Dose-controlled exposure of A549 epithelial cells at the air-liquid interface to airborne ultrafine carbonaceous particles.

The geometry of commercially available perfusion chambers designed for harbouring three membrane-based cell cultures was modified for reliable and dose-controlled air-liquid interface (ALI) exposures. Confluent A549 epithelial cells grown on membranes were integrated in the chamber system and supplied with medium from the chamber bottom. Cell viability was not impaired by the conditions of ALI exposure without particles.

Experimental analysis of flow calculations based on HRCT imaging of individual bifurcations.

Flow simulations in airways and arteries allow the non-invasive study of transport and deposition processes in these vessel systems. Individual vessel geometries as input for such simulations are highly desirable. Computed tomography (CT) permits the acquisition of binary data to reconstruct such geometries.

Viscoelastic properties of canine tracheal mucus: effects of structural inhomogeneities and storage.

Tracheal mucus is an inhomogeneous material and thus its viscoelastic properties may vary substantially within a mucus sample. In this study on canine tracheal mucus, we investigated this variation of mucus viscoelasticity and addressed the question whether or not the viscoelasticity is affected by storage of the mucus at low temperatures. Mucus samples were collected from 16 beagle dogs kept under clean air conditions.

Shear dependence of the fibrin coagulation kinetics in vitro.

Fibrin thrombus formation, in vivo and in vitro, preferentially occurs in regions of retarded, recirculating flow which promote local variations of the distribution of blood components, e.g. thrombin, and shear rates.

[Are pyrethroids harmless? Evaluation of experimental data].

Pyrethroids are synthetic insecticides which world-wide increasingly replace DDT, Lindane, Organophosphate-pesticides etc. in fields like agriculture, hygienics, household, wear- and building industry. Being lipophilic and strongly neurotoxic substances, a considerable health risk has been predicted in regard of pyrethroid applications.