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Frequent inspections are essential for false ceilings to maintain the service infrastructures, such as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing, and the structure of false ceilings. Human-labor-based conventional inspection procedures for false ceilings suffer many shortcomings, including safety concerns. Thus, robot-aided solutions are demanded for false ceiling inspections similar to other building maintenance services. However, less work has been conducted on developing robot-aided solutions for false ceiling inspections. This paper proposes a novel design for a robot intended for false ceiling inspections named Falcon. The compact size and the tracked wheel design of the robot allow it to traverse obstacles such as runners and lighting fixtures. The robot’s ability to autonomously follow the perimeter of a false ceiling can improve the productivity of the inspection process since the heading of the robot often changes due to the nature of the terrain, and continuous heading correction is an overhead for a teleoperator. Therefore, a Perimeter-Following Controller (PFC) based on fuzzy logic was integrated into the robot. Experimental results obtained by deploying a prototype of the robot design to a false ceiling testbed confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed PFC in perimeter following and the robot’s features, such as the ability to traverse on runners and fixtures in a false ceiling.

Next-generation craniomaxillofacial implants (CMFIs) are redefining personalized bone reconstruction by balancing and optimizing biomechanics, biocompatibility, and bioactivity—the “3Bs”. This review highlights recent progress in implant design, material development, additive manufacturing, and preclinical evaluation. Emerging biomaterials, including bioresorbable polymers, magnesium alloys, and composites with bioactive ceramics, enable patient-specific solutions with improved safety and functionality. Triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) architectures exemplify how structural design can enhance both mechanical performance and biological integration. Additive manufacturing technologies further allow the fabrication of geometrically complex, customized implants that meet individual anatomical and pathological needs. In parallel, multiscale evaluation techniques—from mechanical testing to in vitro and in vivo models—provide comprehensive insights into implant performance and safety. Looking ahead, the field is poised to benefit from several transformative trends: the development of smart and multifunctional biomaterials; AI-driven design frameworks that leverage patient-specific data and computational modeling; predictive additive manufacturing with real-time quality control; and advanced biological testing platforms for preclinical evaluation. Together, these advances form the foundation of a data-informed, translational pipeline from bench to bedside. Realizing the full potential of next-generation CMFIs will require close interdisciplinary collaboration across materials science, computational engineering, and clinical medicine.

Sagittal craniosynostosis, a congenital cranial suture disorder, is treated with spring-assisted cranioplasty (SAC), but optimal surgical parameters remain unclear. This study explores computational models to predict surgical outcomes of SAC by linking biomechanics with bone regeneration and cranial remodeling. Fifteen 3-week-old Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats underwent SAC with nickel-titanium springs (0–100 g forces). Bone regeneration was tracked via fluorescence labeling, while micro-CT scans measured cephalic index (CI), bone mineral density (BMD), and bone volume fraction (BV/TV). Finite element analysis (FEA) simulated stress and strain distributions. Regression models were established to predict the relationship between mechanical indicators and surgical outcomes. The 50 g group achieved optimal bone regeneration and cranial correction, while > 80 g forces risked bone damage. FEA indicates stress and strain over the bone are influenced by spring force, rat geometry, and bone density. Regression analysis revealed linear strain-CI relationships and quadratic strain-BV/TV and strain-BMD relationship. Moderate spring force (50 g) or strain (1.0%) enhances osteogenesis without structural compromise. Computational models provide a biomechanically grounded framework for SAC optimization, advancing precision treatment for sagittal craniosynostosis. Future studies should validate findings in disease-specific models and assess long-term outcomes.

Multirobot cooperation enhancing the efficiency of numerous applications such as maintenance, rescue, inspection in cluttered unknown environments is the interesting topic recently. However, designing a formation strategy for multiple robots which enables the agents to follow the predefined master robot during navigation actions without a prebuilt map is challenging due to the uncertainties of self-localization and motion control. In this paper, we present a multirobot system to form the symmetrical patterns effectively within the unknown environment deployed randomly. To enable self-localization during group formatting, we propose the sensor fusion system leveraging sensor fusion from the ultrawideband-based positioning system, Inertial Measurement Unit orientation system, and wheel encoder to estimate robot locations precisely. Moreover, we propose a global path planning algorithm considering the kinematic of the robot’s action inside the workspace as a metric space. Experiments are conducted on a set of robots called Falcon with a conventional four-wheel skid steering schematic as a case study to validate our proposed path planning technique. The outcome of our trials shows that the proposed approach produces exact robot locations after sensor fusion with the feasible formation tracking of multiple robots system on the simulated and real-world experiments.

Objective Topical corticosteroid irrigation plays critical role in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Yet, its efficacy can be highly variable. We sought to determine if personalized, 3‐dimensional (3D)‐printed nasal models can optimize head positioning and irrigation parameters, therefore improving patient outcomes. Study Design Randomized, single‐blinded clinical trial. Setting Tertiary medical center from November 2021 to July 2023. Methods Sixty‐two patients with CRS were randomized into either control (CG), backfill (BG), or model (MG) groups; daily 2 mg mometasone irrigations were then performed for 2 months with either standard head‐forward and natural side‐tilt position (CG), a head tilt of 90° to the side with fluid entering the lower nostril (BG), or in an optimized position as determined by a patient‐specific 3D printed irrigation model (MG), respectively. Results A total of 36 patients completed the trial (CG: N = 14/23; BG N = 11/23, MG: N = 11/16). Significant posttreatment improvement in Lund‐Mackay (LM) scoring was only observed in the MG (−3.73, 95% confidence interval = −5.71, −1.75; P < .001). Patient‐reported outcome measures (Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation, Sinonasal Outcome Test‐22, and Visual Analog Scale of nasal congestion) improved significantly among all groups. Optimal model penetration scores significantly correlated to posttreatment MG LM score (Spearman's r = 0.65, P < .05). Among all groups, patients with prior endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) (n = 19) had objectively less opacification at baseline; however, experienced the same degree of opacification reduction and symptom reduction as those without prior ESS (n = 17). Conclusion The use of 3D printing to personalize head positioning may significantly improve objective corticosteroid irrigation outcomes. Mometasone irrigation may have similar subjective and objective effects on patients regardless of prior surgical history. Level of Evidence Level 1 prospective, randomized, single‐blinded clinical trial NCT06118554.

Background: Titanium has been used in osteosynthesis for decades and its compatibility and safety is unquestioned. Studies have shown that there is release and collection of titanium in the organ systems with little note of toxicity. The gold standard is considered to be titanium osteosynthesis plate produced by milling methods. The use of customized titanium plates produced with 3D printing, specifically direct metal laser sintering, have found increasing use in recent years. It is unknown how much titanium is released in these printed titanium implants, which is known to be potentially porous, depending on the heat settings of the printer. We hypothesize that the amount of titanium released in printed titanium implants may be potentially more or equal compared to the gold standard, which is the implant produced by milling. Methods: We studied the biosafety of this technology and its products by measuring serum and organ titanium levels after implantation of 3D-printed versus traditionally fabrication titanium plates and screws in a pilot study using the rabbit model. A total of nine rabbits were used, with three each in the control, milled and printed titanium group. The animals were euthanized after six months. Serum and organs of the reticuloendothelial system were harvested, digested and assayed for titanium levels. Results: Organ and serum titanium levels were significantly higher in rabbit subjects implanted with titanium implants (milled and printed) compared to the control group. However, there was no significant difference in organ and serum titanium levels of subjects implanted with milled and traditionally fabricated titanium implants. Conclusions: The biosafety of use of 3D-printed titanium implants and traditionally fabricated titanium implants are comparable. With this in mind, 3D-printed custom implants can not only replace, but will very possibly surpass traditionally fabricated titanium implants in the mode and extent of use.

Background Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) show substantial clinical and genetic overlap with anxiety, yet it remains unclear whether TMD risk reflects shared anxiety-related liability or distinct anxiety-independent genetic mechanisms. Disentangling these components is essential for understanding TMD heterogeneity beyond symptom-based classifications. Methods We applied GWAS-by-subtraction using genome-wide summary statistics for TMD (20,799 cases and 479,549 controls; FinnGen Release 12) and anxiety disorders (74,973 cases and 400,243 controls), partitioning TMD heritability into two orthogonal latent components: an anxiety-dependent factor (F Anxiety ) and an anxiety-independent factor (F Non-Anxiety ). To delineate the mechanisms underlying each component, we integrated fine-mapping, transcriptome- and proteome-wide association analyses, genetic colocalization, brain imaging–genetics, and single-cell RNA sequencing from human embryonic temporomandibular joint tissue. Results Anxiety showed significant genetic correlation with TMD (rg = 0.4417, p  = 1.98 × 10 − 1 9 ) and accounted for 19.50% of TMD heritable variance. F Anxiety yielded multiple genome-wide significant loci ( CNTNAP5 , PCLO , PRSS16 , BTN1A1 , RAB27B ), whereas F Non-Anxiety produced a single independent signal near GPNMB , demonstrating sharply divergent genetic architectures. Multi-omic integration identified RAB27B as a driver of the anxiety-related pathway, implicating synaptic vesicle trafficking and neuroimmune regulation, while GPNMB and KLHL7 supported anxiety-independent pathways involving musculoskeletal remodeling and peripheral inflammation. BrainXcan analyses showed that F Anxiety predominantly affected limbic and external capsule microstructure, whereas F Non-Anxiety mapped to thalamic–sensorimotor white matter networks. Single-cell mapping further revealed distinct enrichment patterns of RAB27B , KLHL7 , and GPNMB across TMJ cell types. Conclusion These findings demonstrate that TMD genetic liability comprises separable anxiety-related and anxiety-independent dimensions with distinct molecular, neurostructural, and cellular signatures. Rather than defining clinical subtypes, these latent components represent associative dimensions of genetic risk at the population level. This integrative framework clarifies the genetic architecture underlying TMD heterogeneity and provides a foundation for future studies integrating individual-level phenotyping to assess clinical relevance and causal mechanisms. Graphical Abstract

A rapidly aging population means many people have multiple health issues leading to an increased risk of acute medical emergencies. The objective of this study was to evaluate how essential experiential learning is in developing dental graduates’ ability to manage medically compromised patients. Three hundred and twenty-seven students and graduates were invited to participate in an online survey to rate their confidence in managing medically compromised patients and acute medical emergencies using a 5-point Likert scale. Competence of knowledge was evaluated using 30 multiple choice questions (MCQs) across six domains. The respondents were also asked whether a theory-only training adequately prepared them to manage medically compromised patients, or whether it must be supplemented with clinical training. Two-hundred and sixty-four responses were collected from 75 undergraduates (UG), 96 junior dental officers (JDO) and 93 senior dental officers (SDO). The UG reported that they infrequently managed medically compromised patients, whereas both the JDO and SDO reported having frequent encounters with these patients. The mean confidence scale in the management of medically compromised patients were 2.62, 3.50 and 3.69 (out of 5), respectively. In contrast, their confidence scale in the management of acute medical emergencies was 2.05, 2.33 and 2.50 (out of 5), respectively. The MCQ scores were 25.51, 26.44 and 26.86 out of 30, respectively. The outcomes of the JDO and SDO were significantly better than the UG (t-tests, p<0.05). All three groups responded that a theory-only training in dental school did not adequately prepare them to manage medically compromised patients. Both the JDO and SDO felt that their clinical work experience better prepared them to manage these patients. Experiential learning from “real-life” clinical experience is an essential component in developing graduates’ confidence and competence in the management of medically compromised patients. A dental curriculum with theory-only training in this aspect is inadequate.

Background Mesenchymal stromal/stem cell (MSC) exosomes were previously shown to be effective in alleviating joint pain and degeneration in a rat model of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA). However, the role of MSC exosomes in regulating complement activity implicated in OA inflammation remains to be elucidated. Here, we investigate the effects of MSC exosomes on the assembly of terminal complement complex, C5b-9, and its associated inflammation and matrix degradation in TMJ-OA. Methods Following TMJ-OA induction, the rats received 3 weekly intra-articular injections of MSC exosomes or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The sham animals were given needle pricks. At 4-weeks post-treatment, tissue samples were harvested for transcriptomic profiling, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), histology, immunohistochemistry, histomorphometry, C5b-9 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and multiplex cytokine analyses. Chondrocyte cultures were used to assess the effects of MSC exosomes on complement serum-induced chondrocyte inflammation and matrix degradation. The role of exosomal CD59 on complement assembly was also evaluated through neutralization with an anti-CD59 antibody. Results We observed that MSC exosomes mediated joint repair by suppressing pain and inflammation, reducing fibrosis and matrix degradation, and restoring the condylar cartilage and subchondral bone. Concurrently, there was suppressed complement activity with exosome treatment, as evidenced by the reduced levels of C5b-9 in the condylar cartilage and overlying synovium, and preferential synovial mRNA expression of complement inhibitors over effectors. These were accompanied by the decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-12 (p70), IL-17 A, IFN-γ, IL-18, and MIP-3α, and increased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines including IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10 in the synovium with exosome treatment. Using chondrocyte cultures, we attributed the suppression of OA inflammation and matrix degradation to exosomal CD59, which inhibits complement activation. Specifically, MSC exosomes reduced C5b-9 formation and complement-induced inflammatory gene expression and MMP13 secretion in chondrocytes, and these effects were abrogated upon neutralization with an anti-CD59 antibody. Conclusions These findings demonstrated that MSC exosomes alleviate OA inflammation and matrix degradation by inhibiting complement activity via a CD59-dependent pathway. Graphical Abstract

The present study investigates Mg-SiO2 nanocomposites as biodegradable implants for orthopedic and maxillofacial applications. The effect of presence and progressive addition of hollow silica nanoparticles (0.5, 1, and 1.5) vol.% on the microstructural, mechanical, degradation, and biocompatibility response of pure Mg were investigated. Results suggest that the increased addition of hollow silica nanoparticles resulted in a progressive increase in yield strength and ultimate compressive strength with Mg-1.5 vol.% SiO2 exhibiting superior enhancement. The response of Mg-SiO2 nanocomposites under the influence of Hanks’ balanced salt solution revealed that the synthesized composites revealed lower corrosion rates, indicating rapid dynamic passivation when compared with pure Mg. Furthermore, cell adhesion and proliferation of osteoblast cells were noticeably higher than pure Mg with the addition of 1 vol.% SiO2 nanoparticle. The biocompatibility and the in vitro biodegradation of the Mg-SiO2 nanocomposites were influenced by the SiO2 content in pure Mg with Mg-0.5 vol.% SiO2 nanocomposite exhibiting the best corrosion resistance and biocompatibility when compared with other nanocomposites. Enhancement in mechanical, corrosion, and biocompatibility characteristics of Mg-SiO2 nanocomposites developed in this study are also compared with properties of other metallic biomaterials used in alloplastic mandibular reconstruction in a computational model.