A Numerical Simulation of the Diffusion of Near Infrared Light Through Brain Tissue

A numerical simulation of the transport of light energy in the near infrared region of the spectrum through human brain tissue is presented. This simulation models the use of near infrared spectroscopic techniques to quantify the levels of oxygen present in brain tissue. Successful application of the technique requires knowledge of the optical pathlength in the tissue, and it is the goal of this simulation to quantify the relationship of the optical pathlength and the oxygenation state of the tissue. Both implicit and explicit finite element schemes for unstructured grids are implemented and discussed. Several application simulations using three tissue grids of varying degrees of physiological accuracy are then conducted, and figures for the optical pathlength of light through the tissue at varying levels of oxygenation are computed. These results are then used to develop a quantitative relationship between the pathlength and the absorption parameter for the three tissue models which we explore.     

Thermo-Mechanical Analysis of Restored Molar Tooth using Finite Element Analysis

The aim of the study is to find most optimum combination of crown material and adhesive to avoid loosening and thereby failure of restored tooth. This study describes the Thermo-Mechanical analysis of restored molar tooth crown for determination of the stress levels due to thermal and mechanical loads on restored molar tooth. The potential use of the 3-D model was demonstrated and analyzed using different materials for crown. Thermal strain, stress and deformation were measured at hot and cold conditions in ANSYS and correlated with analytical calculation and existing experimental data for model validation and optimization. It is concluded that amongst various material porcelain crown with composite resin adhesive cement closely simulates the behavior of natural crown and should ideally result into long lasting restoration.     

Spatio-temporal tumour model for analysis and mechanism of action of intracellular drug accumulation

We have developed a one-dimensional tumour simulator to describe the biodistribution of chemotherapeutic drugs to a tumoral lesion and the tumour cell’s response to therapy. A three-compartment model is used for drug dynamics within the tumour. The first compartment represents the extracellular space in which cells move, the second corresponds to the intracellular fluid space (including cell membrane) which is in direct equilibrium with the extracellular space, and the third is a non-exchangeable compartment that represents sequestered drug which is trapped in the nucleus to damage the cellular DNA, directly triggering cell death. Analytical and numerical techniques (Finite Element Method) are used to describe the tumour’s response to therapy and the effect of parameter variation on the drug concentration profiles in the three compartments.     

结直肠癌术后吻合口瘘危险因素分析

目的:探讨可能引起结直癌术后吻合口瘘的原因。方法:回顾性调查分析1999年1月至2009年1月所有在石河子大学医学院第一附属医院接受手术治疗并行肠吻合的结直癌患者病历资料826例。结果:826例手术患者中发生吻合口瘘70例,发生率为8.5%。吻合口瘘的发生与病人的性别、年龄、体型等有关,与手术者、术中是否使用生物蛋白胶无关。结论:结直肠癌术后吻合口瘘发生与多个危险因素有关。     

新型可降解支架治疗食管吻合口瘘的疗效分析

目的:评价新型生物可降解支架治疗颈部食管吻合口瘘的效果,为治疗食管吻合口瘘提供理论依据。方法:将成年健康新西兰大白兔采用切开吻合置管造瘘法建立颈部食管吻合口瘘的动物模型,1周后,食管造影确定食管瘘口完成。完全随机分组,空白对照组(A组,n=5),对照组(B组,n=5)和实验组(C组,n=5)。实验组使用生物可降解支架封闭瘘口,而对照组应用同规格不可降解支架封堵食管瘘口。植入后每周行食管造影,观察支架及瘘口情况,植入后8周为实验终点。结果:本研究成功建立了兔颈部食管吻合口瘘的动物模型,至实验终点,普通支架组,支架覆盖瘘口,未发生支架移位及穿孔等现象。新型可分解支架组,3例支架分别在支架植入后5-8周分解,发生移位。实验组与对照组闭合率无统计学意义(4/5比3/5,P0.05)。结论:新型生物可降解支架支架是治疗食管吻合口瘘的一种有效方法。     

An integro-partial differential equation for modeling biofluids flow in fractured biomaterials

A novel mathematical model in the framework of a nonlinear integro-partial differential equation governing biofluids flow in fractured biomaterials is proposed, solved, verified, and evaluated. A semi-analytical solution is derived for the equation, verified by a mass-lumped Galerkin finite element method (FEM), and calibrated with two in vitro experimental datasets. The solution process uses separation of variables and results in explicit expression involving complete and incomplete beta functions. The proposed semi-analytical model shows reasonable agreements with the finite element simulator as well as with two in vitro experimental time series and can be successfully used to simulate biofluids (e.g. water, blood, oil, etc.) flow in natural and synthetic porous biomaterials.     

Isolation of Neonatal Extrahepatic Cholangiocytes

The intra and extrahepatic bile ducts of the liver are developmentally distinct, and may be differentially affected by certain diseases. However, differences between intra and extrahepatic cholangiocytes, and between neonatal and adult cells, are not well understood.Methods for the isolation of cholangiocytes from intrahepatic bile ducts are well established^1-4. Isolation of extrahepatic ductal cells, especially from the neonate, has not yet been described, although this would be of great benefit in understanding the differences between distinct cholangiocyte populations and in studying diseases such as biliary atresia that appear to target the extrahepatic ducts. Described here is an optimized technique to isolate both neonatal and adult mouse extrahepatic bile duct cells. This technique yields a pure cell population with minimal contamination from mesenchymal cells like fibroblasts.This method is based on the removal of the extrahepatic ducts and gallbladder, followed by meticulous dissection and scraping to remove fat and fibroblast layers. Structures are embedded in thick layers of collagen and cultured for approximately 3 weeks to allow outgrowth of cholangiocytes in monolayers, which can then be trypsinized and re plated for experimental use.     

Analysis of parametric estimation of head tissue conductivities using Electrical Impedance Tomography

We study the theoretical performance of using Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) to measure the conductivity of the main tissues of the head. The governing equations are solved using the Finite Element Method for realistically shaped head models with isotropic and anisotropic electrical conductivities. We focus on the Electroencephalography (EEG) signal frequency range since EEG source localization is the assumed application. We obtain the Cramér-Rao Lower Bound (CRLB) to find the minimum conductivity estimation error expected with EIT measurements. The more convenient electrode pairs selected for current injection from a typical EEG array are determined from the CRLB. Moreover, using simulated data, the Maximum Likelihood Estimator of the conductivity parameters is shown to be close to the CRLB for a relatively low number of measurements. The results support the idea of using EIT as a low-cost and practical tool for individually measure the conductivity of the head tissues, and to use them when solving the EEG source localization. Even when the conductivity of the soft tissues of the head is available from Diffusion Tensor Imaging, EIT can complement the electrical model with the estimation of the skull and scalp conductivities.     

DEM Numerical Simulation of Abrasive Wear Characteristics of a Bioinspired Ridged Surface

<正> This paper presents numerical investigations into a ridged surface whose design is inspired by the geometry of a Farrer'sscallop.The objective of the performed research is to assess if the proposed Bioinspired Ridged Surface (BRS) can potentiallyimprove wear resistance of soil-engaging components used in agricultural machinery and to validate numerical simulationsperformed using software based on the Discrete Element Method (DEM).The wear performance of the BRS is experimentallydetermined and also compared with a conventional flat surface.Different size of soil particles and relative velocities between theabrasive sand and the testing surfaces are used.Comparative results show that the numerical simulations are in agreement withthe experimental results and support the hypothesis that abrasive wear is greatly reduced by substituting a conventional flatsurface with the BRS.     

Pressure Drops in a Distensible Model of End-to-side Anastomosis in Systemic-to-pulmonary Shunts

The modified Blalock-Taussig shunt is a surgical procedure used as a palliation to treat complex congenital heart defects. It consists of an interposing prosthetic tube between the innominate/subclavian artery and the right pulmonary artery. Previous experience indicates that the pressure drop across the shunt is affected by the pulmonary pressure at the distal anastomosis combined with the distensibility of the anastomosis. In this study, a computational fluid-structure interaction approach is presented to investigate the haemodynamic behaviour. Steady-state fluid dynamics and structural analyses were carried out using commercial codes based on the finite element method (FIDAP and ABAQUS) coupled by means of a purposely-developed procedure to transfer boundary conditions. Both prosthetic tube and artery walls were characterised by non-linear material properties. Three different pulmonary pressures (2, 5 and 15 mmHg) and two volume flow rates (0.4 and 0.8 l/min) were investigated. Results indicate that the effects of distensibility at the distal anastomosis on the shunt pressure drop are relevant only when the distal anastomosis on the shunt pressure drop are relevant only when the distal anastomosis is not fully distended, which occurs when the pulmonary pressure is lower than 5 mmHg.     

Device Attitude and Real-Time 3D Visualization: An Interface for Elderly Care

Objectivethis paper presents an innovative graphical user interface to visualize the attitude of a sensing device in a three-dimensional space, serving a wide-range of medical applications.Material and methodsbased on inertial measurement units (IMU) or on magnetic, angular rate and gravity (MARG) sensors, a processing unit provides Euler angles using a sensor fusion technique to display the orientation of the device relative to the Earth frame in real-time. The device is schematized by linking six polygonal regions, and is subject to sequential rotations by updating the graph each 350 ms. We conduct comparative studies between the two sensing devices, i.e. IMUs and MARGs, as well as two orientation filters, namely Madgwick's algorithm and Mahony's algorithm.Resultsthe accuracy of the system is reported as a function of (i) the sampling frequency, (ii) the sensing unit, and (iii) the orientation filter, following two elderly care applications, namely fall risk assessment and body posture monitoring. The experiments are conducted using public datasets. The corresponding results show that Madgwick's algorithm is best suited for low sampling rates, whereas MARG sensors are best suited for the detection of postural transitions.Conclusionthis paper addresses the different aspects and discusses the limitations of attitude estimation systems, which are important tools to help clinicians in their diagnosis.     

Hemostasis of Left Atrial Appendage Bleed With Lariat Device

New devices designed for minimally invasive closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) may be a viable alternative for patients in whom anticoagulation is considered high risk. The Lariat (Sentreheart, Redwood City, CA), which is currently FDA-approved for percutaneous closure of tissue, requires both trans-septal puncture and epicardial access. However it requires no anticoagulation after the procedure. Here we describe a case of effusion and tamponade during a Lariat procedure with successful completion of the case and resolution of the effusion.     

Stochastic Finite Element Analysis of Biological Systems: Comparison of a Simple Intervertebral Disc Model with Experimental Results

Statistical methods allow the effects of uncertainty to be incorporated into finite element models. This has potential benefits for the analysis of biological systems where natural variability can give rise to substantial uncertainty in both material and geometrical properties. In this study, a simple model of the intervertebral disc under compression was created and analysed as both a deterministic and a stochastic system. Factorial analysis was used to determine the important parameters to be included in the stochastic analysis. The predictions from the model were compared to experimental results from 21 sheep discs. The size and shape of the distribution of the axial deformations predicted by the model was consistent with the experimental results given that the number of model solutions far exceeded the number of experimental results. Stochastic models could be valuable in determining the range and most likely value of stress in a tissue or implant.     

早期不同营养支持方式在腹腔镜直肠癌低位前切除术后患者中的应用比较及吻合口瘘的危险因素分析

摘要 目的：比较早期肠外营养、早期肠内营养在腹腔镜直肠癌低位前切除术后患者中的应用效果,并分析吻合口瘘的危险因素。方法：选择2020年3月~2022年2月期间我院接收的低位直肠癌患者216例,均行腹腔镜直肠癌低位前切除术。按照随机数字表法将患者分为对照组（早期肠外营养）和研究组（早期肠内营养）,各为108例。观察对照组、研究组临床指标、营养指标、炎症因子水平,观察两组术后并发症发生率。统计两组吻合口瘘的发生率,根据术后是否发生吻合口瘘分为吻合口瘘组和无吻合口瘘组,经单因素和多因素Logistic回归模型分析腹腔镜直肠癌低位前切除术后患者发生吻合口瘘的影响因素。结果：研究组的术后排气、术后排便时间、住院时间均短于对照组,住院费用少于对照组（P<0.05）。干预2周后,两组白蛋白、前白蛋白、总蛋白升高,且研究组高于对照组（P<0.05）。干预2周后,两组血清白介素-6（IL-6）、肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）水平下降,且研究组低于对照组（P<0.05）。两组并发症发生率组间对比未见统计学差异（P>0.05）。单因素分析结果表明,吻合口瘘的发生与年龄、性别、糖尿病、体质量指数、与肛缘距离、术后腹泻、术前存在肠梗阻、术中腹腔灌注化疗、预防性回肠末端造口有关（P<0.05）。经多因素Logistic回归模型分析：性别为男性、与肛缘距离＜5 cm、术后腹泻、糖尿病、术前存在肠梗阻是术后吻合口瘘发生的危险因素,而术中腹腔灌注化疗、预防性回肠末端造口则是其保护因素（P<0.05）。结论：腹腔镜直肠癌低位前切除术后患者早期接受肠内营养,可减轻机体炎性应激反应,改善营养状况,缩短术后恢复时间。吻合口瘘是腹腔镜直肠癌低位前切除术常见的术后并发症之一,受到性别、与肛缘距离、术后腹泻、糖尿病、术前存在肠梗阻、预防性回肠末端造口、术中腹腔灌注化疗等多种因素的影响。     

食管癌患者术前营养风险评估及与术后吻合口瘘和住院时间的关系研究

摘要 目的：评估食管癌患者术前营养风险及其影响因素,并分析其与术后吻合口瘘和住院时间的关系。方法：回顾性分析2017年1月至2020年12月在合肥市第二人民医院胸外科行手术治疗的105例食管癌患者的临床资料,患者术前均完善营养风险筛查表-2002（NRS-2002）对其营养风险的评估,根据评估结果分为营养风险组（≥3分,43例）和无营养风险组（＜3分,62例）,采用单因素及多因素Logistic回归分析食管癌患者术前营养风险的影响因素,比较不同术前营养风险状态患者术后吻合口瘘发生率以及住院时间的差异。结果：食管癌患者的术前营养风险较高,营养风险发生率为40.95%（43/105）。单因素分析结果显示,营养风险组年龄≥65岁、入院体质量指数＜18.5 kg/m²、术前接受过新辅助放化疗、过去1周膳食摄入不足、术前白蛋白＜35 g/L的患者比例高于无营养风险组（P＜0.05）。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,术前接受过新辅助放化疗、过去1周膳食摄入不足、术前白蛋白＜35 g/L是食管癌患者术前存在营养风险的危险因素（P＜0.05）。营养风险组术后胸腔吻合口瘘、颈部吻合口瘘发生率高于无营养风险组（P＜0.05）,住院时间长于无营养风险组（P＜0.05）。结论：术前新辅助放化疗、过去1周膳食摄入情况、术前白蛋白水平是食管癌患者术前营养风险的影响因素,术前营养风险会增加患者术后吻合口瘘发生风险,延长患者住院时间。     

A Voxel-based Formulation for Contact Finite Element Analysis

To date, voxel-based finite element models have not been feasible for contact problems, owing to the inherent stair-step boundary discontinuities. New preprocessing techniques are reported herein to mesh these boundaries smoothly, for purposes of contact stress analysis. Further, new techniques are reported to concentrate the mesh resolution automatically near the articular surface, thus reducing the problem size to levels compatible with executing nonlinear problems on contemporary engineering workstations. Close approximations to Hertzian analytical solutions were obtained for spherical and cylindrical geometries meshed in this manner, and an illustrative anatomical contact problem of the human hip joint is presented.