Analyses of Experimental Dental Adhesives Based on Zirconia/Silver Phosphate Nanoparticles.

This study aimed to evaluate the incorporation of zirconia/silver phosphate nanoparticles to develop experimental dental adhesives and to measure their physical and mechanical properties. The nanoparticles were synthesized by the sonication method, and the phase purity, morphological pattern, and antibacterial properties with Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were assessed. The silanized nanoparticles were incorporated (0, 0.15, 0.25, and 0.5 wt.%) into the photoactivated dimethacrylate resins. The degree of conversion (DC) was assessed, followed by the micro-hardness and flexural strength/modulus test. Long-term color stability was investigated. The bond strength with the dentin surface was conducted on days 1 and 30. The transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffractogram confirmed the nano-structure and phase purity of the particles. The nanoparticles showed antibacterial activities against both strains and inhibited biofilm formation. The DC range of the experimental groups was 55-66%. The micro-hardness and flexural strength increased with the concentration of nanoparticles in the resin. The 0.5 wt.% group showed significantly high micro-hardness values, whereas a non-significant difference was observed between the experimental groups for flexural strength. The bond strength was higher on day 1 than on day 30, and a significant difference was observed between the two periods. At day 30, the 0.5 wt.% showed significantly higher values compared to other groups. Long-term color stability was observed for all the samples. The experimental adhesives showed promising results and potential to be used for clinical applications. However, further investigations such as antibacterial, penetration depth, and cytocompatibility are required.

Zinner Syndrome: A Case Report of a Rare Etiology of Infertility.

Infertility is a common medical issue with different etiologies. It can be related to female factors, male factors, or factors related to both partners. We report the case of a 35-year-old male patient who presented with primary infertility for 10 years. He was otherwise healthy with unremarkable past medical history. Physical examination revealed normal external genitalia with both testes were normal in size. Basic semen analysis revealed decreased sperm volume and sperm count. Abdominal ultrasound examination revealed an absent right kidney. Subsequently, the patient under a computed tomography scan that confirmed the right renal agenesis and demonstrated a well-defined right seminal vesicle cyst. Such findings were consistent with the diagnosis of Zinner syndrome. He underwent aspiration of the cyst that resulted in improvement in the sperm parameter of basic semen analysis. The case demonstrated a rare etiology of male infertility that was successfully managed conservatively. Despite its rarity, physicians should consider the developmental anomalies of the genitourinary system when encountering patients with infertility.