Deformation investigation of electromagnetic diaphragm pump rubber diaphragm.

A diaphragm pump is a type of volumetric pump that has excellent sealing performance. An electromagnetic diaphragm pump is a kind of widely adopted diaphragm pump that has a simple structure, low power loss, and high cost performance. However, the calculation method of deformation for the electromagnetic diaphragm pump rubber diaphragm is presently lacking. Herein, a calculating method of deformation for the electromagnetic diaphragm pump rubber diaphragm is proposed. By establishing and analyzing a deformation model of the electromagnetic diaphragm pump rubber diaphragm, a theoretical relationship between the deformation of the electromagnetic diaphragm pump rubber diaphragm, the size of the electromagnetic diaphragm pump rubber diaphragm and the pressure of fluid is determined. The experimental results indicate that the biggest difference between the tested axial deformation and the calculated axial deformation of the electromagnetic diaphragm pump rubber diaphragm is 0.04 mm and the calculation results show agreement with the experimental results.

Miniaturized electromagnetic tracking enables efficient ultrasound-navigated needle insertions.

Ultrasound (US) has gained popularity as a guidance modality for percutaneous needle insertions because it is widely available and non-ionizing. However, coordinating scanning and needle insertion still requires significant experience. Current assistance solutions utilize optical or electromagnetic tracking (EMT) technology directly integrated into the US device or probe. This results in specialized devices or introduces additional hardware, limiting the ergonomics of both the scanning and insertion process. We developed the first ultrasound (US) navigation solution designed to be used as a non-permanent accessory for existing US devices while maintaining the ergonomics during the scanning process. A miniaturized EMT source is reversibly attached to the US probe, temporarily creating a combined modality that provides real-time anatomical imaging and instrument tracking at the same time. Studies performed with 11 clinical operators show that the proposed navigation solution can guide needle insertions with a targeting accuracy of about 5 mm, which is comparable to existing approaches and unaffected by repeated attachment and detachment of the miniaturized tracking solution. The assistance proved particularly helpful for non-expert users and needle insertions performed outside of the US plane. The small size and reversible attachability of the proposed navigation solution promises streamlined integration into the clinical workflow and widespread access to US navigated punctures.

Discovery of electromagnetic polarization in Asian rice wine deterioration process and its applications.

Rice wine, known as yellow wine in China and Japan, possesses considerable nutritional value and holds significant global influence. This study addresses the challenge of preserving rice wine, which is prone to rancidity due to its low alcohol content. Conventional storage techniques employing pottery jars often result in substantial spoilage losses. Through rigorous investigation, this research identifies a polarization phenomenon exhibited by degraded rice wine when subjected to high-frequency microwaves(>60GHz), presenting a pioneering method for detecting spoilage, even within sealed containers. Employing a multi-channel microwave radar apparatus, the study delves into the susceptibility of rice wine to electromagnetic waves across various frequencies, uncovering pronounced polarization traits in deteriorated samples within the E-band microwave spectrum. Furthermore, lab-controlled simulations elucidate a direct correlation between physicochemical alterations and high-frequency Radar Cross Section (RCS) signals during the wine's deterioration process. A novel six-membered Hydrated Cluster hypothesis is proposed, offering insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. Additionally, dielectric property assessments conducted using vector network analyzers (VNA) reveal noteworthy enhancements in the dielectric constant of deteriorated rice wine, particularly within the high-frequency domain, thereby augmenting detectability. These findings carry implications for refining rice wine preservation techniques and contribute to the advancement of non-destructive testing technologies, enabling the detection of rice wine deterioration or indications thereof, even within sealed vessels.

Implementing an electromagnetic tracking navigation system improves the precision of endoscopic transgastric necrosectomy in an ex vivo model.

Endoscopic transgastric necrosectomy is crucial in the management of complications resulting from necrotizing pancreatitis. However, both real-time and visual-spatial information is lacking during the procedure, thereby jeopardizing a precise positioning of the endoscope. We conducted a proof-of-concept study with the aim of overcoming these technical difficulties. For this purpose, a three-dimensional (3D) phantom of a stomach and pancreatic necroses was 3D-printed based on spatial information from individual patient CT scans and subsequently integrated into a silicone torso. An electromagnetic (EM) sensor was adjusted inside the endoscope´s working channel. A software interface enabled real time visualization. The accuracy of this novel assistant system was tested ex vivo by four experienced interventional endoscopists who were supposed to reach seven targets inside the phantom in six different experimental runs of simulated endoscopic transgastric necrosectomy. Supported by endoscopic camera view combined with real-time 3D visualization, all endoscopists reached the targets with a targeting error ranging between 2.6 and 6.5 mm in a maximum of eight minutes. In summary, the EM tracking system might increase efficacy and safety of endoscopic transgastric necrosectomy at the experimental level by enhancing visualization. Yet, a broader feasibility study and further technical improvements are mandatory before aiming at implementation into clinical setting.

Diagnostic yield using electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy for peripheral pulmonary nodules <2 cm.

BACKGROUND: Although electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) is highly sensitive in the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary nodules (PPNs), its diagnostic yield for subgroups of smaller PPNs is under evaluation. OBJECTIVES: Diagnostic yield evaluation of biopsy using ENB for PPNs <2 cm. DESIGN: The diagnostic yield, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the ENB-mediated biopsy for PPNs were evaluated. METHODS: Patients who had PPNs with diameters <2 cm and underwent ENB-mediated biopsy between May 2015 and February 2020 were consecutively enrolled. The final diagnosis was made via pathological examination after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 82 lesions from 65 patients were analyzed. The median tumor size was 11 mm. All lesions were subjected to ENB-mediated biopsy, of which 29 and 53 were classified as malignant and benign, respectively. Subsequent segmentectomy, lobectomy, or wedge resection, following pathological examinations were performed on 64 nodules from 57 patients. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for nodules <2 cm were 53.3%, 91.7%, 92.3%, and 51.2%, respectively. The receiver operating curve showed an area under the curve of 0.721 (p < 0.001). Additionally, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 62.5%, 100%, 100%, and 42.9%, respectively, for nodules with diameters equal to or larger than 1 cm; and 30.8%, 86.7%, 66.7%, and 59.1%, respectively, for nodules less than 1 cm. In the subgroup analysis, neither the lobar location nor the distance of the PPNs to the pleura affected the accuracy of the ENB diagnosis. However, the spiculated sign had a negative impact on the accuracy of the ENB biopsy (p = 0.010). CONCLUSION: ENB has good specificity and positive predictive value for diagnosing PPNs <2 cm; however, the spiculated sign may negatively affect ENB diagnostic accuracy. In addition, the diagnostic reliability may only be limited to PPNs equal to or larger than 1 cm.

Biofilm on total joint replacement materials can be reduced through electromagnetic induction heating using a portable device.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic joint infection is a serious complication following joint replacement. The development of bacterial biofilms bestows antibiotic resistance and restricts treatment via implant retention surgery. Electromagnetic induction heating is a novel technique for antibacterial treatment of metallic surfaces that has demonstrated in-vitro efficacy. Previous studies have always employed stationary, non-portable devices. This study aims to assess the in-vitro efficacy of induction-heating disinfection of metallic surfaces using a new Portable Disinfection System based on Induction Heating. METHODS: Mature biofilms of three bacterial species: S. epidermidis ATCC 35,984, S. aureus ATCC 25,923, E. coli ATCC 25,922, were grown on 18 × 2 mm cylindrical coupons of Titanium-Aluminium-Vanadium (Ti6Al4V) or Cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloys. Study intervention was induction-heating of the coupon surface up to 70ºC for 210s, performed using the Portable Disinfection System (PDSIH). Temperature was monitored using thermographic imaging. For each bacterial strain and each metallic alloy, experiments and controls were conducted in triplicate. Bacterial load was quantified through scraping and drop plate techniques. Data were evaluated using non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test for 2 group comparison. Statistical significance was fixed at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: All bacterial strains showed a statistically significant reduction of CFU per surface area in both materials. Bacterial load reduction amounted to 0.507 and 0.602 Log10 CFU/mL for S. aureus on Ti6Al4V and CoCrMo respectively, 5.937 and 3.500 Log10 CFU/mL for E. coli, and 1.222 and 0.372 Log10 CFU/mL for S. epidermidis. CONCLUSIONS: Electromagnetic induction heating using PDSIH is efficacious to reduce mature biofilms of S aureus, E coli and S epidermidis growing on metallic surfaces of Ti6Al4V and CoCrMo alloys.

Electromagnetic drop-on-demand (DoD) technology as an innovative platform for amorphous solid dispersion production.

Production of amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) is an effective strategy to promote the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water soluble medicinal substances. In general, ASD is manufactured using a variety of classic and modern techniques, most of which rely on either melting or solvent evaporation. This proof-of-concept study is the first ever to introduce electromagnetic drop-on-demand (DoD) technique as an alternative solvent evaporation-based method for producing ASDs. Herein 3D printing of ASDs for three drug-polymer combinations (efavirenz-Eudragit L100-55, lumefantrine-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate, and favipiravir-polyacrylic acid) was investigated to ascertain the reliability of this technique. Polarized light microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), and Fourier Transform  Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results supported the formation of ASDs for the three drugs by means of DoD 3D printing, which significantly increases the equilibrium solubility of efavirenz from 0.03 ± 0.04 µg/ml to 21.18 ± 4.20 µg/ml, and the equilibrium solubility of lumefantrine from 1.26 ± 1.60 µg/ml to 20.21 ± 6.91 µg/ml. Overall, the reported findings show how this new electromagnetic DoD technology can have a potential to become a cutting-edge 3D printing solvent-evaporation technique for on-demand and continuous manufacturing of ASDs for a variety of drugs.

A Novel Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Active Inertial Sensor for Drug Detection.

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a new discovery regarding the interaction between materials and very low radio frequencies. Specifically, we observed a feedback response on an inertia active sensor when specific frequencies (around 2-4 kHz) are used to irradiate targeted pharmaceutical samples like aspirin or paracetamol drugs. The characteristics of this phenomenon, such as excitation and relaxation time, the relation between deceleration and a material's quantity, and signal amplitude, are presented and analyzed. Although the underlying physics of this phenomenon is not yet known, we have shown that it has potential applications in remote identification of compounds, detection, and location sensing, as well as identifying substances that exist in plants without the need for any processing. This method is fast, accurate, low-cost, non-destructive, and non-invasive, making it a valuable area for further research that could yield spectacular results in the future.

Enhancing the catalytic H2 production performance of magnetic Ni-Fe2O3-C catalyst in biomass steam gasification using electromagnetic induction heating.

In this study, a novel magnetic Ni-Fe2O3-C catalyst combined with electromagnetic induction heating in biomass steam gasification was proposed to enhance H2 production. Better catalytic performance for H2 production was observed with the Ni-Fe2O3-C catalyst under induction heating, resulting in an increase in H2 yield from 735.1 to 2271.2 mL/g-biomass (a 209.1 % enhancement). SEM, TGA and XRD analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in coking deposition, caking, and particle agglomeration of the Ni-Fe2O3-C catalyst under induction heating, while maintaining more active sites. Importantly, the benefits of induction heating were also applicable to different magnetic catalysts like Ni-Al2O3-C, Ni-ZrO2-C, and Ni-MgO-C. Experimental results revealed a logarithmic correlation between the increase in H2 yields due to induction heating and the magnetic saturation (Ms) of the catalysts. The Ni-Fe2O3-C catalyst, with a high Ms of 50.9 emu/g, showed the highest catalytic activity for H2 production under induction heating in this study.

Electrical safety assessment of a prototype device for electromagnetic stimulation of the ear in patients with tinnitus.

<b><br>Aim:</b> The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of electrical safety results of a prototype electromagnetic ear stimulation device in patients with tinnitus.</br> <b><br>Material and methods:</b> The electrical safety tests of the prototype device for electro- and magnetostimulation of the hearing organ were carried out at the Center for Attestation and Certification Tests in Gliwice. The tests concerned selected parameters including the PN-EN standard.</br> <b><br>Results:</b> Safety studies of the prototype electrical stimulation device for the ear in patients with tinnitus were necessary to perform the planned further preclinical studies. Obtained results regarding: identification and labeling of the device; protection against electric shock; checking protective earthing, functional earthing and potential equalization; checking the leakage current and auxiliary currents of the patient; checking the distances through the solid insulation and the use of thin insulating spacers; checking the electrical strength of the device insulation; checking protection against mechanical hazards of the device; checking the risk associated with surfaces, corners and edges, and checking the protection against excessive temperatures and other threats comply with the standard PN-EN.</br> <b><br>Conclusions:</b> No risk to the patient and medical staff. Tests of protection against mechanical hazards of the device have shown that the only movable part whose contact with the patient could cause an unacceptable risk is the fan installed inside the housing.</br>.

Early comparison robotic bronchoscopy versus electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy for biopsy of pulmonary nodules in a thoracic surgery practice.

Pulmonary nodules are frequently encountered in high-risk patients. Often these require biopsy which can be challenging. We relate our experience comparing use of electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB) to a robotic bronchoscopy system (RB). A retrospective review of patients undergoing bronchoscopic biopsy from 2015 to 2021. The timeframe overlapped with transition from ENB using Veran SPiN system to RB using Ion system by Intuitive. Patient and nodule characteristics were collected. Primary end point was overall diagnostic yield which was defined by pathologic confirmation of malignancy or benign finding. Secondary outcomes included diagnostic yield based on overall size of nodules and need for further work up and testing. 116 patients underwent ENB or RB of 134 nodules. No perioperative complications occurred. Diagnostic yield of ENB was 49.5% (41/91 nodules) versus 86.1% (37/43 nodules) for RB. Average nodule size for ENB was 2.55 cm versus 1.96 cm for RB. When divided based on size, ENB had a 30% diagnostic yield for nodules 1-2 cm (11/37 nodules, mean size 1.46 cm) and 64% yield for nodules 2-3 cm (14/22 nodules, mean size 2.38 cm). RB had an 81% yield for nodules 1-2 cm (mean size 1.41 cm) and 100% yield for nodules 2-3 cm (mean 2.3 cm). RB showed superiority over ENB in early implementation trials for biopsy of suspicious pulmonary nodules. It is a safe technology allowing for increased access to all lung fields and utilization in the thoracic surgical practice will be paramount to advancing the field.

Image-guided orbital surgery: a preclinical validation study using a high-resolution physical model.

OBJECTIVE: Preclinical validation study to assess the feasibility and accuracy of electromagnetic image-guided systems (EM-IGS) in orbital surgery using high-fidelity physical orbital anatomy simulators. METHODS: EM-IGS platform, clinical software, navigation instruments and reference system (StealthStation S8, Medtronic) were evaluated in a mock operating theatre at the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, a tertiary academic hospital in Dublin, Ireland. Five high-resolution 3D-printed model skulls were created using CT scans of five anonymised patients with an orbital tumour that previously had a successful orbital biopsy or excision. The ability of ophthalmic surgeons to achieve satisfactory system registration in each model was assessed. Subsequently, navigational accuracy was recorded using defined anatomical landmarks as ground truth. Qualitative feedback on the system was also attained. RESULTS: Three independent surgeons participated in the study, one junior trainee, one fellow and one consultant. Across models, more senior participants were able to achieve a smaller system-generated registration error in a fewer number of attempts. When assessing navigational accuracy, submillimetre accuracy was achieved for the majority of points (16 landmarks per model, per participant). Qualitative surgeon feedback suggested acceptability of the technology, although interference from mobile phones near the operative field was noted. CONCLUSION: This study suggests the feasibility and accuracy of EM-IGS in a preclinical validation study for orbital surgery using patient specific 3D-printed skulls. This preclinical study provides the foundation for clinical studies to explore the safety and effectiveness of this technology.

A comprehensive quality assurance protocol for electromagnetic tracking in brachytherapy.

BACKGROUND: Electromagnetic tracking (EMT) systems have proven to be a valuable source of information regarding the location and geometry of applicators in patients undergoing brachytherapy (BT). As an important element of an enhanced and individualized pre-treatment verification, EMT can play a pivotal role in detecting treatment errors and uncertainties to increase patient safety. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is two-fold: to design, develop and test a dedicated measurement protocol for the use of EMT-enabled afterloaders in BT and to collect and compare the data acquired from three different radiation oncology centers in different clinical environments. METHODS: A novel quality assurance (QA) phantom composed of a scaffold with supports to fix the field generator, different BT applicators, and reference sensors (sensor verification tools) was used to assess the precision (jitter error) and accuracy (relative distance errors and target registration error) of the EMT sensor integrated into an afterloader prototype. Measurements were repeated in different environments where EMT measurements are likely to be performed, namely an electromagnetically clean laboratory, a BT suite, an operating room, and, if available, a CT suite and an MRI suite dedicated to BT. RESULTS: The mean positional jitter was consistently under 0.1 mm across all measurement points, with a slight trend of increased jitter at greater distances from the field generator. The mean variability of sensor positioning in the tested tandem and ring gynecological applicator was also below 0.1 mm. The tracking accuracy close to the center of the measurement volume was higher than at its edges. The relative distance error at the center was 0.2-0.3 mm with maximum values reaching 1.2-1.8 mm, but up to 5.5 mm for measurement points close to the edges. In general, similar accuracy results were obtained in the clinical environments and in all investigated institutions (median distance error 0.1-0.4 mm, maximum error 1.0-2.0 mm), however, errors were found to be larger in the CT suite (median distance error up to 1.0 mm, maximum error up to 3.6 mm). CONCLUSION: The presented quality assessment protocol for EMT systems in BT has demonstrated that EMT offers a high-accuracy determination of the applicator/implant geometry even in clinical environments. In addition to that, it has provided valuable insights into the performance of EMT-enabled afterloaders across different radiation oncology centers.

The accuracy of electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy compared to fluoroscopy in navigation of transbronchial lung cryobiopsy in patients with interstitial lung disease.

BACKGROUND: Safely implementing transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) requires accurate navigation. Traditional fluoroscopy falls short in reducing the risk of post-procedure pneumothorax. The potential of electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) as a more precise navigation method warrants further exploration. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted on ILD patients undergoing TBLC. Patients were assigned either fluoroscopy or ENB for cryoprobe positioning. Navigation accuracy was evaluated using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images as the standard. Safety and diagnostic yield were also observed. RESULTS: Seventeen patients underwent TBLC, with 10 guided by fluoroscopy and seven by ENB. Fluoroscopy-guided cryoprobe navigation required more adjustments [9/15 (60%) v.s. 1/9 (11%), p = 0.018] for subsequent TBLC compared to ENB, as confirmed by CBCT images. Clinical characteristics, post-procedure complications, and biopsy specimen size showed no significant differences between the groups. Fourteen patients obtained a pathological diagnosis, and 15 received a multidisciplinary discussion (MDD) diagnosis. In the fluoroscopy group, three patients failed to obtain a pathological diagnosis, and two failed to obtain an MDD diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: ENB demonstrates significantly superior accuracy in TBLC navigation compared to traditional fluoroscopy when CBCT images are used as a reference. Further studies are necessary to determine the value of ENB in TBLC navigation for ILD patients.

Long-term experiences with high-energy shock wave therapy in the management chronic phase Peyronie's disease using two different electromagnetic lithotripters.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy represents one option for the non-surgical management of Peyronie's disease. Despite promising results, several questions are still pending. We want to present the long-term results of a retrospective study using high-energy extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated retrospectively 110 patients treated between 1996 and 2020 at the Department of Urology, SLK Kliniken Heilbronn for chronic phase Peyronie's disease using two electromagnetic lithotripters (Siemens Lithostar Plus Overhead Module, Siemens Lithoskop) applying high-energy shock waves under local anesthesia and sonographic or fluoroscopic control. A standardized questionnaire focused on the change in pain, curvature, sexual function and the need of penile surgery. RESULTS: In 85 of the 110 patients (mean age 54 years) we had sufficient data for evaluation. The median follow-up was 228 (6-288) months. There were no significant complications. Pain reduction was achieved in all patients, 65 (76%) patients were free of pain. Improvement of penile curvature was achieved in 43 patients (51%) ranging from 25% improvement (deflected angle < 30°) to 95% (angle 30-60°). 59 patients (69%) reported problems with sexual intercourse, 40 of those (68%) reported improvement. Only 9 (10.5%) patients underwent surgical correction. We did not observe any significant differences between both electromagnetic devices with stable long-term results. CONCLUSIONS: High-energy shock wave therapy delivered by two standard electromagnetic lithotripters is safe and efficient providing stable long-term results. In cases with significant plaque formation, the concept of high-energy ESWT should be considered in future studies.

Clinical electromagnetic brain scanner.

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and early diagnosis and prompt medical intervention are thus crucial. Frequent monitoring of stroke patients is also essential to assess treatment efficacy and detect complications earlier. While computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are commonly used for stroke diagnosis, they cannot be easily used onsite, nor for frequent monitoring purposes. To meet those requirements, an electromagnetic imaging (EMI) device, which is portable, non-invasive, and non-ionizing, has been developed. It uses a headset with an antenna array that irradiates the head with a safe low-frequency EM field and captures scattered fields to map the brain using a complementary set of physics-based and data-driven algorithms, enabling quasi-real-time detection, two-dimensional localization, and classification of strokes. This study reports clinical findings from the first time the device was used on stroke patients. The clinical results on 50 patients indicate achieving an overall accuracy of 98% in classification and 80% in two-dimensional quadrant localization. With its lightweight design and potential for use by a single para-medical staff at the point of care, the device can be used in intensive care units, emergency departments, and by paramedics for onsite diagnosis.

On the mechanical origins of waving, coiling and skewing in Arabidopsis thaliana roots.

By masterfully balancing directed growth and passive mechanics, plant roots are remarkably capable of navigating complex heterogeneous environments to find resources. Here, we present a theoretical and numerical framework which allows us to interrogate and simulate the mechanical impact of solid interfaces on the growth pattern of plant organs. We focus on the well-known waving, coiling, and skewing patterns exhibited by roots of Arabidopsis thaliana when grown on inclined surfaces, serving as a minimal model of the intricate interplay with solid substrates. By modeling growing slender organs as Cosserat rods that mechanically interact with the environment, our simulations verify hypotheses of waving and coiling arising from the combination of active gravitropism and passive root-plane responses. Skewing is instead related to intrinsic twist due to cell file rotation. Numerical investigations are outfitted with an analytical framework that consistently relates transitions between straight, waving, coiling, and skewing patterns with substrate tilt angle. Simulations are found to corroborate theory and recapitulate a host of reported experimental observations, thus providing a systematic approach for studying in silico plant organs behavior in relation to their environment.

Connectome spectrum electromagnetic tomography: A method to reconstruct electrical brain source networks at high-spatial resolution.

Connectome spectrum electromagnetic tomography (CSET) combines diffusion MRI-derived structural connectivity data with well-established graph signal processing tools to solve the M/EEG inverse problem. Using simulated EEG signals from fMRI responses, and two EEG datasets on visual-evoked potentials, we provide evidence supporting that (i) CSET captures realistic neurophysiological patterns with better accuracy than state-of-the-art methods, (ii) CSET can reconstruct brain responses more accurately and with more robustness to intrinsic noise in the EEG signal. These results demonstrate that CSET offers high spatio-temporal accuracy, enabling neuroscientists to extend their research beyond the current limitations of low sampling frequency in functional MRI and the poor spatial resolution of M/EEG.