a scalp laceration that had been sustained 3 months earlier during an epileptic crisis. There then appeared a circumscribed inflammatory bulging lesion (with exudation and crusts) that evolved to scarring alopecia with tufts of 20 to 30 apparently normal hair shafts.