Optimization of Design and Performance of Medical Implants using FEA

In recent years, the optimization of medical implants to enhance their safety and functionality has emerged as a paramount concern in the biomedical field. This study elucidates a comprehensive approach to optimizing the design and performance of medical implants using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The primary objective was to discern potential areas of stress concentration and deformation, consequently proposing modifications to existing designs. Various implant materials and geometries were explored, encompassing orthopaedic, dental, and cardiovascular applications. The research successfully employed a multi-phased FEA methodology that commenced with the development of an accurate model, followed by the application of realistic boundary conditions and subsequent simulation under physiological loads. Results consistently indicated that by leveraging FEA insights, it was possible to predict potential failure points and areas of undue stress, thereby guiding design modifications. Moreover, it was observed that the iterative design process, supplemented by FEA, led to implants that exhibited enhanced biocompatibility, reduced patient discomfort, and extended longevity. This paper underscores the potency of FEA as an indispensable tool for the evolution of medical implant designs, fostering a future where implant failures become a rarity rather than a risk

Characterization of Sustainable Bio-Based Materials for Food Packaging Applications

The increasing environmental issues linked to traditional petroleum-based packaging materials have stimulated a rising curiosity in investigating sustainable alternatives, especially in the field of food packaging. The present study investigates the characterisation of bio-based materials that have the potential to significantly transform food packaging applications. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of using these materials as ecologically sustainable substitutes, taking into account their physical, mechanical, barrier, and thermal characteristics. The study process includes the careful selection of a wide array of bio-based materials, such as biopolymers derived from agricultural wastes, chemicals derived from algae, and derivatives of cellulose. The use of a holistic approach allows for a thorough assessment of the sustainability of the materials. The research findings presented in this study make a valuable contribution to the expanding corpus of information pertaining to sustainable packaging options. As there is a growing worldwide focus on reducing plastic waste and minimising ecological impacts, the findings of this research contribute to the promotion of a more sustainable approach to food packaging. These findings are in line with the concepts of a circular and bio-based economy

Occurrence of some common carbapenemase genes in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates collected from clinical samples in Tabriz, northwestern Iran

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the antibiotic resistance patterns and prevalence of carbapenemase genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in different clinical samples from Tabriz city, northwestern Iran. Results This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, Islamic Azad University, Ahar Branch, Iran, in 2020. K. pneumoniae isolates were collected from different clinical samples, including blood, wounds, sputum, and urine. The isolates were identified using a series of standard bacteriological tests. Antibiotic resistance was determined by the disc diffusion method. The presence of bla VIM, bla NDM, bla KPC, bla OXA, and bla IMP genes were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 100 non-duplicated K. pneumoniae isolates were collected from 57 urine samples, 27 blood samples, 13 wound samples, and 3 sputum samples. Overall, 70.0% of the samples were from inpatients, while 30.0% were from outpatients. The most resistance rate was related to ampicillin (94.0%), while the lowest resistance rate was related to imipenem (18.0%) and meropenem (20.0%). Overall, 25.0% of the isolates were carbapenem-resistant, of which 13.0% were resistant to both imipenem and meropenem. The PCR showed the total prevalence of 23.0% for carbapenemase genes, including 18.0% for bla KPC, 3.0% for bla VIM, 1.0% for bla IMP, and 1.0% for bla OXA gene. The bla NDM gene was not detected in any isolate. The prevalence of carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae isolates was relatively lower in northwestern Iran than in other regions of the country. However, special attention should be paid to the proper use of antibiotics, particularly carbapenems, to prevent further spread of antibiotic resistance and its related genes

Seroprevalence of antibodies to herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 in patients with HIV positive from Ebonyi State, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Objectives To assess the seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 in patients infected with HIV in Nigeria.Design Cross-sectional design from January to June 2019.Setting Federal Teaching Hospital, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.Participants A total of 276 patients with HIV were analysed using ELISA method for the presence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 specific IgG antibodies.Outcomes Fisher’s exact test was used to determine the association between the seroprevalence of HSV and demographic variables (statistically significant=p value ≤0.05).Results Totally, 212 (76.8%) and 155 (56.2%) patients with HIV were seropositive for HSV-1 and HSV-2 IgG antibodies, respectively. The seroprevalence of HSV-1 was significantly higher than the HSV-2 in patients with HIV (p value <0.0001). HSV-1 and HSV-2 seroprevalence were higher in patients aged more than 30 years. The seroprevalence of HSV-1 was significantly higher (p=0.01) in females (82.4%, 131/159) than males (69.2%, 81/117), but there was no significant difference in seroprevalence of HSV-2 in females (57.9%, 92/159) compared with males (53.8%, 63/117) (p=0.51). Professional drivers had a higher seroprevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 and there was a significant association between the occupation and the HSV-1 and HSV-2 seropositivity (p>0.05). The seroprevalence of HSV-1 was significantly higher in the singles (87.4%, 90/103) than the married patients with HIV (p=0.001). However, HSV-2 seroprevalence was significantly higher in the married patients with HIV (63.6%, 110/173) (p=0.001).Conclusions Prevalence of 76.8% for HSV-1 and 56.2% for HSV-2 among patients with HIV was seen. The HSV-1 was significantly higher in the singles while HSV-2 seroprevalence was significantly higher in the married patients with HIV with HSV-1 and HSV-2 coinfection rate of 7.6%. This study became very imperative to provide an important insight into the hidden dynamics of HSV infections