Application Of Medical Technology Research Articles

Research on Hospital-Based Health Technology Assessment in Clinical Application Management of Medical Technology in Public Hospitals in China: Hainan Province Sample

Though investigating the knowledge of professional personnel on medical technology management, this study aimed to explore the establishment of an electronic HB-HTA approach in clinical application management of medical technology in public hospitals. The study designed a questionnaire to collect data and recruited a total of 1089 professional staff from 16 hospitals in Hainan. Medical staff had limited awareness of medical technology clinical application management and the HB-HTA approach. The working years, education level, and professional title level of medical staff were positively correlated with the awareness of medical technology management (P<0.05). In addition, the professional titles of medical staff were positively correlated with awareness(P<0.05). The higher the professional title level, the higher the awareness degree, followed by the correlation of working years. To increase the awareness and use of clinical applications of medical technology, the HB-HTA should be well organized. The electronic HB-HTA approach should be strongly formulated and undertaken by the medical staff in clinical application management of medical technology in public hospitals.

In vitro chronic wound healing using collagen and plant extract along with zinc nanoparticles

INTRODUCTION: While the use of zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) as an antibacterial agent in the biomedical industry has recently attracted significant attention, collagen has aroused significant interest as a biomaterial in medical and tissue engineering applications.
 OBJECTIVES: In order to create biofilm loaded with biosynthesized ZnNPs for use in chronic wound healing applications, type-I collagen was extracted from the study's subject. by the acid soluble collagen technique, collagen was isolated from the fish skin of the trevally and identified by SDS-PAGE. Aqueous extract from Cassia fistula leaves was also used to greenly manufacture stable ZnNPs, which were then characterized by UV-Vis, FTIR, and XRD measurements.
 METHODS: Collagen and ZnNPs were then added to polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), creating a thin biofilm that had a high biocompatibility due to the production method's absence of a chemical reducer and crosslinking agent. When tested against the harmful bacteria, both ZnNPs alone and PVA/Collagen/ZnNPs biofilms showed potent antibacterial activity.
 RESULTS: By using the MTT test, the cytotoxic effects of collagen and ZnNPs on the Vero cell line were evaluated. With 97.76% wound closure, the PVA/Collagen/ZnNPs biofilm demonstrated strong in vitro wound scratch healing efficacy.
 CONCLUSION: The findings show that the PVA/Collagen/ZnNPs film dramatically increased cell migration by 40.0% at 24 hours, 79.20% at 48 hours, and 97.76% at 74 hours.

Vivaldi Tapered Slot Antenna for Microwave Imaging in Medical Applications

Microwave imaging has become an active research area in recent years, owing primarily to advancements in detecting the early stages of cancer. The study aimed to create a high-gain compact Vivaldi Tapered Slot antenna (VTSA) for microwave imaging in medical applications and also aims to address several challenges in the development of microwave imaging (MWI) technology for medical applications. These challenges include the ability to detect and identify abnormalities in human tissue and considering safe Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) limits for patients, the approach of balancing of penetration and resolution can be done on the design. The antenna operates at frequencies ranging from 1.7 to 3.1 GHz and is built on a low-cost Flame Retardant-4 (FR-4) substrate with a thickness of 1.6 mm. A compact exponential VTSA is initially presented while designing the proposed antenna for broad impedance bandwidth performances. The simulation used a back-to-back linear array of antennas with or without a phantom, specifically a without phantom (only antennas), a water phantom (cube shape), and an anomaly inside the water phantom. The results revealed a significant shift in the signal graph between the three results, indicating a difference in values between the three simulations. A transient domain solver calculation was used in the simulation. The designed antenna improved a gain of 6.09 dBi and a SAR of 0.326 W/kg by maximizing the edges of the exponential in the tapered section and the feedline slot area. The antenna exhibits differences in scattering parameters on each simulation of anomalies across the required frequency range. The result finds suitability of the experiment and simulation in assessing the microwave imaging capabilities. With the data presented, simulated antennas can be used for microwave imaging. The next study should aim on making a suitable imaging system with dimensions that supported in the antenna range and specifications.

A review on polylactic acid‐based blends/composites and the role of compatibilizers in biomedical engineering applications

AbstractPoly(lactic acid) (PLA) is one of the most promising biopolymers extensively used in food, packaging, medical and pharmaceutical industries. It is due to favorable physicochemical properties, in‐situ hydrolytic degradation and well‐established processing parameters. However, in medical engineering applications, PLA shows some drawbacks like low cell adhesion, biological inertness, slow degradation rate and high acid inflammation. These shortcomings of pure PLA could be addressed by blending it with other bioresorbable materials and compatibilizers. This review provides comprehensive information on different PLA composites in the field of tissue engineering, implants, injury management and drug delivery systems. The PLA‐based composites are divided into four parts: PLA/polymer, PLA/metal, PLA/ceramic, and PLA/nanoparticles. It also investigates various synthesis process, role of different compatibilizers, in vitro studies and their in vivo applications.Highlights Review the trends of bioresorbable PLA blends/composites. Extensively focused on PLA blend with polymer, metal, ceramic, and nanoparticles. Role of reinforcement and compatibilizer to overcome shortcomings of PLA implant. Highlights advantages, limitations, and properties of different types of PLA implants. Discuss various clinical applications and future of PLA blends/composite scaffolds.

Industrial algae mediated development and evaluation of Titanium Oxide nanoparticles, their ability to fight bacteria, and environmental application

The field of nanotechnology is rapidly growing and has a wide range of application in medical science, engineering, pharmacy, and other disciplines. In the present day the world is facing the major problems of water pollution and health issues. The Industrial algae extract and Titanium is opropoxide was used for the eco-friendly synthesis of the NPs consisting of TiO2 effect of TiO2 small particles against polluted water were tested and its antimicrobial properties are observed. The synthesized particles were distinguished by the Spectrophotometer UV-visible, Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (FT-IR), XRD, Antimicrobial study. Further prepared materials were used for methylene blue dye reduction and antibacterial activity was done on Staphylobacillus.

Stimuli-responsive hydrogel based on natural polymers for breast cancer.

Aims: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women in both high- and low-resource settings. Conventional breast cancer therapies were inefficient and had low patient compliance. Stimuli-responsive hydrogels possessing similar physicochemical features as soft tissue facilitate diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for breast cancer subtypes. Scope: Polysaccharides and polypeptides are major natural polymers with unique biocompatibility, biodegradability, and feasible modification approaches utilized frequently for hydrogel fabrication. Alternating the natural polymer-based hydrogel properties in response to external stimuli such as pH, temperature, light, ultrasonic, enzyme, glucose, magnetic, redox, and electric have provided great potential for the evolution of novel drug delivery systems (DDSs) and various advanced technologies in medical applications. Stimuli-responsive hydrogels are triggered by specific cancer tissue features, promote target delivery techniques, and modify release therapeutic agents at localized sites. This narrative review presented innovation in preparing and characterizing the most common stimuli-responsive natural polymer-based hydrogels for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in the breast cancer area. Conclusion: Stimuli-responsive hydrogels display bioinspiration products as DDSs for breast cancer subtypes, protect the shape of breast tissue, provide modified drug release, enhance therapeutic efficacy, and minimize chemotherapy agents' side effects. The potential benefits of smart natural polymer-based hydrogels make them an exciting area of practice for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

DBPF pre-processing based improved ECG signal analysis in medical engineering applications

DBPF pre-processing based improved ECG signal analysis in medical engineering applications

The effect of polyaniline composition on the polyurethane/polyaniline composite properties: The enhancement of electrical and mechanical properties for medical tissue engineering

<abstract> <p>This study addresses the urgent need for the preparation and characterization of conductive polyurethane/polyaniline (PU/PANI) polymers for medical device applications, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 situation. Composite films of PU/PANI were synthesized using the solution casting method. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) results confirmed the presence of PANI, as indicated by absorption bands at 1597 and 1531 cm<sup>−1</sup> corresponding to C = C and C–N stretching, respectively. Microscopic analyses using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) demonstrated a homogeneous distribution of PANI in the PU matrix up to approximately 3 wt.%, with inhomogeneity observed at 5 wt.%. The dielectric constants at 1 Hz for PANI contents of 1, 3, and 5 wt.% in the PU matrix were 12.5, 18.5, and 35.0, respectively. The conductivity exhibited a decreasing trend with an increasing driving frequency. Conversely, for comparative purposes, the dielectric and conductivity values increased with higher PANI contents. The elastic modulus slightly increased from 20.3, 20.8, and 21.2 for 1, 3, and 5 wt.%, respectively. The experimental results emphasize the superior mechanical-to-electrical conversion performance of PU/PANI composites compared to neat PU, thus indicating potential applications in medical tissue engineering that utilize conductive PU/PANI polymers.</p> </abstract>

Recent Advances in Bio-Tribology From Joint Lubrication to Medical Implants: A Review

Bio-tribology, the study of lubrication, wear, and friction in biological systems, has made recent strides in the lubrication of medical implants and joints. This comprehensive review discusses the most recent developments in bio-tribology, with an emphasis on the transition from basic science to medical engineering applications. An overview of bio-tribology and its increasing significance in medicine commences the study. Following this, recent research on the composition of synovial fluid and its function in minimizing friction in natural joints is discussed. Medical implant tribology, including degradation issues in dental prostheses and joint replacements, is then addressed. This study investigates the manner in which surface modifications and coatings improve the tribological performance of medical implants. It emphasizes recent developments in material science and engineering. This article emphasizes the significance of minimizing implant material degradation in relation to the functionality and longevity of biomedical devices. Following this, digital models, simulations, and state-of-the-art imaging techniques that have propelled bio-tribology forward are highlighted. In addition to proposing potential research avenues to overcome the current obstacles, the article highlights the interdisciplinary nature of bio-tribology and urges collaboration among tribology, materials science, and biomechanics researchers.

Light-Induced Platinum Deposition on Silicon-Based Semiconductor Devices

Metal-semiconductor compounds are used in large numbers in microelectronics and need to be constantly improved. Platinum-silicon semiconductor contacts are often used in sensors and detectors, especially infrared detectors and cameras. Recent developments enable applications in medical technology, such as implanted pressure sensors in the human body.Currently, platinum coatings on silicon-based semiconductor devices are mostly realized by sputtering techniques or platinum-containing printing pastes with subsequent heat treatment.This paper will discuss recent results from the authors' lab on light-induced platinum electrodeposition. Special focus will be given to the pre-treatment of the substrates for the subsequent platinum deposition under illumination. In a systematic approach, all influencing parameters were identified and the most influential ones (pre-treatment, current density, electrolyte type, additives, etc.) were incorporated into an experimental plan. The challenges include a homogeneous platinum coating with low contact resistance and good adhesion. Last but not least, the characterization of the layers (with SEM, EDX, laser scanning microscope, etc.) will be discussed.

Redox Active Zn@MOFs as Spontaneous Reactive Oxygen Species Releasing Antimicrobials.

The rapid development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among infectious pathogens has become a major threat and challenge in healthcare systems globally. A strategy distinct from minimizing the overuse of antimicrobials involves the development of novel antimicrobials with a mode of action that prevents the development of AMR microbial strains. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are formed as a natural byproduct of the cellular aerobic metabolism. However, it becomes pathological when ROS is produced at excessive levels. Exploiting this phenomenon, research on redox-active bactericides has been demonstrated to be beneficial. Materials that release ROS via photodynamic, thermodynamic, and photocatalytic interventions have been developed as nanomedicines and are used in various applications. However, these materials require external stimuli for ROS release to be effective as biocides. In this paper, we report novel zinc-based metal organic framework (Zn@MOF) particles that promote the spontaneous release of active ROS species. The synthesized Zn@MOF spontaneously releases superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide, exhibiting a potent antimicrobial efficacy against various microbes. Zn@MOF-incorporated plastic films and coatings show excellent, long-lasting antimicrobial potency even under continuous microbial challenge and an aging process. These disinfecting surfaces maintain their antimicrobial properties even after 500× surface wipes. Zn@MOF is also biocompatible and safe on the skin, illustrating its broad potential applications in medical technology and consumer care applications.

Federated Learning and Blockchain-Enabled Privacy-Preserving Healthcare 5.0 System: A Comprehensive Approach to Fraud Prevention and Security in IoMT

The proliferation of Internet and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has ushered in a period often referred to as Industry 5.0. The subsequent development is accompanied by the healthcare industry coining Healthcare 5.0. Healthcare 5.0 incorporates the Internet of Things (IoT), enabling medical imaging technologies to facilitate early diagnosis of diseases and enhance the quality of healthcare facilities' service. Nevertheless, the healthcare sector is currently experiencing a delay in adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data technologies compared to other sectors under the umbrella of Industry 5.0. This delay may be attributed to the prevailing concerns about data privacy within the healthcare domain. In recent times, there has been a noticeable increase in the use of Machine Learning (ML) enabled adaptive Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) systems with different technologies for medical applications. ML is an essential component of the IoMT system, as it optimizes the trade-off between delay and energy consumption. The issue of data fraud in classical learning models inside the distributed IoMT system for medical applications remains a significant research challenge in practical settings. This paper proposes Federated Learning and Blockchain-Enabled Privacy-Preserving (FL-BEPP) for Fraud Prevention and Security (FPS) in the IoMT framework. The system incorporates numerous dynamic strategies. This research examines the medical applications that exhibit hard constraints, such as deadlines, and soft constraints, such as resource consumption, when executed on distributed fog and cloud nodes. The primary objective of FL-BEPP is to effectively detect and safeguard the confidentiality and integrity of data across many tiers, including local fog nodes and faraway clouds. This is achieved by minimizing power use and delay while simultaneously meeting the time constraints associated with healthcare workloads.

Promising applications of phyto-fabricated silver nanoparticles: Recent trends in biomedicine

The prospective contribution of phyto-nanotechnology to the synthesis of silver nanomaterials for biomedical purposes is attracting increasing interest across the world. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) through plants has been extensively examined recently, and it is now seen to be a green and efficient path for future exploitation and development of practical nano-factories. Fabrication of Ag-NPs is the process involves use of plant extracts/phyto-compounds (e.g.alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds) to synthesise nanoparticles in more economical and feasible. Several findings concluded that in the field of medicine, Ag-NPs play a major role in pharmacotherapy (infection and cancer). Indeed, they exhibits novel properties but the reason is unclear (except some theoretical interpretation e.g. size, shape and morphology). But recent technological advancements help to address these questions by predicting the unique properties (composition and origin) by characterizing physical, chemical and biological properties. Due to increased list of publications and their application in the field of agriculture, industries and pharmaceuticals, issues relating to toxicity are unavoidable and question of debate. The present reviews aim to find out the role of plant extracts to synthesise Ag-NPs. It provides an overview of various phytocompounds and their role in the field of biomedicine (antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory etc.). In addition, this review also especially focused on various applications such as role in infection, oxidative stress, application in medical engineering, diagnosis and therapy, medical devices, orthopedics, wound healing and dressings. Additionally, the toxic effects of Ag-NPs in cell culture, tissue of different model organism, type of toxic reactions and regulation implemented to reduce associated risk are discussed critically. Addressing all above explanations, this review focus on the detailed properties of plant mediated Ag-NPs, its impact on biology, medicine and their commercial properties as well as toxicity.

Dissimilar Laser Beam Welding of Titanium to Stainless Steel Using Pure Niobium as Filler Material in Lap Joint Configuration

In the present investigation, commercially pure titanium is welded to AISI 316L stainless steel by intermixing niobium as filler material in a lap joint configuration. For this purpose, a pulsed Nd:YAG laser with various pulse durations and pulse peak powers is employed to obtain different mixing conditions for the materials. It will be demonstrated that, despite the implementation of the filler material, the weld seams are characterized by a high affinity for cracking, which in turn can be attributed to the formation of hard intermetallic compounds. Nevertheless, utilization of optimized process parameters can yield crack-free specimens in a reproducible manner through equable intermixing of otherwise critical alloy elements. Lap-shear forces of up to 140 N can be achieved with a single weld seam measuring 2.5 mm in length. By increasing the joint area with four adjacent weld seams, maximum loads up to 320 N are attained, thus exceeding the yield strength of the applied stainless steel. Considering the biocompatibility of the niobium filler material used, this work provides the foundation for this dissimilar material combination to be implemented in future medical technology applications.

Preferential side chain scission of polytetrafluoroethylene by bending stress

We investigated the chemical composition of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) under bending stress using hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Our measurements revealed the breaking of C–F bonds in the side chains and conspicuous observation of C–C bonds in the main chain only on the surface under bending stress (carbon-rich). Moreover, we found that the breaking of C–F bonds was dependent on the tensile strain caused by bending. Investigating the effects of tensile and compressive stresses induced by bending, the tensile stress was found to significantly contribute to the breaking of C–F bonds. However, the C–F bonds were hardly broken under uniaxial tensile stress. These findings suggest that tensile stress due to bending, rather than uniaxial tensile stress, causes significant C–F bond scission in the PTFE. This result is attributed to the force acting toward the center of curvature owing to bending, which does not occur under uniaxial tensile stress. Our results provide a better understanding of microscopic PTFE surfaces subjected to flexural tensile stress for nanofluidics and medical engineering applications. Additionally, our findings suggest that carbon-rich structures can be easily fabricated, which may lead to the development of processes for fabrication of two-dimensional materials.

Agarose‐based hydrogels with tunable, charge‐selective permeability properties

AbstractPhysiologically, a hallmark of biological hydrogels is their ability to selectively trap diffusing molecules and particles. And indeed, there is now increasing interest in using selective hydrogel barriers for applications in biomedicine and medical engineering. However, when employing synthetic polymers to create hydrogels with selective permeabilities, controlling the type and strength of the ensuing filtration process is difficult. Here, we generate hybrid gels with adjustable selectivity profiles by mixing a series of (bio‐)macromolecules with agarose. Depending on the type and concentration of the incorporated macromolecules, those hybrid gels achieve a selective retardation of the diffusive translocation of either positively or negatively charged dextrans at both, acidic and neutral pH. Furthermore, we demonstrate three strategies that provide hydrogels with sequestered patches of both, cationic and anionic binding sites, thus creating symmetric charge (i.e., electrostatic bandpass) filters which still allow neutral molecules to pass. Moreover, such agarose matrices offer a high level of versatility as their permeability profiles can be tailored at will by integrating macromolecules with desired physico‐chemical properties. Thus, those agarose‐based hybrid gels may serve as a powerful platform to engineer adjustable and versatile materials for a broad range of future applications in the field of biomedical engineering.

Surface Properties and Tribological Behavior of Additively Manufactured Components: A Systematic Review

Innovative additive manufacturing processes for resilient and sustainable production will become even more important in the upcoming years. Due to the targeted and flexible use of materials, additive manufacturing allows for conserving resources and lightweight design enabling energy-efficient systems. While additive manufacturing processes were used in the past several decades mainly for high-priced individualized components and prototypes, the focus is now increasingly shifting to near-net-shape series production and the production of spare parts, whereby surface properties and the tribological behavior of the manufactured parts is becoming more and more important. Therefore, the present review provides a comprehensive overview of research in tribology to date in the field of additively manufactured components. Basic research still remains the main focus of the analyzed 165 papers. However, due to the potential of additive manufacturing processes in the area of individualized components, a certain trend toward medical technology applications can be identified for the moment. Regarding materials, the focus of previous studies has been on metals, with stainless steel and titanium alloys being the most frequently investigated materials. On the processing side, powder bed processes are mainly used. Based on the present literature research, the expected future trends in the field of tribology of additively manufactured components can be identified. In addition to further basic research, these include, above all, aspects of process optimization, function integration, coating, and post-treatment of the surfaces.

A Wearable Multisensor Patch for Breathing Pattern Recognition

In this paper, a multisensor patch is presented for the purpose of detecting and recognising the signals produced by human breathing in response to a variety of different body movements. We show that a multisensor patch consisting of an accelerometer and a pressure sensor can simultaneously measure breathing-related inertial motion and muscle stretch with a high degree of accuracy when it is attached close to the diaphragm. To construct the multisensor patch, we relied on commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) electronic components that were relatively inexpensive. Different breathing motions were analyzed based on the accelerometer and the pressure sensor, including inhale, exhale, normal breathing, and breath hold conditions. The breathing frequency from the accelerometer and the flexible capacitive pressure sensors was found to be 0.2 Hz, and the normal breathing rate from the accelerometer and the pressure sensor was 11 breaths/min. We demonstrate that this new functional device and related approaches allow the identification of breathing patterns that are less cumbersome and tenably more reliable than conventional measures. The proposed multisensor patch holds great potential as a sensing technology in medical applications for the early detection of respiratory changes, one of the most predictive and earliest vital signs for worsening health. The presented methodology can be adapted for mass production of reasonably priced non-invasive breathing pattern detection and off-line analysis.

Graphdiyne-loaded polycaprolactone nanofiber scaffold for peripheral nerve regeneration

Graphdiyne (GDY) is a kind of nanomaterial from the graphene carbon family with excellent physical and chemical properties. Despite some applications in medical engineering, GDY has not been used as an electroactive scaffold for tissue regeneration because of its unclear in vitro and in vivo biosafety profiles. Here, a conductive GDY nanomaterial-loaded polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold was prepared by electrospinning technique. For the first time, the biocompatibility of GDY-based scaffold was assessed at the cellular and animal levels in a peripheral nerve injury (PNI) model. The findings indicated that the conductive three-dimensional (3D) GDY/PCL nerve guide conduits (NGCs) could significantly improve the proliferation, adhesion and glial expression of Schwann cells (SCs). The conduits were implanted into a rat 10-mm sciatic nerve defect model for 3 months in vivo. The toxicity of scaffolds to the organs was negligible, while the GDY/PCL NGCs significantly promoted myelination and axonal growth by upregulating the expression levels of SC marker (S100 β protein), Myelin basic protein (MBP), and axon regeneration marker (β3-tubulin protein (Tuj1) and neurofilament protein 200 (NF200)). In addition, upregulation of vascular factor expression in GDY/PCL NGC group suggested the potential role in angiogenesis to improve nerve repair by GDY nanomaterials. Our findings provide new perspectives on biocompatibility and effectiveness of GDY nanomaterial scaffold in peripheral nerve regeneration for preclinical application.

Enhance-Net: An Approach to Boost the Performance of Deep Learning Model Based on Real-Time Medical Images

Real-time medical image classification is a complex problem in the world. Using IoT technology in medical applications assures that the healthcare sectors improve the quality of treatment while lowering costs via automation and resource optimization. Deep learning is critical in categorizing medical images, which is accomplished by artificial intelligence. Deep learning algorithms allow radiologists and orthopaedic surgeons to make their life easier by providing them with quicker and more accurate findings in real time. Despite this, the classic deep learning technique has hit its performance limits. For these reasons, in this research, we examine alternative enhancement strategies to raise the performance of deep neural networks to provide an optimal solution known as Enhance-Net. It is possible to classify the experiment into six distinct stages. Champion-Net was chosen as a deep learning model from a pool of benchmark deep learning models (EfficientNet: B0, MobileNet, ResNet-18, and VGG-19). This stage helps choose the optimal model. In the second step, Champion-Net was tested with various resolutions. This stage helps conclude dataset resolution and improves Champion-Net performance. The next stage extracts green channel data. In the fourth step, Champion-Net combines with image enhancement algorithms CLAHE, HEF, and UM. This phase serves to improve Enhance-performance. The next stage compares the Enhance-Net findings to the lightness order error (LoE). In Enhance-Net models, the current study combines image enhancement and green channel with Champion-Net. In the final step, radiologists and orthopaedic surgeons use the trained model for real-time medical image prediction. The study effort uses the musculoskeletal radiograph-bone classification (MURA-BC) dataset. Classification accuracy of Enhance-Net was determined for the train and test datasets. These models obtained 98.02 percent, 94.79 percent, and 94.61 percent accuracy, respectively. The 96.74% accuracy was achieved during real-time testing with the unseen dataset.