Biomedical Healthcare Research Articles

A novel computational approach for the mining of signature pathways using species co-occurrence networks in gut microbiomes

BackgroundAdvances in metagenome sequencing data continue to enable new methods for analyzing biological systems. When handling microbial profile data, metagenome sequencing has proven to be far more comprehensive than traditional methods such as 16s rRNA data, which rely on partial sequences. Microbial community profiling can be used to obtain key biological insights that pave the way for more accurate understanding of complex systems that are critical for advancing biomedical research and healthcare. However, such attempts have mostly used partial or incomplete data to accurately capture those associations.MethodsThis study introduces a novel computational approach for the identification of co-occurring microbial communities using the abundance and functional roles of species-level microbiome data. The proposed approach is then used to identify signature pathways associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Furthermore, we developed a computational pipeline to identify microbial species co-occurrences from metagenome data at various granularity levels.ResultsWhen comparing the IBD group to a control group, we show that certain co-occurring communities of species are enriched for potential pathways. We also show that the identified co-occurring microbial species operate as a community to facilitate pathway enrichment.ConclusionsThe obtained findings suggest that the proposed network model, along with the computational pipeline, provide a valuable analytical tool to analyze complex biological systems and extract pathway signatures that can be used to diagnose certain health conditions.

Comparative analysis of epistemic stance in abstracts of published biomedical research and associated National Institutes of Health funding applications (1985–2020)

Abstract Research funded by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) exerts considerable influence over the trajectory of biomedical science and healthcare policy and practice. Here, we extend previous research by assessing the relationship between the expression of epistemic stance (i.e. confidence in propositions) in successful NIH funding applications and the subsequent research publications. Analysis of 140 stance features (modal verbs, hedges, and boosters) in all PubMed abstracts describing NIH-funded research during the period 1985–2020 identified trends that broadly mirrored those previously reported for abstracts of the associated funding applications. We argue that trends, in part, indicate that investigators adopted a stance that became less cautious and less tentative (e.g. consistent declines for appear, seem, and probably), and increasingly confident, assertive, and empirical (e.g. consistent increases for highlight, likely, and typically). Discussing our results in relation to changes in the biomedical research system, including growth in promotional writing strategies, we suggest that increasing salesmanship in the NIH research system is in part a downstream effect of funding mechanisms. We also infer methodological and pedagogic implications for analysis of metadiscourse.

Nats'eji (healing): Examining patient and provider experiences with hospital-based Indigenous wellness services in Northwest Territories, Canada.

This study aimed to examine how Indigenous patients and biomedical healthcare providers understand and experience the Indigenous wellness services at a hospital in the Northwest Territories. The qualitative study (May 2018-June 2022) was overseen by a regional Indigenous Community Advisory Committee. Guided by Two-Eyed Seeing and post-colonial theory, the study employed a community-engaged research design, and included two strategies for data generation: (1) interviews with Indigenous Elders, patient advocates, biomedical healthcare providers, policy makers, and hospital administrators (n = 41), and (2) iterative sharing circles with Indigenous Elders (n = 4). Data from the interviews and first sharing circle were transcribed, thematically analyzed, and presented to the sharing circle Elders for validation. The study revealed three overarching and related themes: (1) Elders and patient advocates emphasized that while the Indigenous wellness services at the hospital play a pivotal role connecting patients with cultural supports, the hospital was still not effectively bringing Indigenous healing practices into hospital care; (2) participants identified that structural factors (i.e., policy and governance decisions) shaped patients' experiences with the wellness services; and (3) participants underscored that deeply rooted forces (i.e., racism, colonialism, and biomedical dominance) inhibit the integration of Indigenous healing practices. The findings extend understandings of hospital-based Indigenous wellness services by surfacing relationships between deeply rooted forces, organizational structures, and Indigenous patients' experiences. Altogether, they suggest that to advance care for Indigenous patients and improve the integration of Indigenous healing practices, a system-wide transformation is necessary, which includes Indigenous governance at the hospital and a recognition of the value of Indigenous healing practices.

Design and implementation of a project management training program to develop workforce ready skills and career readiness in STEM PhD students and postdoctoral trainees

A growing number of STEM doctorates pursue careers across the broader biomedical workforce, including industry, policy, and healthcare. Graduate and postdoctoral trainees need training to develop professional skills that prepare them for diverse workforce options. Through engagement with faculty and trainees, we determined that formal management skills are underdeveloped in trainees, particularly around managing projects in a way that is translatable to broader industries. At Georgetown University Medical Center, we adapted Kern's six-steps of curriculum design to develop the Academy for Transferable Management Skills (ATMS) program to help graduate and postdoctoral trainees develop linear experience in utilizing project management tools in their academic research contexts. ATMS includes a self-paced online CANVAS course with learning objectives and content modules that map to the project management cycle from initiation to closure, developed in consultation with PhD-level industry experts. From 2021–2024, 25 trainees have completed the ATMS program, including the capstone project and posttest evaluation. Trainees also complete brief quizzes after each module as a formative assessment of learning. The pre-test evaluation (n = 92) revealed a baseline of project management “pain points” regularly encountered by trainees (risk management, project charters, work breakdown structures, and managing project scope). Posttest data (n = 25) reveal a significant increase (p < 0.0001) in project management self-efficacy measures across the aforementioned pain point scales. Notably, 100% of trainees indicated that they may/would refer the program to colleagues. ATMS offers trainees the flexibility to pick frameworks that apply to their projects with trainees planning to use project schedules (84%), Work Break Down Structures (80%), lessons learned reports (68%), and communication plans (68%) in their work. This integrated experiential learning approach equips trainees to develop and execute their projects according to industry-informed project management principles, which allows them to perform their current research more efficiently and to utilize project management frameworks in a way that is directly transferable to broad careers.

Advancements in Organ‐on‐a‐Chip Systems: Materials, Characterization, and Applications

AbstractRecent advancements in 3D tissue engineering and organ‐on‐a‐chip systems have revolutionized biomedical research by providing sophisticated platforms that mimic complex physiological environments. This review explores various techniques in 3D printing, including bioprinting materials, laser‐induced forward transfer, ink‐jet systems, and microextrusion methods, highlighting their roles in fabricating intricate tissue constructs. Physical and biochemical characterization methods for assessing these engineered tissues on microchips are discussed in detail, emphasizing their importance in accurately replicating physiological conditions. The review further delves into the development of multiple organ and single organ‐on‐a‐chip systems. It covers two‐organ, three‐organ, and four‐organ platforms, as well as individual systems such as pancreas‐on‐a‐chip, kidney‐on‐a‐chip, liver‐on‐a‐chip, lung‐on‐a‐chip, blood–brain barrier‐on‐a‐chip, heart‐on‐a‐chip, breast cancer‐on‐a‐chip, gut‐on‐a‐chip, and blood vessels‐on‐a‐chip. Each section addresses the unique challenges and advancements associated with these models, providing insights into their potential applications in drug testing, disease modelling, and personalized medicine. In conclusion, the article discusses current challenges and offers perspectives on future directions in 3D tissue engineering and organ‐on‐a‐chip technology, highlighting the transformative impact of these systems on biomedical research and healthcare.

Large Language Models in Biomedical and Health Informatics: A Review with Bibliometric Analysis.

Large language models (LLMs) have rapidly become important tools in Biomedical and Health Informatics (BHI), potentially enabling new ways to analyze data, treat patients, and conduct research. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of LLM applications in BHI, highlighting their transformative potential and addressing the associated ethical and practical challenges. We reviewed 1698 research articles from January 2022 to December 2023, categorizing them by research themes and diagnostic categories. Additionally, we conducted network analysis to map scholarly collaborations and research dynamics. Our findings reveal a substantial increase in the potential applications of LLMs to a variety of BHI tasks, including clinical decision support, patient interaction, and medical document analysis. Notably, LLMs are expected to be instrumental in enhancing the accuracy of diagnostic tools and patient care protocols. The network analysis highlights dense and dynamically evolving collaborations across institutions, underscoring the interdisciplinary nature of LLM research in BHI. A significant trend was the application of LLMs in managing specific disease categories, such as mental health and neurological disorders, demonstrating their potential to influence personalized medicine and public health strategies. LLMs hold promising potential to further transform biomedical research and healthcare delivery. While promising, the ethical implications and challenges of model validation call for rigorous scrutiny to optimize their benefits in clinical settings. This survey serves as a resource for stakeholders in healthcare, including researchers, clinicians, and policymakers, to understand the current state and future potential of LLMs in BHI.

Situating pluralism in biomedical healthcare practices: Lessons from the ethnomedical approach

Healthcare interactions have become increasingly varied, prompting the need for revised person-centred approaches that call for curriculum reform. This paper describes the perceived impact of the intentional insertion of medical pluralism into an inclusive, interprofessional health sciences module. A phased multi-method research design was applied. Phase 1 gathered data for an early curricular review. Phase 2 implemented a revised approach focusing on medical plurality. Phase 3 collected qualitative data through structured reflective journaling. Descriptive statistical analysis of quantitative data and thematic analysis of the qualitative data were performed. 41 2022 first-year students (30%) participated in Phase 1, with 83% indicating that engagement was encouraged (83%) within a space of mutual respect (83%). Structured reflective journaling was employed in 2023 with 121 (97%) first-year students participating in Phases 2 and 3 to describe the impact of the revised approach on student learning. Five themes emerged from this experience: uncertainty, fear, overwhelm, gratefulness, and personal impact. Through creating a practically orientated and inclusive curricular space founded on medical pluralism and pedagogy of care, cross-cultural graduate attribute training was transformed to be more contextually relevant and future-focused to effectively steer students towards developing the attributes of desirability, ethics of care, and responsible citizenship.

Traditional healing practices, factors influencing to access the practices and its complementary effect on mental health in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review

ObjectivesIn areas with limited and unaffordable biomedical mental health services, such as sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), traditional healers are an incredibly well-used source of mental healthcare. This systematic review synthesises the...

Navigating Mental Health Challenges in Conflict Zones: A Mixed Method Literature Review

According to the World Mental Health Report (2022), 22% of the population living in conflict-afflicted areas have mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mental health disorders are one of the most serious and underrepresented effects of surviving in conflict-afflicted areas. To investigate the prevalence of mental health disorders and potential risk factors that impact individuals residing in conflict regions and explore their lived experiences. A mixed-method literature review of the studies was conducted between January 2015 to August 2024. It combined substantial evidence from 15 quantitative (n=8) and qualitative (n=6) studies that were exposed to large-scale conflicts in the past ten years. The data was gathered through a range of databases (Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO. Initially, 187 studies were identified, and 51 remained after screening. In total, 15 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results suggested that individuals in conflicted areas have a high prevalence of severe mental health disorders like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, some risk factors that contributed were persistent exposure to violence, loss of livelihood, and displacement. Consequently, religious and psychosocial coping mechanisms did provide some relief. However, these mechanisms dominated the treatment-seeking decisions and prevented individuals from opting for biomedical healthcare practices. Conclusion: This review highlighted the need for a multidisciplinary approach to curb these areas' growing mental health imbalance. In addition to being a humanitarian right and necessity, providing adequate mental health facilities is a vital component of rebuilding and recovering the affected communities.

Bridges between two medical realities: Perspectives of Indigenous medical and nursing students on snakebite care in the Brazilian Amazon.

In the Brazilian Amazon, snakebite envenomations (SBEs) disproportionately affect Indigenous populations, and have a significantly higher incidence and lethality than in non-Indigenous populations. This qualitative study describes the Indigenous and biomedical healthcare domains for SBE care from the perspective of the Indigenous medical and nursing students in Manaus, Western Brazilian Amazon. In-depth interviews were conducted with five Indigenous students from the Amazonas State University, between January and December 2021. The interviews were analyzed using inductive content analysis. We organized an explanatory model with five themes: (1) participants' identities; (2) causality levels in Indigenous and biomedical systems; (3) therapeutic itineraries in Indigenous and biomedical systems; (4) ideological implications of adding biomedical devices to Indigenous healing systems; and (5) therapeutic failure in and efficacy of Indigenous and biomedical systems. From a noncolonial perspective and seeking to increase the quality and acceptability of health care for the Indigenous populations of the Brazilian Amazon, the training of Indigenous health professionals presents itself as a promising strategy. For this goal, universities should serve as empowering settings for Indigenous health students that support them in their growth and development, raise their awareness of injustice, and catalyze change toward a culturally adapted and effective service for the users.

AI-based methods for detecting and classifying age-related macular degeneration: a comprehensive review

This paper explores the advancements and achievements of artificial intelligence (AI) in computer vision (CV), particularly in the context of diagnosing and grading age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the most common leading causes of blindness and low vision that impact millions of patients globally. Integrating AI in biomedical engineering and healthcare has significantly enhanced the understanding and development of the CV application to mimic human problem-solving abilities. By leveraging AI-based models, ophthalmologists can improve the accuracy and speed of disease diagnosis, enabling early treatment and mitigating the severity of the conditions. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of many studies on AMD published between 2014 and 2024, with more than 80% published after 2020. Various methodologies and techniques are examined, particularly emphasizing utilizing different retinal imaging modalities like color fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT), where 66% of the studies used OCT datasets. This review aims to compare the efficacy of these AI-based approaches, including machine learning and deep learning, in detecting and diagnosing different stages and grades of AMD based on the evaluation of different performance metrics using different private and public datasets. In addition, this paper introduces some suggested AI solutions for future work.

All Good Without Anything Good. Beyond Survival: Understanding the Psychosocial Experiences of Individuals With Chronic Kidney Disease and Their Caregivers in Sri Lanka.

This study aims to explore the experiences of individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing haemodialysis and their caregivers, focusing on the disease's impact and the treatment process. In Sri Lanka, CKD is a growing health concern, particularly affecting farming communities and contributing to the strain on the biomedical healthcare system. Despite increasing awareness of CKD's physical implications, its psychosocial impact remains underexplored. This study seeks to fill this gap, aiming to inform culturally sensitive interventions and improve the healthcare system's responsiveness to the unique needs of Sinhala Buddhist individuals with CKD and their caregivers. An exploratory qualitative study. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 individuals undergoing haemodialysis and 5 caregivers at a dialysis unit. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using conventional qualitative content analysis. The analysis revealed three interrelated main themes: (1) impact on standard of living (quality of life), (2) coping strategies and (3) medical experience, with a notable influence of traditional beliefs and practices. The findings highlight the need for a holistic approach to CKD management that integrates physical, emotional, psychological and social aspects, considering the significant role of traditional influences. Further research is essential to develop effective interventions that can enhance the quality of life for CKD. The lived experiences of Sinhala Buddhist individuals with CKD and their caregivers served as a cornerstone, providing profound insights into the impact of the condition on their lives. Throughout the study, these participants played an instrumental role in refining the research's cultural sensitivity and relevance. Their engagement extended beyond the data collection phase to encompass feedback sessions, where they actively shared their perspectives. This ongoing collaboration ensured the study's depth and applicability to real-world experiences. By actively involving those directly affected by CKD, this collaborative approach safeguards that the study remains rooted in their voices and addresses their unique needs. This study adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines (the COREQ checklist). This study is not a clinical trial, and thus, registration is not applicable.

Collaboration between traditional health practitioners and biomedical health practitioners: Scoping review.

Collaboration between traditional health practitioners (THPs) and biomedical health practitioners (BHPs) is highly recommended in catering for pluralistic healthcare users. Little is known about bidirectional collaborations at healthcare service provision level. To map global evidence on collaboration attempts between THPs and BHPs between January 1978 and August 2023. We followed the Arksey and O'Malley framework in conducting this scoping review. Two reviewers independently screened articles for eligibility. A descriptive numerical and content analysis was performed on ATLAS.ti 22. A narrative summary of the findings was reported using the PRISMAScR guideline. Of the 8404 screened studies, 10 studies from 12 articles were included in the final review. Studies came from America (n= 5), Africa (n= 2), China (n= 2) and New Zealand (n= 1). Eight studies reported case studies of bidirectional collaboration programmes, while two studies reported on experimental research. All collaborations occurred within biomedical healthcare facilities. Collaboration often entailed activities such as relationship building, training of all practitioners, coordinated meetings, cross-referrals, treatment plan discussions and joint health promotion activities. This study confirmed that practitioner-level collaborations within healthcare are few and sparse. More work is needed to move policy on integration of the two systems into implementation. There is a need to conduct more research and document emerging collaborations.Contribution:This research illuminates the contextual challenges associated with sustaining collaborations. The data would be important in informing areas that need strengthening in the work towards integration of THPs and BHPs.

Chitosan in biomedicine: A comprehensive review of recent developments

A naturally occurring biopolymer, chitosan has found widespread application in the fields of biomedical research and healthcare enhancement. Through a thorough analysis of recent research findings and technological advancements, this review seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments and potential uses of chitosan in the field of biomedicine. Microbe cells' anionic lipopolysaccharides and surface proteins interact with the polycationic composition, releasing intracellular components and resulting in cell death. The degree of antimicrobial activity is highly dependent on the particular type of microbe being targeted. Chitosan is highly susceptible to enzymatic hydrolytic breakdown pathways in the human body, especially when lysozymes are involved. Moreover, adding chitosan derivatives to mice's diet improved their health by increasing their enzymatic activity, which is related to its scavenging properties and shows anti-microbial activity. Furthermore, the assessment of sutures manufactured from this substance emphasizes their noteworthy input to the field of modern wound care.

Cells and the city: The rise and fall of urban biopolitics in San Francisco, 1970-2020.

STS theories of biocapital conceptualize how biomedical knowledge and capital form together. Though these formations of biocapital often are located in large urban centers, few scholars have attended to how they are transforming urban spaces and places. In this paper we argue that the twinned technological development of cells and cities concentrates economic and symbolic capital and sets in motion contentious practices we name urban biopolitics. We draw on archival research and a nearly decade-long ethnography of the expansion of biomedical campuses in a major American city to show how the speculative logics of land development and biomedical innovation become bound together in a process we describe as speculative revitalization. We examine how the logics of speculative revitalization imagine a future in which cities and biomedicine produce wealth and health harmoniously together. However, in practice-as buildings of new biomedical urban campuses get built-the dreams of billionaire philanthrocapitalists to create global cities clash with the plans of biomedical researchers to create global health. We document the reproduction of stratified and racialized biomedical exclusions that result while also highlighting the unlikely opportunities for creating alliances committed to creating equitable biomedical research and healthcare in urban communities.

Preface: 4th International Conference on Biomedical Engineering, Healthcare and Disease Prevention (BEHDP 2024)

Preface: 4th International Conference on Biomedical Engineering, Healthcare and Disease Prevention (BEHDP 2024)

Development of Highly Flexible Piezoelectric PVDF-TRFE/Reduced Graphene Oxide Doped Electrospun Nano-Fibers for Self-Powered Pressure Sensor.

The demand for self-powered, flexible, and wearable electronic devices has been increasing in recent years for physiological and biomedical applications in real-time detection due to their higher flexibility and stretchability. This work fabricated a highly sensitive, self-powered wearable microdevice with Poly-Vinylidene Fluoride-Tetra Fluoroethylene (PVDF-TrFE) nano-fibers using an electrospinning technique. The dielectric response of the polymer was improved by incorporating the reduced-graphene-oxide (rGO) multi-walled carbon nano-tubes (MWCNTs) through doping. The dielectric behavior and piezoelectric effect were improved through the stretching and orientation of polymeric chains. The outermost layer was attained by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of conductive polymer poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) to enhance the electrical conductivity and sensitivity. The hetero-structured nano-composite comprises PVDF-TrFE doped with rGO-MWCNTs over poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), forming continuous self-assembly. The piezoelectric pressure sensor is capable of detecting human physiological vital signs. The pressure sensor exhibits a high-pressure sensitivity of 19.09 kPa-1, over a sensing range of 1.0 Pa to 25 kPa, and excellent cycling stability of 10,000 cycles. The study reveals that the piezoelectric pressure sensor has superior sensing performance and is capable of monitoring human vital signs, including heartbeat and wrist pulse, masticatory movement, voice recognition, and eye blinking signals. The research work demonstrates that the device could potentially eliminate metallic sensors and be used for early disease diagnosis in biomedical and personal healthcare applications.

Advancing diagnostics and disease modeling: current concepts in biofabrication of soft microfluidic systems

Soft microfluidic systems play a pivotal role in personalized medicine, particularly in in vitro diagnostics tools and disease modeling. These systems offer unprecedented precision and versatility, enabling the creation of intricate three-dimensional (3D) tissue models that can closely emulate both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. By leveraging innovative biomaterials and bioinks, soft microfluidic systems can circumvent the current limitations involving the use of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), thus facilitating the development of customizable systems capable of sustaining the functions of encapsulated cells and mimicking complex biological microenvironments. The integration of lab-on-a-chip technologies with soft nanodevices further enhances disease models, paving the way for tailored therapeutic strategies. The current research concepts underscore the transformative potential of soft microfluidic systems, exemplified by recent breakthroughs in soft lithography and 3D (bio)printing. Novel applications, such as multi-layered tissues-on-chips and skin-on-a-chip devices, demonstrate significant advancements in disease modeling and personalized medicine. However, further exploration is warranted to address challenges in replicating intricate tissue structures while ensuring scalability and reproducibility. This exploration promises to drive innovation in biomedical research and healthcare, thus offering new insights and solutions to complex medical challenges and unmet needs.

Functionalization of silver nanoparticles coating cotton fabrics through hydrothermal synthesis for improved antimicrobial properties

Deposition of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the surfaces of cotton fabric (CF) is an approach for producing antimicrobial textile products. CF-AgNPs composites were fabricated ex situ using a simple hydrothermal synthesis of AgNPs, while the fabric was surface modified using a plasma to improve adhesion prior to coating. The morphology and chemical composition of CF-AgNPs nanocomposites were examined using UV–vis spectrophotometry (UV–vis), x-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Study results show uniform deposition of AgNPs on cotton fabrics. The CF-AgNPs composite material exhibits excellent laundering durability and antimicrobial performance against Gram-positive, Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative, Escherichia coli pathogens. These findings indicate that the developed fabric can be used in a wide range of biomedical applications, health care and various packaging systems.

Enhanced Detection of Chronic Heart Disease: A Novel Approach With Extreme Gradient Boosting-Logistic Regression Algorithm

In recent years, biomedical healthcare applications for managing and treating chronic heart diseases have increased. Chronic heart disease is a serious and sometimes deadly ailment that affects millions of individuals globally. Therefore, timely and effective detection of heart disease is crucial in medicine, particularly in cardiology. These complications can lead to reduced quality of life, increased medical costs, and increased risk of death. Obesity, smoking, and high blood pressure are some of the risk factors that worsen chronic heart disease. However, challenges occur in accurately and sensitively classifying heart disease in performance evaluation. To resolve this problem, we propose an Extreme Gradient Boosting-Logistic Regression (EGBLR) algorithm to accurately and quickly predict chronic heart disease. Furthermore, pre-processing can be performed using the Normalized Minimum-Maximum Scaling Feature (NMMSF) technique to estimate missing or duplicate values. Next, the Inter-Quartile Range Optimization (IQRO) technique can analyze heart disease data to identify and remove outliers. After that, the Relief Feature Vector (RFV) algorithm can be used to find each feature weight. Finally, the proposed EGBLR method can be employed to detect normal or abnormal chronic heart diseases and increase accuracy in diagnosis. The evaluation of the proposed techniques can be predicted using performance matrices such as recall, sensitivity score, precision, false rate, and precision. The accuracy of the proposed EGBLR detection approach exceeds that of previous techniques. Moreover, the proposed method for diagnosing chronic heart disease can be easily adapted to biomedical healthcare applications.