Italy

Byline: Vincenzo Abbate, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Maxillofacial Surgery Unit Naples, University of Naples 'Federico II,' Naples; Giorgio Iaconetta, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Maxillofacial Surgery Unit Naples, University of Naples 'Federico II,' Naples; Luigi Califano, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Maxillofacial Surgery Unit Naples, University of Naples 'Federico II,' Naples; Antonio Pansini, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Maxillofacial Surgery Unit Naples, University of Naples 'Federico II,' Naples; Paola Bonavolonta, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Maxillofacial Surgery Unit Naples, University of Naples 'Federico II,' Naples; Antonio Romano, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Maxillofacial Surgery Unit Naples, University of Naples 'Federico II,' Naples; Giovanni Salzano, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Maxillofacial Surgery Unit Naples, University of Naples 'Federico II,' Naples; Teresa Somma, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Maxillofacial Surgery Unit Naples, University of Naples 'Federico II,' Naples; Luca D'Andrea, Neurosurgery Department Salerno, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy.; Giovanni Dell'Aversana Orabona, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Maxillofacial Surgery Unit Naples, University of Naples 'Federico II,' Naples Abstract BACKGROUND:: Restoring the orbital cavity integrity in orbital floor defects is a challenging issue due to the anatomical complexity of the floor's surface. This is a showcase for technical description of a novel 'in house' rapid prototyping protocol aimed to customize implant for orbital floor reconstruction. METHODS:: The authors present 4 cases to show our Computer-aided-design and Computer-aided-manufacturing digital workflow. The system was based on a 3D-printed press that; through a virtually designed mold, was used to conform a patient specific titanium mesh for orbital floor reconstruction. RESULTS:: The merging procedure analysis by iPlan Cranial 3.0 (Brainlab, Munich, Germany) highlighted a 0.71 [+ or -] 0.23 mm (P <0.05) discrepancy in a point-to-point superimposition between the digital planned reconstruction and the real in vivo result. CONCLUSIONS:: The authors expect that this technique will reduce operative time and cost however further study and larger series may better define the applicability in everyday surgical practice.

Cheek-bone -- Injuries, Cheek-bone -- Care and treatment, Postoperative care -- Patient outcomes, and Face shields -- Testing

Byline: Giovanni Dell'Aversana Orabona, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Maxillofacial Surgery Unit; Vincenzo Abbate, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Maxillofacial Surgery Unit; Fabio Maglitto, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Maxillofacial Surgery Unit; Umberto Committeri, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Maxillofacial Surgery Unit; Giovanni Improta, Department of Public Health, University of Naples 'Federico II,' Naples, Italy.; Paola Bonavolonta, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Maxillofacial Surgery Unit; Alfonso Reccia, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Maxillofacial Surgery Unit; Teresa Somma, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Neurosurgery Unit, University of Naples 'Federico II,' Naples; Giorgio Iaconetta, Neurosurgery Department, University of Salerno; Luigi Califano, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Maxillofacial Surgery Unit Abstract Zygomatic fractures account for 10% to 15% of all facial fractures. The surgical management of isolated zygomatic arch fractures usually requires open reduction treatment without fixation through an intraoral access. Therefore, the main problem in the non-fixed treatment of zygomatic arch fractures is related to the difficulty in obtaining a stable reduction for a period long enough to guarantee the physiological bone healing process. We propose an innovative 'in-house' rapid prototyping (RP) protocol for the 3D-zygoma mask manufacture of a patient-specific protective device to apply after zygomatic arch fracture reduction. Our study includes 16 consecutive patients who underwent surgical open reduction for an isolated zygoma fracture without fixation between January 2017 and February 2018. The patients received regular postoperative checks at weeks 1 and 2. Before the device was removed, a multiple choice questionnaire was administered to measure the degree of wearability of the mask. The estimated cost of the production is around &OV0556;5 per case and the construction time is around 90 minutes. Based on the encouraging results, obtained in our experience, we hope that other studies can be conducted to confirm our procedure and improve its functionality in the field of facial trauma.

Rapid prototyping, Proteins, Genetic research, Mail-order industry, Fluorescence, Protein biosynthesis, Genes, Escherichia coli, and DNA synthesis

Byline: Jared Lynn Dopp, Samuel Michael Rothstein, Thomas Joseph Mansell,Nigel Forest Reuel Keywords: cell-free protein synthesis; linear template; rolling circle amplification Abstract In this study, we present a minimal template design and accompanying methods to produce assayable quantities of custom sequence proteins within 24hr from receipt of inexpensive gene fragments from a DNA synthesis vendor. This is done without the conventional steps of plasmid cloning or cell-based amplification and expression. Instead the linear template is PCR amplified, circularized, and isothermally amplified using a rolling circle polymerase. The resulting template can be used directly with cost-optimized, scalably-manufactured Escherichia coli extract and minimal supplement reagents to perform cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) of the template protein. We demonstrate the utility of this template design and 24hr process with seven fluorescent proteins (sfGFP, mVenus, mCherry, and four GFP variants), three enzymes (chloramphenicol acetyltransferase, a chitinase catalytic domain, and native subtilisin), a capture protein (anti-GFP nanobody), and 2 antimicrobial peptides (BP100 and CA(1-7)M(2-9)). We detected each of these directly from the CFPS reaction using colorimetric, fluorogenic, and growth assays. Of especial note, the GFP variant sequences were found from genomic screening data and had not been expressed or characterized before, thus demonstrating the utility of this approach for phenotype characterization of sequenced libraries. We also demonstrate that the rolling circle amplified version of the linear template exhibits expression similar to that of a complete plasmid when expressing sfGFP in the CFPS reaction. We evaluate the cost of this approach to be $61/mg sfGFP for a 4hr reaction. We also detail limitations of this approach and strategies to overcome these, namely proteins with posttranslational modifications. CAPTION(S): Supplementary information

Theater -- Theater reviews, Rapid prototyping, Medical research, Medicine, Experimental, and CT imaging

Purpose Rapid prototyping and intraoperative computed tomography (CT) are increasingly used in orbital reconstruction when placement of implants is indicated and accurate anatomic restoration is mandatory. The purpose of this study was to review the outcomes of orbital reconstructions at a single institution and the influence of intraoperative CT and rapid prototyping on the rate of return to the operating theater. Materials and Methods A retrospective cohort analysis was performed from 2013 through 2016 to assess whether rapid prototyping and intraoperative imaging were used and the need for further revision surgery. Clinical notes were reviewed and data were collected for patient gender, age, fracture pattern, preoperative diplopia, and enophthalmos. Also noted were whether rapid prototyping and intraoperative imaging were used, the number of 'spins' required, plating systems, postoperative diplopia and enophthalmos, restoration of orbital form, and the need for further surgical intervention. Patients were excluded if no orbital implants were inserted or if they were lost to follow-up. Results Three hundred thirty-one cases of orbital trauma were reviewed (248 male and 83 female patients; age range, 7 to 96 yr; mean age, 37.5 yr). In total, 154 orbital reconstructions were performed from 2013 through 2016. Five cases required a return to the operating theater for implant revision. All 5 cases did not use intraoperative imaging (P = .0016), and 4 did not have a rapid prototype bio-model (P = .006). Twenty-five of 110 cases (22.7%) using intraoperative CT required intraoperative revision. Conclusion The present study shows improved outcomes for patients treated for orbital fractures when intraoperative imaging and rapid prototyping bio-modeling are used. As a result, postoperative imaging and the morbidity of revision surgery can be avoided. These technologies should be available and considered standard of care to any surgeon performing reconstruction of orbital fractures. Author Affiliation: (*) Consultant, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Christchurch Public Hospital, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand ([Dagger]) Registrar, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Christchurch Public Hospital, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand ([double dagger]) Head of Unit, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Christchurch Public Hospital, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand (s.) Consultant, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Christchurch Public Hospital, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand * Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr Nguyen: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Floor 5, Riverside Building, Christchurch Public Hospital, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand Article History: Received 5 January 2019; Accepted 4 February 2019 (footnote) Conflict of Interest Disclosures: None of the authors have any relevant financial relationship(s) with a commercial interest. Byline: Edward Nguyen, BDSc (Hons), MBBS (Hons), FRACDS (OMS) [edwardnguyen168@gmail.com] (*), Jamie Lockyer, BDS, Jason Erasmus, BChD, MBChB, MChD (OMS), Christopher Lim, BDSc, MBBS, FRACDS (OMS)

Magnetization and Rapid prototyping

Byline: Jon-Fredrik Nielsen, Douglas C. Noll Keywords: pulse sequence programming; pulse sequence prototyping; platform-independent; open source; open MRI Purpose To introduce a framework for rapid prototyping of MR pulse sequences. Methods We propose a simple file format, called 'TOPPE', for specifying all details of an MR imaging experiment, such as gradient and radiofrequency waveforms and the complete scan loop. In addition, we provide a TOPPE file 'interpreter' for GE scanners, which is a binary executable that loads TOPPE files and executes the sequence on the scanner. We also provide MATLAB scripts for reading and writing TOPPE files and previewing the sequence prior to hardware execution. With this setup, the task of the pulse sequence programmer is reduced to creating TOPPE files, eliminating the need for hardware-specific programming. No sequence-specific compilation is necessary; the interpreter only needs to be compiled once (for every scanner software upgrade). We demonstrate TOPPE in three different applications: k-space mapping, non-Cartesian PRESTO whole-brain dynamic imaging, and myelin mapping in the brain using inhomogeneous magnetization transfer. Results We successfully implemented and executed the three example sequences. By simply changing the various TOPPE sequence files, a single binary executable (interpreter) was used to execute several different sequences. Conclusion The TOPPE file format is a complete specification of an MR imaging experiment, based on arbitrary sequences of a (typically small) number of unique modules. Along with the GE interpreter, TOPPE comprises a modular and flexible platform for rapid prototyping of new pulse sequences. Magn Reson Med 79:3128-3134, 2018. [c] 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. Supporting information: Additional Supporting Information may be found in the online version of this article Additional Supporting Information may be found in the online version of this article. CAPTION(S): Fig. S1. Pulse sequence diagram for the k-space trajectory measurements shown in Figure 3. Fig. S2. Example of a TOPPE sequence with multiple (64) different gy and gz waveforms associated with one .mod file. Only two of the waveforms are shown. All 64 waveforms are loaded into scanner memory during sequence prescription. During sequence execution, the particular waveform to be played out is selected on-the-fly according to the corresponding entry in scanloop.txt. In this example, each waveform is of duration 40 ms. We successfully ran this sequence and switched the waveforms during sequence execution (not shown), according to the instructions in scanloop.txt. With the possibility of up to 20 different .mod files, each containing multiple waveforms, we believe TOPPE will be sufficiently flexible for most applications. However, we have observed that there appears to be a limit on total waveform memory allowed by our GE scanner: for example, the multi-waveform .mod file shown here appears to nearly reach the total memory limit. Fig. S3. Example of a relatively complex pulse sequence that is not easily implemented using traditional programming techniques: Arterial Spin Labeling with stack-of-spirals readout. Following a (velocity-selective) spin tagging pulse and a transit delay of a1/41.3 sec, a train of alternating RF excitation and data readout modules are played out (total duration a1/40.7 sec). kz (partition) encode ordering is center-out (not shown). The flip angle is increased to maintain constant signal following each excitation. For a given readout repetition interval and assuming tissue T1 of gray matter at 3T, we obtained the optimal flip angle schedule using the Matlab function fmincon. Implementing such a sequence using traditional programming techniques would be relatively laborious, and would in any case likely require the ASL tagging pulse, flip angle schedule, and perhaps the spiral readouts to be loaded from external files. Fig. S4. Another example of a relatively complex pulse sequence that is not easily implemented using traditional programming techniques: A set of 12 triangular readout gradients used to measure gradient impulse response function, as implemented in (15). Although the waveforms differ only by their time to peak (ranging from 50 to 160 I1/4s in 10 I1/4s increments), there is no direct way to encode these waveforms programmatically during run-time. In TOPPE, one can either associate each waveform with its own .mod file, or load all 12 waveforms into a single module (after zero-padding to ensure equal waveform duration).

Time to market, Product development, Thermoplastics, Sleep apnea syndromes, and Home appliances

Obstructive Sleep apnea is a public health problem. This disease is associated with daytime sleepiness, increased motor vehicle accidents, heart failure and stroke. Treatment options include weight loss, positive airway pressure, pharyngeal and orthognatic surgery. However, selected patients have good response to oral appliances devices that intended to protrude and stabilize the mandible mechanically during the night in order to reduce the collapsibility of the upper airway. Selection of patients includes primary snoring, mild, moderate and positional apnea. The perfect mandibular advance device has not yet been designed. For these reasons, the objective of this paper is to present a new thermoadjustable chair-side oral appliance. Device integrates the best characteristics of custom made and boils and bite previous designs and minimizes inconveniences and possible side effects. The device is a titratable mandibular advancement appliance. It consists of two independent prefabricated trays adaptable to the shape of adult dental arch and linked to each other by a protrusion mechanism. Each tray contains a hard outer shell and a soft thermoplastic resin inner body. The position of the jaw can be adjusted by moving an aluminum rack into, or out from, the guide so the ratchet may get locked into a certain position ensuring the length of the mechanism. The protrusion mechanism is fixed to the splint using small rings that are articulated over a 't' button. Our prototype satisfies the requirements of an effective oral appliance, in terms of retention, comfort, safety and efficacy. It is easy to fit, durable, low cost, quickly titratable, not bulky and easy cleaning. Thermoplastic appliances are specially used like a predictor of treatment response in apnea patients. The device described is a cost-effective introduction to mandibular advancement technology. A qualified dentist or trained sleep doctor could mitigate dental side effects and reduce their incidence.

Rapid prototyping -- Analysis, Valves -- Analysis, and Yuan (China) -- Analysis

Byline: Sheng Yan, Sheng Yan, Shi-Yang Tang, Yuxing Li, Qianbin Zhao, Dan Yuan, Guolin Yun, Jun Zhang, Shiwu Zhang, Shiwu Zhang Keywords: Capillary microfluidics; Laser ablation; Rapid prototyping; Ur Abstract Proteinuria is an established risk marker for progressive renal function loss and patients would significantly benefit from a point-of-care testing. Although extensive work has been done to develop the microfluidic devices for the detection of urinary protein, they need the complicated operation and bulky peripherals. Here, we present a rapid, maskless 3D prototyping for fabrication of capillary fluidic circuits using laser engraving. The capillary circuits can be fabricated in a short amount of time (<10 min) without the requirements of clean-room facilities and photomasks. The advanced capillary components (e.g., trigger valves, retention valves and retention bursting valves) were fabricated, enabling the sequential liquid delivery and sample-reagent mixing. With the integration of smartphone-based detection platform, the microfluidic device can quantify the urinary protein via a colorimetric analysis. By eliminating the bulky and expensive equipment, this smartphone-based detection platform is portable for on-site quantitative detection. Article Note: These authors contributed equally to this work. Additional corresponding author: Prof. Weihua Li E-mail: weihuali@uow.edu.au Color Online: See the article online to view Figs. 1-5 in color. CAPTION(S): Supporting information

Byline: Fabian Guba, Umit Tastan, Katrin Gugeler, Melanie Buntrock, Tobias Rommel, Dirk Ziegenbalg Keywords: Photochemistry; 3D Printing; Process intensification; Rapid prototyping; Reaction engineering Abstract This contribution gives an overview of the general aspects of photochemical reaction engineering, discusses these aspects in the context of rapid prototyping and evaluates the constraints of current additive manufacturing technologies. Subsequently, possible approaches to utilize the benefits of rapid prototyping for process intensification of photochemical reactions are described. Furthermore, the advantageous application of rapid prototyping is demonstrated with the help of four examples. CAPTION(S): Supplementary Information

Byline: Yujin Lee, eongyeon Kim, Insung Oh,Sungyoung Choi Keywords: microfluidics; modular blocks; on-demand prototyping; open-source sharing; optofluidics Abstract Rapid prototyping of microfluidic devices has advanced greatly, along with the development of 3D printing and micromachining technologies. However, peripheral systems for microfluidics still rely on conventional equipment, such as bench-top microscopy and syringe pumps, which limit system modification and further improvements. Herein, optofluidic modular blocks are presented as discrete elements to modularize peripheral optical and fluidic systems and are used for on-demand and open-source prototyping of whole microfluidic systems. Each modular block is fabricated by embedding optical or fluidic devices into the corresponding 3D-printed housing. The self-interlocking structure of the modular blocks enables easy assembly and reconfiguration of the blocks in an intuitive manner, while also providing precise optical and fluidic alignment between the blocks. With the library of standardized modular blocks developed here, how the blocks can be easily assembled to build whole microfluidic systems for blood compatibility testing, droplet microfluidics, and cell migration assays is demonstrated. Based on the simplicity of assembling the optofluidic blocks, the prototyping platform can be easily used for open-source sharing of digital design files, assembly and operation instructions, and block specifications, thereby making it easy for nonexperts to implement microfluidic ideas as physical systems. CAPTION(S): Supplementary

Heart valve diseases -- Care and treatment, Ablation (Surgery), Implants, Artificial, Prosthesis, Calcification, 3D printing, and CT imaging

Byline: Abdallah El Sabbagh,Mackram F. Eleid, Jane M. Matsumoto, Nandan S. Anavekar,Mohammed A. Al-Hijji, Sameh M. Said, Vuyisile T. Nkomo, David R. Holmes, Charanjit S. Rihal, Thomas A. Foley Keywords: 3D prototyping; 3D printing; mitral annular calcification Abstract Introduction Three-dimensional (3D) prototyping is a novel technology which can be used to plan and guide complex procedures such as transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR). Methods Eight patients with severe mitral annular calcification (MAC) underwent TMVR. 3D digital models with digital balloon expandable valves were created from pre-procedure CT scans using dedicated software. Five models were printed. These models were used to assess prosthesis sizing, anchoring, expansion, paravalvular gaps, left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction, and other potential procedure pitfalls. Results of 3D prototyping were then compared to post procedural imaging to determine how closely the achieved procedural result mirrored the 3D modeled result. Results 3D prototyping simulated LVOT obstruction in one patient who developed it and in another patient who underwent alcohol septal ablation prior to TMVR. Valve sizing correlated with actual placed valve size in six out of the eight patients and more than mild paravalvular leak (PVL) was simulated in two of the three patients who had it. Patients who had mismatch between their modeled valve size and post-procedural imaging were the ones that had anterior leaflet resection which could have altered valve sizing and PVL simulation. 3D printed model of one of the latter patients allowed modification of anterior leaflet to simulate surgical resection and was able to estimate the size and location of the PVL after inserting a valve stent into the physical model. Conclusion 3D prototyping in TMVR for severe MAC is feasible for simulating valve sizing, apposition, expansion, PVL, and LVOT obstruction. Article Note: Funding information None Supporting information: Additional Supporting Information may be found in the online version of this article Additional Supporting Information may be found online in the supporting information tab for this article. CAPTION(S): Supporting Information Vidoe 1 Supporting Information Vidoe 2

Smart materials -- Production processes, Microscope and microscopy -- Usage, Rapid prototyping -- Usage, and Bandages and bandaging -- Usage

Author(s): Hans Jorg Sidler, Jacob Duvenage, Eric J. Anderson, Joanna Ng, Daniel J. Hageman, Melissa L. Knothe Tate Natural materials exhibit smart properties including gradients in biophysical properties that engender [...]

Laboratories -- Equipment and supplies and Laboratory equipment

Byline: Pawel L. Urban Keywords: instrumentation; open-source electronics; prototyping Abstract Open-source electronics and programming can augment chemical and biomedical research. Currently, chemists can choose from a broad range of low-cost universal electronic modules (microcontroller boards and single-board computers) and use them to assemble working prototypes of scientific tools to address specific experimental problems and to support daily research work. The learning time can be as short as a few hours, and the required budget is often as low as 50 USD. Prototyping instruments using low-cost electronic modules gives chemists enormous flexibility to design and construct customized instrumentation, which can reduce the delays caused by limited access to high-end commercial platforms. Supporting information: Additional Supporting Information may be found in the online version of this article As a service to our authors and readers, this journal provides supporting information supplied by the authors. Such materials are peer reviewed and may be re-organized for online delivery, but are not copy-edited or typeset. Technical support issues arising from supporting information (other than missing files) should be addressed to the authors. CAPTION(S): Supplementary

Algorithm, Algorithms -- Analysis, Medical imaging equipment -- Usage, Diagnostic imaging -- Usage, and CT imaging -- Usage

Author(s): Michaela L. Comrie 1,2, Gabrielle Monteith 3, Alex Zur Linden 3, Michelle Oblak 3, John Phillips 4, Fiona M. K. James 3,*, on behalf of the Ontario Veterinary College [...]
This study's objective was to determine the accuracy of using current computed tomography (CT) scan and software techniques for rapid prototyping by quantifying the margin of error between CT models and laser scans of canine skull specimens. Twenty canine skulls of varying morphology were selected from an anatomy collection at a veterinary school. CT scans (bone and standard algorithms) were performed for each skull, and data segmented (testing two lower threshold settings of 226HU and -650HU) into 3-D CT models. Laser scans were then performed on each skull. The CT models were compared to the corresponding laser scan to determine the error generated from the different types of CT model parameters. This error was then compared between the different types of CT models to determine the most accurate parameters. The mean errors for the 226HU CT models, both bone and standard algorithms, were not significant from zero error (p = 0.1076 and p = 0.0580, respectively). The mean errors for both -650HU CT models were significant from zero error (p 0.001). Significant differences were detected between CT models for 3 CT model comparisons: Bone (p 0.0001); Standard (p 0.0001); and -650HU (p 0.0001). For 226HU CT models, a significant difference was not detected between CT models (p = 0.2268). Independent of the parameters tested, the 3-D models derived from CT imaging accurately represent the real skull dimensions, with CT models differing less than 0.42 mm from the real skull dimensions. The 226HU threshold was more accurate than the -650HU threshold. For the 226HU CT models, accuracy was not dependent on the CT algorithm. For the -650 CT models, bone was more accurate than standard algorithms. Knowing the inherent error of this procedure is important for use in 3-D printing for surgical planning and medical education.

Orthodontics -- Comparative analysis, Mechanical engineering -- Comparative analysis, and Rapid prototyping -- Comparative analysis

Rapid prototyping models can be reconstructed from stereolithographic digital study model data to produce hard-copy casts. In this study, we aimed to compare agreement and accuracy of measurements made with rapid prototyping and stone models for different degrees of crowding.

Biological products, Rapid prototyping, College teachers, Computer-aided design, and CAD-CAM systems industry

Given the limitations of conventional waxing, computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technologies have been developed as alternative methods of making patterns.