The evolution of robotics:research and application progress of dental implant robotic systems

The use of robots to augment human capabilities and assist in work has long been an aspiration.Robotics has been developing since the 1960s when the first industrial robot was introduced.As technology has advanced,robotic-assisted surgery has shown numerous advantages,including more precision,efficiency,minimal invasiveness,and safety than is possible with conventional techniques,which are research hotspots and cutting-edge trends.This article reviewed the history of medical robot development and seminal research papers about current research progress.Taking the autonomous dental implant robotic system as an example,the advantages and prospects of medical robotic systems would be discussed which would provide a reference for future research.

Fully automatic AI segmentation of oral surgery-related tissues based on cone beam computed tomography images

Accurate segmentation of oral surgery-related tissues from cone beam computed tomography(CBCT)images can significantly accelerate treatment planning and improve surgical accuracy.In this paper,we propose a fully automated tissue segmentation system for dental implant surgery.Specifically,we propose an image preprocessing method based on data distribution histograms,which can adaptively process CBCT images with different parameters.Based on this,we use the bone segmentation network to obtain the segmentation results of alveolar bone,teeth,and maxillary sinus.We use the tooth and mandibular regions as the ROI regions of tooth segmentation and mandibular nerve tube segmentation to achieve the corresponding tasks.The tooth segmentation results can obtain the order information of the dentition.The corresponding experimental results show that our method can achieve higher segmentation accuracy and efficiency compared to existing methods.Its average Dice scores on the tooth,alveolar bone,maxillary sinus,and mandibular canal segmentation tasks were 96.5%,95.4%,93.6%,and 94.8%,respectively.These results demonstrate that it can accelerate the development of digital dentistry.

Ptip safeguards the epigenetic control of skeletal stem cell quiescence and potency in skeletogenesis

Stem cells remain in a quiescent state for long-term maintenance and preservation of potency;this process requires fine-tuning regulatory mechanisms.In this study,we identified the epigenetic landscape along the developmental trajectory of skeletal stem cells(SSCs)in skeletogenesis governed by a key regulator,Ptip(also known as Paxip1,Pax interaction with transcription-activation domain protein-1).Our results showed that Ptip is required for maintaining the quiescence and potency of SSCs,and loss of Ptip in type II collagen(Col2)^(+)progenitors causes abnormal activation and differentiation of SSCs,impaired growth plate morphogenesis,and long bone dysplasia.We also found that Ptip suppressed the glycolysis of SSCs through downregulation of phosphoglycerate kinase 1(Pgk1)by repressing histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation(H3K27ac)at the promoter region.Notably,inhibition of glycolysis improved the function of SSCs despite Ptip deficiency.To the best of our knowledge,this is the first study to establish an epigenetic framework based on Ptip,which safeguards skeletal stem cell quiescence and potency through metabolic control.This framework is expected to improve SSC-based treatments of bone developmental disorders.

Recent advances in morphology control of platinum catalysts toward oxygen reduction reaction

Exploring advanced platinum (Pt)-based electrocatalysts is vital for the widespread implementation of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Morphology control represents an effective strategy to optimize the behavior of Pt catalysts. In this work, an attempt is made to comprehensively review the effect of morphology control on the catalytic behavior of catalysts in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). First, the fundamental physicochemical changes behind morphology control, including exposing more active sites, generating appropriate lattice strains, and forming different crystalline surfaces, are highlighted. Then, recently developed strategies for tuning the morphologies of electrocatalysts, including core-shell structures, hollow structures, nanocages, nanowires, and nanosheets, are comprehensively summarized. Finally, an outlook on the future development of morphology control of Pt catalysts is presented, including rational design strategies, advanced in situ characterization techniques, novel artificial intelligence, and mechanical learning. This work is intended to provide valuable insights into designing the morphology and technological innovation of efficient redox electrocatalysts in fuel cells.

Strain engineering of Pt-based electrocatalysts for oxygen reaction reduction

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells(PEMFCs)are playing irreplaceable roles in the construction of the future sustainable energy system.However,the insufficient performance of platinum(Pt)-based electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)hinders the overall efficiency of PEMFCs.Engineering the surface strain of catalysts is considered an effective way to tune their electronic structures and therefore optimize catalytic behavior.In this paper,insights into strain engineering for improving Pt-based catalysts toward ORR are elaborated in detail.First,recent advances in understanding the strain effects on ORR catalysts are comprehensively discussed.Then,strain engineering methodologies for adjusting Ptbased catalysts are comprehensively discussed.Finally,further information on the various challenges and potential prospects for strain modulation of Pt-based catalysts is provided.

Atypical artificial cells:Novel biomimetic materials for combating cancer

The functional concept of using synthetic entities to supplement or replace certain functions or structures of biological cells is realized by the development of atypical artificial cells using a bottom-up approach.Tremendous progress has been achieved over the past 5 years that focuses on the therapeutic applications of atypical artificial cells,especially in the anticancer arena.Artificial cell-based anticancer strategies have demon-strated eminent advantages over conventional anticancer tactics,with excellent biocompatibility and targeting capability.The present review commences with introducing the constructing principles and classification of artificial cells.Artificial cell-based applications in cancer prophylaxis,diagnosis,and treatment are subsequently highlighted.These stimulating outcomes may inspire the development of next-generation anticancer ther-apeutic strategies.

Dental stem cell and dental tissue regeneration

The teeth are highly differentiated chewing organs formed by the development of tooth germ tissue located in the jaw and consist of the enamel, dentin, cementum, pulp, and periodontal tissue. Moreover, the teeth have a complicated regulatory mechanism, special histologic origin, diverse structure, and important function in mastication, articulation, and aesthetics. These characteristics, to a certain extent, greatly complicate the research in tooth regeneration. Recently, new ideas for tooth and tissue regeneration have begun to appear with rapid developments in the theories and technologies in tissue engineering. Numerous types of stem cells have been isolated from dental tissue, such as dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), stem cells isolated from human pulp of exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs), and dental follicle cells (DFCs). All these cells can regenerate the tissue of tooth. This review outlines the cell types and strategies of stem cell therapy applied in tooth regeneration, in order to provide theoretical basis for clinical treatments.

Polyphosphate-crosslinked collagen scaffolds for hemostasis and alveolar bone regeneration after tooth extraction

Post-extraction bleeding and alveolar bone resorption are the two frequently encountered complications after tooth extraction that result in poor healing and rehabilitation difficulties.The present study covalently bonded polyphosphate onto a collagen scaffold(P-CS)by crosslinking.The P-CS demonstrated improved hemostatic property in a healthy rat model and an anticoagulant-treated rat model.This improvement is attributed to the increase in hydrophilicity,increased thrombin generation,platelet activation and stimulation of the intrinsic coagulation pathway.In addition,the P-CS promoted the in-situ bone regeneration and alveolar ridge preservation in a rat alveolar bone defect model.The promotion is attributed to enhanced osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells.Osteogenesis was improved by both polyphosphate and blood clots.Taken together,P-CS possesses favorable hemostasis and alveolar ridge preservation capability.It may be used as an effective treatment option for post-extraction bleeding and alveolar bone loss.Statement of significance:Collagen scaffold is commonly used for the treatment of post-extraction bleeding and alveolar bone loss after tooth extraction.However,its application is hampered by insufficient hemostatic and osteoinductive property.Crosslinking polyphosphate with collagen produces a modified collagen scaffold that possesses improved hemostatic performance and augmented bone regeneration potential.