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1.
Artif Organs ; 45(1): 46-54, 2021 Jan.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32619302

RESUMEN

Hemolysis in cardiac surgery is often related to the contact of blood with air or artificial surfaces. Variations of negative pressure in the suction cannulas may represent an additional factor. Limited data exist on the contribution of a roller pump-assisted (RPA) cardiotomy suction unit to hemolysis. Elevation of free hemoglobin (fHb) following air suction (AS) or suction tip occlusion (STO) events of a pump-assisted cardiotomy suction unit was investigated in a mock circuit filled with blood from slaughtered domestic pigs. AS-associated hemolysis was measured over 240 minutes with 2 minutes of AS occurring every 10 minutes. STO-associated hemolysis was analyzed over 80-minute periods: configuration 1 (c1) comprised a cycle of 20 minutes (min) occlusion and 60 minutes RPA flow (20/60 minutes); c2 comprised 20 cycles of 1/3 minutes; c3 comprised 40 cycles of 0.5/1.5 minutes; and c4 comprised 80 cycles of 0.25/0.75 minutes. The AS setup did not lead to significant hemolysis after 2 (P = .97), 3 (P = .40) or 4 (P = .11) hours. The STO setup showed the greatest hemolysis (ΔfHb of 30 mg/dL) in c1 after 20 minutes. ΔfHb was different in c1 from all other configurations at 20 minutes (P < .0001) and 80 minutes (P < .05). Ex vivo generation of large negative pressures by STO events is the main cause of cardiotomy suction-associated hemolysis. The clinical relevance of this mechanism needs further investigations.


Asunto(s)
Procedimientos Quirúrgicos Cardíacos/efectos adversos , Puente Cardiopulmonar/efectos adversos , Hemólisis , Succión/efectos adversos , Animales , Puente Cardiopulmonar/instrumentación , Diseño de Equipo , Hemodinámica , Succión/instrumentación , Sus scrofa
3.
PLoS Comput Biol ; 15(8): e1007231, 2019 08.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31469820

RESUMEN

Capillaries are the prime location for oxygen and nutrient exchange in all tissues. Despite their fundamental role, our knowledge of perfusion and flow regulation in cortical capillary beds is still limited. Here, we use in vivo measurements and blood flow simulations in anatomically accurate microvascular network to investigate the impact of red blood cells (RBCs) on microvascular flow. Based on these in vivo and in silico experiments, we show that the impact of RBCs leads to a bias toward equating the values of the outflow velocities at divergent capillary bifurcations, for which we coin the term "well-balanced bifurcations". Our simulation results further reveal that hematocrit heterogeneity is directly caused by the RBC dynamics, i.e. by their unequal partitioning at bifurcations and their effect on vessel resistance. These results provide the first in vivo evidence of the impact of RBC dynamics on the flow field in the cortical microvasculature. By structural and functional analyses of our blood flow simulations we show that capillary diameter changes locally alter flow and RBC distribution. A dilation of 10% along a vessel length of 100 µm increases the flow on average by 21% in the dilated vessel downstream a well-balanced bifurcation. The number of RBCs rises on average by 27%. Importantly, RBC up-regulation proves to be more effective the more balanced the outflow velocities at the upstream bifurcation are. Taken together, we conclude that diameter changes at capillary level bear potential to locally change the flow field and the RBC distribution. Moreover, our results suggest that the balancing of outflow velocities contributes to the robustness of perfusion. Based on our in silico results, we anticipate that the bi-phasic nature of blood and small-scale regulations are essential for a well-adjusted oxygen and energy substrate supply.


Asunto(s)
Encéfalo/irrigación sanguínea , Eritrocitos/fisiología , Microvasos/fisiología , Animales , Velocidad del Flujo Sanguíneo/fisiología , Capilares/anatomía & histología , Capilares/fisiología , Circulación Cerebrovascular/fisiología , Biología Computacional , Simulación por Computador , Femenino , Hematócrito , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Microvasos/anatomía & histología , Modelos Cardiovasculares , Modelos Neurológicos , Vasodilatación/fisiología
4.
PLoS Comput Biol ; 15(6): e1007079, 2019 06.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31206515

RESUMEN

The multiple-breath washout (MBW) is a lung function test that measures the degree of ventilation inhomogeneity (VI). The test is used to identify small airway impairment in patients with lung diseases like cystic fibrosis. However, the physical and physiological factors that influence the test outcomes and differentiate health from disease are not well understood. Computational models have been used to better understand the interaction between anatomical structure and physiological properties of the lung, but none of them has dealt in depth with the tracer gas washout test in a whole. Thus, our aim was to create a lung model that simulates the entire MBW and investigate the role of lung morphology and tissue mechanics on the tracer gas washout procedure. To this end, we developed a multi-scale lung model to simulate the inert gas transport in airways of all size. We then applied systematically different modifications to geometrical and mechanical properties of the lung model (compliance, residual airway volume and flow resistance) which have been associated with VI. The modifications were applied to distinct parts of the model, and their effects on the gas distribution within the lung and on the gas concentration profile were assessed. We found that variability in compliance and residual volume of the airways, as well as the spatial distribution of this variability in the lung had a direct influence on gas distribution among airways and on the MBW pattern (washout duration, characteristic concentration profile during each expiration), while the effects of variable flow resistance were negligible. Based on these findings, it is possible to classify different types of inhomogeneities in the lung and relate them to specific features of the MBW pattern, which builds the basis for a more detailed association of lung function and structure.


Asunto(s)
Pulmón/fisiología , Modelos Biológicos , Intercambio Gaseoso Pulmonar/fisiología , Pruebas de Función Respiratoria , Adolescente , Biología Computacional , Femenino , Humanos , Enfermedades Pulmonares/fisiopatología , Masculino
5.
Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol ; 317(3): G264-G274, 2019 09 01.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31216172

RESUMEN

Extended liver resection results in loss of a large fraction of the hepatic vascular bed, thereby causing abrupt alterations in perfusion of the remnant liver. Mechanisms of hemodynamic adaptation and associated changes in oxygen metabolism after liver resection and the effect of mechanical portal blood flow reduction were assessed. A pig model (n = 16) of extended partial hepatectomy was established that included continuous observation for 24 h under general anesthesia. Pigs were randomly separated into two groups, one with a portal flow reduction of 70% compared with preoperative values, and the other as a control (n = 8, each). In controls, portal flow [mean (SD)] increased from 74 (8) mL·min-1·100 g-1 preoperatively to 240 (48) mL·min-1·100 g-1 at 6 h after resection (P < 0.001). Hepatic arterial buffer response was abolished after resection. Oxygen uptake per unit liver mass increased from 4.0 (1.1) mL·min-1·100 g-1 preoperatively to 7.7 (1.7) mL·min-1·100 g-1 8 h after resection (P = 0.004). Despite this increase in relative oxygen uptake, total hepatic oxygen consumption (V̇o2) was not maintained, and markers of hypoxia and anaerobic metabolism were significantly increased in hepatocytes after resection. Reduced postoperative portal flow was associated with significantly decreased levels of aspartate aminotransferase and bilirubin and increased hepatic clearance of indocyanine green. In conclusion, major liver resection was associated with persistent portal hyperperfusion, loss of the hepatic arterial buffer response, decreased total hepatic V̇o2 and with increased anaerobic metabolism. Portal flow modulation by partial portal vein occlusion attenuated liver injury after extended liver resection.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Because of continuous monitoring, the experiments allow precise observation of the influence of liver resection on systemic and local abdominal hemodynamic alterations and oxygen metabolism. Major liver resection is associated with significant and persistent portal hyperperfusion and loss of hepatic arterial buffer response. The correlation of portal hyperperfusion and parameters of liver injury and dysfunction offers a novel therapeutic option to attenuate liver injury after extended liver resection.


Asunto(s)
Circulación Hepática/fisiología , Regeneración Hepática/fisiología , Hígado/irrigación sanguínea , Hígado/cirugía , Animales , Aspartato Aminotransferasas/metabolismo , Femenino , Hemodinámica/efectos de los fármacos , Hepatectomía , Hígado/metabolismo , Masculino , Microcirculación/fisiología , Presión Portal/fisiología , Vena Porta/fisiología , Sustancias Protectoras/farmacología , Porcinos
6.
Neurourol Urodyn ; 38(1): 87-96, 2019 01.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30178576

RESUMEN

AIMS: To explore the feasibility of minimally invasive catheter-based electrophysiology studies in the urinary tract. This is a well-known method used in cardiology to investigate and treat arrhythmias. METHODS: We developed an experimental platform which allows electrophysiological recordings with cardiac catheters and conventional needle electrodes in ex vivo pig ureters. The action potential was triggered by a stimulating electrode. We considered 13 porcine ureters (freshly collected and harvested in organ bath), 7 of which were used to optimize the setup and define the stimulation parameters; we performed the recordings in the remaining six ureters. The electrical propagation of the generated action potential was tracked with multiple sensing electrodes, from which propagation directions, velocities, refractory periods, and pacing thresholds were extracted. RESULTS: We recorded propagating electrical activity in four ureters using needle electrodes and in two ureters using cardiac catheters. Propagation velocities for forward direction (from kidney to bladder) derived by the two methods were similar (15.1 ± 2.6 mm/s for cardiac catheters, 15.6 ± 2.3 mm/s for needle recordings). Pacing thresholds, activation patters, and refractory times were provided for the ureteric smooth muscle. Retrograde propagations and corresponding velocities were also observed and measured. CONCLUSIONS: This study is a proof-of-concept showing that electrical activity can be measured "from the inside" of urinary cavities using catheters and that obtained results are comparable with the more invasive needle recordings. Catheter-based electrophysiology may allow, in the clinical setting, for: i) a more differentiated understanding of urological disorders such as overactive bladder and ii) new therapeutic approaches (e.g., targeted tissue ablation).


Asunto(s)
Catéteres Cardíacos , Uréter/fisiología , Fenómenos Fisiológicos del Sistema Urinario , Potenciales de Acción , Animales , Cateterismo , Estimulación Eléctrica , Electrodos , Fenómenos Electrofisiológicos , Técnicas In Vitro , Riñón/fisiología , Periodo Refractario Electrofisiológico/fisiología , Porcinos
7.
Sensors (Basel) ; 19(20)2019 Oct 16.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31623215

RESUMEN

Current cochlear implant (CI) systems provide substantial benefits for patients with severe hearing loss. However, they do not allow for 24/7 hearing, mainly due to the external parts that cannot be worn in all everyday situations. One of the key missing parts for a totally implantable CI (TICI) is the microphone, which thus far has not been implantable. The goal of the current project was to develop a concept for a packaging technology for state-of-the-art microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) microphones that record the liquid-borne sound inside the inner ear (cochlea) as a microphone signal input for a TICI. The packaging concept incorporates requirements, such as biocompatibility, long-term hermeticity, a high sensing performance and a form factor that allows sensing inside the human cochlea and full integration into the existing CI electrode array. The present paper (1) describes the sensor packaging concept and the corresponding numerical and experimental design verification process and (2) gives insight into new engineering solutions for sensor packaging. Overall, a packaging concept was developed that enables MEMS microphone technology to be used for a TICI system.


Asunto(s)
Implantes Cocleares , Oído Interno/fisiopatología , Audífonos , Sistemas Microelectromecánicos , Humanos , Modelos Teóricos , Diseño de Prótesis/métodos , Sonido , Transductores
8.
Neurourol Urodyn ; 37(2): 823-831, 2018 02.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28745806

RESUMEN

AIMS: To explore the use of time-frequency analysis as an analytical tool to automatically detect pattern changes in bladder pressure recordings of patients with overactive bladder (OAB). To provide quantitative data on the bladder's non-voiding activity which could improve the current diagnosis and potentially the treatment of OAB. METHODS: We developed an algorithm, based on time-frequency analysis, to analyze bladder pressure during the filling phase of urodynamic studies. The algorithm was used to generate a bladder overactivity index (BOI) for a quantitative estimation of the average bladder non-voiding-activity. We tested the algorithm with one control group and two groups of patients with OAB symptoms: one group with detrusor overactivity (DO), assessed by an experienced urologist (OAB-with-DO group), and another group for which detrusor overactivity was not diagnosed (OAB-without-DO group). RESULTS: The algorithm identified diagnostically significant data on the bladder non-voiding activity in a specified frequency range. BOI was significantly higher for both OAB groups compared to the control group: the median value of BOI was twice as big in OAB-without-DO and more than four times higher in OAB-with-DO compared to control group. Moreover the algorithm was successfully tested to detect episodes of detrusor overactivity. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that a simple algorithm, based on time-frequency analysis of bladder pressure, may be a promising tool in the clinical setting. The algorithm can provide quantitative data on non-voiding bladder activity in patients and quantify the changes according to phenotype. Moreover the algorithm can detect DO, showing potential for triggering conditional bladder stimulation.


Asunto(s)
Algoritmos , Vejiga Urinaria Hiperactiva/diagnóstico , Vejiga Urinaria Hiperactiva/terapia , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Presión , Estudios Retrospectivos , Urodinámica , Análisis de Ondículas
9.
Sensors (Basel) ; 18(10)2018 Oct 21.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30347862

RESUMEN

(1) Background: The measurement of intracochlear sound pressure (ICSP) is relevant to obtain better understanding of the biomechanics of hearing. The goal of this work was a proof of concept of a partially implantable intracochlear acoustic receiver (ICAR) fulfilling all requirements for acute ICSP measurements in a large animal. The ICAR was designed not only to be used in chronic animal experiments but also as a microphone for totally implantable cochlear implants (TICI). (2) Methods: The ICAR concept was based on a commercial MEMS condenser microphone customized with a protective diaphragm that provided a seal and optimized geometry for accessing the cochlea. The ICAR was validated under laboratory conditions and using in-vivo experiments in sheep. (3) Results: For the first time acute ICSP measurements were successfully performed in a live specimen that is representative of the anatomy and physiology of the human. Data obtained are in agreement with published data from cadavers. The surgeons reported high levels of ease of use and satisfaction with the system design. (4) Conclusions: Our results confirm that the developed ICAR can be used to measure ICSP in acute experiments. The next generation of the ICAR will be used in chronic sheep experiments and in TICI.


Asunto(s)
Estimulación Acústica/instrumentación , Acústica/instrumentación , Implantación Coclear/instrumentación , Implantación Coclear/métodos , Estimulación Acústica/métodos , Experimentación Animal , Animales , Implantes Cocleares , Diseño de Equipo/métodos , Humanos , Presión , Diseño de Prótesis/métodos , Ovinos , Sonido , Transductores
10.
Comput Biol Med ; 176: 108526, 2024 Jun.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38749328

RESUMEN

Aortic valve replacement has become an increasing concern due to the rising prevalence of aortic stenosis in an ageing population. Existing replacement options have limitations, necessitating the development of improved prosthetic aortic valves. In this study, flow characteristics during systole in a stenotic aortic valve case are compared with those downstream of two newly designed surgical bioprosthetic aortic valves (BioAVs). To do so, advanced three-dimensional fluid-structure interaction simulations are conducted and dedicated analysis methods to investigate jet flow configuration and vortex dynamics are developed. Our findings reveal that the stenotic case maintains a high jet flow eccentricity due to a fixed orifice geometry, resulting in flow separation and increased vortex stretching and tilting in the commissural low-flow regions. One BioAV design introduces non-axisymmetric leaflet motion, which reduces the maximum jet velocity and forms more vortical structures. The other BioAV design produces a fixed symmetric triangular jet shape due to non-moving leaflets and exhibits favourable vorticity attenuation, revealed by negative temporally and spatially averaged projected vortex stretching values, and significantly reduced drag. Therefore, this study highlights the benefits of custom-designed aortic valves in the context of their replacement through comprehensive and novel flow analyses. The results emphasise the importance of analysing jet flow, vortical structures, momentum balance and vorticity transport for thoroughly evaluating aortic valve performance.


Asunto(s)
Válvula Aórtica , Prótesis Valvulares Cardíacas , Hemodinámica , Modelos Cardiovasculares , Humanos , Válvula Aórtica/fisiopatología , Válvula Aórtica/cirugía , Válvula Aórtica/fisiología , Hemodinámica/fisiología , Estenosis de la Válvula Aórtica/fisiopatología , Estenosis de la Válvula Aórtica/cirugía , Estenosis de la Válvula Aórtica/diagnóstico por imagen , Velocidad del Flujo Sanguíneo , Bioprótesis
11.
Comput Biol Med ; 176: 108552, 2024 Jun.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38754219

RESUMEN

Severe aortic valve stenosis can lead to heart failure and aortic valve replacement (AVR) is the primary treatment. However, increasing prevalence of aortic stenosis cases reveal limitations in current replacement options, necessitating improved prosthetic aortic valves. We investigate flow disturbances downstream of severe aortic stenosis and two bioprosthetic aortic valve (BioAV) designs using advanced energy-based analyses. Three-dimensional high-fidelity fluid-structure interaction simulations have been conducted and a dedicated and novel spectral analysis has been developed to characterise the kinetic energy (KE) carried by eddies in the wavenumber space. In addition, new field quantities, i.e. modal KE anisotropy intensity as well as normalised helicity intensity, are introduced. Spectral analysis shows kinetic energy (KE) decay variations, with the stenotic case aligning with Kolmogorov's theory, while BioAV cases differing. We explore the impact of flow helicity on KE transfer and decay in BioAVs. Probability distributions of modal KE anisotropy unveil flow asymmetries in the stenotic and one BioAV cases. Moreover, an inverse correlation between temporally averaged modal KE anisotropy and normalised instantaneous helicity intensity is noted, with the coefficient of determination varying among the valve configurations. Leaflet dynamics analysis highlights a stronger correlation between flow and biomechanical KE anisotropy in one BioAV due to higher leaflet displacement magnitude. These findings emphasise the role of valve architecture in aortic turbulence as well as its importance for BioAV performance and energy-based design enhancement.


Asunto(s)
Estenosis de la Válvula Aórtica , Válvula Aórtica , Prótesis Valvulares Cardíacas , Hemodinámica , Modelos Cardiovasculares , Humanos , Válvula Aórtica/fisiopatología , Válvula Aórtica/cirugía , Anisotropía , Hemodinámica/fisiología , Estenosis de la Válvula Aórtica/fisiopatología , Estenosis de la Válvula Aórtica/cirugía , Estenosis de la Válvula Aórtica/diagnóstico por imagen
12.
Soft Robot ; 11(2): 198-206, 2024 Apr.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37729065

RESUMEN

Impedance pumps are simple designs that allow the generation or amplification of flow. They are fluid-filled systems based on flexible tubing connected to tubing with different impedances. A periodic off-center compression of the flexible tubing causes the fluid to move and generate flow. Wave reflection at the impedance mismatch is the primary driving mechanism of the flow. In addition to their straightforward design, impedance pumps are bladeless, valveless, and pulsatile. These properties are highly sought after by demanding and challenging applications, such as the biomedical field, as they present less risk of damage, disruption, and obstruction when handling viscous and delicate fluids/matter. In this study, we propose a high-performance impedance-driven pumping concept with embedded actuation based on a multilayered tubular dielectric elastomer. This pumping system is made of three parts, a dielectric elastomer actuator tube, a passive tube, and a rigid ring that binds and decouples the two subsystems. The system is able to generate net fluid flow rates up to 1.35 L/min with an internal pressure of 125 mmHg. The soft simplistic design, self-contained concept, and high performances of these pumping systems could make them disruptive in many challenging meso- and macroscale applications in general and in the biomedical field in particular.

13.
Bioeng Transl Med ; 9(2): e10631, 2024 Mar.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38435814

RESUMEN

Microvascular obstruction (MVO) often occurs in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Diagnosis and treatment of MVO lack appropriate and established procedures. This study focused on two major points by using an in vitro multiscale flow model, which comprised an aortic root model with physiological blood flow and a microfluidic model of the microcirculation with vessel diameters down to 50 µm. First, the influence of porcine microthrombi (MT), injected into the fluidic microchip, on perfusion was investigated. We found that only 43% of all injected MT were fully occlusive. Second, it could also be shown that the maximal concentration of a dye (representing therapeutic agent) during intracoronary infusion could be increased on average by 58%, when proximally occluding the coronary artery by a balloon during drug infusion. The obtained results and insights enhance the understanding of perfusion in MVO-affected microcirculation and could lead to improved treatment methods for MVO patients.

14.
Foods ; 13(5)2024 Feb 23.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38472786

RESUMEN

Seeds of "sweet lupins" have been playing an increasing role in the food industry. Lupin proteins may be used for producing a variety of foods, including pasta, bread, cookies, dairy products, and coffee substitutes. In a small percentage of the population, lupin consumption may elicit allergic reactions, either due to primary sensitization to lupin or due to cross-allergy with other legumes. Thus, lupin has to be declared on commercial food products according to EU food regulations. In this study, we investigated the influence of roasting seeds of the L. angustifolius cultivar "Boregine" on the detectability of lupin by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), ELISAs, LC-MS/MS, and real-time PCR. Seeds were roasted by fluidized bed roasting, and samples were drawn at seed surface temperatures ranging from 98 °C to 242 °C. With increasing roasting temperature, the extractability of proteins and DNA decreased. In addition, roasting resulted in lower detectability of lupin proteins by ELISAs and LC-MS/MS and lower detectability of DNA by real-time PCR. Our results suggest reduced allergenicity of roasted lupin seeds used for the production of "lupin coffee"; however, this has to be confirmed in in vivo studies.

15.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38514398

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVES: Fontan failure refers to a condition in which the Fontan circulation, a surgical procedure used to treat certain congenital heart defects, becomes insufficient, leading to compromised cardiac function and potential complications. This in vitro study therefore investigates the feasibility of bladeless impedance-driven cavopulmonary assist device via dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) as a means to address Fontan failure. METHODS: A cavopulmonary assist device, constructed using DEA technologies and employing the impedance pump concept, is subjected to in vitro testing within a closed-loop setup. This study aims to assess the device's functionality and performance under controlled conditions, providing valuable insights into its potential application as a cavopulmonary assistive technology. RESULTS: The DEA-based pump, measuring 50 mm in length and 30 mm in diameter, is capable of achieving substantial flow rates within a closed-loop setup, reaching up to 1.20 l/min at an activation frequency of 4 Hz. It also provides a broad range of working internal pressures (<10 to >20 mmHg). Lastly, the properties of the flow (direction, magnitude, etc.) can be controlled by adjusting the input signal parameters (frequency, amplitude, etc.). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the results suggest that the valveless impedance-driven pump utilizing DEA technology is promising in the context of cavopulmonary assist devices. Further research and development in this area may lead to innovative and potentially more effective solutions for assisting the right heart, ultimately benefiting patients with heart-related health issues overall, with a particular focus on those experiencing Fontan failure.

16.
Adv Sci (Weinh) ; : e2401239, 2024 Jun 14.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38874418

RESUMEN

Deciphering nature's remarkable way of encoding functions in its biominerals holds the potential to enable the rational development of nature-inspired materials with tailored properties. However, the complex processes that convert solution-state precursors into solid biomaterials remain largely unknown. In this study, an unconventional approach is presented to characterize these precursors for the diatom-derived peptides R5 and synthetic Silaffin-1A1 (synSil-1A1). These molecules can form defined supramolecular assemblies in solution, which act as templates for solid silica structures. Using a tailored structural biology toolbox, the structure-function relationships of these self-assemblies are unveiled. NMR-derived constraints are employed to enable a recently developed fractal-cluster formalism and then reveal the architecture of the peptide assemblies in atomistic detail. Finally, by monitoring the self-assembly activities during silica formation at simultaneous high temporal and residue resolution using real-time spectroscopy, the mechanism is elucidated underlying template-driven silica formation. Thus, it is demonstrated how to exercise morphology control over bioinorganic solids by manipulating the template architectures. It is found that the morphology of the templates is translated into the shape of bioinorganic particles via a mechanism that includes silica nucleation on the solution-state complexes' surfaces followed by complete surface coating and particle precipitation.

17.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38419585

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVES: We propose an evolution of a dielectric elastomer actuator-based cardiac assist device that acts as a counterpulsation system. We introduce a new pre-stretched actuator and implant the device in a graft bypass between the ascending and descending aorta to redirect all blood through the device (ascending aorta clamped). The objective was to evaluate the influence of these changes on the assistance provided to the heart. METHODS: The novel para-aortic device and the new implantation technique were tested in vivo in 5 pigs. We monitored the pressure and flow in the aorta as well as the pressure-volume characteristics of the left ventricle. Different activation timings were tested to identify the optimal device actuation. RESULTS: The proposed device helps reducing the end-diastolic pressure in the aorta by up to 13 ± 4.0% as well as the peak systolic pressure by up to 16 ± 3.6%. The early diastolic pressure was also increased up to 10 ± 3.5%. With different activation, we also showed that the device could increase or decrease the stroke volume. CONCLUSIONS: The new setup and the novel para-aortic device presented here helped improve cardiac assistance compared to previous studies. Moreover, we revealed a new way to assist the heart by actuating the device at different starting time to modify the left ventricular stroke volume and stroke work.

18.
J Acoust Soc Am ; 134(5): 3749-58, 2013 Nov.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24180785

RESUMEN

The basilar membrane (BM) and perilymph motion in the cochlea due to rocking stapes motion (RSM) and piston-like stapes motion (PSM) is modeled by numerical simulations. The full Navier-Stokes equations are solved in a two-dimensional box geometry. The BM motion is modeled by independent oscillators using an immersed boundary technique. The traveling waves generated by both stimulation modes are studied. A comparison of the peak amplitudes of the BM motion is presented and their dependence on the frequency and on the model geometry (stapes position and cochlear channel height) is investigated. It is found that the peak amplitudes for the RSM are lower and decrease as frequency decreases whereas those for the PSM increase as frequency decreases. This scaling behavior can be explained by the different mechanisms that excite the membrane oscillation. Stimulation with both modes at the same time leads to either a slight increase or a slight decrease of the peak amplitudes compared to the pure PSM, depending on the phase shift between the two modes. While the BM motion is dominated by the PSM mode under normal conditions, the RSM may lead to hearing if no PSM is present or possible, e.g., due to round window atresia.


Asunto(s)
Membrana Basilar/fisiología , Cóclea/fisiología , Mecanotransducción Celular , Modelos Biológicos , Movimiento , Perilinfa/fisiología , Estribo/fisiología , Simulación por Computador , Humanos , Análisis Numérico Asistido por Computador , Oscilometría , Presión , Sonido , Factores de Tiempo
19.
Bioeng Transl Med ; 8(2): e10407, 2023 Mar.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36925692

RESUMEN

Ureteral stents are indispensable devices in urological practice to maintain and reinstate the drainage of urine in the upper urinary tract. Most ureteral stents feature openings in the stent wall, referred to as side holes (SHs), which are designed to facilitate urine flux in and out of the stent lumen. However, systematic discussions on the role of SH and stent lumen size in regulating flux and shear stress levels are still lacking. In this study, we leveraged both experimental and numerical methods, using microscopic-Particle Image Velocimetry and Computational Fluid Dynamic models, respectively, to explore the influence of varying SH and lumen diameters. Our results showed that by reducing the SH diameter from 1.1 to 0.4 mm the median wall shear stress levels of the SHs near the ureteropelvic junction and ureterovesical junction increased by over 150 % , even though the flux magnitudes through these SH decreased by about 40 % . All other SHs were associated with low flux and low shear stress levels. Reducing the stent lumen diameter significantly impeded the luminal flow and the flux through SHs. By means of zero-dimensional models and scaling relations, we summarized previous findings on the subject and argued that the design of stent inlet/outlet is key in regulating the flow characteristics described above. Finally, we offered some clinically relevant input in terms of choosing the right stent for the right patient.

20.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38083665

RESUMEN

Our study aims to provide basic insights on the impact of the spiral shape of the cochlea, i.e., of geometric torsion and curvature, on wall pressure and wall shear stress. We employed computational fluid dynamics in square duct models with curvature and torsion similar to those found in human cochleae. The results include wall pressures and wall shear stresses within the ducts under oscillating axial flow. Our findings indicate that the helical shape generates higher transverse wall shear stresses compared to exclusively curved or twisted ducts. The wall pressures and transverse wall shear stresses we found rise to amounts that may be physiologically relevant in the cochlea.Clinical relevance- The role of the spiral shape of the cochlea in hearing physiology remains, for a large part, elusive. For a better apprehension of hearing and its disorders, it is important to investigate the influence of geometric properties on biofluids motion and emerging phenomena in the cochlea.


Asunto(s)
Cóclea , Audición , Humanos , Movimiento (Física)
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