Lucy Wanjiru Njunge¹, Andreanne Poppy Estania¹, Li Yang^1,*

Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, Vol.16, Suppl.2, pp. 94-94, 2019, DOI:10.32604/mcb.2019.07116

Abstract Mechanical stimulation contributes to the development, homeostasis, integrity and functionality of the articular cartilage by modulating several cellular activities including production and remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM), chondrocyte differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. On the other hand, abnormal mechanical strain play a critical role in osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis by inducing ECM degradation and chondrocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, deleterious mechanical loading can also stimulates the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as interleukin 1β (IL-1β) that promote to cartilage degradation, chondrocyte hypertrophy and inflammation [1]. Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNPK), a member of the hnRNP family, is implicated in… More >

Runze Zhao¹, Tingting Xia¹, Mengyue Wang¹, Fan Feng¹, Wanqian Liu^1,*, Li Yang^1,*

Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, Vol.16, Suppl.2, pp. 77-77, 2019, DOI:10.32604/mcb.2019.07155

Abstract This study was focus on the exploring the therapeutic function of lysyl oxidase (LOX) in rat nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). To do this, a Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat caudal spine degeneration model was established by puncturing the Co5-6 disc. NP cells apoptosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) degeneration in IVDD were evaluated by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Hematoxylin-Eosin (H&E) and immunofluorescence. Then, the therapeutic effect of LOX on IVDD was evaluated by histological staining. In vitro, the regulator effect of LOX on degenerate rat NP cell was explored. ECM… More >

Gloria B. Kim^1,†, Qiong Wei^2,†, Virginia Aragon-Sanabria¹, Sulin Zhang², Jian Yang¹, Cheng Dong^1,*

Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, Vol.16, Suppl.2, pp. 15-15, 2019, DOI:10.32604/mcb.2019.07137

Abstract Most cells survive and grow by attaching and spreading on a substrate. They generate internal tension that contracts the cell body and thus exert tractions on the underlying substrate through focal adhesions. Traction force also plays a critical role in many biological processes, such as inflammation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Thus, measuring the cell traction force provides valuable information on understanding the underlying mechanism of these biological processes. Here, a traction force microscopy (TFM) method using super thin hydrogels composed of immobilized fluorescent beads was utilized to quantify the mechanical forces generated during the transmigration of… More >

Erik B. Kistler¹, Geert W. Schmid-Schönbein^2,*

Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, Vol.16, Suppl.2, pp. 8-8, 2019, DOI:10.32604/mcb.2019.07256

Abstract A longstanding question in research on organ failure after physiological shock (such as trauma, burns, sepsis, surgery and medical emergencies) is the underlying mechanism for a progressive loss of cell and tissue functions. Our systematic analysis of this problem has served to identify digestive enzymes as key players [1, 2]. After synthesis and discharge from the pancreas, the digestive enzymes are usually contained inside the lumen of the small intestine where they break down food every day. Escape of the digestive enzymes out of the lumen of the intestine is kept to a minimum by… More >

Zhi Zhang¹, Jianhua Tong^1,*

Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, Vol.16, Suppl.1, pp. 43-43, 2019, DOI:10.32604/mcb.2019.05721

Abstract Diabetes is a major risk factor to cause macrovascular diseases and plays a pivotal role in aortic wall remodeling. However, the effects of diabetes on elastic properties of aortas remain largely unknown. Thirty adult rabbits (1.6-2.2 kg) were collected and the type I diabetic rabbit model was induced by injection of alloxan. A total of 15 control and 15 diabetic rabbit (abdominal) aortas were harvested. Uniaxial and biaxial tensile tests were performed to measure ultimate tensile strength and to characterize biaxial mechanical behaviors of the aortas. A material model was fitted to the biaxial experimental… More >

Lu Huang¹, Juhui Qiu^1,*, Guixue Wang^1,*

Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, Vol.16, Suppl.1, pp. 33-34, 2019, DOI:10.32604/mcb.2019.05714

Abstract Oscillatory shear stress (OSS) is one of the major risk factors related to endothelial (EC) dysfunction, which contributes to atherosclerosis. Our previous study indicated that inhibitor of DNA binding 1 (Id1) plays vital role in the regulation of OSS mediated EC function related to atherosclerosis. However, the initiation mechanism during this process remains to be elucidated. Ten-eleven Translocation protein 1 alternative isoform (Tet1s) is a newly reported protein that may have function in adult tissue. Here, we investigate the role of Tet1s in regulating OSS mediated endothelial dysfunction and its underlying mechanism. First, physical interaction… More >

M. Noryani^{1, 3, 5}, S. M. Sapuan^{1, 2,*}, M. T. Mastura^{4, 5}, M. Y. M. Zuhri¹, E. S. Zainudin¹

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.7, No.11, pp. 1165-1179, 2019, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2019.07691 - 14 July 2021

Abstract Material selection has become a critical part of design for engineers, due to availability of diverse choice of materials that have similar properties and meet the product design specification. Implementation of statistical analysis alone makes it difficult to identify the ideal composition of the final composite. An integrated approach between statistical model and micromechanical model is desired. In this paper, resultant natural fibre and polymer matrix from previous study is used to estimate the mechanical properties such as density, Young’s modulus and tensile strength. Four levels of fibre loading are used to compare the optimum More >

Jiawei Chen¹, Haibei Xiong^1,*, Zhifang Wang¹, Linqing Yang²

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.7, No.11, pp. 1147-1164, 2019, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2019.07642

Abstract Wood and wood-based composite materials have gained increasing attention in the sustainable building industry because of their renewability and environmental friendliness. Oriented oblique strand lumber (Eucalyptus Strand Wood, ESWood), which is manufactured from fast-growing small diameter eucalyptus wood (Eucalyptus urophylla × E. grandis), is introduced in this paper. Small clear specimen tests were conducted to determine the mechanical properties of ESWood material while full-scale component tests were performed to observe the structural performance of ESWood beams. A comparison of mechanical properties of ESWood with other wood/bamboo-based materials is then reported. From the results presented herein,… More >

T. Dipin¹, T. V. Jinitha¹, E. Purushothaman^1,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.7, No.11, pp. 1109-1119, 2019, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2019.07636 - 14 July 2021

Abstract The present work mainly focuses on the estimation of various components and the extraction of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) from non- wood sources like Country Almond/Badam shell through acid hydrolysis. This hydrolyzed MCC was successfully used as reinforcement for development of biocomposites. Country Almond/Badam trees are found all over Kerala, India and they give nuts once in a year. Usually the nut shells are discarded and are becoming one of the sources of agricultural waste. During this investigation various components were isolated from the Country Almond shells and they were characterised using different spectral and analytical… More >

María G. Passaretti^1,2,*, Mario D. Ninago^3,4, Cecilia I. Paulo⁵, Horacio A. Petit⁵, Edgardo F. Irassarc⁵, Daniel A. Vega⁶, Marcelo A. Villar^1,2, Olivia V. López¹

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.7, No.4, pp. 393-402, 2019, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2019.04281

Abstract Granite stone is a by-product of the rock crushing manufacturing. An industrial waste in powder form that causes health problems and environmental pollution. Fine particles fraction can be used as a partial replacement of sand in concrete manufacture. In this work, an alternative exploitation of this waste fraction is proposed. Granite sand (GS) with particles mean size of ~1 μm was employed as thermoplastic starch (TPS) filler at different concentrations. Biocomposites were obtained by melt-mixing and thermo-compression, achieving translucent and easy to handle films. A good GS dispersion within the matrix was evidenced by SEM. More >