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Cheon J, Son J, Lim S, Jeong Y, Park JH, Mitchell RJ, Kim JU, Jeong J. Motile bacteria crossing liquid-liquid interfaces of an aqueous isotropic-nematic coexistence phase. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:7313-7320. [PMID: 39248026 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00766b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
In nature, bacteria often swim in complex fluids, but our understanding of the interactions between bacteria and complex surroundings is still evolving. In this work, rod-like Bacillus subtilis swims in a quasi-2D environment with aqueous liquid-liquid interfaces, i.e., the isotropic-nematic coexistence phase of an aqueous chromonic liquid crystal. Focusing on the bacteria motion near and at the liquid-liquid interfaces, we collect and quantify bacterial trajectories ranging across the isotropic to the nematic phase. Despite its small magnitude, the interfacial tension of the order of 10 μN m-1 at the isotropic-nematic interface justifies our observations that bacteria swimming more perpendicular to the interface have a higher probability of crossing the interface. Our force-balance model, considering the interfacial tension, further predicts how the length and speed of the bacteria affect their crossing behaviors. Investigating how a phase change affects bacterial motion, we also find, as soon as the bacteria cross the interface and enter the nematic phase, they wiggle less, but faster, and that this occurs as the flagellar bundles aggregate within the nematic phase. Given the ubiquity of multi-phases in biological environments, our findings will help to understand active transport across various phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyong Cheon
- Department of Physics, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea.
| | - Joowang Son
- Department of Physics, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sungbin Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yundon Jeong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hoon Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Robert J Mitchell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeup U Kim
- Department of Physics, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea.
| | - Joonwoo Jeong
- Department of Physics, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea.
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Deng ZM, Dai FF, Wang RQ, Deng HB, Yin TL, Cheng YX, Chen GT. Organ-on-a-chip: future of female reproductive pathophysiological models. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:455. [PMID: 39085921 PMCID: PMC11290169 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02651-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The female reproductive system comprises the internal and external genitalia, which communicate through intricate endocrine pathways. Besides secreting hormones that maintain the female secondary sexual characteristics, it also produces follicles and offspring. However, the in vitro systems have been very limited in recapitulating the specific anatomy and pathophysiology of women. Organ-on-a-chip technology, based on microfluidics, can better simulate the cellular microenvironment in vivo, opening a new field for the basic and clinical research of female reproductive system diseases. This technology can not only reconstruct the organ structure but also emulate the organ function as much as possible. The precisely controlled fluidic microenvironment provided by microfluidics vividly mimics the complex endocrine hormone crosstalk among various organs of the female reproductive system, making it a powerful preclinical tool and the future of pathophysiological models of the female reproductive system. Here, we review the research on the application of organ-on-a-chip platforms in the female reproductive systems, focusing on the latest progress in developing models that reproduce the physiological functions or disease features of female reproductive organs and tissues, and highlighting the challenges and future directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Min Deng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, China
| | - Fang-Fang Dai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, China
| | - Rui-Qi Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, China
| | - Hong-Bing Deng
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, Hubei Key Laboratory of Biomass Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology, School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, China
| | - Tai-Lang Yin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, China.
| | - Yan-Xiang Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, China.
| | - Gan-Tao Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, China.
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Silva B, Marques EF, Gomes AC. Recent advances in in vitro models simulating the female genital tract toward more effective intravaginal therapeutic delivery. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2024; 21:1007-1027. [PMID: 39001669 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2024.2380338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intravaginal drug delivery has emerged as a promising avenue for treating a spectrum of systemic and local female genital tract (FGT) conditions, using biomaterials as carriers or scaffolds for targeted and efficient administration. Much effort has been made to understand the natural barriers of this route and improve the delivery system to achieve an efficient therapeutic response. AREAS COVERED In this review, we conducted a comprehensive literature search using multiple databases (PubMed Scopus Web of Science Google Scholar), to discuss the potential of intravaginal therapeutic delivery, as well as the obstacles unique to this route. The in vitro cell models of the FGT and how they can be applied to probing intravaginal drug delivery are then analyzed. We further explore the limitations of the existing models and the possibilities to make them more promising for delivery studies or biomaterial validation. Complementary information is provided by in vitro acellular techniques that may shed light on mucus-drug interaction. EXPERT OPINION Advances in 3D models and cell cultures have enhanced our understanding of the FGT, but they still fail to replicate all variables. Future research should aim to use complementary methods, ensure stability, and develop consistent protocols to improve therapy evaluation and create better predictive in vitro models for women's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Silva
- CBMA (Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology), Department of Biology, Campus of Gualtar, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- CIQUP, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduardo F Marques
- CIQUP, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreia C Gomes
- CBMA (Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology), Department of Biology, Campus of Gualtar, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
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Wu T, Wu Y, Yan J, Zhang J, Wang S. Microfluidic chip as a promising evaluation method in assisted reproduction: A systematic review. Bioeng Transl Med 2024; 9:e10625. [PMID: 38435817 PMCID: PMC10905557 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of assisted reproductive technology (ART) is to select the high-quality sperm, oocytes, and embryos, and finally achieve a successful pregnancy. However, functional evaluation is hindered by intra- and inter-operator variability. Microfluidic chips emerge as the one of the most powerful tools to analyze biological samples for reduced size, precise control, and flexible extension. Herein, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and IEEE Xplore databases until March 2023. We displayed and prospected all detection strategies based on microfluidics in the ART field. After full-text screening, 71 studies were identified as eligible for inclusion. The percentages of human and mouse studies equaled with 31.5%. The prominent country in terms of publication number was the USA (n = 13). Polydimethylsiloxane (n = 49) and soft lithography (n = 28) were the most commonly used material and fabrication method, respectively. All articles were classified into three types: sperm (n = 38), oocytes (n = 20), and embryos (n = 13). The assessment contents included motility, counting, mechanics, permeability, impedance, secretion, oxygen consumption, and metabolism. Collectively, the microfluidic chip technology facilitates more efficient, accurate, and objective evaluation in ART. It can even be combined with artificial intelligence to assist the daily activities of embryologists. More well-designed clinical studies and affordable integrated microfluidic chips are needed to validate the safety, efficacy, and reproducibility. Trial registration: The protocol was registered in the Open Science Frame REGISTRIES (identification: osf.io/6rv4a).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological DiseasesTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of EducationTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Yangyang Wu
- College of Animal Science and TechnologySichuan Agricultural UniversityYa'anSichuanChina
| | - Jinfeng Yan
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological DiseasesTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of EducationTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- School of Materials Science and EngineeringHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Jinjin Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological DiseasesTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of EducationTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Shixuan Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological DiseasesTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of EducationTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
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Xiang XW, Liu HT, Tao XN, Zeng YL, Liu J, Wang C, Yu SX, Zhao H, Liu YJ, Liu KF. Glioblastoma behavior study under different frequency electromagnetic field. iScience 2023; 26:108575. [PMID: 38125027 PMCID: PMC10730381 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor-treating fields (TTFields) technology has revolutionized the management of recurrent and newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) cases. To ameliorate this treatment modality for GBM and other oncological conditions, it is necessary to understand the biophysical principles of TTFields better. In this study, we further analyzed the mechanism of the electromagnetic exposure with varying frequencies and electric field strengths on cells in mitosis, specifically in telophase. In reference to previous studies, an intuitive finite element model of the mitotic cell was built for electromagnetic simulations, predicting a local increase in the cleavage furrow region, which may help explain TTFields' anti-proliferative effects. Cell experiments confirmed that the reduction in proliferation and migration of glioma cell by TTFields was in a frequency- and field-strength-dependent manner. This work provides unique insights into the selection of frequencies in the anti-proliferative effect of TTFields on tumors, which could improve the application of TTFields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Wei Xiang
- Academy for engineering & technology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hao-Tian Liu
- Academy for engineering & technology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xiao-Nan Tao
- School of information science and technology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yu-Lian Zeng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200020, China
| | - Jing Liu
- School of information science and technology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Sai-Xi Yu
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- School of information science and technology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yan-Jun Liu
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ke-Fu Liu
- School of information science and technology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
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Huang J, Chen H, Li N, Zhao Y. Emerging microfluidic technologies for sperm sorting. ENGINEERED REGENERATION 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.engreg.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
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Yu SX, Wu Y, Luo H, Liu Y, Chen YC, Wang YJ, Liu W, Tang J, Shi H, Gao H, Jing G, Liu YJ. Escaping Behavior of Sperms on the Biomimetic Oviductal Surface. Anal Chem 2023; 95:2366-2374. [PMID: 36655581 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c04338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Before fertilization, sperms adhere to oviductal epithelium cells, and only a restrictive number of winner sperms can escape to reach the egg. To study the sperm escape behavior from the oviductal surface, we developed a microfluidic chip to fabricate an adhesive surface and to create a gradient of progesterone (P4) for mimicking the oviduct microenvironment in vivo. We identified three sperm motion patterns in such a microenvironment─anchored spin, run-and-spin, and escaped mode. By using kinetic analysis, we verified the hypothesis that the responsive rotation energy anchored with the adhered sperm head determines whether the sperm is trapped or detaching, which is defined as the hammer flying strategy of successful escape after accumulating energy in the process of rotating. Intriguingly, this hammer-throw escaping is able to be triggered by the P4 biochemical stimulation. Our results revealed the tangled process of sperm escape before fertilization in the ingenious microfluidic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai-Xi Yu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Department of Systems Biology for Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Department of Systems Biology for Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Hao Luo
- School of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Photon Technology in Western China Energy, Northwest University, Xi'an710069, China
| | - Yanan Liu
- School of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Photon Technology in Western China Energy, Northwest University, Xi'an710069, China
| | - Yu-Chen Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Department of Systems Biology for Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Ya-Jun Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Department of Systems Biology for Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Department of Systems Biology for Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Jianan Tang
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Huijuan Shi
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Hai Gao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Department of Systems Biology for Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Guangyin Jing
- School of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Photon Technology in Western China Energy, Northwest University, Xi'an710069, China
| | - Yan-Jun Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Department of Systems Biology for Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
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Tantengco OAG, Richardson LS, Radnaa E, Kammala AK, Kim S, Medina PMB, Han A, Menon R. Modeling ascending Ureaplasma parvum infection through the female reproductive tract using vagina-cervix-decidua-organ-on-a-chip and feto-maternal interface-organ-on-a-chip. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22551. [PMID: 36106554 PMCID: PMC9500016 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200872r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Genital mycoplasmas can break the cervical barrier and cause intraamniotic infection and preterm birth. This study developed a six-chamber vagina-cervix-decidua-organ-on-a-chip (VCD-OOC) that recapitulates the female reproductive tract during pregnancy with culture chambers populated by vaginal epithelial cells, cervical epithelial and stromal cells, and decidual cells. Cells cultured in VCD-OOC were characterized by morphology and immunostaining for cell-specific markers. We transferred the media from the decidual cell chamber of the VCD-OOC to decidual cell chamber in feto-maternal interface organ-on-a-chip (FMi-OOC), which contains the fetal membrane layers. An ascending Ureaplasma parvum infection was created in VCD-OOC. U. parvum was monitored for 48 h post-infection with their cytotoxicity (LDH assay) and inflammatory effects (multiplex cytokine assay) in the cells tested. An ascending U. parvum infection model of PTB was developed using CD-1 mice. The cell morphology and expression of cell-specific markers in the VCD-OOC mimicked those seen in lower genital tract tissues. U. parvum reached the cervical epithelial cells and decidua within 48 h and did not cause cell death in VCD-OOC or FMi-OOC cells. U. parvum infection promoted minimal inflammation, while the combination of U. parvum and LPS promoted massive inflammation in the VCD-OOC and FMi-OOC cells. In the animal model, U. parvum vaginal inoculation of low-dose U. parvum did not result in PTB, and even a high dose had only some effects on PTB (20%). However, intra-amniotic injection of U. parvum resulted in 67% PTB. We report the colonization of U. parvum in various cell types; however, inconsistent, and low-grade inflammation across multiple cell types suggests poor immunogenicity induced by U. parvum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Biological Models Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Lauren S. Richardson
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Enkhtuya Radnaa
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Ananth Kumar Kammala
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Sungjin Kim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Paul Mark B. Medina
- Biological Models Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Arum Han
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
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