Biomedical Components Research Articles

Contemporary Development on the Performance and Functionalization of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) for Biomedical Implants

Polymers are widely used in biomedical implants due to their low cost, ability to shape easily in different ways, low friction and strong anti-corrosion properties. Numerous polymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyamide (PA), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyurethane (PU), Epoxy and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) are used to develop modified biomaterials applications. Among these polymers, UHMWPE stands out as a polymer with superior customization properties to satisfy specific requirements of the human body. Investigations show that the medical-grade and prosthetic product market gained dominance in 2020, accounting for over 30% of global sales. UHMWPE has proven its dominance in tribological applications such as bearings and biomedical components. Despite its exceptional tribological properties, UHMWPE struggles with drawbacks such as poor load-bearing capability and low thermal stability. Researchers are working on various paths to develop UHMWPE composites and hybrid composites with nano/micro fillers to develop a composite framework to address these challenges. This review paper aims to amalgamate the results from these studies. It provides an overview of the studies conducted and their contribution to our current understanding of various routes taken by different researchers to enhance the tribological efficiency of UHMWPE biomaterials. This discussion may inspire the development of low friction and improved wear resistance properties in polymer (UHMWPE) biomaterial composites.

REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC WORKS ON TECHNOLOGIES FOR EXTRACTION OF BIOCOMPONENTS FROM VEGETABLE RAW MATERIALS. SUPERCRITICAL CO2 EXTRACTION IS AN EFFECTIVE NEW METHOD FOR SOLVING THE GLOBAL PROBLEM OF UTILIZATION AND QUALITY OF PLANT AND ORGANIC RAW MATERIALS

A brief review and assessment of methods for the extraction (extraction) of active biocomponents from plant raw materials is presented. The overview contains a number of tables and diagrams to facilitate the initial perception of this topic. Examples of stationary and mobile installations developed in the world are shown. The prospects of the Supercritical CO2-extraction method, as the most effective for the extraction of valuable biomedical components, have been analyzed. The schemes and samples of the used CO2-extractors are shown. The schemes and external view of the author’s experimental setup for extraction with supercritical CO2 developed by our team are presented.

The perspectives of successful ageing among older adults aged 75+: a systematic review with a narrative synthesis of mixed studies

AbstractOlder adults 75 and above are a fast-growing segment of the population. However, few studies have investigated what it means to age successfully from their perspective. This group of older adults face challenges that might characteristically differ from younger older adults. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the perspectives of older adults aged 75 and above regarding what it means to age successfully and to summarise the findings through a narrative synthesis. We also aimed to provide a snapshot of inhibitors and facilitators to achieve successful ageing. A systematic review of the 75+ older adults’ perspectives was conducted across PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science and PsycINFO. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods original peer-reviewed studies were included. After reviewing 4,661 articles, 15 articles met the inclusion criteria and 15 themes were identified. They ranged from biomedical components such as physical functioning to psychosocial components such as relationships, reflections on life and past experiences, preparations for death and environmental factors. The findings revealed that as people age, their definition of successful ageing changes, expanding the current conceptualisation of successful ageing by including additional factors that can act as facilitators and/or inhibitors, such as death and environmental factors. The findings also highlight the need for further research on theory development by considering age-related differences and the perspectives of under-studied populations.

Speedy bioceramics: Rapid densification of tricalcium phosphate by ultrafast high-temperature sintering

Due to unique osteogenic properties, tricalcium phosphate (TCP) has gained relevance in the field of bone repair. The development of novel and rapid sintering routes is of particular interest since TCP undergoes to high-temperature phase transitions and is widely employed in osteoconductive coatings on thermally-sensitive metal substrates.In the present work, TCP bioceramics was innovatively obtained by Ultrafast High-temperature Sintering (UHS). Ca-deficient hydroxyapatite nano-powder produced by mechanochemical synthesis of mussel shell-derived calcium carbonate was used to prepare the green samples by uniaxial pressing. These were introduced within a graphite felt which was rapidly heated by an electrical current flow, reaching heating rates exceeding 1200 °C min−1. Dense (> 93%) ceramics were manufactured in less than 3 min using currents between 25 and 30 A. Both β and α-TCP were detected in the sintered components with proportions depending on the applied current. Preliminary tests confirmed that the artifacts do not possess cytotoxic effects and possess mechanical properties similar to conventionally sintered materials. The overall results prove the applicability of UHS to bioceramics paving the way to new rapid processing routes for biomedical components.

МЕДИКО-БІОЛОГІЧНА СКЛАДОВА ПІДГОТОВКИ УЧИТЕЛЯ ФІЗИЧНОЇ КУЛЬТУРИ

The purpose of the work is to characterize the biomedical component in the training of specialists in the field of knowledge 01 Education / Pedagogy in specialties 014 Secondary education (physical culture), 014 Secondary education (human health), 017 Physical culture and sports. Research methods. To obtain the most significant research results and their interpretation, the following methods were used: theoretical analysis and synthesis, systematization, generalization of information presented in scientific sources of information. Medical and biological support of physical culture is most justified, connected with the influence of physical exercises on the human body, the subject of which is the problems of human physical development, the activity of the main functional systems of the body, biochemical processes in the implementation of motor activity. This is due to the study of human health, the health-improving effect of motor exercises, adaptation to physical activity, determination of the influence of intense muscular activity on the body systems, adaptive changes in the life support system and regulation of human motor activity. Human motor activity associated with physical activity is one of the main factors that ensures normal vital activity, the basis for mental and physical development in ontogenesis. At the same time, mainly in the biomedical sciences, the physical qualities of a person are considered as natural (biological) properties without taking into account the integral individuality. Medical and biological education in physical culture of a person has recently been due to the active study of integrative approaches to the physical condition of a person. A future teacher of physical culture in the learning process should form a universal competence based on the sports and physical culture of the individual, reflecting its integrative nature. An integrated factor in physical culture and sports is movement, the direction of which is determined by operational, current and long-term goals of physical activity.

A generic curriculum development model for the biomedical physics component of the educational and training programmes of the non-physics healthcare professions.

The objective of the study was the construction of a generic curriculum development model for the use of biomedical physics (BMP) educators teaching the non-physics healthcare professions (HCP) in Europe. A comprehensive, qualitative cross-sectional Europe-wide survey of the curricula delivered by BMP in Faculties of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) was carried out. Curricular content was collected from faculty web-sites, curricular documents and textbooks. The survey data was supplemented with semi-structured interviews and direct observation during onsite visits. The number of faculties studied was 118 from 67 universities spread all over Europe, whilst the number of onsite visits/interviews was 15 (geographically distributed as follows: Eastern Europe 6, North Western Europe 5, and South Western Europe 4). EU legislation, recommendations by European national medical councils, educational benchmark statements by higher education quality assurance agencies, research journals concerning HCP education and other documents relevant to standards in clinical practice and undergraduate education were also analyzed. Best practices and BMP learning outcomes were elicited from the curricular materials, interviews and documentation and these were subsequently used to construct the curriculum development model. A structured, comprehensive BMP learning outcomes inventory was designed in the format required by the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). The structures of the inventory and curriculum development model make them ideally suited for use by BMP involved in European curriculum development initiatives for the HCP.

3D Printing Technology for Biomedical Practice: A Review

3D printing or additive manufacturing is an emerging technique for the fabrications of biomedical components. Several researchers are working on fabrications of the biomedical components, future prospective of implantation, and transplantation aspects. The current review presents a meticulous summary of research work done so far by the researchers in the view of design and fabrications about biomedical components by using 3D printing technology such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), inkjet printing, stereolithography, and selective laser sintering (SLS). The design and fabrications of biomedical components include 3D printing of bone, low-cost high-quality prosthetics, intervertebral disks, medical equipment, heart valve, building tissues using blood vessels and drugs. The objective of this review article is to explore different additive manufacturing processes, challenges, and future developments for 3D printing for biomedical components.

Surface topography in machining Ti alloys for biomedical applications: correlative microscopy approach for qualitative and quantitative analysis

V-free Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy may be an interesting candidate as a substitute to the traditional Ti-6Al-4V alloy on the development of biomedical components. The inspection of surface integrity through digital microscopy techniques shows strong potential for comparative analysis and optimization of manufacturing processes. This work deals with the comparative analysis of turned surfaces of dual-phase (α+β) titanium alloys: Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-7Nb, under different cutting conditions. Digital image processing and analysis technique has been used to evaluate the volume fraction of phases and their distribution. An innovative methodology for digitizing the surface topography was applied, based on the association of modern microscopy techniques with digital image processing-correlative microscopy. The global outcomes show that Ti-6Al-4V samples presented better homogeneity, with a mean β volume fraction of about 17%, compared to 11% of Ti-6Al-7Nb samples. The combination of higher feed rate and lower velocity produce rougher topography for both alloys, while the topographic formation obtained by the combination of lower feed rate and higher velocity seems smoother. In addition, Ti-6Al-4V alloy presents rougher topography in comparison topography of Ti-6Al-7Nb, under all conditions, probably due to the different phase distribution. The correlative microscopy allowed a correspondence between the cutting conditions and the microstructural properties of both Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-7Nb alloys, through the analysis of the machined surface.

Research trends in abrasive flow machining: A systematic review

The components used in aerospace, automotive, and biomedical industries are made up of modern materials like titanium alloys, ceramics, composites etc. However, the complexity in the shape of such materials limits the use of conventional processes for their finishing. Abrasive flow machining (AFM) is one such alternative to finish these components. In this review study, a systematic methodology has been used for a data-supported review of AFM. The methodology includes a structured literature search, bibliometric analysis, and text mapping. The development of AFM variants, parametric analysis, abrasive media development, modeling of responses of AFM, and application-based studies are identified as major fields of investigations in AFM. The study of AFM variants includes the development of better versions of AFM using external assistances to improve process performance. The effect of input parameters on process responses is studied for parametric analysis. The development of abrasive media using different base polymers and their use have also been explained. The modeling of process responses of AFM is explicated using mathematical equations. Besides this, the behaviour of abrasive media has been analyzed using mathematical and simulation studies. The details about the use of AFM in finishing of biomedical components, automotive parts, gears, additively manufactured parts, turbine blades, and micro geometries have been provided to understand the practical applications of AFM in the recent past.

In-vitro mechanical behavior and high cycle fatigue characteristics of NiTi-based shape memory alloy wire

Pseudoelastic NiTi-based shape-memory-alloy is a popular candidate for miniaturized biomedical components. Such material undergoes reversible stress-induced-phase-transformation resulting to significant recoverable-strain ~ 10%. In this study, the effect of corrosion, bio-fluids, fatigue mean-stress, stress-ratio and occurrence of functional-fatigue on the in-vitro performance of the NiTi system are carefully scrutinized. Systematic experiments are performed using specialized capstan-grip and customized bio-chamber in presence of relevant bio-fluids at human body-temperature. The alloy revealed excellent pseudoelastic plateau-strain along with a combination of optimally high ultimate tensile strength and ductility. Interesting insights developed from the study are beneficial for considering the biomedical usage of the alloy.

RETRACTED: FPGA medical big data system and ischemic stroke rehabilitation nursing

Ischemic stroke is one of the most deadly illnesses in the world, leading to high mortality. Due to lung disease, stroke is the abnormal growth of cells characterized by a single irregular cell and spreads throughout the body. Therefore, to detect and heal the affected area at an early stage, it is necessary to detect the affected area after application. Ischemic stroke is generally regarded as an essential indicator of stroke rehabilitation care. The previous method uses SVM (Support Vector Machine) and STFT (Short Time Fourier Transform Algorithm) to process an image processing system based on stroke detection. This is more accurate and efficient for CT (Computed Tomography) images. The conversion method is significantly slower, and the advanced risk architecture cannot verify the image. The proposed FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and CNN (Convolutional Neural Network) are used to develop image processing and easily interact with the database without introducing complexity. FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is mainly realized by ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The system speeds up detecting strokes and lung diseases and can be used as a single process system or another biomedical imaging system component. According to the medical big data system, the image processing system relies on bilateral filtering, edge detection, multiple thresholds, image segmentation, morphological image processing, and image labeling to collect stroke symptoms.

Abrasive based finishing method applied on biomedical implants: A review

Surface quality is a key parameter affecting product life and functionality. Most of the technologies have been produced in the past that can be used for a micrometre or submicrometre accuracy, nanometer surface roughness and almost no surface defects in the production of optical, mechanical and electronic products. Such technologies for finishing have been divided into two types: including and not including magnetic field support. These processes having flexible finishing tool that can be employed for complex freeform components effectively. In the case of finishing complex freeform surfaces, traditional finishing methods are comparatively inferior in performance due to the lack of controlling finishing forces and limitations of polishing tool movement over the components' complex freeform contour. Surface conditions of biomedical components (knee joint, hip joint, elbow joint, heart valve, dental crown etc.) decide the life and functionality of the implant. Generally, implants are made from skin, bone or other body tissues and also metals, plastics, ceramics or other materials. Abrasive finishing is a non-traditional finishing technique that offers better finishing accuracy, performance, consistency and economy. This article discusses the published works on fine finishing of biomedical implants to improve their functionality and surface quality through abrasive based finishing methods, including abrasive flow machining, magnetorheological fluid-based finishing, magnetic abrasive finishing, etc.

Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of an Educational Package to Control the Biomedical Profile of Metabolic Syndrome.

Background:Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors are a major concern in the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study aimed to develop, implement, and evaluate a lifestyle education package as a strategy to control the biomedical components of MetSMethods:A total of 72 women and men (aged 18–68 y) with MetS were selected through randomized sampling. They were classified into 2 groups: an intervention group that received a lifestyle educational package with close follow-ups and a control group that received only usual care. Anthropometric indices, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and fasting blood sugar were assessed at baseline and after 3 months.Results:The lifestyle-modification program was associated with a modest weight loss (2 ± 0.4 kg; P < 0.001), a significant reduction in waist circumference (2.3 ± 0.9 cm; P < 0.001) and the hip circumference (1 ± 0.3 cm; P < 0.001), and a sharp decrease in diastolic blood pressure (5.3 ± 1.4 mm Hg; P < 0.001), compared with the baseline values in the intervention group. Additionally, according to the one-way MANOVA analysis, 33.8% of the changes in MetS components were attributable to the educational intervention (P < 0.001, F = 5.27).Conclusions:Improvement in lipid profile and anthropometric measures suggest that a lifestyle package based on multivariable health education is an acceptable method.

Detailed Thermal Characterization of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene and Polylactic Acid Based Carbon Composites Used in Additive Manufacturing.

Currently, 3D printing is an affordable technology for industry, healthcare, and individuals. Understanding the mechanical properties and thermoplastic behaviour of the composites is critical for the users. Our results give guidance for certain target groups including professionals in the field of additive manufacturing for biomedical components with in-depth characterisation of the examined commercially available ABS and PLA carbon-based composites. The study aimed to characterize these materials in terms of thermal behaviour and structure. The result of the heating-cooling loops is the thermal hysteresis effect of Ohmic resistance with its accommodation property in the temperature range of 20–84 °C for ESD-ABS and 20–72 °C for ESD-PLA. DSC-TGA measurements showed that the carbon content of the examined ESD samples is ~10–20% (m/m) and there is no significant difference in the thermodynamic behaviour of the basic ABS/PLA samples and their ESD compounds within the temperature range typically used for 3D printing. The results support the detailed design process of 3D-printed electrical components and prove that ABS and PLA carbon composites are suitable for prototyping and the production of biomedical sensors.

Characterisation of geometrical and physical properties of a stainless steel denture framework manufactured by single-point incremental forming

In recent years, numerous scientific and technological innovations have been introduced in the fields of medicine and dentistry. The application of computer-based engineering techniques has enabled significant improvement in the design and performance of biomedical components, including implants and prostheses. Innovative and flexible manufacturing methods, such as single point incremental forming (SPIF), allow the cost-effective production of these “custom-made” components. The SPIF technology has been employed to manufacture a metal denture base plate (framework) of a complete maxillary (upper) denture to replace a traditional prosthodontic procedure based on a lost-wax technique, which is time-consuming and requires much manual work. Stainless steel sheet of quality X6Cr17 and thickness of 0.5 mm was adopted due to its biocompatibility, good mechanical properties, and reasonable price. The SPIF process was completely designed in a digital environment with a focus on achieving high quality and accuracy of the part followed by experimental verification. For validation, the formed part was compared in terms of the geometry and mechanical strength with the reference one fabricated using the lost-wax technique. The results obtained confirmed the high dimensional accuracy and good strength of the SPIF-made part. The experimental investigations also included analysis of sheet thinning, surface roughness, and microstructure.

A Medical Pedagogy Reform by Integration of Biomedical Research into the Clinical Medicine Program.

The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of integrating research-based biomedical sciences into a clinical medicine program. This reform aims to enable medical students to conduct both clinical and independent research work at an early stage and to consider human disease through a mechanistic and evidence-based perspective. We designed this innovative medical program using modules that are different from those used in traditional medical programs in both China and Western countries. Thus, in this new program, we incorporated biomedical sciences components including essential theoretical and practical elements, active learning, and research skills training in the first 3 years of a 5-year program. We also offered students opportunities for oral presentation, teamwork, and leadership training. We find that students are actively engaged in this program and are enthusiastic about medical research, academically competent, and confident at expression and presentation of their data. They demonstrate leadership and teamwork skills that are essential for contemporary medical practice and prepare them by developing these skills at this early stage as they embark on their medical career. We show that students who train through this reformed program perform well at various nationwide and province-wide academic contests and show increased competitiveness in applications onto post-graduate programs. Overall, we provide evidence that this new program is proving to be successful and is a worthwhile reform establishing a new paradigm for Chinese medical education. Furthermore, we suggest it is a reform that would be of interest to other countries whose medical education is not delivering the desired output of research- and evidence-based-driven doctors.

Effective integration of Cobots and additive manufacturing for reconfigurable assembly solutions of biomedical products

Collaborative robotics and additive manufacturing are two enabling technologies of the Industry 4.0 manufacturing paradigm. Their synergic integration requires novel and effective design approaches, aiming to the development of new reconfigurable solutions for customised processes and products. This work presents an integrated approach that exploits the capabilities of Cobots to mimic the repetitive and exhausting operator’s movements as well as the competitive advantages offered by additive manufacturing to realize tailored equipment. In particular, the case study shows the development of a customised device for the manipulation of biomedical components by means of a Cobot, which is introduced in a workstation to replace manual operations. Moreover, the flexibility and the effectiveness of a Cobot can be improved thanks to customised devices for gripping and pick-and-place operations based on a specific application. During the development phase, we simulated the assembly process, and tested different options. The final configuration, with conformal circuits and suction cups, can pick, manipulate and assembly the biomedical components, and thanks to a Fused Filament Fabrication technology is additively manufactured. In conclusion, this developed prototypal solution proves the real capabilities offered by integrating Cobots and additive manufacturing for the lean automation of a biomedical workstation.

Green Synthesis of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles Using Leaf Extract of Clerodendrum inerme; Characterization, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Activities.

Due to their versatile applications, gold (Au) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized by many approaches, including green processes using plant extracts for reducing metal ions. In this work, we propose to use plant extract with active biomedical components for NPs synthesis, aiming to obtain NPs inheriting the biomedical functions of the plants. By using leaves extract of Clerodendrum inerme (C. inerme) as both a reducing agent and a capping agent, we have synthesized gold (CI-Au) and silver (CI-Ag) NPs covered with biomedically active functional groups from C. inerme. The synthesized NPs were evaluated for different biological activities such as antibacterial and antimycotic against different pathogenic microbes (B. subtilis, S. aureus, Klebsiella, and E. coli) and (A. niger, T. harzianum, and A. flavus), respectively, using agar well diffusion assays. The antimicrobial propensity of NPs further assessed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) glutathione (GSH) and FTIR analysis. Biofilm inhibition activity was also carried out using colorimetric assays. The antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of CI-Au and CI-Ag NPs was determined using DPPH free radical scavenging and MTT assay, respectively. The CI-Au and CI-Ag NPs were demonstrated to have much better antioxidant in terms of %DPPH scavenging (75.85% ± 0.67% and 78.87% ± 0.19%), respectively. They exhibited excellent antibacterial, antimycotic, biofilm inhibition and cytotoxic performance against pathogenic microbes and MCF-7 cells compared to commercial Au and Ag NPs functionalized with dodecanethiol and PVP, respectively. The biocompatibility test further corroborated that CI-Ag and CI-Au NPs are more biocompatible at the concentration level of 1–50 µM. Hence, this work opens a new environmentally-friendly path for synthesizing nanomaterials inherited with enhanced and/or additional biomedical functionalities inherited from their herbal sources.

Effect of Surface Roughness on Pitting Corrosion of AZ31 Mg Alloy

Magnesium is a highly desired material for multiple applications including automotive, aircraft, and biomedical components due to its high strength to weight ratio, non-toxicity, and its good machinability. The main drawback of magnesium use is its poor resistance to corrosion. The goal of this experiment was to determine the effect of surface roughening treatments on the rate of corrosion and to characterize the resultant magnesium oxide (MgO) and brucite (Mg(OH)2) corrosion products. Three samples of AZ31 alloy with varying initial surface roughness were exposed to simulated marine conditions using a salt fog chamber for 672 h. The salt fog experiments used a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution and were conducted in accordance with the ASTM B117 test protocols. One sample was tested in an as-received state, served as the control, another sample was roughened using a grit blaster, and another was polished to a mirror finish. Formed oxide scales were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The samples with a higher roughness underwent the severest corrosion and ensuing formation of the thickest oxide layers. The results indicate that the initial surface roughness has a profound effect on the resulting severity of pitting corrosion in Mg alloys and that mechanical polishing can substantially reduce the propensity for uniform and pitting corrosion to occur.

The WHO active ageing pillars and its association with survival: Findings from a population-based study in Spain

BackgroundThe World Health Organization’s active ageing model is based on the optimisation of four key “pillars”: health, lifelong learning, participation and security. It provides older people with a policy framework to develop their potential for well-being, which in turn, may facilitate longevity. We sought to assess the effect of active ageing on longer life expectancy by: i) operationalising the WHO active ageing framework, ii) testing the validity of the factors obtained by analysing the relationships between the pillars, and iii) exploring the impact of active ageing on survival through the health pillar. MethodsBased on data from a sample of 801 community-dwelling older adults, we operationalised the active ageing model by taking each pillar as an individual construct using principal component analysis. The interrelationship between components and their association with survival was analysed using multiple regression models. ResultsA three-factor structure was obtained for each pillar, except for lifelong learning with a single component. After adjustment for age, gender and marital status, survival was only significantly associated with the physical component of health (HR = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.47−0.93; p = 0.018). In turn, this component was loaded with representative variables of comorbidity and functionality, cognitive status and lifestyles, and correlated with components of lifelong learning, social activities and institutional support. ConclusionAccording to how the variables clustered into the components and how the components intertwined, results suggest that the variables loading on the biomedical component of the health pillar (e.g. cognitive function, health conditions or pain), may play a part on survival chances.