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The following technique describes the virtual planning of a single implant by combining an intraoral digital scan, an open-source computer-aided design software program, bone sounding, and 2D radiographic imaging. The surgical implant guide is fabricated using additive manufacturing technologies. Further, the surgical implant guide positioned in the patient's mouth is used to radiographically verify the estimated mesiodistal implant angulation before proceeding with the surgical intervention and can be modified if necessary. When a CBCT scan is not available, this technique eases implant planning procedures and minimizes possible surgical complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of using a customized xenograft shell with a 1:1 mixture of particulate xenograft and autogenous bone for the reconstruction of horizontally deficient anterior maxillary alveolar ridges. Materials and Methods: CBCT images of the atrophic maxilla of eight patients were acquired and generated into 3D models. The data were transferred to a 3D printer for fabrication. During the surgery, xenograft blocks were manually sliced and customized on the 3D-printed models into bone shells. Then they were fixed to the atrophic site, and the gap was augmented with a 1:1 mixture of particulate xenograft and autogenous bone. Results: Clinical assessment showed no adverse effects; however, one patient exhibited wound dehiscence. The mean difference between the preoperative and 6-month postoperative CBCTs showed a net average bone gain of 4.06 mm at 2 mm from the crest and 4.34 mm at 5 mm from the crest, which was statistically significant. On the other hand, a statistically significant graft resorption of 1.41 mm at 2 mm from the crest and 2.19 mm at 5 mm from the crest was found when the mean difference between the immediate and 6-month postoperative CBCTs was calculated. Conclusions: Within the limitations of the study, the use of xenograft shells as a barrier for maxillary alveolar ridge reconstruction is a predictable technique; however, further investigations regarding the required time for graft consolidation are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional (3D) printing promises a revolution in laboratory creativity by enabling rapid prototyping, broader availability of scientific apparatuses, and transformative scientific workflows. We believe all chemistry and biology laboratories should equip themselves with one or more 3D printers and a critical mass of scientists trained to operate them. This overview surveys the techniques, intricacies, and pitfalls associated with 3D printing of functional parts, including measurements, computer-aided design, slicing, limitations of 3D printing, troubleshooting, tips for tricky filaments, and 3D printer maintenance. A flow cells are essential tools in chemistry and biology laboratories, we discuss techniques relevant to the construction of watertight 3D-printed parts. Finally, we articulate a set of principles required for reporting 3D-printed innovations to improve the field's reproducibility and encourage iterative improvements by other scientists. Ideally, authors, peer reviewers, and editors will adopt these principles. We hope these protocols inspire a new generation of publications applying 3D printing in chemistry and biology-especially highly reproducible inventions with the requisite detail and associated documentation. Such reports will facilitate broad adoption and creative iteration of the most innovative designs, thus accelerating discovery in chemistry and biology. © 2024 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This paper provides a comprehensive study of the impact of the gate recess depth (RD) on the GaN-on-Si MOS-HEMTs DC performances. IDS = f(VGS) and IDS = f(VDS) measurements are conducted at 25 and 150 °C, respectively, in forward and blocking modes. The gate recessed depth (50, 150, and 350 nm) is modulated by adjusting the plasma etching time, which is a critical step for improving the dielectric/GaN interface quality and the gate channel electron mobility. Three distinct regions can be defined separately: the bottom, the sidewall, and the corner region being the junction between the two previous regions. To assess the impact of gate recessed depth (RD) on the several mobilities around the gate cavity first, we applied our previous methodology allowing us to extract the bottom (μbot) and the entire sidewall region mobility (μT), without distinction from the corner. The mobility of the transverse region was found surprisingly to increase with deeper RD. To gain insight into the impact of the RD on this transverse section, a new extraction methodology is proposed to extract separately the gate corner (μcorner) and sidewall (μSW) mobility. These extractions show that the corner mobility is found to be reduced compared to the sidewall one (μcorner < μSW) evidencing the different weighting contributions over the transverse mobility. Moreover, these mobilities are found to be more degraded compared to the bottom one, highlighting the different contributions on the on-state resistance (RON). Indeed, the on-state resistance is lowered with the shallower RD due to the reduced sidewall resistance contribution (lower sidewall length) and despite the incremental contribution of the bottom resistance (larger effective gate length). However, the shallower RD shows an increase in the drain–source leakage current in reason of a lower gate electrostatic control. Technology Computer Aided Design (TCAD) simulations of the three RD morphologies are carried out to validate the experimental trends and the proposed methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Dental implants are a common treatment method after tooth loss, the accuracy of which directly affects efficacy and stability. Through a network meta-analysis, this study compared the accuracy of different modalities of implant placement: dynamic navigation (DN), fully guided static navigation (FG), partially guided static navigation (PG), and free handed (FH). Materials and Methods: This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. An electronic literature search was conducted on October 2, 2022. The comparison of implant accuracy in all included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conformed to at least one of the following: deviation at the implant crown, deviation at the apical portion of the implant, or angular deviation of the implant. Results: Twenty-six articles were included for the qualitative analysis (17 RCTs, 3 prospective studies, and 6 retrospective studies), and the 17 RCTs were included for network meta-analysis. The data included in this study had high consistency, and the funnel plot showed that the articles had low publication bias. Compared to FH, FG and DN had higher accuracy for coronal deviation (P < .05), and FG, DN, and PG had higher accuracy for apical and angular deviations (P < .05). According to the SUCRA (surface under the cumulative ranking curves) value, FG had the highest accuracy for coronal deviation, while DN had the highest accuracy in apical and angular deviations. Conclusions: According to the present results, the accuracies for DN, FG, and PG were higher than those for FH. DN showed the highest accuracy in terms of apical deviation and angular deviation. FG had the best control over the coronal deviation. There was no statistical difference between DN and FG in terms of accuracy. Given the limitations of the current study, further validation is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of marked horizontal bone atrophy represents a critical challenge for traditional implantology procedures. For this purpose, clinicians have developed several protocols and procedures to allow the most suitable and accurate surgical and prosthetic implant rehabilitation. Despite the development of guided bone regeneration methods and the use of small-diameter implants, the rehabilitation of thin bone areas is a clinical dilemma for the medium- and long-term survival of implant-prosthetic therapies. This clinical case evaluates the use of wedge-shaped implants for the full-arch rehabilitation of an atrophic maxilla with a thin ridge. This treatment choice allowed a minimally invasive rehabilitation, avoiding regenerative bone surgery, while respecting biologic and prosthetic limits. Furthermore, evaluation of the implant stability quotient and marginal bone loss values during the first year of follow-up allowed analysis of the behavior of this rehabilitation in fullarch maxillary cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium has been proposed as a mesh material for guided bone regeneration (GBR) since the 1990s. To overcome difficulties in shaping and adapting meshes to the defect, digital techniques were introduced to digitally print meshes capable of fitting the bone perfectly, reproduced through the patient's CT scan. Five patients were included in this case series, and their CBCT data were acquired and sent to the producer of the titanium meshes. 3D regenerative surgery was performed with titanium meshes and a mix of demineralized bovine bone matrix (DBBM) and autogenous bone (1:1 ratio). Radiographic measures were evaluated on paraxial sections of the CBCT through a dedicated software. When possible, regenerated bone samples were obtained at implant insertion. Four out of five regenerated areas healed without local or systemic complications. One mesh was removed after 2 months and 2 weeks due to exposure. The mean vertical bone gain was 4.3 ± 1.5 mm (range: 2.5 to 7 mm). Two histologic samples were obtained. In sample 1, bone tissue area and graft material area were 44.4% and 12.5%, respectively; in sample 2, the same parameters were 15.6% and 16.9%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the sensitive region and safe operation voltage of single-event burnout (SEB) in lateral depletion-mode Ga2O3 MOSFET devices via technology computer aided design simulation. Based on the distribution of the electric field, carrier concentration, and electron current density when SEB occurs, the radiation damage mechanism of SEB is proposed. The mechanism of SEB in Ga2O3 MOSFET was revealed to be the result of a unique structure without a PN junction within it, which possesses gate control ability and exerts a significant influence on the conduction of the depletion region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe the use of digital technology to surgically guide the shell technique using allogenic cortical plates for a fully guided bone augmentation procedure. Materials and Methods: A total of 10 patients who required bone augmentation for implant placement were included in this study. Allogenic cortical plates were planned using CAD/CAM to have identical thickness to the original cortical plates, then were digitally positioned and shaped to outline the bone defect according to the existing anatomical details. A cutting pattern and a surgical template were manufactured according to the digitally preplanned bone graft and the intraoral setting. Results: A total of 12 horizontal bone grafting procedures were performed using the shell technique with allogenic cortical plates. All grafting procedures were deemed successful and allowed for ideal 3D implant positioning. Of the 12 bone grafting procedures, which used a surgical template to position the cortical plate, 3 required an adjustment to reposition the plate to a more ideal position. Conclusions: Digital technology was used to create a surgical template to guide the shell bone grafting technique with allogenic cortical plates. All surgical templates offered a fixed support to hold the cortical allogenic plate in the preplanned position, offering a predictable, simplified, and accurate guided bone grafting procedure. Further studies on a larger population of patients are necessary to assess those results and to verify the treatment approach described in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To validate an innovative 3D volumetric method of evaluating tissue changes proposed by Lee et al in 2020 by comparing the results of this method--in which the scanned peri-implant surfaces were transformed, visualized, and analyzed as 3D objects--to the results reported by an existing method based on calculation of the mean distance between measured surfaces. The null hypothesis was that there was no statistically significant difference between the two methods. Additionally, the present study evaluated peri-implant tissue changes 5 years after single implant placement in the esthetic zone. Materials and Methods: Both methods were applied to 11 oral implant site casts (6 maxillary central incisor sites, 5 maxillary lateral incisor sites) taken from 11 patients at crown placement and at follow-up examinations 5 years later. The methods are based on digital workflows in which the reference and 5-year casts are scanned and the resulting STL files are superimposed and analyzed for three regions of interest (mesial papilla, central area, and distal papilla). The volumetric changes reported by the Lee et al method and the mean distance method were calculated and compared using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient (P < .01) and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (P < .05). Results: The correlation between the two sets of measurements was very high (Spearman rank correlation coefficient = 0.885). The new volumetric method indicated a mean volume loss of 2.82 mm3 (SD: 5.06), while the method based on the measurement of mean distance showed a mean volume loss of 2.92 mm3 (SD: 4.43; Wilcoxon signed-rank test result: P = .77). No statistically significant difference was found. The two methods gave equivalent results, and the null hypothesis was accepted. Conclusions: The new volumetric method was validated and can be considered a trustworthy tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The present study describes a new presurgical soft tissue technique in oral/maxillary bone reconstructive surgery for reducing the risk of soft tissue dehiscence and its related complications. Materials and Methods: Ten consecutive patients with Cawood and Howell type V atrophy were scheduled for CAD/CAM titanium mesh bone reconstructive surgery after applying the vascular delay technique 21 days before regenerative surgery. The surgical and healing complications were clinically assessed at nine time points, ranging from the time of bone regenerative surgery to 9 months after surgery. Surgical complications included flap damage and neurologic and vascular complications. Healing complications were subdivided into four classes. These classes comprised Class I: small membrane exposure (= 3 mm) without purulent exudate; Class II: large membrane exposure (> 3 mm) without purulent exudate; Class III: membrane exposure with purulent exudate; and Class IV: abscess formation without membrane. Results: The study sample included seven men and three women (mean age: 48.2 ± 3.5 years) with seven mandibular cases and three maxillary cases. The defect length ranged from three to six teeth, with a mean mesiodistal distance of 29.9 ± 8.5 mm and a mean volume augmentation of 2.03 ± 0.9 cm3. There were no surgical complications. One patient presented a Class I healing complication that did not affect the regeneration outcome. Conclusions: The vascular delay technique appears to reduce the risk of soft tissue dehiscence and exposure in bone regenerative surgery, though randomized studies involving larger samples and longer follow-up periods are needed in order to draw firm conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of conventional scan bodies (SBs) with an intraoral scanner (IOS) to capture the position of a complete arch of dental implants has proven to be challenging. The literature is unclear about the accuracy of intraoral scanning techniques using SBs that are connected vertically to multiunit abutments (MUAs) for numerous adjacent implants in the same arch. Recently, there has been a paradigm shift from vertical SBs to horizontal SBs, which are positioned perpendicular to the long axis of the MUAs. Most IOSs available today can capture these horizontal SBs, called scan gauges (SGs), with better accuracy and consequently acquire the position of multiple adjacent implants using an effective scan path, thus reducing stitching and the number of images. The key to implementing this novel technology is to strategically arrange the SGs to optimize horizontal overlap of multiple adjacent SGs without touching each other. By superimposing two high-resolution intraoral scans of the SGs, an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm is employed to produce a calibrated digital best-fit model on which a passive complete-arch prosthesis can be designed and fabricated. The advantages and disadvantages of SBs and SGs are discussed, and a case report using a digital workflow is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this narrative review, we explore developments in the field of computational musculoskeletal model personalization using the Physiome and Musculoskeletal Atlas Projects. Model geometry personalization; statistical shape modeling; and its impact on segmentation, classification, and model creation are explored. Examples include the trapeziometacarpal and tibiofemoral joints, Achilles tendon, gastrocnemius muscle, and pediatric lower limb bones. Finally, a more general approach to model personalization is discussed based on the idea of multiscale personalization called scaffolds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many peptide hormones form an α-helix on binding their receptors1-4, and sensitive methods for their detection could contribute to better clinical management of disease5. De novo protein design can now generate binders with high affinity and specificity to structured proteins6,7. However, the design of interactions between proteins and short peptides with helical propensity is an unmet challenge. Here we describe parametric generation and deep learning-based methods for designing proteins to address this challenge. We show that by extending RFdiffusion8 to enable binder design to flexible targets, and to refining input structure models by successive noising and denoising (partial diffusion), picomolar-affinity binders can be generated to helical peptide targets by either refining designs generated with other methods, or completely de novo starting from random noise distributions without any subsequent experimental optimization. The RFdiffusion designs enable the enrichment and subsequent detection of parathyroid hormone and glucagon by mass spectrometry, and the construction of bioluminescence-based protein biosensors. The ability to design binders to conformationally variable targets, and to optimize by partial diffusion both natural and designed proteins, should be broadly useful.

ABSTRACT Objectives Material and Methods Results Conclusions Trial Registration To compare the accuracy of CAD‐CAM and conventional guides in the static computer‐assisted implant surgery (sCAIS) placement of distal free‐end implants.A prospective, controlled, and blinded quasi‐experimental study was done involving 27 patients (76 implants) distributed into two groups according to the surgical guide manufacturing approach used: conventional (control group [CG]) or CAD‐CAM (test group [TG]). The implants were planned in the software and the surgical guides were manufactured. Fully guided implant placement was carried out and the deviations were measured along with secondary variables as potential confounding factors. Descriptive analyses were performed on mean, standard deviation (SD), and interquartile range (IQR). In the comparative/inferential analysis hypothesis, contrasts were made of the quantitative and qualitative variables and multiple linear models were generated to adjust for the different confounding variables recorded.Coronal horizontal deviation (CHD) was significantly greater in CG (1.52 mm) versus TG (1.04 mm) (p = 0.004). Apical horizontal deviation (AHD) in turn was 1.67 versus 1.46 mm, respectively; angular deviation was 2.87 versus 3.64; and vertical deviation was −0.1 versus −0.05 mm, with no significant differences between the groups (p > 0.05). A greater sleeve height, positioning in premolars versus molars, and the use of shorter implants, were associated with greater accuracy in relation to CHD and/or AHD (p < 0.05). The implant success rate at 1 year was 92.1%, 90.7% in TG, and 100% in CG, being statistically significant (p = 0.026) at the implant level, but not significant at the patient level.The CAD‐CAM surgical guides proved to be more accurate than the conventional guides in the sCAIS placement of distal free‐end implants, with statistically significant differences being observed in terms of CHD. All implant failures occurred in TG (6 implants/3 patients).ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06404385 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disorder characterized by various comorbidities, erythematous plaques with silvery scale which can lead to psoriatic arthritis. The phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) protein is a potential drug target to control Psoriasis. In the current study, pharmacophore-based virtual screening of Diversity library of ChemDiv database was first performed, and then the screened hits were docked to the active site of PDE4 to choose the best binding modes. Forty-six hits generated during the virtual screening were prepared and docked to the PDE4 receptor by SP docking module of glide. The binding affinities of the selected hits were calculated by molecular docking and based on the affinities, ten hits were selected for the bioactivity scores prediction and ADMET analysis. Based on the ADMET profiling, four hits D356-2630, C700-2058, G842-0420 and F403-0203 were processed to MD simulations for stability analysis. The outcomes showed that these compounds showed strong binding with proteins with better binding free energies. Based on the results of our study, we proposed that these hits can function as lead in the biological assays and in vitro studies are required to develop the novel drug candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An accurate diagnosis of a brain tumour in its early stages is required to improve the possibility of survival for cancer patients. Due to the structural complexity of the brain, it has become very difficult and tedious for neurologists and radiologists to diagnose brain tumours in the initial stages with the help of various common manual approaches to tumour diagnosis. To improve the performance of the diagnosis, some computer-aided diagnosis-based systems are developed with the concepts of artificial intelligence. In this proposed manuscript, we analyse various computer-aided design (CAD)-based approaches and design a modern approach with ideas of transfer learning over deep learning on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this study, we apply a transfer learning approach with the object detection model YOLO (You Only Look Once) and analyse the MRI dataset with the various modified versions of YOLO. After the analysis, we propose an object detection model based on the modified YOLOv7 with a morphological filtering approach to reach an efficient and accurate diagnosis. To enhance the performance accuracy of this suggested model, we also analyse the various versions of YOLOv7 models and find that the proposed model having the YOLOv7-E6E object detection technique gives the optimum value of performance indicators as precision, recall, F1, and mAP@50 as 1, 0.92, 0.958333, and 0.974, respectively. The value of mAP@50 improves to 0.992 by introducing a morphological filtering approach before the object detection technique. During the complete analysis of the suggested model, we use the BraTS 2021 dataset. The BraTS 2021 dataset has brain MR images from the RSNA-MICCAI brain tumour radiogenetic competition, and the complete dataset is labelled using the online tool MakeSense AI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sufficient information is not available regarding the comparative accuracy of digital and conventional impression techniques at different depths for the fabrication of endocrown restorations. Thus, this study aimed to compare the marginal (M) and internal (I) adaptation of endocrowns at different depths fabricated by the digital and conventional impression techniques. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, two endodontically treated molar teeth with 2‐ and 4‐mm cavity depths were used for the fabrication of endocrowns. Conventional and digital impressions were made from each tooth 17 times. A total of 68 zirconia endocrowns were fabricated and seated, and their I and M adaptation was assessed by the silicone replica technique. Data were statistically analyzed. Results: The M and I gaps at 2‐ and 4‐mm cavity depths were significantly smaller in the digital, than the conventional, impression technique (p < 0.05). Increasing the cavity depth significantly increased the M and I gaps only in the digital technique (p < 0.05). The largest gap in all groups was noted in the pulpal (P) region (p < 0.05). The smallest gap was found in the M and cervical (C) regions in the conventional groups with 2‐ and 4‐mm cavity depths, and the digital group with 4 mm cavity depth, and in the M region in the digital group with 2 mm cavity depth (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Unlike the conventional impression technique, the M and I adaptation decreased by an increase in cavity depth in the digital technique; nonetheless, the digital impression technique still showed higher M and I adaptation than the conventional technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the key elements of vertical high‐voltage GaN‐based devices is a properly designed junction termination extension (JTE) structure. One of the approaches to the fabrication of JTE structures is the use of p‐type epitaxial layers and their appropriate shaping to obtain high values of breakdown voltage. In this work, optimization of two‐zone (TZ) step‐etched JTE structures for vertical GaN power devices using technology computer aided design simulations is presented. Two constructions of the device are used, with a single‐zone (SZ‐JTE) and TZ‐JTE (TZ‐JTE) structure. The dependence of the breakdown voltage of SZ‐JTE structure is very sensitive to its thickness. The maximum breakdown voltage of 1654 V is obtained for the SZ‐JTE thickness of 110 nm. The use of a TZ‐JTE with an appropriate segment thickness ratio allows for a breakdown voltage above 75% of the theoretical value (≈1500 V) for a much wider range of JTE thicknesses and to achieve higher values of the breakdown voltage, reaching ≈96% of the theoretical value (1887 V). Finally, the performed simulations allow to map the full dependence on the thickness of the TZ‐JTE areas (2D‐map) and to determine the process window leading to the breakdown voltage above 1500 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this study, we applied translational informatics for intelligent medicine of acute myeloid leukemia, a type of cancer characterized by disease relapses even after seemingly successful treatments. Treatment failure is associated, at least in part, with the fact that targeting individual proteins often promotes rewiring of relevant networks and re-organization of interactions of, among others, non-targeted proteins to eventually evade single-target therapies. To develop efficient therapies, these dynamics should be taken into account and target whole network modules instead of singleton genes in order to prevent the establishment of compensating signaling circuits. Therefore, we integrated network-based methods, structural pharmacology, and molecular modeling to establish two complementary multitargeting strategies, one in the form of repurposable drug combinations and the other as a de novo synthesized triple-targeting agent. Of note, our study exploits, for the first time, a greedy algorithm to identify optimal combinations of drugs and therapeutic protein targets. Background/Objectives: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by therapeutic failure and long-term risk for disease relapses. As several therapeutic targets participate in networks, they can rewire to eventually evade single-target drugs. Hence, multi-targeting approaches are considered on the expectation that interference with many different components could synergistically hinder activation of alternative pathways and demolish the network one-off, leading to complete disease remission. Methods: Herein, we established a network-based, computer-aided approach for the rational design of drug combinations and de novo agents that interact with many AML network components simultaneously. Results: A reconstructed AML network guided the selection of suitable protein hubs and corresponding multi-targeting strategies. For proteins responsive to existing drugs, a greedy algorithm identified the minimum amount of compounds targeting the maximum number of hubs. We predicted permissible combinations of amiodarone, artenimol, fostamatinib, ponatinib, procaine, and vismodegib that interfere with 3–8 hubs, and we elucidated the pharmacological mode of action of procaine on DNMT3A. For proteins that do not respond to any approved drugs, namely cyclins A1, D2, and E1, we used structure-based de novo drug design to generate a novel triple-targeting compound of the chemical formula C15H15NO5, with favorable pharmacological and drug-like properties. Conclusions: Overall, by integrating network and structural pharmacology with molecular modeling, we determined two complementary strategies with the potential to annihilate the AML network, one in the form of repurposable drug combinations and the other as a de novo synthesized triple-targeting agent. These target–drug interactions could be prioritized for preclinical and clinical testing toward precision medicine for AML. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emerging paradigm of personalised bone repair embodies a transformative triad comprising bio-inspired design, digital fabrication, and the exploration of innovative materials. The increasing average age of the population, alongside the rising incidence of fractures associated with age-related conditions such as osteoporosis, necessitates the development of customised, efficient, and minimally invasive treatment modalities as alternatives to conventional methods (e.g., autografts, allografts, Ilizarov distraction, and bone fixators) typically employed to promote bone regeneration. A promising innovative technique involves the use of cellularised scaffolds incorporating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The selection of materials—ranging from metals and ceramics to synthetic or natural bio-derived polymers—combined with a design inspired by natural sources (including bone, corals, algae, shells, silk, and plants) facilitates the replication of geometries, architectures, porosities, biodegradation capabilities, and mechanical properties conducive to physiological bone regeneration. To mimic internal structures and geometries for construct customisation, scaffolds can be designed using Computer-aided Design (CAD) and fabricated via 3D-printing techniques. This approach not only enables precise control over external shapes and internal architectures but also accommodates the use of diverse materials that improve biological performance and provide economic advantages. Finally, advanced numerical models are employed to simulate, analyse, and optimise the complex processes involved in personalised bone regeneration, with computational predictions validated against experimental data and in vivo studies to ascertain the model's ability to predict the recovery of bone shape and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In this study, the effects of adding titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2) to 3D‐printed denture base resin on the mechanical and physical properties of denture bases were examined for the first time. Methods: The specimens were digitally created using 3D builder software from Microsoft Corporation through computer‐aided design. In accordance with the test specifications for transverse strength, impact strength, hardness, surface roughness, and color stability, specimens were designed and printed with certain dimensions following relevant standards. TiO2 nanotubes (diameter: 15–30 nm and length: 2–3 μm) were added to the 3D‐printed denture base resin (DentaBase, Asiga, Australia) at 1.0% and 1.5% by weight. Flexural strength, impact strength (Charpy impact), hardness, surface roughness, and color stability were evaluated, and the collected data were analyzed with ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test (α = 0.05). Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) mapping were used to evaluate the dispersion of the nanotubes. Results: Compared with those of the control group (0.0 wt.% TiO2 nanotubes), the average flexural, impact, and hardness values of the 1.0 and 1.5 wt.% TiO2 nanotube reinforcement groups increased significantly. Both nanocomposite groups showed significant color changes compared to that of the pure resin, and there was a considerable reduction in the surface roughness of the nanocomposites compared to that of the control group. Conclusion: Adding TiO2 nanotubes to 3D‐printed denture base materials at 1.0 and 1.5 wt.% could enhance the mechanical and physical properties of the material, leading to better clinical performance. Clinical Significance: In terms of clinical applications, 3D‐printed denture base material has been shown to be a viable substitute for traditional heat‐cured materials. By combining this with nanotechnology, existing dentures could be significantly enhanced, promoting extended service life and patient satisfaction while addressing the shortcomings of the current standard materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to present the bio‐restorative approach in implant dentistry, which combines biological and restorative concepts through digital planning. This concept combines periodontal, surgical, and prosthetic variables, aiming to reduce patient morbidity while achieving satisfactory esthetic and functional outcomes in implant‐supported restorations in the long term. Overview: Implant dentistry evolved from a primarily surgical to a recent prosthetically driven approach. This evolution was partly due to advancements in bone reconstructive techniques and an increased demand for esthetic outcomes. Recently, digital planning has introduced a new paradigm that allows for the full integration of both approaches. The bio‐restorative concept considers functional, esthetic, and biological variables in a virtual planning environment. This is achieved through the simultaneous digital assessment of (A) anatomical site characteristics and (B) implant restorative variables. These variables include digital tooth arrangement, soft–hard tissue conditions, implant variables, supra‐platform components, and a surgical plan that respects or modifies peri‐implant phenotype. Conclusions: The bio‐restorative concept is intended to improve contemporary implant dentistry by integrating updated biological and prosthetic notions through digital planning. Adopting this paradigm has the potential to redefine the standards in implant dentistry, fostering a holistic and patient‐centered approach. Clinical Considerations: It enhances patient and clinician satisfaction through more efficient and less invasive procedures. Significantly, it improves predictability, leading to successful implant‐supported restorations in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the 2D and 3D natural symmetry of the maxillary incisors. Materials and methods: Maxillary alginate impressions were taken of 59 young adult volunteers. Gender, orthodontic treatment history, and dominant hand were collected. For 2D analysis, a digital caliper was used for measurements on maxillary casts. For 3D analysis, the casts were scanned using a lab scanner, and the labial surface symmetry of contralateral incisors was evaluated. Mann–Whitney tests and Student's t‐test were performed, α = 0.05. Results: Results indicated a lack of identical lengths among contralateral central or lateral incisors, with minimal occurrences of identical width measurements. 68% of central incisors and 73% of lateral incisors showed differences in length exceeding 0.2 mm. Central incisors showed more similarities than lateral incisors in width, with 61% central incisors and 47% lateral incisors having differences under 0.2 mm. The differences between highly asymmetrical contralateral teeth are situated at the transitional lines. The influence of sexual dimorphism, orthodontic factors, and the dominant hand on incisors' symmetry was not statistically significant. Conclusions: 2D and 3D symmetry of the natural maxillary incisors are rare. 3D symmetry remains consistent across orthodontic treatment status, gender, and dominant hand, suggesting its independence from such parameters. Clinical significance: To achieve a natural and aesthetic smile rehabilitation, the symmetry of the maxillary incisors must be well understood. In our study, 2D and 3D symmetry of the maxillary incisors occurred rarely, but central incisors showed more similarities than lateral incisors in width, with differences under 0.2 mm. On the other hand, differences between highly asymmetrical contralateral teeth are situated at the transitional lines. These conclusions should be included in further computer‐assisted three‐dimensional smile designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This article describes an interdisciplinary treatment that helped a patient with displaced upper anterior teeth. A gingivectomy, root canal therapies, digital smile design, digital wax‐up, and guided tooth preparations were applied. Clinical Considerations: A patient with pathologically migrated teeth asked for treatment without orthodontic involvement due to a primary failed orthodontic treatment history. A smile photo was taken and superimposed with the dentition in a CAD software to accomplish a digital smile design. The jaw movements were recorded with two different methods, a mechanical articulator and an intraoral scanner with Patient‐Specific‐Motion function. The occlusal contacts during protrusive and lateral movements were compared and the digital wax‐up was designed according to the later occlusal data. An aesthetic crown lengthening and pre‐op root canal treatment were carried out in advance accordingly. After guided tooth preparation with a silicone index, the final fixed restorations were manufactured and cemented. A 2‐year follow‐up showed that our prosthesis functions well. Conclusions: This clinical report revealed that an intraoral scanner with Patient‐Specific‐Motion function can effectively record individual dynamic occlusal patterns and these data can be integrated into the CAD/CAM process to enhance the fulfillment of clinical requirements. Clinical Significance: This clinical procedure with a 2‐year follow‐up demonstrated that a prosthodontic‐based interdisciplinary treatment of pathologically migrated teeth using dynamic occlusal recording with an intraoral scanner could achieve satisfactory esthetics in a relatively short treatment period. The Patient Specific Motion module may be used to record a personalized functional movement and the data can be integrated into the design process of the final restorations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resin cements are widely used to cement dental restorations; however, limited studies are available on the bond strength of these cements to computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) base metal alloys. This study compared the shear bond strength between a self-etching resin cement (Panavia F 2.0) and a millable cobalt-chromium alloy (Ceramill Sintron) following various surface treatments. A total of 40 cylindrical alloy cores (6 mm in diameter x 8 mm in height) were milled and assigned to 1 of 5 groups for different surface treatments (n = 8): control (no surface treatment); sandblasting; metal primer; sandblasting + metal primer; or acid etching. Resin cement was then used to bond cylindrical composite resin specimens to the pretreated core surfaces. The specimens underwent a 1500-cycle thermocyciing procedure and shear bond strength testing. The data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean (SD) shear bond strength values in the different surface treatment groups were significantly different (P< 0.05); sandblasting, 16.59 (7.10) MPa; acid etching, 15.63 (2.94) MPa; sandblasting + metal primer, 13.28 (1.27) MPa; metal primer, 8.90 (2.08) MPa; and control, 8.86 (3.57) MPa. The mean differences in shear bond strength values were significant between the sandblasting and control groups (P = 0.003) and between the acid-etching and metal primer groups (P = 0.013). Surface roughening procedures--either sandblasting or acid etching of the alloy surface-improved the shear bond strength of resin cement to milled alloy surfaces. The use of metal primer between the alloy surface and resin cement did not significantly increase the bond strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify and quantify the variations in PSI designs intended for an identical patient. Records from 10 patients with an orbital fracture involving two walls, for which a primary orbital reconstruction was indicated, were retrospectively included. Clinical engineers from two centers independently generated proposal designs for all patients. Following web meeting(s) with the surgeon from the same institute, the PSI designs were finalized by the engineer. A cross-over of the engineer with the surgeon of the other center created two new design teams. In total, 20 proposal and 40 final PSI designs were produced. A three-dimensional comparison between different PSI designs for the same patient was performed by computing a difference score. Initially, the design proposals of the two engineers showed a median difference score of 37%, which was significantly reduced to a median difference score of 26% for the final designs with different engineers. The median difference score of 22% between surgeons demonstrated that both parties introduced notable user variations to the final designs. Evidence supporting the advantages of an experienced design team was found, with significantly fewer modifications, fewer meetings, and less time required to complete the design (up to 40% time reduction). The findings of the study underline the dependency of PSI design on the surgeon and engineer, and support the need for a more evidence-based protocol for PSI design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The European Medicines Agency Innovation Task Force (ITF) acts as early point of contact for medicine and technology developers to enable innovation during early drug development stages through ITF briefing meetings. Aim: To reflect on the current pace of innovation and to assess the potential of ITF stakeholder interactions, a comprehensive analysis of the ITF briefing meetings held between 2021 and 2022 was conducted with a focus on individual questions raised by the developers and the related feedback provided by the European regulators. Methods: Questions raised during ITF briefing meetings were extracted and categorised into main and sub-categories, revealing different themes across the whole medicine development process such as manufacturing technologies, pre-clinical developments, and clinically relevant questions. Results: There was positive feedback from regulators who gave initial guidance in 85% of the answers, provided concrete examples in 20% of the answers and recommended to continue discussions through additional regulatory procedures in 22% of the answers. Conclusion: This analysis frames the content and the type of topics discussed during ITF briefing meetings. Moreover, it describes the type of regulatory feedback provided to medicine developers and identified potential for improvement of these early interactions. Therefore, this analysis emphasises the role of ITF briefing meetings in fostering innovation in medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The repair of hemimandibulectomy defects involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is challenging. This study compared the functional outcomes and reconstruction accuracy using a deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) flap with and without a virtually planned stock TMJ prosthesis (TMJP) after hemimandibulectomy. Ten patients were assessed: five with a TMJP (TMJP group) and five without (control group). A three-dimensional comparison revealed a mean deviation of 0.11 ± 0.04 mm between the planned and actual DCIA flap with TMJP. The planned and actual TMJP positions differed by 0.56 ± 0.57 mm in height, 0.33 ± 0.24 mm ventrally/dorsally, and 1.18 ± 0.42 mm medially/laterally. Mouth opening, laterotrusion, and midline deviation were significantly greater in the control group than in the TMJP group (P = 0.024, P = 0.008, P = 0.024). The deviation in ventral to dorsal translation for the DCIA flap was slightly higher than reported values in the literature, while height deviation was comparable. Lower deviations in the literature were due to the DCIA flap being used where both TMJs were intact. The in-house virtually planned DCIA flap with stock TMJP yielded results comparable to more expensive patient-specific prostheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This research aimed to develop an innovative method for designing and fabricating nasal prostheses that reduces anaplastologist expertise dependency while maintaining quality and appearance, allowing patients to regain their normal facial appearance. Methods: The method involved statistical shape modeling using a morphable face model and 3D data acquired through optical scanning or CT. An automated design process generated patient-specific fits and appearances using regular prosthesis materials and 3D printing of molds. Manual input was required for specific case-related details. Results: The developed method met all predefined requirements, replacing analog impression-making and offering compatibility with various data acquisition methods. Prostheses created through this method exhibited equivalent aesthetics to conventionally fabricated ones while reducing the skill dependency typically associated with prosthetic design and fabrication. Conclusions: This method provides a promising approach for both temporary and definitive nasal prostheses, with the potential for remote prosthesis fabrication in areas lacking anaplastology care. While new skills are required for data acquisition and algorithm control, these technologies are increasingly accessible. Further clinical studies will help validate its effectiveness, and ongoing technological advancements may lead to even more advanced and skill-independent prosthesis fabrication methods in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children with dental caries are treated with stainless steel metal crowns (SSC), but the aesthetics and precision still need to be improved. Currently, both 3D‐printed resin crowns (PRC) and computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) resin crowns (CRC) meet the clinical requirements for crown applications in terms of strength, production time, cost, and aesthetics. Aim: This study replaced SSC with customized resin crowns by 3D printing and CAD/CAM. Design: In this study, PRC, CRC, and SSC were used for incisor and molar restorations, and 60 crowns were made with 10 for each group. The fabrication efficiency, surface characteristics, marginal fit, and stability of the two different crowns were evaluated. Results: PRC and CRC show superior color and surface characteristics, though production times are longer (5.3–12.4 times and 3.3–9.1 times, respectively) than for SSC (p <.05). They, however, can be completed within 80 min. Edge gaps for PRC and CRC are significantly lower (13.0–19.2 times and 13.0–13.7 times) than for SSC (p <.05). All materials exhibit good stability. Conclusion: The 3D‐PRCs and CAD/CAM resin crowns may replace SSCs as a potential choice for clinical child caries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Paediatric‐preformed zirconia crowns have been associated with several issues, primarily their inability to be crimped and the need for extensive tooth preparation. Additionally, the capacity to adjust the size, shape, and fit of these crowns is very limited. Aim: To evaluate and compare the fracture strength of four different types of dental crowns intended for paediatric patients. Design: The fracture resistance of four types of paediatric crowns was evaluated using the universal testing machine; freshly extracted primary molars received one of the following: preformed zirconia crowns, custom‐made computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD–CAM) zirconia crowns, custom‐made CAD–CAM ceramic crowns, and custom‐made CAD–CAM hybrid composite crowns. Data were statistically compared using the Kruskal–Wallis test followed by the Bonferroni test, and the level of significance was set at 5%. Results: Results showed that there was a statistically significant difference among the four groups (p <.001). The highest value of fracture force was observed for the milled zirconia crown and the lowest for the prefabricated zirconia. Conclusion: The implementation of the CAD–CAM digital crown fabrication technique has the potential to address issues associated with preformed crowns in paediatric patients, particularly in terms of fracture resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of the accuracy of 3D scanning methods using various devices and software to generate 3D models. The resulting models were compared to their corresponding Computer-Aided Design (CAD) models to quantify discrepancies. The primary objective was to assess potential errors, benefits, and limitations of each scanning method, providing insights for future research and development. A switch, chosen as the test object for its moderate complexity and size, enabled a thorough assessment under realistic conditions. The analysis reveals the strengths and limitations of each scanning method, guiding researchers and developers in selecting the most suitable techniques for specific applications. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of device and software parameters on the accuracy of 3D models, offering a comprehensive evaluation of effective techniques for 3D model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shunt capacitor banks are essential for reactive power compensation, ensuring voltage stability, and reducing system losses. These banks consist of multiple units with components in series and parallel. A few component failures do not immediately affect the safe operation of the capacitor bank, but component breakdown can lead to voltage redistribution. Under combined factors such as system overvoltage and equipment aging, and others can trigger an avalanche effect causing capacitor breakdown, resulting in significant safety accident risks. Practical operation experience shows that partial component breakdown generates many transient disturbance signals. Quantitative analysis of these signals can detect capacitor bank anomalies early. This paper proposes the quantitative extraction of transient disturbance characteristics using the Prony algorithm and estimates the phase and number of capacitors that break down to judge capacitor anomalies. The simulation part verifies the theoretical analysis and detection algorithm's correctness through numerical simulations and PSCAD (Power Systems Computer Aided Design) electromagnetic transient simulations. The numerical simulations consider different signal lengths, noise levels, attenuation coefficients, and oscillation frequencies. In the PSCAD simulation environment, verification models are built under varying sampling frequencies, numbers of breakdown components, signal lengths, and signal-to-noise ratios. These simulation results verify the accuracy of the detection algorithm under different conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conformal cooling channel is more and more favored by the mold enterprises because of its excellent cooling performance. However, the current design of conformal cooling channel generally has the problems of complex, time-consuming, and error prone design process. The spiral cooling channel is a very important cooling channel structure in injection mold, and its application is extremely common in practical mold engineering cases. For a long time, designers have had to rely on manual construction of spiral cooling channel, which is a cumbersome and inefficient design process. Inspired by the spring structure and based on the design characteristics of spiral cooling channel, this paper puts forward an automatic generation method of conformal cooling channel based on the basic requirements of conformal cooling channel design in engineering practice. The basic idea of this method firstly is to generate the initial trajectory lines and store them in a list in the specified order. Then, based on the initial trajectory line as the basic geometry, a series of control points are generated, and all control points, including the inlet and outlet coordinate points, are sorted. Finally, generate a spline curve based on the control points and scan along the spline curve with the specified cross-section to form cooling channels. Experimental results show that this method can significantly decrease the time of design and guide users to quickly complete the design, while reducing design errors to improve working efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective Méthodology Résults Conclusion Prosthetic restorations require functional occlusal planes to ensure therapeutic success. The purpose of the present study was to develop a new Broadrick flag support for a semi‐adjustable articulator and to investigate the effectiveness of occlusal planes drawn using the Broadrick flag method by inexperienced practitioners in complex situations such as skeletal class II relationships associated with edentulous areas.The Broadrick flag support was designed and manufactured by the additive technique and was adapted to the Quick Master articulator. The QR code of the manufacturing file of the Broadrick flag support is accessible to any practitioner. Thirty‐seven third‐year students (inexperienced practitioners) were randomised into two groups for drawing occlusal planes on two models either with or without the Broadrick flag method. A prosthodontic professor (experienced practitioner) drew occlusal planes on the models to serve as references. Each model was analysed using a standardised method to measure the distances between the occlusal planes drawn by experienced and inexperienced practitioners.Only the distance measured for the right second molar of the first model with the Broadrick flag method was significantly shorter than those measured without using this method (p < 0.05, Wilcoxon test). Visual observations showed that only the second molar drawings of the inexperienced practitioners were above the drawings of the experienced practitioner.The Broadrick flag method helped inexperienced practitioners to draw occlusal planes of models in complex skeletal class II relationships associated with edentulous areas with natural teeth located both anterior and posterior to them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring microorganisms with downstream synthetic advantages in lignin valorization is an effective strategy to increase target product diversity and yield. This study ingeniously engineers the non-lignin-degrading bacterium Ralstonia eutropha H16 (also known as Cupriavidus necator H16) to convert lignin, a typically underutilized by-product of biorefinery, into valuable bioplastic polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). The aromatic metabolism capacities of R. eutropha H16 for different lignin-derived aromatics (LDAs) are systematically characterized and complemented by integrating robust functional modules including O-demethylation, aromatic aldehyde metabolism and the mitigation of by-product inhibition. A pivotal discovery is the regulatory element PcaQ, which is highly responsive to the aromatic hub metabolite protocatechuic acid during lignin degradation. Based on the computer-aided design of PcaQ, we develop a hub metabolite-based autoregulation (HMA) system. This system can control the functional genes expression in response to heterologous LDAs and enhance metabolism efficiency. Multi-module genome integration and directed evolution further fortify the strain's stability and lignin conversion capacities, leading to PHB production titer of 2.38 g/L using heterologous LDAs as sole carbon source. This work not only marks a leap in bioplastic production from lignin components but also provides a strategy to redesign the non-LDAs-degrading microbes for efficient lignin valorization. One challenge in lignin valorization is that microorganisms possessing downstream metabolic advantages are unable to convert lignin. Here, the authors engineer the non-lignin-degrading bacterium Ralstonia eutropha to efficiently convert lignin into polyhydroxybutyrate using a self-enhanced autoregulation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Placing implants deep sub-gingivally may affect the accuracy of implant impression techniques and the fit of final restoration. Purpose: The aim of this in-vitro study was to evaluate the effect of soft tissue thickness on accuracy of conventional and digital implant impression techniques. Methods: Four parallel implant analogues (A, B, C, D) placed in each of two epoxy resin models representing edentulous mandible covered by flexible polyurethane material with two different thickness two mm and four mm. A total of sixty impressions performed, thirty impressions for each model divided into four groups (n = 15 per group) GI (C2mm) open tray impression with two mm implant depth, GII (C4mm) open tray impression with four mm implant depth, GIII (D2mm) digital impression with two mm implant depth, GIV (D 4 mm) digital impression with four mm implant depth. Impressions from open tray technique were poured to get stone casts while impressions from digital scanning technique were printed as three-dimensional printed casts. The six inter-implant distances between analogues were measured using Co-ordinate measuring machine, deviations compared to reference models were calculated. Data was collected, tabulated and statistically analyzed using One-way ANOVA test to detect significances between groups. Results: For conventional impressions there was significant difference between C2mm/C4mm (P < 0.001) regarding interimplant distance, while in digital impressions there was no significant difference between D2mm/D4mm AB(p = 0.110), BC(p = 0.066), CD(p = 0.710), AD(p = 0.084), AC(p = 0.067) and BD(p = 0.072). There was significant difference between conventional and digital impression techniques C2mm/D2mm, C4mm/D4mm (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this in-vitro study digital impressions provide more accurate outcomes with implants placed deeper subgingivally than conventional impressions. Trial registration: Retrospectively registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Customized nonabsorbable membranes are widely used in severe alveolar bone defects and provide sufficient and precise regenerated bone tissue for subsequent dental implant placement. Although 3D-printed polyetheretherketone (PEEK) meshes have confirmed successful use in clinical cases, the performance of a PEEK mesh is not satisfactory. Compared with PEEK, polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) has better mechanical and processing properties. However, whether PEKK is suitable for making customized membranes remains unclear. The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate the printing precision, surface characteristics, mechanical characteristics and biocompatibility of the PEKK mesh and (2) to compare the properties of the PEKK and PEEK meshes. Materials and methods: Both PEKK and PEEK meshes were designed and manufactured via additive manufacturing technology combined with computer-aided design (CAD). The printing precision was evaluated with a high-resolution extraoral scanner. The surface characteristics were evaluated with a contact angle system and three-dimensional optical microscopy. The mechanical characteristics were evaluated via three-point bending tests and tensile tests. The biocompatibility was evaluated with a CCK-8 assay, live/dead viability assay and qRT-PCT. Results: Compared with the PEEK mesh, the PEKK mesh exhibited better control in terms of the thickness and aperture area. Both the PEKK mesh and the PEEK mesh had a hydrophobic surface, but the PEKK mesh had a smoother surface. Compared with the PEEK mesh, the PEKK mesh has better compression and tensile properties. Both the PEKK mesh and the PEEK mesh had good biocompatibility. The proliferation of cells on the PEKK mesh was slightly lower than that on the PEEK mesh. Conclusions: Compared with PEEK mesh, PEKK mesh has greater printing accuracy, smoother surfaces, better mechanical properties and similar biocompatibility and is expected to be used in the production of customized barrier membranes for the augmentation of severe bone defects. To ensure the stability of the mesh for clinical application, it is best to control the aperture diameter of the PEKK mesh to less than 2 mm with a thickness of 0.2 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) materials have been reported to have suitable mechanical and physical properties for endocrown restorations. However, there is a lack of literature on evaluating the retention of endocrown using these materials. This in vitro study aimed to compare the retention of endocrowns fabricated from 3 different CAD-CAM materials. Sixty human mandibular third molars were divided into 3 groups (n = 20) according to the material used: (e.max CAD, Ivoclar AG, Schaan, Liechtenstein), (HC, Shofu, Koyoto, Japan), and (Brilliant Crios, Coltene, Altstätten, Switzerland) (n = 20). Specimens were stored in distilled water at 37 °C for 1 week and subjected to 5000 thermal cycles. A universal testing machine (5500R/1123, Instron, Norwood, USA) was used to measure the tensile force. All results were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA (α = 0.05), and different failure modes were demonstrated. The results revealed that e. max CAD showed the highest mean tensile force value (402.35 ± 15.812) N, and the lowest mean tensile force value was for Brilliant Coris (118.90 ± 12.430) N (P <.001). It is concluded that e.max CAD endocrowns showed the highest tensile force values after thermocycling in comparison to other materials with a significant difference, which may have a promising impact on the survival of endocrown restorations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Environmental and genetic factors associated with canine impaction have been extensively researched, whereas the bone characteristics in the impaction area have not been thoroughly studied. Accordingly, the objective of this investigation was to provide a skeletal assessment in terms of bone density, bone microstructure, bone volume, and palatal volume in subjects with unilaterally impacted maxillary canines. Methods: A retrospective design has been employed to address the aim of this study, where the initial pre-treatment cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 30 patients with unilateral maxillary canine impaction were assessed. The obtained patients' data were equally divided according to the location of the impaction into 2 groups, one with buccally impacted canines, and another with palatal impactions, with the contra-lateral sides in both groups serving as the controls. Skeletal measurements such as bone density (BD), bone microstructure in terms of fractal dimension (FD), maxillary bone volume (MBV), and palatal volume (PV) were evaluated from the acquired CBCTs in both groups and compared to the controls. Results: With buccal impactions, significantly greater BD and FD have been reported (p < 0.001), whereas non-significant differences were found regarding the PV when compared with controls (p = 0.56). MBV was significantly greater on the non-impaction side in comparison with buccal impaction sides (p < 0.001). For palatal impactions: BD, FD, and MBV were significantly greater on the impaction sides (p < 0.001), and conversely with PV which has been reported to be significantly greater on the non-impaction sides (p < 0.001). Conclusions: As per the obtained results, buccally impacted canines are associated with greater BD and FD, and less MBV, whereas palatally impacted canines are accompanied with greater BD, FD, and MBV, in addition to less PV, when both conditions are compared with the non-impaction sides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal management becomes increasingly important in silicon gate‐all‐around (GAA) field‐effect transistor (FETs) for 3 nm technology node and beyond. The channel thermal conductivity significantly differs from bulk silicon. Precise determination of thermal conductivity is crucial for device evaluation and optimization. This study investigates the thermal conductivity of silicon nanowires, examining the complex interplay between size and channel orientation. The conventional nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) method is used with the standard Stillinger–Weber potential at the atomic scale. The results indicate that the thermal conductivity of silicon nanowires along the [100] direction increases monotonically with both length (L) and cross‐sectional side length (D). Conversely, the [110] direction exhibits nonmonotonic variation in thermal conductivity with D, due to increased acoustic–optic phonon scattering. For GAA FET devices with a silicon nanowire channel of L = 20 nm and D = 5 nm, the NEMD calculations yield thermal conductivities of 10.8 W m·K−1 for the [100] direction and 25.3 W m·K−1 for the [110] direction. Subsequently, the self‐heating effect (SHE) in silicon nanowire GAA FETs by technology computer‐aided design with the modified channel conductivity is analyzed. The results suggest that silicon nanowires with the [110] transport direction are more suitable for device design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric cancer predominantly adenocarcinoma, accounts for over 85% of gastric cancer diagnoses. Current therapeutic options are limited, necessitating the discovery of novel drug targets and effective treatments. The Affymetrix gene expression microarray dataset (GSE64951) was retrieved from NCBI‐GEO data normalization and DEGs identification was done by using R‐Bioconductor package. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of DEGs was performed using DAVID. The protein–protein interaction network was constructed by STRING database plugin in Cytoscape. Subclusters/modules of important interacting genes in main network were extracted by using MCODE. The hub genes from in the network were identified by using Cytohubba. The miRNet tool built a hub gene/mRNA‐miRNA network and Kaplan–Meier‐Plotter conducted survival analysis. AutoDock Vina and GROMACS MD simulations were used for docking and stability analysis of marine compounds against the 5CNN protein. Total 734 DEGs (507 up‐regulated and 228 down‐regulated) were identified. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in processes like cell–cell adhesion and ATP binding. Eight hub genes (EGFR, HSPA90AA1, MAPK1, HSPA4, PPP2CA, CDKN2A, CDC20, and ATM) were selected for further analysis. A total of 23 miRNAs associated with hub genes were identified, with 12 of them targeting PPP2CA. EGFR displayed the highest expression and hazard rate in survival analyses. The kinase domain of EGFR (PDBID: 5CNN) was chosen as the drug target. Adociaquinone A from Petrosia alfiani, docked with 5CNN, showed the lowest binding energy with stable interactions across a 50 ns MD simulation, highlighting its potential as a lead molecule against EGFR. This study has identified crucial DEGs and hub genes in gastric cancer, proposing novel therapeutic targets. Specifically, Adociaquinone A demonstrates promising potential as a bioactive drug against EGFR in gastric cancer, warranting further investigation. The predicted miRNA against the hub gene/proteins can also be used as potential therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The passive fit of 3-unit implant supported prefabricated metal screw-retained prosthesis before implant placement might be difficult. Hence, we aim to evaluate the passive fit and time efficiency of CAD/CAM 3-unit implant supported fixed prostheses that were constructed based on virtual versus those based on actual implant positions in Kennedy Class I models. Methods: A sample of 5 Kennedy class I models with thin wiry ridges were restored by 20 frameworks bilaterally, 10 based on actual (group A) and 10 based on virtual (group V) implant positions. The models were imaged using cone beam computed tomography and scanned using an intraoral scanner. The STL (Standard Tessellation Language files) and the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) files were registered on a 3D planning software. A CAD/CAM surgical guide was planned, resin printed and used for installing 6 implants bilaterally. In group V, the framework was designed based on the virtual scan bodies and virtual multi-unit abutments, while in group A intra-oral scanning of the model after attaching the scan bodies was necessary. Frameworks of both groups were milled and tested for passive fit using 8 clinical tests. McNemar and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to study the effect of the group on passive fit and time efficiency, respectively. The significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between group V and group A frameworks regarding passive fit (p-value = 1, OR = 0.5) and time efficiency (P = 0.179, Effect size = 0.948). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that in free end saddle cases, prefabricated CAD\CAM 3-unit implant-supported cobalt chromium screw retained prostheses can achieve an adequate passive fit. However, their fit might be negatively affected in thin ridges and they might require some adjustments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A hybrid manufacturing technique that combines selective laser melting (SLM) and computer numerical control (CNC) has been developed for the fabrication of implant-platform/framework interfaces (PFIs) for mandibular and maxillary full-arch implant-supported titanium frameworks. The aim of this study was to compare the discrepancies in specimens fabricated using the hybrid technique (termed SLM/m hereafter) with those in specimens fabricated by conventional CNC milling. Materials and methods: Based on a mandibular four-PFI CAD model and a maxillary six-PFI CAD model, four groups of titanium frameworks (eight per group, totaling 32) were fabricated according to the fabrication technique (SLM/m or milling) and number of PFIs (four or six). The frameworks were scanned by a structured light scanner and aligned with the CAD model in Geomagic Control X. Discrepancy was defined as the difference between the PFIs of the scanned framework and those of the CAD model. Discrepancies were measured and evaluated by multilevel analysis using a mixed-effects model (α = 0.05), followed by independent samples t-tests (α = 0.0125). Furthermore, the manufacturing times and raw-material costs were recorded and compared. Results: The maximum discrepancy values for the four-PFI and six-PFI hybrid frameworks were 52.2 and 64.3 μm, respectively. Multilevel analysis revealed that the fabrication technique and the number of PFIs had no significant effect on the discrepancy value. However, a significant interaction between the two factors was observed (P = 0.020). The discrepancies for the four-PFI hybrid frameworks were significantly lower than those for the four-PFI milled frameworks (P = 0.001). No significant difference in discrepancies between the six-PFI hybrid frameworks and six-PFI milled frameworks was observed (P = 0.697). Furthermore, the hybrid frameworks required only 11% of the raw materials and 25% of the milling time required for the conventionally milled frameworks. Conclusion: SLM/m hybrid frameworks are viable, accurate alternatives to CNC-milled frameworks, with the added benefit of substantial cost reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]