Evaluation on a teaching software for removable partial denture framework design.

BACKGROUND: Removable partial dentures (RPDs) are widely used as a dental prosthesis and have a wide application scope. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of using design software in the preclinical teaching of removable partial dentures (RPDs). METHODS: Unreal Engine software was used to build the RPD framework design teaching and training software. All 131 undergraduate students majoring in stomatology in the class of 2018, Kunming Medical University, were randomly divided into three groups and received either traditional experiment teaching, flipped classroom teaching, or software teaching for RPD design. The application effect of the software in the preclinical teaching of RPD design was evaluated by analyzing the examination results and through the use of a questionnaire survey. RESULTS: The differences in the theoretical examination scores among the traditional teaching group, the flipped classroom group, and the software teaching group were not statistically significant (P> 0.05), while the average design scores of upper Kennedy Class I and lower Kennedy Class II subclass II in the software teaching group were significantly higher than those in the traditional teaching group (P< 0.05). Overall, 75% of the students in the software teaching group reported that this teaching method could improve their learning initiative, a higher percentage than in the traditional teaching group (55.8%, P< 0.05). Meanwhile, 90.9% of the students in the software teaching group reported that the software could make RPD-related theoretical knowledge more visual and intuitive, and 93.2% of these students felt it was helpful for understanding the RPD three-dimensional (3D) spatial structure. These percentages were higher than those in the traditional teaching and flipped classroom groups (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: In the preclinical teaching of RPD design, software training helped the students better understand the 3D structure of RPDs and establish clear design ideas, and it may also be valuable for in-depth research and promotion purposes.

Controlled ovarian stimulation for endometriosis patients with ultra-long GnRH-agonist or GnRH-antagonist protocols: A retrospective study by propensity score matching.

OBJECTIVES: Although in vitro fertilization with embryo transfer is the most effective treatment for infertile patients with endometriosis, ovarian stimulation protocols are controversial. STUDY DESIGN: We recruited 639 patients with endometriosis from January 2016 to June 2020; 111 and 528 patients were treated with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist and ultra-long GnRH agonist protocols, respectively. Potential baseline differences between the regimens were adjusted by propensity score matching. Clinical and laboratory data, including the cumulative clinical pregnancy rate (CCPR) and cumulative live birth rate (CLBR), were compared. RESULTS: Ovulation induction required significantly longer use of gonadotropins in the GnRH agonist group. However, the GnRH agonist group had a lower starting dose of gonadotropin (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, significantly lower clinical pregnancy, implantation, and live birth rates were observed in the GnRH antagonist group receiving fresh assisted reproductive technology cycles (all p < 0.05); however, pregnancy outcomes using the subsequent freeze-thaw cycles for the same oocyte retrieval were not significantly different. CCPR and CLBR for the oocyte retrieval cycles of the antagonist and ultra-long agonist protocols were similar. The ultra-long agonist protocol resulted in more favorable implantation of fresh embryos and improved clinical outcomes of the fresh cycle. CONCLUSIONS: This novel strategy could be appropriate for endometriosis patients who are temporarily unsuitable for fresh embryo transfer. The GnRH antagonist protocol can be combined with the whole embryo freezing strategy to achieve CCPR and CLBR similar to the ultra-long agonist regimen, thus simultaneously avoiding the long pre-treatment duration of GnRH agonists during the ultra-long agonist protocol.

Emerging Bioactive Agent Delivery-Based Regenerative Therapies for Lower Genitourinary Tissues.

Injury to lower genitourinary (GU) tissues, which may result in either infertility and/or organ dysfunctions, threatens the overall health of humans. Bioactive agent-based regenerative therapy is a promising therapeutic method. However, strategies for spatiotemporal delivery of bioactive agents with optimal stability, activity, and tunable delivery for effective sustained disease management are still in need and present challenges. In this review, we present the advancements of the pivotal components in delivery systems, including biomedical innovations, system fabrication methods, and loading strategies, which may improve the performance of delivery systems for better regenerative effects. We also review the most recent developments in the application of these technologies, and the potential for delivery-based regenerative therapies to treat lower GU injuries. Recent progress suggests that the use of advanced strategies have not only made it possible to develop better and more diverse functionalities, but also more precise, and smarter bioactive agent delivery systems for regenerative therapy. Their application in lower GU injury treatment has achieved certain effects in both patients with lower genitourinary injuries and/or in model animals. The continuous evolution of biomaterials and therapeutic agents, advances in three-dimensional printing, as well as emerging techniques all show a promising future for the treatment of lower GU-related disorders and dysfunctions.

Tripronuclear Zygotes in IVF Laboratory Quality Control: Experimental Evaluation and Potential Applications.

This study set out to evaluate quality control within a new in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory environment and of new incubators based on the culture results of tripronuclear zygotes. The representative environmental indicators within new and old IVF laboratories were monitored, and tripronuclear zygotes were cultured in the two laboratories; the results were analyzed and compared. Subsequently, tripronuclear (3PN) zygotes were cultured in both new and old incubators and the culture results were compared. No differences were found in embryo development between 3PN zygotes in the old and new laboratories. However, in the quality control test, the degeneration rate and developmental arrest rate in the new incubator early phase group were significantly increased when compared with the old incubators. Moreover, the grade I embryo rate also decreased significantly. Nevertheless, all the above comparisons in the new incubator later phase group showed no statistical significance as compared to those observed in old incubators. Tripronuclear zygotes are sensitive to the environment in IVF laboratories and can be considered useful during quality control trials of new IVF laboratories and new equipment including incubators.

The vitrification system may affect preterm and cesarean delivery rates after single vitrified blastocyst transfer.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible effects of different vitrification systems on single vitrified blastocyst transfer cycles. The clinical and birth outcomes of 412 patients who underwent single vitrified blastocyst transfer between January 2018 and June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed and compared between patients who underwent blastocyst vitrification with kit A (group A, 196 patients) and those who underwent blastocyst vitrification with kit B (group B, 216 patients). Clinical outcomes, including the clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, early miscarriage rate, late miscarriage rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, twin pregnancy rate, and induced labor rate due to fetal malformation, were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). The preterm delivery rate among singleton newborns (11.57% vs. 3.23%, P < 0.05) and the cesarean delivery rate were significantly higher in group B than in group A (70.25% vs. 57.26%, P < 0.05). Birth outcomes, including the male-to-female ratio, low-birth-weight rate, macrosomia rate, birth defect rate, newborn gestational age, neonatal body weight, and singleton neonatal body length, were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Our findings suggest that different vitrification systems might differentially affect birth outcomes. Such disparity could reflect differences in kit composition and/or protocol.ABBREVIATIONS: DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; ES: equilibration solution; VS: vitrification solution; BMI: body mass index; ICSI: intracytoplasmic sperm injection; OR: odds ratio; CI: confidence interval.

The effect of age and abstinence time on semen quality: a retrospective study.

This study analyzed the effects of male age and abstinence time on semen quality and explored the best abstinence time for Chinese males among different age groups. Semen parameters, including sperm kinetics, morphology, and DNA fragmentation index (DFI), were reviewed from 2952 men. Samples were divided into six age groups (≤25 years, 26-30 years, 31-35 years, 36-40 years, 41-45 years, and >45 years) and were divided into six groups according to different abstinence time (2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, and 7 days). The differences in semen quality between the groups were compared, and the effect of age and abstinence time on semen quality was analyzed. Significant differences were observed in semen volume, progressive motility (PR), and DFI among the age groups (all P < 0.05), and no significant differences were observed in sperm morphological parameters (all P > 0.05). There were significant differences in semen volume, PR, and DFI among different abstinence time groups (all P < 0.05) and no significant differences in sperm morphological parameters (all P > 0.05). Pearson analysis showed that male age and abstinence time were both significantly correlated with sperm kinetics and DFI (both P < 0.05), while no significant correlation was found with sperm morphological parameters (all P > 0.05). The box plots and histograms of men's age, abstinence time, and semen quality show that most semen quality parameters differ significantly between the 2 days and 7 days abstinence groups and other groups at different ages. Except for the sperm morphology parameters, sperm kinetic parameters and sperm DFI are linearly related to male age and abstinence time.

Effect of core and veneer porcelain thickness and resin cement on opalescence property of glass-ceramic veneers.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the effect of core and veneer porcelain thickness and resin cement on the opalescence property (OP) of glass-ceramic veneers, which were used to restore discolored teeth. METHODS: IPS e.max CAD LT A3 ceramic specimens were fabricated by computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM). The thickness values of core porcelain groups were 0.25 and 0.50 mm, and those of the core/veneer porcelain groups were 0.25 mm core/0.25 mm dentin, 0.50 mm core/0.25 mm dentin, 0.50 mm core/0.50 mm dentin, and 0.50 mm core/0.25 mm dentin/0.25 mm incisal. To simulate the clinical bonding procedure of porcelain veneer, resin cement Variolink N Bleach XL was coated at the bottom of CAD/CAM porcelain veneer specimens to make composite specimens of CAD/CAM porcelain veneer and resin cement. The L*a*b* values of specimens in the reflection and transmission pattern were measured by a spectrophotometer. Then, the OP was calculated. RESULTS: The OP values of 0.25 and 0.50 mm core porcelain groups, and 0.25 mm core/0.25 mm dentin, 0.50 mm core/0.25 mm dentin, 0.50 mm core/0.50 mm dentin, and 0.50 mm core/0.25 mm dentin/0.25 mm incisal core/veneer porcelain groups were 6.10±0.50, 7.00±0.24, 6.40±0.24, 7.08±0.28, 7.16±0.21, and 7.86±0.11 respectively. With increasing thickness of core porcelain, the OP values increased significantly (P<0.05). When 0.25 mm-thick dentin porcelain was added, no significant difference was found in the OP values of specimens with the same core porcelain thickness (P>0.05). For the 0.50 mm core porcelain group, no significant difference was found between 0.25 and 0.50 mm-thick dentin porcelain groups (P>0.05), but the OP values increased significantly after increasing the 0.25 mm incisal porcelain (P<0.05). The OP values of 0.25 mm core/0.25 mm dentin, 0.50 mm core/0.25 mm dentin, 0.50 mm core/0.50 mm dentin, and 0.50 mm core/0.25 mm dentin/0.25 mm incisal CAD/CAM porcelain veneer-resin cement composite specimens were 6.29±0.31, 7.56±0.36, 7.67±0.30, and 8.65±0.53. The OP values increased with increasing thickness of the porcelain layer (P<0.05), but no statistically signi-ficant difference was found between the groups of 0.50 mm core/0.25 mm dentin and 0.50 mm core/0.50 mm dentin (P=0.733). The influence of porcelain layer thickness and resin cement on the OP value was statistically different (P<0.05), and no interaction was found between the total thickness and the presence of resin cement (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: When using glass-ceramic veneers for discolored teeth, the following are recommended to improve the OP and obtain a natural and realistic effect: adopt the design of direct sintering incisal porcelain with core porcelain; appropriately increase the thickness of core porcelain; and select resin cement with opaque effect.

Identification of Three Potential circRNA Biomarkers of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Bioinformatics Analysis and Validation.

OBJECTIVE: It is well known that circRNAs are closely involved in the progression of various diseases. However, their functions and potential regulatory mechanisms in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remain largely unknown. In the present study, our aim was to investigate the potential diagnostic value of circRNAs in PCOS. METHODS: The circRNA dataset GSE145296, mRNA dataset GSE155489 and miRNA GSE138572 were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Then, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Based on the potential interactions, a network of cirRNA-related competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) was constructed. Biological functions were predicted by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. For further validation, qRT-PCR method was used to detect the expression level of the candidate circRNAs. Then, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were constructed to evaluate the diagnostic value of the three differentially expressed circRNA (DE-circRNA). RESULTS: We constructed a network of cirRNA-related ceRNA network. Hsa_circ_0075691, hsa_circ_0075692 and hsa_circ_0085997 were validate to be dysregulated in PCOS. CONCLUSION: Hsa_circ_0075691, hsa_circ_0075692 and hsa_circ_0085997 may be potential diagnostic biomarkers of PCOS, but their specific regulatory mechanisms still need to be further studied.

Explore the potential molecular mechanism of polycystic ovarian syndrome by protein-protein interaction network analysis.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders prevailing in reproductive age women, present in 3-15% population of women worldwide. Although there are many studies on PCOS, its underlying mechanism remains to be determined. The present study was to construct protein-protein interaction networks based on the potential disease-causing genes for PCOS and characterize the underlying molecular mechanisms of PCOS using the networks. PCOS-associated genes were extracted from DisGeNet and the protein-protein interaction networks (PPIN) of PCOS were constructed using the String Database. Then we utilized MCODE algorithm to analyse the hub-gene modules from the PPIN. Finally, the major biological functions and signaling pathways involved in the hub modules were explored by functional enrichment analysis. A total of 522 candidate genes associated to PCOS were extracted from DisGeNET database. The PPIN constructed using the genes we have collected above included 488 genes and 2767 interaction relationships. Moreover, seven major gene modules were obtained after analyzing the PPIN with the use of MCODE plug-in. The major modules generated were enriched in certain biological functions such as cancer and cell proliferation and apoptosis, regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism, cell cycle and so on. The integrated analysis performed in the current study revealed that these hub modules and their related genes are closely associated to the pathogenesis of PCOS, which may probably provide novel insights for the treatment of PCOS and the study of its latent pathogenic mechanism. The relationship between several of the key genes including ALB, TOP2A, PTGER3, NPB and BRD2 in the modules and PCOS has not been investigated previously and it remains to be verified by further research of large sample, multi-center and multi-ethnic.

Comparison of the Anterior Tooth and Lip Esthetic Characteristics of Hani and Han Youth in China When Speaking.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to measure and analyze the lip and tooth dynamic esthetic characteristics at rest and during speech in order to provide a reference for its esthetic design and restoration among the Hani and Han populations in Yunnan Province, China. METHODS: Subjects of Hani and Han ethnicity in Yunnan were selected using multistage stratified sampling and inclusive criteria. The lip and tooth dynamic esthetic characteristics of the subjects at rest and during the pinyin pronunciation of "me", "yi", "fu", and "si" were recorded using digital photography and analyzed with computer software. RESULTS: No statistical difference was detected between the Hani and Han groups in the upper central-incisor display, when pronouncing the pinyin "yi". Furthermore, there were no statistical differences in lip dynamic esthetic parameters between the Hani and Han groups, except for the distance between the upper and lower lips when pronouncing "si". There were three kinds of correlation between the upper central-incisor edge and lower lip: separation, contact, and overlap. CONCLUSION: The display of upper central incisors and the mouth width of Hani people are larger than those of Han people when at rest. When the pinyin "si" is pronounced, the display of upper central incisors and the upper-lower lip distance of Hani people is less than that of Han people due to labial muscle movement.

Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number in Human Blastocyst: A Novel Biomarker for the Prediction of Implantation Potential.

The relationship between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and the outcome of embryo transfer is under debate. Our aim was to explore the relationship between mtDNA copy number in human blastocysts and embryonic development to determine whether mtDNA represents a novel biomarker for the prediction of implantation potential. A total of 246 blastocysts were analyzed by next-generation sequencing. There was no correlation between mtDNA copy number and maternal age in all blastocyst groups and euploid blastocyst groups. Additionally, the mtDNA copy number was not significantly higher in aneuploid blastocysts. Subsequently, no relationship was observed between mtDNA copy number and blastocyst quality. The assessment of clinical pregnancy outcome after the transfer of euploid blastocysts to the uterus indicated that the mtDNA copy number was significantly lower in the clinical pregnancy group than in those who failed implantation. The cut-off value of mtDNA copy number was 320.5, which was a highly predictive value. Blastocysts with an increased mtDNA copy number had lower implantation potential, and mtDNA copy number was largely equal in terms of maternal age, chromosome ploidy, and quality of blastocysts.

[Effect of porcelain thickness and substrate on optical properties of porcelain veneers for tetracycline stained teeth].

PURPOSE: To analyze the effect of porcelain layer thicknesses and substrates on color properties and translucency of IPS e.max LT porcelain laminate veneers used to restore tetracycline stained teeth. METHODS: Porcelain specimens with different core and veneer thickness (veneer/core thickness: 0.25 mm/0.25 mm, 0.50 mm/0.25 mm, 0.25 mm/0.50 mm, 0.50 mm/0.50 mm, and 0.25 mm/0.75 mm) were fabricated by heat-press layering technique. CIE L*a*b* parameters were measured under simulated tetracycline backgrounds and black and white backgrounds by a spectrophotometer, color differences ΔE001 between specimens on simulated tetracycline backgrounds and backgrounds themselves and ΔE002 between specimens on simulated tetracycline backgrounds and white background were calculated. The translucent parameter(TP) was also calculated. The data were submitted to statistical analysis with SPSS 17.0 software package. RESULTS: ΔE001 increased with increase of thickness of the core and veneer layer, but there was no significant difference between 0.25 mm and 0.50 mm core thickness groups with 0.50 mm veneer in thickness (P>0.01). Except for light grey, ΔE002 decreased over other substrates with increase of thickness of the core and veneer layer, but there was no significant difference between 0.50 mm and 0.75 mm core thickness groups with 0.25 mm veneer in thickness (P>0.01). Both ΔE001 and ΔE002 were significantly different over different substrates（P<0.01）. TP decreased as the increase of core and veneer thickness and TP was significantly different with different core and veneer thickness（P<0.01）. CONCLUSIONS: Both the core/veneer thickness and the substrate have significant influence on color matching and masking ability of IPS e.max LT porcelain laminate veneers used to restore tetracycline stained teeth. As for IPS e.max LT porcelain veneers, the color property was the best when yellowish tetracycline stained teeth were restored, while the light grey was worst. The thickness of core and veneer has significant influence on the translucency of porcelain laminate veneers.

miR-944 inhibits cell migration and invasion by targeting MACC1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common disease in Southern China with high prevalence. miR-944 has been reported to play a vital role in progression of a variety of cancers. The present study aimed to investigate the potential role of miR-944 in NPC cell migration and invasion through elucidating the interaction with its target genes, MACC1. Expression of miR-944 in NPC tissues and cell lines was examined with quantitative RT-PCR. Overexpressed miR-944 and suppressed miR-944 were established with miR-944 mimics and miR-944 inhibitor, respectively. The effect of miR-944 on cell migration and invasion was determined using Transwell cell migration and Matrigel invasion assay. Luciferase assay was used to determine the target of miR-944. Knocked down of MACC1 was done by MACC1 siRNA. Expression of MET related-markers was examined using Western blot analysis. The expression level of miR-944 was downregulated in NPC tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR-944 significantly inhibited the cell migration and invasion in NPC 6-10B cells. In contrast, suppression of miR-944 promoted cell migration and invasion in NPC C-6661 cells. MACC1 is a direct target of miR-944. MACC1 expression was repressed in miR-944 mimic transfected cells while it was enhanced in miR-944 inhibitor transfected cells. MACC1 knock down inhibited cell migration and invasion. Either miR-944 restoration or MACC1 knockdown caused enhanced E-cadherin, reduced N-cadherin, and vimentin expression. In conclusion, miR-944 could inhibit MET and metastasis of NPC by targeting MACC1. This study suggests that miR-944 has anti-tumor and anti- metastatic properties and could thus be a novel therapeutic agent for NPC treatment.

Identification of proteins interacting with protein kinase C-δ in hyperthermia-induced apoptosis and thermotolerance of Tca8113 cells.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the differential proteins that interact with protein kinase C­Î´ (PKC­Î´) in hyperthermia­induced apoptosis as well as thermotolerance in Tca8113 cells, and furthermore, to investigate the mechanisms of these processes in tumor cells. Activation of PKC­Î´ was previously indicated to be involved in the heat sensitivity and thermal resistance of tongue squamous carcinoma cells. Tca8113 cell apoptosis was induced by incubation at 43˚C for 80 min and the thermotolerant Tca8113 cells (TT­Tca8113) were generated through a gradient temperature­elevating method. The apoptotic rate of the cells was determined by flow cytometry, while cleavage and activation of PKC­Î´ were analyzed by western blot analysis. The proteins that interacted with PKC­Î´ in the Tca8113 and TT­Tca8113 cells were identified by co­immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry. Co­immunoprecipitation analysis followed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometric analysis were utilized to identify the pro­ and anti­apoptotic proteins that interacted with PKC­Î´. Significant cell apoptosis was observed in Tca8113 cells following hyperthermia, and the apoptotic rate was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Marked PKC­Î´ cleavage fragmentation was also identified. By contrast, the apoptotic rate of the TT­Tca8113 cells was not significantly increased following hyperthermia and no PKC­Î´ cleavage fragmentation was observed. Among the proteins interacting with PKC­Î´, 39 were found to be involved in the promotion of apoptosis and 16 in the inhibition of apoptosis of Tca8113 cells; these proteins were known to be involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, transcription and intracellular protein transport. The results of the present study provided evidence that PKC­Î´ is a crucial factor in the heat sensitivity and thermal resistance of tongue squamous carcinoma cells and elucidated the underlying molecular basis, which may aid in the improvement of hyperthermic cancer treatments.

[Clinical study of complete dentures supported by two endosteal magnetic-attachment implants].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate treatment outcomes of mandibular complete denture supported by two endosteal magnetic-attachment implants in edentulous patients with severe mandibular alveolar ridge absorption. METHODS: Eight edentulous patients with severe mandibular alveolar ridge absorption were chosen. Each of them was treated with a complete denture supported by two CDIC implants. The implants were inserted at the areas of two the first premolars respectively. After five months, two magnets were adhered to the inside of the complete dentures. Retention, masticatory efficiency and maximal masticatory force were measured before and after the magnets were adhered and six months later. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed that retention, masticatory efficiency and maximal masticatory force were all increased after the magnets were adhered (P < 0.01) and six months later (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Retention, maximal masticatory force and masticatory efficiency were significantly increased after the endosteal magnetic attachment implants were applied. It is concluded that mandibular complete denture supported by two endosteal magnetic attachment implants is an effective method for severe alveolar ridge absorption cases.