Abstract:The adjacent anatomy of the pelvis is complicated, with digestive, urinary, reproductive and other organs as well as important blood vessels and nerves. Therefore, accurate resection of pelvic tumors and precise reconstruction of defects after resection are extremely difficult. The development of medical 3D printing technology provides new ideas for precise resection and personalized reconstruction of pelvic tumors. The “triune” application of 3D printing personalized lesion model, osteotomy guide plate and reconstruction prosthesis in pelvic tumor limb salvage reconstruction treatment has achieved good clinical results. However, the current lack of normative guidance standards such as preparation and application of 3D printing personalized lesion model, osteotomy guide plate and reconstruction prosthesis restricts its promotion and application. The formulation of this consensus provides normative guidance for 3D printing personalized pelvic tumor limb salvage reconstruction treatment.

Abstract:Objective To explore the effect of vascular stress changes on endothelial function recovery and vascular restenosis inhibition in dynamic degradation process of the degradable stent. Methods The material parameters of the hyper-elastic vascular constitutive relationship was fitted, and the stress distribution on the intima of the blood vessel before stent implantation and during dynamic degradation was calculated by numerical simulation. In vitro culture experiments were carried out, and the stretch ratios of the silicon chambers were 0%, 5%, 10% and 15%, respectively, to simulate the mechanical environment at different degradation stages, and to explore the effects of different stretch ratios on growth state of the endothelial cells （ECs）. Results After the stent was completely degraded, the circumferential intimal stress and strain of the vessel were restored to 0.137 MPa and 5.5%, which were close to the physiological parameters (0.122 MPa, 4.8%) before stent implantation. In vitro experiments showed that the survival rate of ECs was the highest under the condition of 0.1 MPa circumferential stress and 5% strain, and adhesion growth could be achieved. Conclusions With the occurrence of stent degradation process, the circumferential stress and strain of the intima were restored to a range close to physiological parameters, which promoted the growth of ECs. The recovery of intimal function could effectively inhibit the process of vascular restenosis. The results can provide the theoretical basis and experimental platform for studying coronary intervention for the treatment of vascular restenosis.

Abstract:Objective To simulate the interaction between the stent graft (SG) and the aortic wall with finite element (FE) analysis by considering the influence of residual stress field, so as to study the stent influence on stress distributions of the aortic wall. Methods The three-dimensional (3D) residual stress field was generated in an idealized bi-layered thick-wall aortic model via a stress-driven anisotropic growth model by reducing the transmural stress gradient. Upon virtually deploying the SG, the stress on the aortic wall was calculated. Results The 3D residual stress field, corresponding to an opening angle of 117.5°, was shown to reduce the transmural stress gradient in both the circumferential and axial directions. The maximum stress was found at the contact area between aortic wall and wave peak of the stent. At 20% oversize ratio of the stent, the maximum stresses on the aortic wall in circumferential and axial direction were 412 and 132 kPa, respectively, while the in-plane shear stresses σrθ and σrz were both 78 kPa. Under residual stress, the maximum radial, circumferential and axial stresses were decreased by 14.9%, 40.5% and 33.8%, respectively, while the maximum shear stresses σrθ ，σrz，σθz were reduced by 2.5%, 7.1% and 27%, respectively. With the increase of oversize ratio from 10% to 20%, the maximum radial, circumferential and axial stresses were increased by 316%, 129% and 41%, respectively, while the maximum shear stresses σrθ ，σrz，σθz were increased by 661%, 450% and 466%, respectively. Conclusions The residual stress can effectively reduce the transmural stress gradient. Both the residual stress and the oversize ratio of the stent play an important role in modulating the wall stress distribution and the maximum stress.

Abstract:Objective To study the effect of magnetic rewarming on the morphology and biomechanical properties of vitrified umbilical artery. Methods The vitrified umbilical artery was rewarmed by magnetothermal method and traditional water bath. The temperature distribution and stress in the solution system were analyzed, and the rewarming effect was evaluated by tissue staining and mechanical test. Results Compared with water bath rewarming, the temperature gradient and thermal stress generated by magnetic rewarming were smaller, which could effectively reduce the thermal stress damage during the rewarming stage and achieve rapid and uniform rewarming. Magnetic rewarming could effectively avoid umbilical artery fractures and micro-cracks. After rewarming, the extracellular matrix, collagen fibers, elastic fibers and muscle fibers of the umbilical artery were evenly distributed, which preserved the macro and micro structures of the umbilical artery. The umbilical artery showed different degrees of hardening after water bath and magnetic rewarming, but the elastic modulus and limit stress of the latter were not significantly different from those of fresh umbilical artery, and the latter had unidirectional stretching characteristics similar to that of fresh umbilical artery, showing good elasticity and toughness. Conclusions Compared with water bath rewarming, magnetothermal method can effectively reduce the damage of rewarming stage, ensure the macroscopic, microscopic structure integrity of umbilical artery and better biomechanical properties. The research findings provide important references for cryopreservation of large tissues or organs such as umbilical artery.

Abstract:Objective To study the effect of non-self-similar hierarchy on fracture mechanical properties and crack propagation of the biocomposite. Methods The numerical models were established by using ABAQUS, and the stiffness and crack initiation and propagation in the biocomposite with the inclination angles between the axis of the prism and mineralized collagen fibrils θ=0°,20°,40°,60°,80° were simulated by extended finite element method. Results The inclination angle θ had limited influences on biocomposite stiffness at θ≤40°, while biocomposite stiffness decreased with θ at θ>40°. The ultimate tensile strain also increased at θ>40°. Asymmetry in the crack was also found during propagation of matrix surrounded-enhanced phases at θ>0°. The crack propagatation on one side of the long axis of the mineral crystal was relatively easier than that on the other side at θ>0°. Conclusions The non-uniform distributions of cracks were found in biological hard tissues arisen from the non-self-similar hierarchy. The non-uniform crystal arrangement in the biocomposite would result in local damage rather than catastrophic fracture. The findings of this study can provide theoretical support for material design.

Abstract:Objective The three-dimensional (3D) solid model of medulla oblongata-upper cervical spinal cord based on specimen pathological section data was established, and the stress and strain levels of medulla oblongata-upper cervical spinal cord under dentate process compression were obtained by finite element analysis, so as to provide references for clinical research. Methods Mimics was used to process the slice data, so as to establish the point cloud model. SolidWorks was used to locate, edit and optimize the point cloud model, so as to establish the 3D solid model. HyperMesh was used to establish the finite element model and ANSYS was used for finite element analysis. Results The medulla oblongata-upper cervical spinal cord model with clear boundary between gray matter and white matter and white matter fiber bundle was established. The stress and strain levels and stress-strain curves of white matter and gray matter under different compression degrees were obtained. Conclusions Combined with pathological sections of specimens and reverse engineering, the 3D medulla oblongata-upper cervical spinal cord model with clear morphology and structure of gray/white matter can be established. When the medulla oblongata-upper cervical spinal cord is compressed, the stress level of gray matter is lower than that of white matter, and about 20% of compression is the critical state of white matter. When the disease develops beyond the critical state, the biomechanical properties of white matter may fail, resulting in gray matter damage.

Abstract:Objective To study numerical model for calculating the insertion torque of bone screw. Methods The three stages of screw insertion process for the self-tapping screw were analyzed, so as to make mechanical modeling and simulation calculation on torque and torque angle at screw forming stage. Meanwhile, the insertion experiments of screws with specification of φ2.9×12 from three manufactures on polyurethane test blocks with different grades were performed according to ASTM F543-17(YY/T 1506-2016), and the experimental results were compared with the calculated ones. Results The deviations between the predicted insertion torque by the model and the measured torque in the experiments were 5 mN·m and 12 mN·m within the acceptable error range, which were 10% smaller than the average measured torque in the experiments. Conclusions The developed mechanical calculation model can be used to simulate and predict the insertion torque of medical bone screws in research and development or clinical use, and its combination with in vitro mechanical experiments provides an effective way of developing and designing bone screws.

Abstract:Objective To establish the finite element (FE) model of the anterior tibiofibular ligament injury by ankle fracture fixation, so as to compare the stress and deformation of the finite element model by using anchor-reinforced repair combined with screw fixation. Methods CT images of the ankle joint from a normal young male volunteer was selected to establish the FE model of the anterior tibiofibular joint injury by ankle fracture fixation. The injury models were divided into experimental group and control group, which were fixed by anchors or screws, respectively. The maximum stress distributions and the maximum deformation of the two models under various load conditions were observed through the FE analysis and calculation. Results Under the vertical load, the deformation of the experimental group was 6.8% higher than that of the control group. The deformation increased by 22.6% under external rotation load, while the deformation decreased by 5.1% under internal rotation load. Under the same load, differences in the maximum peak stress on the model between the control group and the experimental group was not significant. Due to the anchor fixation, the maximum stress of the experimental group were borne by the screw that fixed the distal tibial fracture, while the maximum stress of the control group was borne by strong fixation of the steel plate and the inferior tibiofibular screw. The maximum stresses on the anchor were distributed on the screw, and the suture mainly played the role of fixing. Conclusions The lower tibiofibular screw and anchor fixation could effectively treat the tibiofibular instability left by ankle fracture fixation. The anchor fixation dispersed the stress on the steel plate, and it showed greater ankle joint deformation ability while fixing the lower tibiofibula, so as to avoid the risk of broken nails.

Abstract:Objective To analyze the biomechanical feasibility of two-point fixation by distal radius plate for the treatment of SandersⅢ calcaneal fractures. Methods The three-dimensional (3D) finite element musculoskeletal foot model was established based on CT and MRI images, which comprised bones, muscles, plantar fascia, ligaments and soft tissues. After validation, the SandersⅢ calcaneal fracture models fixed by distal radial plate (two-point fixation) and calcaneal plate (three-point fixation) were established, so as to compare the biomechanical characteristics of two calcaneal models. Results The maximum stress of the two-point fixation and three-point fixation model was 324.70 and 407.90 MPa, respectively. The maximum displacements of the two models were 2.498 and 2.541 mm, respectively. There was no significant difference in the posterior articular surface displacement between the two models. In both models, the Bohler’s angle and Gissane’s angle were within the normal range. Conclusions The two-point fixation by distal radial plate can satisfy the biomechanical stability of calcaneal fracture treatment. Compared with traditional steel plate, the two-point fixation shows the advantage of smaller surgical trauma, more uniform overall stress distribution, early weight-bearing rehabilitation after surgery, which is a novel treatment recommended for treating calcaneal fractures.

Abstract:Objective To evaluate biomechanical strength of locking compression plate (LCP) for fixation of periprosthetic proximal femur fractures (PPFF). Methods Eight matched pairs of Vancouver type B1 adult cadaveric PPFF specimens were fixed with the LCP and the inverted distal femoral less invasive stabilization system (LISS), respectively. Four bicortical locking screws (LCP group) and four unicortical locking screws were used to the length of prosthesis stem, and four double cortical locking screws were used to fix the distal end of the fracture in two groups, the distance from the locking screws to the fracture were also equal. The maximum bending load, maximum bending displacement, bending stiffness, maximum torque, maximum torsional angle and torsional stiffness of two groups in four-point bending test and torsion test were compared and analyzed. Results The maximum bending load, maximum bending displacement and bending stiffness of LCP group were all larger than those of LISS group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The maximum torque, maximum torsional angle and torsional stiffness of LCP group were obviously larger than those of LISS group，and there was a statistical difference between two groups (P<0.05). Conclusions The stiffness of anti-torsion with LCP is significantly better than that with LISS. Consequently, LCP has better biomechanical stability for PPFF.

Abstract:Objective To study the hardness properties of pig esophageal at the nanoscale using atomic force microscope (AFM). Methods The porcine esophagus was chosen as experimental sample to study the hardness properties of esophageal tissues at different loading rates, deflection and dwell time with AFM. Results The hardness of esophageal tissues at the nanoscale was strongly correlated with the loading rate and the deflection, which increased with the increasing loading rate and decreased with the increasing deflection of cantilever. The difference in the hardness was associated with the viscoelasticity and viscoplasticity of esophageal tissues, including contact stress, energy transition and strain plastic gradient. Conclusions The experimental results have important significance for clinical diagnosis, surgical operation and artificial material development, and reveal the changing patterns for mechanical properties of the esophageal tissues at the microscale.

Abstract:Objective To analyze the influence of different materials on thermal stress field of the bipolar high-frequency electric knife. Methods The electric-thermal coupling simulation analysis was performed for thermal stress field in working process of the bipolar high-frequency electric knife. The influence patterns for 4 kinds of insulating layer materials 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, 317 stainless steel, Ti6Al4V and 4 kinds of electrode materials polypropylene (PP), polyamide-6 (PA6), polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) on thermal stress field and thermal deformation field of insulating layer, electrode and coating of bipolar high-frequency electric knife and myocardial tissues were studied. Results The thermal deformation of myocardial tissues was much higher than that of the components of high-frequency electric knife in period of 2 s for continuous power. In terms of myocardial tissue protection, 304 stainless steel was the best electrode material for high-frequency electric knife. For choosing PP as the insulating layer material, thermal deformation of myocardial tissues caused by thermal stress was the smallest, which could better maintain the integrity of myocardial tissues. Conclusions The manufacturing materials of high-frequency electric knife have an important influence on thermal stress field in its working process. The regularity analysis results can provide guidance for the development of high-frequency electric knife.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the role of Power Arm in en-masse retraction of maxillary anterior teeth using clear aligner (CA) and micro-implant anchorage (MIA). Methods The three-dimensional (3D) model of maxillary anterior teeth by combined use of CA and MIA was established, and the 6 mm-height Power Arm, was attached to the canine or appliance. The initial displacement and the maximum von Mises stress of periodontal ligament under three loading conditions were analyzed, namely the force was loaded by CA+150 g retraction force at canine, CA+150 g retraction force on Power Arm at appliance, CA+150 g retraction force on Power Arm at canine. Results In sagittal direction, the crown and root displacement difference of maxillary central incisor was 129, 129, 133 μm，respectively. The crown displacement of the maxillary first molar was -23.3, -23.5, -26.8 μm, respectively. The maximum von Mises stress of periodontal ligament in central incisor was 48.4, 72.6, 40.0 kPa, respectively, and that of the first molar was 5.3, 10.5, 5.8 kPa, respectively. Conclusions It can not be testified that retraction of the 6 mm-height Power Arm at canine or appliance with 5 mm-height mini-screw has more advantages than retraction of the canine directly for more favorably controlling the torque of incisors, saving anchorage of posterior teeth and decreasing von Mises stress of the periodontal ligament.

Abstract:Objective To investigate biomechanical properties of personalized titanium root-analogue implants with porous surface, so as to provide theoretical basis for the design and clinical implantation of such implants. Methods Based on CT data, the personalized model of root-analogue implant with porous surface was designed by using 3-matic software, and after registering it with the mandible model, the mesh was divided and material parameters were attributed. The implant was applied with 200 N loading, and the maximum stress of the implant and the stress and strain of the bone around the implant were analyzed. An appropriate clinical case was selected and the implant was implanted immediately after tooth extraction for conducting clinical evaluation. Results The peak stress of the personalized root-analogue implant with porous surface was mainly concentrated on the interface between the solid structure and the porous structure of the implant. The maximum stresses of the solid structure and porous structure were 137.710 and 37.008 MPa, respectively, which were smaller than its yield strength. The three-dimensional (3D) printed porous root-analogue implants had good initial stability immediately after implantation, with minimal trauma and similar mechanical transmission to natural teeth. This simplified the surgical process, shortened the treatment time, and had high patient satisfaction. Conclusions The 3D printed root-analogue implant with porous surface explores a new method for immediate implantation after tooth extraction.

Abstract:Objective To analyze the relationship between scar uterine stress and scar thickness/position by using finite element method, so as to study risk factors of scar uterus rupture. Methods Firstly, SolidWorks was used to establish a three-dimensional (3D) model of the uterus with variable scar thickness and position based on uterine size of the pregnant woman at 40th week of gestation, and then the intrauterine pressure was set in the ANSYS software with pressure range of 4.83-23.9 kPa to calculate the uterine stress. Results During the contraction process, the maximum stress was located in uterine scar, the maximum stress on the uterus with scar thickness smaller than 3 mm was greater than tensile strength of the uterus; 3 mm was used as thickness limit of the lower uterine body. If the thickness was smaller than 3 mm, cesarean section should be selected immediately. Otherwise, transvaginal delivery could be selected. When the scar thickness was 3.0 mm, the maximum stress experienced by the uterus decreased at first and then increased with the distance from the uterine floor increasing. The stress at the uterine scar was the smallest when the distance from the uterine floor was 295 mm; when the scar was 285-305 mm from the uterine floor, the ultimate stress on the scar was smaller than its tensile strength, and it was safer to choose a vaginal delivery. Conclusions Risk factors of scar uterine rupture were studied based on ANSYS finite element analysis. The analysis results were consistent with the clinical data, which provided analysis method and theoretical guidance for the choice of delivery method in clinic.

Abstract:Objective To establish the three-dimensional (3D) statistical shape model (SSM) of the foot, so as to reveal the 3D foot shape variations. Methods Foot data from 50 normal Chinese young males were used for 3D statistical shape modelling. Steps, including mesh registration of foot surface, axis alignment and principal component (PC) analysis (dimension reduction), were performed to obtain the parameterized foot shape (mean shape and standard deviation of PC). Results Through the principal component analysis (PCA), the 3D foot shape varied in the length and width (PC1, 48.01%), arch and dorsal height (PC2, 11.38%), and hallux abduction-adduction position (PC3, 7.48%). Conclusions Based on the parameterised 3D foot SSM, these datasets can be applied into the population-based shoe last manufacture, orthotics customization and quick diagnosis of foot disorders in clinic.

Abstract:Objective To propose a quick and low-cost personalized diabetic foot modeling and insole design scheme, so as to reduce the plantar pressure accurately. Methods The foot model of the patient was constructed by scaling the model with foot feature parameters, to make biomechanical analysis on plantar pressure. By means of numerical mapping model of insole elasticity and plantar pressure, the three-dimensional (3D) personalized insole model with gradient modulus was constructed. The insole was then manufactured via 3D printing technology and used for experimental validation. Results The related mechanical parameters from finite element prediction of the foot model constructed by the scaling modeling method were close to those of the CT reconstructed model, and the maximum error was controlled within 15%. Compared with wearing the normal insole, the peak pressure of the personalized insole was effectively reduced by 20%. The time and economic cost of this simplified design was reduced by approximately 90%. Conclusions The design scheme of the diabetes insole shortens the design cycle, and the personalized insole can effectively and accurately reduce the sole pressure, and reduce the risk of foot ulcer, which provides a technical basis for the promotion of the personalized diabetes insole.

Abstract:Objective To study the influence of different trajectories of 3-PH/R ankle rehabilitation robot on joints and muscles. Methods The 3-PH/R ankle rehabilitation robot was simplified and imported into biomechanical modeling software by analyzing the kinematics principles. Using the actual motion trajectory of ankle rehabilitation robot as model driving, the joint and muscle forces were compared under three different trajectories, namely, dorsiflexion/plantarflexion, inversion/eversion and nutation. The correlation analysis on three motion trajectories was conducted. Results Nutation could satisfy the function of both plantar dorsiflexion/plantarflexion, and inversion/eversion, and made the ankle muscles fully exercised. The maximum difference in joint force under three different rehabilitation trajectories was 0.3 N. Different muscles had different sensitivity to trajectories. Conclusions The continuous dynamic analysis of muscle force and joint force under three kinds of rehabilitation trajectories was implemented. The results have certain theoretical significance and clinical reference value for the clinical application of ankle rehabilitation robot and the formulation of rehabilitation trajectory.

Abstract:Objective To develop a method for monitoring unconstrained sleep respiration suitable for daily use at home, so as to realize high precision screening of sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) or other respiratory diseases without affecting normal sleep. Methods A new unconstrained measurement method using sheet-type flexible pressure sensor was proposed. This method could obtain the information of respiratory motions of the chest and abdomen by measuring the pressure fluctuations of the chest and abdomen acting on the mattress. Experiments were conducted on ten healthy subjects to confirm effectiveness of the proposed method by comparing the result of the unconstrained measurement and those of respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) using band sensors, respectively. Results Sheet-type flexible pressure sensor could measure the pressure fluctuations of the chest and abdomen acting on the mattress during respiration and obtain respiratory waveform and respiratory rate. The respiratory rate measured with the sheet-type flexible pressure sensor agreed with those obtained by RIP. The gender and the lying position greatly affected whether the phases of the pressure fluctuations of the chest and abdomen measured with the flexible sensor differed from those obtained by RIP. The chest respiratory finite element model was established to analyze the phase difference of respiratory movement. Conclusions Sheet-type flexible pressure sensor is effective to monitor unconstrained sleep respiration, indicating the potential to identify the SAS types. But further researches of motion decoupling are required to identify the phase difference between the chest motion and the abdomen motion, which are coupled with each other.

Abstract:Objective To explore the correlation between foot morphology and toe/metatarsophalangeal joint muscle strength. Methods Twenty-six male recreational runners were recruited. Foot length, truncated foot length, foot width, navicular height, dorsum height at 50% of the foot length, metatarsophalangeal joint strength, tensile force of the first and remaining four toes were measured by using digital caliper, metatarsophalangeal joint strength tester and dynameter, respectively. Partial correlations were used to analyze the correlation between foot morphology and foot muscle strength. ResultsWith adjusted age and body mass index (BMI), the foot width in standing position and truncated foot length in sitting and standing position were positively correlated to tensile force of the first toe; the foot length, foot width and truncated foot length were positively correlated to tensile force of the remaining four toes in both positions, and the arch height index in sitting position was negatively associated with tensile force of the remaining four toes; the foot width was positively correlated to metatarsophalangeal joint strength in both positions. Conclusions The longer foot length, foot width, truncated foot length, and the lower arch height in normal range might be related to the larger foot muscle strength. The consideration of the differences in foot morphological characteristics in different positions during the measurement of foot morphology can provide references for predicting foot muscle strength and preventing foot injury.

Abstract:Objective To study the characteristics of neural adaptation for resistance training of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of muscles at different joint angles. Methods Thirty healthy male college students were randomly divided into 3 groups, and each group was subjected to MVC isometric contraction resistance training at elbow joint angles of 45°, 90°, and 135°. Surface electromyography (sEMG) signals of the biceps brachii were measured before and after training, and the root mean square (RMS) and median frequency (MF) of the sEMG signals were also analyzed. ResultsThere were significant differences in normalized RMS of sEMG for the biceps brachii before and after training at 45°, 90°, and 135° elbow joints. Comparison of the RMS between different angles after training showed that 45° was significantly different from 90° and 135°. There were no significant differences between 90° and 135°. After training, no significant differences were found in normalized MF at all angles. Conclusions The RMS of sEMG shows angle-specific changes, while the MF of sEMG does not have angle-specific changes. When the biceps brachii is at the middle and large elbow joint angles, the neural adaptation effect produced by isometric resistance training is better.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the dependency of thermal expansion coefficient of DNA adsorption film on environmental conditions. Methods By treating DNA adsorption film as a macroscopic continuum film with prestrain, an equivalent composite beam model of DNA film-substrate was established to calculate the deflection of DNA-microcantilever beam under temperature loading. By adopting Parsegian’s empirical potential which described the mesoscopic free energy of DNA adsorption film, the DNA liquid crystal-substrate multi-scale deflection model, the thought experiment method and the equivalent deformation method were combined to establish the trans-scale relationship between the microstructure of DNA adsorption film and its macro-scale mechanical properties. The thermal expansion coefficient of DNA adsorption film was predicted. ResultsGiven the ionic strength, the thermal expansion coefficient of double-stranded DNA adsorption film ranged from 0.3×10-4/K to 8.05×10-4/K, and that of single-stranded DNA adsorption film ranged from 1.28×10-4/K to 9.33×10-4/K. Conclusions As a leading role in the competition of micro-interactions, the change of configurational entropy determines the dependency of thermal expansion coefficient of DNA adsorption film on environmental conditions; the thermal expansion coefficient of DNA adsorption film decreases with the increase of temperature or ion concentration or DNA packing density. These results are useful for gene detection and its regulation, and provide reference for the evaluation of tissue organ performance in tissue engineering.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the synergistic effects of pathologically elevated cyclic stretch and platelet-derived microvesicles (PMVs) on migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and the potential role of calcium in this process. Methods The FX-5000T strain loading system was used to apply cyclic stretch to VSMCs with magnitudes of 5% and 15%, which simulated physiological and hypertensive situation respectively in vitro; wound healing assay was used to analyze VSMCs migration; Ca2+-free medium was used to remove extracellular calcium; 2-APB (an antagonist of IP3R) was used to inhibit the release of intercellular stored calcium; GSK219 (an antagonist of TRPV4) and Nifedipine (an inhibitor of L-type voltage-gated calcium channel) were applied to block the activity of respective calcium channel; thrombin was used to stimulate platelets in vitro which simulated the hypertensive activation of PMVs in vivo. ResultsCompared with 5% cyclic stretch, 15% cyclic stretch significantly promoted VSMC migration. Removal of extracellular calcium inhibited VSMCs migration, but the application of GSK219 and Nifedipine did not affect the migration up-regulated by 15% cyclic stretch; while 2-APB which inhibited the release of intracellular stored calcium could also repress VSMCs migration under 15% cyclic stretch. PMVs further promoted VSMC migration under 15% cyclic stretch condition, and both extracellular calcium and intercellular stored calcium were involved in this process. Conclusions Both intracellular and extracellular calcium play important roles in VSMC migration induced by 15% cyclic stretch, and PMVs synergistically participate in the above process. The study is aimed to provide new mechanobiological insights into the molecular mechanism and clinical targets of vascular remodeling in hypertension.

Abstract:Invasive neural electrodes promote human understanding of neuroscience to the micrometer and millisecond scale. Due to the large mechanical mismatch between traditional rigid electrodes and soft brain tissues, flexible electrodes have become the new trend of neural electrodes. The flexibility of the neural electrode reduces the immune response while losing the implantation stiffness. The implantation mechanism of the neural electrode was reviewed and current researches on the implantation strategies of the flexible electrodes were summarized, so as to help solve the loss of implantation ability of flexible electrode and acute implantation injury. Based on the characteristics of various implantation strategies, the prospect of flexible electrode implantation strategies was proposed.

Abstract:Biliary stent is an effective method for treating malignant biliary obstruction. However, duodenobiliary reflux is commonly found after conventional biliary stent, which causes complications such as biliary retrograde infection and stent blockage, and seriously reduces the quality of patients’ life. At present, anti-reflux biliary stent is considered as a promising palliative treatment method taking drainage and preventing duodenobiliary reflux into account. In this paper, research status of anti-reflux biliary stent was reviewed, and key problems such as design and evaluation of anti-reflux valve, valve and stent connection design, biomechanical analysis of anti-reflux biliary stent were mainly summarized. The current research progress and trend of anti-reflux biliary stent were summarized and analyzed.

Abstract:Micro-ribonucleic acid(miRNA) is a kind of non-coding single-stranded RNA, which can regulate the expression of genetic information by inhibiting mRNA translation of the target gene and participate in the occurrence and development of a variety of biological processes in vivo. miRNAs also take part in inflammatory diseases and tissue remodeling induced by mechanical forces. Mechanosensitive cells in periodontal tissue can lead to pathological/physiological changes such as periodontal inflammatory response and periodontal remodeling. miRNAs might have played important roles in the occurrence and development of force-related periodontal inflammatory diseases and tissue remodeling, by inhibiting the translation of specific genes in these cells. This article reviews the roles of miRNAs in force-related inflammatory response and tissue remodeling, especially in periodontal inflammatory response and tissue remodeling.