Sensing of key parameters in fluidic environments has
attracted
extensive attention because the physical features of body fluids could
be used for point-of-care disease diagnosis. Although various sensing
methods have been investigated, effective sensing strategies of microenvironments
remains a major challenge. In this paper, we propose an approach that
can realize sensing of fluidic viscosity and ionic strength using
microswarms formed by simple colloidal nanoparticles. The influences
of fluidic ionic strength and viscosity on two swarm behaviors are
analyzed (i.e., the spreading of circular vortex-like swarms and the
elongation of elliptical swarms). The data models for quantifying
the fluidic viscosity and ionic strength are obtained from experiments,
and the fluidic features can be sensed successfully using the swarm
behaviors. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the microswarms have the
capability of passing through tortuous and narrow microchannels for
sensing. Continuous sensing of different fluidic environments using
swarms is also realized. Finally, the sensing of viscosity and ionic
strength of porcine whole blood is presented, which also validates
the feasibility of the sensing strategy.
Hydrofluoric acid (HF), a dangerous inorganic acid, is widely used in various industries and in daily life. Chemical burns caused by HF exposure occur more frequently in some regions worldwide. It has been reported that some cases with HF burns can be lethal due to the hypertoxicity of HF. In this article, we present a case of a 24-year-old worker who suffered HF burns by 53% HF solution to his face, neck, and nasal cavity. This patient quickly developed electrolyte disturbance, that is, hypocalcemia, and hypopotassemia, and myocardial injury after exposure. Multiple measures had been taken to treat this patient, including fluid resuscitation, electrolyte replacement, timely wound treatment with neutralizers, and respiratory tract care. Moreover, continuous renal replacement therapy was also employed to remove fluoride in the circulatory system and rectify the electrolyte disturbance and acid-base imbalance. The patient smoothly pulled though and survived. High fluoride levels in the dialysate solution were confirmed, indicating that continuous renal replacement therapy is an effective and potentially lifesaving treatment for acute HF poisoning.
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