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Sarcopenia poses a significant challenge to public health and can severely impact the quality of life of aging populations. Despite extensive efforts to study muscle degeneration using traditional animal models, there is still a lack of effective diagnostic tools, precise biomarkers, and treatments for sarcopenia. Zebrafish models have emerged as powerful tools in biomedical research, providing unique insights into age-related muscle disorders like sarcopenia. The advantages of using zebrafish models include their rapid growth outside of the embryo, optical transparency during early developmental stages, high reproductive potential, ease of husbandry, compact size, and genetic tractability. By deepening our understanding of the molecular processes underlying sarcopenia, we may develop novel diagnostic tools and effective treatments that can improve the lives of aging individuals affected by this condition. This review aims to explore the unique advantages of zebrafish as a model for sarcopenia research, highlight recent breakthroughs, outline potential avenues for future investigations, and emphasize the distinctive contributions that zebrafish models offer. Our research endeavors to contribute significantly to address the urgent need for practical solutions to reduce the impact of sarcopenia on aging populations, ultimately striving to enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death, with an increasing incidence of coronary heart disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. The significance of surgical interventions across cardiovascular conditions requires modern imaging modalities that better visualize the anatomy of the heart across different patient demographics, aiding in preprocedural planning and intraoperative procedures. We conducted a literature search in databases such as PubMed/Medline and ScienceDirect and included a comprehensive analysis of findings from articles in English related to three-dimensional (3D) printing in the anatomical visualization, preprocedural surgical planning, and therapeutic use for various cardiovascular conditions. With the incorporation of cardiac imaging techniques, 3D models can recapitulate the coronary vasculature to understand the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and thromboembolisms, as well as diving into its clinical applications in preoperative surgical planning and assisting in interventional procedures for congenital heart defects, valvular disorders, tachyarrhythmias, aneurysms, and cardiomyopathy. We also identified that the integration of scaffolds and biomaterial could assist in regenerative medicine alongside 3D printing and its applications in the treatment of coronary artery disease and ischemic heart conditions. Our review concludes that the literature surrounding 3D-printed models is promising but requires further investigations on its large-scale translational impact on patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brain-machine interface (BMI), a crucial conduit between the human brain and computers, holds transformative potential for various applications in neuroscience. This manuscript explores the role of micro-engineered neuronal networks (MNNs) in advancing BMI technologies and their therapeutic applications. As the interdisciplinary collaboration intensifies, the need for innovative and user-friendly BMI technologies becomes paramount. A comprehensive literature review sourced from reputable databases (PubMed Central, Medline, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar) aided in the foundation of the manuscript, emphasizing the pivotal role of MNNs. This study aims to synthesize and analyze the diverse facets of MNNs in the context of BMI technologies, contributing insights into neural processes, technological advancements, therapeutic potentials, and ethical considerations surrounding BMIs. MNNs, exemplified by dual-mode neural microelectrodes, offer a controlled platform for understanding complex neural processes. Through case studies, we showcase the pivotal role of MNNs in BMI innovation, addressing challenges, and paving the way for therapeutic applications. The integration of MNNs with BMI technologies marks a revolutionary stride in neuroscience, refining brain-computer interactions and offering therapeutic avenues for neurological disorders. Challenges, ethical considerations, and future trends in BMI research necessitate a balanced approach, leveraging interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure responsible and ethical advancements. Embracing the potential of MNNs is paramount for the betterment of individuals with neurological conditions and the broader community., Competing Interests: The author declared no conflicts of interest.Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed at the end of this article., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)