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Following a ban on many materials containing bisphenol-A, new bisphenol-free Boron silicates have been found as substitutes. The purpose of this study is to describe the mechanical properties of these bisphenol-free magnetoactive borosilicate polymers containing hard magnetic particles. Samples of 0%, 33% and 66% by wt. were loaded for compression using a universal testing machine. The maximum forces occurring for different travel speeds were compared before and after post-magnetization treatments. The post-magnetization included 2 stages. In addition, the change in mechanical properties within 24 hours after the post-magnetization process was investigated. Furthermore, the influence of speed and particle content were investigated. In general, there is a correlation between the required compressive force and, the level of post-magnetization stress, the increase in travel speed and particle content in the boron silicate. Comparison of the non-post-magnetized and post-magnetized samples using two-tailed t-tests shows that the p-values for all weight fraction changes in NdPrFeB particles and travel speeds are less than 0.001. Also, a comparison between tests in which the traverse speed was varied also showed significant changes in the resulting compression forces. The same is valid for changes in the weight ratio of the NdPrFeB particles in the samples. For post-magnetized samples, no significant difference can be observed in the first 24 hours following magnetization. In summary, the material presents viscoelastic, plastic force-displacement behavior, which can be well recognized by its bi-linear curve shape.
The investigation shows that borosilicate polymers based on NdPrFeB can have their mechanical behavior modified and controlled by post-magnetization processes. This opens new possibilities for many future applications.
BACKGROUND: Thrombosis remains a critical complication during venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO). The involvement of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in thrombogenesis has to be discussed. The aim was to verify NETs in the form of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the plasma of patients during ECMO.
METHODS: A fluorescent DNA-binding dye (QuantifFluor®, Promega) was used to detect cell-free DNA in plasma samples. cfDNA concentrations from volunteers (n = 21) and patients (n = 9) were compared and correlated with clinical/technical data before/during support, ECMO end and time of a system exchange.
RESULTS: Before ECMO, patients with a median (IQR) age of 59 (51/63) years, SOFA score of 11 (10/15), and ECMO run time of 9.0 (7.0/19.5) days presented significantly higher levels of cfDNA compared to volunteers (6.4 (5.8/7.9) ng/μL vs. 5.9 (5.4/6.3) ng/μL; p = 0.044). Within 2 days after ECMO start, cfDNA, inflammatory, and hemolysis parameters remained unchanged, while platelets decreased (p = 0.005). After ECMO removal at the end of therapy, cfDNA, inflammation, and coagulation data (except antithrombin III) remained unchanged. The renewal of a system resulted in known alterations in fibrinogen, d-dimers, and platelets, while cfDNA remained unchanged.
CONCLUSION: Detection of cfDNA in plasma of ECMO patients was not an indicator of acute and circuit-induced thrombogenesis.
Theoretical considerations on a 2D compliant tensegrity joint in context of a biomedical application
(2023)
In this paper, a two-dimensional compliant tensegrity joint was investigated for potential biomedical applications such as orthotics or exoskeletons. The structure consists of two compressed members connected by five compliant tensioned members. The concept is based on the tensegrity principle, which allows the realization of dynamic orthoses without conventional hinge joints. Another advantage is the adaptability to the individual needs of the patient through a suitable design of the structure and the careful selection of the characteristics of the elements. Using geometric nonlinear analysis, the mechanical behavior of the structure was investigated, focusing on mechanical compliance. The main objective was to determine the influence of the initial length and stiffness of the tensioned members and the influence of the magnitude of external forces on the overall stiffness of the movable member of the structure. The results highlight the significant impact of member parameters on the structure's stiffness and movability under varying load magnitudes. The research laid the foundation for future development of dynamic orthoses based on this structure.
In diesem Beitrag erfolgt die theoretische Untersuchung einer zweidimensionalen nachgiebigen Tensegrity-Struktur in Hinsicht auf ihre potenzielle Eignung als Basisstruktur für eine dynamische Handorthese. Translatorische und rotatorische relative Bewegungsmöglichkeiten zwischen den Drucksegmenten der Struktur sind möglich, da diese Segmente durch nachgiebige Zugsegmente miteinander verbunden sind. Die Form der Struktur und ihre Vorspannung in einer statisch stabilen Gleichgewichtskonfiguration werden mit Hilfe der Minimierung des Kräfte- und Momentenungleichgewichts, der Betrachtung der potentiellen Energie der Struktur und einem Ansatz mittels statischer Finite-Elemente-Methode (FEM) in Abhängigkeit der Segmentparameter untersucht.
Aufgrund der steigenden Lebenserwartung und dem damit einhergehenden demographischen Wandel wird der Bedarf an Rehabilitations-Behandlungen in absehbarer Zukunft stark ansteigen. Ein Beispiel für diesen Trend ist die physiotherapeutische Behandlung nach Erhalt einer Knie-Totalendoprothese (Knie-TEP). So gehen Modellrechnungen basierend auf dem Bevölkerungswachstum und der bisherigen Prävalenz von Knie-TEPs davon aus, dass die Anzahl an durchgeführten Eingriffen in einkommensstarken Ländern wie Deutschland weiter zunehmen wird. Weiterhin stoßen traditionelle Rehabilitationsverfahren, gerade in strukturschwachen Regionen, schon heute an ihre Grenzen. Deutlich zu sehen war das während den Hochphasen der aktuellen Covid-19-Pandemie, als der Kontakt zwischen Therapeut*in und Patient*in flächendeckend eingeschränkt war. Eine erhöhte Nachfrage nach neuartigen Reha-Angeboten ist die logische Konsequenz. Innovative Konzepte sind daher dringend notwendig, um die daraus resultierenden technischen, sozialen und ökonomischen Herausforderungen zu bewältigen.
BACKGROUND:
Tracheobronchial mucus plays a crucial role in pulmonary function by providing protection against inhaled pathogens. Due to its composition of water, mucins, and other biomolecules, it has a complex viscoelastic rheological behavior. This interplay of both viscous and elastic properties has not been fully described yet. In this study, we characterize the rheology of human mucus using oscillatory and transient tests. Based on the transient tests, we describe the material behavior of mucus under stress and strain loading by mathematical models.
METHODS:
Mucus samples were collected from clinically used endotracheal tubes. For rheological characterization, oscillatory amplitude-sweep and frequency-sweep tests, and transient creep-recovery and stress-relaxation tests were performed. The results of the transient test were approximated using the Burgers model, the Weibull distribution, and the six-element Maxwell model. The three-dimensional microstructure of the tracheobronchial mucus was visualized using scanning electron microscope imaging.
RESULTS:
Amplitude-sweep tests showed storage moduli ranging from 0.1 Pa to 10000 Pa and a median critical strain of 4 %. In frequency-sweep tests, storage and loss moduli increased with frequency, with the median of the storage modulus ranging from 10 Pa to 30 Pa, and the median of the loss modulus from 5 Pa to 14 Pa. The Burgers model approximates the viscoelastic behavior of tracheobronchial mucus during a constant load of stress appropriately (R2 of 0.99), and the Weibull distribution is suitable to predict the recovery of the sample after the removal of this stress (R2 of 0.99). The approximation of the stress-relaxation test data by a six-element Maxwell model shows a larger fit error (R2 of 0.91).
CONCLUSIONS:
This study provides a detailed description of all process steps of characterizing the rheology of tracheobronchial mucus, including sample collection, microstructure visualization, and rheological investigation. Based on this characterization, we provide mathematical models of the rheological behavior of tracheobronchial mucus. These can now be used to simulate mucus flow in the respiratory system through numerical approaches.
Für Fußballer:innen stellen muskuläre Verletzungen der unteren Extremitäten ein großes Problem dar. Ein Beispiel hierfür liefert die Nationalmannschaftsstürmerin Alexandra Popp, die aufgrund muskulärer Probleme das EM-Finale 2022 in Wembley kurzfristig verpasste. Oftmals stehen gerade hohe Anspannungssituationen in zeitlichem Zusammenhang mit Verletzungen, der Einfluss der psychischen Beanspruchung auf die biomechanischen Belastungen wird jedoch meist nur wenig beachtet.
To avoid dislocation of the shoulder joint after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, it is important to achieve sufficient shoulder stability when placing the implant components during surgery. One parameter for assessing shoulder stability can be shoulder stiffness. The aim of this research was to develop a temporary reverse shoulder implant prototype that would allow intraoperative measurement of shoulder stiffness while varying the position of the implant components. Joint angle and torque measurement techniques were developed to determine shoulder stiffness. Hall sensors were used to measure the joint angles by converting the magnetic flux densities into angles. The accuracy of the joint angle measurements was tested using a test bench. Torques were determined by using thin-film pressure sensors. Various mechanical mechanisms for variable positioning of the implant components were integrated into the prototype. The results of the joint angle measurements showed measurement errors of less than 5° in a deflection range of ±15° adduction/abduction combined with ±45° flexion/extension. The proposed design provides a first approach for intra-operative assessment of shoulder stiffness. The findings can be used as a technological basis for further developments.
In Vitro Analysis of Human Cartilage Infiltrated by Hydrogels and Hydrogel-Encapsulated Chondrocytes
(2023)
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease causing loss of articular cartilage and structural damage in all joint tissues. Given the limited regenerative capacity of articular cartilage, methods to support the native structural properties of articular cartilage are highly anticipated. The aim of this study was to infiltrate zwitterionic monomer solutions into human OA-cartilage explants to replace lost proteoglycans. The study included polymerization and deposition of methacryloyloxyethyl-phosphorylcholine- and a novel sulfobetaine-methacrylate-based monomer solution within ex vivo human OA-cartilage explants and the encapsulation of isolated chondrocytes within hydrogels and the corresponding effects on chondrocyte viability. The results demonstrated that zwitterionic cartilage–hydrogel networks are formed by infiltration. In general, cytotoxic effects of the monomer solutions were observed, as was a time-dependent infiltration behavior into the tissue accompanied by increasing cell death and penetration depth. The successful deposition of zwitterionic hydrogels within OA cartilage identifies the infiltration method as a potential future therapeutic option for the repair/replacement of OA-cartilage extracellular suprastructure. Due to the toxic effects of the monomer solutions, the focus should be on sealing the OA-cartilage surface, instead of complete infiltration. An alternative treatment option for focal cartilage defects could be the usage of monomer solutions, especially the novel generated sulfobetaine-methacrylate-based monomer solution, as bionic for cell-based 3D bioprintable hydrogels.
It is generally known that project-based learning is a very important part of engineering education to connect theoretical knowledge with practical work. Students learn to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges as it is the case in their later professional life. If students are not used to project work or the scientific topic is new and relatively complex, they may be overwhelmed. The consequence is that students achieve poor results, are frustrated, and therefore learning success is low. Semi-structured projects are introduced that combine the advantages of structured experiments with projects. The project work is structured into several parts with detailed descriptions of the tasks. In the end, students get similar results to doing a free project, but the success rate is higher due to higher guidance. Therefore, these semi-structured projects are seen to be an appropriate method to guide students to learn how to do project work. The feedback from most students is very positive. Some students with no previous lab experience complained about the project work and wished for more guidance to become familiar with lab work. In sum, the student feedback is encouraging to develop semi-structured projects further.
In the treatment of hand injuries in the context of orthopedic care, movable hand orthoses are used in many cases. Early motion therapy is in most cases advantageous for adequate, rapid, and successful long-term healing of the hand. Conventional mobile hand orthoses can only be used for movement therapy to a limited extent since they represent the wrist as a simple rotating joint and neglect the complexity of the movement possibilities of the hand. In this paper, a novel concept for movable hand orthoses based on prestressed compliant structures is presented. The advantage with this concept is that it replicates the multiaxial motion capabilities without the need for conventional joints. Besides the derivation and description of the concept, a first three-dimensional CAD design is shown. Additionally, the next planned steps in the development of such a novel dynamic hand orthosis are described.
In the treatment of hand injuries in the context of orthopedic care, movable wrist hand orthoses are used in numerous instances. Early motion therapy is in most cases advantageous for adequate, rapid and successful long-term healing of the hand. Conventional dynamic wrist hand orthoses can only be used for movement therapy to a limited extent since they represent the wrist as a simple rotating joint and neglect the complexity of the hand movement possibilities. In this paper, a preliminary concept for dynamic wrist hand orthoses based on prestressed compliant structures is presented. The distinctive feature of this concept lies in the enabling of multiaxial motion capabilities of the human hand without applying conventional joints. According to the concept the wrist region is surrounded by a prestressed compliant structure. Besides the derivation and description of the concept, a first three-dimensional computer-aided design is shown. Additionally, the necessary steps in the development of such a novel dynamic wrist orthosis are discussed.
Surgical Smoke is generated during the cauterization of tissue with high-frequency (HF) devices and consists of 95% water vapor and 5% cellular debris. When the coagulation tweezers, which are supplied with HF voltage by the HF device, touch tissue, the electric circuit is closed, and smoke is generated by the heat. In-vivo investigations are performed during tracheotomies where surgical smoke is produced during coagulation of tissue. Furthermore, in-vitro parametric studies to investigate the particle number and size distribution and the spatial distribution of surgical smoke with laser light sheet technique are conducted. With higher power of the HF device, the particles generated are larger in size and the total number of particles generated is also higher. Adding artificial saliva to the tissue shows even higher particle counts. The study by laser light sheet also confirms this. The resulting characteristic size distribution, which may include viruses and bacterial components, confirms considering the risk arising from surgical smoke. Furthermore, the experiments will provide the database for further numerical investigations.
High Spatial Resolution Tomo-PIV of the Trachea Focussing on the Physiological Breathing Cycle
(2023)
Investigations of complex patient-specific flow in the nasopharynx requires high resolution numerical calculations validated by reliable experiments. When building the validation base and the benchmark of computational fluid dynamics, an experimental setup of the nasal airways was developed. The applied optical measurement technique of tomo-PIV supplies information on the governing flow field in three dimensions.
This paper presents tomo-PIV measurements of the highly complex patient-specific geometry of the human trachea. A computertomographic scan of a person’s head builds the basis of the experimental silicone model of the nasal airways. An optimised approach for precise refractive index matching avoids optical distortions even in highly complex non-free-of-sight 3D geometries. A linear-motor-driven pump generates breathing scenarios, based on measured breathing cycles. Adjusting of the CCD cameras‘ double-frame-rate PIV-Δt enables the detailed analysis of flow structures during different cycle phases. Merging regions of interest enables high spatial resolution acquisition of the flow field.
Introduction
Shear induced multimerisation of von-Willebrand-factor (vWF) is supposed to play an important role in coagulation inside extracorporeal membrane oxygenators. However, there is no proof that links observed vWF structures to computed or measured flow conditions.
Methods
The structures of multimeric vWF fibers, observed in clinically used membrane oxygenators is examined using immunofluorescence microscopy (IFM) using Carstairs’ staining method (positive ethics committee vote). The flow around the membrane fibres inside the oxygenator is investigated in terms of shear rate, wall shear velocity and streamlines by using CFD (RANS, Carreau-Yasuda viscosity, geometry remodelled after high-resolution µCT-scans). By interpreting the histological and numerical results in this common context, indications for shear induced coagulation mechanisms can be identified.
Results
The fibre structures of multimeric vWF build regular but not exactly symmetric formations around the contact face (CF) between the crosswise stacked oxygenator fibres (OF), see fig.1B, vWF marked red. Annular around the CF arranged, cells are likely to be found, see fig.1B, nuclei marked blue.
The computed streamlines around the OF show attached flow around the circular fibres. However, the irregular arrangement of real OF produce considerable cross flow between the interconnected neighbouring channels, in contrast to previous 2D-simulations. Thus, the CF are washed around closely by blood, also from neighbouring channels. The wall shear velocity streamlines form regular, slightly asymmetric shapes around the contact faces. The occurring maximum shear rates are in the range of 1,000 1/s.
Discussion
The shapes of vWF structures found in clinically used oxygenators match the computational results in terms of wall shear velocity and streamlines well. The accumulation of cells close to the CF can also be explained by fluid mechanics, as there are small shear gradients and slow velocities. However, occurring shear rates between OFs are too low to trigger multimerisation of vWF. That raises the question where in the circuit the actual activation of vWF is started and how, at least partly chained, vWF multimeres are attracted towards the OF surface. A next step will be the investigation of the actual shear rate triggered (or mediated) multimerisation of vWF. Towards this end, microfluidic experiments with shear triggered coagulation will be performed. Also of big interest is the computation of the flow situation in the oxygenator in proximity to chaining threads, which have been ignored in computations so far. However, first a realistic representation of the effective viscosity in computations is needed, which is not available yet.
Für Mutter und Kind konnte das Risiko der Geburt durch die Weiterentwicklung der Medizin drastisch reduziert werden. Doch wie ist es um das Wohl derer bestellt, die die Gebärende unterstützen? Eine Studie der Ostbayerischen Technischen Hochschule Regensburg hat sich mit den muskuloskelettalen Beschwerden von Geburtshelfer:innen auseinandergesetzt
Osteoporosis is a common disease of old age. However, in many cases, it can be very well prevented and counteracted with physical activity, especially high-impact exercises. Wearables have the potential to provide data that can help with continuous monitoring of patients during therapy phases or preventive exercise programs in everyday life. This study aimed to determine the accuracy and reliability of measured acceleration data at different body positions compared to accelerations at the pelvis during different jumping exercises. Accelerations at the hips have been investigated in previous studies with regard to osteoporosis prevention. Data were collected using an IMU-based motion capture system (Xsens) consisting of 17 sensors. Forty-nine subjects were included in this study. The analysis shows the correlation between impacts and the corresponding drop height, which are dependent on the respective exercise. Very high correlations (0.83–0.94) were found between accelerations at the pelvis and the other measured segments at the upper body. The foot sensors provided very weak correlations (0.20–0.27). Accelerations measured at the pelvis during jumping exercises can be tracked very well on the upper body and upper extremities, including locations where smart devices are typically worn, which gives possibilities for remote and continuous monitoring of programs.