Sensor systems to measure pressure at the stump–socket interface of transfemoral amputees are receiving increasing attention as they allow monitoring to evaluate patient comfort and socket fit. However, transfemoral amputees have many unique characteristics, and it is unclear whether existing research on sensor systems take these sufficiently into account or if it is conducted in ways likely to lead to substantial breakthroughs. This investigation addresses these concerns through a scoping review to profile research regarding sensors in transfemoral sockets with the aim of advancing and improving prosthetic socket design, comfort and fit for transfemoral amputees. Publications found from searching four scientific databases were screened, and 17 papers were found relating to the aim of this review. After quality assessment, 12 articles were finally selected for analysis. Three main contributions are provided: a de facto methodology for experimental studies on the implications of intra-socket pressure sensor use for transfemoral amputees; the suggestion that associated sensor design breakthroughs would be more likely if pressure sensors were developed in close combination with other types of sensors and in closer cooperation with those in possession of an in-depth domain knowledge in prosthetics; and that this research would be facilitated by increased interdisciplinary cooperation and open research data generation.

Proof-of-concept computational models were developed and applied as tools to gain insights into biomechanical interactions and variations of oxygen gradients of wounded tissue subject to negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), following trans-femoral amputation. A macro-scale finite-element model of a lower limb was first developed based on computed tomography data, and distributions of maximum and minimum principal stress values we calculated for a region of interest (ROI). Then, the obtained results were applied iteratively as new sets of boundary conditions for a specific spatial position in a capillary sub-model. Data from coupled capillary stress and mass- diffusion sub-models were transferred to the macro-scale model to map the spatial changes of tissue oxygen gradients in the ROI. The −70 mmHg NPWT resulted in a dramatic change of a wound surface area and the greatest relative contraction was observed at −150 mmHg. Tissue lateral to the depth of the wound cavity revealed homogenous patterns of decrease in oxygenation area and the extent of such decrease was dependent on the distance from the wound surface. However, tissue lateral to the width of the wound demonstrated heterogeneous patterns of change, as evidenced by both gradual increase and decrease in the oxygenation area. The multiscale models developed in the current study showed a significant influence of NPWT on both macro-deformations and changes of tissue oxygenation. The patterns of changes depended on the depth of the tissue, the geometry of the wound, and also the location of tissue plane.

Metastasis is the most destructive step of cancer and it is defined as spreading of tumor cells from the primary tumor cite to other organs. Because of the fact that the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying bone metastasis have not been yet understood, the development of an effective therapy is not possible. Chemo-attractant properties of some molecules in the bone extracellular matrix has been considered among possible reasons of metastasis. In this study, collagen scaffolds were produced by electrospinning method mimicking natural porous bone structure to understand possible chemo-attractant molecules that are common in bone metastases of metastatic breast cancer cells. MCF-7 metastatic breast cancer cells' adhesion kinetics were studied on the surfaces and scaffolds which are functionalized by osteopontin, collagen type I and hydroxyapatite. Three dimensional chemotaxis slides were used for visualizing the migration. Both cell adhesion kinetics and migration results showed that collagen type 1 and hydroxyapatite combination was more effective as a chemo-attractant than only collagen type 1 in the bone metastasis of breast cancer cells. Osteopontin caused migration and cell adhesion relatively more than collagen type I; and it was showed that this protein is an effective chemo-attractant in the bone metastasis of breast cancer cells. It was shown that micro environments of the bone minerals play an important role in the formation of metastatic niche because of their support to the development and colonization of tumor cells in the bone.