Many pro-inflammatory pathways leading to arthritis have global effects on the immune system rather than only acting locally in joints. The reason behind the regional and patchy distribution of arthritis represents a longstanding paradox. Here we show that biomechanical loading acts as a decisive factor in the transition from systemic autoimmunity to joint inflammation. Distribution of inflammation and erosive disease is confined to mechano-sensitive regions with a unique microanatomy. Curiously, this pathway relies on stromal cells but not adaptive immunity. Mechano-stimulation of mesenchymal cells induces CXCL1 and CCL2 for the recruitment of classical monocytes, which can differentiate into bone-resorbing osteoclasts. Genetic ablation of CCL2 or pharmacologic targeting of its receptor CCR2 abates mechanically-induced exacerbation of arthritis, indicating that stress-induced chemokine release by mesenchymal cells and chemo-attraction of monocytes determines preferential homing of arthritis to certain hot spots. Thus, mechanical strain controls the site-specific localisation of inflammation and tissue damage in arthritis.
The present work describes for the first time the production of self-supporting low gelatin density (<10 w/v%) porous scaffolds using methacrylamide-modified gelatin as an extracellular matrix mimicking component. As porous scaffolds starting from low gelatin concentrations cannot be realized with the conventional additive manufacturing techniques in the abscence of additives, we applied an indirect fused deposition modelling approach. To realize this, we have printed a sacrificial polyester scaffold which supported the hydrogel material during UV crosslinking, thereby preventing hydrogel structure collapse. After complete curing, the polyester scaffold was selectively dissolved leaving behind a porous, interconnective low density gelatin scaffold. Scaffold structural analysis indicated the success of the selected indirect additive manufacturing approach. Physico-chemical testing revealed scaffold properties (mechanical, degradation, swelling) to depend on the applied gelatin concentration and methacrylamide content. Preliminary biocompatibility studies revealed the cell-interactive and biocompatible properties of the materials developed.
In X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) each voxel of the reconstructed image contains a calculated grey value which represents the linear attenuation coefficient for the materials in that voxel. Conventional laboratory based CT scanners use polychromatic X-ray sources and integrating detectors with an energy dependent efficiency. Consequently the reconstructed attenuation coefficients will depend on the spectrum of the source and the spectral sensitivity of the detector. Beam hardening will alter the spectrum significantly as the beam propagates through the sample. Therefore, sample composition and shape will affect the reconstructed attenuation coefficients as well. A polychromatic projection simulator has been developed at the "Centre for X-ray Tomography" of the Ghent University (UGCT) which takes into account the aforementioned variables, allowing for complete and realistic simulations of CT scans for a wide range of geometrical setups. Monte Carlo simulations of the X-ray tubes and detectors were performed to model their spectral behaviour. In this paper, the implementation and features of the program are discussed. Simulated and real CT scans are compared to demonstrate the quantitative correctness of the simulations. Experiments performed at two different UGCT scanners yield a maximum deviation of 3.9% and 6.5% respectively, between the measured and simulated reconstructed attenuation coefficients.
Mice raised in experimental habitats containing an artificial network of narrow "arboreal" supports frequently use hallucal grasps during locomotion. Therefore, mice in these experiments can be used to model a rudimentary form of arboreal locomotion in an animal without other morphological specializations for using a fine branch niche. This model would prove useful to better understand the origins of arboreal behaviors in mammals like primates. In this study, we examined if locomotion on these substrates influences the mid-diaphyseal cross-sectional geometry of mouse metatarsals. Thirty CD-1/ICR mice were raised in either arboreal (composed of elevated narrow branches of varying orientation) or terrestrial (flat ramps and walkways that are stratified) habitats from weaning (21 days) to adulthood (≥4 months). After experiments, the hallucal metatarsal (Mt1) and third metatarsal (Mt3) for each individual were isolated and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scans were obtained to calculate mid-shaft cross-sectional area and polar section modulus. Arboreal mice had Mt1s that were significantly more robust. Mt3 cross sections were not significantly different between groups. The arboreal group also exhibited a significantly greater Mt1/Mt3 ratio for both robusticity measures. We conclude that the hallucal metatarsal exhibits significant phenotypic plasticity in response to arboreal treatment due to habitual locomotion that uses a rudimentary hallucal grasp. Our results support the hypothesis that early adaptive stages of fine branch arboreality should be accompanied by a slightly more robust hallux associated with the biomechanical demands of this niche.
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