Publications by authors named "L Nicolini"
Accurate calibration of finite element (FE) models is essential across various biomechanical applications, including human intervertebral discs (IVDs), to ensure their reliability and use in diagnosing and planning treatments. However, traditional calibration methods are computationally intensive, requiring iterative, derivative-free optimization algorithms that often take days to converge. This study addresses these challenges by introducing a novel, efficient, and effective calibration method demonstrated on a human L4-L5 IVD FE model as a case study using a neural network (NN) surrogate.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFScope: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a significant global health issue, impacting both low- and middle-income countries and industrialized nations. HEV genotypes 1 and 2, primarily transmitted through contaminated water, are endemic in low- and middle-income countries, whereas genotypes 3 and 4 are zoonotically transmitted in industrialized regions. Acute HEV infection poses severe risks, particularly to pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals, whereas chronic HEV infection leads to serious complications in those with pre-existing liver disease and transplant recipients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBiomechanical validation of a tibial critical-size defect model in minipigs.
Clin Biomech (Bristol)
December 2024
Article Synopsis
- Autologous cancellous bone grafting is the standard treatment for non-healing bone defects, but issues like donor site complications and limited availability have led researchers to explore alternatives.
- A study on minipig tibiae assessed the biomechanical properties of critical-size defects through fatigue and load-to-failure tests, with CT scans utilized for damage evaluation.
- Results showed that intact tibiae withstand significantly higher compressive forces than those with defects, indicating the minipig model's effectiveness for testing bone substitute materials.
Numerical modeling of the intervertebral disc (IVD) is challenging due to its complex and heterogeneous structure, requiring careful selection of constitutive models and material properties. A critical aspect of such modeling is the representation of annulus fibers, which significantly impact IVD biomechanics. This study presents a comparative analysis of different methods for fiber reinforcement in the annulus fibrosus of a finite element (FE) model of the human IVD.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- * Researchers enrolled over 5,000 subjects and compared nasal and oral swab samples to determine the best sampling site for diagnosing Omicron infections, revealing nasal samples had a higher viral load.
- * Key findings suggest that the decline in ADT effectiveness should inform global testing strategies to ensure accurate diagnoses amidst evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants.