THREE-DIMENSIONAL COMPUTATIONAL MODEL OF EARLY UPPER LIMB DEVELOPMENT

Limb development begins during embryogenesis when a series of biochemical interactions are triggered between a particular region of the mesoderm and the ectoderm. These processes affect the morphogenesis and growth of bones, joints, and all the other constituent elements of limbs; nevertheless, how the biochemical regulation affects mesenchymal condensation is not entirely clear. In this study, a three-dimensional computational model is designed to predict the appearance and location of the mesenchymal condensation in the stylopod and zeugopod; the biochemical events were described with reaction–diffusion equations that were solved using the finite elements method. The result of the gene expression in our model was consistent with the one reported in literature; the obtained patterns of Fgf8, Fgf10, and Wnt3a can predict the shape of the mesenchymal condensation of early upper limb development; the simple diffusive patterns of molecules were suitable to explain the areas where sox9 is expressed. Furthermore, our results suggest that the expression of Tgf-[Formula: see text] in the upper limb could be due to the inhibition of retinoic acid. These results suggest the importance of building computational scenarios where pathologies may be comprehensively examined.

MECHANISM OF SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS CAUSED BY TYPICAL SCLEROSIS OF COCHLEA

It is difficult to measure the cochlea directly because of the ethical problems and the complexity of cochlear structure. Therefore, finite element model (FEM) can be used as an effective alternative research method. An accurate FEM of the human ear can not only help people understand the mechanisms of sound transmission, but also effectively assess the effects of otologic diseases and guide research on the treatment of hearing loss. In this paper, a three-dimensional (3D) FEM of the human normal cochlea is proposed to study the changes in the biomechanical behavior of the cochlear sensory structure caused by the anterior fissure sclerosis and bottom-turn and apex-turn ossification of the cochlear window. The degree and harm of hearing loss caused by diseases are quantitatively predicted, which can deepen the understanding of the biomechanical mechanism of cochlea, and provide theoretical basis for clinical medicine.

A MOLECULAR DYNAMICS STUDY OF NANOWIRE RESONATOR BIO-OBJECT DETECTION

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis, carried out by the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, of the vibrations of silicon nanowire (SiNW) resonators, having diverse applications including biological and medical fields. The chosen approach allows us to obtain a better understanding of the nanowire (NW) materials’ characteristics, providing a more detailed insight into the behavior of nanostructures, especially when the topic of interest is relevant to their dynamics, interatomic interactions, and atoms trajectories’ prediction. We first simulate a SiNW to study its frequency of vibrations using MD simulations. Then, we add a molecule of human immunodeficiency virus as an example to investigate the potential of the SiNW resonator for the detection of tiny bio-objects. The developed technique and its application to the detection of tiny objects, such as viruses, are discussed in the context of several key effects pertinent to the design of SiNW.

INSOLE-BASED ESTIMATION OF COMPLETE GROUND REACTION FORCE WITH GAUSSIAN KERNEL REGRESSION AND DATA EXPANSION

A method for estimating ground reaction force (GRF) with plantar pressure was proposed in this paper. The estimation model was constructed to approximate the nonlinear relationships between GRF and the plantar pressure according to the linear combinations of Gaussian kernel functions. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was adopted to obtain model parameters and eliminate multicollinearity among the pressure components. The general model and subject-specific models were constructed for 12 male and 4 female subjects. Moreover, a data expansion method was introduced for the establishment of subject-specific model, which is implemented by searching and adopting the data with consistent statistical characteristics in a pre-established database. That approach is particularly meaningful for the group whose walking ability is limited or clinic where the force platform is not available. The NRMSEs (%) for general model were 5.27–7.85% (GRF_V), 7.35–8.53% (GRF_ML), and 8.82–10.54% (GRF_AP). The maximum NRMSEs (%) for subject-specific models were 5.02% (GRF_V), 9.91% (GRF_ML), and 10.23% (GRF_AP). Results showed that both general and subject-specific models achieved higher accuracy than existing methods such as linear regression and neural network methods.

MULTI-SCALE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS ON FLUID–SOLID COUPLING FOR OSTEONS IN VARIOUS GRAVITATIONAL FIELDS

Background: Compact bone mainly consists of cylindrical osteon structures. In microgravity, the change in the mechanical microenvironment of osteocytes might be the root cause of astronauts’ bone loss during space flights. Methods: A multi-scale three-dimensional (3D) fluid–solid coupling finite element model of osteons with a two-stage pore structure was developed using COMSOL software based on the natural structure of osteocytes. Gradients in gravitational fields of [Formula: see text]1, 0, 1, 2.5, and 3.7[Formula: see text]g were used to investigate the changes in the mechanical microenvironment on osteocyte structure. The difference in arteriole pulsating pressure and static compression stress caused by each gravity gradient was investigated. Results: The mechanical response of osteocytes increased with the value of g, compared with the Earth’s gravitational field. For instance, the fluid pressure of osteocytes and the von Mises stress of bone matrix near lacunae decreased by 31.3% and 99.9%, respectively, in microgravity. Under static loading, only about 16.7% of osteocytes in microgravity and 58.3% of osteocytes in the Earth’s gravitational field could reach the fluid shear stress threshold of biological reactions in cell culture experiments. Compared with the Earth’s gravitational field, the pressure gradient inside osteocytes severely decreased in microgravity. Conclusion: The mechanical microenvironment of osteocytes in microgravity might cause significant changes in the mechanical microenvironment of osteocytes, which may lead to disuse osteoporosis in astronauts.

TRANSITION AND LAMINAR FLOWS IN A REALISTIC GEOMETRY OF HUMAN UPPER AIRWAY

In this study, a realistic respiratory airway model extending from oral to the end of the trachea including all the key details of the passage was produced. A series of CT scan images were used to generate the topological data of airway cross-sections that were used to generate the computational model, as well as the three-dimensional (3D) printed model of the passage for experimental study. The airflow velocity field and pressure drop in the airway for different breathing rates of 5, 7.5, 10, and 12.5[Formula: see text]L/min were investigated numerically (by laminar and transition models) and experimentally. The velocity distributions, pressure variation, and streamlines along the oral–trachea airway model were studied. The maximum pressure drop was shown to occur in the narrowest part of the larynx region. It was also concluded that the laryngeal jet could significantly influence the airway flow patterns in the trachea. A comparison between the numerical results and experimental data showed that the transition [Formula: see text]–kl–[Formula: see text] model can give better predictions of pressure losses, especially for flow rates higher than 10[Formula: see text]L/min. The simulation results for the velocity profiles in the trachea were also compared with the available particle image velocimetry (PIV) data and earlier simulations. Despite inter-personal variability and difference in the flow regime, the qualitative agreement was found.

CONTRIBUTIONS OF NONPROFESSIONAL LOCAL PHYSICAL THERAPIST IN THE PROMOTION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH ACTIVITIES IN THE ARSI ZONE, SOUTHEAST ETHIOPIA

Background: Physical activity is a first-line therapy and secures against persistent illnesses. Essential medical care professionals are obviously situated to advance actual action. Active recuperation mediations are focused on advancement and upkeep of well-being, personal satisfaction and wellness. There is, notwithstanding, a deficiency of such examination proof in Ethiopia. Objective: We planned to assess the degree of KAP of nonprofessional local physical therapists toward well-being advancement in the Arsi Zone of Oromia, Southeast Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2018 among 45 physical therapists. Data were collected using pre-tested, structured and self-administrative questionnaires. Participants were selected by the quota sampling technique. The questionnaire was drafted specifically to test the KAP. Data were double entered and analyzed by SPSS, Version 20.0, program. Descriptive statistics were used. The KAP was estimated using proportion. Result: The present response rate is 90.0%. The ages of respondents ranged between 24 and 87 years. Then, 57.8% of participants got initial physical therapy knowledge from either of their parents. Again, 53.3% of the respondents hear about health promotion from families and friends. Then, 57.8% of them provided health promotion at their workplace. The overall percentage of all the respondents’ KAP in health promotion was 60.1%. Conclusion: The respondents have good KAP toward health promotion. However, there is still room for improvement. Also, there is a lack of proper guidelines in determining the impact of physical therapy.

ANALYSIS OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER ON THE PERISTALTIC MOVEMENT OF CARREAU NANOFLUIDS

In this investigation, we have analyzed the peristaltic movement of MHD Carreau nanofluids in a curved channel by taking the thermophoresis and Brownian motion effects into account. The governing equations of the fluid flow like the equations of continuity, momentum, temperature and concentration are modulated and abridged by using the theory of lubrication approximations. A regular perturbation is used to solve the simplified coupled nonlinear differential equations. The changes of various fluid parameters on axial velocity, temperature and concentrations are carefully calculated, and the graphical results are analyzed. According to the result of this study, it is determined that the resulting velocity of nanofluid decreases significantly when the applied radial magnetic field is strengthened. In addition, the curvature parameter has a significant impact on the concentration function, and when the curvature of the channel is increased, the absolute value of the nanoparticle concentration distribution diminishes.

INERTIAL SENSOR-BASED MOTION ANALYSIS SYSTEM OF BRIDGE-STYLE MOVEMENT FOR REHABILITATION TREATMENTS

In the clinical course of the treatment, impartial representation of the patients’ rehabilitation state is a necessary condition for taking the best treatment to match the state of the current recovery. Bridge-style movement is one of the earliest training programs of the bed position change and is also the basis of successful standing and walking training because the bridge-style movement can inhibit the spasticity pattern of lower limb extensors and improve the control and coordination ability from the pelvis to lower limb. However, patients’ bridge-style movement planning for the current rehabilitation state largely depends on therapists’ clinical experience and subjective that may deteriorate the rehabilitation effect. Thus, it is necessary for hemiplegic patients to develop quantitative motor function assessment to judge its current rehabilitation state. This paper proposes a quantitative evaluating method to detect patients’ bridge-style movement posture and analyze their motion abilities. The real-time postural change of the bridge-style movement can be acquired by the inertial sensors attached to the waist, thigh, and crus. The bridge-style movement process of patients is recorded and analyzed by the software processing program. Finally, the experiment can be carried out to verify the feasibility and correctness of the evaluation method. The experimental results show that the evaluation method can judge patients’ current motion ability and rehabilitation state. And it is helpful for therapists to carry out targeted training for patients’ state.