Spinal cord injury and stroke affect many people each year and can result in the loss of muscle function. Current research attempts to correct muscle paralysis through the use of mechanical braces or through open-loop stimulation methods. However, prosthetic systems that use closed-loop control strategies can offer improved functionality by accounting for the changing dynamics associated with the human body and external disturbances. In particular, closed-loop functional electrical stimulation (FES) offers the possibility of moving paralyzed muscles in a predetermined manner, allowing a paraplegic individual to regain the ability to perform some tasks. An experimental setup was designed for the development and testing of a closed-loop FES control system, as well as the characterization of muscle properties. Due to the complexities associated with using a human subject, an inverted pendulum model is utilized for this preliminary study. This model is a basic engineering control problem often used when studying postural control in humans. In particular, electrical stimuli will be applied to the gastrocnemius muscle of a frog in order to produce a contraction force that will drive an inverted pendulum and maintain its desired angle. The stimulation signal will be determined by control algorithms applied through the use of Matlab® and implemented in real-time with a data acquisition system. This setup will help provide an understanding of the muscle behavior and can be used to establish the validity of proposed controller methods.

No description available.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is characterized by chronic venous hypertension from blood pooling in the lower limbs. The resulting symptoms include leg pain, varicose veins, fatigue, venous edema, skin pigmentation, inflammation, induration, and ulceration. Reflux from incompetent venous valves is a factor in up to 94% of individuals with CVI. Current treatments of CVI include compression stockings, drug therapy, vein disabling, venous stenting, and surgical correction with varying rates of success. However, a minimally invasive correction of deep venous reflux does not currently exist. A transcatheter prosthetic venous valve has the potential to be an effective, minimally invasive treatment for deep venous reflux which could treat up to 1.4 million individuals in the United States suffering from venous ulceration and make more than 1.7 billion dollars each year. Previously developed prosthetic venous valves have had problems with competency, patency, thrombogenicity, biocompatibility, and incorrect sizing. To meet the clinical need a prosthetic valve needs to be developed which succeeds where previous valves have failed. This thesis describes the design, analysis, pre-clinical testing, and evaluation of a novel prosthetic venous valve. Design specifications for an effective prosthetic venous valve were created. Verification tests were developed and performed which demonstrated that the valve met every design specification. Finite element and computational fluid dynamics simulations were performed to analyze the valve and calculated a maximum shear rate of 2300 s-1 in the valve during the high forward flow after a Valsalva maneuver. The valve is made of a biocompatible material that has low thrombogenicity, Poly(vinyl-alcohol) cryogel. On the average, the valve allows less than 0.5 mL/min of reflux at low and high retrograde pressures even after 500,000 cycles, indicating that it will reduce the reflux of individuals with venous reflux by more than 99.4%. The valve closes in less than 0.07 seconds and allows the distal pressure to rise to an average of 7% of the equilibrium pressure 30 seconds after a simulated ankle flexion. The valve increases the outflow resistance an average of 2.3 mmHg*min/L which is much less than obstruction levels,≥ 5 mmHg*min/L. The valve can fit in a 16 French catheter and is capable of percutaneous delivery. The base of the valve is 1.5 times the diameter of the vein in which it is to be implanted to help correct orientation upon deployment. Fluid behind the valve’s leaflets is ejected with a forward flow rate of 400 mL/min, suggesting that thrombus formation will not occur at this location. A stented valve remained patent in a porcine blood flow loop for 3 hours. The valve remains competent without buckling in a constricted vein at rest. The valve can expand to fit a vein with a maximum diameter 1.4 times the valve's initial diameter with low risk of tearing or leaflet prolapse. An IACUC protocol for a 12 week study to test the valve in sheep was prepared and approved. A study to evaluate the valve in humans is proposed with endpoints that can be tested for statistical significance and compared with other treatments for CVI. A set of valves which will correct reflux in the majority of common femoral, femoral, and popliteal deep veins is proposed and a sizing guide for surgeons is provided. The minimum distance between prosthetic valves placed in the same vein segment is 13 cm. A comparison of this valve with previously developed prosthetic venous valves and recommendations for work to be performed in the future are given. The valve proposed in this work is the only valve to meet all design specification for an effective prosthetic venous valve, and therefore shows great potential to be a minimally invasive treatment for deep venous reflux.

A prosthetic socket worn by an amputee must serve a wide variety of functions, from stationary support to the transfer of forces necessary to move. Fit and comfort are important factors in determining the therapeutic effectiveness of a socket. A socket that does not fit the subject well will cause movement problems and potentially long-term health issues. Because a subject's residual limb changes volume throughout the day, it is desirable that the socket adapt to accommodate volume changes to maintain fit and comfort. This thesis presents research to manufacture adaptive sockets using selective laser sintering (SLS). This additive manufacturing process allows freedom to design a socket that has both compliant areas that can adapt to changes to the residual limb, as well as rigid regions to provide necessary support for the limb. A variety of concepts are discussed that are intended for manufacture by SLS, and that feature flexible inner membranes in various configurations. For each concept the membrane will be inflated or deflated to match the limb’s change in volume and the thesis also presents a study to determine SLS machine parameters for optimal build results. A series of experiments was created to understand the ability of SLS manufactured plastics to be inflated and the possible performance. / text

The aim of this study was to develop methodics of occupational therapy for patients with moelectric prosthesis, which is used by patients with amputation of upper limbs as well as patients with congenital problems. In the Czech republic there are no complex methodics about occupational therapy and myoelectric prosthesis, despite the huge mount of foreign studies of this topic. Myoelectric prosthesis uses the principle of sensing myoelectrical signals which are then transformed to the motor output in the terminal portion of the prosthesis. Occupational therapy intervention begins at the preprosthetic phase, the occupational therapist assesses the general potential for the use of myoelectric prosthesis and picks up myoelectric signals from the stump. In interprosthetic phase occupational therapist is dedicated to the training of activities of daily living with myoelectric prosthesis and training residual stump on the basis of myotest. The phase after prosthetic content of occupational therapy evaluation and assessment, which focus on patients ability of myoelectric control and prosthesis involvement in activities of daily living and training of grip. Within the training of grip, occupational therapist is dedicated to training proper grip within the pace, grip strength and targeted movements. The...

Devido à crescente utilização de componentes cerâmicos como estruturas de suporte para restaurações sobre implantes e a ausência de resultados conclusivos, em longo prazo, sobre a influência deste tipo de material no processo de formação e manutenção do biofilme oral e saúde dos tecidos peri-implantares, este estudo teve por objetivo investigar o perfil microbiano do biofilme formado sobre próteses unitárias de implantes com conectores de zircônia (Zr) ou titânio (Ti) e sua implicação clínica nos tecidos de suporte ao longo de 3 anos de função. Vinte indivíduos saudáveis participaram do estudo e foram reabilitados com implantes dentários e coroas protéticas unitárias cimentadas sobre conectores de zircônia (n=10; região anterior de maxila) ou conectores de titânio (n=10; região posterior da mandíbula). Amostras de biofilmes supra e subgengival, e dados de indicadores clínicos (profundidade e sangramento à sondagem, recessão gengival e nível ósseo marginal) foram coletados dos sítios peri-implantares e dentes contralaterais em 4 períodos distintos, na instalação da prótese (T0) e após 12 (T1), 24 (T2) e 36 (T3) meses de função mastigatória. Trinta e sete espécies microbianas foram identificadas e quantificadas pelo método de hibridização DNA-DNA Checkerboard. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística não-paramétrica de regressão linear mista (Brunner and Langer nonparametric analysis of longitudinal data in factorial experiments) e múltiplas comparações foram realizadas por meio do teste de Friedman-Conover, corrigido por Benjamini-Hockberg False Discovery Rate (FDR). Para análise da reabsorção óssea marginal foi utilizado o teste Two-Way ANOVA. Todas as análises foram realizadas com um nível de significância de 5%. O perfil microbiano detectado nos implantes restaurados com conectores de zircônia, titânio e seus respectivos dentes contralaterais foi semelhante a partir do período de 12 meses de investigação. Espécies patogênicas e não-patogênicas foram detectadas nos biofilmes supra e subgengival dos dois substratos, com um aumento significante da quantificação das espécies ao longo do tempo. Apesar do perfil semelhante, os substratos investigados influenciaram na quantidade total de micro-organismos identificados (p<0,05). Os conectores de Zr apresentaram maior quantificação de genomas totais nas amostras subgengivais quando comparadas aos conectores de Ti (p<0,05). A profundidade de sondagem reduziu nos implantes com Zr após 12 meses, enquanto nos implantes com Ti aumentou no mesmo período (p<0,05). O sangramento à sondagem e a recessão gengival aumentaram ao longo do tempo para Zr e Ti. Não houve diferença significante nos valores da reabsorção óssea marginal, entre os dois materiais, após 36 meses (p>0,05). De modo geral, pode-se concluir que o perfil microbiano dos biofilmes supra e subgengival dos implantes com Zr ou Ti foi semelhante, com um aumento da quantificação das espécies ao longo do tempo. A microbiota investigada neste estudo parece não ter influenciado os indicadores clínicos ao longo dos 36 meses de acompanhamento. Os resultados clínicos sugerem a manutenção da saúde dos tecidos peri-implantares nos diferentes substratos investigados / Due to the increasing use of ceramic abutments as support structures for implant restorations and the lack of long-term conclusive results on the influence of this type of material on the oral biofilm formation and maintenance of peri-implant tissue health, the purpose of this study was to investigate the microbial biofilm profiles of single-implant restorations using zirconia (Zr) or titanium (Ti) abutments and their clinical implications in the supporting tissues over a 3-year period. Twenty healthy subjects participated in the study and were rehabilitated with single-unit implant restorations cemented on zirconia (n = 10; anterior maxilla) or titanium abutments (n = 10; posterior mandible). Supra and subgingival biofilm samples, and clinical parameters data (probing depth and bleeding on probing, gingival recession and marginal bone level) were collected from the peri-implant sites and contralateral teeth at 4 different time-periods, at the prosthesis installation (T0) and after 12 (T1), 24 (T2) and 36 (T3) months of loading. Thirty-seven microbial species were identified and quantified by DNA-DNA Checkerboard hybridization method. The data were submitted to Brunner and Langer nonparametric analysis of longitudinal data in factorial experiments followed by Friedman-Conover multiple comparisons test, corrected by Benjamin-Hockberg False Discovery Rate (FDR). Two-Way repeated ANOVA was used to analyze marginal bone resorption. Statistical significance was set at 0.05 probability level. The microbial profiles detected in the implants restored with zirconia or titanium abutments and their respective contralateral teeth were similar from the 12-month follow-up. Pathogenic and non-pathogenic species were detected in the supra and subgingival biofilms of the two substrates, with a significant increase in the microbial counts over time. Despite the similar profile, the investigated substrates influenced the total amount of microorganisms identified (p <0.05). The Zr abutments presented higher total genome counts in the subgingival samples when compared to Ti abutments (p <0.05). The probing depth reduced in the implants with Zr after 12 months, whereas in the implants with Ti increased in the same period (p <0.05). Bleeding on probing and gingival recession increased over time for both Zr and Ti. There was no significant difference in marginal bone resorption values between the two materials after 36 months (p>0.05). Overall, it can be concluded that the microbial profile of supra and subgingival biofilms of the implants with Zr or Ti was quite similar, and the microbial counts increased over time. The microbiota investigated in this study does not seem to have influenced the clinical parameters during the 36 months of follow-up. The clinical results suggest the maintenance of peri-implant tissue health in the different substrates investigated

Nesta pesquisa, foi avaliado o hábito alimentar de pacientes senescentes totalmente desdentados, antes e após a reabilitação por próteses totais bimaxilares convencionais. A avaliação foi realizada por meio de exame clínico, entrevista e a aplicação de questionários pela própria pesquisadora. O trabalho foi conduzido em três fases distintas: a primeira, desenvolvida antes do início de qualquer procedimento relacionado com a confecção das próteses e consistiu no preenchimento de ficha clínica, avaliação protética e da realização de uma anamnese alimentar, sendo essa última elaborada com a orientação de uma nutricionista. Já a segunda e a terceira fases foram executadas em períodos compreendidos entre aproximadamente dois a três meses e cinco a seis meses após a reabilitação protética respectivamente, quando novos exames clínicos eram realizados. Os dados coletados nesses três períodos distintos foram processados por um computador utilizando-se do software BioEstat 3.0,sendo o nível de significância estabelecido para p< 0,05, em uma prova bilateral. Os resultados demonstraram que após a instalação de uma nova prótese total convencional confeccionada no rigor da técnica tivemos, não só melhora funcional do aparelho protético, como alteração positiva na habilidade mastigatória dos indivíduos, além de alteração da consistência da dieta acompanhada da introdução de novos alimentos. Os resultados demonstraram ainda, que quando o aparelho protético apresentava retenção e estabilidade consideradas satisfatórias, aquele acabava influenciando positivamente o hábito intestinal do paciente.Contudo, através desse estudo, não foi possível identificar se houve uma real modificação da dieta dos pacientes com inserção de nutrientes, uma vez que para obtermos esses dados seriam necessários exames complementares. / In this research, the alimentary attitude of senescent edentulous patients was evaluated, before and after the rehabilitation by new complete dentures. A clinical exam, an interview and a survey were performed. The work was accomplished in three different phases: the first was developed before the beginning of any procedure related to the construction of the new dentures and consisted of a clinical record, a prosthetic evaluation and an alimentary anamnesis. The second and the third phases took place after the prosthetic rehabilitation and were done in periods between two to three months and five to six months respectively, together with new clinical exams. The data collected during those three different periods were processed using software BioEstat 3.0 ; the level of significant was p <0,05, in a bilateral proof. The results demonstrated that after the installation of new complete dentures made according to the technique there was a functional improvement of the dentures noticed as a better performance in the individuals' masticatory ability. It was reported also changes in the consistence of the diet associated to the increasing of different nutrients to the diet. It was also possible to verify that when the prostheses presented satisfactory retention and stability, intestinal habit was influenced positively. However, through this study only, it was not possible to identify if there was a real modification in patients’ alimentary habit or if different nutrients were inserted to it. To make sure those modifications had happened complementary exams should have been performed as well.

A pintura de íris protética é uma das fases mais delicadas durante o processo de confecção de uma prótese ocular e requer, do Cirurgião-Dentista especialista em Prótese Bucomaxilofacial, qualidades técnico-artísticas para uma dissimulação satisfatória. A reprodução fiel da íris do paciente é de fundamental importância para sua reabilitação estética e consequente reintegração social. Em função disso, o presente estudo desenvolveu uma escala de cores para pintura de íris em prótese ocular, a fim de ser utilizada como ferramenta auxiliar durante esta fase. Foram desenvolvidas sete matizes (castanho-avermelhado, castanho, ocre, verde, verde-azulado, azul e cinza) a partir de mistura de tintas acrílicas Acrilex®, levando como base os conceitos de formação da cor da íris para o proporcionamento das tintas, no intúito de mapear os tons presentes nas íris humanas. A escala foi testada em 145 indivíduos com íris saudáveis, por três observadores calibrados, verificando se algum tom da escala se aproximava à cor base dessas íris. A opinião de cada obeservador foi anotada em ficha de avaliação da íris e os dados seguiram para análise estatística. Foram avaliadas a associação entre matiz de escolha e observadores, a coerência inter-observador em relação ao matiz e a coerência inter-observador em relação ao tom. Os resultados apontaram alta concordância entre os obeservadores, o que garantiu a validação da escala proposta. / Artificial eye iris painting is one of the most delicate stages in the process of making an ocular prosthesis. The Oral and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics Specialist Dentist is required to have technical and artistic abilities for a satisfactory simulation. The accurate reproduction of the patient\'s iris is thoroughly important for his or her aesthetic rehabilitation and social reintegration. On that basis, the present study aimed to develop an iris painting color scale, which can be used as an auxiliary tool for this stage of production. In order to map out the present shades in human irides, seven hues have been developed (reddish-brown, brown, ochre, green, bluishgreen, blue and gray) by mixing Acrilex® acrylic paint, which were based on the concepts of iris color formation for the establishment of the paint mixtures. The scale has been tested by three calibrated observers in 145 individuals presenting healthy irides. The observers would verify if any of the shades in the color scale matched the subject\'s iris color base. Each observer\'s opinion was registered in an iris evaluation sheet and the data was then submitted to statistical analysis. Evaluated factors included the association of the selected hue by the observer; the consistency of the choice of hue among all observers; the consistency of the choice of shade among all observers. Results revealed substantial consensus among observers, ensuring the legitimacy of the proposed color scale.

O afrouxamento dos parafusos protéticos é descrito na literatura como uma das complicações mais frequentes das próteses sobre implantes. Durante sua confecção, os profissionais sentem necessidade de remover várias vezes as próteses e/ou componentes protéticos, soltando e re-apertando os parafusos repetidamente. O principal objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a variação do torque de remoção de parafusos de fixação de pilares protéticos a implantes osteointegráveis após sucessivos ciclos de parafusamento e desparafusamento. Outro objetivo foi avaliar a influência do hexágono da base do pilar no torque de remoção dos parafusos. Para isso, foram utilizados 20 implantes de plataforma regular com hexágono externo e 20 pilares protéticos sextavados, que foram parafusados aos implantes com um parafuso de titânio, aplicando-se a este um torque de 32Ncm, por meio de um torquímetro digital. Os conjuntos implante/pilar/parafuso foram divididos em dois grupos: (1) pilares cujo hexágono da base foram removidos e (2) pilares convencionais, com hexágono na base. Cada conjunto recebeu uma restauração provisória e foi submetido a ciclagem mecânica por 15 minutos. Depois, os parafusos foram removidos, medindo-se o torque de remoção. Esta sequência foi repetida dez vezes e então o parafuso foi trocado por outro sem uso, e mais um ciclo foi realizado. Uma análise de regressão linear demonstrou nos dois grupos uma queda do torque de remoção do parafuso ao longo dos repetidos ciclos de inserção/remoção. A comparação entre os coeficientes da regressão nos dois grupos não revelou diferença entre eles. Também não houve diferença entre as médias das 5 últimas repetições e o 11 ciclo, com o parafuso novo. Concluiu-se que (1) repetidos parafusamentos e desparafusamentos promoveram a diminuição progressiva do torque de remoção dos parafusos, (2) a troca do parafuso por outro sem uso após dez ciclos de inserção/remoção não aumentou sua resistência ao afrouxamento, e (3) a remoção do hexágono da base do pilar protético não exerceu nenhum efeito sobre o torque de remoção do parafuso. / Screw loosening is one of the most common problems of implant-retained prostheses. During their confection, dentists need to remove and re-install them several times, loosening and re-tightening the screws repeatedly. The first purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of repeated insertion/removal cycles on the removal torque of retaining prosthetic screws. The second purpose was to evaluate the influence of the hexagon of the abutment on the removal torque. For that, 20 regular external hex implants were used and 20 hexagonal abutments were tightened to the implants with a titanium alloy screw, with an insertion torque of 32Ncm, given by a digital torque gauge. The implant/abutment/screw assemblies were divided into two groups: (1) abutments with no hexagon on the base and (2) abutments with an hexagon on the base. Each assembly received a provisional restoration and was submitted to mechanical loading cycles for 15 minutes. After this, the screws were removed and the removal torque measured. This sequence was repeated ten times and then, the screw was changed for a new one, and another cycle was done. Linear regression analysis was performed and showed that removal torque values tended to decrease as the number of insertion/removal cycles increased, for both groups. Comparisons of the slopes and the intercepts between the two groups showed no statistic difference between them. There was also no difference between the mean values of last 5 cycles and the 11th cycle. It was concluded that (1) repeated insertion/removal cycles promoted gradual reduction in removal torque of screws, (2) changing screw by a new one after ten insertion/removal cycles did not increase resistance to loosening, and (3) removal of the hexagon of the abutment base had no effect on the removal torque of the screw.

Le but de cette étude est d’évaluer la faisabilité de l’analyse tomodensitométrique 3D des bioprothèses aortiques pour faciliter leur évaluation morphologique durant le suivi et d’aider la sélection de cas et améliorer la planification d’une procédure valvein-valve. Le challenge était représenté par le rehaussement des feuillets valvulaires, en raison d’images très bruitées. Un angio-scanner synchronisé était réalisé chez des patients porteurs d’une bioprotèses aortique dégénérée avant réintervention (images in-vivo). Différentes méthodes pour la réduction du bruit étaient proposées. La reconstruction tridimensionnelle des bioprothèses était réalisée en utilisant des méthodes de segmentation de régions par "sticks". Après réopération ces méthodes étaient appliquées aux images scanner des bioprothèses explantées (images ex-vivo) et utilisées comme référence. La réduction du bruit obtenue par le filtre stick modifié montrait meilleurs résultats en rapport signal/bruit en comparaison aux filtres de diffusion anisotropique. Toutes les méthodes de segmentation ont permis une reconstruction 3D des feuillets. L’analyse qualitative a montré une bonne concordance entre les images obtenues in-vivo et les altérations des bioprothèses. Les résultats des différentes méthodes étaient comparés par critères volumétriques et discutés. Les bases d'une première approche de visualisation spatio-temporelle d'images TDM 3D+T de la prothèse valvulaire ont été proposés. Elle implique des techniques de rendu volumique et de compensation de mouvement. Son application à la valve native a aussi été envisagée. Les images scanner des bioprothèses aortiques nécessitent un traitement de débruitage et de réduction des artéfacts de façon à permettre le rehaussement des feuillets prothétiques. Les méthodes basées sticks semblent constituer une approche pertinente pour caractériser morphologiquement la dégénérescence des bioprothèses. / The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of CT based 3D analysis of degenerated aortic bioprostheses to make easier their morphological assessment. This could be helpful during regular follow-up and for case selection, improved planning and mapping of valve-in-valve procedure. The challenge was represented by leaflets enhancement because of highly noised CT images. Contrast-enhanced ECG-gated CT scan was performed in patients with degenerated aortic bioprostheses before reoperation (in-vivo images). Different methods for noise reduction were tested and proposed. 3D reconstruction of bioprostheses components was achieved using stick based region segmentation methods. After reoperation, segmentation methods were applied to CT images of the explanted prostheses (exvivo images). Noise reduction obtained by improved stick filter showed best results in terms of signal to noise ratio comparing to anisotropic diffusion filters. All segmentation methods applied to the best phase of in-vivo images allowed 3D bioprosthetic leaflets reconstruction. Explanted bioprostheses CT images were also processed and used as reference. Qualitative analysis revealed a good concordance between the in-vivo images and the bioprostheses alterations. Results from different methods were compared by means of volumetric criteria and discussed. A first approach for spatiotemporal visualization of 3D+T images of valve bioprosthesis has been proposed. Volume rendering and motion compensation techniques were applied to visualize different phases of CT data. Native valve was also considered. ECG-gated CT images of aortic bioprostheses need a preprocessing to reduce noise and artifacts in order to enhance prosthetic leaflets. Stick based methods seems to provide an interesting approach for the morphological characterization of degenerated bioprostheses.