Lectures Day:October 8th, 2022
Workshops:
October 10-14th, 2022
Welcome To WBME
The main goal of this annual conference is to expose students, engineers, scientists and the overall academic and scientific communities to the greatest recent advances in the fields of Technology, Health and Biomedical Engineering taking place in some of the most prestigious research institutions. Each year different subjects are explored, always according to our audience's preferences. This is a 100% free event, so make sure you don't miss it!
In 2022, for the 14th WBME, we'll acknowledge the areas of Medical Robotics in Surgery, Proton Therapy in Oncology, Tissue Engineering in Organ development and, for the first time in a event like this, Biomedical Engineering in Veterinary Medicine will be explored! (8th October)
As for the practical workshops, we'll provide training in the fields of Microfluidics and Organs-On-Chip, 3D Printing for rehabilitation, Biomechanics and Computational Biophysics. (10th-14th October)
Furthermore, we'll have a session about the investigative work of an alumnus and we'll host a debate on Innovation in Science.
For eleven years, WBME was held only for one Saturday. On the 12th edition we expanded our event by adding practical workshops in the following week, in order to provide students with a more in-depth knowledge and to teach them some useful tools for both their academic and professional career. Plus, being a completely free event, it's the perfect opportunity for students to brush up their skills and learn a bit more!
We hope this event will contribute to open new opportunities for research, from contact with people of the best science universities in the world, in this fascinating area that is changing the world of healthcare and life quality.
Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa
Speakers
Prof. Joao Seco
Division of Biomedical Physics in Radiation Oncology, DKFZ, Germany. Treatment of lung cancer with proton beam-based radiotherapy
Prof. Joao Seco holds two MSc degrees, from the Univ. Lisbon & Univ. Paris (Solid State Physics and Material Science) and New Univ. Lisbon (Engineering of Medical Equipment), and a PhD in the University of London on Medical Physics.
Are you interested in proton beam-based radiotherapy? We have good news for you! On the 14th WBME, Prof. Joao Seco will be talking about it, particularly about understanding how this technique can be used on the treatment of lung cancer. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more!
Swipe left to know more about Prof. Joao Seco and his
presentation.
Prof. Joao Seco
Division of Biomedical Physics in Radiation Oncology, DKFZ, Germany. Prof. Seco graduated with a PhD from the University of London, at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and Royal Marsden Hospital in London, UK. He then went on to become an Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at Harvard Medical School in Boston, working at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH).
He then returned to Europe to work at the German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ in Heidelberg, heading up a new group dedicated to ion beam research and with the focus on 1) novel imaging technologies to reduce Bragg peak positioning errors in patients and 2) on investigating the mechanism of radiation triggered DNA damage via reactive oxygen species.
Prof. Joao Seco is presently the Chair of Medical Physics at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Heidelberg University and is a member of the EFOMP Scientific Committee, representing the DGMP, German Society for Medical Physics.
Lung cancer remains the number one cancer killer among men and women worldwide. Because the lungs are located close to several critical normal structures in the body, it is challenging to deliver an adequate dose of radiation to a cancerous tumor while sparing these nearby normal tissues. That's where proton therapy has the advantage for many lung cancer and other thoracic cancer patients. Proton therapy advanced imaging technology allows the possibility to treat precisely the tumors within the lung and thoracic region, while maintaining the toxicity low. The talk will provide an overview of proton therapy, its delivering techniques and how these are used to treat lung cancer.
Prof. Alexander Seifalian
Director/Professor of Nanotechnology & Regenerative Medicine at NanoRegMed Ltd. Graphene, butterfly, and stem cells is set to revolutionise Surgical ImplantsProf. Alexander Seifalian's career spans decades in the fields of nanotechnology and regenerative medicine. His current projects have led to the development of cardiovascular implants using nanomaterials and stem cell technology, and the development of organs using tissue engineering and nanoparticles for detection and treatment of cancer.
Don't wait any longer! If your interest is tissue engineering this is the speaker you've been waiting for!
Swipe left to know more about Professor Alexander Seifalian and his
presentation.
Prof. Alexander Seifalian
Graphene, butterfly, and stem cells is set to revolutionise Surgical ImplantsAlexander Seifalian, Professor of Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine worked at the Royal Free Hospital and University College London for over 26 years, during this time he spent a year at Harvard Medical School working on development of vascular compliance graft and at Johns Hopkins Medical School looking at the treatment of liver cancer.
He published more than 687 peer-reviewed research papers and registered 14 UK and International patents. On editorial boards of 41 journals.
He supervised 121 PhD students, all successfully completed. He is currently co-founder of 3 companies, including NanoRegMed Ltd, working on the commercialisation of his research.
During his career, he has led and managed many innovative projects with successful outcomes in terms of commercialisation and translation to patients.
In 2007 he was awarded the top prize in the field for the development of nanomaterials and technologies for cardiovascular implants by Medical Future Innovation, and in 2009 he received a Business Innovation Award from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).
He was the European Life Science Awards' Winner of Most Innovative New Product 2012 for the “synthetic trachea”.
He won the Nanosmat Prize in 2013 and in 2016 he received the Distinguish Research Award in recognition of his outstanding work in regenerative medicine from Heals Healthy Life Extension Society.
His achievements include the development of the world first synthetic trachea, lacrimal drainage conduit, and vascular bypass graft using nanocomposite materials, bioactive molecules and stem cell technology.
Currently, he is working on the development and commercialisation of human organs using graphene-based nanocomposite materials and stem cells technology.
The potential for using smart nanomaterial and consequent research to replace damaged tissues has seen a quantum leap in the
last decade. In 2010, two scientists in the UK realized they had isolated a single layer of carbon atoms on a
scotch tape. Since then, graphene has captured the imagination of researchers due to its fascinating
properties. Graphene considers as a wonder material, it is the strongest material on the planet, an order
of 200 times stronger than steel, super-elastic and conductive. Graphene's carbon atoms are arranged into
hexagons, forming a honeycomb-like lattice. The functionalized graphene oxide (FGO) with polyhedral
oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) from butterfly wing are nontoxic and antibacterial. FGO has been used
for drug and gene delivery, development of biosensor or in nanocomposite materials development of
human organs. In my talk, I present and discuss our work on the application of FGO-POSS in development
of medical sensors, drug, gene, and stem cells delivery, as well as the development of human organs with
stem cells technology. The materials can be fabricated to human organs with the 3D printer or other
fabrication methodologies. The scaffold from these materials is functionalized with bioactive molecules
and stem cells technology, for the development of human organs. The data for the development of organs
using these materials will be presented. In conclusion, the graphene, POSS bring new hope for gene, drug
and stem cells delivery for repair and replacement of organs.
Ana Sobreiro
Spinal Robotics Clinical Specialist in the Western Europe Mazor Marketing Team in Medtronic Engineering the extraordinary: A new era in robotic-assisted surgeryPassionate about medical devices and robotics, this speaker is a professional with a lot of experience, who graduated with a MSc at Instituto Superior Técnico and developed her thesis at RWTH Aachen University. Ana Sobreiro, will be on the 14th WBME, and you just can't miss her presentation!
Swipe left to know more about Ana Sobreiro and her
presentation.
Ana Sobreiro
Spinal Robotics Clinical Specialist in the Western Europe Mazor Marketing Team in MedtronicAna Sobreiro is a Spinal Robotics Clinical Specialist at Medtronic. Her main responsibilities consist in leading the training and onboarding of new robotic centers in western Europe and closely supporting surgeons and surgical staff during their first robotic-guided surgeries. Prior to this role she was working as a Field Service Engineer for navigation, imaging and robotic systems. Ana holds a MSc in Biomedical Engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico and has developed her dissertation in RWTH Aachen in Germany. She lives in Lisbon although she spends most of her time flying all over Europe to support new robotic accounts.
Spine surgery is growing in frequency, with a continuing increase in the forecast of complex spine surgery. This upsurge represents a significant workload and challenge for health services. Spinal fusion is the gold standard treatment routinely used to prevent movement between the vertebrae and establish spinal stabilization. Even though accurate pedicle screw placement is critical to avoid complications, it is challenging to achieve with conventional techniques such as free-hand due to the complex anatomy of the spine and significant morphologic variability between individuals. The Mazor X Stealth Edition robotic guidance system offers the predictability of planning, the accuracy of robotic arm and the visibility of the navigation camera. It allows enhanced reproducibility and predictability through accurate execution of the preoperative plan, making surgeries safer and giving additional confidence to surgeons. Studies have shown that, compared to traditional techniques, the Mazor X allows for reduced radiation exposure, reduced length of stay and quicker post-op recovery.
Prof. Ricardo Faustino
Professor at Higher School of Health of the Portuguese Red Cross and Lusófona University/IPLUSO Translating Human to Veterinary Medicine
Prof. Ricardo stated - "I have a great interest in neuroscience/neuroimaging and the translation of knowledge between Human Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, which is a huge challenge, but this is exactly what I like. Throughout my career, I have worked in healthcare, research, industry and education, having accumulated enormous knowledge that I use to create entrepreneurship and research projects in order to contribute to a better world."
This lecture will surely be a must-see event if these remarks motivated you!
Swipe left to know more about Prof. Ricardo and his
presentation.
Prof. Ricardo Faustino
Translating Human to Veterinary Medicine
Prof. Ricardo Faustino started his education with a Master's deegree on Developmental Biology and Embriology in the Lusófona University but soon he went on to the Coimbra University to complete his PhD in Neuroimaging/Neuroscience. Afterwards, he took on an Integrated Master's Degree in Veterinary Medicine back at the Lusófona University.
One Health is based on an interdisciplinary approach to health problems in people and animals.
In this context, comparative medicine emerges as an area of great importance, because it allows
the study of a wide range of diseases, converting animals into natural models of the disease.
Contrary to what happens in common translational research, in which genetically modified
animal models are used in pre-clinical research, this new approach allows for a better use of
resources and a bidirectional application of knowledge obtained in animals and humans, i.e.
reverse translational medicine.
Currently One Health is focused on two projects:
The first is the study of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome, a neurodegenerative disease,
similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans, as cognitive decline is associated with cortical atrophy,
a progressive degeneration of brain tissue is associated with the development of amyloid
plaques.
The second project aims to carry out a comparative neuroimaging study between multiple
sclerosis patients and dogs with canine disease granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis, the
most common neuroinflammatory disease that affects dogs, which mimics multiple sclerosis in
humans.
Neuroimaging techniques are on the rise in veterinary medicine, enabling the realization of brain
morphometry studies and opening doors for the conduction of research works based on artificial
intelligence and radiomics
Program - 8th October
Welcome Session
This year's Organization Committee of the annual Workshop on Biomedical Engineering (WBME) invites you to the 14th Workshop on Biomedical Engineering.
Networking with Coffee Break
Graphene, butterfly, and stem cells is set to revolutionise Surgical Implants
Prof. Alexander Seifalian
Lunch Break
Best Alumnus
Normative model for the diagnosis of neuropsychiatric disorders using deep learning methods.Duarte Saraiva
The diagnosis of neuropsychiatric disorders is mostly based on the clinical evaluation of the patient's signs and symptoms. Deep learning binary-based classification models have been attempted to improve the diagnosis but have not yet reached clinical practice, in part due to the heterogeneity of such disorders. Here, a normative model based on autoencoders is proposed. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data processing was conducted within the FSL software. Pearson's correlation coefficient between the extracted blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) time series of all FBNs was calculated, and a correlation matrix was generated for each subject. The autoencoder was trained with processed data of healthy controls. The model was then tested on schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients to estimate how each patient deviated from the norm and associate it with abnormal functional brain network (FBN) connectivity. It was found that the functional connectivity related to the basal ganglia network seems to play an important role in the neuropathology of BD and SCZ, whereas in ADHD, its role is less evident. The results demonstrate that the proposed model was able to identify functional connectivity patterns that characterize different neuropsychiatric disorders, in agreement with the literature. However, the group-level differences did not withstand individual-level analysis implying that neuropsychiatric disorders are highly heterogeneous. These findings suggest that a precision-based medical approach, focusing on individual patients' specific functional network changes may be more beneficial than the traditional group-based diagnostic classification.
Coffee Break
Poster Winner Reveal
Closing Session
Workshops
Building Microfluidic Devices for Organ-on-chip Applications
Vânia Silvério - [INESC MN]Duration: 1h30
Language: English
Location: FCUL
Organs-on-chips are devices able to mimic the structure and function of an organ with the possibility to actuate and measure their response in vitro, in a very controlled manner. Advantages of this technology include low reagent usage, controllable volumes, fast mixing speeds, rapid responses, and precision control of physical and chemical properties. They combine cell biology, engineering, and biomaterial technology, all on a single or in multiple chips, to predict response to stimuli including drug responses, toxicity and environmental effects. Flow controllers are used to manipulate the organ microenvironment, with flow rates of the order of pL/min, through fluidic paths of a few micrometres. In this hands-on workshop attendants will learn and explore micro/nanofabrication techniques, materials, flow regimes, sensors and actuators and their integration in microfluidic devices for organ-on-chip.
Exploring biosignals using BITalino
Dra. Madalena Proença - Product Manager at PLUXKatrin Mrotzeck - Product Expert at PLUX
Duration: 1h30
Language: English
Location: FCUL
Do you want to see your muscular signals in real-time? Then this workshop is for you!
PLUX will offer a detailed workshop on how to perform a set of EMG acquisitions in real-time, and how to understand the basic blocks of a data acquisition system. get familiar with biosignals acquisition procedures, test different electrode positions to examine different muscle signals and understand the factors that influence the EMG signal.
3D Printing for Rehab
Dra. Cláudia Quaresma - [FCT Nova]Duration: 1h30
Language: Portuguese
Location: FCUL
3D Printing has a great application in the health area with a high impact on rehabilitation and the promotion of quality of life. It is in this sequence that the 3D Printing Center for Health appears, created by the LIBPhys and UNIDEMI Research Centers and by Fablab FCT, whose main objective is to promote, coordinate and apply technological development activities with social impact in the area of health and functional independence, using 3D printing, through the integration of interdisciplinary knowledge in the areas of Medicine and Engineering. In this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to get to know the 3D Printing Center for Health and the methodology used in the development of E-nable prostheses and support devices using 3D Printing. Students will also be able to develop E-nable prostheses according to the cases presented.
Visit to CFTC lab
Duration: 1hLanguage: Portuguese
Location: FCUL
Computer Simulation in Biomedicine and Biophysics
Nuno Araújo - CTFCDuration: 1h30
Language: Portuguese
Location: FCUL
One of the main research lines at CFTC focus on the study of Soft Matter systems, a class of many-body (Condensed Matter) systems characterized by strong non-linear responses to weak external perturbations. These responses are usually slow and out of equilibrium, which raises fundamental challenges to the development of theories to describe them. Since the relevant length, time, and energy scales of biological systems are comparable to the ones of Soft Matter, there has been a sustained increase of research efforts to extend ideas and methods from Soft Matter Physics to the study of bio and bio-inspired systems. In this workshop, we will discuss what are the ongoing projects at CFTC, main challenges, and opportunities ahead.
MyoSuite: Myochallenge
Guillaume DurandauDuration: 1h
Language: English
Location: Zoom
Synthesis of human motion is currently restricted to data-driven approaches that require lengthy motion data recordings. Machine learning algorithms open new avenues to control digital twins of human and synthesize complex movements. In collaboration with Meta AI, we created the Myosuite an open-source framework which contains physiologically accurate neuromusculoskeletal models coupled with deep neural networks. This framework could be used to understand how humans generate motion, create more biomimetics artificial intelligence algorithms and explore the co-evolution between humans and robots (exoskeleton, prosthetic and cobot). In this workshop, I will first present the software and models available and then give an introduction on how to control a model of the arm coupled with an exoskeleton.
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