3D Group Research Articles

Effects of a video game intervention on symptoms, training motivation, and visuo-spatial memory in depression.

People with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) often experience reduced affect, mood, and cognitive impairments such as memory problems. Although there are various treatments for MDD, many of them do not address the cognitive deficits associated with the disorder. Playing 3D video games has been found to improve cognitive functioning in healthy people, but it is not clear how they may affect depressed mood and motivation in people with MDD. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a six-week video game intervention leads to improvements in depressed mood, training motivation, and visuo-spatial (working) memory functions in patients with MDD. A total of 46 clinically depressed individuals were randomly assigned to one of three groups: an experimental "3D video gaming" group (n = 14) which played a video game, an active control group (n = 16) which trained with a computer program "CogPack," and a treatment-as-usual group (n = 16) which received a standard clinical treatment including psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy. Participants performed a neuropsychological assessment, including self-report questionnaires asking for depressive symptoms, training motivation, and visuo-spatial (working) memory functions before and after the training intervention. Regarding depressive symptoms, a significant decrease in the proportion of participants who showed clinical levels of depressive symptoms as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory was only found in the 3D video gaming group. Additionally, mean motivational levels of performing the training were significantly higher in the 3D video gaming group when compared with the active control group. Moreover, whereas the 3D Video Gaming group only significantly improved on one visuo-spatial memory test, the active control group improved in all visuo-spatial memory functions. The 3D video gaming group did not perform significantly better than the CogPack group, and the TAU group. Besides a standalone cognitive training, the current findings suggest that cognitive trainings using a video game have potential to increase subjective well-being, show higher levels of training motivation, and lead to improvements in visuo-spatial (working) memory functions in MDD. However, given the mixed and unblinded nature of this study, the results should be interpreted with caution. Further research with larger samples and follow-up measurements is needed.

Application of preoperative 3D printing in the internal fixation of posterior rib fractures with embracing device: a cohort study

BackgroundTo explore the impact of preoperative 3D printing on the fixation of posterior rib fractures utilizing a memory alloy embracing device of rib under thoracoscopy.MethodsThe enrolled patients were divided into the 3D printing (11 patients) and the non-3D printing (18 patients) groups, based on whether a 3D model of ribs was prepared prior to surgery. Analysis was conducted comparing the average fixation time per fracture, postoperative fixation loss, and poor reduction of fractured end between the two groups.ResultsThe average fixation time of each fracture was 27.2 ± 7.7 min in the 3D printing group and 29.3 ± 8.2 min in the non-3D printing group, with no statistically significant difference observed between the two groups (P > 0.05). The incidence of poor fracture fixation in the 3D printing group was statistically lower than that in the non-3D printing group (12.9% vs. 44.7%, P < 0.05). Further stratified analysis revealed that the off-plate rate in the 3D printing group and the non-3D group was (3.2% vs. 12.8%, P > 0.05), and the dislocation rate of the fractured end was (9.7% vs. 31.9%, P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe application of 3D printing technology to prepare the rib model before surgery is proves beneficial in reducing the occurrence of poor fixation of fractures and achieving precise and individualized treatment.

Comparison of Orbital Reconstructive Effect between Customized Orbital Implants Using Three-Dimensional Printed Templates and Conventional Manual-Bending Implants in Blowout Fracture Surgery

The aim of the present study was to determine the orbital reconstructive effect of customized orbital implants using three-dimensional (3D) printed templates compared with conventional manual-bending implants using computed tomography (CT)-based orbital volume measurements. This retrospective study reviewed the medical records and 3D-CT images of 90 patients who underwent medial, inferior, or inferomedial orbital wall reconstruction. The selected patients were categorized into two groups: (1) the 3D group that underwent surgery using 3D-printed customized orbital implant templates and (2) the manual group that received a conventional manual technique to mold the implant. The volume discrepancy (VD) was obtained by subtracting the volume of the contralateral unaffected eye from that of the injured eye. Of the 90 patients, 33 and 57 were divided into the 3D and manual groups, respectively. The volumes on the contralateral unaffected side and on the pre- and postoperative injured sides were 22.5 ± 2.9, 23.7 ± 3.0, and 22.3 ± 2.8 cm3 (mean ± SD), respectively, in the 3D group, and 21.5 ± 2.5, 22.7 ± 2.8, and 21.2 ± 2.7 cm3 in the manual group. The postoperative VD did not differ between the 3D (–0.2 ± 0.3 cm3) and manual (–0.3 ± 0.9 cm3) groups (p = 0.794). The volume on the postoperative injured side did not differ significantly from that on the contralateral unaffected side in the 3D group, but these did differ significantly in the manual group. Postoperative VD also increased with the preoperative VD in the manual group (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.548, p = 0.001), whereas there was no such association in the 3D group. The orbital volume restoration effect had superior surgical outcomes for large fractures using the customized orbital implant with 3D-printed templates compared with manual-bending implants.

Bond stress distribution and suggestions for anchoring length of deformed steel bars in different types of cementitious grout

Eight sets of pull–out specimens were tested by considering four types of cementitious grout (CGM-380, CGM-340, CGM-300, and CGM-270) and two anchoring lengths (3d and 10d) in this study. Discussions were had on the failure modes, bond load–slip curves, stress distribution of steel bars, and bond stress distribution. Results indicated that the relationship between the magnitude of peak bond load of 3d–group specimens composed of different types of cementitious grout was shown as CGM-270>CGM-300>CGM-340>CGM-380. Simultaneously, the stress of the steel bars in specimens gradually increased with the increase in external load, and the steel bars were in the elastic stage. For the 10–group specimens, the peak bond load of each specimen was basically the same, and the steel bars had yielded when the specimen was damaged. In addition, the stress distribution of the steel bars was similar to that of 3d–group specimens before the steel bars yielding. After the load reached the yield load, however, the yield position gradually shifted toward the free end with the load further increased, and the yield section length of the steel bars gradually increased. Besides, in contrast to the unimodal bond stress distribution curves of the 3d–group specimens, the bond stress distribution curves of the 10d–group specimens were all in the shape of a multimodal distribution. The peak bond stress of 10d–group specimens were located near the loading end before the steel bars yielding. However, as the load was raised continuously after the steel bars yielded, the bond stress in the yield section dramatically dropped, the yield penetration depth progressively grew, and the peak bond stress gradually shifted towards the free end. Additionally, design suggestions for the critical anchoring length of steel bars in cementitious grout and the anchoring length of steel bars after yielding were provided.

Virtual Reality for Action Observation Does Not Enhance Motor Learning of a Complex Weightlifting Task

Action observation, where a learner observes a model demonstrating a skill, has long been established in the literature as an effective means to acquire motor skills. Developments in virtual reality technology have made it possible for a 3D action observation viewing perspective, theoretically providing a viewing experience similar to observing a live performer. However, very little work has compared these two media and their effects on motor learning outcomes. In this current study, healthy novice participants to Olympic lifting (specifically the clean and jerk; n = 36) learned the exercise through observing a model demonstration in virtual reality (3D group) or on a computer screen (2D group). A third group (control) did not engage in action observation. Results indicate that following training, the 2D group more frequently used a three-step lifting pattern, and the 2D and 3D groups lifted with a significantly greater horizontal displacement compared with the control group. Also, the 2D group was more likely to use a proximal-to-distal joint coordination strategy during the second pull of the exercise. These results further the idea that only small parts of pertinent visual information are needed for action observation, and that virtual reality may provide too much information to novice learners.

Short and Long-term Efficacy of 3-dimensional Laparoscopic-assisted D2 Radical Gastrectomy Under the Guidance of Membrane Anatomy for Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer.

Both 3-dimensional (3D) laparoscopy and membrane anatomy are topics of great interest in the treatment of gastric cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of 3D laparoscopic-assisted D2 radical gastrectomy for locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) under the guidance of membrane anatomy. Retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 210 patients who underwent 2-dimensional (2D)/3D laparoscopic-assisted D2 radical gastrectomy under the guidance of membrane anatomy for LAGC. Compared the differences between the two groups in surgical outcomes, postoperative recovery, postoperative complications, and 2-year overall survival and disease-free survival. The baseline data of the 2 groups were comparable (P > 0.05). The amount of intraoperative bleeding in the 2D and 3D laparoscopy groups was 100.1 ± 48.75mL and 74.29 ± 47.33mL, respectively, with a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.001). The time to first exhaust and first liquid diet intake and length of postoperative hospital stay was shorter in the 3D laparoscopy group, with significant differences between the two groups [3 (3-3) days vs 3(3-2) days, P = 0.009; 7 (8-7) days vs 6 (7-6) days, P < 0.001; and 13 (15-11) days vs 10 (11-9) days, P < 0.001]. There were no significant differences in operation time, number of lymph node dissections, incidence of postoperative complications, or 2-year overall survival and disease-free survival between the two groups (P > 0.05). Three-dimensional laparoscopic-assisted D2 radical gastrectomy for LAGC under the guidance of membrane anatomy is safe and feasible. It can reduce intraoperative bleeding, accelerate postoperative recovery, and does not increase operative complications, the long-term prognosis is similar to that of the 2D laparoscopy group.

Visualisation and dissemination of 3D valuation units and groups – An LADM valuation information compliant prototype

The timely and effective dissemination of property values is an essential part of a transparent and efficient property valuation system. Over the last decade, web-based data-sharing systems have been increasingly used for the dissemination of assessed property values. 3D valuation units (e.g., condominium) and groups (aggregation of valuation units, e.g., a building floor in a multi-occupied building, a multi-occupied building, street, district or valuation zone) may be required to better communicate with users and to support a more effective and efficient dissemination. However, none of these systems share valuation information associated with 3D representation of the valuation units and groups. In this paper, a prototype of a web-based system is developed utilising the proposed Valuation Information part of the Edition II of the ISO 19152 Land Administration Domain Model compliant dataset for not only disseminating the spatial, physical, thematic and temporal characteristics of 3D valuation units, but also for sharing the valuation statistics at each designated level and with level-specific attributes. It is expected that the outcomes of this work may contribute to the development of local or national valuation systems and systems for geo-based data visualisation for effective and efficient sharing of valuation information. As such, it is anticipated that the study's outcomes will not only increase the level of communication with the public, but also support politicians and planners in their decision-making processes and help them to better analyse and understand the property market. With the proposed system, confidence in valuation results can be further increased due to the high level of transparency.

Utilization of 3D mapping systems in interventional electrophysiology and its impact on procedure time and fluoroscopy-Insights from the "Go for Zero Fluoroscopy" project.

The implementation of 3D mapping systems plays an important role in interventional electrophysiology (EP) in recent years. The aim of the present study was to evaluate use of 3D mapping systems regarding fluoroscopy and procedure duration. In the "Go for Zero Fluoroscopy" project 25 European centers provided data of consecutive EP procedures. Data on use of 3D mapping systems as well as utilization of contact force catheters and multipolar mapping catheters were associated with fluoroscopy time, dose area product (DAP), and procedure duration. A 3D mapping system was used in 966 (54%) cases. Use of 3D mapping for atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) was associated with reduced fluoroscopy time (p<0.001), DAP (p=0.04) but increased procedure time (p=0.029). Moreover, fluoroscopy time (p<0.001) and DAP (p=0.005) were significantly lower in the 3D mapping group in ablation of typical atrial flutter. However, the procedure time (p<0.001) increased. Use of 3D mapping in the ablation of accessory pathway (AP) was associated with reduced fluoroscopy time (p<0.001) and DAP (p<0.001) with no significant increase in procedure time (p=0.066). In the case of atrial fibrillation, a 3D mapping system was used in 485 patients (75.8%). Additional use of a contact force catheter was associated with lower fluoroscopy time (p<0.001) and DAP (p<0.001). Use of a multipolar mapping catheter was associated with lower fluoroscopy time (p=0.002). The implementation of 3D mapping systems in the ablation of ventricular tachycardias resulted in a significant increase in the procedure time (p=0.001) without significant differences regarding the DAP (p=0.773) and fluoroscopy time (p=0.249). Use of 3D mapping systems in ablation of supraventricular tachycardias is associated with lower radiation exposure. Nevertheless, the procedure time often increases, except in the case of ablation for AP. Use of contact force catheters and multipolar mapping catheters is associated with yet lower radiation exposure values. Prospective randomized studies are needed to further elucidate potential benefit of these technological tools.

3D versus 2D laparoscopic distal gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

While laparoscopic gastrectomy is a prominent therapeutic approach for distal gastric cancer, the clinical benefits of 3D laparoscopy over 2D laparoscopy remain unclear. We aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of 3D laparoscopy and 2D laparoscopy for distal gastric cancer resection through a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases for studies published from inception through January 2023, according to the PRISMA guidelines. The MD or RR was used to compare 3D and 2D distal gastrectomy. Random-effects meta-analysis was estimated using the inverse variance and Mantel-Haenszel method for binary outcomes and the DerSimonian-Laird estimator for continuous outcomes. After reviewing 559 studies, 6 manuscripts met the inclusion criteria. The analysis included 689 patients, with 348 (50.5%) in the 3D group and 341 (49.5%) in the 2D group. 3D laparoscopic gastrectomy reduces the operative time (WMD - 28.57min, 95% CI - 50.70 to - 6.44, p = 0.011), intraoperative blood loss (WMD - 6.69mL, 95% CI - 8.09 to - 5.29, p < 0.001), and postoperative hospital stay (WMD - 0.92days, 95% CI - 1.43 to - 0.42, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in time to first postoperative flatus (WMD - 0.22days, 95% CI - 0.50 to 0.05, p = 0.110), postoperative complications (Relative Risk 0.56, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.41, p = 0.217), and the number of retrieved lymph nodes (WMD 1.25, 95% CI - 0.54 to 3.03, p = 0.172) between 3 and 2D laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. Our study highlights the potential advantages of 3D laparoscopy in distal gastrectomy, including shorter operative time, postoperative hospital stay, and decreased intraoperative blood loss.

Mesenchymal stem cells paracrine proteins from three-dimensional dynamic culture system promoted wound healing in third-degree burn models.

Recovery of skin function remains a significant clinical challenge for deep burns owing to the severe scar formation and poor appendage regeneration, and stem cell therapy has shown great potential for injured tissue regeneration. Here, a cell-free therapy system for deep burn skin was explored using mesenchymal stem cell paracrine proteins (MSC-PP) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) temperature-sensitive hydrogels. A three-dimensional (3D) dynamic culture system for MSCs' large-scale expansion was established using a porous gelatin microcarrier crosslinked with hyaluronic acid (PGM-HA), and the purified MSC-PP from culture supernatant was characterized by mass spectrometric analysis. The results showed the 3D dynamic culture system regulated MSCs cell cycle, reduced apoptosis, and decreased lactic acid content, and the MSC-PP produced in 3D group can promote cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion. The MSC-PP + PEG system maintained stable release in 28 days of observation in vitro. The in vivo therapeutic efficacy was investigated in the rabbit's third-degree burn model, and saline, PEG, MSC-PP, and MSC-PP + PEG treatments groups were set. The in vivo results showed that the MSC-PP + PEG group significantly improved wound healing, inhibited scar formation, and facilitated skin appendage regeneration. In conclusion, the MSC-PP + PEG sustained-release system provides a potentially effective treatment for deep burn skin healing.

Impact of ground glass opacity in a three-dimensional analysis for pathological findings and prognosis in stage IA pure solid lung cancer.

We investigated whether a three-dimensional (3D) analysis could correct the discrepancy between conventional computed tomography findings and pathological findings and contribute to prognostic stratification in early pure solid lung cancer. A total of 370 patients with two-dimensional (2D) pure solid, clinical stage IA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who underwent complete resection at our hospital between January 2010 and March 2021 were included in the present study. We classified the patients into the 3D solid group and the 3D ground glass opacity (GGO) group according to the consolidation volume/tumor volume ratio (C/T volume ratio) measured using a Synapse Vincent 3D analysis workstation, and compared the pathological findings and prognosis between the two groups. There were 142 (38.4%) patients in the 3D GGO group. Lepidic lesions were significantly more frequent in the 3D GGO group (27.6% vs. 59.2%, P<0.001). Lymphatic invasion, vascular invasion and lymph node metastasis were significantly more frequent in the 3D solid group (52.2% vs. 27.5%, P<0.001; 67.5% vs. 43.0%, P<0.001; 22.3% vs. 11.2%, P=0.04). A Cox proportional hazards multivariate analysis for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) showed that 3D solid was an independent poor prognostic factor [hazard ratio (HR): 1.981, P=0.02; HR: 1.815, P=0.02]. Kaplan-Meier curves for 5-year OS (74.1% vs. 87.8%, P<0.001) and 5-year RFS (65.6% vs. 84.9%, P<0.001) showed significant differences between the two groups. The C/T volume ratio determined by a 3D analysis detects GGO and reflects the pathological findings, and further prognostic stratification is possible in early 2D pure solid lung cancer.

Radiomics-Based Quality Control System for Automatic Cardiac Segmentation: A Feasibility Study.

In the past decade, there has been a rapid increase in the development of automatic cardiac segmentation methods. However, the automatic quality control (QC) of these segmentation methods has received less attention. This study aims to address this gap by developing an automatic pipeline that incorporates DL-based cardiac segmentation and radiomics-based quality control. In the DL-based localization and segmentation part, the entire heart was first located and cropped. Then, the cropped images were further utilized for the segmentation of the right ventricle cavity (RVC), myocardium (MYO), and left ventricle cavity (LVC). As for the radiomics-based QC part, a training radiomics dataset was created with segmentation tasks of various quality. This dataset was used for feature extraction, selection, and QC model development. The model performance was then evaluated using both internal and external testing datasets. In the internal testing dataset, the segmentation model demonstrated a great performance with a dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 0.954 for whole heart segmentations. Images were then appropriately cropped to 160 × 160 pixels. The models also performed well for cardiac substructure segmentations. The DSC values were 0.863, 0.872, and 0.940 for RVC, MYO, and LVC for 2D masks and 0.928, 0.886, and 0.962 for RVC, MYO, and LVC for 3D masks with an attention-UNet. After feature selection with the radiomics dataset, we developed a series of models to predict the automatic segmentation quality and its DSC value for the RVC, MYO, and LVC structures. The mean absolute values for our best prediction models were 0.060, 0.032, and 0.021 for 2D segmentations and 0.027, 0.017, and 0.011 for 3D segmentations, respectively. Additionally, the radiomics-based classification models demonstrated a high negative detection rate of >0.85 in all 2D groups. In the external dataset, models showed similar results. We developed a pipeline including cardiac substructure segmentation and QC at both the slice (2D) and subject (3D) levels. Our results demonstrate that the radiomics method possesses great potential for the automatic QC of cardiac segmentation.

Mixed Reality Improves 3D Visualization and Spatial Awareness of Bone Tumors for Surgical Planning in Orthopaedic Oncology: A Proof of Concept Study.

In orthopedic oncology, computer navigation and 3D-printed guides facilitate precise osteotomies only after surgical exposure. Before surgeries start, it is challenging to mentally process and superimpose the virtual medical images onto patients' anatomy for preoperative surgical planning. Mixed Reality (MR) is an immersive technology merging real and virtual worlds, and users can interact with digital objects in real time. Through Head-Mounted Displays, surgeons directly visualize holographic models that overlaid on tumor patients. The technology may facilitate surgical planning before skin incisions. Nine bone tumor patients were included (July 2021 - Dec 2022). There were six primary bone sarcomas, two benign bone tumors, and one revision pelvic prosthesis. MR applications were created using patients' preoperative medical images. The surgeon examined each patient clinically using the conventional method of viewing 2D images and MR via HMD, Hololens 2. A Likert-Scale (LS) questionnaire and The National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) score were used to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of surgical planning and the surgeon's clinical cognitive workload for the two methods. The qualitative survey of the LS questionnaire suggested that the MR group had superior spatial awareness of tumors and was considered more effective as a preoperative planning tool than the conventional group. For NASA-TLX scores, the overall cognitive workload was lower in MR 3D hologram group than in the 2D Group for preoperative clinical assessment. When using MR technology with HMDs, the surgeon reported no discomfort. MR technology may improve 3D visualization and spatial awareness of bone tumors in patients' anatomies and may facilitate surgical planning before skin incisions in orthopedic oncology surgery. With less cognitive load and better ergonomics, surgeons can focus on patients and surgical tasks with MR technology. Further studies must investigate whether MR technology improves clinical outcomes.

Usefulness of three-dimensional thoracoscope for prone position thoracoscopic esophagectomy improves mediastinal lymph node dissection and prognosis for esophageal cancer.

This study aimed to assess the superiority of 3D flexible thoracoscope against 2D thoracoscope for lymph node dissection (LND) and prognosis for prone-position thoracoscopic esophagectomy (TE) in esophageal cancer. Three hundred and sixty-seven esophageal cancer patients who underwent prone-position TE with 3-field LND between 2009 and 2018 were evaluated. 2D and 3D thoracoscope was used in 182 (2D group) and 185 cases (3D group), respectively. Short-term surgical outcomes, numbers of retrieved mediastinal lymph node (LN), and rates of LN recurrence were compared. Risk factors for mediastinal LN recurrence and long-time prognosis were also evaluated. No differences in postoperative complications were observed between the groups. The numbers of retrieved mediastinal LN were significantly higher, and the rates of LN recurrence were significantly lower in the 3D group compared to 2D group. Use of 2D thoracoscope was a significant independent factor of middle mediastinal LN recurrence by multivariable analysis. Survival was compared by cox regression analysis, and the 3D group had a significantly better prognosis than the 2D group. Prone position TE using 3D thoracoscope may improve the accuracy of mediastinal LND and prognosis without increasing postoperative complications for esophageal cancer.

Application of a three-dimensional printed pelvic model in laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer.

To investigate the application value of a three-dimensional (3D) printed pelvic model in laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer. Clinical data of patients undergoing laparoscopic radical rectal cancer surgery in The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang City from May 2020 to April 2022 were selected. Patients were randomly divided into general imaging examination group (control group, n=25) and 3D printing group (observation group, n=25) by random number table method, and the perioperative situation of patients in the two groups was compared. There was no significant difference in general data between the two groups (p>0.05). Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative time to locate inferior mesenteric artery, intraoperative time to locate left colic artery, first postoperative exhaust time and length of hospital stay in the observation group were all lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05); There were no significant differences in the total number of lymph nodes and complications between the two groups (P > 0.05). The application of 3D printed pelvic model in laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer is conducive to understanding pelvic structure and mesenteric vascular anatomy, reducing intraoperative bleeding and shortening operation time, which is worthy of further clinical application.

Recent Progress in Synthesis and Photonic Applications of Two-Dimensional Bismuthene

The emergence of phosphorene has generated significant interest in 2D group VA nanomaterials. Among this group, bismuthene exhibits layer-dependent direct bandgaps, high carrier mobility, and topological insulator properties because of its unique structure and ultrathin nature, distinguishing it as a promising candidate for photonic applications. Particularly, its outstanding stability in air makes bismuthene more advantageous than phosphorene for practical applications. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of recent advances regarding 2D bismuth by focusing on the aspects of methods of synthesis and photonic applications. First, the structure and fundamental properties of bismuthene are described, referring to its crystallinity and band structures, as well as to its nonlinear optical properties. Subsequently, the common synthesis methods for 2D bismuth are summarized, including both top-down and bottom-up approaches. Then, potential photonic applications based on 2D bismuth, involving nonlinear photonic devices, photocatalyst, and photodetectors, are illustrated. The performance, mechanisms, and features of the devices are discussed. Finally, the review is summarized and some challenges and future outlooks in this field are addressed.

Evaluation of Internal Adaptation and Marginal Fit of Onlays Fabricated Using Computer-Aided Design (CAD)-Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and Three-Dimensional Printing Techniques: An In Vitro Study.

Background This in-vitro study aimed to evaluate the internal adaptation, marginal fit, and applicability of digital intraoral impression techniques for onlays fabricated using computer-aided design (CAD)-computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques using a stereomicroscope and micro-CT scan. Methodology A total of 20 extracted mandibular first molars were selected for this study. The teeth were then divided into two groups. Onlay cavities were prepared involving the mesiobuccal cusp of the mandibular first molar in both groups. After preparation, both blocks were sent to the laboratory for fabrication of onlays using digital impressions (Shinning 3D scanner). Once the onlays were fabricated using CAD-CAM and 3D printing, a replica technique with monophase medium body impression material was used to assess the marginal fit and internal adaptation. The accuracy of internal adaptation was evaluated and compared using a stereomicroscope at 20× magnification. Measurements were taken at proximal margins, the inner axial wall, and the occlusal cavosurface area according to the Molin and Karlsson criteria. The same samples of both groups were studied for marginal fit using a micro-CT scan and values were recorded. The data collected were statistically analyzed using an independent Student's t-test. Results Independent Student's t-test results demonstrated that the mean thickness values of the material in the CAD-CAM group at occlusal cavosurface area, proximal area, and axial area were significantly higher when compared to the 3D printing group at p <0.001 and 0.005, respectively. Conclusions Internal adaptation and marginal fit of 3D-printed onlays were significantly lower than CAD-CAM onlays whereas the accuracy of 3D-printed onlays was significantly better than CAD-CAM onlays.

Green‐Solvent‐Processed High‐Performance Ternary Organic Solar Cells Comprising a Highly Soluble and Fluorescent Third Component

AbstractNowadays, it is still a great challenge to obtain high‐performance green‐solvent‐processed organic solar cells (OSCs). In this study, a ternary blend strategy (one donor and two acceptors, 1D/2A) is developed to solve the difficulty of film morphology modulation during the fabrication of high‐performance green‐solvent‐processed OSCs. A typical high‐performance halogenated‐solvent processable binary system D18:BTP‐eC9‐4F is selected as the host, its green‐solvents‐processed devices show an inferior power conversion efficiency (PCE) of ≈16%. SM16 with two 3D shape persistent end groups is selected as the third component due to its high fluorescence quantum yield, reduced intermolecular interaction, good solubility, and moderate crystallinity. As a result, the ternary devices display bicontinuous interpenetrating networks, reduced energy loss, and suppressed charge carrier recombination losses. Hence, an excellent PCE of 18.20% is achieved for the D18:BTP‐eC9‐4F:SM16 ternary devices, which is much higher than D18:BTP‐eC9‐4F‐based binary ones and also one of the highest PCEs for the green‐solvents‐processed OSCs. Besides, this strategy also demonstrates a good universality for other binary systems and becomes an effective pathway for the development of green‐solvent processable high‐performance OSCs.

Characterization of 3D-Bioprinted In Vitro Lung Cancer Models Using RNA-Sequencing Techniques.

To construct an in vitro lung cancer model using 3D bioprinting and evaluate the feasibility of the model. Transcriptome sequencing was used to compare the differential genes and functions of 2D and 3D lung cancer cells. 1. A549 cells were mixed with sodium alginate/gelatine/fibrinogen as 3D-printed biological ink to construct a hydrogel scaffold for the in vitro model of lung cancer; 2. A hydrogel scaffold was printed using a extrusion 3D bioprinter; 3. The printed lung cancer model was evaluated in vitro; and 4. A549 cells cultured in 2D and 3D tumour models in vitro were collected, and RNA-seq conducted bioinformatics analysis. 1. The in vitro lung cancer model printed using 3D-bioprinting technology was a porous microstructure model, suitable for the survival of A549 cells. Compared with the 2D cell-line model, the 3D model is closer to the fundamental human growth environment; 2. There was no significant difference in cell survival rate between the 2D and 3D groups; 3. In the cell proliferation rate measurement, it was found that the cells in the 2D group had a speedy growth rate in the first five days, but after five days, the growth rate slowed down. Cell proliferation showed a declining process after the ninth day of cell culture. However, cells in the 3D group showed a slow growth process at the beginning, and the growth rate reached a peak on the 12th day. Then, the growth rate showed a downward trend; and 4. RNA-seq compared A549 cells from 2D and 3D lung cancer models. A total of 3112 genes were differentially expressed, including 1189 up-regulated and 1923 down-regulated genes, with p-value ≤ 0.05 and |Log2Ratio| ≥ 1 as screening conditions. After functional enrichment analysis of differential genes, these differential genes affect the biological regulation of A549 cells, thus promoting lung cancer progression. This study uses 3D-bioprinting technology to construct a tumour model of lung cancer that can grow sustainably in vitro. Three-dimensional bioprinting may provide a new research platform for studying the lung cancer TME mechanism and anticancer drug screening.

HYPERTENSION AND ANTIHYPERTENSIVE THERAPY IMPAIR RESPIRATORY FUNCTION

Objective: Tight relationship between respiratory and vascular system appear obvious and several studies showed an association between lung function and hypertension. Furthermore, antihypertensive treatment itself might have an effect on lung function. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine association of hypertension and its treatment with respiratory function. Design and method: In order to evaluate the respiratory system functional state in hypertensive patients we studied 107 patients (mean 49,5±2,7 years old) with mild (1st group), moderate (2nd group) essential hypertension (EH) and neurocirculatory hypertensive asthenia (3d group), for control we observed 30 healthy subjects (4th group). Furthermore, stratification of treatment non-compliant and compliant patients was made to observe the possible impact of antihypertensive treatment. All patients had no chronic respiratory disease in anamnesis and were randomized dependently from the blood pressure levels. Parameters of the respiratory system function were examined by computer spirography. Results: Such predictive and active parameters of computer spirography as Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume after 1s (FEV1), FEV1 as % of Inspiratory Vital Capacity (FEV1%VCIN), FEV1 as % of FVC (FEV1E), and Peak Inspiratory Flow (PIF) did not significantly differ between 1st, 3d and 4th observed groups. But in the 1st and a little bit less in the 3d groups data of active parameters mentioned above were insignificantly lower (p&gt;0.05) compared to healthy individuals. In the 2nd group patients MVV, FEV1%VCIN, FEV1E were uncertainly lower (p&gt;0.05) than in the 1st and 3d groups, but were still border-normal with tendency to forming combined respiratory and heart failure. Antihypertensive treatment was associated with a deterioration in FEV1 by -150.3±12.78 ml (p = 0.01) and in FVC by -190.2±20.05 ml (p&lt;0.01). With both high blood pressure and antihypertensive medication as individual variables in one regression model, only medication decreased FEV1 and FVC statistically significantly (p&lt;0.01). Conclusions: Thus, a tendency for aggravation of the active parameters of respiratory function in patients with arterial hypertension is dependent on the blood pressure levels and use of antihypertensive medications.