Search

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex and dynamic three-dimensional network that functions as an architectural scaffold to maintain cardiac homeostasis. Important biochemical and mechanical signals associated with cell‒cell communication are provided via the reciprocal interaction between cells and the ECM. By converting mechanical cues into biochemical signals, the ECM regulates many cell processes, including migration, adhesion, growth, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Moreover, the ECM facilitates the replacement of dead cells and preserves the structural integrity of the heart, making it essential in conditions such as myocardial infarction and other pathological states. When excessive ECM deposition or abnormal production of ECM components occurs, the heart undergoes fibrosis, leading to cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. However, emerging evidence suggests that the ECM may contribute to heart regeneration following cardiac injury. The present review offers a complete overview of the existing information and novel discoveries regarding the involvement of the ECM in heart regeneration from both mechanical and biochemical perspectives. Understanding the ECM and its involvement in mechanotransduction holds significant potential for advancing therapeutic approaches in heart repair and regeneration.

Porous ceramics find extensive applications in aerospace and other fields, and the measurement of their electromagnetic parameters is helpful in optimization of material properties and device designs. In this paper, a free-space 8f quasi-optical measurement system consisting of a vector network analyzer, a 325–500 GHz frequency expansion module, and four off-axis parabolic mirrors have been established to measure the transmission parameter S21 of porous ceramics. The complex permittivity was extracted according to the Newton-Raphson iterative method utilizing its measured S21 parameters based on flat mode. The porous ceramics with different porosity and density were measured and the relationships between their permittivity and porosity and density was established, respectively. These results are beneficial to the quality evaluation and application design of porous ceramic materials in the aerospace field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]