The Implementation of 3D Printing in Engineering Education in the Field of Hydraulic and Pneumatic Components.

The implementation of three-dimensional (3D) printing for education in different fields brings numerous advantages that make learning easier for students. Also, it changes the model of students' participation in the teaching process so that they become active participants. This article considers the involvement of 3D printing in the teaching process in the field of hydraulic and pneumatic components by using the developed methodology. The goal was to find an approach that would help students to easier understand the design and operation principles of these components. The methodology was developed and applied in various forms of the teaching process during a 5-year period. The application of the methodology was evaluated based on the results of the online questionnaire. Traditional theoretical approaches enable a good transfer of basic engineering knowledge, but students are usually not ready to apply them in practice. The results show that the largest number of students (81%) stated that 3D printing should be included in the teaching process. The main reason was a better understanding of the considered components and the possibility of the application of acquired knowledge in the industry. 3D printing enables students to understand the considered component, its design, and operational principle. Further application of 3D printing enables the development of additional skills related to the developing, modeling, and manufacturing (printing) components. Also, students expressed increased motivation for learning.

The Promise of Artificial Intelligence in Peyronie's Disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The application of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance clinical decision-making in Peyronie's disease (PD) has generated significant interest. This review explores the current landscape of AI in PD evaluation. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent advances in 3D modeling offer a more sophisticated approach to assessing PD deformities; however, the implementation of 3D modeling in clinical practice faces challenges, including the need for specialized equipment and time-consuming data processing, sometimes taking several hours of labor. AI holds promise for overcoming these hurdles through its ability to efficiently process large volumes of data and to perform accurate predictions based on such data. Future integration of AI with 3D modeling techniques could revolutionize PD evaluation by improving patient counseling, surgical planning, and clinical decision-making. Significant gaps in the literature have yet to be addressed, including the absence of robust evidence that incorporating such technology is superior to standard diagnostics.

Comparative Analysis of Korean Nasal Morphology Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Nasal morphology is a significant aspect of facial anatomy and is often used for forensic identification and aesthetic surgery. This study aims to compare nasal dimensions based on sex, facial index (FI), and nasal index (NI) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and 3D modeling. METHODS: To observe differences in nasal dimensions by sex and analyze the relationships between facial shapes (FI) and nasal forms (NI), a total of 100 participants (50 males, 50 females) in their 20s were selected from Dankook University Dental Hospital. CBCT scans were performed, and 3D models were created using Mimics software (version 22.0). The measurement items included the alaria distance between (AL), the distance between N (nasion) and SN (subnasale), the distance between N (nasion) and PRN (pronasale), and the distance between SN (subnasale) and PRN (pronasale). A T-test was used for the sex-based analysis of the nasal dimensions, and the facial index- and nasal index-based nasal dimensions were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA with Scherffe's post hoc test. Additionally, all the statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software (version 23.0). RESULTS: The results indicated that males generally have larger nasal dimensions than females. Additionally, the mesoprosopic facial type (round face) showed the largest nasal dimensions in the FI classification, while the platyrrhine nasal type (broad and short nose) exhibited the largest dimensions in the NI classification. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the nasal size varies significantly with sex, facial shape, and nasal form. The findings can contribute to forensic identification and provide valuable data for clinical practices in facial reconstruction and nasal surgery.

From sequence to function: Exploring biophysical properties of bacteriophage BFK20 lytic transglycosylase domain from the minor tail protein gp15.

Bacteriophages have evolved different mechanisms of infection and penetration of bacterial cell walls. In Siphoviridae-like viruses, the inner tail proteins have a pivotal role in these processes and often encode lytic protein domains which increase infection efficiency. A soluble lytic transglycosylase (SLT) domain was identified in the minor tail protein gp15 from the BFK20 bacteriophage. Six fragments containing this SLT domain with adjacent regions of different lengths were cloned, expressed and purified. The biophysical properties of the two best expressing fragments were characterized by nanoDSF and CD spectroscopy, which showed that both fragments had a high refolding ability of 90 %. 3D modeling indicated that the bacteriophage BFK20 SLT domain is structurally similar to lysozyme. The degradation activity of these SLT proteins was evaluated using a lysozyme activity assay. BFK20 might use its transglycosylase activity to allow efficient phage DNA entry into the host cell by degrading bacterial peptidoglycan.

3D Shape Reconstruction of Ge Nanowires during Vapor-Liquid-Solid Growth under Modulating Electric Field.

Bottom-up growth offers precise control over the structure and geometry of semiconductor nanowires (NWs), enabling a wide range of possible shapes and seamless heterostructures for applications in nanophotonics and electronics. The most common vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth method features a complex interaction between the liquid metal catalyst droplet and the anisotropic structure of the crystalline NW, and the growth is mainly orchestrated by the triple-phase line (TPL). Despite the intrinsic mismatch between the droplet and the NW symmetries, its discussion has been largely avoided because of its complexity, which has led to the situation when multiple observed phenomena such as NW axial asymmetry or the oscillating truncation at the TPL still lack detailed explanation. The introduction of an electric field control of the droplet has opened even more questions, which cannot be answered without properly addressing three-dimensional (3D) structure and morphology of the NW and the droplet. This work describes the details of electric-field-controlled VLS growth of germanium (Ge) NWs using environmental transmission electron microscopy (ETEM). We perform TEM tomography of the droplet-NW system during an unperturbed growth, then track its evolution while modulating the bias potential. Using 3D finite element method (FEM) modeling and crystallographic considerations, we provide a detailed and consistent mechanism for VLS growth, which naturally explains the observed asymmetries and features of a growing NW based on its crystal structure. Our findings provide a solid framework for the fabrication of complex 3D semiconductor nanostructures with ultimate control over their morphology.

Integrating Artificial Intelligence Into the Visualization and Modeling of Three-Dimensional Anatomy in Pediatric Surgical Patients.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric surgeons often treat patients with complex anatomical considerations due to congenital anomalies or distortion of normal structures by solid organ tumors. There are multiple applications for three-dimensional visualization of these structures based on cross-sectional imaging. Recently, advances in artificial intelligence (AI) applications and graphics hardware have made rapid 3D modelling of individual structures within the body accessible to surgeons without sophisticated and expensive hardware. In this report, we provide an overview of these applications and their uses in preoperative planning for pediatric surgeons. METHODS: Deidentified DICOM files containing cross-sectional imaging of preoperative pediatric surgery patients were loaded from an institutional PACS database onto a secure PC with dedicated graphics and AI hardware (NVIDIA Geforce RTX 4070 laptop GPU). Visualization was obtained using an open-source imaging platform (3D Slicer). AI extensions to the platform were utilized to delineate the anatomy of interest. RESULTS: Segmentations of skeletal and visceral structures within a scan were obtained using the TotalSegmentator extension with an average processing time under 5 min. Additional AI modules were utilized for providing detailed mapping of the airways (AirwaySegmentation), lungs (Chest Imaging Platform), liver (SlicerLiver), or vasculature (SlicerVMTK). Other extensions were used for delineation of tumors within the hepatic parenchyma (MONAI Auto3DSeg) and hepatic vessels (RVesselX). CONCLUSION: AI algorithms for image interpretation and processors dedicated to AI functions have significantly decreased the technical and financial requirements for obtaining detailed three-dimensional images of patient anatomy. Models obtained using AI algorithms have potential applications in preoperative planning, surgical simulation, patient education, and training. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V, Case Series, Description of Technique.

Modeling APOE ε4 familial Alzheimer's disease in directly converted 3D brain organoids.

Brain organoids have become a valuable tool for studying human brain development, disease modeling, and drug testing. However, generating brain organoids with mature neurons is time-intensive and often incomplete, limiting their utility in studying age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we report the generation of 3D brain organoids from human fibroblasts through direct reprogramming, with simplicity, efficiency, and reduced variability. We also demonstrate that induced brain organoids from APOE ε4 AD patient fibroblasts capture some disease-specific features and pathologies associated with APOE ε4 AD. Moreover, APOE ε4-induced brain organoids with mutant APP overexpression faithfully recapitulate the acceleration of AD-related pathologies, providing a more physiologically relevant and patient-specific model of familial AD. Importantly, transcriptome analysis reveals that gene sets specific to APOE ε4 patient-induced brain organoids are highly similar to those of APOE ε4 post-mortem AD brains. Overall, induced brain organoids from direct reprogramming offer a promising approach for more efficient and controlled studies of neurodegenerative disease modeling.

Morphological Characteristics of the Cubital Tunnel as Indication for Anterior Interosseous Nerve Supercharge End-to-Side Transfer in Treating Advanced Cubital Tunnel Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) is a prevalent compressive neuropathy addressed through various treatments, including the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) supercharge end-to-side (SETS) transfer for advanced CuTS. Decision to add AIN-SETS is based on various indicators and protocols, but deciding on the appropriate method for borderline cases can be challenging. Therefore, this study aims to non-invasively examine the cubital tunnel anatomy of patients using CT scans and compare the findings with existing indicators and measurements, to determine if they can serve as supplementary indicators to aid in treatment decisions. HYPOTHESIS: The bony cubital tunnel volume is correlated to other traditional indicators and can be used as an additional indication for deciding whether to perform AIN-SETS in treating advanced CuTS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective cohort study from South Korea, including 91 patients aged 20-70 years with CuTS. Participants were classified into Group A (n = 43), who underwent both cubital tunnel release (CuTR) and AIN-SETS, and Group B (n = 48), who underwent only CuTR. Preoperative elbow CT data were analyzed for cubital tunnel morphology analysis, with follow-up assessments such as grip strength and electromyography/ nerve conduction velocity (EMG/NCV) tests at 3,6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Group A and B showed no significant differences in demographic parameters, except for a longer disease duration in Group A (p = 0.032). Group A had a smaller cubital tunnel volume (CTV) compared to Group B (1150.6 ± 52.8 mm³ vs. 1173.5 ± 56.2 mm³, p = 0.014) and a smaller cross-sectional area (40.9 ± 10.2 mm² vs. 45.1 ± 11.7 mm², p = 0.033). Pearson correlation analysis revealed statistically significant positive correlations between CTV measurements and pre-operative grip strength, as well as EMG results, a key indicator for AIN-SETS (R² = 0.48, 0.23, p = 0.01). DISCUSSION: Measuring the cubital tunnel anatomy using CT can aid in determining the treatment approach for advanced CuTS patients and assist in deciding whether to perform AIN-SETS surgery, serving as a supplementary indicator for cases at the borderline limits of other indicators. Future research may be necessary to establish control groups without symptoms and determine appropriate cut-off values. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

3D modeling of anterior 2/3rds glossectomy reconstruction: A volume based donor site evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: Anterior 2/3rds glossectomy results in significant patient morbidity due to speech and swallowing impairment. Microvascular free flap reconstruction compensates for large volume defects. Flap volume is based on the adipose content of the donor site and varies by patient body mass index (BMI) and donor site location. We sought to correlate flap thickness at different donor sites with patient BMI to determine optimal donor site selection. METHODS: Patients with CT scans of the oral cavity, thorax and lower extremity were identified and included. The volumes of the anterior 2/3rds of the tongue were measured and recorded using computed tomography-generated modeling. Pre-muscular tissue thicknesses at anterolateral thigh (ALT), deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEP), latissimus dorsi, and parascapular donor sites were measured. The donor site adequency was defined as reconstructing the tongue volume within 10% of the ideal volume required and stratified based on patient BMI. RESULTS: In 144 patients, the average anterior 2/3rds glossectomy defect was 100.3 cm3. Glossectomy defect size was highly correlated with BMI (p < 0.001). The DIEP flap had the largest volume (155.4 cm3), followed by latissimus (105.6 cm3), parascapula (97.8 cm3), and ALT (60.5 cm3). For patients with BMI ≤ 30, the DIEP flap best reconstructed native tongue volume (up to 113 % of native tongue volume). In patients with BMI > 30.1, native tongue volumes were approximated by the latissimus flap (89-92 % of native tongue) and parascapular flap (85-95 % of native tongue volume). In BMI > 30.1 the DIEP flap provided excess tissue bulk (129-135 % of native tongue volume). CONCLUSION: The DIEP flap more closely approximates the volume needed to reconstruct anterior two-thirds tongue defects for BMIs ≤ 30. The subscapular system flaps provided the best volume match for BMIs > 30 and the DIEP flap provided excess tissue bulk which could be adjusted in the reconstruction process.

Effects of differences in dose and frequency of teriparatide on bone structure in Proximal Femur. - Analysis by DXA-based 3D-modeling (3D-SHAPER Software) -TRIPLE-BONE study (The effects of TeRIParatide preparation on bone mineraL density increase and BONE structure).

Trends toward more favorable improvement of the cortical bone parameters by once-weekly (56.5 µg once a week) and twice-weekly teriparatide (28.2 µg twice a week), and that of the trabecular bone parameters by once-daily (1/D) teriparatide (20 µg/day once a day) were shown. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of differences in the amount of teriparatide (TPTD) per administration and its dosing frequency on the bone structure in the proximal femur by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-based 3D-modeling (3D-SHAPER software). METHODS: This was a multicenter retrospective study. Patients aged 50 years or older with primary osteoporosis who continuously received once-/twice-weekly (1・2/W, n = 60) or 1/D TPTD (n = 14) administration for at least one year were included in the study. Measurement regions included the femoral neck (FN), trochanter (TR), femoral shaft (FS), and total proximal hip (TH). Concurrently, the bone mineral density (BMD) and Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) were measured. RESULTS: The cross-sectional area, cross-sectional moment of inertia, and section modulus in the FS were significantly improved in the 1・2/W TPTD group, as compared to the 1/D TPTD group. However, significant improvement of the cortical thickness and buckling ratio in the FN was observed in the 1/D TPTD group, as compared to the 1・2/W TPTD group. Trabecular BMD values in the FS and TH were significantly increased in the 1/D TPTD group, as compared to the 1・2/W TPTD group, while the cortical BMD values in the TR, FS, and TH were significantly increased in the 1・2/W TPTD group, as compared to the 1/D TPTD group. CONCLUSION: Trends toward more favorable improvement of the cortical bone by 1・2/W TPTD and that of the trabecular bones by 1/D TPTD were observed.

Molecular insights into STAT1a protein in rohu (Labeo rohita): unveiling expression profiles, SRC homology domain recognition, and protein-protein interactions triggered by poly I: C.

Introduction: STAT1a is an essential signal transduction protein involved in the interferon pathway, playing a vital role in IFN-alpha/beta and gamma signaling. Limited information is available about the STAT protein in fish, particularly in Indian major carps (IMC). This study aimed to identify and characterize the STAT1a protein in Labeo rohita (LrSTAT1a). Methods: The full-length CDS of LrSTAT1a transcript was identified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses were performed based on the nucleotide sequences. The in-vivo immune stimulant poly I: C was used to treat various tissues, and the expression of LrSTAT1a was determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A 3D model of the STAT1a protein was generated using close structure homologs available in the database and checked using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Results: The full-length CDS of Labeo rohita STAT1a (LrSTAT1a) transcript consisted of 3238 bp that encoded a polypeptide of 721 amino acids sequence was identified. Phylogenetic analyses were performed based on the nucleotide sequences. Based on our findings, other vertebrates share a high degree of conservation with STAT1a. Additionally, we report that the in vivo immune stimulant poly I: C treatment of various tissues resulted in the expression of LrSTAT1a as determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). In the current investigation, treatment with poly I: C dramatically increased the expression of LrSTAT1a in nearly every organ and tissue, with the brain, muscle, kidney, and intestine showing the highest levels of expression compared to the control. We made a 3D model of the STAT1a protein by using close structure homologs that were already available in the database. The model was then checked using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Consistent with previous research, the MD study highlighted the significance of the STAT1a protein, which is responsible for Src homology 2 (SH2) recognition. An important H-bonding that successfully retains SH2 inside the STAT1a binding cavity was determined to be formed by the conserved residues SER107, GLN530, SER583, LYS584, MET103, and ALA106. Discussion: This study provides molecular insights into the STAT1a protein in Rohu (Labeo rohita) and highlights the potential role of STAT1a in the innate immune response in fish. The high degree of conservation of STAT1a among other vertebrates suggests its crucial role in the immune response. The in-vivo immune stimulation results indicate that STAT1a is involved in the immune response in various tissues, with the brain, muscle, kidney, and intestine being the most responsive. The 3D model and MD study provide further evidence of the significance of STAT1a in the immune response, specifically in SH2 recognition. Further research is necessary to understand the specific mechanisms involved in the IFN pathway and the role of STAT1a in the immune response of IMC.

Bifidobacterium bifidum SAM-VI Riboswitch Conformation Change Requires Peripheral Helix Formation.

The Bifidobacterium bifidum SAM-VI riboswitch undergoes dynamic conformational changes that modulate downstream gene expression. Traditional structural methods such as crystallography capture the bound conformation at high resolution, and additional efforts would reveal details from the dynamic transition. Here, we revealed a transcription-dependent conformation model for Bifidobacterium bifidum SAM-VI riboswitch. In this study, we combine small-angle X-ray scattering, chemical probing, and isothermal titration calorimetry to unveil the ligand-binding properties and conformational changes of the Bifidobacterium bifidum SAM-VI riboswitch and its variants. Our results suggest that the SAM-VI riboswitch contains a pre-organized ligand-binding pocket and stabilizes into the bound conformation upon binding to SAM. Whether the P1 stem formed and variations in length critically influence the conformational dynamics of the SAM-VI riboswitch. Our study provides the basis for artificially engineering the riboswitch by manipulating its peripheral sequences without modifying the SAM-binding core.

Generating open-source 3D phytoplankton models by integrating photogrammetry with scanning electron microscopy.

The community structure and ecological function of marine ecosystems are critically dependent on phytoplankton. However, our understanding of phytoplankton is limited due to the lack of detailed information on their morphology. To address this gap, we developed a framework that combines scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with photogrammetry to create realistic 3D (three-dimensional) models of phytoplankton. The workflow of this framework is demonstrated using two marine algal species, one dinoflagellate Prorocentrum micans and one diatom Halamphora sp. The resulting 3D models are made openly available and allow users to interact with phytoplankton and their complex structures virtually (digitally) and tangibly (3D printing). They also allow for surface area and biovolume calculations of phytoplankton, as well as the exploration of their light scattering properties, which are both important for ecosystem modeling. Additionally, by presenting these models to the public, it bridges the gap between scientific inquiry and education, promoting broader awareness on the importance of phytoplankton.

Implementation of 3D Printing and Modeling Technologies for the Fabrication of Dose Boluses for External Radiotherapy at the CLCC of Sétif, Algeria.

Objective: In external radiotherapy, dose boluses and compensators are used for treatment of irregular facial topography surfaces. In such cases, skewed isodose curves need to be addressed using a bolus that gives the deep dose distribution a shape adapted to the anatomical structures to be protected or irradiated. The combination of 3D modeling and printing technologies is a promising alternative to the conventional inaccurate and uncomfortable bolus fabrication technique. In this work, the proposed technologies will be used in the design and fabrication of high-performance and high-accuracy boluses that respond to the main constraints on metrology, adhesion to the patient's surface, comfort, and dose delivery. Methods: As a first phase in the implementation of the proposed solution, 3D printing materials, to be used in the fabrication of radiotherapy boluses, were selected and characterized to check how they respond to the required criteria on functionality, safety, and quality. Results: The obtained results show that among the studied materials, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was found to be slightly more suitable than polylactic acid (PLA) for the fabrication of 3D printing boluses but for some kinds of treatments, PLA may be preferred despite its relative rigidity. Conclusion: In this work, procedures for dose bolus fabrication were proposed, and necessary data were obtained for some available 3D printing materials (TPU and PLA) that can be used for targeted applications. This achievement is a major step toward the final implementation of 3D modeling and printing technologies for the efficient fabrication of radiotherapy dose boluses.

Optimizing Socket-Tunnel Position for Meniscal Allograft Transplantation Combined With ACL Reconstruction: A 3D Model Analysis.

Background: Socket-tunnel overlap during meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) combined with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) may compromise graft integrity and lead to impaired fixation and treatment failure. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to determine optimal socket-tunnel drilling parameters for medial and lateral MAT with concurrent ACLR using artificial tibias and computed tomography (CT) scans for 3-dimensional (3D) modeling. It was hypothesized that clinically relevant socket tunnels could be created to allow for concurrent medial or lateral MAT and ACLR without significant risk for overlap at varying tunnel guide angles. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: A total of 27 artificial right tibias (3 per subgroup) were allocated to 9 experimental groups based on the inclination of the socket tunnels (55°, 60°, and 65°) created for simulating medial and lateral MAT and ACLR. Five standardized socket tunnels were created for each tibia using arthroscopic guides: one for the ACL tibial insertion and one for each meniscus root insertion. CT scans were performed for all specimens and sequentially processed using computer software to produce 3D models for quantitative assessment of socket-tunnel overlap risk. Statistical analysis was performed with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: No subgroup consistently presented significantly safer distances than other subgroups for all distances measured. Three cases (11%) and 24 cases (~90%) of tunnel overlap occurred between the ACL tunnel and tunnels for medial and lateral MAT, respectively. Most socket-tunnel overlap (25 of 27; 92.6%) occurred between sockets at depths ranging between 6.3 and 10 mm from the articular surface. For ACLR and posterior root of the lateral meniscus setting, the guide set at 65° increased socket-tunnel distances. Conclusion: When combined ACLR and MAT using socket tunnels for graft fixation is performed, the highest risk for tibial socket-tunnel overlap involves the ACLR tibial socket and the lateral meniscus anterior root socket at a depth of 6 to 10 mm from the tibial articular surface. Clinical Relevance: Setting tibial guides at 65° to the tibial articular surface with the tunnel entry point anteromedial and socket aperture location within the designated anatomic "footprint" will minimize the risk for socket-tunnel overlap.

Application of intraoperative structured light scanning to enable post-operative evaluation of digital and 3D-printed penile models.

BACKGROUND: Penile phenotype in hypospadias is currently assessed visually or manually (e.g., ruler, goniometer) for clinical, education, and research applications. However, these methods lack precision and accuracy across raters and cannot be reevaluated retrospectively following a surgical repair. The project aim was to evaluate the precision and reliability of penile dimensions obtained from digital and three dimensional (3D) printed models created from intraoperative (OR) structured light scans (SLS) during primary pediatric penile procedures. METHODS: Boys ages 1 month to 6 years underwent first- or single-stage penile surgery at a single institution were enrolled in this prospective study (IRB #20-000143). For each patient, immediately following placement of a stay suture under consistent manual tension, intra-operative dimension measurements with a ruler were obtained. A digital 3D model was created prior to penile repositioning using an Artec Space Spider scanner and Artec Studio 13 software. Following the case, two different raters completed 10 digital measurements of each generated model in Autodesk Fusion 360. These digital models were subsequently 3D printed and two different raters completed 10 manual dimension measurements of each 3D printed model using a ruler. A one-way random effects intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) evaluated measures of agreement between and within raters, respectively. Analyses were conducted in R version 4.2. RESULTS: Six scans were obtained (hypospadias: 4, circumcision: 2). Intra-rater assessments showed excellent precision across repeated digital measurements; manual measurements of 3D printed models had excellent reliability for glans width and penile length but poor to good reliability for glans height. Inter-rater reliability was good to excellent for glans width (0.77-0.95) and good for penile length (0.71-0.88). However, there was poor inter-rater reliability for glans height (0-0.14). Following training regarding glans height location, there was an improvement in precision and repeatability of manual and digital measurements. CONCLUSION: Digital measurement of OR-derived 3D models resulted in excellent repeatability for each rater and improved between-rater reliability over manual measurement of 3D printed models alone, ensuring that images can be compared by various surgeons both now and in the future. SLS is promising as a novel modality to digitally generate 3D models, thereby informing phenotypic analysis for research and education. Further development of digital measurement methods to ensure consistency between raters for quantitative assessment of additional parameters and assessment of the technology within the pre-operative environment for surgical planning is planned.

Assessing the Impact of AI-Enhanced Diagnostic Tools on the Treatment Planning of Orthodontic Cases: An RCT.

Background: Orthodontic treatment planning involves the precise assessment of dental and skeletal anomalies, which can be facilitated by AI-enhanced diagnostic tools. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 orthodontic cases were included in this RCT. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: an AI-enhanced diagnostic group and a traditional diagnostic group. The AI-enhanced diagnostic group underwent orthodontic assessment with the aid of AI-powered software, which provided automated cephalometric analysis, 3D model evaluations, and treatment suggestions. The traditional diagnostic group received conventional diagnostic assessments by orthodontists. The primary outcome measures included treatment planning accuracy, treatment time, and patient satisfaction. Secondary outcomes included the number of appointments required and treatment cost. Results: The AI-enhanced diagnostic group demonstrated a significantly higher accuracy in treatment planning compared to the traditional diagnostic group (P < 0.05). The AI group also required fewer appointments (mean ± SD: 10.2 ± 2.1 vs. 12.8 ± 3.4) and had a shorter treatment time (mean ± SD: 14.6 ± 3.2 months vs. 18.9 ± 4.5 months) (P < 0.001 for both comparisons). Additionally, patient satisfaction scores were higher in the AI group (mean ± SD: 9.2 ± 0.6 vs. 8.1 ± 0.8) (P < 0.001). However, the AI-enhanced diagnostic group had a slightly higher treatment cost. Conclusion: AI-enhanced diagnostic tools significantly enhance the accuracy of treatment planning in orthodontic cases, leading to reduced treatment time, fewer appointments, and increased patient satisfaction.

Using preoperative planning software to assess the effect of head length on prosthetic range of motion in a high-risk population: a three-dimensional modeling study.

PURPOSE: Concurrent use of minus heads with tapered stems in total hip arthroplasty (THA) decreases the prosthetic range of motion (pROM). Three-dimensional preoperative templating can simulate the location of the impingement by taking the hip through a virtual pROM. This enables surgeons to simulate how modifying the type of implant, orientation, and position influences impingement. We hypothesized that CT-based modeling would result in a decrease in the pROM, thereby increasing the risk of impingement when minus heads are used. METHODS: Forty-three patients who underwent robotic-assisted primary THAs were included. Prosthetic head diameter (32/36-mm) and head length (minus/zero/plus) were the predictors. Maximum external rotation at full hip extension and internal rotation at 90° and 100° of flexion prior to prosthetic impingement were the outcome variables. A CT-based preoperative planning software was used for pROM estimation and impingement detection. RESULTS: Significant decreases in pROM were found for both head diameters as the head length decreased and was more pronounced in external rotation during full hip extension (changes of 2.8-3.4° for the 32-mm head and 1.6-2.8° for the 36-mm head (p = 0.00011)). The magnitude of loss in pROM when using a minus head was larger than the gain provided by a plus head in tapered stems (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Head length affects the offset and pROM. When the use of minus heads or smaller heads is indicated, 3D preoperative templating for assessing postoperative pROM and impingement provides surgeons with options to consider alternate surgical plans offering additional assurance and protection from dislocation.