Assessing screw length impact on bone strain in proximal humerus fracture fixation via surrogate modelling.

A high failure rate is associated with fracture plates in proximal humerus fractures. The causes of failure remain unclear due to the complexity of the problem including the number and position of the screws, their length and orientation in the space. Finite element (FE) analysis has been used for the analysis of plating of proximal humeral fractures, but due to computational costs is unable to fully explore all potential screw combinations.

Development and validation of a biomechanically fidelic surgical training knee model.

Knee arthroplasty technique is constantly evolving and the opportunity for surgeons to practice new techniques is currently highly dependent on the availability of cadaveric specimens requiring certified facilities. The high cost, limited supply, and heterogeneity of cadaveric specimens has increased the demand for synthetic training models, which are currently limited by a lack of biomechanical fidelity. Here, we aimed to design, manufacture, and experimentally validate a synthetic knee surgical training model which reproduces the flexion dependent varus-valgus (VV) and anterior-posterior (AP) mechanics of cadaveric knees, while maintaining anatomic accuracy.

A novel method to quantify breathing effort from respiratory mechanics and esophageal pressure.

Breathing effort is important to quantify to understand mechanisms underlying central and obstructive sleep apnea, respiratory-related arousals, and the timing and effectiveness of invasive or noninvasive mechanically assisted ventilation. Current quantitative methods to evaluate breathing effort rely on inspiratory esophageal or epiglottic pressure swings or changes in diaphragm electromyographic (EMG) activity, where units are problematic to interpret and compare between individuals and to measured ventilation. This paper derives a novel method to quantify breathing effort in units directly comparable with measured ventilation by applying respiratory mechanics first principles to convert continuous transpulmonary pressure measurements into "attempted" airflow expected to have arisen without upper airway obstruction.

Modelling the Effects of Growth and Remodelling on the Density and Structure of Cancellous Bone.

A two-stage model is proposed for investigating remodelling characteristics in bone over time and distance to the growth plate. The first stage comprises a partial differential equation (PDE) for bone density as a function of time and distance from the growth plate. This stage clarifies the contributions to changes in bone density due to remodelling and growth processes and tracks the rate at which new bone emanates from the growth plate.

Swept-Source OCT Mid-Peripheral Retinal Irregularity in Retinal Detachment and Posterior Vitreous Detachment Eyes.

Irregularities in retinal shape have been shown to correlate with axial length, a major risk factor for retinal detachment. To further investigate this association, a comparison was performed of the swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS OCT) peripheral retinal shape of eyes that had either a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) or vitrectomy for retinal detachment. The objective was to identify a biomarker that can be tested as a predictor for retinal detachment.

Predicting rupture locations of ascending aortic aneurysms using CT-based finite element models.

Accurate rupture risk assessment of ascending aortic aneurysms is important for reducing aneurysm-related mortality. More recently, computational models have been shown to better predict rupture risk than diameter-based measurements. However, it remains unclear whether finite element (FE) models of the ascending aorta can predict rupture location, and over what timeframe those predictions are reliable.

Retinal Shape-Based Classification of Retinal Detachment and Posterior Vitreous Detachment Eyes.

Introduction: Retinal detachment is a sight-threatening emergency, with more than half of those affected suffering permanent visual impairment. A diagnostic test to identify eyes at risk before vision is threatened would enable exploration of prophylactic treatment. This report presents the use of irregularities in retinal shape, quantified from optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, as a biomarker for retinal detachment.

Portable Colorimetric Device with Commercial Microplates for Quantitative Detection of Urine Biomarkers: Design, Development, and Clinical Evaluation.

Urine biomarkers are important in monitoring diseases related to human kidney function. The current processes for measuring biomarker levels in urine samples require patients to regularly visit clinical facilities, which is inconvenient and sometimes impossible for patients in rural areas. Therefore, portable analysis devices for the measurement of urine biomarkers are urgently requested.

Preliminary Analysis of a Wireless and Wearable Electronic-Textile EASI-Based Electrocardiogram.

With cardiovascular disease continuing to be the leading cause of death and the primary reason for hospitalization worldwide, there is an increased burden on healthcare facilities. Electronic-textile (e-textile)-based cardiac monitoring offers a viable option to allow cardiac rehabilitation programs to be conducted outside of the hospital. This study aimed to determine whether signals produced by an e-textile ECG monitor with textile electrodes in an EASI configuration are of sufficient quality to be used for cardiac monitoring.

Histological regional analysis of the aortic root and thoracic ascending aorta: a complete analysis of aneurysms from root to arch.

Background: Although aortic root and ascending aortic aneurysms are treated the same, they differ in embryological development and pathological processes. This study examines the microscopic structural differences between aortic root and ascending aortic aneurysms, correlating these features to the macroscopic pathophysiological processes.

Methods: We obtained surgical samples from ascending aortic aneurysms (n = 11), aortic root aneurysms (n = 3), and non-aneurysmal patients (n = 7), Aortic collagen and elastin content were examined via histological analysis, and immunohistochemistry techniques used to determine collagen I, III, and IV subtypes.

Optical-Based Biosensors and Their Portable Healthcare Devices for Detecting and Monitoring Biomarkers in Body Fluids.

The detection and monitoring of biomarkers in body fluids has been used to improve human healthcare activities for decades. In recent years, researchers have focused their attention on applying the point-of-care (POC) strategies into biomarker detection. The evolution of mobile technologies has allowed researchers to develop numerous portable medical devices that aim to deliver comparable results to clinical measurements.

Exaggerated ventilatory drive estimates from epiglottic and esophageal pressure deflections in the presence of airway occlusion.

Esophageal and epiglottic pressure deflections are widely used to quantify ventilatory effort during sleep in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, changes in upper airway patency will fundamentally alter pressure gradients across the respiratory system with different airflow and volume-dependent effects on esophageal versus epiglottic pressure. The magnitude of these obstruction effects on ventilatory effort assessed from pressure deflections has not been systematically investigated.

Relationships between tibial articular cartilage, in vivo external joint moments and static alignment in end-stage knee osteoarthritis: A micro-CT study.

Biomechanical factors (e.g., joint loading) have a significant role in the progression of osteoarthritis (OA).

Tibial cartilage, subchondral bone plate and trabecular bone microarchitecture in varus- and valgus-osteoarthritis versus controls.

This preliminary study quantified tibia cartilage thickness (Cart.Th), subchondral bone plate thickness (SBPl.Th) and subchondral trabecular bone (STB) microarchitecture in subjects with varus- or valgus- malaligned knees diagnosed with end-stage knee osteoarthritis (OA) and compared them to controls (non-OA).

The functional limits of the aneurysmal aortic root. A unique pressure testing apparatus.

Background: The aortic root has unique embryological development and is a highly sophisticated and complex structure. In studies that report on the biomechanical characteristics of the thoracic aorta, distinction between the aortic root and ascending aorta regions is nonexistent. Our objective is to determine the maximal pressures at which dissection occurs or tissue failure occurs in the aortic root compared to that of the ascending aorta in the presence of aortic aneurysms.

The relationship between tibiofemoral geometry and musculoskeletal function during normal activity.

Background: The effect of tibiofemoral geometry on musculoskeletal function is important to movement biomechanics.

Research Question: We hypothesised that tibiofemoral geometry determines tibiofemoral motion and musculoskeletal function. We then aimed at 1) modelling tibiofemoral motion during normal activity as a function of tibiofemoral geometry in healthy adults; and 2) quantifying the effect of tibiofemoral geometry on musculoskeletal function.

Dermal thickness and echogenicity using DermaScan C high frequency ultrasound: Methodology and reliability testing in people with and without primary lymphoedema.

Background: DermaScan C high frequency ultrasound was investigated for image capture and analysis of dermal measures in people with and without primary lymphoedema.

Method: Three repeated images were taken at six sites in people without lymphoedema (NLO). Intra-rater reliability was assessed by taking three sets of measures on images from 10 people and inter-session reliability by capturing three images, lifting the probe from the skin in between.

Safety and Clinical Outcomes of Hospital in the Home.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and adverse events (AEs) experienced by patients treated within the Hospital in the Home (HITH) service of a major metropolitan hospital in South Australia.

Methods: A retrospective case note audit of 100 HITH episodes among adults who received continuous intravenous antimicrobial therapy via an elastomeric or electronic infusion device was undertaken. Age- and sex-adjusted binomial logistic regression analyses were undertaken to identify factors associated with major and minor AEs.

Electronic textile-based electrocardiogram monitoring in cardiac patients: a scoping review.

Objective: The objectives of this scoping review were to explore, organize and present the existing research literature on the use of electronic textile (e-textile)-based resting, signal-averaged, ambulatory or exercise electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring to evaluate the application of e-textile technologies for ECG cardiac monitoring.

Introduction: E-textile-based ECG monitoring of cardiac patients offers a possible new alternative for in-hospital monitoring and post-discharge monitoring during cardiac rehabilitation.

Inclusion Criteria: Studies that included patients (inpatients or outpatients) who qualified for cardiac rehabilitation programs or continuous ambulatory ECG monitoring were considered.

A Modular Hybrid Exoskeletal-Soft Glove for High Degree of Freedom Monitoring Capability.

In this paper, we present a hybrid exoskeletal-soft glove for the application of on-axis angle sensors that can be placed close to the center of rotation of the digit joints. 3D printed exoskeletal digit segments that run medially on most digits connect to low friction bearings. Exoskeletal segments and bearings provide rigid fixation points for a variety of traditional angle sensors, while a combination of textile and rigid structure fixate exoskeletal digits to the digits and hand.

Flow rate accuracy of ambulatory elastomeric and electronic infusion pumps when exposed to height and back pressures experienced during home infusion therapy.

: Elastomeric infusion pumps are widely used in the delivery of parenteral medications in the home, but real-life conditions may not match calibration or standardised testing conditions. This study investigated the impact of changes in infusion pump height and/or back pressure on infusion pump function. : Volume delivered after one day, infusion duration, average and peak flow rates and time spent within stated accuracy were determined for four elastomeric and one electronic pump using gravimetric technique.

Quantification of human bone microarchitecture damage in press-fit femoral knee implantation using HR-pQCT and digital volume correlation.

Primary press-fit fixation of femoral knee prostheses is obtained thanks to the inside dimensions of the implant being undersized with respect to the bone cuts created intra-operatively, dictated by a press-fit specified by the implant design. However, during prostheses press-fit implantation, high compressive and shear stresses at the implant-bone interface are generated, which causes permanent bone damage. The extent of this damage is unknown, but it may influence the implant stability and be a contributing factor to aseptic loosening, a main cause of revisions for knee arthroplasty.

Evaluation of the Quality of Sterile Compounding Videos Available on the YouTube Video-sharing Website.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of instructional sterile compounding videos posted on a popular video-sharing website (YouTube). YouTube was systematically searched using relevant terms (aseptic compounding, sterile compounding) to identify all videos demonstrating aseptic manipulations of compounded sterile preparations in a cleanroom. Promotional videos, news stories, interviews, and videos with manipulations performed outside a cleanroom, without audio or spoken in a language other than English, were excluded.

Personalised 3D knee compliance from clinically viable knee laxity measurements: A proof of concept ex vivo experiment.

Personalised information of knee mechanics is increasingly used for guiding knee reconstruction surgery. We explored use of uniaxial knee laxity tests mimicking Lachman and Pivot-shift tests for quantifying 3D knee compliance in healthy and injured knees. Two healthy knee specimens (males, 60 and 88 years of age) were tested.

A Modified Mask for Continuous Cardiac Monitoring during Positive Airway Pressure Therapy.

A Positive Airway Pressure mask was modified to be able to measure the heart rate of the wearer during Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy. The mask was modified by attaching sensors to measure Electrocardiography (ECG) and Photoplethysmography (PPG) signals, from which a heart rate was extracted. The ECG signal was recorded using stainless steel electrodes positioned on the wearer's head and neck.