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Sleep has been shown to impact navigation ability. However, it remains unclear how different sleep-related variables may be independently associated with spatial navigation performance, and as to whether gender may play a role in these associations. We used a mobile video game app, Sea Hero Quest (SHQ), to measure wayfinding ability in US-based participants. Wayfinding performance on SHQ has been shown to correlate with real-world wayfinding. Participants were asked to report their sleep duration, quality, daytime sleepiness and nap frequency and duration on a typical night (n = 766, 335 men, 431 women, mean age = 26.5 years, range = 18–59 years). A multiple linear regression was used to identify which self-reported sleep variables were independently associated with wayfinding performance. Shorter self-reported sleep durations were significantly associated with worse wayfinding performance in men only. Other self-reported sleep variables showed non-significant trends of association with wayfinding performance. When removing non-typical sleepers (< 6 or > 9 h of sleep on a typical night), the significant association between sleep duration and spatial navigation performance in men was no longer present. These findings from U.S.-based participants suggest that a longer self-reported sleep duration may be an important contributor to successful navigation ability in men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to assess the impact of endometrioma on embryo quality and cycle outcome in patients who undergo assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment due to diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Retrospective case–control study was conducted in women ≤ 40 years of age who underwent ART treatment caused by DOR, defined according to POSEIDON criteria, at a university-based infertility clinic between January 2015 and December 2020. Three groups of patients were selected: group A included patients with an idiopathic DOR, group B included patients with endometrioma(s) who underwent ovarian cystectomy, and group C included patients with endometrioma(s) without surgical treatment. A total of 351 women with DOR were included in the final analysis. Demographic characteristics, including age and AMH, were similar between the groups. Significant differences were observed among groups on mean number of MII oocytes retrieved (1.88 ± 1.59 vs. 2.84 ± 2.89 vs. 2.78 ± 2.41, respectively; p < 0.001) and mean number of embryos (1.04 ± 1.18 vs. 1.87 ± 2.01 vs. 1.66 ± 1.81, respectively; p < 0.001). However, the mean number of top-quality embryos, cycle cancellation, and live birth rates were similar between the groups. Clinical pregnancy (35 (26.5%) vs. 8 (18.2%) vs. 18 (42.9%), respectively; p = 0.038) and miscarriage rates (12 (9.1%) vs. 0 vs. 8 (19.0%), respectively; p = 0.009) were higher in endometrioma group without surgery. Women with DOR appear to have similar ART cycle outcomes regardless of the etiology, in terms of live birth rates. Infertility of endometrioma patients might be related to altered endometrium rather than to decreased oocyte quality. Cystectomy for endometrioma before IVF did not seem to affect the LBR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The use of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) as the first choice of surgical route for patients scheduled to undergo conventional laparoscopy is still being debated. We aimed to evaluate and compare the outcomes of the "vNOTES first" strategy in benign gynecological cases. Methods: All benign gynecological surgeries were initiated using vNOTES during the study period, regardless of the difficulty. Surgical outcomes, short-term patient satisfaction and sexual pain were compared between hysterectomies, adnexal and diagnostic procedures. Visual Analog Score (VAS), Patients Global Impressions of Improvements scale (PGI-I) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used to assess the postoperative pain, satisfaction and sexual pain, respectively. Results: A total of 105 vNOTES procedures were performed during the study period: 63 (60.58%) adnexal procedures, 36 (34.62%) hysterectomies, 5 (4.81%) diagnostic procedures and one (0.96%) myomectomy. The median 24th hour VAS scores for adnexal, hysterectomy, and diagnostic procedures were 1.29 ± 1.41, 2.06 ± 2.08, and 2.6 ± 2.41, respectively. The satisfaction rate was 96.19% at the 1st postoperative week and 97.14% at the first month. There was either no change or a slight improvement in the patients' total score on the FSFI/pain domain before and after surgery. There were two conversions (1.9%) from vNOTES to laparoscopy and laparotomy, and two (5.56%) bladder injuries in hysterectomy cases. Conclusion: Implementing the vNOTES technique as an initial approach for all benign gynecological surgeries seems feasible, safe and satisfactory, even in those with a non-prolapsed or enlarged uterus and those that have previously undergone abdominal surgery. The pain scores were found to be low and patients stated a high satisfaction with no or better change in their sexual life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to compare the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of transabdominal ultrasound–guided oocyte retrieval (TUGOR) using a vaginal probe and traditional vaginal approach in virgin patients undergoing oocyte cryopreservation. Methods: A total of 116 virgin patients who underwent transabdominal ultrasound–guided oocyte retrieval using a vaginal ultrasound probe and 33 patients matched for BMI, antral follicle count, age, day 3 FSH, estradiol, and AMH who underwent vaginal approach were enrolled. Mean number of total oocytes collected, mean number of cryopreserved MII oocytes, duration of the procedure, duration of stimulation, mean gonadotropin consumption, mature oocyte ratio, and a modified follicle-oocyte index were compared between the groups. Results: No statistical difference was found between the groups in mean number of follicles > 12 mm (4.62 ± 4.54 vs. 5.44 ± 4.52), mean number of oocytes collected (4.44 ± 4.14 vs. 5.33 ± 4.52), mean number of cryopreserved MII oocytes (4.01 ± 3.67 vs. 4.53 ± 4.13), mean duration of the procedure (12.4 ± 1.2 vs. 13.4 ± 1.6 min), mean days of stimulation (8.05 ± 1.91 vs. 8.35 ± 1.72 days), mean gonadotropin consumption (1507.9 ± 475.3 vs. 1571.74 ± 404.6 units), mature oocyte ratio (0.78 ± 0.24 vs. 0.82 ± 0.26), and modified follicle oocyte index (0.86 ± 0.63 vs. 0.84 ± 0.19). In the TUGOR group, superficial epigastric artery injury occurred in two patients and resolved spontaneously. Conclusion: Transabdominal oocyte retrieval using a vaginal ultrasound is a safe, effective, and feasible method of oocyte retrieval in some selected patient groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles may delay cancer treatment and compromise survival, and also increase patients' psychological burden as a result of delayed chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to compare the success rates of random start and conventional start GnRH antagonist protocols in terms of oocyte and embryo outputs in cancer patients. Data of 111 patients with a newly diagnosed cancer who underwent ART for fertility preservation at a university-based infertility clinic between January 2010 and September 2019 were reviewed. The study group underwent random start controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (RS-COH) and the control group underwent conventional start COH (CS-COH). The main outcome measures were the number of total oocytes, MII oocytes, and embryo yield. A total of 46 patients (41.5%) underwent RS-COH and 65 (58.5%) underwent CS-COH. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. The most common cancer type in both groups was breast cancer (60.9% vs. 52.3%, respectively). The median duration of stimulation was significantly longer in RS-COH than in CS-COH (12 vs. 10 days; P = 0.005). The median number of MII oocytes was significantly higher in RS-COH than in CS-COH (7 vs. 5 oocytes, respectively; P = 0.020). The MII/AFC ratio was significantly higher in the RS-COH group compared to the CS-COH group (74% and 57% respectively; p = 0.02). In the linear regression analyses, RS-COH protocol did not have a significant impact on MII/AFC (standardized ß coefficient − 0.514; P = 0.289 {adjusted R2 for the model = 0.779}), oocyte yield (standardized ß coefficient − 0.070; P = 0.829 {adjusted R2 for the model = 0.840}), and MII rate (standardized ß coefficient − 0.504; P = 0.596 {adjusted R2 for the model = 0.271}). In conclusion, RS-COH protocol is as effective as CS-COH protocols for fertility preservation in cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, multifunctional stratified antibacterial and bioactive coatings were deposited and characterised. Initially, PEEK/bioactive glass (BG)/ mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticle (MBGN) layers with a thickness of 110–120 μm were deposited on stainless steel substrates using electrophoretic deposition (EPD). Thin silver nanocluster-silica composite layers with a thickness of 70–155 nm were then deposited by radio frequency (RF) co-sputtering on the previously deposited EPD coatings. The deposition was carried for two different sputtering times (20 min and 40 min), which led to different layer thicknesses. PEEK/BG/MBGNs coatings were also deposited via single-step EPD. A comparison between the physicomechanical and biological characteristics of single layer PEEK/BG/MBGNs composite coating and bilayer Ag-PEEK/BG/MBGNs is presented. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) indicated that silver nanoclusters were homogeneously distributed in the multilayered EPD/RF coatings. An apatite-like structure was formed on the surface of the coatings upon immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) after 1 day. Silver nanoclusters embedded in the silica matrix as a top layer provided controlled release of silver ions which led to a potent antibacterial effect against E. coli and S. carnosus. Single layer coatings exhibited a burst release of Ag ions, which led to antibacterial effects but were toxic to osteoblast cells. Finally, the results of WST-8 assays confirmed that the multi-structured coatings allow osteoblast-like cells to proliferate and attach strongly on the surface of the coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the association between operative hysteroscopy prior to assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle and cervical insufficiency (CI) in the second trimester of pregnancy. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. The charts of all women who got pregnant following an ART cycle between January 2015 and June 2018 were reviewed. The study group consisted of pregnant women who underwent operative hysteroscopy within 6 months before conception. The control group consisted of pregnant women who did not undergo hysteroscopy or any type of cervical surgical procedure before conception. The primary outcome measure was CI during the second trimester (13–27 weeks of gestation). Results: A total of 363 pregnancies achieved by ART cycles were assessed. After the exclusion of multiple pregnancies (n = 19), previous surgical procedures (n = 4) and first-trimester pregnancy losses (n = 80), there were 29 women in the study group and 231 women in the control group. The mean ages of the study and control groups were 31.2 ± 4.06 and 29.82 ± 4.71 years, respectively (P = 0.13). The indications for operative hysteroscopy were uterine septum (n = 19), T-shaped uterus (n = 4), endometrial polyp (n = 4), and submucosal fibroids (n = 2). The rates of CI in the study and control groups were 13.7% (4/29) and 3.4% (8/231), respectively (P = 0.012). The term delivery rates in the study and control groups were 79.3 and 91.8%, respectively (P = 0.044). Conclusions: Operative hysteroscopy prior to ART cycles is significantly associated with CI between 13 and 27 weeks of gestation. Further investigation with larger cohorts is urgently needed to clarify this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surfaces of previously synthesized Hydroxyapatite particles (HAP) have been modified with polyethylene glycol functional silane (PEG-400Si). For the surface modification of HAP, firstly, synthesis of PEG-400Si was performed by urethane reaction of hydroxyl and isocyanate groups. Then, HAP was synthesized by sol-gel method. Afterwards, surface modification of HAP was realized with PEG-400Si. SEM, TEM, XRD and FTIR analyses were utilized to characterize the morphology and structural properties of the synthesized and modified particles. Results revealed that the surface of HAP was modified successfully and the crystal structure of HAP was not changed after modification. Electrospinning process was conducted to obtain unmodified and modified HAP incorporated nanofibrous biomembranes and the characteristics and biological performances of these membranes have been compared to each other. SEM analysis presented that defect-free and round shape nanofibers obtained and the fiber diameter ranged from 230±114 nm to 760±291 nm. In vitro biological evaluations revealed that all electrospun nanofibrous biomembranes were nontoxic and the one with PCL/PEG-400Si-HAP exhibited greatest cellular protein expression approximately 1.5 times higher than the PCL biomembrane for 24 h, 48 h and 72 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we aim at developing a novel biomatrix from decellularized bovine spinal meninges for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. Within this concept, the bovine spinal meninges were decellularized using 1% Triton X-100 for 48 h, and residual nuclear content was determined with double-strand DNA content analysis and agarose gel electrophoresis. The major matrix components such as sulfated GAGs and collagen before and after the decellularization process were analyzed with DMMB, hydroxyproline assay and SDS-PAGE. Subsequently, the native bovine spinal meninges (nBSM) and decellularized BSM (dBSM) were physiochemically characterized via ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, TGA, DMA and tensile strength test. The dsDNA content in the nBSM was 153.39 ± 53.93 ng/mg dry weight, versus in the dBSM was 39.47 ± 4.93 ng/mg (n = 3) dry weight and DNA fragments of more than 200 bp in length were not detected in the dBSM by agarose gel electrophoresis. The sulfated GAGs contents for nBSM and dBSM were observed to be 10.87 ± 1.2 and 11.42 ± 2.01 μg/mg dry weight, respectively. The maximum strength of dBSM in dry and wet conditions was found to be 19.67 ± 0.21 MPa and 13.97 ± 0.17 MPa, while nBSM (dry) was found to be 26.26 ± 0.28 MPa. MTT, SEM, and histology results exhibited that the cells attached to the surface of dBSM, and proliferated on the dBSM. In conclusion, the in vitro preliminary study has demonstrated that the dBSM might be a proper and new bioscaffold for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) has LH activity, and it may have beneficial effects in terms of oocyte quality and endometrial receptivity similar to recombinant LH supplementation. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of hMG, and its commencement time on the outcome of assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles of POSEIDON group 3 and 4 poor responders. Data of 558 POSEIDON group 3 and 4 poor responders who underwent ART treatment following a GnRH antagonist cycle at a university-based infertility clinic between January 2014 and December 2019 were reviewed. hMG was commenced at the early follicular phase or mid-follicular phase in the study groups. The control group did not receive hMG stimulation. Live birth rate (LBR) was the main outcome measure. The mean duration of stimulation was significantly shorter in early follicular hMG group than in mid-follicular hMG group (11.9 ± 3.6 days vs. 12.8 ± 4 days, respectively; P = 0.027). The mean numbers of oocytes retrieved and MII oocytes were comparable between the groups. The LBRs per embryo transfer in early follicular hMG, mid-follicular hMG, and control groups were 21.9%, 11.7%, and 11.6%, respectively (P = 0.035). In conclusion, there is a significant association between the commencement time of hMG and live birth chance in ART cycles of POSEIDON group 3 and 4 poor responders. Early initiation of hMG together with rFSH seems to be beneficial in this specific population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report the first live birth after frozen-thawed ovarian transplantation in Turkey and the second case for an acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivor in the world. Methods: A 19-year-old patient underwent ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) before cord blood transplantation in 2010. She was diagnosed as ALL with a bone marrow biopsy revealing 90% blast ALL-L2 type, and karyotype analyses indicated reciprocal translocation at t(9;22)(q34;q11). The patient received the Berlin-Frankfurt-Munster (BFM) protocol, and complete remission was achieved before fertility preservation. Serum AMH level was measured as 1.5 ng/ml, and 12 antral follicles were counted on ultrasound. She was informed about fertility preservation options and decided to proceed with OTC, with her signed consent before cord blood transplantation in April 2011. Ovarian tissue transplantation (OTT) was performed in 2017 when the patient was menopausal with serum FSH levels > 100 IU/ml and estradiol < 20 pg/ml and hematologically in molecular remission. Detailed molecular analysis, standard histology, and immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the thawed tissue is free of malignant cells. Results: Six months following OTT, she had spontaneous menstruation with serum FSH 11 IU/ml and estradiol 53 pg/ml. Two consecutive IVF cycles yielded three top-quality embryos. Following three embryo transfer cycles, one fresh and two frozen, a healthy term live birth was achieved. Frozen-thawed-transplanted tissues were extracted during caesarean delivery upon the patient's request after a total period of 25 months in vivo, and histopathological evaluation revealed that the tissue was free of leukemic infiltration. Conclusion: The authors report the first pregnancy and live birth in Turkey and the second live birth in the world following transplantation of frozen-thawed ovarian tissue in a leukemia survivor. As the transplanted tissues were removed during caesarean delivery, histological findings prove the functionality and the malignant-free status of the transplanted tissue during the grafted period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To compare the surgical results and reproductive performances of patients with ESHRE/ESGE (European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology/European Society for Gynaecologic Endoscopy) class U1a and U2b uterine anomalies after hysteroscopic correction. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a university hospital infertility clinic. Ninety-six patients with class U2b (complete septate uterus) and 78 patients with class U1a (T-shaped uterus) uterine anomalies who underwent hysteroscopic correction between January 2009 and December 2015 were recruited. Results: The operation time was significantly longer in class U2b anomalies (26.5 ± 5.3 minutes) than class U1a anomalies (22.8 ± 5.8 minutes; mean difference [95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.6 ± 0.9 [1.8-5.3]; P < .001). Six out of all complete septate patients and 3 of T-shaped patients were reoperated due to postoperative synechia or to further enlarge the cavity. There were no differences between the groups regarding intraoperative (blood loss and uterine rupture) and postoperative (bleeding and infection) complications. After surgical correction, the term delivery rates increased from 3% to 71% (P < .001) in class U2b and from 4% to 62.1% (P < .001) in class U1a. The chance of live birth significantly increased after hysteroscopic correction both in class U2b (odds ratio [OR] 106.1; 95% CI, 29.1-387.1; P < .001) and class U1a (OR 35.7; 95% CI, 11.6-109.9; P < .001). The postoperative reproductive performances of both anomalies were similar. Conclusion: Both types of anomalies seem to have similar severity and prognosis. Patients with both types of anomalies have excellent reproductive outcome after hysteroscopic correction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) is a relatively rare and very aggressive tumor. The predictors of survival for patients with UCS have not been determined clearly yet. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible predictors of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) for patients with UCS. Methods and materials All patients with UCS who were treated surgically at a university-based Gynecology Oncology Clinic between January 2008 and December 2014 were recruited into this retrospective cohort study. Data regarding clinical, pathologic and treatment information were obtained retrospectively from hospital records. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate DFS and OS, and Cox regression analysis was performed to define the effects of risk factors on survival. Results A total of 88 UCS patients with a median age of 64.5 years were included in the study. Forty-seven (53.4%) patients were diagnosed with stage III disease and seven (7.9%) with stage IV disease. The median follow-up time was 16 months. Among all patients, 60 (68.1%) underwent lymphadenectomy. Optimal cytoreductive surgery was achieved in 67 (76.1%) patients. Stepwise variable selection Cox regression analysis showed that lymph node metastasis was associated with poor DFS (hazard ratio 6.524; 95% CI 2.625-16.211; P < 0.001) and OS (hazard ratio 6.993; 95% CI 2.631-18.587; P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis in both early and advanced-stage diseases revealed no significant impact of risk factors on survival. Conclusions Lymph node metastasis is the most significant prognostic factor associated with poor DFS and OS in UCS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the performances of five different βhCG follow-up protocols after single-dose methotrexate therapy for tubal ectopic pregnancy (EP).Methods: Data of patients who received single-dose methotrexate therapy for tubal EP at a university hospital between January 2011 and July 2016 were reviewed. A 'successful methotrexate treatment' was defined if the EP treated with no need for surgery. The performances of different protocols were tested by comparing with the currently used '15% βhCG decrease between days 4 and 7' protocol. The tested follow-up protocols were '20, 25%, and any βhCG decrease between days 0/1 and 7' and '20% and any βhCG decrease between days 0/1 and 4'.Results: Among the 96 patients evaluated, 12 (12.5%) required second dose. Totally, 91 (94.8%) patients treated successfully with no need for surgery. Four patients were operated within 4 days following the second dose. One patient who did not need second dose according to the standard follow-up protocol was operated on the 10th day due to rupture (specificity = 80%). Two protocols, namely '20% βhCG decrease between days 0/1 and 7' and 'any βhCG decrease between days 0/1 and 7' did not show statistically significant differences from the index protocol regarding the number of patients who should be assigned to 2nd dose.Conclusions: 'Any βhCG decrease between days 0/1 and 7' protocol may substitute the currently used one to decide second dose methotrexate in tubal EP management. Omitting 4th day measurement seems to be more convenient and cost effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the clinical and pathological risk factors for lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with endometrial cancer and to create a nomogram to predict LNM in patients without surgical staging.Methods: All patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma who were treated surgically at a university based gynecologic oncology clinic between January 2011 and December 2014 were recruited. Women with endometrial adenocarcinoma who were surgically staged including lymphadenectomy were included in the study. Data regarding clinical and pathological risk factors were recorded. The histopathologic slides from the staging surgeries were re-evaluated microscopically by a gynecologic pathologist for all parameters along with lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI).Results: A total of 279 patients with endometrial cancer were analyzed. Among those, 31 (11.1%) had lymph node metastasis. According to the univariate analyses, elevated CA 125 (>35 U/mL), LVSI, myometrial invasion ≥50%, grade 3 disease, non-endometrioid type, and cervical stromal involvement were significantly associated with LNM. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that LVSI, non-endometrioid type, elevated CA 125, and cervical stromal involvement increased the risk of LNM. However, myometrial invasion and grade did not significantly affect the risk of LNM. A nomogram to predict LNM was constructed using these factors (concordance index 0.92).Conclusions: LVSI is the most important predictor for LNM. The present nomogram can be useful to decide if adjuvant therapy is required for patients who undergo simple hysterectomy for a benign etiology and incidentally diagnosed with endometrial cancer by pathological evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urchin-like NiCoO hollow microspheres were synthesized by a solvothermal method and characterized by using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area, and zeta potential measurements. It was used as an adsorbent for the solid phase extraction of Pb(II) from water, food and street dust samples prior to its extraction with dilute HCl and its determination by FAAS. Figures of merit include a preconcentration factor of 30, a detection limit of 5.9 μg L and a relative standard deviation of 2.4%. The major advantage of the method is the fast equilibration during extraction without the need for vortexing or shaking. The method was successfully accurated by analyzing certified reference materials (BCR-482 Lichen, TMDA-70 Lake water and RM 8704 Buffalo River Sediment) and by analyzing spiked sea water, wastewater, well water, apple, eggplant, broccoli, ginger, lentil and street dust samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we aimed at fabricating decellularized bovine myocardial extracellular matrix-based films (dMEbF) for cardiac tissue engineering (CTE). The decellularization process was carried out utilizing four consecutive stages including hypotonic treatment, detergent treatment, enzymatic digestion and decontamination, respectively. In order to fabricate the dMEbF, dBM were digested with pepsin and gelation process was conducted. dMEbF were then crosslinked with N-hydroxysuccinimide/1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide (NHS/EDC) to increase their durability. Nuclear contents of native BM and decellularized BM (dBM) tissues were determined with DNA content analysis and agarose-gel electrophoresis. Cell viability on dMEbF for 3rd, 7th, and 14th days was assessed by MTT assay. Cell attachment on dMEbF was also studied by scanning electron microscopy. Trans-differentiation capacity of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) into cardiomyocyte-like cells on dMEbF were also evaluated by histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses. DNA contents for native and dBM were, respectively, found as 886.11 ± 164.85 and 47.66 ± 0.09 ng/mg dry weight, indicating a successful decellularization process. The results of glycosaminoglycan and hydroxyproline assay, and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), performed in order to characterize the extracellular matrix (ECM) composition of native and dBM tissue, showed that the BM matrix was not damaged during the proposed method. Lastly, regarding the histological study, dMEbF not only mimics native ECM, but also induces the stem cells into cardiomyocyte-like cells phenotype which brings it the potential of use in CTE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]