Biography:

TiNi shape memory alloy fibers were prepared by a melt overflow process. The martensitic transformation starting temperature of B2→B19’ in the rapidly solidified fibers was 19°C. Cylindrical billets of Ni-rich Ti-Ni alloy with 75% porosity were produced by a vacuum sintering technology using as-cast alloy fibers. The mechanical properties and shape memory properties of the highly porous Ti-Ni alloy is investigated using a compressive test. The plateau of the stress-strain curve was observed at about 7 MPa and resulted in 8% elongation associated with stress-induced B2→B19’ transformation. Because of the high porosity of this specimen, the elastic modulus of about 0.95 GPa could be obtained. It was also found that a recovered strain was 5.9% on heating after the compressive deformation. This recovery of the length is ascribed to the shape memory effect which occurs during the martensitic transformation.

Abstract:

Yeon-wook Kim is currently a Professor of Department of Advanced Materials Engineering in Keimyung University, Korea. He is in the Review Board of National Research Foundation of Korea. He has completed his PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from University of Wisconsin-Madison. He studies on the effect of rapidly solidification processing on the martensitic transformation behaviors of Ti-based shape memory alloys. His special interests are in fabrication of porous materials for biomaterials using the rapidly solidified powders and fibers of Ti-based shape memory alloys. He has published more than 90 papers in reputed journals.

Biography:

Professional engineer with in-depth experience in the implementation of new product ideas from concept phase to commercially viable completion.  A proven record respectfully acknowledged in peer-reviewed scientific publications and adjudged presentations.  An innovative, forward-thinking engineer holding in excess of 20 patents, and pending patents, in the medical device field.  A medical device design consultant for many top tier medical device company evaluating biomechanically early phase medical device concepts.

Abstract:

Today, medical device design benefits from many new manufacturing processes and an ever growing know-how.  Early design concepts are still limited in their interpretation before undergoing costly bench, animal, and clinical testing.  Is the new concept better? If so, how?  Will it perform as desired?  Will the anticipated advantages be appreciable?  In silico analyses or computer simulations via the finite element method allow for early concepts to be evaluated in a deterministic manner.  Such analyses can shine light objective unto the otherwise subjective process.  Furthermore, regulatory bodies are recognizing the value of finite element analyses and accept such evaluates in the design dossier.  Hence, finite element analyses provide an invaluable tool to integrate at various stages of the medical device design process.  Moreover, the advancements in medical imaging allow for customized and optimized implants which are patient specific - a process that will benefit for in silico analyses as well.

With the widespread availability of high computing power, the advanced knowledge of finite element modeling and complex physiological systems, in silico design and evaluation will soon become a common theme amongst medical device companies.  One must however proceed into such exciting times with caution.  Finite element modeling is a complex method that requires a sound expertise to navigate problems and decipher solutions with confidence.

Come and see how state of the art finite element analyses can help your product design.

Biography:

Nadja E Solis-Marcano is pursuing her PhD at University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras campus. She is currently working with “The development of electrochemical biosensors for the detection of deseases with the characteristics of easy handling, fast detection and minimal use of reagents”. She is also interested in “The fabrication of custom microelectrodes for various applications”.

Abstract:

Colibactin is a genotoxin produced by the polyketide synthase multienzyme (pks genomic island) encountered in the human gut microbiota. Many studies link colibactin production to different kinds of cancers, therefore making it a molecule of interest in the biomedical research field. More specifically, certain strains of Escherichia coli have been found to harbor pks genomic island that induced DNA damage. Here, we developed a PCR mediated-electrochemical protocol to successfully identify the presence of the pks genomic island in DNA samples. For this, pks and non-pks containing E. coli DNA were impedimetrically analyzed before and after amplification through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol. Custom DNA primers were synthesized in order to selectively amplify a specific 400 base pair sequence from the clbN gene from the pks island. Impedance data showed a 97% increase in charge transfer resistance after the protocol was applied for the pks containing samples as opposed to the 15% increase for the non-pks containing DNA samples. Overall, effective identification of the pks genomic island was achieved.

Biography:

Myreisa Morales Cruz completed her Bachelor Degree in Chemistry and Doctoral studies at University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. She has been awarded with PRLSAMP fellowship from NSF, and RISE fellowship from NHI, during her Doctoral studies. She is currently working on “Microbial ureolysis systems.

Abstract:

Scarcity of clean water is a common problem in many parts of the world. For this reason, water recovery from waste water is essential in the modern world. Major source of nutrients in waste water is urine, approximate 80% of nitrogen, 50% of phosphorus and 9% of the potassium. One of the limitations of reusing wastewater is the presence of urea. The removal of urea is difficult because its small size and lack of charge does not allow the use of common methodologies. This work presents an innovative technique that integrates the use of a carbon anode and a urease positive bacteria, Proteus vulgaris, for the removal of urea. The carbon electrode was modified with platinum nanoparticles for the oxidation of ammonia produced by the bacteria. The modification of the carbon electrode was done by immersion varying the exposition time in the ink and the way the electrode was dried. Cyclic voltammetry was done to characterize the platinum particles and the carbon electrode before and after the modification. SEM images were taken to determine if the Pt particles were dispersed and if the bacteria were attached to the carbon electrode. The carbon electrode was successfully modified when exposed overnight to the Pt ink. The SEM images showed bacteria adhered to the carbon surface.

Biography:

Bart (GJ) Verkerke completed his PhD-study in December 1989. Since 1990 he works at the University of Groningen/University Medical Center Groningen, since 2004 as professor in BioMedical Product Development and part-time professor at the University of Twente. He is coordinator of the Groningen Biomedical Engineering curriculum. Since 2011 he is Technical Scientific director of the Center of Research Excellence SPRINT, focusing on restoring or increasing the mobility of elderly. Since 2015 he is president of ESEM (Educating Students in Engineering and Medicine). He has published over 160 scientific publications, holds 12 patents, and serves the Editorial board of four reputed journals.

Abstract:

Leg amputation has a big impact on patients’ mobility and quality of life. Traditional stump-socket fixations introduce soft-tissue problems, gait control and fitting difficulties. Alternatively, a direct osseointegrated attachment of an artificial limb to the skeletal system overcomes skin and fitting problems, provides a better prosthetic control and increased mobility. However, the two systems that are presently available, can only be applied when sufficient bone is left. They also show bone loss around the prosthesis, bone and implant failures and infections that restrain applications of the current osseointegrated implants.

To solve these problems, a new fixation system was developed that restores the natural load transfer in the femur and allow implantations in short stumps. The system is composed of a metallic core sliding in a DLC-coated elastic sleeve to reduce bone failure risk and bone loss.

Finite element simulations, cadaver and wear experiments were done to determine the mechanical properties of the system.

Finite element analysis showed that the novel concept produced a physiological stress and strain distribution in the bone, reduced failure risk and minimized long-term bone loss due to prevention of bone remodelling. The experimental study confirmed the numerical simulation results. Wear tests showed that the applied DLC coating provided a very good wear resistance.

The new implant will increase safety against bone failure and allow rehabilitation in patients with higher amputations. It can be applied in much shorter stumps than present systems

Biography:

Jia-Kuo YU, Professor and Vice Director of the Institute of Sports Medicine of Peking University 3rd Hospital.Vice Chairman of the Committee of China Association of Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons in the Sports Injuries Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Group. Member of Standing Committee of the Chinese Association of Sports Medicine ( CASM ), Member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese Society of Sports Medicine of the Chinese Medical Association. Member of the Standing Committee of the 1st International Cartilage Repair Society –China. Member of the Standing Committee of the SICOT China in Sports Medicine. 

Abstract:

The mismatch between the implants and the morphology of the knee was one of  the main reasons for the need to redesign implants in order to improve postoperative function. The present study was conducted to compare the dimensions of the implants with those of the resected knees using intraoperative morphological data. Anthropometric data were obtained during total knee arthroplasty From February 2010 to June 2015.The dimensions of the resected femur and tibial  surfaces was measured and compared with the dimensions of the implants. It was found that mediolateral (ML), middle anteroposterior (AP), medial anteroposterior (MAP), and lateral anteroposterior (LAP) dimensions of the resected proximal tibias showed significant differences according to gender. Compared with currently used tibial implants, the smaller implants showed tibial ML undersizing and the larger implants showed tibial ML overhang. There was also a significant difference between the genders with respect to the anterior lateral condylar height (ALCH) (p < 0.05).When the dimensions of the the anterior medial condylar height (AMCH) and  ALCH were compared with those of the native knee, the ALCH was smaller than the native knees (1.3 mm in male, 0.7 mm in female), but the AMCH was larger than the corresponding condyle (1.8 mm in male, 1.8 mm in female). The results of this study demonstrate that current current total knee arthroplasty implants are not designed to precisely fit the knees of  Asian population. A more anatomic shape of the implants should be designed to obtain improved performance.

Biography:

Pavlovic I graduated from the Academie fur Horgerateakustik, Loebeck, Germany in 1999 with a degree in hearing aids acoustics. During his studies, he successfully completed weekly seminars at Siemens Audiology Technics, Germany (Fitting hearing aids in children) and at Phonak, Stuttgart (FM-systems), as well as a one-day course at the University of Frankfurt am Main (BAHA implants). In 2003, he established his company Slušni centar Pavlović d.o.o., and is the only professional in Croatia with a degree in Acoustics. In 2005, he worked on drafting of the Ordinance on indications and distribution of hearing aids for the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia. This Ordinance has since been occasionally amended, but is still in force. His main contribution was defining the indications for two hearing aids. The company MedEL has authorized him to perform fittings for their implanted hearing aids, and he is the only professional in Croatia to have been given such authorization.

Abstract:

Introduction: Normal hearing is closely related to normal development of the language and speech as one of the most sophisticated functions of the human brain. Verbal expression includes emotions as well as non-verbal form of communication. Behaviour disturbance associated with hearing loss are often found. The aim of this study is to examine whether otitis media with effusion and associated hearing loss are related to the language development, academic achievement and behaviour. Methods: Cohort study included 23 male and 16 female outpatients who came for hearing test because of repetitively hearing loss or learning failure, hyperkinesias, lower rate of social adaptation and speech and language disorders. Tonal audiometry, tympanomtery and speech audiometry were performed repetitively every 7 days during the 3 weeks. Non-audiologic evaluation included psychological testing and speech language screening tests. Results: Bilateral conductive hearing loss and tympanograms of B type were present in all tested children. Speech audiometry showed pathologic level of speech discrimination for free sound field in all of tested children. At age up to 7 years, equal number of (11) female and (11) male have speech disorders and lack of concentration to the sound in general, speech and events around. At age of 8 or higher were much more male (12) than female (5) dominated cognition disorders, behaviour problems, learning disabilities and low rate and problems with social adaptation. Tested children in general have more readiness skills in literacy and math, and low scoring in recognizing incomplete words at school age 8 and above. Male children have more learning and behaviour disabilities at school age than females. Conclusions: Speech and language development are compromised in children with hearing loss associated with otitis media with effusion. Consequences of hearing loss are related to delay in language particularly articulation development with no differences between males and females. From 8y up to older ages hearing loss is more related with cognition disabilities, behavior disturbance and consecuticely social adaptation in high risk at male than female children.

Biography:

Cristina P Santos is an Assistant Professor at UMinho, and a researcher at CAR/ALGORITMI. Her work focuses the study of human locomotion and its neuro-rehabilitation by means of bio-inspired robotics and neuroscience technologies. Her research seeks to advance the sciences of biomechanics, neuro-physiology and applications of ICT to design of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to improve gait recovery processes. She has also been supervising rehabilitation related works with smart walkers and synergies in exoskeletons and cycling in stroke and Parkinson patients. She has been scientific responsible of locomotion national projects and participated in some European Robotic projects. She supervises 2 PhD and 7 MSc thesis in the project topics. She is a member of the program committee of international conferences on robotics. She has more than 100 in international journals and proceedings of SCOPUS/ISI international scientific conference in these areas. She also has collaborations with rehabilitation enterprises, coordinates QREN projects and a direct involvement with end-user groups, in Braga Hospital, that will ensure that actual user needs are addressed by the prototype platforms.

Abstract:

This talk describes the development of the ASBGo Smart Walker with the intent of helping patients with high disorders of balance, such as cerebellar ataxic patients. It describes the first steps towards the proposal of a new treatment with the ASBGo with real, ataxic patients. The talk is structured in different sections: first the walker and associated sensory systems are presented. Then the four operating modes delineated (autonomous, manual, safety and remote control) in the ASBGo are described. Then it is described the application of the developed gait and posture assessment tool into the rehabilitation of patients with ataxia, including a brief description of the disease and case studies.

Biography:

Shubham Ramteke is a senior year student, pursing Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, India. He has been actively pursing research in biomechanics, applied fields of biomechanics and implant design for the past two years. His  paper on pulse oximeter for dental applications was also selected for presentation in ICCES-2015 conference held in Reno, Nevada, USA.

Abstract:

Some children have medical problems that prevent them from ingesting food and liquid through mouth. To fulfil the nutritional needs of such children a G-tube is used. A G-tube (gastrostomy tube) is a tube inserted through the abdomen that delivers nutrition directly to the stomach. It’s one of the ways doctors can make sure kids with trouble eating, get the fluid and calories they need to grow. Currently used G tubes are inadequately designed. The problems with them include dislogement/migration, tube leakage, site infecton, tube obstruction and other symptoms (eg. abdominal pain). Also Imported G-tubes are very expensive for a considerable number of people particularly for asian and Indian population.  To tackle all these problems, the newly designed implant is split into two parts - hard outer cover and soft inner tube with flanges - making it more capable to handle the medical issues and eliminate the need for multiple implants (as the child grows). The cover, which has an inherent draft, needs to be impanted only once for the entire period of treatment. According to the nutritional essentials need, the inner tube of appropriate lumen is then placed inside the cover. This new implant design and the accompanying manufacturing method takes care of the afore mentioned problems.The manufacturing method and simplicity of the design considerably cut down the cost of the implant making it affordable for masses. This new implant will help make gastrostomy feeding not only more problem-free but also available to more children who’ve been deprived of this medical care standard only becasue of the financial depravity.

Biography:

Diana C Diaz Cartagena is pursuing her PhD at University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. She works at Dr. Cabrera’s laboratory, a laboratory with interest in “Electrochemistry, interfaces and nanotechnology”. Her research project is focused on “developing a biosensor”.

Abstract:

Over the last decade, an increasing number of researchers have focused on developing rapid techniques based on biosensor technology for the detection of various human health related conditions. The use of this technology helps to detect early signs of the disease, such as cancer, in a short period of time with high efficiency. The number of cases diagnosed with this condition is increasing throughout the years due to the unhindered growth of abnormal cells partially caused by an enzyme called telomerase. This enzyme activates and elongates telomeres at the end of the chromosomal DNA, which causes cancer cells to become immortal. Telomerase is present in the vast majority of cancer types, therefore, serves as a biomarker. In this work, we developed a DNA biosensor using self-assembled monolayer technique for detection of telomerase activity in cancer cells. Specifically, we used a robust miniature DNA gold electrode as the sensing platform for the capacitive detection of enzyme binding and DNA elongation processes by telomerase utilizing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. We measured changes in the capacitance when the surface was exposed to telomerase and to a DNA elongation inhibitor. Also, we studied how heat-shock affects the enzyme activity using charge transfer resistance as the sensing parameter. This system provides advantages in terms of simplicity, efficiency and cost of electrode design and will have a tremendous impact on the biomedical science, filling the absence of methods that can detect telomerase in a direct readout at the point-of-care location using lab-on-a-chip technology.

Biography:

Ann Simon is the Biomedical Engineering Manager in the Center for Bionic Medicine at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, IL and a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Northwestern University. She received the BS degree in Biomedical Engineering from Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, in 2003. She received the MS degree in Mechanical Engineering and PhD degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Her research is focused on overcoming clinical challenges associated with the application of advanced pattern recognition myoelectric control systems for both upper- and lower-limb amputees.

Abstract:

Lower limb amputation affects an individual’s ability to efficiently perform activities of daily living. For individuals with high levels of amputation, such as a trans-femoral amputation, this impact can be much greater since they must rely on a mechanical substitute for their knee and ankle joints. Powered prosthetic legs are an emerging category of devices that are becoming commercially available but their control needs to be further refined for clinical viability. This talk will highlight several of the advances we have made to provide users with natural, intuitive, and robust control of a powered prosthesis. For example, we developed a new user-modulated control strategy that enables improved control of powered knee-ankle prosthesis during sit-to-stand movements. Allowing transfemoral amputees more control over the timing and rate of knee and ankle power generation enabled standing and sitting with their weight distributed more equally between limbs. To provide seamless transitions between weight-bearing activities, we created an ambulation mode intent recognition system that incorporates neural information in combination with mechanical sensors. Electromyographic (EMG) signals, or muscle activity patterns, have been used for decades to control upper limb prostheses and, for lower limb applications, can provide data on how a person intends to use their device (e.g., whether the individual intends to walk or climb stairs).The successful implementation of these control strategies is an exciting step towards providing improved control of a powered prosthesis, potentially making ambulation and other activities of daily living easier for trans-femoral amputees.

Biography:

Lubna Sheikh is in her 4th year of PhD currently, working in CSIR-IICB and CSIR-NML. She is working on biomaterials for biomedical application. Topic of her research is nanohydroxyapatite for bone repair. She has published 7 papers in reputed journals. Her main work is on the synthesis and charcterization of these nanoparticles. They have proved to be promising candidate after in vitro and in vivo tests.

Abstract:

Bioactive materials are currently at the cutting edge of regenerative medicine due to the foreseeable need for bone tissue regeneration as an effective way to improve the current medical practice of bone replacement. Alliance of Nanotechnology to stimulate coordinate research in biology, engineering and materials science to push medical science forward is of demand. Bone is a nanocomposite composed of organic and inorganic components with hierarchial structure ranging fron nano to macroscale. Generally clinical repair and reconstruction of bone defects can be conducted using autologous and allogenic tissues and alloplastic materials but these have there own fuctional limitations. And therefore designing and developing of biomaterial for bone repair and regeneration without necrosis is a challenging area of research and demanding too. We report a room temperature, cost effective, one pot process to fabricate hydroxyaptite particles renging between 10-15 nm. This is possible by the involvement of biological systems as they offset thermodynamic limitations by establishing kinetic control on nucleation and growth of the crystals leading to the synthesis of phase pure and crystalline HA nanoparticles. Unique properties of these nanomaterials such as increased wettability and surface area, lead to increased protein adsorption when compaired with conventional biomaterials. Additionally these nanoparticles are biocompatible and invivo results have suggested that it also helps in the bone wound healing or repair on live rat models.

Biography:

Y Raviteja has completed his MS (Orthopaedics) from NTR University of Health Sciences, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India. He is presently doing Fellowship in Arthroplasty at Srikara Hospitals, Hyderabad.

Abstract:

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate results of cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty and dynamic hip screw fixation for comminuted intertrochanteric fractures in elderly and its efficacy in meeting the activities of daily routine. Study: Total 16 cases in which there was communited intertrochanteric fracture was present were taken and classified according to boyd and griffin classification. Among them 8 were operated with hemiarthroplasty with cemented bipolar prosthesis and 8 were operated with dynamic hip screw fixation after pre anaesthetic check up. Results: In cemented bipolar out of 8 cases 4 were excellent, 2 were good, 2 were fair. In dynamic hip screw out of 8 cases 2 were excellent, 3 were good 1 was fair and 2 poor. Complications noted in the study of cemented bipolar were 1 case of superficial wound infection, 2 cases of shorteningand 4 cases of abductor weakness with Trendelenburg gait. Complications noted in study of dynamic hip screw were 3 cases of implant failure 2 cases of nonunion 1 case of knee stiffness 1 case of superficial infection and 2 cases of varus angulation and one case died due to medical reasons. Conclusion: In conclusion primary cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty in communited intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients provides painless stable joint allowing the patients to ambulate early in the post-operative period minimizing the complications associated with prolonged recumbency. The results of dynamic hip screw were inferior when compared to cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty for communited intertrochanteric fractures. As the study comprises only few patients there is need for randomized controlled trail with large numbers.

Biography:

Annelis O Sánchez has completed her Baccalaureate degree at University of Puerto Rico- Rio Piedras Campus and is currently pursuing her PhD candidate at same institution. She had worked as a Chemist in several pharmaceuticals, and private companies. She has experience as a Chemist in a variety of interdisciplinary areas such as “Clinical, environmental, pedagogy and industrial”. She completed her internship at University of Texas in Austin, where she learned the basis of single particle detection methods.

Abstract:

During the last decades, single particle detection have opened a novel sight for doing electrochemistry. The possibility of detecting single biomolecules, differentiate between a single cancer cell in presence of healthy cells and detecting single viruses are envisioning steps toward the development of biosensor and novel techniques for better understanding of a human’s machinery. More recently, advances in single metal detection of nanoparticles, organic particles and oxide particles have been achieved. Studies in non-homogeneous solutions detecting an emulsion oil droplet has been accomplished. In this research, zero valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) prompt to oxidation in aqueous media, are detected and characterized by electrochemical techniques using the emulsion droplet single particle approach. During the experiment, it is expected to observe current blips as a result of a current increase when the electroactive modified drop reaches the electrode. ZVI particles are known to be ion sequesters and are used for environmental remediation. Due to this behavior, the nZVI particles are a promising alternative to heavy metal poisoning. Because cancer cells are known to have a higher iron requirement than healthy cells, this fundamental research elucidates how an iron-based cancer biosensor would work. Emulsion oil droplet experiment results can be used to forecast the cell behavior in presence of nZVI. Applications for fundamentally drifted experiments aim to elucidate and characterize novel nanomaterials that are currently used.