Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting for Pacemaker Applications: Current State-of-the-Art, Materials, Design, and Alternative Technologies.

Implantable cardiac pacemakers are small medical devices surgically inserted into the chest to control abnormal heart rhythms. At present, commercial pacemakers are battery-operated and lack a self-charging mechanism. Utilizing a self-powered pacemaker can extend their functional lifespan inside the body and reduce the need for high-risk repeat surgeries.

Epidemiological investigation and analysis of the genetic evolution of duck circovirus in China, 2022.

Duck circovirus (DuCV) infection is an immunosuppressive disease that affects ducks and causes severe damage to their immune system. To elucidate the epidemiological characteristics of DuCV infection in China, a total of 2944 waterfowl samples were collected from 17 provinces from January to October 2022, and 612 DuCV-positive samples were identified. A descriptive statistical analysis was subsequently conducted.

Comparison of short-and long-term outcomes between endovascular and open repair for descending thoracic aortic aneurysm: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of endovascular versus open repair for the treatment of patients with descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (DTAA).

Methods: A systematic search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for relevant studies was performed. Outcome data, including postoperative mortality and morbidity, operative details, all-cause survival, freedom from aortic-related survival and freedom from aortic-related re-intervention, were independently extracted by two authors in a standardized way.

GABRG2 mutations in genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus: structure, roles, and molecular genetics.

Genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) is a genetic epilepsy syndrome characterized by a marked hereditary tendency inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Patients with GEFS+ may develop typical febrile seizures (FS), while generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCSs) with fever commonly occur between 3 months and 6 years of age, which is generally followed by febrile seizure plus (FS+), with or without absence seizures, focal seizures, or GTCSs. GEFS+ exhibits significant genetic heterogeneity, with polymerase chain reaction, exon sequencing, and single nucleotide polymorphism analyses all showing that the occurrence of GEFS+ is mainly related to mutations in the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor gamma 2 subunit (GABRG2) gene.

Development and application of a cycleave dual-probe fluorescence quantitative PCR method for simultaneous detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum ts-11 vaccine strain and non-ts-11 strains.

An attenuated vaccine against the Mycoplasma gallisepticum ts-11 strain has become an effective prevention and control method against MG infection. However, the ts-11 strain is usually difficult to distinguish from the non-ts-11 strain (including field isolates and other vaccine strains (F and 6/85)). Therefore, it is critical to establish a rapid and effective method to distinguish ts-11 strains from non-ts-11 strains.

Novel binary regulated silicon-carbon materials as high-performance anodes for lithium-ion batteries.

The massive volume dilation, unsteady solid electrolyte interphase, and weak conductivity about Si have failed to bring it to practical applications, although its potential capacity is up to 4200 mAh g. For solving these problems, novel binary regulated silicon-carbon materials (Si/BPC) were done by a sol-gel procedure combined with single carbonization. Analytical techniques were systematically utilized to examine the effects of element doping at several gradients on morphology, structure and electrochemical properties of composites, thus the optimal content was identified.

Copolyester toughened poly(lactic acid) biodegradable material prepared by formation of polyethylene glycol and citric acid.

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a high-modulus, high-strength bio-based thermoplastic polyester with good biodegradability, which is currently a promising environmentally friendly material. However, its inherent brittleness has hindered its widespread use. In this study, we reported a simple and non-toxic strategy for toughening PLA, using biodegradable materials such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) and citric acid (CA) as precursors.

Long noncoding RNA TFAP2A-AS1 exerts promotive effects in non-small cell lung cancer progression via controlling the microRNA-548a-3p/CDK4 axis as a competitive endogenous RNA.

In this study, we mainly focus on probing expression profile and detailed functions of long non-coding RNA TFAP2A antisense RNA 1 (TFAP2A-AS1) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Moreover, the mechanisms played by TFAP2A-AS1 were unraveled comprehensively. Herein, a notable overexpressed TFAP2A-AS1 in NSCLC was observed by TCGA and our own cohort.

Long noncoding RNA TFAP2A AS1 exerts promotive effects in non small cell lung cancer progression via controlling the microRNA 548a 3p/CDK4 axis.

In this study, we mainly focus on probing expression profile and detailed functions of long non coding RNA TFAP2A antisense RNA 1 (TFAP2A AS1) in non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Moreover, the mechanisms played by TFAP2A AS1 were unraveled comprehensively. Herein, a notable overexpressed TFAP2A AS1 in NSCLC was observed by TCGA and our own cohort.

Zinc finger protein 384 enhances colorectal cancer metastasis by upregulating MMP2.

Zinc finger proteins (ZNFs) serve key roles in tumor formation and progression; however, the functions and underlying mechanisms of dysregulated ZNF384 in colorectal cancer (CRC) are yet to be fully elucidated. Therefore, the present study initially aimed to investigate the expression levels of ZNF384 in CRC samples. Moreover, lentiviral ZNF384 overexpression and ZNF384 knockdown models were established in CRC cells.

Role of MRI‑based radiomics in locally advanced rectal cancer (Review).

Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer, with high morbidity and mortality rates. In particular, locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is difficult to treat and has a high recurrence rate. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) is one of the standard treatment programs of LARC.

MicroRNA-23b-3p targets non-SMC condensing I complex subunit G to promote proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells via regulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of malignancy worldwide and has a poor prognosis. Non-SMC condensing I complex subunit G (NCAPG) has been reported to be upregulated in numerous types of malignant tumor. However, to the best of our knowledge, its clinicopathological and biological significance in CRC remain to be elucidated.

Highly Efficient SO Sensing by Light-Assisted Ag/PANI/SnO at Room Temperature and the Sensing Mechanism.

Sulfur dioxide (SO) is one of the most hazardous and common environmental pollutants. However, the development of room-temperature SO sensors is seriously lagging behind that of other toxic gas sensors due to their poor recovery properties. In this study, a light-assisted SO gas sensor based on polyaniline (PANI) and Ag nanoparticle-comodified tin dioxide nanostructures (Ag/PANI/SnO) was developed and exhibited remarkable SO sensitivity and excellent recovery properties.

Glutamate receptor, ionotropic, N‑methyl D‑aspartate‑associated protein 1 promotes colorectal cancer cell proliferation and metastasis, and is negatively regulated by miR‑296‑3p.

N‑methyl D‑aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are closely associated with the development, growth and metastasis of cancer. Glutamate receptor, ionotropic, N‑methyl D‑aspartate‑associated protein 1 (GRINA) is a member of the of the NMDAR family, and its aberrant expression is associated with gastric cancer. However, the role of GRINA in colorectal cancer (CRC) is not completely understood.

Cytochrome C Oxidase Assembly Factor 1 Homolog Predicts Poor Prognosis and Promotes Cell Proliferation in Colorectal Cancer by Regulating PI3K/AKT Signaling.

Purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies in the world. The prognosis of advanced CRC is still poor. The purpose of this study was to identify a gene expression profile associated with CRC that may contribute to the early diagnosis of CRC and improve patient prognosis.

Negative effects of long-term moderate salinity and short-term drought stress on the photosynthetic performance of Hybrid Pennisetum.

Plants are always suffering periods of soil water deficit and sustained soil salinity during their life cycle. Unraveling the mechanisms underpinning the responses of plants, especially the photosynthesis, to drought, salinity, and co-occurring stresses is critical for both the protection of natural vegetation and the stabilization of crop production. To better understand the downregulation of photosynthetic capability induced by soil salinity and drought, gas exchange parameters, leaf pigment contents, and chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence transients were analyzed in leaves of Hybrid Pennisetum.

Explaining the influence of the introduced base sites into alkali oxide modified CsX towards side-chain alkylation of toluene with methanol.

The effect of the introduced base sites in CsX with alkali oxide modification towards side-chain alkylation of toluene with methanol was systematically investigated in the present work. A series of alkali oxide modified CsX with a base properties (base strength and amount) gradient were prepared by impregnating CsX with alkali metal hydroxide. Here, CsX with different base strengths were selected as the parent zeolite, which is favorable to clarify the different types of base site in the modified CsX.

MicroRNA-130b promotes cell migration and invasion by inhibiting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ in human glioma.

Glioma is the most common and aggressive type of primary brain tumor. MicroRNA (miR)-130b functions as a tumor-associated miR. The dysregulation of miR-130b is involved in numerous biological characteristics and properties of certain types of cancer.

Meta-analysis of CYP2E1 polymorphisms in liver carcinogenesis.

Background: The CYP2E1 protein is a monooxygenase with certain polymorphisms linked to liver cancer. However, results from individual studies remain controversial.

Aims: To evaluate CYP2E1 polymorphisms in liver carcinogenesis through meta-analysis.

The Protective Effects of Trypsin Inhibitor on Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury and Liver Graft Survival.

The aim of this study was to explore the protective effects of ulinastatin (urinary trypsin inhibitor, UTI) on liver ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and graft survival. We employed mouse liver cold IRI and orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx) models. UTI was added to lactated Ringer's (LR) solution for liver perfusion and preservation in vitro or combined with UTI injection intraperitoneally to the liver graft recipient.

ATPase inhibitory factor 1 is a potential prognostic marker for the migration and invasion of glioma.

Adenosine triphosphatase inhibitory factor 1 (IF1) has previously been considered to be a driving oncogene in human cancers. Several studies have revealed that IF1 overexpression is present in a variety of tumor types and promotes tumor growth and metastasis. The present study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of IF1 in glioma and the role of IF1 in cell migration and invasion.