We present a novel PDMS-based microinjection system in a microfluidic format with precise electroosmotic dosage control. The device architecture is fully scalable and enables high-throughput microinjections with integrated pre- and post-processing operations. The injection mechanism greatly simplifies current methods as only a single degree of freedom is required for injections. The injections are performed inside a fully enclosed channel by an integrated microneedle. Actuation of the needle is achieved by the compliant deformation of the channel structure by an external actuator. Reagent transport is achieved using electroosmotic flow (EOF) which provides non-pulsating flow and precise electrical dosage control. The potentials used for injections were between 5 V-25 V. The electrical properties and flow rates for the device were characterized for Zebrafish embryos and Rhodamine B and Methylene blue in pH 10 buffer solution. We also propose a method to enable precise individual dosing of embryos using direct electrical feedback. Additionally, we show that electrical feedback can be used to verify the location of the needle inside the injection target. A preliminary viability study of our device was conducted using Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. The study involved the injection of ultrapure water into the embryos in an E3 buffer, and resulted in embryos that showed normal development at 48 hours.
Aim of the studyWater shortage in arid regions should be addressed strategically. We propose a framework for determining and prioritizing sustainable water management strategies based on Sustainable Development Goal 6. Material and methodsIn this research, the water resources management strategies in the Central Desert Basin of Iran were derived by using brainstorming technique and analysing Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT). Then, these strategies were ranked using the Analytic Hierarchy Process based on the sustainable development criteria. Results and conclusionsAs a result, 9 strategies were developed, and assessed based on the sustainable development criteria including four categories: economic, social, environmental, and technical. The result of assessing strategies showed that the strategy of "constructing a wastewater collection network and treatment facilities, and reusing wastewater in industry and agriculture" was ranked first, and the strategy of "transferring water from adjacent basins" was ranked last. The results of sensitivity analysis showed that the model is sensitive to all of the sustainable development criteria except the "feasibility" criterion. Additionally, the model is more sensitive to the criterion of the "socio-cultural acceptance and participation of stakeholders" compared to the other criteria. Generally, the high-ranked strategies are grouped as the continuous and improvement strategies whereas the invasive strategies are ranked last. These results reveal the willingness of the professionals to meet the challenges of water scarcity in the long run, and relying on the strengths of the region rather than solving the problem at once which causes damages to the environment and natural resources.
Background:Local epidemiological data are necessary to identify the disease hot spots and running screening programs. In this study, we evaluated the demographic characteristics of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in a tertiary referral hospital in Iran.Methods: In a retrospective study, the medical profiles of 137 DDH children, who were referred to our university hospital between 2014 and 2020, were reviewed for characteristics such as gender, place of birth, age at the diagnosis, gestational age (term or preterm), twin or single birth, mother's age, pregnancy number, breech presentation, associated deformity, family history of DDH, et cetera. Results:The study population included 24 (17.5%) boys and 113 (82.5%) girls with a mean age of 2.3 ± 2 years. In the majority of cases (54.2%), it was the firstborn. Twin delivery was seen in only 5 (4.1%) cases. The associated deformity was noticed in 17 (12.4%) patients. Clubfoot was the most commonly associated deformity that was seen in 6 of 17 (35.3%) patients. A family history of DDH was recorded in 12 (8.8%) patients. The breech presentation was recorded in 19 (13.9%) patients. The mean age of the mother at the delivery was 27.2 ± 6.1 years. Tehran, Lorestan, Kurdistan, and Khuzestan provinces had the most referrals.Conclusion: DDH is associated with the female sex, positive family history, breech presentation at delivery, clubfoot deformity, and geographic district. These associations could be used for identifying the disease hot spots and running screening programs for earlier detection and better management of DDH.
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