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  1. Computational modelling of the lungs is an active field of study that integrates computational advances with lung biophysics, biomechanics, physiology and medical imaging to promote individualized diagnosis, prognosis and therapy evaluation in lung diseases. The complex and hierarchical architecture of the lung offers a rich, but also challenging, research area demanding a cross-scale understanding of lung mechanics and advanced computational tools to effectively model lung biomechanics in both health and disease. Various approaches have been proposed to study different aspects of respiration, ranging from compartmental to discrete micromechanical and continuum representations of the lungs. This article reviews several developments in computational lung modelling and how they are integrated with preclinical and clinical data. We begin with a description of lung anatomy and how different tissue components across multiple length scales affect lung mechanics at the organ level. We then review common physiological and imaging data acquisition methods used to inform modelling efforts. Building on these reviews, we next present a selection of model-based paradigms that integrate data acquisitions with modelling to understand, simulate and predict lung dynamics in health and disease. Finally, we highlight possible future directions where computational modelling can improve our understanding of the structure–function relationship in the lung.

     
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  2. Vascular restenosis is a major complication in recanalized arteries. Nanoparticles (NPs) have shown great promise as delivery systems in advancing strategies to treat such vascular anomalies. By enabling precise targeting, NPs can overcome the challenges of low drug efficacy and off-target effects. Here we present a biomimetic in vitro platform comprised of 3D bioprinting, nanomaterials, and perfusion technologies, to study the use of NP targeting to address endothelial overgrowth. We bioprinted 3D vascular channels at high fidelity, using gelatin methacrylate as bioink, with artery-like stiffness. Human endothelial cells (ECs) were used to endothelialize the printed channels. GFP-labelled superparamagnetic iron oxide NPs (SPIONs), loaded with the Rapamune anti-proliferative drug, were perfused through the bifurcated artery model at physiological rate. Computational modeling predicted greatest level of alterations in wall shear stress in the conduit’s junction with the artery, identifying this region prone to restenosis. A neodymium disc magnet was embedded in the printed tissue to attract the therapeutic SPIONs to the region of high risk. In vitro dynamic culture was conducted for 2 wks. We assessed cell viability, proliferation, and function using AlamarBlue and immunohistochemistry. Results showed significant targeted effect of NP delivery in reducing EC overgrowth. This platform enables design of precise targeting of therapeutics to treat a variety of cardiovascular diseases at a high spatial and temporal control. 
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