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Anderson C, Ntala C, Ozel A, Reuben RL, Chen Y. Computational homogenization of histological microstructures in human prostate tissue: Heterogeneity, anisotropy and tension-compression asymmetry. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2023; 39:e3758. [PMID: 37477174 PMCID: PMC10909480 DOI: 10.1002/cnm.3758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Human prostatic tissue exhibits complex mechanical behaviour due to its multiphasic, heterogeneous nature, with hierarchical microstructures involving epithelial compartments, acinar lumens and stromal tissue all interconnected in complex networks. This study aims to establish a computational homogenization framework for quantifying the mechanical behaviour of prostate tissue, considering its multiphasic heterogeneous microstructures and the mechanical characteristics of tissue constituents. Representative tissue microstructure models were reconstructed from high-resolution histology images. Parametric studies on the mechanical properties of the tissue constituents, particularly the fibre-reinforced hyper-elasticity of the stromal tissue, were carried out to investigate their effects on the apparent tissue properties. These were then benchmarked against the experimental data reported in literature. Results showed significant anisotropy, both structural and mechanical, and tension-compression asymmetry of the apparent behaviours of the prostatic tissue. Strong correlation with the key microstructural indices such as area fractions of tissue constituents and the tissue fabric tensor was also observed. The correlation between the stromal tissue orientation and the principal directions of the apparent properties suggested an essential role of stromal tissue in determining the directions of anisotropy and the compression-tension asymmetry characteristics in normal human prostatic tissue. This work presented a homogenization and histology-based computational approach to characterize the apparent mechanical behaviours of human prostatic or other similar glandular tissues, with the ultimate aim of assessing how pathological conditions (e.g., prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia) could affect the tissue mechanical properties in a future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calum Anderson
- Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical SciencesHeriot‐Watt UniversityEdinburghUK
| | - Chara Ntala
- Department of Pathology, Western General HospitalUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Ali Ozel
- Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical SciencesHeriot‐Watt UniversityEdinburghUK
| | - Robert L. Reuben
- Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical SciencesHeriot‐Watt UniversityEdinburghUK
| | - Yuhang Chen
- Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical SciencesHeriot‐Watt UniversityEdinburghUK
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2
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Helisaz H, Bacca M, Chiao M. Quasi-Linear Viscoelastic Characterization of Soft Tissue-Mimicking Materials. J Biomech Eng 2021; 143:1097186. [PMID: 33537722 DOI: 10.1115/1.4050036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We present a novel method based on the quasi-linear viscoelastic (QLV) theory to describe the time-dependent behavior of soft materials. Unlike previous methods for deriving QLV parameters, we characterize the elastic and viscous behavior of materials separately by using two different sets of experiments. To model the nonlinear elastic behavior, we fit the elastic stress response with a one-term Ogden model. Then, we model the relaxation behavior with a Prony series to compare the stress relaxation of the material at different timescales. This new method allows us to characterize materials with narrow confidence intervals (high accuracy), independently from the loading conditions. We validate our model using samples made of phantom materials that mimic normal and cancerous prostate tissues in terms of Young's modulus. Our model is shown to distinguish materials with similar elastic (viscous) properties but different viscous (elastic) properties. Drawing a precise distinction between the phantoms, this method could be useful for prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis; but significant clinical studies will be needed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Helisaz
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Mattia Bacca
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Mu Chiao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
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3
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Qian Y, Salehian A, Han SW, Kwon HJ. Design and analysis of an ultrasonic tactile sensor using electro-mechanical analogy. ULTRASONICS 2020; 105:106129. [PMID: 32208208 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultras.2020.106129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This paper proposed a hybrid design approach of a vibro-concentrator, a vital component of an ultrasonic tactile sensor, by using electro-mechanical analogy. Lab experiments on soft materials with elastic modulus from 14 kPa to 150 kPa were conducted using the tactile sensor installed with the vibro-concentrator to verify the performance of the design. Various mechanical and electrical parameters, such as resonance frequency shift and equivalent conductance, were discussed, focusing on their feasibility as new stiffness indicators. As a variant of tactile sensors, ultrasonic tactile sensors have the advantage of high sensitivity and minimal contact with the object over traditional tactile sensors based on force-displacement principle. They detect the changes in mechanical vibration characteristics, mostly resonance frequency shift of the sensor, as an indicator of the mechanical properties of the object. A vibro-concentrator has been frequently adopted to improve the performance an ultrasonic tactile sensor, but its design has yet been systematically considered. We propose a hybrid design approach based on electro-mechanical analogy for both mechanical and electrical analyses. Mechanically, impedance analogy was adopted to design an ultrasonic vibration concentrator for the sensor to localize the contact and reinforce the vibration behavior at ~40 kHz. Electrically, we used mobility analogy to derive electrical parameters from the tactile sensing tests in lab environment. The competence of the design was demonstrated by mechanical and electrical characteristic tests. By investigating various electrical parameters from tactile sensing tests, the equivalent conductance determined by the electro-mechanical analysis was found to have almost perfectly linear relationship (R2 = 0.9998) with the samples' elastic modulus ranging from 10 kPa to 70 kPa, and showed its potential as a new stiffness indicator for soft materials. Further analyses suggested that the electrically determined series resonance frequency shift, parallel resonance frequency shift, and maximum phase angle frequency shift also had excellent linearities (R2 = 0.9947, 0.9842, and 0.9935, respectively) with sample's modulus and can be considered as indicator candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjun Qian
- Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Armaghan Salehian
- Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Sang-Wook Han
- Department of Automotive Engineering, Shinhan University, 95 Hoam-ro, Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi-do 480-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyock-Ju Kwon
- Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
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Liu X, Huo H, Zhu Y, Wang L, Sun A, Yao W, Fan Y. Feasibility study on a robot-assisted procedure for tumor localization using needle-rotation force signals. Biomed Signal Process Control 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2018.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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5
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Nautiyal P, Alam F, Balani K, Agarwal A. The Role of Nanomechanics in Healthcare. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7. [PMID: 29193838 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201700793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Nanomechanics has played a vital role in pushing our capability to detect, probe, and manipulate the biological species, such as proteins, cells, and tissues, paving way to a deeper knowledge and superior strategies for healthcare. Nanomechanical characterization techniques, such as atomic force microscopy, nanoindentation, nanotribology, optical tweezers, and other hybrid techniques have been utilized to understand the mechanics and kinetics of biospecies. Investigation of the mechanics of cells and tissues has provided critical information about mechanical characteristics of host body environments. This information has been utilized for developing biomimetic materials and structures for tissue engineering and artificial implants. This review summarizes nanomechanical characterization techniques and their potential applications in healthcare research. The principles and examples of label-free detection of cancers and myocardial infarction by nanomechanical cantilevers are discussed. The vital importance of nanomechanics in regenerative medicine is highlighted from the perspective of material selection and design for developing biocompatible scaffolds. This review interconnects the advancements made in fundamental materials science research and biomedical technology, and therefore provides scientific insight that is of common interest to the researchers working in different disciplines of healthcare science and technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranjal Nautiyal
- Nanomechanics and Nanotribology Laboratory Florida International University 10555 West Flagler Street Miami FL 33174 USA
| | - Fahad Alam
- Biomaterials Processing and Characterization Laboratory Department of Materials Science and Engineering Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur Kanpur 208016 India
| | - Kantesh Balani
- Biomaterials Processing and Characterization Laboratory Department of Materials Science and Engineering Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur Kanpur 208016 India
| | - Arvind Agarwal
- Nanomechanics and Nanotribology Laboratory Florida International University 10555 West Flagler Street Miami FL 33174 USA
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Hammer SJ, Good DW, Scanlan P, Palacio-Torralba J, Phipps S, Stewart GD, Shu W, Chen Y, McNeill SA, Reuben RL. Quantitative mechanical assessment of the whole prostate gland ex vivo using dynamic instrumented palpation. Proc Inst Mech Eng H 2017; 231:1081-1100. [PMID: 28965486 DOI: 10.1177/0954411917734257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
An instrumented palpation sensor, designed for measuring the dynamic modulus of tissue in vivo, has been developed and trialled on ex vivo whole prostate glands. The sensor consists of a flexible membrane sensor/actuator with an embedded strain gauge and is actuated using a dynamically varying airflow at frequencies of 1 and 5 Hz. The device was calibrated using an indentation stiffness measurement rig and gelatine samples with a range of static modulus similar to that reported in the literature for prostate tissue. The glands were removed from patients with diagnosed prostate cancer scheduled for radical prostatectomy, and the stiffness was measured within 30 min of surgical removal. Each prostate was later examined histologically in a column immediately below each indentation point and graded into one of the four groups; normal, benign prostatic hyperplasia, cancerous and mixed cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. In total, 11 prostates were assessed using multiple point probing, and the complex modulus at 1 and 5 Hz was calculated on a point-by-point basis. The device yielded values of quasi-static modulus of 15 ± 0.5 kPa and dynamic modulus of 20 ± 0.5 kPa for whole prostates, and a sensitivity of up to 80% with slightly lower specificity was achieved on diagnosis of prostate cancer using a combination of mechanical measures. This assessment did not take into account some obvious factors such as edge effects, overlap and clinical significance of the cancer, all of which would improve performance. The device, as currently configured, is immediately deployable in vivo. A number of improvements are also identified which could improve the sensitivity and specificity in future embodiments of the probe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Hammer
- 1 Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Daniel W Good
- 2 Department of Urology, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
- 3 Edinburgh Urological Cancer Group, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Paul Scanlan
- 1 Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Javier Palacio-Torralba
- 1 Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Simon Phipps
- 2 Department of Urology, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
- 3 Edinburgh Urological Cancer Group, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Grant D Stewart
- 3 Edinburgh Urological Cancer Group, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Will Shu
- 1 Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Yuhang Chen
- 1 Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - S Alan McNeill
- 2 Department of Urology, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
- 3 Edinburgh Urological Cancer Group, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Robert L Reuben
- 1 Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
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Åstrand AP, Andersson BM, Jalkanen V, Ljungberg B, Bergh A, Lindahl OA. Prostate Cancer Detection with a Tactile Resonance Sensor-Measurement Considerations and Clinical Setup. SENSORS 2017; 17:s17112453. [PMID: 29072592 PMCID: PMC5713103 DOI: 10.3390/s17112453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Tumors in the human prostate are usually stiffer compared to surrounding non-malignant glandular tissue, and tactile resonance sensors measuring stiffness can be used to detect prostate cancer. To explore this further, we used a tactile resonance sensor system combined with a rotatable sample holder where whole surgically removed prostates could be attached to detect tumors on, and beneath, the surface ex vivo. Model studies on tissue phantoms made of silicone and porcine tissue were performed. Finally, two resected human prostate glands were studied. Embedded stiff silicone inclusions placed 4 mm under the surface could be detected in both the silicone and biological tissue models, with a sensor indentation of 0.6 mm. Areas with different amounts of prostate cancer (PCa) could be distinguished from normal tissue (p < 0.05), when the tumor was located in the anterior part, whereas small tumors located in the dorsal aspect were undetected. The study indicates that PCa may be detected in a whole resected prostate with an uneven surface and through its capsule. This is promising for the development of a clinically useful instrument to detect prostate cancer during surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders P Åstrand
- Department of Applied Physics and Electronics, Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden.
- Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Britt M Andersson
- Department of Applied Physics and Electronics, Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden.
- Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Ville Jalkanen
- Department of Applied Physics and Electronics, Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden.
- Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Börje Ljungberg
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Science, Urology and Andrology, Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Anders Bergh
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Olof A Lindahl
- Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden.
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden.
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Yallapu MM, Katti KS, Katti DR, Mishra SR, Khan S, Jaggi M, Chauhan SC. The roles of cellular nanomechanics in cancer. Med Res Rev 2014; 35:198-223. [PMID: 25137233 DOI: 10.1002/med.21329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The biomechanical properties of cells and tissues may be instrumental in increasing our understanding of cellular behavior and cellular manifestations of diseases such as cancer. Nanomechanical properties can offer clinical translation of therapies beyond what are currently employed. Nanomechanical properties, often measured by nanoindentation methods using atomic force microscopy, may identify morphological variations, cellular binding forces, and surface adhesion behaviors that efficiently differentiate normal cells and cancer cells. The aim of this review is to examine current research involving the general use of atomic force microscopy/nanoindentation in measuring cellular nanomechanics; various factors and instrumental conditions that influence the nanomechanical properties of cells; and implementation of nanoindentation methods to distinguish cancer cells from normal cells or tissues. Applying these fundamental nanomechanical properties to current discoveries in clinical treatment may result in greater efficiency in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer, which ultimately can change the lives of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murali M Yallapu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Center for Cancer Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, 38163
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