Background and objective: During cell proliferation, cells grow and divide in order to obtain two new genetically identical cells. Understanding this process is crucial to comprehend other biological processes. Computational models and algorithms have emerged to study this process and several examples can be found in the literature. The objective of this work was to develop a new computational model capable of simulating cell proliferation. This model was developed using the Radial Point Interpolation Method, a meshless method that, to the knowledge of the authors, was never used to solve this type of problem. Since the efficiency of the model strongly depends on the efficiency of the meshless method itself, the optimal numbers of integration points per integration cell and of nodes for each influence-domain were investigated. Irregular nodal meshes were also used to study their influence on the algorithm. Methods: For the first time, an iterative discrete model solved by the Radial Point Interpolation Method based on the Galerkin weak form was used to establish the system of equations from the reactiondiffusion integro-differential equations, following a new phenomenological law proposed by the authors that describes the growth of a cell over time while dependant on oxygen and glucose availability. The discretization flexibility of the meshless method allows to explicitly follow the geometric changes of the cell until the division phase. Results: It was found that an integration scheme of 6 × 6 per integration cell and influence-domains with only seven nodes allows to predict the cellular growth and division with the best balance between the relative error and the computing cost. Also, it was observed that using irregular meshes do not influence the solution. Conclusions: Even in a preliminary phase, the obtained results are promising, indicating that the algorithm might be a potential tool to study cell proliferation since it can predict cellular growth and division. Moreover, the Radial Point Interpolation Method seems to be a suitable method to study this type of process, even when irregular meshes are used. However, to optimize the algorithm

The information that pass through the facial nerve allows the expression of our smile, joy or sadness, the “facial expression”. The face is the mark of our individuality. The facial nerve is responsible for innervation of the face muscles, like the previous two-thirds of the tongue and secretion of salivary and tears glands. The aim of this work is to remember the anatomy and physiology of the facial nerve, pathology and possible treatments of facial paralysis.

The main objective of the paper is to study the thermal effect induced by different bone cements associated with intramedullary nails, titanium and carbon, in bone metastases treatment. The thermal necrosis effect of each cement polymerisation was verified to understand the role of such procedures. Numerical models with nailing systems, introduced in a cortical and spongy bone metastasis, were developed aiming to predict the temperature produced by different types and amount of cement polymerisation. The results showed that the polymerisation heat release in all models with a cement mantle filling in around the intramedullary nail and the necrosis largest area was predicted with CMW3®. It was verified that CF/PEEK nail and high viscosity Palacos R® reduce the heat transfer and the necrosis affected area. This effect could be an advantage for treatment, which aims to keep long-term stability and local metastatic disease control for functional improvement and pain relief.

Anatomically, the ear is divided into three parts (external, middle, and inner ear). The eardrum divides external from middle ear and can develop some pathology. The majority of the eardrum is composed by pars tensa being the superior area known as pars flaccida. Myringosclerosis (formation of dense connective tissue in the eardrum) is a common sequel of the ventilation tube insertion used for the treatment of the media otitis with effusion. It can affect tympanometric evaluation by decreasing mobility of the eardrum. However, usually, it is not associated with hearing loss.