Extrusion Rate Research Articles

Efficiency Manipulation of Filaments Fusion in UV‐Assisted Direct Ink Writing

This study systematically investigates the ultraviolet‐assisted direct ink writing (UV‐DIW) process, focusing on the influence of critical parameters, including UV intensity, the ratio of printing speed to ink extrusion rate (), and relative nozzle height (H/h), on filament fusion and structural morphology. The rheological behavior of photosensitive resin ink is analyzed, revealing that UV irradiation induces a fluid‐to‐solid transition critical for shape retention and structural integrity. The results demonstrate that UV intensity plays a pivotal role in controlling filament fusion, with insufficient curing causing filament sagging and excessive fusion, while higher UV intensities improve structural fidelity. Additionally, printability (Pr), calculated from cross‐sectional analysis, is used as a quantitative metric to assess filament fusion quality and structure preservation. Parameter phase diagrams are developed to visually map the relationships among printing variables, providing a framework for optimizing UV‐DIW conditions. The successful fabrication of dense solid blocks without filament interfaces highlights the potential of UV‐DIW for producing high‐quality, defect‐free 3D structures. This work provides valuable insights into parameter tuning, paving the way for advanced applications in manufacturing, biomedical engineering, and material science.

PARL regulates porcine oocyte meiotic maturation by mediating mitochondrial activity.

PARL is a rhomboid membrane protein that plays a crucial role in regulating the metabolism and maintaining the homeostasis of mitochondria which provide important energy and material reserves for oocyte maturation. However, the impact of PARL on oocyte maturation remains poorly understood. Here, we elucidated the pivotal role of PARL in oocyte maturation through its regulatory effects on mitochondrial activity. Specifically, our findings revealed that inhibiting PARL expression by interfering with RNA transcription in oocytes led to a substantial decrease in the rate of first polar body extrusion and early development of parthenogenetically activated embryos. Moreover, PARL deficiency disrupted mitochondrial distribution and activity, leading to the accumulation of ROS, abnormal distribution of CGs and actin, increased tubulin acetylation modification, disturbed spindle assembly and chromosome alignment, ultimately caused DNA damage in porcine oocytes at the metaphase II stage. Intriguingly, PARL deficiency did not cause occurrence of apoptosis in oocytes. Furthermore, our study highlighted that PARL deficiency caused the aberrant expression of genes associated with oocyte maturation, particularly those genes associated with mitochondrial function and DNA integrity. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the indispensable role of PARL in orchestrating porcine oocyte meiotic maturation though its modulation of mitochondrial activity.

Frontalis sling surgery - pediatric versus adult population: characteristics and outcomes

PurposeFrontalis sling surgery is a common method for ptosis correction for both pediatric and adult populations. This study aims to compare the characteristics and outcomes of this surgery in these two populations.MethodsA retrospective cohort study. Patients who underwent frontalis sling surgery between the years 2009 and 2024, with complete medical chart data, and had at least a one-month follow-up period were included. Age, gender, ptosis type, type of sling, complications, and re-surgery were analyzed.ResultsA total of 62 patients were included, with 41 patients in the pediatric group and 21 patients in the adult group. The mean age was 4.7 ± 5.0 and 46.04 ± 18.33 years old in the pediatric and adult groups, respectively. The most common etiology of ptosis in the pediatric group was simple congenital (70%), while the most common etiology in the adult group was myogenic ptosis due to a systemic condition (47%) (p < 0.001). Baseline pre-operative MRD1 (marginal reflex distance 1) was lower in the adult group compared to the pediatric ( -0.37 ± 1.21 mm vs. 0.36 ± 0.65 mm respectively (t-test, p = 0.04)). However, the mean change in MRD1 (pre-operative to postoperative) was not significantly different for both groups (t-test, p = 0.5). A higher rate of sling extrusion was observed among the adult group (0% of pediatrics vs. 14% of adults, chi-square, p = 0.013). A higher number of previous sling surgeries were found to be positively correlated (r = 0.672) with overall postoperative complications (Pearson correlation. p = 0.006).ConclusionFrontalis sling surgery varies between adult and pediatric patients regarding etiology, preoperative findings, surgical approach, and complications. Adults experienced higher rates of complications such as sling extrusion and dry eye. Moreover, an increased number of previous sling surgeries was associated with a rise in postoperative complications such as suture dehiscence, extrusion, and granuloma formation. Consequently, frontalis sling procedures should be regarded as a last resort for ptosis correction in adults due to the elevated risk of complications.

Influence of thermal stress during in vitro maturation on the developmental competence of oocytes and embryos and the expression of Sirtuins in cumulus oocyte complexes in cattle

Sirtuins are of central importance in many cellular functions and promote cell survival under stress. However, little information is available regarding the relationship between sirtuins and female reproductive biology, especially in response to thermal stress. This study investigated the influence of moderately high (40°C) and low (37°C) thermal stress during in vitro maturation on the development competence of bovine oocytes and embryos. The expression and abundance of sirtuins and other proteins involved in stress response were also studied. The cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) of Simmental (Bos taurus) cows underwent in vitro maturation (IVM) at different temperatures (37°C, 38.5°C and 40°C). Before maturation, the oocytes were stained with Brilliant Cresyl Blue (BCB) and categorized as labeled (BCB+) or unlabeled (BCB-). Embryo production was analyzed at the different IVM temperatures. Polar body extrusion was evaluated following IVM, and the mRNA and protein abundance of sirtuins and P53 in oocytes and cumulus cells were analyzed. The differing temperatures during IVM did not significantly alter polar body extrusion and cleavage rates; however, significant differences in blastocyst production were observed. COCs matured at 38.5°C (control, 37.3%) had the highest blastocyst rate, in contrast to those matured at 37°C (33.2%) and 40°C (21.5%). In all groups, the blastocyst rates were higher for BCB+ oocytes than for BCB- oocytes. In BCB+ oocytes, the expression of SIRT1, SIRT2, SIRT3, and SIRT5 genes was higher after maturation than that before maturation and in most of the cases, the expression was higher when IVM was performed at 38.5°C. In the cumulus cells of BCB+ COCs, only SIRT2 remained unaffected by the maturation temperature. In summary, the temperature change of ±1.5°C for 24 h during bovine oocyte maturation impaired in vitro embryo development. This lead to several cellular biochemical alterations in oocytes and granulosa cells from COCs with higher developmental competence (BCB+). Thus, SIRT1 is important for in vitro embryonic development and may protect against cold and heat stress.

Remote assessment of ‘Type C’ implantable satellite tag extrusion using light sensors

Advances in engineering and long‐term monitoring projects have greatly increased the sophistication of cetacean biologging methods and technology. While implantable cetacean tags naturally extrude and eventually fall off, satellite tag duration for large whales is still highly variable and often below expected longevity based on battery life alone. Causes of tag failure are difficult to determine and may include natural extrusion of the device, transmitter failure during deployment, or post‐deployment damage. Tags deployed during a study designed to assess tag performance and impacts in humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Gulf of Maine between 2011 and 2015 were equipped with a sensor designed to detect light exposure. Light sensor readings were evaluated based on follow‐up photos of 30 whales in order to investigate whether recorded light levels could serve as a remote indicator of tag extrusion distance. There was a direct correlation between the amount of extrusion and daytime light levels; fully embedded tags recorded no light, while tags that had extruded enough to fully expose the light sensor recorded full light levels. Partially extruded tags recorded variable light levels throughout daylight hours, likely due to irregular or partial exposure of the light sensor. While the single‐sensor design cannot describe the fine‐scale rate of tag extrusion, additional light sensors placed along the length of the tag and a visible indicator of sensor orientation would greatly improve remote diagnostics. These results show that light levels may be used as an indicator of extrusion and highlight their potential value for understanding tag performance.

A 4-year follow-up of root canal obturation using a calciumsilicate-based sealer and a zinc oxide-eugenol sealer: Arandomized clinical trial.

This randomized clinical trial assessed the outcomes of nonsurgical root canal treatment (RCT), comparing a calcium silicate-based sealer (CSBS) with the single-cone technique (SC) with a zinc oxide-eugenol (ZOE) sealer and warm vertical compaction (WVC). Ninety-two single- and multi-rooted teeth were divided into two groups and treated using either the SC with BioRoot™ RCS (BIO) or WVC with Pulp Canal Sealer™ EWT (PCS). Teeth with apical periodontitis (AP) in both groups were further divided into BIOAP and PCSAP subgroups. Standardized instrumentation and disinfection protocols were followed. Periapical index (PAI) was recorded, and clinical and radiographic follow-ups were conducted at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 months. Outcomes considered included success rate (under strict and loose criteria), extraction, length of filling, voids, and extrusion rate, as well as changes in PAI score from baseline. Outcome variables and prognostic factors were analysed using binary and multiple logistic regression at p < .05. Sixty-seven teeth were included (recall rate, 73%). At 4-year follow-up, the overall success rates (BIO + PCS) were 89.6% by loose criteria and 83.3% by strict criteria. Subgroup success rates (BIOAP+PCSAP) were 88.5% by loose criteria and 80.4% by strict criteria. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of success rate, extraction rate, length of filling, voids, or extrusion (p > .05). The pattern of PAI reduction was similar in both groups (p = .806). Treatment using the SC-CSBS technique and the ZOE sealer with the WVC technique demonstrated a similar success rate.

Simultaneous placement of a bone cement implant after evisceration surgery in patients diagnosed with infectious endophthalmitis.

Endophthalmitis is a type of eye inflammation that affects all structures of the eye and is generally of infectious origin. In cases recalcitrant to intravitreal treatment or posterior vitrectomy, evisceration or enucleation are the preferable options. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement has stood out as an implant in other areas of medicine due to its great stability and healing. In this study, we will evaluate the safety and extrusion rate of the antibiotic-reinforced bone cement implant when it is decided to place it at the same surgical time as an evisceration indicated for infective endophthalmitis. Subjects of any age and gender from the Oculoplastic outpatient clinic of the Instituto de Oftalmología Fundación Conde de Valenciana, with a diagnosis of infectious endophthalmitis who required evisceration between the months of May and October 2012, were included. 20 subjects were included, of which 55% (11) were men, and 45% (9) women, with an average age range of 51-80 years. No complications were evidenced in the immediate postoperative period or in the follow-up of 1, 3 and 6 months, and in all cases, the correct position of the implant was confirmed with computed tomography. In patients diagnosed with infectious endophthalmitis of any cause, evisceration and implantation of bone cement in a single surgical time is a safe and effective option.

Beta-aminoisobutyric acid improves bovine oocyte maturation and subsequent embryonic development by promoting lipid catabolism.

Energy metabolism homeostasis is essential for oocyte maturation and acquisition of developmental capacity. However, bovine oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) is highly susceptible to metabolic stress and lipid accumulation. β-Aminoisobutyric acid (BAIBA), a metabolite produced in response to skeletal muscle exercise, has been reported to be involved in lipid and glucose metabolism, as well as inflammation and oxidative stress. This work aimed to evaluate the potential effects of BAIBA on bovine oocyte IVM and its mechanisms. Different concentrations of BAIBA (10, 20, 50, 100, and 200μmol/L) were supplemented to bovine oocyte IVM medium. Results shown the BAIBA (50μmol/L) had no effect on the extrusion rate of the first polar body of oocytes but significantly improved the subsequent blastocyst formation rate and embryo quality. Further revealed that supplementing BAIBA significantly up-regulated expression levels of genes to fatty acid β-oxidation metabolism (CPT1A, CPT1B and CPT2), promoted lipid metabolism, lowered lipid content, and improved mitochondrial membrane potential and active mitochondria content. Importantly, BAIBA stimulation significantly increased the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK); and the inhibition of AMPK activity (Compound C, AMPK inhibitor) suppressed the ability of BAIBA to promote lipid metabolism in oocytes. Besides, inhibition of AMPK lowered the oocyte maturation rate and the subsequent zygote cleavage and blastocyst formation rate when compared to that of the BAIBA treatment. The results indicated that BAIBA was mainly involved in promoting lipid catabolism by activation of AMPK, consequently enhancing oocyte development potential.

A multivariate study on the effect of 3D printing parameters on the printability of gluten-free composite dough.

The advancement of three-dimensional (3D) food printing technology is significantly influencing the food processing industry. The present study utilized extrusion 3D printing to create a gluten-free dough composed of little millet flour (LMF), amaranth seed flour (ASF) and curry leaf flour (CLF). The primary objective was to elucidate the effects of various extrusion-based 3D printing conditions, including extruder nozzle diameter (ND), extrusion rate (ER), print speed (PS) and layer height (LH) on the printability parameters of the dough. In this study, three formulations of composite dough were prepared (i.e., S1, S2 and S3) by varying LMF, ASF and CLF compositions; among which S1 composite (LMF:ASF:CLF::30:60:10 w/w) was found to have comparable viscoelastic properties with the wheat dough. Central composite design (CCD) was selected with 30 experimental runs and 3D dough samples were printed using S1 composite by varying ND, ER, PS and LH. Principal component analysis of the printed samples accounted for 82.75% of variability and classified the samples into three confidence ellipses. From the results of the CCD model, four solution parameters in terms of ND:ER:PS:LH::mm: pulse μL-1:mm s-1:%, namely, P1 (1.8:115:8:70), P2 (1.6:115:7.8:65), P3 (2:100:7.8:55) and P4 (2:105:6.2:75), with high desirability value (> 0.85) were selected for sample 3D printing and post-baking analysis. The P1 sample was found to have least print deformations, highest print fidelity (85.66%), and lowest hardness (55.95 N) and fracturability (39.66 N) values, and hence was selected as optimized product. The present study provides parametric solutions for efficient 3D printing of gluten-free composite dough, aligning with the increasing dietary preferences and demand of novel functional customized foods. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Design and rapid prototyping of packaging liner for rosewood craft based on gyroid infill structure

A gyroid structure is a commonly used energy-absorbing infill structure for packaging that can be prepared by fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing. In this paper, square specimens based on gyroid infill structure were designed, and the energy-absorbing performances of the square specimens were analysed by quasi-static compression testing under different printing parameters (layer height, extrusion rate, and extrusion temperature). A gourd ornament carved from rosewood was selected as the design object, and a packaging liner that highly fits the curved shape of the gourd ornament was designed through the process of reverse scanning and forward modelling. The prototype of the packaging liner was fabricated by using FDM 3D printing technology and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) filament. With decreased layer height, the energy absorption (EA) value of the gyroid infill structure increased, while the specific energy absorption (SEA) value first increased and then decreased. With the increased extrusion rate, the EA value of the gyroid infill structure increased, and the SEA value increased. With increased extrusion temperature, the EA and SEA values of the gyroid infill structure increased. The packaging liner developed based on the gyroid infill structure and the optimised printing parameters exhibited strong energy-absorbing performance.

Cohesin distribution alone predicts chromatin organization in yeast via conserved-current loop extrusion

BackgroundInhomogeneous patterns of chromatin-chromatin contacts within 10–100-kb-sized regions of the genome are a generic feature of chromatin spatial organization. These features, termed topologically associating domains (TADs), have led to the loop extrusion factor (LEF) model. Currently, our ability to model TADs relies on the observation that in vertebrates TAD boundaries are correlated with DNA sequences that bind CTCF, which therefore is inferred to block loop extrusion. However, although TADs feature prominently in their Hi-C maps, non-vertebrate eukaryotes either do not express CTCF or show few TAD boundaries that correlate with CTCF sites. In all of these organisms, the counterparts of CTCF remain unknown, frustrating comparisons between Hi-C data and simulations.ResultsTo extend the LEF model across the tree of life, here, we propose the conserved-current loop extrusion (CCLE) model that interprets loop-extruding cohesin as a nearly conserved probability current. From cohesin ChIP-seq data alone, we derive a position-dependent loop extrusion rate, allowing for a modified paradigm for loop extrusion, that goes beyond solely localized barriers to also include loop extrusion rates that vary continuously. We show that CCLE accurately predicts the TAD-scale Hi-C maps of interphase Schizosaccharomyces pombe, as well as those of meiotic and mitotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae, demonstrating its utility in organisms lacking CTCF.ConclusionsThe success of CCLE in yeasts suggests that loop extrusion by cohesin is indeed the primary mechanism underlying TADs in these systems. CCLE allows us to obtain loop extrusion parameters such as the LEF density and processivity, which compare well to independent estimates.

Enhancing porcine oocyte quality and embryo development through natural antioxidants

During fetal development, primordial oocytes maintain their developmental potential through a ROS-minimizing metabolic mechanism. Maturation increases ROS levels, causing stress and damage, which are countered by in vivo antioxidants. In vitro maturation (IVM) worsens this due to fewer antioxidant presence and medium factors. To address this, we evaluated the effects of incorporating various natural antioxidants in the porcine oocyte IVM media. Our findings revealed that 10 μM Dendrobine (DEN), 1 μM Polydatin (PD), 20 μM Limonin (LIM), and 25 μM Nobiletin (NOB) significantly improved the first polar body extrusion rates (p < 0.05), reduced ROS, and increased GSH levels. Individual addition of 100 μg/mL Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP), 0.1 μM Kaempferol (KAE), 250 μM Salidroside (SAL), 10 μM Curcumin (CUR), DEN, PD, LIM, and NOB to the porcine IVM system showed that KAE, LIM, NOB, and LBP treatments yielded the most favorable results. At the gene level, LIM, LBP, and NOB were found to upregulate the expression levels of GPX1, SIRT1, and TFAM, while downregulating Caspase3 and increasing the BCL2/BAX ratio. The inclusion of LIM, NOB, and LBP, either alone or in combination, into the IVM media effectively alleviated oxidative stress in porcine oocytes, decreased cell apoptosis, preserved mitochondrial membrane potential, and enhanced the blastocyst rate. These results offer valuable insights for optimizing the porcine oocyte IVM culture system.

Optimization of 3D Printing Parameters of High Viscosity PEEK/30GF Composites.

The aim of this study was to optimize a set of technological parameters (travel speed, extruder temperature, and extrusion rate) for 3D printing with a PEEK-based composite reinforced with 30 wt.% glass fibers (GFs). For this purpose, both Taguchi and finite element methods (FEM) were utilized. The artificial neural networks (ANNs) were implemented for computer simulation of full-scale experiments. Computed tomography of the additively manufactured (AM) samples showed that the optimal 3D printing parameters were the extruder temperature of 460 °C, the travel speed of 20 mm/min, and the extrusion rate of 4 rpm (the microextruder screw rotation speed). These values correlated well with those obtained by computer simulation using the ANNs. In such cases, the homogeneous micro- and macro-structures were formed with minimal sample distortions and porosity levels within 10 vol.% of both structures. The most likely reason for porosity was the expansion of the molten polymer when it had been squeezed out from the microextruder nozzle. It was concluded that the mechanical properties of such samples can be improved both by changing the 3D printing strategy to ensure the preferential orientation of GFs along the building direction and by reducing porosity via post-printing treatment or ultrasonic compaction.

Direct Ink Write 3D Printing of Fully Dense and Functionally Graded Liquid Metal Elastomer Foams

AbstractLiquid metal (LM) elastomer composites offer promising potential in soft robotics, wearable electronics, and human‐machine interfaces. Direct ink write (DIW) 3D printing offers a versatile manufacturing technique capable of precise control over LM microstructures, yet challenges such as interfilament void formation in multilayer structures impact material performance. Here, a DIW strategy is introduced to control both LM microstructure and material architecture. Investigating three key process parameters–nozzle height, extrusion rate, and nondimensionalized nozzle velocity–it is found that nozzle height and velocity predominantly influence filament geometry. The nozzle height primarily dictates the aspect ratio of the filament and the formation of voids. A threshold print height based on filament geometry is identified; below the height, significant surface roughness occurs, and above the ink fractures, which facilitates the creation of porous structures with tunable stiffness and programmable LM microstructure. These porous architectures exhibit reduced density and enhanced thermal conductivity compared to cast samples. When used as a dielectric in a soft capacitive sensor, they display high sensitivity (gauge factor = 9.0), as permittivity increases with compressive strain. These results demonstrate the capability to simultaneously manipulate LM microstructure and geometric architecture in LM elastomer composites through precise control of print parameters, while maintaining geometric fidelity in the printed design.

Rescue ICSI Improved Cumulative Live Birth Rate for Cycles with Second Polar Body Extrusion Rate

ObjectiveTo determine the indications for early rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) application. DesignA retrospective cohort study SubjectsThe study included 19,808 patients who underwent conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) or rescue ICSI for their first cycles between February 2017 and December 2021. ExposureRescue ICSI cycles constituted the study group, where oocytes that had not extruded the second polar body 4-6 hours after insemination were rescued by ICSI. The control group consisted of conventional IVF cycles with no interventions to rescue oocytes without the second polar body. Generalized additive models (GAMs) were constructed to describe the relationship between the second polar body extrusion rate and cumulative live birth rate in conventional IVF and rescue ICSI cycles, respectively. The cutoff value of the second polar body extrusion rate guiding rescue ICSI application was determined from the intersection point of GAMs. Maternal age range applicable to rescue ICSI was further analyzed using the same method. Clinical outcomes were compared between conventional IVF and rescue ICSI cycles across different second polar body extrusion rate and maternal age subgroups. Main outcome measuresThe second polar body extrusion rate and maternal age range for rescue ICSI application, normal fertilization rate, and cumulative live birth rate. ResultsGAMs showed that the cutoff value for the second polar body extrusion rate about rescue ICSI application was 50%. When the rate <50%, normal fertilization rate and cumulative live birth rate (63.7% vs. 46.1%, OR: 1.609, 95% CI: 1.276-2.030) were significantly higher in rescue ICSI cycles than conventional IVF cycles. When the rate ≥50%, rescue ICSI cycles had similar normal fertilization rate and cumulative live birth rate compared to conventional IVF cycles. Further analysis on maternal age in cycles with second polar body extrusion rate <50% released that rescue ICSI cycles showed a higher cumulative live birth rate (67.7% vs. 48.3%, OR: 1.732, 95% CI: 1.361-2.202) than conventional IVF cycles for women aged < 38 years. ConclusionIVF cycles with second polar body extrusion rate <50% in women aged < 38 years was applicable to early rescue ICSI.

Thermal and energy efficiency in 3D-printed buildings: Review of geometric design, materials and printing processes

Applying 3D printing in construction is a promising, sustainable alternative to conventional methods. However, the thermal and energy performance of 3D-printed buildings remains underexplored, particularly regarding the interactions between geometric design, material selection, and printing parameters. This review addresses this gap by critically examining how the main steps of the printing process impact the thermal efficiency of 3D-printed buildings. Key findings indicate that material development needs to focus on mixes that balance thermal properties,printability,and structural integrity. The review demonstrates how optimising wall cross-sections and cavity shapes can reduce thermal conductivity and enhance energy efficiency. Innovative geometric designs, such as cellular and honeycomb structures, have shown improvements in thermal insulation. Optimising printing parameters, such as extrusion rate and nozzle travel speed, is crucial to minimising thermal bridges and reducing material anisotropy. Advanced numerical models, validated by experimental data and incorporating factors like inhomogeneous porosity, anisotropy, and surface roughness, are essential for accurately predicting the thermal behaviour of 3D-printed structures. The review underscores the need for large-scale, long-term performance studies of 3D-printed buildings under diverse climatic conditions. Additionally, developing standardised fabrication protocols and testing methods is essential for ensuring consistent quality and broader adoption. Addressing these research gaps is crucial to fully realising the potential of 3D printing in sustainable construction and accelerating the adoption of additive manufacturing in the construction sector.

Test Procedures and Mechanical Properties of Three-Dimensional Printable Concrete Enclosing Different Mix Proportions: A Review and Bibliometric Analysis

Three-dimensional printable concrete (3DPC) has become increasingly popular in the building and architecture industries due to its low cost and fast design. Currently, there is great interest in the mix design methods and mechanical properties of 3DPC, particularly in relation to yield stress analysis. The ability to extrude and build 3D-printed objects can be significantly affected by factors such as the rate of extrusion, nozzle size, and type of pumps used. It has been observed that a yield stress lower than 1.5 to 2.5 kPa is not sufficient to maintain the shape stability of concrete, while a yield stress above this range can limit the material’s extrudability. Furthermore, the strength properties of 3DPC are influenced by factors such as changes in yield stress and superplasticiser dosages. To meet the high mechanical strength and durability requirements of 3DPC in the construction industry, it is essential to analyse the material’s early-age mechanical properties. However, the development of standardised test methods for 3DPC is still deficient. To address this issue, a bibliometric analysis was conducted to comprehensively review the diverse test methods and mechanical characteristics of 3DPC with different mix proportions. To produce high-performance concrete from various additives and waste materials, it is critical to have a basic understanding of the hydration processes of 3DPC. Moreover, a detailed analysis of the environmental impact and energy efficiency of 3DPC is necessary for its widespread implementation. This review article will highlight the recent trends, upcoming challenges, and benefits of using 3DPC. It serves as a taxonomy to navigate the field of 3DPC towards sustainable development.

Orthodontic extrusion with fixed appliances for treatment of intrusive luxation injuries: A prospective study of 28 permanent maxillary incisors.

Limited evidence exists on the treatment options of tooth repositioning after intrusive luxation. The study aimed to investigate the outcomes and complications of orthodontic extrusion in treating intruded maxillary permanent incisors. A prospective study was conducted involving 28 intruded maxillary permanent incisors treated with orthodontic extrusion, compared with a retrospective control group of 29 teeth that underwent spontaneous re-eruption. The success rate of tooth repositioning, as well as pulp condition, periodontal healing, and root development were assessed and compared. The success rate of orthodontic extrusion was 96.4%, excluding one tooth that was ankylosed before treatment. There were no significant differences in pulp condition between the orthodontic extrusion and control groups for teeth with immature root development. Teeth with mature root development in the orthodontic group, however, showed a significantly higher rate of pulp necrosis (100%, p < .05). Periodontal healing outcomes were similar across both groups, regardless of the maturity of root development. The root length continued increasing during orthodontic extrusion treatment. Orthodontic extrusion treatment could effectively reposition moderately to severely intrusive permanent incisors, without increasing the risk of complications compared with spontaneous re-eruption.

Contact-force-based closed-loop control of shell structure additive manufacturing with continuous-fiber-reinforced polymer composites

Additive manufacturing (AM) is an automated process for fabricating complex structures, especially for continuous fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites with exceptional mechanical performance and reduced weight. The extrusion-based CFRP-AM process has been widely adopted but faces challenges with insufficient impregnation/adhesion and lack of geometrical accuracy. Existing research efforts exploit various mechatronics approaches and printing parameter adjustment techniques to enhance CFRP quality. Nevertheless, most of them are static or slow-varying; thus, they cannot dynamically adjust to local geometrical features and faults, which are particularly representative of the CFRP-AM process in high-curvature regions. To enable dynamic and rapid adjustment, this study exploits contact forces as major real-time feedback signals to dynamically control the feed velocity, layer height, and fiber extrusion rate. To create a continuous feedback control environment for dynamic adjustment, the study also proposes a novel helical CFRP-AM printing trajectory generation method for closed shell structures, such that the helical angles indirectly adjust the layer height of the parts. A material extrusion CFRP-AM platform combining a co-extrusion nozzle, an industrial robot, a six-degree-of-freedom load cell, and a real-time closed-loop control system is built to verify the proposed control framework. Three representative case studies are introduced to show the enhancements of the closed-loop CFRP-AM process, particularly in layer height adjustment, high-speed printing, and large curvature regions.

Bisphenol M inhibits mouse oocyte maturation in vitro by disrupting cytoskeleton architecture and cell cycle processes

Bisphenol M (BPM), an alternative to bisphenol A (BPA), is commonly utilized in various industrial applications. However, BPM does not represent a safe substitute for BPA due to its detrimental effects on living beings. This research aimed to assess the influence of BPM exposure on the in vitro maturation of mouse oocytes. The findings revealed that BPM exposure had a notable impact on the germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) rate and polar body extrusion (PBE) rate throughout the meiotic progression of mouse oocytes, ultimately resulting in meiotic arrest. Investigations demonstrated that oocytes exposure to BPM led to continued activation of spindle assembly checkpoint. Further studies revealed that securin and cyclin B1 could not be degraded in BPM-exposed oocytes, and meiosis could not realize the transition from the MI to the AI stage. Mechanistically, BPM exposure resulted in abnormal spindle assembly and disrupted chromosome alignment of oocytes. Additionally, abnormal positioning of microtubule organizing center-associated proteins implied that MTOC may be dysfunctional. Furthermore, an elevation in the acetylation level of α-tubulin in oocytes was observed after BPM treatment, leading to decreased microtubule stability. In addition to its impact on microtubules, BPM exposure led to a reduction in the expression of the actin, signifying the disruption of actin assembly. Further research indicated a heightened incidence of DNA damage in oocytes following BPM exposure. Besides, BPM exposure induced alterations in histone modifications. The outcomes of this experiment demonstrate that BPM exposure impairs oocyte quality and inhibits meiotic maturation of mouse oocytes.