International Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Analysis

Digital Fracture: New Approach for 3D Organ Modeling

Gabriela Mendes da Rocha Vaz — 2023-09-29

Biofabrication emerged a few years ago as a new research field with a set of promising technologies that have the potential to impact multiple sectors. In this field, the idea of 3D bioprinting originated from rapid prototyping (additive manufacturing) technology. This technology consists of some steps or stages, the first of which is the development of virtual computer models. However, there are some challenges to be overcome in order to develop reliable models for bioprinting purposes. Here, we present the proposal of a workflow using free and open-source software to produce reliable organ models from computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. We also propose the concept of digital fracture as a novel approach applicable to generating computer-aided design (CAD) models, especially for 3D bioprinting processes. This novel strategy can be used as an organic way to create smaller organ models compatible with some limitations of the current bioprinters, including relatively low speed, limited spatial resolution, and low accuracy.

Modernized Management of Biomedical Waste Assisted with Artificial Intelligence

Olivea Sarkar — 2023-11-17

Biomedical waste can lead to severe environmental pollution and pose public health risks if not properly handled or disposed of. The efficient management of biomedical waste poses a significant challenge to healthcare facilities, environmental agencies, and regulatory bodies. Traditional management methods often fall short of efficient handling of biomedical waste due to its enormous quantity, diverse, and complex nature. In recent years, different approaches employing Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques have been introduced and have shown promising potential in biomedical waste management. Wireless detection and IoT methods have enabled the monitoring of waste bins, predictions for the amount of waste, and optimization of the performance of waste processing facilities. This review paper aims to explore the application of AI through machine learning and deep learning models in optimizing the collection, segregation, transportation, disposal, and monitoring processes, which leads to improved resource allocation with risk mitigation of biomedical waste along with prediction, and decision-making using AI algorithms.

Toxicity Evaluation of Silver Nanoparticle in the Kidneys of Wistar Rats

Anita K. Patlolla — 2023-11-27

This study aimed to evaluate the nephrotoxic effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in Wistar rats using biochemical, oxidative stress and histopathological changes. Three groups of six rats were orally administered AgNPs once a day for 28 days with doses of 100, 500, 1000 mg/kg bodyweight. A control group was administered with deionized water. Blood and kidneys were collected 24 h after the last treatment following standard protocols. The activities of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen against AgNP-induced toxicity was determined in the serum by colorimetric microplate assay. Various activity levels of oxidative stress including, Catalase (CAT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Lipid hydroperoxides (LPO) were evaluated in the kidney tissue. Scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to determine the histopathological evaluation of the kidneys. A significant increase in the levels of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, CAT and LPO, were noted in AgNPs exposed rats compared to that in control rats. In contrast, decreased activities of SOD and GPx in a dose-dependent manner was observed in AgNPs exposed rats relative to control rats. SEM and TEM study showed significant morphological alterations in kidneys of AgNPs exposed rats in accordance with the biochemical markers. The results of the study demonstrate that AgNPs might be nephrotoxic, and its toxicity is mediated through oxidative stress mechanism.

Is Glycemic Control the Primary Goal in Diabetes Treatment?

Nikolaos Rachiotis — 2023-12-11

The prevalence of Diabetes is steadily increasing, raising public health concerns. Hyperglycemia leads to microvascular and macrovascular diseases through several metabolic and biochemical pathways. Previous clinical trials and observational studies have demonstrated that tight glycemic control can reduce the incidence of diabetic complications, with the greatest benefit shown in younger patients with diabetes of shorter duration and those who have no prior history of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, previous studies highlight the concept of metabolic memory and legacy effect, since controlling diabetes early can have an impact on long-term prognosis of the disease. As to whether it is time to consider shifting the treatment focus for patients with type 2 diabetes from a glucose-centric to a weight-centric or a cardio-centric approach, the dilemma remains theoretical; glucose control, weight loss and effective treatment of metabolic and cardio-vascular co-morbidities are interrelated components of an integrated plan of care that should be addressed simultaneously and effectively.

The Pathogenesis of Mesh-induced Inflammatory Response and Pain: Rationale for Development of New Mesh

René Gordon Holzheimer — 2023-12-19

Chronic postoperative pain (CPP) in mesh hernia repair (MHR) may complicate the postoperative course. The cause of CPP may be multifactorial - surgical technique, patient-intrinsic factors, and mesh. Polypropylene (PP) mesh is the most widely used material for MHR. Despite its advantages, it has been associated with severe complications in urogynecology leading to a partial mesh ban. PP is not inert and causes foreign body reactions (FBR), corrosion, and loss in biocompatibility. Pain is a hallmark of mesh-induced complications. The pathogenesis of pain is related to an immune response with neutrophils, T cells, and macrophages, major players in mesh-associated fibrosis and pain. Pain may be caused by mesh implantation-induced nerve entrapment, compression, and severe inflammation, relevant for both nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Compression neuropathy has been associated with preoperative pain and chronic postoperative pain in mesh and non-mesh repairs. The mesh may induce FBR changes causing clinical complications and pain. Increased mesh vicinity innervation induced by fibrosis may be responsible for chronic postoperative pain. An aggressive immune response in pelvic floor reconstructive surgery degrades PP. T cells and macrophages may protect against or induce degradation and pain. The main point to eliminate pain is to develop a mesh, that provides long-term corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. This may be achieved by coating PP mesh with a thin layer of Titanium oxide or meshes of pure titanium. Titanium is considered to be bio-inert providing corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. However, depending on the location and surface of the mesh (roughness, hydrophilicity), there may be a macrophage-neutrophil-induced inflammatory response causing fibrosis and cicatrization. Based on the structure, location, and production Titanium may demonstrate beneficial effects concerning corrosion, oxidation, FBR, and biocompatibility. To improve outcomes in MHR the analysis of cellular immune response concerning mesh properties, composite endpoints, pain, and physical function may be necessary.

Point of Care Testing: A Discipline that is Growing

Valerie Edwards-Jones — 2023-12-20

Traditionally, diagnostic testing is carried out on patients’ samples ( blood, urine etc) in pathology laboratories by skilled scientists. Transport to the laboratory and subsequent processing (often in batches) can sometimes lead to long turnaround times for the patient and the clinician. Point of Care (POC) or ‘near patient’ testing refers to testing and reporting at the site of patient care and is usually undertaken by non-laboratory personnel. POC technology has a number of attractions as there is a fast turnaround time and this can have enormous benefits for the patient and the clinician.