Browsing by Keyword "Biomedical Engineering"
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Item 3D additive manufactured composite scaffolds with antibiotic-loaded lamellar fillers for bone infection prevention and tissue regeneration(2021-04) Cámara-Torres, María; Duarte, Stacy; Sinha, Ravi; Egizabal, Ainhoa; Álvarez, Noelia; Bastianini, Maria; Sisani, Michele; Scopece, Paolo; Scatto, Marco; Bonetto, Alessandro; Marcomini, Antonio; Sanchez, Alberto; Patelli, Alessandro; Mota, Carlos; Moroni, Lorenzo; Biomateriales; ECOEFICIENCIA DE PRODUCTOS DE CONSTRUCCIÓNBone infections following open bone fracture or implant surgery remain a challenge in the orthopedics field. In order to avoid high doses of systemic drug administration, optimized local antibiotic release from scaffolds is required. 3D additive manufactured (AM) scaffolds made with biodegradable polymers are ideal to support bone healing in non-union scenarios and can be given antimicrobial properties by the incorporation of antibiotics. In this study, ciprofloxacin and gentamicin intercalated in the interlamellar spaces of magnesium aluminum layered double hydroxides (MgAl) and α-zirconium phosphates (ZrP), respectively, are dispersed within a thermoplastic polymer by melt compounding and subsequently processed via high temperature melt extrusion AM (~190 °C) into 3D scaffolds. The inorganic fillers enable a sustained antibiotics release through the polymer matrix, controlled by antibiotics counterions exchange or pH conditions. Importantly, both antibiotics retain their functionality after the manufacturing process at high temperatures, as verified by their activity against both Gram + and Gram - bacterial strains. Moreover, scaffolds loaded with filler-antibiotic do not impair human mesenchymal stromal cells osteogenic differentiation, allowing matrix mineralization and the expression of relevant osteogenic markers. Overall, these results suggest the possibility of fabricating dual functionality 3D scaffolds via high temperature melt extrusion for bone regeneration and infection prevention.Item Analysis of the movements generated by a multi-field functional electrical stimulation device for upper extremity rehabilitation(2022-10) Martín-Odriozola, Aitor; Rodríguez-de-Pablo, Cristina; Caceres-Salegi, Ane; García-Calleja, Andrea; Marín-Ojea, Juan Ignacio; Hernández, Erik; Imatz-Ojanguren, Eukene; Keller, Thierry; Zabaleta-Rekondo, Haritz; Martín‐Odriozola, Aitor; Rodríguez‐de‐Pablo, Cristina; Caceres‐Salegi, Ane; García‐Calleja, Andrea; Marín‐Ojea, Juan Ignacio; Imatz‐Ojanguren, Eukene; Zabaleta‐Rekondo, Haritz; Medical Technologies; Tecnalia Research & InnovationBackground: The most common chronic sequela after stroke is the loss of arm function, and functional electrical stimulation (FES) applied to the forearm muscles is one of the options to treat it. Surface multi-field electrodes have emerged, showing a great potential to improve the selectivity of the stimulation, delay muscle fatigue, and provide easier donning and doffing. The muscular selectivity takes on special relevance in the rehabilitation of the upper extremity as hand dexterity requires a wide diversity of specific muscle actions. Methods: This pilot study analyses the movements generated in the wrist and fingers using a commercial multi-field technology-based FES device (Fesia Grasp). The study included five patients with hemiplegic subacute stroke, in which scanning of all cathodes of the electrode was carried out daily for 5 days, in two different forearm positions, with the resulting movements being labeled by experienced therapists. Results: The aim of this pilot study was to determine if there were differences between subjects and between forearm positions in terms of produced movements. Movements of the wrist (two movements) and the fingers (six movements) could be achieved in two different forearm positions. Conclusions: The multi-field electrode of Fesia Grasp enables to generate a wide range of movements of the hand in different positions. This fact could allow to produce more physiological movement patterns during the rehabilitation process with FES, which could have a beneficial effect on the recovery of patients with neurological diseases.Item ASINA Project: Towards a Methodological Data-Driven Sustainable and Safe-by-Design Approach for the Development of Nanomaterials: Towards a Methodological Data-Driven Sustainable and Safe-by-Design Approach for the Development of Nanomaterials(2022-01-28) Furxhi, Irini; Perucca, Massimo; Blosi, Magda; Lopez de Ipiña, Jesús; Oliveira, Juliana; Murphy, Finbarr; Costa, Anna Luisa; SMART_MONThe novel chemical strategy for sustainability calls for a Sustainable and Safe-by-Design (SSbD) holistic approach to achieve protection of public health and the environment, industrial relevance, societal empowerment, and regulatory preparedness. Based on it, the ASINA project expands a data-driven Management Methodology (ASINA-SMM) capturing quality, safety, and sustainability criteria across the Nano-Enabled Products’ (NEPs) life cycle. We base the development of this methodology through value chains of highly representative classes of NEPs in the market, namely, (i) self-cleaning/air-purifying/antimicrobial coatings and (ii) nano-structured capsules delivering active phases in cosmetics. These NEPs improve environmental quality and human health/wellness and have innovative competence to industrial sectors such as healthcare, textiles, cosmetics, and medical devices. The purpose of this article is to visually exhibit and explain the ASINA approach, which allows identifying, combining, and addressing the following pillars: environmental impact, techno-economic performance, functionality, and human and environmental safety when developing novel NEPs, at an early stage. A metamodel supports the above by utilizing quality data collected throughout the NEPs’ life cycle, for maximization of functionality (to meet stakeholders needs) and nano-safety (regulatory obligations) and for the minimization of costs (to meet business requirements) and environmental impacts (to achieve sustainability). Furthermore, ASINA explores digitalization opportunities (digital twins) to speed the nano-industry translation into automatic progress towards economic, social, environmental, and governance sustainability.Item Biointegration of corneal macroporous membranes based on poly(ethyl acrylate) copolymers in an experimental animal model(2015-03-01) Del Barrio, Jorge L.Alió; Chiesa, Massimo; Ferrer, Gloria Gallego; Garagorri, Nerea; Briz, Nerea; Fernandez-Delgado, Jorge; Valls, Maria Sancho Tello; Botella, Carmen Carda; García-Tuñón, Ignacio; Bataille, Laurent; Rodriguez, Alejandra; Arnalich-Montiel, Francisco; Ribelles, Jose L.Gómez; Antolinos-Turpín, Carmen M.; Gómez-Tejedor, Jose A.; Alió, Jorge L.; De Miguel, Maria P.; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; SGCurrently available keratoprosthesis models (non-biological corneal substitutes) have a less than 75% graft survival rate at 2 years. We aimed at developing a model for keratoprosthesis based on the use of poly(ethyl acrylate) (PEA)-based copolymers, extracellular matrix-protein coating and colonization with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Human adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells (h-ADASC) colonization efficiency of seven PEA-based copolymers in combination with four extracellular matrix coatings were evaluated in vitro. Then, macroporous membranes composed of the optimal PEA subtypes and coating proteins were implanted inside rabbit cornea. After a 3-month follow-up, the animals were euthanized, and the clinical and histological biointegration of the implanted material were assessed. h-ADASC adhered and survived when cultured in all PEA-based macroporous membranes. The addition of high hydrophilicity to PEA membranes decreased h-ADASC colonization in vitro. PEA-based copolymer containing 10% hydroxyethyl acrylate (PEA-HEA10) or 10% acrylic acid (PEA-AAc10) monomeric units showed the best cellular colonization rates. Collagen plus keratan sulfate-coated polymers demonstrated enhanced cellular colonization respect to fibronectin, collagen, or uncoated PEAs. In vivo implantation of membranes resulted in an extrusion rate of 72% for PEA, 50% for PEA-AAc10, but remarkably of 0% for PEA-HEA10. h-ADASC survival was demonstrated in all the membranes after 3 months follow-up. A slight reduction in the extrusion rate of h-ADASC colonized materials was observed. No significant differences between the groups with and without h-ADASC were detected respect to transparency or neovascularization. We propose PEA with low hydroxylation as a scaffold for the anchoring ring of future keratoprosthesis.Item Classification of different reaching movements from the same limb using EEG(2017-06-12) Shiman, Farid; López-Larraz, Eduardo; Sarasola-Sanz, Andrea; Irastorza-Landa, Nerea; Spüler, Martin; Birbaumer, Niels; Ramos-Murguialday, Ander; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; Medical TechnologiesObjective. Brain–computer-interfaces (BCIs) have been proposed not only as assistive technologies but also as rehabilitation tools for lost functions. However, due to the stochastic nature, poor spatial resolution and signal to noise ratio from electroencephalography (EEG), multidimensional decoding has been the main obstacle to implement non-invasive BCIs in real-live rehabilitation scenarios. This study explores the classification of several functional reaching movements from the same limb using EEG oscillations in order to create a more versatile BCI for rehabilitation. Approach. Nine healthy participants performed four 3D center-out reaching tasks in four different sessions while wearing a passive robotic exoskeleton at their right upper limb. Kinematics data were acquired from the robotic exoskeleton. Multiclass extensions of Filter Bank Common Spatial Patterns (FBCSP) and a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classifier were used to classify the EEG activity into four forward reaching movements (from a starting position towards four target positions), a backward movement (from any of the targets to the starting position and rest). Recalibrating the classifier using data from previous or the same session was also investigated and compared. Main results. Average EEG decoding accuracy were significantly above chance with 67%, 62.75%, and 50.3% when decoding three, four and six tasks from the same limb, respectively. Furthermore, classification accuracy could be increased when using data from the beginning of each session as training data to recalibrate the classifier. Significance. Our results demonstrate that classification from several functional movements performed by the same limb is possible with acceptable accuracy using EEG oscillations, especially if data from the same session are used to recalibrate the classifier. Therefore, an ecologically valid decoding could be used to control assistive or rehabilitation mutli-degrees of freedom (DoF) robotic devices using EEG data. These results have important implications towards assistive and rehabilitative neuroprostheses control in paralyzed patients.Item Clinical validation of a novel postural support device for hospitalized sub-acute post stroke wheelchair users(2016-04-07) Veneman, Jan F.; Jung, Je Hyung; Manterola Del Puerto, Iraitz; Seco Rodríguez, Maria Luz; Camiruaga Zalbidea, Iñaki; Cardoso Martin, Sergio; Mendoza Arteche, Lorea; Alemany Herrera, Jorge; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; Medical TechnologiesPurpose: We present a novel wheelchair posture support device (WPSD) and its clinical validation. The device was developed in order to assure correct sitting posture and to reduce the time spent by caregivers for re-positioning of hospitalized, wheelchair-bound, post-acute stroke patients. Method: The device was validated with 16 subjects during a period of 5 days in which use of the device was compared with regular care practice. Results: The device was used for the five consecutive days in 69% of patients, while for 6% it was not suitable; 25% did not complete the 5 days for reasons unrelated to the device. Caregivers needed to re-position the patients that used the device for the full 5 days (n=11) on an average 52% less often when using the device, as compared to regular practice. Furthermore, the device was rated as usable and functional by the caregivers while significantly reducing perception of trunk and shoulder pain in patients during its use. Conclusions: The newly designed WPSD is a valuable system for the improvement of medical assistance to wheelchair-bound post-stroke patients by reducing pain and number of re-positioning manoeuvres. The WPSD might be applicable to any group of patients who need posture control in either wheelchair or common chair with arms support.Item Comparison of Physical-chemical and Mechanical Properties of Chlorapatite and Hydroxyapatite Plasma Sprayed Coatings(2015) Demnati, Imane; Grossin, David; Marsan, Olivier; Bertrand, Ghislaine; Collonges, Gérard; Combes, Christèle; Parco, Maria; Braceras, I.; Alexis, Joel; Balcaen, Yannick; Rey, Christian; EXTREMAT; INGENIERÍA DE SUPERFICIESChlorapatite can be considered a potential biomaterial for orthopaedic applications. Its use as plasma-sprayed coating could be of interest considering its thermal properties and particularly its ability to melt without decomposition unlike hydroxyapatite. Chlorapatite (ClA) was synthesized by a high-temperature ion exchange reaction starting from commercial stoichiometric hydroxyapatites (HA). The ClA powder showed similar characteristics as the original industrial HA powder, and was obtained in the monoclinic form. The HA and ClA powders were plasma-sprayed using a low-energy plasma spraying system with identical processing parameters. The coatings were characterized by physical-chemical methods, i.e. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, including distribution mapping of the main phases detected such as amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), oxyapatite (OA), and HA or ClA. The unexpected formation of oxyapatite in ClA coatings was assigned to a side reaction with contaminating oxygenated species (O2, H2O). ClA coatings exhibited characteristics different from HA, showing a lower content of oxyapatite and amorphous phase. Although their adhesion strength was found to be lower than that of HA coatings, their application could be an interesting alternative, offering, in particular, a larger range of spraying conditions without formation of massive impurities.Item Confocal and Histological Features After Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Diacrylate Corneal Inlay Implantation(2019-11) Bidaguren, Aritz; Mendicute, Javier; Madarieta, Iratxe; Garagorri, Nerea; Biomateriales; Tecnalia Research & InnovationPurpose: To evaluate the in vivo biocompatibility of photopolymerized poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) intrastromal inlays in rabbit corneas. Methods: Sixty-three eyes of 42 New Zealand rabbits were included. Manual intrastromal pockets were dissected in 42 eyes. PEGDA inlays were obtained using a specifically designed photomask and were inserted in the intrastromal pocket of 21 eyes (inlay group); the remaining 21 right eyes did not receive any implant (pocket-only group). Twenty-one eyes with no intervention were used as controls. In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) was performed at every visit. After 2 months, rabbits were sacrificed and corneas removed for histological analysis. Results: Corneas remained clear in all but two animals, and five cases of corneal neovascularization were seen (P = 0.2). Inlays remained stable without evidence of lateral or anterior migration, and no other complications were observed. No changes in anterior and posterior keratocyte density (P = 0.3 and P = 0.1, respectively) or endothelial cell density (P = 0.23) were observed between groups during the study time by IVCM. On pathology samples, thinning of the epithelium over the inlay area and epithelial hyperplasia over the edges were observed. A polygonal empty space with no evidence of PEGDA hydrogel within the midstroma was seen in the inlay group. Keratocytes were normal in shape and number in the vicinity of the PEGDA implant area. Conclusions: Photopolymerized PEGDA intrastromal inlays have shown relatively good safety and stability in rabbit corneas. Inlays were biostable in the corneal environment and remained transparent during follow up. Translational Relevance: The investigated PEGDA is promising for the development of biocompatible intrastromal implants.Item Consistent arm rehabilitation from clinical to home environment - Integrating the universal haptic drive into the TeleReha software platform(Springer International Publishing, 2013) Veneman, Jan F.; Jung, Je Hyung; Perry, Joel C.; Keller, Thierry; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; Medical TechnologiesThis paper describes the current work on integrating a haptic force feedback device, named the Universal Haptic Drive (UHD), for upper limb training into a software platform for telerehabilitation which has been developed for at-home rehabilitation after stroke. The aim of the integration is to provide a consistent training and assessment platform during the entire rehabilitation period, from clinical facilities to home, while also allowing less specialized supervision to rehabilitate a stroke patient.Item Design of multi-pad electrotactile system envisioned as a feedback channel for supernumerary robotic limbs(2022-10) Boljanić, Tanja; Isaković, Milica; Malešević, Jovana; Formica, Domenico; Di Pino, Giovanni; Keller, Thierry; Štrbac, Matija; SG; Tecnalia Research & InnovationBackground: Providing real-time haptic feedback is an important, but still not sufficiently explored aspect of the use of supernumerary robotic limbs (SRLs). We present a multi-pad electrode for conveying multi-modal proprioceptive and sensory information from SRL to the user's thigh and propose a method for stimuli calibration. Methods: Within two pilot tests, we investigated return electrode configuration and active electrode discrimination in three healthy subjects to select the appropriate electrode pad topology. Based on the obtained results and anthropometric data from the literature, the electrode was designed to have three branches of 10 pads and two additional pads that can be displaced over/under the electrode branches. The electrode was designed to be connected to the stimulator that allows full multiplexing so that specific branches can serve as a common return electrode. To define the procedure for application of this system, the sensation, localization, and discomfort thresholds applicable for the novel electrode were determined and analyzed in 10 subjects. Results: The results showed no overlaps between the three thresholds for individual pads, with significantly different average values, suggesting that the selected electrode positioning and design provide a good active range of useful current amplitude. The results of the subsequent analysis suggested that the stimuli intensity level of 200% of the sensation threshold is the most probable value of the localization threshold. Furthermore, this level ensures a low chance (i.e., 0.7%) of reaching the discomfort. Conclusions: We believe that envisioned electrotactile system could serve as a high bandwidth feedback channel that can be easily set up to provide proprioceptive and sensory feedback from supernumerary limbs.Item Development of computer games for assessment and training in post-stroke arm telerehabilitation(2012) Rodriguez-De-Pablo, Cristina; Perry, Joel C.; Cavallaro, Francesca I.; Zabaleta, Haritz; Keller, Thierry; Tecnalia Research & InnovationStroke is the leading cause of long term disability among adults in industrialized nations. The majority of these disabilities include deficiencies in arm function, which can make independent living very difficult. Research shows that better results in rehabilitation are obtained when patients receive more intensive therapy. However this intensive therapy is currently too expensive to be provided by the public health system, and at home few patients perform the repetitive exercises recommended by their therapists. Computer games can provide an affordable, enjoyable, and effective way to intensify treatment, while keeping the patient as well as their therapists informed about their progress. This paper presents the study, design, implementation and user-testing of a set of computer games for at-home assessment and training of upper-limb motor impairment after stroke.Item Effect of high content nanohydroxyapatite composite scaffolds prepared via melt extrusion additive manufacturing on the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells(2022-06) Cámara-Torres, Maria; Sinha, Ravi; Sanchez, Alberto; Habibovic, Pamela; Patelli, Alessandro; Mota, Carlos; Moroni, Lorenzo; ECOEFICIENCIA DE PRODUCTOS DE CONSTRUCCIÓNThe field of bone tissue engineering seeks to mimic the bone extracellular matrix composition, balancing the organic and inorganic components. In this regard, additive manufacturing (AM) of high content calcium phosphate (CaP)-polymer composites holds great promise towards the design of bioactive scaffolds. Yet, the biological performance of such scaffolds is still poorly characterized. In this study, melt extrusion AM (ME-AM) was used to fabricate poly(ethylene oxide terephthalate)/poly(butylene terephthalate) (PEOT/PBT)-nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) scaffolds with up to 45 wt% nHA, which presented significantly enhanced compressive mechanical properties, to evaluate their in vitro osteogenic potential as a function of nHA content. While osteogenic gene upregulation and matrix mineralization were observed on all scaffold types when cultured in osteogenic media, human mesenchymal stromal cells did not present an explicitly clear osteogenic phenotype, within the evaluated timeframe, in basic media cultures (i.e. without osteogenic factors). Yet, due to the adsorption of calcium and inorganic phosphate ions from cell culture media and simulated body fluid, the formation of a CaP layer was observed on PEOT/PBT-nHA 45 wt% scaffolds, which is hypothesized to account for their bone forming ability in the long term in vitro, and osteoconductivity in vivo.Item Efficient P(3HB) extraction from Burkholderia sacchari cells using non-chlorinated solvents(2015-11-15) Rosengart, A.; Cesário, M.T.; de Almeida, M. Catarina M.D.; Raposo, Rodrigo S.; Espert, A.; Díaz de Apodaca, E.; da Fonseca, M. Manuela R.; Alimentación SostenibleA technique using safer, non-chlorinated organic solvents for the extraction of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P(3HB)) from bacterial cells was developed, aiming to attain high recovery yields and purities. Some solvents were selected from the GlaxoSmithKline guide as sustainable industrial solvents and the solubility of P(3HB) calculated using predictive equations from literature. Based on the calculated solubility values, anisole, cyclohexanone and phenetole were tested as extraction solvents and the relevant process variables (extraction temperature, extraction time and mass of cells/solvent volume ratio) were addressed. Polymer recovery yields of 97% and 93% were obtained with anisole and cyclohexanone, respectively, at 120–130 °C using a cell/solvent ratio of 1.5% (w/v). Maximum polymer purities using these experimental conditions were 98% for both solvents. The recovery yield and the polymer purity attained with chloroform (reference solvent) were 96 and 98%, respectively. Higher cell/solvent ratios of 6.0% (w/v) showed slightly lower recovery yields and purities. The average molecular weight and the thermal properties of the polymers extracted with the alternative solvents were fully comparable to those of the polymers obtained by chloroform extraction, demonstrating that the applied conditions did not significantly alter the properties of the extracted P(3HB).Item Evoked sensations with transcutaneous electrical stimulation with different frequencies, waveforms, and electrode configurations(2023-01) Imatz-Ojanguren, Eukene; Keller, Thierry; Imatz‐Ojanguren, Eukene; Medical Technologies; Tecnalia Research & InnovationBackground: Current Perception Threshold (CPT) is a technique used for diagnostic purposes that applies sinusoidal currents transcutaneously at 5 Hz, 250 Hz, and 2KHz to preferentially excite C, Aδ, and Aβ afferent nerve fibers correspondingly. This fact may be interesting for evoking different electrotactile sensations for a wide variety of applications. Methods: Sensations evoked by 5 Hz, 250 Hz, and 2KHz frequencies; sinusoidal, square, and 250 μs-pulsed waveforms; and conventional and concentric electrode configurations were analyzed in 19 healthy volunteers. Stimuli were applied in the dorsum of the hand in a double-blind manner and CPTs were defined based on participants' verbal feedback. After each stimulus participants filled in a form with sensation modality, irradiation, intensity, and emotion descriptors. Results: The frequency showed a significant effect on the four domains of evoked sensations and the waveform showed a significant effect on the modality domain. For most waveform and electrode configuration combinations, 5 Hz evoked mostly a low-intensity prickling sensation; 250 Hz mostly evoked an uncomfortable medium-intensity tingling sensation; and 2KHz mostly evoked a low-intensity tingling sensation. No thermal or noxious sensations were evoked. A significant interaction effect was only found between the frequency and the waveform factors. The electrode configuration did not show either a significant effect on the evoked sensations or an interaction effect with the frequency or waveform type. Conclusions: Transcutaneous electrical stimulation may evoke different sensations at different frequencies due to the preferential activation of different fiber types. The results of these analysis could be used to enhance human-machine/computer-interaction systems based on electrotactile feedback.Item Few Shot Learning in Histopathological Images:Reducing the Need of Labeled Data on Biological Datasets: Reducing the need of labeled data on biological datasets(IEEE, 2019-07-11) Medela, Alfonso; Picon, Artzai; Saratxaga, Cristina L.; Belar, Oihana; Cabezon, Virginia; Cicchi, Riccardo; Bilbao, Roberto; Glover, Ben; COMPUTER_VISION; VISUALAlthough deep learning pathology diagnostic algorithms are proving comparable results with human experts in a wide variety of tasks, they still require a huge amount of well annotated data for training. Generating such extensive and well labelled datasets is time consuming and is not feasible for certain tasks and so, most of the medical datasets available are scarce in images and therefore, not enough for training. In this work we validate that the use of few shot learning techniques can transfer knowledge from a well defined source domain from Colon tissue into a more generic domain composed by Colon, Lung and Breast tissue by using very few training images. Our results show that our few-shot approach is able to obtain a balanced accuracy (BAC) of 90% with just 60 training images, even for the Lung and Breast tissues that were not present on the training set. This outperforms the finetune transfer learning approach that obtains 73% BAC with 60 images and requires 600 images to get up to 81% BAC.Item Functional synergy recruitment index as a reliable biomarker of motor function and recovery in chronic stroke patients(2021-05-18) Irastorza-Landa, Nerea; García-Cossio, Eliana; Sarasola-Sanz, Andrea; Brötz, Doris; Birbaumer, Niels; Ramos-Murguialday, Ander; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; Medical TechnologiesObjective. Stroke affects the expression of muscle synergies underlying motor control, most notably in patients with poorer motor function. The majority of studies on muscle synergies have conventionally approached this analysis by assuming alterations in the inner structures of synergies after stroke. Although different synergy-based features based on this assumption have to some extent described pathological mechanisms in post-stroke neuromuscular control, a biomarker that reliably reflects motor function and recovery is still missing. Approach. Based on the theory of muscle synergies, we alternatively hypothesize that functional synergy structures are physically preserved and measure the temporal correlation between the recruitment profiles of healthy modules by paretic and healthy muscles, a feature hereafter reported as the FSRI. We measured clinical scores and extracted the muscle synergies of both ULs of 18 chronic stroke survivors from the electromyographic activity of 8 muscles during bilateral movements before and after 4 weeks of non-invasive BMI controlled robot therapy and physiotherapy. We computed the FSRI as well as features quantifying inter-limb structural differences and evaluated the correlation of these synergy-based measures with clinical scores. Main results. Correlation analysis revealed weak relationships between conventional features describing inter-limb synergy structural differences and motor function. In contrast, FSRI values during specific or combined movement data significantly correlated with UL motor function and recovery scores. Additionally, we observed that BMI-based training with contingent positive proprioceptive feedback led to improved FSRI values during the specific trained finger extension movement. Significance. We demonstrated that FSRI can be used as a reliable physiological biomarker of motor function and recovery in stroke, which can be targeted via BMI-based proprioceptive therapies and adjuvant physiotherapy to boost effective rehabilitation.Item High-throughput roll-to-roll production of polymer biochips for multiplexed DNA detection in point-of-care diagnostics(2020-11-21) Toren, Pelin; Smolka, Martin; Haase, Anja; Palfinger, Ursula; Nees, Dieter; Ruttloff, Stephan; Kuna, Ladislav; Schaude, Cindy; Jauk, Sandra; Rumpler, Markus; Hierschlager, Bettina; Katzmayr, Ingo; Sonnleitner, Max; Thesen, Manuel W.; Lohse, Mirko; Horn, Martin; Weigel, Wilfried; Strbac, Matija; Bijelic, Goran; Hemanth, Suhith; Okulova, Nastasia; Kafka, Jan; Kostler, Stefan; Stadlober, Barbara; Hesse, Jan; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; SG; MercadoRoll-to-roll UV nanoimprint lithography has superior advantages for high-throughput manufacturing of micro- or nano-structures on flexible polymer foils with various geometries and configurations. Our pilot line provides large-scale structure imprinting for cost-effective polymer biochips (4500 biochips/hour), enabling rapid and multiplexed detections. A complete high-volume process chain of the technology for producing structures like μ-sized, triangular optical out-couplers or capillary channels (width: from 1 μm to 2 mm, height: from 200 nm up to 100 μm) to obtain biochips (width: 25 mm, length: 75 mm, height: 100 μm to 1.5 mm) was described. The imprinting process was performed with custom-developed resins on polymer foils with resin thicknesses ranging between 125–190 μm. The produced chips were tested in a commercial point-of-care diagnostic system for multiplexed DNA analysis of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (e.g., mecA, mecC gene detections). Specific target DNA capturing was based on hybridisation between surface bound DNA probes and biotinylated targets from the sample. The immobilised biotinylated targets subsequently bind streptavidin–horseradish peroxidase conjugates, which in turn generate light upon incubation with a chemiluminescent substrate. To enhance the light out-coupling thus to improve the system performance, optical structures were integrated into the design. The limits-of-detection of mecA (25 bp) for chips with and without structures were calculated as 0.06 and 0.07 μM, respectively. Further, foil-based chips with fluidic channels were DNA functionalised in our roll-to-roll micro-array spotter following the imprinting. This straightforward approach of sequential imprinting and multiplexed DNA functionalisation on a single foil was also realised for the first time. The corresponding foil-based chips were able to detect mecA gene DNA sequences down to a 0.25 μM concentration.Item MERLIN: Upper-Limb Rehabilitation Robot System for Home Environment(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2022) Garzo, Ainara; Arcas-Ruiz-Ruano, Javier; Dorronsoro, Iñigo; Gaminde, Gabriel; Jung, Je Hyung; Téllez, Javier; Keller, Thierry; Medical Technologies; Tecnalia Research & InnovationArmAssist is a cost-effective robotic system for post-stroke upper-limb rehabilitation. The system incorporates the ArmAssist Assessment platform based on serious games that enables fast, quantitative and automatic evaluation of the arm functions. The aim of the MERLIN European project is to bring this system to the patients’ homes to personalize the therapy with reduced supervision while increasing the number of movement repetitions to improve the effectiveness. To this end, the ArmAssist system developed by TECNALIA, has been integrated with GMV’s Antari Home Care platform, to customize and supervise the training remotely. Additionally, several technical improvements have been done to enhance the usability and functionality of the system according to the patients and therapists’ feedback. In this paper, the technical progress of the MERLIN system is presented.Item Neuro-fuzzy models for hand movements induced by functional electrical stimulation in able-bodied and hemiplegic subjects(2016-11-01) Imatz-Ojanguren, Eukene; Irigoyen, Eloy; Valencia-Blanco, David; Keller, Thierry; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; Medical TechnologiesFunctional Electrical Stimulation (FES) may be effective as a therapeutic treatment for improving functional reaching and grasping. Upper-limb FES models for predicting joint torques/angles from stimulation parameters can be useful to support the iterative design and development of neuroprostheses. Most such models focused on shoulder or elbow joints and were defined for fixed electrode configurations. This work proposes the use of a Recurrent Fuzzy Neural Network (RFNN) for modeling FES induced wrist, thumb, and finger movements based on surface multi-field electrodes and kinematic data from able-bodied and neurologically impaired subjects. Different combinations of structure parameters comprising fuzzy term numbers and feedback approaches were tested and analyzed in order to see their effect on the model performance for six subjects. The results showed mean success rates in the range from 60% to 99% and best success rates in the range from 78% to 100% on test data for all subjects. No common trend was found across subjects regarding structure parameters. The model showed the ability to successfully reproduce the response to FES for both able-bodied and hemiplegic subjects at least with one of the tested combinations.Item On the fatigue behavior of medical Ti6Al4V roughened by grit blasting and abrasiveless waterjet peening(2016-10-01) Lieblich, M.; Barriuso, S.; Ibáñez, J.; Ruiz-de-Lara, L.; Díaz, M.; Ocaña, J.L.; Alberdi, A.; González-Carrasco, J.L.; FABRIC_INTELFlat fatigue specimens of biomedical Ti6Al4V ELI alloy were surface-processed by high pressure waterjet peening (WJP) without abrasive particles using moderate to severe conditions that yield roughness values in the range of those obtained by commercial grit blasting (BL) with alumina particles. Fatigue behavior of WJP and BL specimens was characterized under cyclical uniaxial tension tests (R=0.1). The emphasis was put on a comparative analysis of the surface and subsurface induced effects and in their relevance on fatigue behavior. Within the experimental setup of this investigation it resulted that blasting with alumina particles was less harmful for fatigue resistance than abrasiveless WJP. BL specimens resulted in higher subsurface hardening and compressive residual stresses. Specimens treated with more severe WJP parameters presented much higher mass loss and lower compressive residual stresses. From the analysis performed in this work, it follows that, in addition to roughness, waviness emerges as another important topographic parameter to be taken into account to try to predict fatigue behavior. It is envisaged that optimization of WJP parameters with the aim of reducing waviness and mass loss should lead to an improvement of fatigue resistance