At present, the primary nutritional issue faced by China's oldest-old population is undernutrition, not the prevalence of either obesity or overweight conditions. A holistic approach encompassing healthy living, functional capacity, and the effective treatment of diseases can help decrease the incidence of undernutrition among the oldest-old.
A three-dimensional (3D) cell culture model is a system which co-cultivates carriers with three-dimensional structural materials and diverse cell types in vitro, mimicking the in vivo microenvironment. The in vivo natural system's characteristics have been successfully reproduced using this novel cell culture model. The processes of cell attachment, migration, mitosis, and apoptosis may elicit biological reactions that differ from those typically found in monolayer cell cultures. In light of this, it qualifies as an ideal model for evaluating the dynamic pharmacological effects of active agents and the dissemination of cancer cells. This paper presented a comparative study of cell growth and development attributes under 2D and 3D culture environments and outlined the method for creating a 3D cell model. A summary of the advancements in 3D cell culture technology's application to tumor models and intestinal absorption models was presented. The future prospects of using 3D cell models in the evaluation and selection process for active ingredients were finally revealed. This examination is expected to contribute to the development and use of innovative 3-dimensional cell culture systems.
Intravenously administered Metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG), a norepinephrine analog, quickly collects in sympathetic nerve endings. Noradrenergic neurons' transmitter uptake, storage, and release mechanisms directly influence the degree of accumulation. The extent of local myocardial sympathetic nerve damage is evaluated using 123I-MIBG myocardial imaging, a widely used technique in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous heart conditions. The application of 123I-MIBG in the diagnosis of degenerative nervous system conditions, particularly Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia, has been the subject of numerous studies in recent years, with some degree of success observed. Surgical lung biopsy This review comprehensively examines the present clinical applications of 123I-MIBG myocardial imaging in diagnosing Lewy body dementia, analyzes the associated imaging limitations, and explores potential future research paths. Clinicians can leverage this review for accurate and judicious implementation of this technology in the early diagnosis and differentiation of dementia.
The biodegradability of zinc (Zn) alloys, coupled with their good cytocompatibility and suitable degradation rate, makes them promising materials for clinical applications. DNA Repair inhibitor A review of degradable zinc alloys as bone implant materials includes a discussion of their mechanical properties. Various zinc alloys are examined, highlighting their benefits and drawbacks. The influence of different processing methods like alloying and additive manufacturing on the mechanical properties of zinc alloys is also scrutinized. Employing a systematic design approach, this paper investigates biodegradable zinc alloys for bone implants, including material selection, manufacturing procedures, structural optimization, and explores potential clinical applications.
Medical imaging via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is vital, yet its inherent scan duration, a direct consequence of its imaging mechanism, contributes to higher patient costs and longer wait times for the examination. Parallel imaging (PI), compressed sensing (CS), and other reconstruction strategies have been developed for the purpose of accelerating image acquisition. Although the image quality of PI and CS is influenced by the image reconstruction algorithms, these algorithms are unsatisfactory in terms of both image quality and the speed of reconstruction. Image reconstruction in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has seen a significant increase in the use of generative adversarial networks (GANs) in recent years due to their exceptional performance characteristics. This review consolidates recent advancements in GAN applications for MRI reconstruction across single- and multi-modal acceleration. We aim to offer a beneficial reference for researchers. regenerative medicine In conjunction with this, we investigated the characteristics and limitations of current technologies and anticipated future trajectories in this area.
China's population is aging rapidly, reaching a critical peak, leading to a significant rise in the need for advanced healthcare solutions tailored to the elderly. The metaverse, a fresh approach to internet-based social interaction, has unveiled limitless potential for use cases. This paper explores how the metaverse can be applied to medicine to address the challenge of cognitive decline among elderly individuals. The problems associated with the assessment and treatment of cognitive decline in elderly individuals were the focus of a thorough investigation. Introduction of the essential data required for a medical metaverse's development occurred. Additionally, the metaverse in medicine enables elderly users to perform self-monitoring, experience immersive self-healing and healthcare. Beyond that, we advocate that the metaverse in healthcare offers apparent benefits for the early prediction and diagnosis of diseases, the prevention of illness, the rehabilitation of patients, and the aid to those experiencing cognitive difficulties. Furthermore, the risks involved in its utilization were observed. Metaverse technology's integration into medicine offers a solution for the social communication challenges faced by the elderly in non-face-to-face settings, potentially revolutionizing the healthcare system's services and models for the senior population.
In the realm of advanced medical technology, brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) stand out, with their application predominantly focused on medicine. The trajectory of BCI development within medical contexts is investigated in this article, focusing on historical evolution and critical situations, encompassing research progression, technological innovation, clinical integration, product market analysis and projecting future directions using a combination of qualitative and quantitative assessments. Key research themes, as depicted in the results, comprise the processing and interpretation of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, the development and application of machine learning algorithms, and the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders. The technological highlights included hardware breakthroughs in electrode development, software advancements in EEG signal processing algorithms, and a broad range of medical applications, including rehabilitation and training therapies for stroke patients. Several brain-computer interfaces, both invasive and non-invasive, are actively being investigated. China and the United States are at the forefront of brain-computer interface (BCI) research and development, boasting a leading position worldwide and having secured approval for multiple non-invasive BCI technologies. BCIs will be employed in a wider selection of medical disciplines in the future. The progression of related products' development will change, moving from a singular approach to a more comprehensive, combined one. Miniaturized and wireless EEG signal acquisition devices represent a promising future development. The integration of brain and machine, through the flow of information and interaction, will spark the birth of brain-machine fusion intelligence. Undoubtedly, the critical ethical and safety aspects of BCIs will receive substantial attention, prompting a further development of relevant regulations and standards.
An atmospheric-pressure plasma excitation system was constructed to examine the impacts of plasma jet (PJ) and plasma activated water (PAW) on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) sterilization, contrasting their advantages and disadvantages. This serves to provide a foundation for plasma treatment of dental caries and to add to existing caries treatment options. The study investigated the effects of PJ and PAW on the sterilization rate of S. mutans, along with temperature and pH changes during treatment, under varying excitation voltage (Ue) and time (te). The PJ treatment demonstrated a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0007, d = 2.66) in S. mutans survival between the treatment and control groups when parameters were set at 7 kV and 60 seconds. Subsequent complete sterilization was observed in the PJ treatment, achieved at 8 kV and 120 seconds. A statistically significant difference in the survival rate of S. mutans was observed in the PAW treatment group compared to the control group (P = 0.0029, d = 1.71) under the conditions of 7 kV voltage and 30 seconds duration. Complete sterilization was attained by employing the PAW procedure with a voltage of 9 kV and a duration of 60 seconds. The monitoring of temperature and pH, as a result of PJ and PAW procedures, demonstrated that a maximum temperature increase of 43 degrees Celsius was observed. Conversely, a minimum pH decrease of 3.02 was registered following the PAW process. Ultimately, PJ sterilization benefits most from an applied voltage of 8 kV and a time duration between 90 and 120 seconds, exclusive of 120 seconds. PAW sterilization, however, is best achieved with a U e of 9 kV, and a time interval constrained between 30 and 60 seconds, exclusive of 60 seconds. Both treatment approaches effectively achieved non-thermal sterilization of S. mutans; PJ exhibited full sterilization with a reduced U e value while PAW demonstrated full sterilization with a shorter t e at a pH below 4.7, with the caveat of potential tooth damage from the acidic conditions. The plasma treatment of dental caries may find useful guidance in this study's findings.
Cardiovascular stenosis and blockages are often treated with vascular stent implantation, a popular interventional therapy. Traditional stent manufacturing methods, like laser cutting, prove complex and are ill-equipped for producing intricate structures like bifurcated stents. However, 3D printing technology presents a novel avenue for producing stents with intricate designs tailored for individual patients. Employing selective laser melting technology, this paper presents the design and printing of a cardiovascular stent from 316L stainless steel powder, particle sizes ranging from 0 to 10 microns.