Article
Cell Biology
Nadezhda A. Besedina, Elisaveta A. Skverchinskaya, Alexander S. Ivanov, Konstantin P. Kotlyar, Ivan A. Morozov, Nikita A. Filatov, Igor V. Mindukshev, Anton S. Bukatin
Summary: The study investigated how the transit velocity of red blood cells in microfluidic devices can indicate cell damage due to oxidative stress, with results showing the splitting of RBCs into subpopulations according to their transit velocity. The data demonstrate that characterizing RBCs transport in microfluidic devices can directly reveal violations of microcirculation caused by oxidative stress.
Article
Biophysics
Merav Belenkovich, Josue Sznitman, Netanel Korin
Summary: This study utilizes a microfluidic model to investigate the transport of vascular targeted carriers in the circulatory system. The presence of red blood cells reduces the entrapment of larger particles, offering opportunities for design optimization of VTC transport.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Shaohua Ding, Shengbao Duan, Yezhou Chen, Jinsong Xie, Jingjing Tian, Yong Li, Hongmei Wang
Summary: This study presents a portable microfluidic device for parallel and digital analysis of red cell antigen typing. The device allows for fast and accurate identification of multiple red blood cell antigens through a zigzag-shaped precise metering channel and sequential-step spinning protocol.
Article
Physiology
Michael Piagnerelli, Julie Vanderelst, Alexandre Rousseau, Daniel Monteyne, David Perez-Morga, Patrick Biston, Karim Zouaoui Boudjeltia
Summary: In patients with severe hypoxemic COVID-19, red blood cells (RBCs) showed normal deformability on admission, which remained unchanged over the first week despite changes in shape. This maintenance of normal RBC deformability may contribute to the adequate microcirculatory response to severe hypoxia observed in these patients.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yang Jun Kang
Summary: Red blood cell sedimentation is an important indicator for hematological diseases and disorders. This study presents a new method to effectively quantify red blood cell sedimentation under constant blood flow, using shear stress and sedimentation index. Experiment results show that the sedimentation index decreases at higher flow rates and higher hematocrit levels. Performance demonstration demonstrates that the proposed index has higher sensitivity and provides more consistent results compared to previous methods.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Adlan Merlo, Maxime Berg, Paul Duru, Frederic Risso, Yohan Davit, Sylvie Lorthois
Summary: The study reveals how the physics of blood flow affect the distribution of red blood cells (RBCs) in small vessel networks. Experimental results show that the partitioning of RBCs at bifurcations can affect their distribution at the next bifurcations. Sensitivity analysis based on network models demonstrates that these effects can propagate and have a significant impact on the distribution of RBCs throughout the network. A modified RBC partitioning model is proposed to explain why some networks exhibit a single pattern of RBC preferential location while others exhibit two different patterns. These findings are important for understanding and modeling blood flow in physiological and pathological conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Toru Hyakutake, Yuya Tsutsumi, Yohei Miyoshi, Manabu Yasui, Tomoki Mizuno, Mizuki Tateno
Summary: This study investigated the partitioning characteristics of red blood cells (RBCs) within capillaries, with a specific focus on ladder structures observed near the end of the capillaries. In vitro experiments were conducted using microfluidic channels with a ladder structure model comprising six bifurcating channels that exhibited an anti-parallel flow configuration. The effects of various factors, such as the parent channel width, distance between branches, and hematocrit, on RBC partitioning in bifurcating channels were evaluated. A decrease in the parent channel width resulted in an increase in the heterogeneity in the hematocrit distribution and a bias in the fractional RBC flux. Additionally, variations in the distance between branches affected the RBC distribution, with smaller distances resulting in greater heterogeneity. The bias of the RBC distribution in the microchannel cross section had a major effect on the RBC partitioning characteristics. The influence of hematocrit variations on the RBC distribution was also investigated, with lower hematocrit values leading to a more pronounced bias in the RBC distribution. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into RBC distribution characteristics in capillary networks, contributing to our understanding of the physiological mechanisms of RBC phase separation in the microcirculatory system. These findings have implications for predicting oxygen heterogeneity in tissues and could aid in the study of diseases associated with impaired microcirculation.
Article
Biophysics
Guanjie Li, Yang Sun, Xu Zheng, Hyoung Jin Choi, Ke Zhang
Summary: The study found that adding hyaluronic acid (HA) at a concentration of 50 ppm to blood is most suitable for improving blood circulation. By investigating the effects of HA on blood microcirculation at different concentrations, flow rates, and channel geometries, it demonstrates the potential of using HA in treating cardiovascular diseases.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Fei Ye, Bei Zhang, Lige Qiu, Yunrui Zhang, Yang Zhang, Jian Zhang, Qingliang Zhao, Ligong Lu, Zhenlin Zhang
Summary: The synergy imaging modality combining capillary microscopy and laser speckle microcirculation imaging allows for dynamic visualization of thrombus events and quantification of hemodynamics information. This method demonstrated excellent thrombolysis effect in an animal model, showing potential for early detection and treatment of thrombus-related diseases in living systems.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Lining Huang, Ibrahim Jasim, Omar Alkorjia, Cansu Agca, Anna Oksman, Yuksel Agca, Daniel E. Goldberg, James D. Benson, Mahmoud Almasri
Summary: The paper investigates a microfluidic device for real-time measurement of cell membrane permeability, specifically targeting the quality assessment of individual red blood cells (RBCs). The device utilizes unique features to manipulate and mix RBCs with different media, allowing for accurate estimation of water permeability at the individual cell level. The study presents experimental results confirming the relationship between voltage and diameter in standards and demonstrates the linear relationship between voltage and volume in rat RBCs. The findings also align with previously published data for human RBCs, demonstrating the potential application of the device in measuring water permeability.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Optics
Zhe Zhuang, Daisuke Iida, Pavel Kirilenko, Kazuhiro Ohkawa
Summary: This study demonstrates the performance improvements of InGaN-based red light-emitting diodes by fabricating micro-holes in the planar mesa. The micro-hole LEDs exhibited a blue-shift in peak wavelengths and lower full width at half maximum compared to the planar LEDs. Additionally, the light output power and external quantum efficiency of micro-hole LEDs were higher than those of planar LEDs.
Article
Biology
Kevin Ziyang Chng, Yan Cheng Ng, Bumseok Namgung, Justin Kok Soon Tan, Soyeon Park, Sim Leng Tien, Hwa Liang Leo, Sangho Kim
Summary: The study using a microfluidic platform revealed that biologically older red blood cells have a faster oxygen release rate than younger cells, and blood storage enhances this release rate.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Saman Ebrahimi, Prosenjit Bagchi
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility of using machine learning techniques to predict blood flow and red blood cell (RBC) distributions in physiologically realistic vascular networks. By acquiring data from high-fidelity simulations, machine learning models can accurately predict the changes in blood flow, RBC distributions, and hemodynamics at different vascular levels and time scales.
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY INTERFACE
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Ann-Katrin Grotle, Yu Huo, Michelle L. Harrison, Kai M. Ybarbo, Audrey J. Stone
Summary: The study indicates that blocking Piezo channels can attenuate the exaggerated exercise pressor reflex in early stage type 1 diabetes mellitus, providing a potential therapeutic target to alleviate cardiovascular strain during physical activities in T1DM patients.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-HEART AND CIRCULATORY PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Liang Zhao, Jingyu Qiao, Fangmei Li, Dandan Yuan, Jiaxu Huang, Min Wang, Shaolin Xu
Summary: This study proposes a flexible multidirectional strain sensor based on a single layer hierarchical aligned micro-/nanowire network. The sensor exhibits high sensitivity, short response/recovery time, good stability, and high selectivity, enabling precise monitoring of subtle movements and posture correction.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Carlos Saez-Comet, Olga Muntada, Nekane Lozano, Enric Fontdecaba, Patricia Sousa, Jordi Llobet, Francesc Perez-Murano, Jordi Puiggali, Luis Javier del Valle
Summary: Industrial interest in patterned polymeric surfaces at the micro/nanoscale has increased recently. The hierarchical organization of these surfaces can enhance their functional properties. However, current methods for patterning these surfaces are expensive and not suitable for high-volume manufacturing. This study presents a scalable and low-cost method for replicating hierarchical micro/nanostructured surfaces on plastic films, which can be used as inlays for injection molded parts. The method successfully replicates the surfaces using recyclable bio-based polymers, achieving high replication ratios and improved contact angles.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Thadeu Brito, Beatriz Flamia Azevedo, Joao Mendes, Matheus Zorawski, Florbela P. Fernandes, Ana I. Pereira, Jose Rufino, Jose Lima, Paulo Costa
Summary: Developing innovative systems and operations to monitor forests and send alerts in dangerous situations, such as fires, has become a necessary task to protect forests. A Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is used for forest data acquisition, and four algorithms have been tested and calibrated to pre-filter data acquisition and save energy when there is no need to send data. The developed filter achieves an accuracy rate of 0.73 with 0.5 possible false alerts, and modules can save almost 53% of their batteries when there is no demand to send data.
Article
Mathematics
Filipe Alves, Lino A. Costa, Ana Maria A. C. Rocha, Ana I. Pereira, Paulo Leitao
Summary: The increase in life expectancy has resulted in a growing demand for Home Health Care (HHC) services. However, managing these services can be complex and time-consuming. This study aims to develop an automatic decision-support system for HHC that optimizes multiple objective functions simultaneously, such as travel costs and resource allocation. The multi-objective genetic algorithm, based on NSGA-II, is applied to a real-world HHC problem to identify different compromises between objectives and provide efficient solutions.
Article
Agronomy
Guido S. Berger, Marco Teixeira, Alvaro Cantieri, Jose Lima, Ana I. Pereira, Antonio Valente, Gabriel G. R. de Castro, Milena F. Pinto
Summary: The recent advances in precision agriculture are achieved by modern robotics systems, such as unmanned aerial systems (UASs), which offer new possibilities to address existing problems in various aspects. This research presents a multiple-cooperative robot solution using UAS and unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) systems for joint inspection of olive grove inspect traps. The evaluation includes vision-based navigation and a fuzzy control algorithm for efficient trap reaching by the UAS, as well as a search and landing algorithm using augmented reality tag (AR-Tag) visual processing for UAS return and landing to the UGV base.
Article
Agronomy
Gabriel G. R. de Castro, Guido S. Berger, Alvaro Cantieri, Marco Teixeira, Jose Lima, Ana I. Pereira, Milena F. Pinto
Summary: This paper proposes an online adaptive path-planning solution based on the fusion of rapidly exploring random trees (RRT) and deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithms for inspecting fly traps in olive-growing using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The proposed framework provides a reliable route for the UAV to reach inspection points in the tree space, capture trap images autonomously, and avoid possible obstacles in the environment.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Ana Paulo, Jorge Santos, Joao da Rocha, Rui Lima, Joao Ribeiro
Summary: The authors developed PLA composites reinforced with flax fibers to evaluate the improvement of tensile and flexural strength. It was found that the surface chemical treatment of the fiber did not have any influence on the mechanical properties of the composites, while the infill density had a huge influence on the improvement of mechanical strength. The maximum values of tensile and bending stress were 50 MPa and 73 MPa, respectively. Natural fiber reinforcement can improve the mechanical properties of PLA composites.
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Adriano Santos Silva, Filipe Alves, Jose Luis Diaz de Tuesta, Ana Maria A. C. Rocha, Ana I. Pereira, Adrian M. T. Silva, Helder T. Gomes
Summary: Population growth in cities worldwide puts pressure on basic service systems, including Municipal Solid Waste Management Systems. This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of Google OR-Tools in solving the Capacitated Waste Collection Problem (CWCP) in Braganca, Portugal. The use of OR-Tools significantly reduces waste collection costs and has the potential to be applied to larger waste management systems and dynamic routing problems.
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Analytical
Luis Goncalves, Marcos Silva Martins, Rui A. Lima, Graca Minas
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ana Rita F. Pacheco, Beatriz D. Cardoso, Ana Pires, Andre M. Pereira, Joao P. Araujo, Violeta M. Carvalho, Raquel O. Rodrigues, Paulo J. G. Coutinho, Teresa Castelo-Grande, Paulo A. Augusto, Domingos Barbosa, Rui A. Lima, Senhorinha F. C. F. Teixeira, Ana Rita O. Rodrigues, Elisabete M. S. Castanheira
Summary: Late diagnosis and systemic toxicity associated with conventional treatments pose challenges in cancer therapy. Nanomedicine offers a new approach for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. This study developed pH-sensitive solid magnetoliposomes (SMLs) for controlled release of the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX). The SMLs showed efficient drug release at pH = 5 and significantly reduced cell viability when exposed to tumor cells, suggesting their potential for synergistic cancer therapy with magnetic targeting and dual hyperthermia.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Renata Maia, Violeta Carvalho, Rui Lima, Graca Minas, Raquel O. Rodrigues
Summary: This systematic review summarizes the recent progress in the use of microneedles (MNs) in biomedical applications, including drug delivery, biomarker detection, and their potential integration with microfluidic devices. Although MNs have been extensively utilized in lab-on-a-chip platforms, recent studies have also explored their applicability in organ-on-a-chip models. Overall, the presence of MNs in advanced microfluidic devices offers simplified drug delivery, microinjection, and biomarker detection through integrated biosensors, enabling real-time monitoring of various biomarkers in lab- and organ-on-a-chip platforms.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
T. S. Lopes, J. P. Teixeira, M. A. Curado, B. R. Ferreira, A. J. N. Oliveira, J. M. V. Cunha, M. Monteiro, A. Violas, J. R. S. Barbosa, P. C. Sousa, I. caha, J. Borme, K. Oliveira, J. Ring, W. C. Chen, Y. Zhou, K. Takei, E. Niemi, F. L. Deepak, M. Edoff, G. Brammertz, P. A. Fernandes, B. Vermang, P. M. P. Salome
Summary: The study demonstrates the incorporation of interface passivation structures in ultrathin Cu(In,Ga)Se-2 based solar cells. A scalable lithography technique, nanoimprint lithography (NIL), was used to pattern a 15 x 15 cm(2) dielectric layer. The performance of devices with NIL nanopatterned dielectric layer was similar to that of devices with electron-beam lithography (EBL) patterning. The impact of lithographic processes on solar cell performance was evaluated, with stainless-steel substrates showing slightly lower performance but good mechanical stability.
NPJ FLEXIBLE ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Mechanical
Ines S. Afonso, Glauco Nobrega, Rui Lima, Jose R. Gomes, Joao E. Ribeiro
Summary: Vegetable oils have long been used as metalworking fluids, especially in smaller operations and industries with strict environmental regulations. They can be enhanced with additives or nanoparticles to improve lubricity, cooling properties, and stability. Compared to standard MWFs, vegetable oils are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective. However, the choice of MWFs depends on specific requirements and the balance between performance, cost, and environmental considerations.
Article
Thermodynamics
R. R. Souza, F. M. Sa Barbosa, G. Nobrega, E. M. Cardoso, J. C. F. Teixeira, A. S. Moita, R. Lima
Summary: Traditional methods do not allow investigation of critical features that affect the heat transfer performance of nanofluids, therefore an innovative method is needed to measure their thermal conductivity.
THERMAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING PROGRESS
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Violeta Carvalho, Nelson Rodrigues, Jose C. Teixeira, Rui Lima, Senhorinha Teixeira
Summary: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, a common pathology that affects millions of people, has been extensively studied using experimental and numerical research methods. This study compares different models for simulating blood flow in stenotic coronary arteries and finds that the generation of recirculation zones is intensified in one model, but velocity differences are not significant. Understanding the complex nature of blood and accurately modeling its flow is crucial for advancing research in atherosclerosis.
COMPUTER METHODS, IMAGING AND VISUALIZATION IN BIOMECHANICS AND BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING II
(2023)
