Bioengineering

14 pages, 1524 KiB

Open AccessReview

Surgical Treatment of Pediatric Scoliosis: Historical Origins and Review of Current Techniques

by Andrew M. Block, Lisa M. Tamburini, Francine Zeng, Michael R. Mancini, Casey A. Jackson, Christopher L. Antonacci, Owen P. Karsmarski, John W. Stelzer, Ian J. Wellington and Mark C. Lee

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 600; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100600 - 21 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2573

Abstract

The treatment of scoliosis has been explored and debated in medicine since the first recorded texts. Scoliosis treatment has shifted over time from external modalities, such as traction and bracing, to internal stabilization techniques that leverage surgical advances. Surgical fixation constructs can generally [...] Read more.

The treatment of scoliosis has been explored and debated in medicine since the first recorded texts. Scoliosis treatment has shifted over time from external modalities, such as traction and bracing, to internal stabilization techniques that leverage surgical advances. Surgical fixation constructs can generally be separated into two different modalities: dynamic vs. static constructs. For skeletally immature individuals with progressive deformities, surgical options range from traditional or magnetically controlled growing rods to vertebral body staples or tethering. For individuals who have reached skeletal maturity, many devices have been developed that provide static length constructs. Understanding the surgical options available is critical for the appropriate management of this varied patient population. With this article, we sought to provide a summary of past and present techniques and devices used in the treatment of scoliosis. Full article

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17 pages, 8598 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrogen Dynamics in Hydrated Chitosan by Quasi-Elastic Neutron Scattering

by Yuki Hirota, Taiki Tominaga, Takashi Kawabata, Yukinobu Kawakita and Yasumitsu Matsuo

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 599; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100599 - 21 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1489

Abstract

Chitosan, an environmentally friendly and highly bio-producible material, is a potential proton-conducting electrolyte for use in fuel cells. Thus, to microscopically elucidate proton transport in hydrated chitosan, we employed the quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) technique. QENS analysis showed that the hydration water, which [...] Read more.

Chitosan, an environmentally friendly and highly bio-producible material, is a potential proton-conducting electrolyte for use in fuel cells. Thus, to microscopically elucidate proton transport in hydrated chitosan, we employed the quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) technique. QENS analysis showed that the hydration water, which was mobile even at 238 K, moved significantly more slowly than the bulk water, in addition to exhibiting jump diffusion. Furthermore, upon increasing the temperature from 238 to 283 K, the diffusion constant of water increased from 1.33 × 10⁻⁶ to 1.34 × 10⁻⁵ cm²/s. It was also found that a portion of the hydrogen atoms in chitosan undergo a jump-diffusion motion similar to that of the hydrogen present in water. Moreover, QENS analysis revealed that the activation energy for the jump-diffusion of hydrogen in chitosan and in the hydration water was 0.30 eV, which is close to the value of 0.38 eV obtained from the temperature-dependent proton conductivity results. Overall, it was deduced that a portion of the hydrogen atoms in chitosan dissociate and protonate the interacting hydration water, resulting in the chitosan exhibiting proton conductivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemical Engineering)

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14 pages, 4680 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationships between the Clinical Test Results and Neurophysiological Findings in Patients with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

by Agata Maria Kaczmarek, Juliusz Huber, Katarzyna Leszczyńska, Paulina Wietrzak and Katarzyna Kaczmarek

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 598; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100598 - 21 Oct 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1934

Abstract

A thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is the type of brachial plexus disorder most difficult to objectively assess using a clinical examination and differential diagnosis. Its symptoms can be frequently misdiagnosed, especially among others with cervical disc-root conflicts, plexopathies, and peripheral neuropathies. In this [...] Read more.

A thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is the type of brachial plexus disorder most difficult to objectively assess using a clinical examination and differential diagnosis. Its symptoms can be frequently misdiagnosed, especially among others with cervical disc-root conflicts, plexopathies, and peripheral neuropathies. In this study, we aim to identify the correlations between positive Doppler ultrasonography results indicating pathological changes in the subclavian flow velocity, clinical tests, and chosen clinical neurophysiology recordings as proposed alternative or supplementary diagnostic tools for evaluating TOS patients. Sixty TOS patients with positive Doppler ultrasonography and Roos test results and sixty healthy people as a control group were bilaterally examined, and the results were compared. Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Sensory perceptions within C4–C8 dermatomes were assessed with Von Frey filament (FvF) tests. The activity of motor units in the proximal and distal muscles of the upper extremities was evaluated using surface electromyography (sEMG) during maximal contractions before and after a provocative raised hands test (RHT). An electroneurography (ENG) was used to evaluate the transmission of nerve impulses peripherally. Motor evoked potential (MEP) recordings, induced by the over-vertebral magnetic stimulation of the C5–C7 neuromeres, were used to examine motor transmissions from the cervical motor centres to the upper extremities muscles. The results revealed a relationship between positive Doppler test scores and pathological changes in the subclavian flow velocity through the results of the following diagnostic tools: a VAS score of 1.9 was detected on average, superficial sensory perception abnormalities were found in the innervation areas of the ulnar nerves detected by FvF tests, a decrease in the amplitudes of sEMG recordings was seen in distal rather than proximal muscles (especially following the RHT), a decrease in the motor and sensory peripheral transmissions of nerve impulses in the median, ulnar and cutaneous anterobrachial median nerves was seen, as well as MEP amplitudes recorded from the abductor pollicis brevis muscle. The provocative RHT combined with sEMG and MEP recordings can be considered accurate and objective clinical neurophysiology tools that could supplement the commonly used clinical tests. Such an approach may result in a more precise neurogenic TOS diagnostic algorithm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discovery of the "Neural World": Technological and Clinical Advances in Neural Engineering)

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14 pages, 1944 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Bone-Regenerative Ability of Platelet-Rich Plasma Following Sinus Augmentation with Anorganic Bovine Bone: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

by Eduardo Anitua, Mikel Allende, Asier Eguia and Mohammad Hamdan Alkhraisat

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 597; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100597 - 21 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1432

Abstract

Background: The objective of this systematic review is to assess the effect of the adjuvant use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and its type on new bone formation by anorganic bovine bone during maxillary sinus floor augmentation procedure. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of [...] Read more.

Background: The objective of this systematic review is to assess the effect of the adjuvant use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and its type on new bone formation by anorganic bovine bone during maxillary sinus floor augmentation procedure. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Ovid databases were searched for relevant studies published up to 16 September 2021. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and non-randomized controlled clinical trials (CCTs) that reported data on the new bone formation (measured by histomorphometric analysis) were considered. Risk of bias and quality assessment of included studies were evaluated following the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. Strength of evidence was assessed following the approach of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) through its evidence-based practice center (AHRQ EPC). The meta-analysis was based on the primary outcome of newly formed bone, for which the standard mean difference was calculated. Results: After the application of eligibility criteria, six clinical trials (three RCTs and three CCTs) covering 85 maxillary sinus floor elevation procedures were included. The pooled new bone formation value for PRP was 1.67 (95% CI: −0.15 to 3.49; I²: 86%), indicating the absence of significant effect. Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) was the pure PRP tested in five of the included studies. When sub-group (type of PRP) meta-analysis was performed, significantly higher new bone formation was observed in the PRGF group [2.85 (95% CI: 0.07 to 5.64; I²: 88%)] in comparison to the control group. Conclusions: A beneficial effect on new bone formation after maxillary sinus floor elevation can be obtained when anorganic bovine bone is mixed with PRGF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Regenerative Engineering)

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17 pages, 4650 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neuroprotective Effect of Abelmoschus manihot Flower Extracts against the H₂O₂-Induced Cytotoxicity, Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in PC12 Cells

by Shih-Wei Wang, Chi-Chang Chang, Chin-Feng Hsuan, Tzu-Hsien Chang, Ya-Ling Chen, Yun-Ya Wang, Teng-Hung Yu, Cheng-Ching Wu and Jer-Yiing Houng

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 596; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100596 - 21 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1571

Abstract

The progression of neurodegenerative diseases is associated with oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Abelmoschus manihot L. flower (AMf) has been shown to possess excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study investigated the protective effect of ethanolic extract (AME), water extract (AMW) and supercritical [...] Read more.

The progression of neurodegenerative diseases is associated with oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Abelmoschus manihot L. flower (AMf) has been shown to possess excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study investigated the protective effect of ethanolic extract (AME), water extract (AMW) and supercritical extract (AMS) of AMf on PC12 neuronal cells under hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) stimulation. This study also explored the molecular mechanism underlying the protective effect of AME, which was the best among the three extracts. The experimental results showed that even at a concentration of 500 μg/mL, neither AME nor AMW showed toxic effects on PC12 cells, while AMS caused about 10% cell death. AME has the most protective effect on apoptosis of PC12 cells stimulated with 0.5 mM H₂O₂. This is evident by the finding when PC12 cells were treated with 500 μg/mL AME; the viability was restored from 58.7% to 80.6% in the Treatment mode (p < 0.001) and from 59.1% to 98.1% in the Prevention mode (p < 0.001). Under the stimulation of H₂O₂, AME significantly up-regulated the expression of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase; promoted the production of the intracellular antioxidant; reduced glutathione; and reduced ROS generation in PC12 cells. When the acute inflammation was induced under the H₂O₂ stimulation, AME significantly down-regulated the pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2 and iNOS). AME pretreatment could also greatly promote the production of nucleotide excision repair (NER)-related proteins, which were down-regulated by H₂O₂. This finding indicates that AME could repair DNA damage caused by oxidative stress. Results from this study demonstrate that AME has the potential to delay the onset and progression of oxidative stress-induced neurodegenerative diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Formulations in Agri-Food-Pharma: Source and Applications, Volume II)

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Graphical abstract

18 pages, 1689 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

A Novel Method to Achieve Precision and Reproducibility in Exposure Parameters for Low-Frequency Pulsed Magnetic Fields in Human Cell Cultures

by Michael Ronniger, Blanche Aguida, Christina Stacke, Yangmengfan Chen, Sabrina Ehnert, Niklas Erdmann, Georg Eschenburg, Karsten Falldorf, Marootpong Pooam, Anthony Wing and Margaret Ahmad

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100595 - 21 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1601

Abstract

The effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-MF) exposure on living systems have been widely studied at the fundamental level and also claimed as beneficial for the treatment of diseases for over 50 years. However, the underlying mechanisms and cellular targets of ELF-MF [...] Read more.

The effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-MF) exposure on living systems have been widely studied at the fundamental level and also claimed as beneficial for the treatment of diseases for over 50 years. However, the underlying mechanisms and cellular targets of ELF-MF exposure remain poorly understood and the field has been plagued with controversy stemming from an endemic lack of reproducibility of published findings. To address this problem, we here demonstrate a technically simple and reproducible EMF exposure protocol to achieve a standardized experimental approach which can be readily adopted in any lab. As an assay system, we chose a commercially available inflammatory model human cell line; its response to magnetic fields involves changes in gene expression which can be monitored by a simple colorimetric reporter gene assay. The cells were seeded and cultured in microplates and inserted into a custom-built, semi-automated incubation and exposure system which accurately controls the incubation (temperature, humidity,

{CO}_{2}

) and magnetic-field exposure conditions. A specific alternating magnetic field (<1.0% spatial variance) including far-field reduction provided defined exposure conditions at the position of each well of the microplate. To avoid artifacts, all environmental and magnetic-field exposure parameters were logged in real time throughout the duration of the experiment. Under these extensively controlled conditions, the effect of the magnetic field on the cell cultures as assayed by the standardized operating procedure was highly reproducible between experiments. As we could fully define the characteristics (frequency, intensity, duration) of the pulsed magnetic field signals at the position of the sample well, we were, for the first time, able to accurately determine the effect of changing single ELF-MF parameters such as signal shape, frequency, intensity and duty cycle on the biological response. One signal in particular (10 Hz,

50 %

duty cycle, rectangular, bipolar,

39.6 μ

T) provided a significant reduction in cytokine reporter gene expression by

37 %

in our model cell culture line. In sum, the accuracy, environmental control and data-logging capacity of the semi-automated exposure system should greatly facilitate research into fundamental cellular response mechanisms and achieve the consistency necessary to bring ELF-MF/PEMF research results into the scientific mainstream. Full article

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Graphical abstract

24 pages, 2098 KiB

Open AccessReview

Latest Findings of the Regenerative Materials Application in Periodontal and Peri-Implant Surgery: A Scoping Review

by Simone Gallo, Maurizio Pascadopoli, Matteo Pellegrini, Federica Pulicari, Mattia Manfredini, Paolo Zampetti, Francesco Spadari, Carlo Maiorana and Andrea Scribante

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 594; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100594 - 21 Oct 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2313

Abstract

Regenerative dentistry represents a therapeutic modern approach involving biomaterials and biologics such as mesenchymal stem cells. The role of regenerative dentistry is promising in all branches of dentistry, especially in periodontology and implantology for the treatment of bony defects around teeth and implants, [...] Read more.

Regenerative dentistry represents a therapeutic modern approach involving biomaterials and biologics such as mesenchymal stem cells. The role of regenerative dentistry is promising in all branches of dentistry, especially in periodontology and implantology for the treatment of bony defects around teeth and implants, respectively. Due to the number of different materials that can be used for this purpose, the aim of the present review is to evidence the regenerative properties of different materials both in periodontitis and peri-implantitis as well as to compare their efficacy. Clinical trials, case-control studies, cross-sectional studies, and cohort studies have been considered in this review. The outcome assessed is represented by the regenerative properties of bone grafts, barrier membranes, and biological materials in the treatment of intrabony and furcation defects, peri-implantitis sites, alveolar ridge preservation, and implant site development. Based on the studies included, it can be stated that in the last years regenerative materials in periodontal and peri-implant defects treatments have shown excellent results, thus providing valuable support to surgical therapy. To achieve optimal and predictable results, clinicians should always consider factors like occlusal load control, prevention of microbial contamination, and wound dehiscence. Further evidence is required about the use of enamel matrix derivative in alveolar ridge preservation, as well as of stem cells and bone morphogenetic proteins-2 in furcation defects and peri-implantitis sites. Considering the high amount of research being conducted in this field, further evidence is expected to be obtained soon. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalization of Dental Materials towards Improved Interaction with the Oral Environment)

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13 pages, 8139 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Portable Servoregulation Controller to Automate CO₂ Removal in Artificial Lungs

by Navid Shaikh, Andrew Zhang, Jesse Jenter, Brandon Nikpreljevic, John Toomasian, William Lynch, Alvaro Rojas-Peña, Robert H. Bartlett and Joseph A. Potkay

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 593; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100593 - 21 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1888

Abstract

Artificial lung (AL) systems provide respiratory support to patients with severe lung disease, but none can adapt to the changing respiratory needs of the patients. Precisely, none can automatically adjust carbon dioxide (

{CO}_{2}

) removal from the blood in response to [...] Read more.

Artificial lung (AL) systems provide respiratory support to patients with severe lung disease, but none can adapt to the changing respiratory needs of the patients. Precisely, none can automatically adjust carbon dioxide (

{CO}_{2}

) removal from the blood in response to changes in patient activity or disease status. Because of this, all current systems limit patient comfort, activity level, and rehabilitation. A portable servoregulation controller that automatically modulates

{CO}_{2}

removal in ALs to meet the real-time metabolic demands of the patient is described. The controller is based on a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) based closed-loop feedback control system that modulates sweep gas (air) flow through the AL to maintain a target exhaust gas

{CO}_{2}

partial pressure (target

{EGCO}_{2}

or

{tEGCO}_{2}

). The presented work advances previous research by (1) using gas-side sensing that avoids complications and clotting associated with blood-based sensors, (2) incorporating all components into a portable, battery-powered package, and (3) integrating smart moisture removal from the AL to enable long term operation. The performance of the controller was tested in vitro for ∼12 h with anti-coagulated bovine blood and 5 days with distilled water. In tests with blood, the sweep gas flow was automatically adjusted by the controller rapidly (<2 min) meeting the specified tEG

{CO}_{2}

level when confronted with changes in inlet blood partial pressure of

{CO}_{2}

(p

{CO}_{2}

) levels at various AL blood flows. Overall, the

{CO}_{2}

removal from the AL showed a strong correlation with blood flow rate and blood p

{CO}_{2}

levels. The controller successfully operated continuously for 5 days when tested with water. This study demonstrates an important step toward ambulatory AL systems that automatically modulate

{CO}_{2}

removal as required by lung disease patients, thereby allowing for physiotherapy, comfort, and activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Organs and Biofabrication of Human Organs)

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12 pages, 1376 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Age and Sex on Electrical Impedance Values in Healthy Oral Mucosa

by Kristina Horvat, Ivica Richter, Vesna Vucelić, Krešimir Gršić, Dinko Leović, Ivana Škrinjar, Ana Andabak Rogulj, Marko Velimir Grgić and Vlaho Brailo

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 592; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100592 - 21 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1335

Abstract

Background: Electrical impedance (EI) is a property of all living tissues and represents the resistance to the electric current flow through a living tissue. EI depends on the structure and chemical composition of the tissue. The aim of this study was to determine [...] Read more.

Background: Electrical impedance (EI) is a property of all living tissues and represents the resistance to the electric current flow through a living tissue. EI depends on the structure and chemical composition of the tissue. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of age, sex, and electrode pressure on the EI values of healthy oral mucosa. The study involved 101 participants with healthy oral mucosa who were divided into three age groups. EI was measured in seven anatomical regions. Results: Significant differences between different age groups were found. Younger participants (20–40 years) had significantly higher EI values than the older participants (60+). Significantly higher EI values were found in women at all localisations at all measured frequencies, except on the hard palate. EI values measured with higher sub-pressure were significantly lower than values measured with lower sub-pressure at all frequencies and localisations, except the tongue dorsum, tongue border, and sublingual mucosa. Conclusions: This study found that EI values in healthy oral mucosa depend on age and sex and may also depend on the pressure of the measuring device. These factors should be kept in mind when EI is used as a diagnostic method for different oral lesions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Dental Diseases: Diagnosis, Treatment and Prognosis)

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15 pages, 1857 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modified MRI Anonymization (De-Facing) for Improved MEG Coregistration

by Ricardo Bruña, Delshad Vaghari, Andrea Greve, Elisa Cooper, Marius O. Mada and Richard N. Henson

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 591; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100591 - 21 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1951

Abstract

Localising the sources of MEG/EEG signals often requires a structural MRI to create a head model, while ensuring reproducible scientific results requires sharing data and code. However, sharing structural MRI data often requires the face go be hidden to help protect the identity [...] Read more.

Localising the sources of MEG/EEG signals often requires a structural MRI to create a head model, while ensuring reproducible scientific results requires sharing data and code. However, sharing structural MRI data often requires the face go be hidden to help protect the identity of the individuals concerned. While automated de-facing methods exist, they tend to remove the whole face, which can impair methods for coregistering the MRI data with the EEG/MEG data. We show that a new, automated de-facing method that retains the nose maintains good MRI-MEG/EEG coregistration. Importantly, behavioural data show that this “face-trimming” method does not increase levels of identification relative to a standard de-facing approach and has less effect on the automated segmentation and surface extraction sometimes used to create head models for MEG/EEG localisation. We suggest that this trimming approach could be employed for future sharing of structural MRI data, at least for those to be used in forward modelling (source reconstruction) of EEG/MEG data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biosignal Processing)

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11 pages, 1797 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Finite Element Analysis and Experimental Validation of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Implications for the Injury Mechanism

by Shuang Ren, Huijuan Shi, Zhenlong Liu, Jiahao Zhang, Hanjun Li, Hongshi Huang and Yingfang Ao

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 590; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100590 - 21 Oct 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2187

Abstract

This study aimed to establish a finite element model that vividly reflected the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) geometry and investigated the ACL stress distribution under different loading conditions. The ACL’s three-dimensional finite element model was based on a human cadaveric knee. Simulations of [...] Read more.

This study aimed to establish a finite element model that vividly reflected the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) geometry and investigated the ACL stress distribution under different loading conditions. The ACL’s three-dimensional finite element model was based on a human cadaveric knee. Simulations of three loading conditions (134 N anterior tibial load, 5 Nm external tibial torque, 5 Nm internal tibial torque) on the knee model were performed. Experiments were performed on a knee specimen using a robotic universal force/moment sensor testing system to validate the model. The simulation results of the established model were in good agreement with the experimental results. Under the anterior tibial load, the highest maximal principal stresses (14.884 MPa) were localized at the femoral insertion of the ACL. Under the external and internal tibial torque, the highest maximal principal stresses (0.815 MPa and 0.933 MPa, respectively) were mainly concentrated in the mid-substance of the ACL and near the tibial insertion site, respectively. Combining the location of maximum stress and the location of common clinical ACL rupture, the most dangerous load during ACL injury may be the anterior tibial load. ACL injuries were more frequently loaded by external tibial than internal tibial torque. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Biomechanics)

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22 pages, 3906 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proteo-Molecular Investigation of Cultivated Rice, Wild Rice, and Barley Provides Clues of Defense Responses against Rhizoctonia solani Infection

by Md. Shamim, Divakar Sharma, Deepa Bisht, Rashmi Maurya, Mayank Kaashyap, Deepti Srivastava, Anurag Mishra, Deepak Kumar, Mahesh Kumar, Vijaya Naresh Juturu, N. A. Khan, Sameer Chaudhary, Raja Hussain and K. N. Singh

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 589; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100589 - 20 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1914

Abstract

Rhizoctonia solani is a soil-borne fungus causing sheath blight disease in cereal crops including rice. Genetic resistance to sheath blight disease in cereal crops is not well understood in most of the host(s). Aside from this, a comparative study on the different hosts [...] Read more.

Rhizoctonia solani is a soil-borne fungus causing sheath blight disease in cereal crops including rice. Genetic resistance to sheath blight disease in cereal crops is not well understood in most of the host(s). Aside from this, a comparative study on the different hosts at the biochemical and proteomic level upon R. solani infection was not reported earlier. Here, we performed proteomic based analysis and studied defense pathways among cultivated rice (cv. Pusa Basmati-1), wild rice accession (Oryza grandiglumis), and barley (cv. NDB-1445) after inoculation with R. solani. Increased levels of phenol, peroxidase, and β-1, 3-glucanase were observed in infected tissue as compared to the control in all of the hosts. Wild rice accession O. grandiglumis showed a higher level of biochemical signals than barley cv. NDB 1445 and cultivated rice cv. Pusa Basmati-1. Using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and mass spectrometry (MS), differently expressed proteins were also studied in control and after inoculation with R. solani. Wild rice accession O. grandiglumis induced a cysteine protease inhibitor and zinc finger proteins, which have defense functions and resistance against fungal pathogens. On the other hand, barley cv. NDB-1445 and cultivated rice cv. Pusa Basmati-1 mainly induce energy metabolism-related proteins/signals after inoculation with R. solani in comparison to wild rice accession O. grandiglumis. The present comprehensive study of R. solani interaction using three hosts, namely, Pusa Basmati-1 (cultivated rice), O. grandiglumis (wild rice), and NDB-1445 (barley) would interpret wider possibilities in the dissection of the protein(s) induced during the infection process. These proteins may further be correlated to the gene(s) and other related molecular tools that will help for the marker-assisted breeding and/or gene editing for this distressing disease among the major cereal crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Bioengineering and Omics for Improving Crop Productivity, Stress Tolerance, and Industrial Applications)

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18 pages, 9376 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Peristaltic Phenomenon in an Asymmetric Channel Subject to Inclined Magnetic Force and Porous Space

by Muhammad Ijaz Khan, Maha M. A. Lashin, Nidhal Ben Khedher, Bilal Ahmed, Sami Ullah Khan, Mowffaq Oreijah, Kamel Guedri, El Sayed Mohamed Tag-ElDin and Ahmed M. Galal

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100588 - 20 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1610

Abstract

This research is engaged to explore biological peristaltic transport under the action of an externally applied magnetic field passing through an asymmetric channel which is saturated with porous media. The set of governing partial differential equations for the present peristaltic flow are solved [...] Read more.

This research is engaged to explore biological peristaltic transport under the action of an externally applied magnetic field passing through an asymmetric channel which is saturated with porous media. The set of governing partial differential equations for the present peristaltic flow are solved in the absence of a low Reynolds number and long wavelength assumptions. The governing equations are to be solved completely, so that inertial effects can be studied. The numerical simulations and results are obtained by the help of a finite element method based on quadratic six-noded triangular elements equipped with a Galerkin residual procedure. The inertial effects and effects of other pertinent parameters are discussed by plotting graphs based on a finite element (FEM) solution. Trapped bolus is discussed using the graphs of streamlines. The obtained results are also compared with the results given in the literature which are highly convergent. It is concluded that velocity and the number of boluses is enhanced by an increase in Hartmann number and porosity parameter

K

Increasing inertial forces increase the velocity of flow but increasing values of the porosity parameter lead to a decrease in the pressure gradient. The study elaborates that magnetic field and porosity are useful tools to control the velocity, pressure, and boluses in the peristaltic flow pattern. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in the Application of Mathematical and Computational Models in Biomedical Science and Engineering)

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15 pages, 8223 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stem Cell-Secreted Allogeneic Elastin-Rich Matrix with Subsequent Decellularization for the Treatment of Critical Valve Diseases in the Young

by Brittany A. Gonzalez, Ariadna Herrera, Claudia Ponce, Marcos Gonzalez Perez, Chia-Pei Denise Hsu, Asad Mirza, Manuel Perez and Sharan Ramaswamy

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 587; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100587 - 20 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1463

Abstract

Critical valve diseases in infants have a very poor prognosis for survival. Particularly challenging is for the valve replacement to support somatic growth. From a valve regenerative standpoint, bio-scaffolds have been extensively investigated recently. While bio-scaffold valves facilitate acute valve functionality, their xenogeneic [...] Read more.

Critical valve diseases in infants have a very poor prognosis for survival. Particularly challenging is for the valve replacement to support somatic growth. From a valve regenerative standpoint, bio-scaffolds have been extensively investigated recently. While bio-scaffold valves facilitate acute valve functionality, their xenogeneic properties eventually induce a hostile immune response. Our goal was to investigate if a bio-scaffold valve could be deposited with tissues derived from allogeneic stem cells, with a specific dynamic culture protocol to enhance the extracellular matrix (ECM) constituents, with subsequent stem cell removal. Porcine small intestinal submucosa (PSIS) tubular-shaped bio-scaffold valves were seeded with human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMMSCs), cultured statically for 8 days, and then exposed to oscillatory fluid-induced shear stresses for two weeks. The valves were then safely decellularized to remove the hBMMSCs while retaining their secreted ECM. This de novo ECM was found to include significantly higher (p < 0.05) levels of elastin compared to the ECM produced by the hBMMSCs under standard rotisserie culture. The elastin-rich valves consisted of ~8% elastin compared to the ~10% elastin composition of native heart valves. Allogeneic elastin promotes chemotaxis thereby accelerating regeneration and can support somatic growth by rapidly integrating with the host following implantation. As a proof-of-concept of accelerated regeneration, we found that valve interstitial cells (VICs) secreted significantly more (p < 0.05) collagen on the elastin-rich matrix compared to the raw PSIS bio-scaffold. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Cell and Tissue Mechanics in Cardiovascular Regenerative)

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12 pages, 1910 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Continuous Supply of Non-Combustible Gas Mixture for Safe Autotrophic Culture to Produce Polyhydroxyalkanoate by Hydrogen-Oxidizing Bacteria

by Yuki Miyahara, Chih-Ting Wang, Manami Ishii-Hyakutake and Takeharu Tsuge

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 586; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100586 - 20 Oct 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1723

Abstract

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are eco-friendly plastics that are thermoplastic and biodegradable in nature. The hydrogen-oxidizing bacterium Ralstonia eutropha can biosynthesize poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate] [P(3HB)], the most common PHA, from carbon dioxide using hydrogen and oxygen as energy sources. In conventional autotrophic cultivation using R. [...] Read more.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are eco-friendly plastics that are thermoplastic and biodegradable in nature. The hydrogen-oxidizing bacterium Ralstonia eutropha can biosynthesize poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate] [P(3HB)], the most common PHA, from carbon dioxide using hydrogen and oxygen as energy sources. In conventional autotrophic cultivation using R. eutropha, a gas mixture containing 75–80 vol% hydrogen is supplied; however, a gas mixture with such a high hydrogen content has a risk of explosion due to gas leakage. In this study, we aimed to develop an efficient cell culture system with a continuous supply of a non-combustible gas mixture (H₂: O₂: CO₂: N₂ = 3.8: 7.3: 13.0: 75.9) for safe autotrophic culture to produce P(3HB) by hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria, with a controlled hydrogen concentration under a lower explosive limit concentration. When the gas mixture was continuously supplied to the jar fermentor, the cell growth of R. eutropha H16 significantly improved compared to that in previous studies using flask cultures. Furthermore, an increased gas flow rate and agitation speed enhanced both cell growth and P(3HB) production. Nitrogen source deficiency promoted P(3HB) production, achieving up to 2.94 g/L P(3HB) and 89 wt% P(3HB) content in the cells after 144 h cultivation. R. eutropha NCIMB 11599, recombinant R. eutropha PHB^-4, and Azohydromonas lata grew in a low-hydrogen-content gas mixture. R. eutropha H16 and recombinant R. eutropha PHB^-4 expressing PHA synthase from Bacillus cereus YB-4 synthesized P(3HB) with a high weight-average molecular weight of 13.5–16.9 × 10⁵. Thus, this autotrophic culture system is highly beneficial for PHA production from carbon dioxide using hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria as the risk of explosion is eliminated. Full article

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13 pages, 22352 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biocompatible Nanocomposite Coatings Deposited via Layer-by-Layer Assembly for the Mechanical Reinforcement of Highly Porous Interconnected Tissue-Engineered Scaffolds

by Aoife McFerran, Mary Josephine McIvor, Patrick Lemoine, Brian J. Meenan and Jonathan G. Acheson

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 585; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100585 - 20 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1650

Abstract

Tissue-engineered (TE) scaffolds provide an ‘off-the-shelf’ alternative to autograft procedures and can potentially address their associated complications and limitations. The properties of TE scaffolds do not always match the surrounding bone, often sacrificing porosity for improved compressive strength. Previously, the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly [...] Read more.

Tissue-engineered (TE) scaffolds provide an ‘off-the-shelf’ alternative to autograft procedures and can potentially address their associated complications and limitations. The properties of TE scaffolds do not always match the surrounding bone, often sacrificing porosity for improved compressive strength. Previously, the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly technique was used to deposit nanoclay containing multilayers capable of improving the mechanical properties of open-cell structures without greatly affecting the porosity. However, the previous coatings studied contained poly(ethylenimine) (PEI), which is known to be cytotoxic due to the presence of amine groups, rendering it unsuitable for use in biomedical applications. In this work, poly(diallydimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA)- and chitosan (CHI)-based polyelectrolyte systems were investigated for the purpose of nanoclay addition as an alternative to PEI-based polyelectrolyte systems. Nanocomposite coatings comprising of PEI, poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), Na+ montmorillonite (NC), PDDA, CHI and sodium alginate (ALG) were fabricated. The coatings were deposited in the following manner: (PEI/PAA/PEI/NC), PEI-(PDDA/PAA/PDDA/NC) and (CHI/ALG/CHI/ALG). Results from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses demonstrated that the nanoclay was successfully incorporated into each polymer bilayer system, creating a nanocomposite coating. Each coating was successful at tailoring the elastic modulus of the open-cell structures, with polyurethane foams exhibiting an increase from 0.15 ± 0.10 MPa when uncoated to 5.51 ± 0.40 MPa, 6.01 ± 0.36 MPa and 2.61 ± 0.41 MPa when coated with (PEI/PAA/PEI/NC), PEI-(PDDA/PAA/PDDA/NC) and (CHI/ALG/CHI/ALG), respectively. Several biological studies were conducted to determine the cytotoxicity of the coatings, including a resazurin reduction assay, scanning electron microscopy and fluorescent staining of the cell-seeded substrates. In this work, the PDDA-based system exhibited equivalent physical and mechanical properties to the PEI-based system and was significantly more biocompatible, making it a much more suitable alternative for biomaterial applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Scaffolds for Musculoskeletal Regeneration)

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11 pages, 2448 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Risk Factors Associated with Mortality in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 during the Omicron Wave in Brazil

by Marilaine Colnago, Giovana A. Benvenuto, Wallace Casaca, Rogério G. Negri, Eder G. Fernandes and José A. Cuminato

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 584; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100584 - 20 Oct 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2048

Abstract

Considering the imminence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants and COVID-19 vaccine availability, it is essential to understand the impact of the disease on the most vulnerable groups and those at risk of death from the disease. To this end, the odds ratio (OR) for [...] Read more.

Considering the imminence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants and COVID-19 vaccine availability, it is essential to understand the impact of the disease on the most vulnerable groups and those at risk of death from the disease. To this end, the odds ratio (OR) for mortality and hospitalization was calculated for different groups of patients by applying an adjusted logistic regression model based on the following variables of interest: gender, booster vaccination, age group, and comorbidity occurrence. A massive number of data were extracted and compiled from official Brazilian government resources, which include all reported cases of hospitalizations and deaths associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Brazil during the “wave” of the Omicron variant (BA.1 substrain). Males (1.242; 95% CI 1.196–1.290) aged 60–79 (3.348; 95% CI 3.050–3.674) and 80 years or older (5.453; 95% CI 4.966–5.989), and hospitalized patients with comorbidities (1.418; 95% CI 1.355–1.483), were more likely to die. There was a reduction in the risk of death (0.907; 95% CI 0.866–0.951) among patients who had received the third dose of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (booster). Additionally, this big data investigation has found statistical evidence that vaccination can support mitigation plans concerning the current scenario of COVID-19 in Brazil since the Omicron variant and its substrains are now prevalent across the entire country. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioengineering Techniques and Applications Against COVID-19)

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9 pages, 2413 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dose Reduction and Image Quality Optimization of Pediatric Chest Radiography Using a Tungsten Filter

by Eunhye Kim, Kenzo Muroi, Takahisa Koike and Jungmin Kim

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 583; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100583 - 20 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1853

Abstract

The use of diagnostic radiology in pediatric patients has increased, and various positive effects have been reported, including methods to reduce radiation doses in children. Research has been conducted to preserve image quality while reducing exposure and doses in pediatric patients. This study [...] Read more.

The use of diagnostic radiology in pediatric patients has increased, and various positive effects have been reported, including methods to reduce radiation doses in children. Research has been conducted to preserve image quality while reducing exposure and doses in pediatric patients. This study aimed to measure four different filters to identify an optimized filter for pediatric patients. The experiment was conducted using four types of filters, including aluminum, copper, molybdenum, and tungsten. The optimal filter thickness was verified using a histogram to visually evaluate the spectrum by filter thickness, effective dose on a pediatric phantom, entrance skin dose, organ absorbed dose using the PC-based Monte Carlo (PCXMC) program version 2.0 simulation, figure of merit (FOM), and image quality. As a result of measuring the spectrum according to the tube voltage and the four types of filters, dose reduction and contrast improvement effects were obtained with a 0.05 mm tungsten filter. Additionally, effective entrance skin and organ absorbed dose decreased with the said filter. The aluminum, copper, and molybdenum filters demonstrated that the effective dose scarcely decreased even when the thickness was increased; meanwhile, the effective dose decreased when the tungsten filter was 0.05 mm. The FOM with a 0.05 mm tungsten increased by 91% in the lung field and 39% in the mediastinal field. The entrance skin and organ absorbed dose in pediatric patients can be reduced by removing low-energy photons that fail in image formation using a tungsten filter. Full article

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22 pages, 3235 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flavor Profile Analysis of Instant and Traditional Lanzhou Beef Bouillons Using HS-SPME-GC/MS, Electronic Nose and Electronic Tongue

by Zheqi Zhang, Jiaolong Jiang, Mingwu Zang, Kaihua Zhang, Dan Li and Xiaoman Li

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 582; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100582 - 20 Oct 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1773

Abstract

The volatile profiles and taste properties of Lanzhou beef bouillons prepared with traditional (A1–A8) and modern (B1, B2) processing methods were evaluated. A total of 133 volatiles were identified: olefins, aldehydes and alcohols from spices in traditional bouillons were significantly higher (p [...] Read more.

The volatile profiles and taste properties of Lanzhou beef bouillons prepared with traditional (A1–A8) and modern (B1, B2) processing methods were evaluated. A total of 133 volatiles were identified: olefins, aldehydes and alcohols from spices in traditional bouillons were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those in instant bouillons. The characteristic volatile substances in traditional beef bouillons were eucalyptol, linalool, 2-decanone, β-caryophyllene and geraniol; instant bouillons lacked 2-decanone and β-caryophyllene, and the contents of the other three substances were low. PCA (principal component analysis) and CA (clustering analysis) showed that the instant bouillons have a similar volatile profile to traditional bouillons, and the results of E-nose and sensory evaluation also supported this conclusion. The E-tongue showed that the taste profiles of instant bouillons were significantly different from those of traditional bouillons, mainly due to lack of umami; however, sensory evaluation revealed that taste differences were not perceptible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Food and By-Products Processing)

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13 pages, 2459 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Effects of Iron on Mycelial Growth, Metabolism and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Polysaccharides from Lentinula edodes

by Quanju Xiang, Huijuan Zhang, Xiaoqian Chen, Shiyao Hou, Yunfu Gu, Xiumei Yu, Ke Zhao, Xiaoping Zhang, Menggen Ma, Qiang Chen, Penttinen Petri and Xiaoqiong Chen

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 581; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100581 - 19 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1452

Abstract

The polysaccharides found in Lentinula edodes have a variety of medicinal properties, such as anti-tumor and anti-viral effects, but their content in L. edodes sporophores is very low. In this study, Fe²⁺ was added to the liquid fermentation medium of L [...] Read more.

The polysaccharides found in Lentinula edodes have a variety of medicinal properties, such as anti-tumor and anti-viral effects, but their content in L. edodes sporophores is very low. In this study, Fe²⁺ was added to the liquid fermentation medium of L. edodes to analyze its effects on mycelial growth, polysaccharide and enzyme production, gene expression, and the activities of enzymes involved in polysaccharide biosynthesis, and in vitro antioxidation of polysaccharides. The results showed that when 200 mg/L of Fe²⁺ was added, with 7 days of shaking at 150 rpm and 3 days of static culture, the biomass reached its highest value (0.28 mg/50 mL) 50 days after the addition of Fe²⁺. Besides, Fe²⁺ addition also enhanced intracellular polysaccharide (IPS) and exopolysaccharide (EPS) productions, the levels of which were 2.98- and 1.79-fold higher than the control. The activities of the enzymes involved in polysaccharides biosynthesis, including phosphoglucomutase (PGM), phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI), and UDPG-pyrophosphorylase (UGP) were also increased under Fe²⁺ addition. Maximum PGI activity reached 1525.20 U/mg 30 days after Fe²⁺ addition, whereas PGM and UGP activities reached 3607.05 U/mg and 3823.27 U/mg 60 days after Fe²⁺ addition, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient showed a strong correlation (p < 0.01) between IPS production and PGM and UGP activities. The corresponding coding genes of the three enzymes were also upregulated. When evaluating the in vitro antioxidant activities of polysaccharides, EPS from all Fe²⁺-treated cultures exhibited significantly better capacity (p < 0.05) for scavenging -OH radicals. The results of the two-way ANOVA indicated that the abilities of polysaccharides to scavenge O₂⁻ radicals were significantly (p < 0.01) affected by Fe²⁺ concentration and incubation time. These results indicated that the addition of iron provided a good way to achieve desirable biomass, polysaccharide production, and the in vitro antioxidation of polysaccharides from L. edodes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioengineering of Polysaccharide Production Systems)

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30 pages, 2465 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Top 100 Most Cited Articles on Platelet-Rich Plasma Use in Regenerative Medicine—A Bibliometric Analysis—From the ESSKA Orthobiologic Initiative

by Anouck Coulange Zavarro, Laura De Girolamo, Lior Laver, Mikel Sánchez, Thomas Tischer, Giuseppe Filardo, Florence Sabatier and Jérémy Magalon

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 580; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100580 - 19 Oct 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2485

Abstract

Over the past few decades, more and more articles about platelet-rich plasma (PRP) use in regenerative medicine have been published. The aim of this study was to determine which articles have been most influential in this field by identifying and analyzing the characteristics [...] Read more.

Over the past few decades, more and more articles about platelet-rich plasma (PRP) use in regenerative medicine have been published. The aim of this study was to determine which articles have been most influential in this field by identifying and analyzing the characteristics of the 100 most cited articles. Articles on the use of PRP in regenerative medicine were identified via the Thomson ISI Web of Science database. A majority of the articles originated from the USA (36%). The top journal in terms of number of articles was American Journal of Sports Medicine (12%). Musculoskeletal system and orthopedics (54%) were the most popular fields of applications. Preclinical studies were the most represented study type, from which only 8 from 46 (17.4%) provided a complete numerical description of the injected product. Analysis showed a time-dependent trend of increasing quality of the clinical studies (p = 0.004), although none of them provided a complete biological characterization of the injected PRP. This study demonstrated that the use of PRP in regenerative medicine is a growing and popular area of research, mainly focused on orthopedic applications. Studies on PRP-derived exosomes, biological characterization, and correlation with clinical results might be areas of future trends. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Autologous PRP Therapy)

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18 pages, 7138 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Deep Learning-Based Water-Fat Separation from Dual-Echo Chemical Shift-Encoded Imaging

by Yan Wu, Marcus Alley, Zhitao Li, Keshav Datta, Zhifei Wen, Christopher Sandino, Ali Syed, Hongyi Ren, Lei Xing, Michael Lustig, John Pauly and Shreyas Vasanawala

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 579; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100579 - 19 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2118

Abstract

Conventional water–fat separation approaches suffer long computational times and are prone to water/fat swaps. To solve these problems, we propose a deep learning-based dual-echo water–fat separation method. With IRB approval, raw data from 68 pediatric clinically indicated dual echo scans were analyzed, corresponding [...] Read more.

Conventional water–fat separation approaches suffer long computational times and are prone to water/fat swaps. To solve these problems, we propose a deep learning-based dual-echo water–fat separation method. With IRB approval, raw data from 68 pediatric clinically indicated dual echo scans were analyzed, corresponding to 19382 contrast-enhanced images. A densely connected hierarchical convolutional network was constructed, in which dual-echo images and corresponding echo times were used as input and water/fat images obtained using the projected power method were regarded as references. Models were trained and tested using knee images with 8-fold cross validation and validated on out-of-distribution data from the ankle, foot, and arm. Using the proposed method, the average computational time for a volumetric dataset with ~400 slices was reduced from 10 min to under one minute. High fidelity was achieved (correlation coefficient of 0.9969,

l_{1}

error of 0.0381, SSIM of 0.9740, pSNR of 58.6876) and water/fat swaps were mitigated. I is of particular interest that metal artifacts were substantially reduced, even when the training set contained no images with metallic implants. Using the models trained with only contrast-enhanced images, water/fat images were predicted from non-contrast-enhanced images with high fidelity. The proposed water–fat separation method has been demonstrated to be fast, robust, and has the added capability to compensate for metal artifacts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI in MRI: Frontiers and Applications)

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20 pages, 3762 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Cervical Net: A Novel Cervical Cancer Classification Using Feature Fusion

by Hiam Alquran, Mohammed Alsalatie, Wan Azani Mustafa, Rabah Al Abdi and Ahmad Rasdan Ismail

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 578; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100578 - 19 Oct 2022

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3180

Abstract

Cervical cancer, a common chronic disease, is one of the most prevalent and curable cancers among women. Pap smear images are a popular technique for screening cervical cancer. This study proposes a computer-aided diagnosis for cervical cancer utilizing the novel Cervical Net deep [...] Read more.

Cervical cancer, a common chronic disease, is one of the most prevalent and curable cancers among women. Pap smear images are a popular technique for screening cervical cancer. This study proposes a computer-aided diagnosis for cervical cancer utilizing the novel Cervical Net deep learning (DL) structures and feature fusion with Shuffle Net structural features. Image acquisition and enhancement, feature extraction and selection, as well as classification are the main steps in our cervical cancer screening system. Automated features are extracted using pre-trained convolutional neural networks (CNN) fused with a novel Cervical Net structure in which 544 resultant features are obtained. To minimize dimensionality and select the most important features, principal component analysis (PCA) is used as well as canonical correlation analysis (CCA) to obtain the best discriminant features for five classes of Pap smear images. Here, five different machine learning (ML) algorithms are fed into these features. The proposed strategy achieved the best accuracy ever obtained using a support vector machine (SVM), in which fused features between Cervical Net and Shuffle Net is 99.1% for all classes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence in Medical Image Processing and Segmentation)

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12 pages, 2681 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Technique to Accurately Measure Mouth Opening Using 3D Electromagnetic Articulography

by Franco Marinelli, Maria Florencia Lezcano, Josefa Alarcón, Pablo Navarro and Ramón Fuentes

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 577; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100577 - 19 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2836

Abstract

The mouth opening is an important indication of the functionality of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Mouth opening is usually evaluated by asking the patient to open their mouth as wide as possible and measuring the distance between the edges of the frontal incisors [...] Read more.

The mouth opening is an important indication of the functionality of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Mouth opening is usually evaluated by asking the patient to open their mouth as wide as possible and measuring the distance between the edges of the frontal incisors with a ruler or caliper. With the advancement of technology, new techniques have been proposed to record mandibular movement. The aim of this work is to present a novel technique based on 3D electromagnetic articulography and data postprocessing to analyze the mouth opening considering distances, trajectories, and angles. A maxilla-mandible phantom was used to simulate the mouth opening movement and fixed position mouth opening. This was recorded using the AG501 3D EMA (Carstens Medizinelektronik GmbH, Bovenden, Germany). The collected data was processed using Matlab (Mathworks, Natick, MA, USA). Fix and mobile mouth opening of 1, 2, 3 and 4 cm were simulated. It was possible to evaluate the mandibular opening through the vertical distance, the Euclidean distance, the trajectory, and the opening angle. All these values were calculated and the results were consistent with expectations. The trajectory was the highest value obtained while the vertical distance was the lowest. The angle increased as the mouth opening increased. This new technique opens up new possibilities in future research since oral opening can be analyzed using multiple variables without the need to use different devices or depending on the researcher’s experience. This will make it possible to establish which parameter presents significant differences between groups of patients or between patients who have undergone some treatment. Full article

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22 pages, 3320 KiB

Open AccessReview

Broadening the Horizons of RNA Delivery Strategies in Cancer Therapy

by Shuaiying Wu, Chao Liu, Shuang Bai, Zhixiang Lu and Gang Liu

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 576; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100576 - 19 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3330

Abstract

RNA-based therapy is a promising and innovative strategy for cancer treatment. However, poor stability, immunogenicity, low cellular uptake rate, and difficulty in endosomal escape are considered the major obstacles in the cancer therapy process, severely limiting the development of clinical translation and application. [...] Read more.

RNA-based therapy is a promising and innovative strategy for cancer treatment. However, poor stability, immunogenicity, low cellular uptake rate, and difficulty in endosomal escape are considered the major obstacles in the cancer therapy process, severely limiting the development of clinical translation and application. For efficient and safe transport of RNA into cancer cells, it usually needs to be packaged in appropriate carriers so that it can be taken up by the target cells and then be released to the specific location to perform its function. In this review, we will focus on up-to-date insights of the RNA-based delivery carrier and comprehensively describe its application in cancer therapy. We briefly discuss delivery obstacles in RNA-mediated cancer therapy and summarize the advantages and disadvantages of different carriers (cationic polymers, inorganic nanoparticles, lipids, etc.). In addition, we further summarize and discuss the current RNA therapeutic strategies approved for clinical use. A comprehensive overview of various carriers and emerging delivery strategies for RNA delivery, as well as the current status of clinical applications and practice of RNA medicines are classified and integrated to inspire fresh ideas and breakthroughs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Targeted Nanodelivery systems for Oncology Applications)

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19 pages, 3339 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Physiological Functions of AbrB on Sporulation, Biofilm Formation and Carbon Source Utilization in Clostridium tyrobutyricum

by Kui Luo, Xiaolong Guo, Huihui Zhang, Hongxin Fu and Jufang Wang

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 575; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100575 - 19 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1508

Abstract

As a pleiotropic regulator, Antibiotic resistant protein B (AbrB) was reported to play important roles in various cellular processes in Bacilli and some Clostridia strains. In Clostridium tyrobutyricum, abrB (CTK_C 00640) was identified to encode AbrB by amino acid sequence alignment and [...] Read more.

As a pleiotropic regulator, Antibiotic resistant protein B (AbrB) was reported to play important roles in various cellular processes in Bacilli and some Clostridia strains. In Clostridium tyrobutyricum, abrB (CTK_C 00640) was identified to encode AbrB by amino acid sequence alignment and functional domain prediction. The results of abrB deletion or overexpression in C. tyrobutyricum showed that AbrB not only exhibited the reported characteristics such as the negative regulation on sporulation, positive effects on biofilm formation and stress resistance but also exhibited new functions, especially the negative regulation of carbon metabolism. AbrB knockout strain (Ct/ΔabrB) could alleviate glucose-mediated carbon catabolite repression (CCR) and enhance the utilization of xylose compared with the parental strain, resulting in a higher butyrate titer (14.79 g/L vs. 7.91 g/L) and xylose utilization rate (0.19 g/L·h vs. 0.02 g/L·h) from the glucose and xylose mixture. This study confirmed the pleiotropic regulatory function of AbrB in C. tyrobutyricum, suggesting that Ct/ΔabrB was the potential candidate for butyrate production from abundant, renewable lignocellulosic biomass mainly composed of glucose and xylose. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemical Engineering)

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15 pages, 1884 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Lower Extremity Joint Moment and Power Estimated by Markerless and Marker-Based Systems during Treadmill Running

by Hui Tang, Jiahao Pan, Barry Munkasy, Kim Duffy and Li Li

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 574; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100574 - 19 Oct 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3246

Abstract

Background: Markerless (ML) motion capture systems have recently become available for biomechanics applications. Evidence has indicated the potential feasibility of using an ML system to analyze lower extremity kinematics. However, no research has examined ML systems’ estimation of the lower extremity joint moments [...] Read more.

Background: Markerless (ML) motion capture systems have recently become available for biomechanics applications. Evidence has indicated the potential feasibility of using an ML system to analyze lower extremity kinematics. However, no research has examined ML systems’ estimation of the lower extremity joint moments and powers. This study aimed to compare lower extremity joint moments and powers estimated by marker-based (MB) and ML motion capture systems. Methods: Sixteen volunteers ran on a treadmill for 120 s at 3.58 m/s. The kinematic data were simultaneously recorded by 8 infrared cameras and 8 high-resolution video cameras. The force data were recorded via an instrumented treadmill. Results: Greater peak magnitudes for hip extension and flexion moments, knee flexion moment, and ankle plantarflexion moment, along with their joint powers, were observed in the ML system compared to an MB system (p < 0.0001). For example, greater hip extension (MB: 1.42 ± 0.29 vs. ML: 2.27 ± 0.45) and knee flexion (MB: −0.74 vs. ML: −1.17 nm/kg) moments were observed in the late swing phase. Additionally, the ML system’s estimations resulted in significantly smaller peak magnitudes for knee extension moment, along with the knee production power (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: These observations indicate that inconsistent estimates of joint center position and segment center of mass between the two systems may cause differences in the lower extremity joint moments and powers. However, with the progression of pose estimation in the markerless system, future applications can be promising. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics-Based Motion Analysis)

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23 pages, 3460 KiB

Open AccessReview

Evaluating the Haemodynamic Performance of Endografts for Complex Aortic Arch Repair

by Sampad Sengupta, Yu Zhu, Mohamad Hamady and Xiao Yun Xu

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 573; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100573 - 18 Oct 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2390

Abstract

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) of aortic aneurysms and dissections involving the arch has evolved over the last two decades. Compared to conventional surgical methods, endovascular repair offers a less invasive treatment option with lower risk and faster recovery. Endografts used in TEVAR [...] Read more.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) of aortic aneurysms and dissections involving the arch has evolved over the last two decades. Compared to conventional surgical methods, endovascular repair offers a less invasive treatment option with lower risk and faster recovery. Endografts used in TEVAR vary in design depending on the procedure and application. Novel endografts (e.g., branched stent-graft) were developed to ensure perfusion of blood to the supra-aortic vessels, but their haemodynamic performance and long-term durability have not been adequately studied. This review focuses on the use of computational modelling to study haemodynamics in commercially available endografts designed for complex aortic arch repair. First, we summarise the currently adopted workflow for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling, including geometry reconstruction, boundary conditions, flow models, and haemodynamic metrics of interest. This is followed by a review of recently (2010-present) published CFD studies on complex aortic arch repair, using both idealized and patient-specific models. Finally, we introduce some of the promising techniques that can be potentially applied to predict post-operative outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mathematical Modeling of Aortic Diseases)

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11 pages, 1141 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Autoencoder Composite Scoring to Evaluate Prosthetic Performance in Individuals with Lower Limb Amputation

by Thasina Tabashum, Ting Xiao, Chandrasekaran Jayaraman, Chaithanya K. Mummidisetty, Arun Jayaraman and Mark V. Albert

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 572; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100572 - 18 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1773

Abstract

We created an overall assessment metric using a deep learning autoencoder to directly compare clinical outcomes in a comparison of lower limb amputees using two different prosthetic devices—a mechanical knee and a microprocessor-controlled knee. Eight clinical outcomes were distilled into a single metric [...] Read more.

We created an overall assessment metric using a deep learning autoencoder to directly compare clinical outcomes in a comparison of lower limb amputees using two different prosthetic devices—a mechanical knee and a microprocessor-controlled knee. Eight clinical outcomes were distilled into a single metric using a seven-layer deep autoencoder, with the developed metric compared to similar results from principal component analysis (PCA). The proposed methods were used on data collected from ten participants with a dysvascular transfemoral amputation recruited for a prosthetics research study. This single summary metric permitted a cross-validated reconstruction of all eight scores, accounting for 83.29% of the variance. The derived score is also linked to the overall functional ability in this limited trial population, as improvements in each base clinical score led to increases in this developed metric. There was a highly significant increase in this autoencoder-based metric when the subjects used the microprocessor-controlled knee (p < 0.001, repeated measures ANOVA). A traditional PCA metric led to a similar interpretation but captured only 67.3% of the variance. The autoencoder composite score represents a single-valued, succinct summary that can be useful for the holistic assessment of highly variable, individual scores in limited clinical datasets. Full article

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17 pages, 2543 KiB

Open AccessReview

Current and Perspective Sensing Methods for Monkeypox Virus

by Ijaz Gul, Changyue Liu, Xi Yuan, Zhicheng Du, Shiyao Zhai, Zhengyang Lei, Qun Chen, Muhammad Akmal Raheem, Qian He, Qiuyue Hu, Chufan Xiao, Zhang Haihui, Runming Wang, Sanyang Han, Ke Du, Dongmei Yu, Can Yang Zhang and Peiwu Qin

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 571; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100571 - 18 Oct 2022

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 3555

Abstract

The outbreak of the monkeypox virus (MPXV) in non-endemic countries is an emerging global health threat and may have an economic impact if proactive actions are not taken. As shown by the COVID-19 pandemic, rapid, accurate, and cost-effective virus detection techniques play a [...] Read more.

The outbreak of the monkeypox virus (MPXV) in non-endemic countries is an emerging global health threat and may have an economic impact if proactive actions are not taken. As shown by the COVID-19 pandemic, rapid, accurate, and cost-effective virus detection techniques play a pivotal role in disease diagnosis and control. Considering the sudden multicountry MPXV outbreak, a critical evaluation of the MPXV detection approaches would be a timely addition to the endeavors in progress for MPXV control and prevention. Herein, we evaluate the current MPXV detection methods, discuss their pros and cons, and provide recommended solutions to the problems. We review the traditional and emerging nucleic acid detection approaches, immunodiagnostics, whole-particle detection, and imaging-based MPXV detection techniques. The insights provided in this article will help researchers to develop novel techniques for the diagnosis of MPXV. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioengineering Techniques in Human Microbial Infection: Immune Response and Clinical Challenges)

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Bioengineering, Volume 9, Issue 10 (October 2022) – 118 articles

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