Preface: The First International Symposium on Biomechanics and Mechanobiology in Cardiovascular System

s of invited presentations Avril, S. (2019): Fluid structure interactions in ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 17-18. 4 MCB, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp.1-7, 2019 Fang, Y.; Wu, J. (2019): Some aspects in mechano-biology of platelet and leukocyte in blood flows. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 5-6. Jia H.; Yu, B. (2019): Role of intracoronary OCT in diagnosis and treatment of acute coronary syndrome. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 23-24. Li, Z. (2019): Atherosclerotic plaque rupture prediction: imaging-based computational simulation and multiphysical modelling. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 29-30. Liang, F.; Wang, T. (2019): Reliability and variability of hepatic venous pressure gradient as a surrogate of portal pressure gradient: insights from a computational modelbased study. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 25-26. Meng, Z.; Ma, T.; Wang, S.; Dong, Z.; Fu, W. (2019): Finite element analysis for type b aortic dissection treated with two types of stent grafts. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 19-21. Qin, K. (2019): Modulation of common carotid arterial function by exercise: a hemodynamics study. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 1314. Tan, P. M.; Buchholz, K. S.; Cao, S.; Aboelkassem, Y.; Omens, J. H. et al. (2019): Systems modeling of cardiomyocyte mechanobiology. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 13-14. Tang, D. (2019): Multi-modality image-based modeling approach for cardiovascular disease: simulation, assessment, prediction, and virtual surgery. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 11. Tu, S. (2019): Research and clinical applications of biomechanical analysis in optimization of coronary interventions. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 15-16. Wentzel, J. J. (2019): The role of shear stress in atherosclerotic plaque progression, destabilization and rupture. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 7-8. Wu, P.; Gao, Q.; Wei, R.; Wang, H.; Wang, L. (2019): On the image-based noninvasive diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 27-28. Yang, S.; Gong X.; Qi, Y.; Jiang, Z. (2019): An analytical investigation of in vivo mechanical references for mechanobiological experiments of vascular cells. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 9-10. The First International Symposium on Biomechanics and Mechanobiology 5 Abstracts of poster presentationss of poster presentations Chen, S.; Sari, C. R.; Segers, P.; Wang, G.; Ma, X. (2019): Papillary muscle related biomechanical properties of mitral valve chordae tendineae. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 69-70. Fan, L.; Yao, J.; Yang, C.; Xu, D.; Tang, D. (2019): Echo-based FSI models to simulate ventricular electrical signal conduction in pig pacemaker models. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 41. Feng, Y.; Liu, Y. (2019): Study on the influence of right atrial pressure on the numerical calculation of fractional flow reserve. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 31-32. Gao, Y.; Wang, M.; He, Y.; Li, L.; Cui, X. et al. (2019): The role of P35 in transdifferentiation of EPCs into smooth muscle cells induced by oscillatory shear stress. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 93. Guan, X.; Li, H.; Li, X.; Zhang, X.; Cui, X. et al. (2019): The role of autophagy in the differentiation of EPCs Induced by shear stress. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 91. Guo, M.; Cai, Y.; Li, Z. (2019): Neovascularization and intraplaque hemorrhage in atherosclerotic plaque destabilization-a mathematical model. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 91. Guo, X.; Tang, D.; Molony, D. S.; Yang, C.; Samady, H. et al. (2019): Predicting plaque progression using patient-specific fluid-structure-interaction models based on IVUS and OCT images with follow-up. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 75-76. Hou, Q.; Qiao, A. (2019): The effect of sinus diameter on the opening and closing performance of aortic valve under the expansion of aortic root. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 37. Huang, J.; Sun, C. (2019): Vascular deformation analysis based on in vivo intravascular optical coherence tomography imaging. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 67-68. Huang, L.; Qiu, J.; Wang, G. (2019): TET1 alternative isoform regulates oscillatory shear stress induced endothelial dysfunction. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 33-34. Huang, Y.; Pei, N.; Li, L.; Huo, Y. (2019): The effect of short-term exposure in PM0.1 on cardiac remodeling and dysfunction in myocardial infraction mice. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 47. Jia, J.; Sun, C. (2019): Vascular stress analysis during in vivo intravascular optical coherence tomography imaging. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 61-64. Jin, C.; Liu, Y. (2019): Influence of competitive flow caused by different stenosis on coronary artery bypass hemodynamics and PIV study. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 51-52. 6 MCB, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp.1-7, 2019 Li, C.; Yao, J.; Yang, C.; Xu, D.; Wang, L. et al. (2019): Biomechanical implications of bicuspid pulmonary valve dynamic deformation in patients with repaired tetralogy of fallot. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 77-78. Li, D.; Peng, L.; Wang, Y.; Yuan, D.; Zheng, T. (2019): The degree of question mark of aorta can predict the thrombosis rate in the false lumen of a type-B aortic dissection after TEVAR. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 39. Li, J.; He, Y.; Zhang, X.; Li, H.; Guan, X. et al. (2019): Effect and mechanism of Kir2.1 channel overexpression on transdifferentiation of endothelial progenitor cells. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 89. Liu, N.; Zhang, Y.; Ding, Y.; Li, H.; Guan, X. et al. (2019): High glucose reduces the shear stress-induced CD59 expression on EPCs through F-Actin alteration. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 87. Pei, N.; Li, L.; Huang, Y.; Huo, Y. (2019): Effect of ultrafine nano-zinc particles on cardiac structure and function in myocardial infarction rabbits. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 45. Peng K.; Cui, X.; Qiao, A.; Ohta, M.; Shimoyama, K. et al. (2019): Mechanical analysis of a novel biodegradable zinc alloy stent based on degradation model. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 53. Qiao, A. (2019): Approach to the flow rate distribution of coronary branches in the calculation of fractional flow reserve. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 35. Shen, X.; Zhu, H.; Ji, S.; Jiang, J.; Deng, Y. (2019): Finite element analysis of fatigue behavior of stent in tapered arteries. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 65. Wang, Q.; Tang, D.; Canton, G.; Wu, Z.; Hatsukami, T. S. et al. (2019): Using 3D thin-layer model with in vivo patient-specific vessel material properties to assess carotid atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 81-82. Xu, L.; Yin, L.; Liang, F. (2019): Comparison of aortic flow patterns in patients with and without aortic valve disease: hemodynamic simulation based on PCMRI and CTA data. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 71-72. Yin, Y.; He, C.; Xu, B.; Li, Z. (2019): Characterization of coronary atherosclerotic plaque composition based on convolutional neural network (CNN). Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 57. Yu, H.; del Nido, P. J.; Geva, T.; Yang, C.; Wu, Z. et al. (2019): Ventricle stress/strain comparison between models using different zero-loaddiastole and systole morphologies and models using only one zero-load morphologies. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 73-74. Zhang, C.; Guo, X.; Tang, D.; Molony, D. S.; Yang, C. et al. (2019): Automatic segmentation methods based on machine learning for intracoronary optical coherence tomography image. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 79-80. The First International Symposium on Biomechanics and Mechanobiology 7 Zhang, Y.; Wang, H.; Mai, Z.; Du, J.; Wu, G. (2019): The influence of enhanced external counterpulsation intervention on the biomechanical stress distribution of advanced plaque: a 3D FSI study based on in vivo animal experiment. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 85-86. Zhang, Z.; Jiang, C. (2019): Numerical simulation of the granulation tissue resection operation in human trachea. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 83-84. Zhang, Z.; Tong, J. (2019): Mechanical characterization and constitutive modeling of rabbit aortas in health and diabetes. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 43. Zhu, G.; Cai, W.; Yuan, Q.; Chen, L. (2019): Numerical investigation of the hemodynamics characteristics in coronary bifurcation region with different dual stent implantation techniques. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 59-60. Zhu, G.; Wei, Y.; Yuan, Q.; Yan, G.; Yang, J. (2019): Numerical investigation of the hemodynamic environment change in patient-specific intracranial aneurysm with progressive stenosis in unilateral internal carotid artery. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, vol. 16, supplemental 1, pp. 55-56. Bi

and development of atherosclerosis and intervening the potential attenuation of cardiovascular diseases. Professor Jonathan Golledge presented the research activities in the Queensland Research Centre for Peripheral Vascular Disease and emphasized their intention in translating research findings into improved management of aortic aneurysm and other peripheral vascular conditions. Professor Jianhua Wu summarized their research work in mechano-biology of platelet and leukocyte in blood flows and discussed the underlying biphasic force-dependent cellular and molecular activities [Fang and Wu (2019)]. Professor Jolanda Wentzel presented the research work by her group in the investigation of the role of (multidirectional) shear stress on plaque progression, destabilization and rupture at different stages of the atherosclerotic disease [Wentzel (2019)]. Professor Xiaobo Gong presented an analytical investigation of in vivo mechanical references for mechanobiological experiments of vascular cells and concluded that the mechanical niches of vascular cells strongly depend on the physiological site and aging process [Yang, Gong, Qi et al. (2019)]. Professor Dalin Tang discussed his recent research activities in multi-modality image-based modeling approach for cardiovascular disease in the aspects of simulation, assessment, prediction, and virtual surgery [Tang (2019)]. Professor Kairong Qin presented their work in the application of hemodynamic study in modulation of common carotid arterial function by excises and indicated that it may be feasible to choose reasonable exercise modalities to accurately modulate the hemodynamic variables, including blood pressure, blood flow and wall shear stress in carotid artery and then improve its structure and function [Qin  (2019)]. The workshop will play a significant role in linking researchers and integrating related disciplines together to tackle the challenging task: a better understanding of cardiovascular disease progression and development of novel tools in quantitative assessment of cardiovascular disease burden.

Competing interests:
Other than the grants listed in the acknowledgement section, the authors declare that they have no other competing interest.
Authors'contributions: All authors actively contributed to the research and the writing of the manuscript. ZYL and DT were guest editors for the special issue.

Biomechanics Laboratory of Southeast University
The Biomechanics Laboratory of Southeast University was founded by Prof. Zhi-Yong Li after he returned to China from University of Cambridge in 2010. The laboratory targets the clinical diagnostic demands of cardiovascular diseases, and aims to solve the key issues of biomechanical mechanism in the diseases by modeling patient's heart and vascular vessel based on medical images and in vivo / in vitro testing of the mechanical properties of the soft tissue, etc. The laboratory explores the development of the cardiovascular diseases with multi-crossed disciplinary knowledge including mechanics, biology, materials etc., and multi-dimensional methods including theory, numerical simulation, image processing, biological and mechanical experiments. The multifaceted model and in vivo / in vitro experiments help develop new methods for cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment.
At present, the laboratory has 2 professors (including 1 expert of national "thousand talents plan", 1 winner of "excellent youth"), 1 associate professor and 2 lecturers. In the past five years, the laboratory has hosted and undertaken more than 10 national and provincial scientific research projects and conducted a series of studies in the fields of early estimation of vulnerable plaques, aneurysm rupture risk, hemodynamics, angiogenesis, multi-scale mechanical modeling and biomechanical testing of biological materials. Relevant results have been published in Circulation, New England Journal of Medicine, Nature Review Cardiology, Journal of American College of Cardiology, Journal of Biomechanics and other international professional academic journals.