Biomimic Design of Solar Steam Generation Devices Enabled by the Tannin-Iron Complex.

Solar-powered steam generation equipment has experienced considerable advancement in recent years as it offers a cleaner and greener method for freshwater production. However, the devices always suffer from a complicated process, high cost, and salt accumulation, which hinder their further application. Here, inspired by the water lily, a highly efficient and antisalt accumulation interfacial solar-driven steam generation device was designed by using the tannic acid-Fe3+ complex as photothermal material. The designed evaporator could be quickly unfolded within 24 s after being irradiated with light and then produce fresh water. It folded within 10 s and then sank into water for removing the accumulated salt after removing the irradiation sources. In addition, the tannic acid-Fe3+ complex on the evaporator surface and the angle of the evaporator allowed light to be reflected several times within the evaporator, effectively increasing the solar energy conversion efficient (2.22 kg/(m2·h)), and apparently, the overall evaporation efficiency of 139.18% was achieved under 1 sun illumination. Moreover, it exhibited an extraordinary antisalt accumulation capacity (by working continuously for 7 days in 10 wt % saline water and 80% reduction in salt accumulation) as well as a low price ($ 1.11/m2). This design would provide a strategy to prepare an antisalt accumulation solar steam devices.

PANoptosis-related genes function as efficient prognostic biomarkers in colon adenocarcinoma.

Background: PANoptosis is a newly discovered cell death type, and tightly associated with immune system activities. To date, the mechanism, regulation and application of PANoptosis in tumor is largely unknown. Our aim is to explore the prognostic value of PANoptosis-related genes in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD). Methods: Analyzing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas-COAD (TCGA-COAD) involving 458 COAD cases, we concentrated on five PANoptosis pathways from the Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB) and a comprehensive set of immune-related genes. Our approach involved identifying distinct genetic COAD subtype clusters and developing a prognostic model based on these parameters. Results: The research successfully identified two genetic subtype clusters in COAD, marked by distinct profiles in PANoptosis pathways and immune-related gene expression. A prognostic model, incorporating these findings, demonstrated significant predictive power for survival outcomes, underscoring the interplay between PANoptosis and immune responses in COAD. Conclusion: This study enhances our understanding of COAD's genetic framework, emphasizing the synergy between cell death pathways and the immune system. The development of a prognostic model based on these insights offers a promising tool for personalized treatment strategies. Future research should focus on validating and refining this model in clinical settings to optimize therapeutic interventions in COAD.

A robot-aided visuomotor wrist training induces motor and proprioceptive learning that transfers to the untrained ipsilateral elbow.

BACKGROUND: Learning of a visuomotor task not only leads to changes in motor performance but also improves proprioceptive function of the trained joint/limb system. Such sensorimotor learning may show intra-joint transfer that is observable at a previously untrained degrees of freedom of the trained joint. OBJECTIVE: Here, we examined if and to what extent such learning transfers to neighboring joints of the same limb and whether such transfer is observable in the motor as well as in the proprioceptive domain. Documenting such intra-limb transfer of sensorimotor learning holds promise for the neurorehabilitation of an impaired joint by training the neighboring joints. METHODS: Using a robotic exoskeleton, 15 healthy young adults (18-35 years) underwent a visuomotor training that required them to make continuous, increasingly precise, small amplitude wrist movements. Wrist and elbow position sense just-noticeable-difference (JND) thresholds and spatial movement accuracy error (MAE) at wrist and elbow in an untrained pointing task were assessed before and immediately after, as well as 24 h after training. RESULTS: First, all participants showed evidence of proprioceptive and motor learning in both trained and untrained joints. The mean JND threshold decreased significantly by 30% in trained wrist (M: 1.26° to 0.88°) and by 35% in untrained elbow (M: 1.96° to 1.28°). Second, mean MAE in untrained pointing task reduced by 20% in trained wrist and the untrained elbow. Third, after 24 h the gains in proprioceptive learning persisted at both joints, while transferred motor learning gains had decayed to such extent that they were no longer significant at the group level. CONCLUSION: Our findings document that a one-time sensorimotor training induces rapid learning gains in proprioceptive acuity and untrained sensorimotor performance at the practiced joint. Importantly, these gains transfer almost fully to the neighboring, proximal joint/limb system.

An effective prognostic model in colon adenocarcinoma composed of cuproptosis-related epigenetic regulators.

Background: Colorectal adenocarcinoma (COAD) is a common malignant tumor with little effective prognostic markers. Cuproptosis is a newly discovered mode of cell death that may be related to epigenetic regulators. This study aimed to explore the association between epigenetic regulators and cuproptosis, and to establish a prognostic prediction model for COAD based on epigenetic regulators associated with cuproptosis (EACs). Methods: RNA sequencing data and clinical data of 524 COAD patients were obtained from the TCGA-COAD database, cuproptosis-related genes were from the FerrDb database, and epigenetic-related genes were from databases such as GO and EpiFactors. LASSO regression analysis and other methods were used to screen out epigenetic regulators associated with cuproptosis and prognosis. The risk score of each patient was calculated and the patients were divided into high-risk group and low-risk group. Next, the survival difference, functional enrichment analyses, tumor mutation burden, chemotherapy drug sensitivity and other indicators between the two groups were compared and analyzed. Results: We found 716 epigenetic regulators closely related to cuproptosis, among which 35 genes were related to prognosis of COAD. We further screened out 7 EACs from the 35 EACs to construct a prognostic prediction model. We calculated the risk score of each patient based on these 7 genes, and divided the patients into high-risk group and low-risk group. We found that the overall survival rate and progression-free survival rate of the high-risk group were significantly lower than those of the low-risk group. This model showed good predictive ability in the training set, test set and overall data set. We also constructed a prognostic prediction model based on risk score and other clinical features, and drew the corresponding Nomogram. In addition, we found significant differences between the high-risk group and the low-risk group in tumor mutation burden, chemotherapy drug sensitivity and other clinical aspects. Conclusion: We established an effective predictive prediction model for COAD based on EACs, revealing the association between epigenetic regulators and cuproptosis in COAD. We hope that this model can not only facilitate the treatment decision of COAD patients, but also promote the research progress in the field of cuproptosis.

Differential expression of coagulation pathway-related proteins in diabetic urine exosomes.

BACKGROUND: Coagulation function monitoring is important for the occurrence and development of diabetes. A total of 16 related proteins are involved in coagulation, but how these proteins change in diabetic urine exosomes is unclear. To explore the expression changes of coagulation-related proteins in urine exosomes and their possible roles in the pathogenesis of diabetes, we performed proteomic analysis and finally applied them to the noninvasive monitoring of diabetes. METHODS: Subject urine samples were collected. LC-MS/MS was used to collect the information on coagulation-related proteins in urine exosomes. ELISA, mass spectrometry and western blotting were used to further verify the differential protein expression in urine exosomes. Correlations with clinical indicators were explored, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to evaluate the value of differential proteins in diabetes monitoring. RESULTS: Analyzing urine exosome proteomics data, eight coagulation-related proteins were found in this study. Among them, F2 was elevated in urine exosomes of diabetic patients compared with healthy controls. The results of ELISA, mass spectrometry and western blotting further verified the changes in F2. Correlation analysis showed that the expression of urine exosome F2 was correlated with clinical lipid metabolism indexes, and the concentration of F2 was strongly positively correlated with blood TG levels (P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that F2 protein in urine exosomes had a good monitoring value for diabetes. CONCLUSION: Coagulation-related proteins were expressed in urine exosomes. Among them, F2 was increased in diabetic urine exosomes and may be a potential biomarker for monitoring diabetic changes.

Identification of PTPN20 as an innate immunity-related gene in gastric cancer with Helicobacter pylori infection.

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is among the deadliest diseases with countless incidences and deaths each year. Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is the primary type of microbe that colonizes the stomach. In recent years, increasing evidence has demonstrated that Hp infection is one of the main risk factors for GC. Elucidating the molecular mechanism of how Hp leads to GC will not only benefit the treatment of GC, but also boost the development of therapeutics for other gastric disorders caused by Hp infection. In this study, we aimed to identify innate immunity-related genes in GC and investigate their potentials as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for Hp-related GC. Methods: Firstly, we analyzed the differentially expressed innate immunity-related genes in GC samples from the TCGA database. Then prognostic correlation analysis was carried out to explore the prognostic value of these candidate genes. By combing transcriptome data, somatic mutation data, and clinical data, co-expression analysis, functional enrichment analysis, tumor mutational burden analysis, and immune infiltration analysis were performed to reveal the pathological relevance of the candidate gene. Finally, ceRNA network was constructed to identify the genes and pathways for the regulation of the candidate gene. Results: We revealed that protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 20 (PTPN20) is a significant prognostic marker in Hp-related GC. Thus, PTPN20 levels have the potential to efficiently predict the survival of Hp-related GC patients. In addition, PTPN20 is associated with immune cell infiltration and tumor mutation burden in these GC patients. Moreover, we have also identified PTPN20-related genes, PTPN20 protein-protein interactions, and the PTPN20 ceRNA network. Conclusion: Our data suggest that PTPN20 may have critical functions in Hp-related GC. Targeting PTPN20 may be a promising way to treat Hp-related GC.

Effects of steam explosion on the nutritional and functional properties of black-grained wheat bran and its application.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, an increasing interest in healthy functional foods has been documented among health-conscious consumers. Steam explosion (SE)-treated black-grained wheat (BGW) bran was explored for the development of chiffon cakes with high nutritional and functional value. RESULTS: The content of crude fat and total starch decreased with increasing SE pressure, whereas water-holding capacity and antioxidant activity increased, suggesting SE at 0.6-1.0 MPa could be an effective technique for enhancing the nutritional and functional properties of wheat bran. The protein, iron, zinc, manganese, selenium, and soluble dietary fiber contents, the water-holding, oil-binding, swelling, cholesterol binding, and cation-exchange capacities, and antioxidant activity of SE BGW bran were better than those of SE white-grained wheat bran. The addition of SE bran (0.8 MPa) to flour significantly decreased the peak viscosity, final viscosity, and setback and increased the pasting temperature. The effect of SE bran on the pasting properties of low-gluten and medium-gluten flour was stronger than that of high-gluten flour. SE BGW bran altered the physicochemical properties of chiffon cakes. When 6% SE BGW bran (0.8 MPa) was added, chiffon cakes exhibited good specific volume, hardness, chewiness, and other sensory qualities. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that SE at 0.6-1.0 MPa is an effective technique for enhancing the nutritional and functional properties of wheat bran. SE BGW bran can be alternatives to food materials for developing health functional cereal-based products. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Urinary Exosomes: A Promising Biomarker for Disease Diagnosis.

Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles derived from endocytosis, formed by fusion of multivesicular bodies with membranes and secreted into the extracellular matrix or body fluids. Many studies have shown that exosomes can be present in a variety of biological fluids, such as plasma, urine, saliva, amniotic fluid, ascites, and sweat, and most types of cells can secrete exosomes. Exosomes play an important role in many aspects of human development, including immunity, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and neoplasia. Urine can be an alternative to blood or tissue samples as a potential source of disease biomarkers because of its simple, noninvasive, sufficient, and stable characteristics. Therefore, urinary exosomes have valuable potential for early screening, monitoring disease progression, prognosis, and treatment. The method for isolating urinary exosomes has been perfected, and exosome proteomics is widely used. Therefore, we review the potential use of urinary exosomes for disease diagnosis and summarize the related literature.

Characterization of serum protein expression profiles in the early sarcopenia older adults with low grip strength: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia refers to the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and muscle function, which seriously threatens the quality of life of the older adults. Therefore, early diagnosis is urgently needed. This study aimed to explore the changes of serum protein profiles in sarcopenia patients through a cross-sectional study, and to provide the reference for clinical diagnosis. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional study carried out in the Tianjin institute of physical education teaching experiment training center from December 2019 to December 2020. Ten older adults were recruited, including 5 sarcopenia and 5 healthy older adults. After a detailed diagnostic evaluation, blood samples were collected to prepare serum for proteomic analysis using the HPLC System Easy nLC method. The differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were screened by the limma package of R software (version 4.1.0). RESULTS: A total of 114 DEPs were identified between the patients and healthy older adults, including 48 up-regulated proteins and 66 down-regulated proteins. The functional enrichment analysis showed that the 114 DEPs were significantly enriched in 153 GO terms, which mainly involved in low-density lipoprotein particle remodeling, and negative regulation of immune response,etc. The PPI network further suggested that the cholesteryl ester transfer protein and Apolipoprotein A2 could serve as biomarkers to facilitate diagnosis of sarcopenia. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided a serum proteomic profile of sarcopenia patients, and identified two proteins with diagnostic value, which might help to improve the diagnostic accuracy of sarcopenia.

Differential expression of aerobic oxidative metabolism-related proteins in diabetic urinary exosomes.

Background: As a metabolic disease, any abnormality in the aerobic oxidation pathway of glucose may lead to the occurrence of diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the changes in proteins related to aerobic oxidative metabolism in urinary exosomes of diabetic patients and normal controls of different ages, and to further verify their correlation with the pathogenesis of diabetes. Methods: Samples were collected, and proteomic information of urinary exosomes was collected by LC-MS/MS. ELISA was used to further detect the expression of aerobic and oxidative metabolism-related proteins in urinary exosomes of diabetic patients and normal controls of different ages, and to draw receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to evaluate its value in diabetes monitoring. Results: A total of 17 proteins involved in aerobic oxidative metabolism of glucose were identified in urinary exosome proteins. Compared with normal control, the expressions of PFKM, GAPDH, ACO2 and MDH2 in diabetic patients were decreased, and the expression of IDH3G was increased. The concentrations of PFKM, GAPDH and ACO2 in urinary exosomes were linearly correlated with the expression of MDH2 (P<0.05). These four proteins vary with age, with the maximum concentration in the 45-59 age group. PFKM, GAPDH, ACO2, and MDH2 in urinary exosomes have certain monitoring value. When used in combination, the AUC was 0.840 (95% CI 0.764-0.915). Conclusions: In diabetic patients, aerobic oxidative metabolism is reduced, and the expression of aerobic oxidative metabolism-related proteins PFKM, GAPDH, ACO2, and MDH2 in urinary exosomes is reduced, which may become potential biomarkers for monitoring changes in diabetes.

Prevalence and associated factors of possible sarcopenia and sarcopenia: findings from a Chinese community-dwelling old adults cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: To describe the prevalence and analyse the associated factors of possible sarcopenia and sarcopenia among community-dwelling old adults in China, in order to provide effective strategies for early prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study evaluated community-dwelling old adults aged over 60 years. The basic information, morphological indices, body composition, physical activities were collected and assessed. Possible sarcopenia and sarcopenia were diagnosed by the criteria of Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) in 2019. A multivariate logistic regression model with stepwise method was employed to identify factors associated with possible sarcopenia and sarcopenia. RESULTS: In total 729 old adults from Tianjin were included in this study. Eighty-one participants were diagnosed with possible sarcopenia (prevalence of 11.11%). Seventy-five participants were diagnosed with sarcopenia (prevalence of 10.29%). Age (odds ratio (OR):1.047, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.055-1.090) and lower physical activities (low level OR:4.171, 95% CI:1.790-9.720; medium level OR:2.634, 95% CI:1.352-5.132) were significantly associated with possible sarcopenia. Age (OR:1.187, 95% CI:1.124-1.253), higher body fat percentage (OR:1.225, 95% CI:1.140-1.317), lower BMI (OR:0.424, 95% CI:0.346-0.519), lower mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores (OR:0.865,95% CI:0.781-0.958) and low physical activities (OR:4.638, 95% CI:1.683-12.782) were significantly associated with sarcopenia. CONCLUSION: Possible sarcopenia and sarcopenia are prevalent among community-dwelling old adults in China. Ageing and lower physical activities were both associated with possible sarcopenia and sarcopenia. Old adults with sarcopenia more likely have higher body fat percentage, lower BMI and lower cognitive function compared with those without this condition.

Safety and Feasibility of a Novel Exoskeleton for Locomotor Rehabilitation of Subjects With Spinal Cord Injury: A Prospective, Multi-Center, and Cross-Over Clinical Trial.

Objective: To evaluate the safety, walking efficiency, physiological cost, don and doff time cost, and user satisfaction of Ai-robot. Design: Prospective, multi-center, and cross-over trial. Subjects: Paraplegic subjects (n = 40) with T6-L2 level spinal cord injury. Methods: Subjects who could walk independently using Aiwalker, Ailegs, and hip knee ankle foot orthosis (HKAFO) for 6 min within 30 days of training underwent 10 sets of tests. In each set, they completed three 6-min walk test (6MWT) sessions using the three aids in random order. Results: Skin lesions, pressure sores, and fractures, were the main adverse events, likely due to a lack of experience in using exoskeleton systems. The average 6MWT distances of the Aiwalker, Ailegs, and HKAFO groups were 134.20 ± 18.74, 79.71 ± 18.06, and 48.31 ± 19.87 m, respectively. The average heart rate increases in the Aiwalker (4.21 ± 8.20%) and Ailegs (41.81 ± 23.47%) groups were both significantly lower than that in the HKAFO group (62.33 ± 28.32%) (both p < 0.001). The average donning/doffing time costs for Ailegs and Aiwalker were significantly shorter than that of HKAFO (both p < 0.001). Satisfaction was higher in the Ailegs and Aiwalker groups (both p < 0.001). Conclusion: Subjects with paraplegia below T6 level were able to ambulate safely and efficiently with Ai-robot. The use of Ai-robot should be learned under the guidance of experienced medical personnel.

A Single-Phase High-Impedance Ground Faulty Feeder Detection Method for Small Resistance to Ground Systems Based on Current-Voltage Phase Difference.

At present, the small resistance to ground system (SRGS) is mainly protected by fixed-time zero-sequence overcurrent protection, but its ability to detect transition resistance is only about 100 Ω, which is unable to detect single-phase high resistance grounding fault (SPHIF). This paper analyzes the zero-sequence characteristics of SPHIF for SRGS and proposes a SPHIF feeder detection method that uses the current-voltage phase difference. The proposed method is as follows: first, the zero-sequence current phase of each feeder is calculated. Second, the phase voltage root mean square (RMS) value is used to determine the fault phase and obtain its initial phase as the reference value. The introduction of the initial phase of the fault phase voltage can highlight the fault characteristics and improve the sensitivity and reliability of feeder detection, and then CVPD is the difference between each feeder ZSC phase and the reference value. Finally, the magnitude of CVPD is judged. If the CVPD of a particular feeder meets the condition, the feeder is detected as the faulted feeder. Combining the theoretical and practical constraints, the specific adjustment principle and feeder detection logic are given. A large number of simulations show that the proposed method can be successfully detected under the conditions of 5000 Ω transition resistance, -1 dB noise interference, and 40% data missing. Compared with existing methods, the proposed method uses phase voltages that are easy to measure to construct SPHIF feeder detection criteria, without adding additional measurement and communication devices, and can quickly achieve local isolation of SPHIF with better sensitivity, reliability, and immunity to interference.

Characteristics of frailty phenotype in Chinese nursing home population and significance of motor function indicators in frailty assessment.

The objectives of this study were to analyze the distribution characteristics of frailty phenotypes in older adults of Chinese nursing homes, and to compare some motor function characteristics of older adults in nursing homes between frailty and non-frailty, to determine which motor function and frailty are related. This cross-sectional study included 177 older adults living in nursing homes. Frailty was diagnosed by Fried's phenotype, and motor function assessment characteristics (including muscle tone, ROM, and balance) were also evaluated. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were performed. Frailty prevalence was 53% in nursing homes in big Chinese cities (average age 82.0 ±â€…6.1). Low levels of physical activity (90.4% in frail elder), decreased handgrip strength (98.9% in frail elder) and slowed walking speed (100% in frail elder) were the 3 main components of the frailty phenotype of frail adults in nursing homes in China. It is worth noting that 74.7% of the non-frail elders also had reduced handgrip strength. Further analysis showed that balance (P < .001), muscle tone (upper, P = .028, lower, P = .001) and the range of motion (P < .001) were associated with frailty in older adults. The frailty of the elders in Chinese nursing homes was characterized by the decline of motor function. And surprisingly, both frail and non-frail elders were found to have poor strength. Frail nursing home seniors also have body muscle tone, range of motion and balance problems. The elderly of China should focus on strength, stretch and balance training to improve motor function, especially strength training, which is important for prevention frailty.

Selenium Biofortification Modulates Plant Growth, Microelement and Heavy Metal Concentrations, Selenium Uptake, and Accumulation in Black-Grained Wheat.

In Se-deficient populations, Selenium- (Se-) enriched wheat is a source of Se supplementation, and Se content can be improved by agronomic biofortification. Thus, black-grained wheat (BGW) and white-grained wheat (WGW) (as the control) were grown in Se naturally contained soils at different concentrations (11.02, 2.21, 2.02, and 0.20 mg·kg-1). Then, a field experiment was conducted to assess agronomic performance, the concentration of microelements and heavy metals, and the uptake and distribution of Se in the BGW under the application of Se ore powder. The results showed that the grain yield and grain Se concentration of wheat respectively show a significant increase and decrease from high Se to low Se areas. Higher grain yield and crude protein content were observed in Se-rich areas. The soil application of Se ore powder increased wheat grain yield and its components (biomass, harvest index, grain number, and 1,000 kernels weight). The concentrations of Zn, Fe, Mn, total Se, and organic Se in the grains of wheat were also increased, but Cu concentration was decreased. The concentrations of Pb, As, Hg, and Cr in wheat grains were below the China food regulation limits following the soil application of Se ore powder. Compared with the control, Se ore powder treatment increased the uptake of Se in various parts of wheat plants. More Se accumulation was observed in roots following Se ore powder application, with a smaller amount in grains. In addition, compared with the control, BGW had significantly higher concentrations of Zn, Fe, and Mn and accumulated more Se in grains and shoots and less Se in roots. The results indicate that wheat grown in Se-rich areas increases its grain yield and crude protein content. The soil application of Se ore powder promotes wheat growth and grain yield. Compared with WGW, BGW accumulated more Se in grains and had a higher concentration of organic Se in grains. In conclusion, the application of Se ore powder from Ziyang as Se-enriched fertilizer could be a promising strategy for Se biofortification in the case of wheat, and BGW is the most Se-rich potential genotype.

A robot-aided visuomotor wrist training induces gains in proprioceptive and movement accuracy in the contralateral wrist.

Proprioceptive training is a neurorehabilitation approach known to improve proprioceptive acuity and motor performance of a joint/limb system. Here, we examined if such learning transfers to the contralateral joints. Using a robotic exoskeleton, 15 healthy, right-handed adults (18-35 years) trained a visuomotor task that required making increasingly small wrist movements challenging proprioceptive function. Wrist position sense just-noticeable-difference thresholds (JND) and spatial movement accuracy error (MAE) in a wrist-pointing task that was not trained were assessed before and immediately as well as 24 h after training. The main results are: first, training reduced JND thresholds (- 27%) and MAE (- 33%) in the trained right wrist. Sensory and motor gains were observable 24 h after training. Second, in the untrained left wrist, mean JND significantly decreased (- 32%) at posttest. However, at retention the effect was no longer significant. Third, motor error at the untrained wrist declined slowly. Gains were not significant at posttest, but MAE was significantly reduced (- 27%) at retention. This study provides first evidence that proprioceptive-focused visuomotor training can induce proprioceptive and motor gains not only in the trained joint but also in the contralateral, homologous joint. We discuss the possible neurophysiological mechanism behind such sensorimotor transfer and its implications for neurorehabilitation.

A cable-driven distal end-effector mechanism for single-port robotic surgery.

PURPOSE: The development of surgery is to be minimally invasive and collaborative with robot systems, which has caught increasing attention in recent years. However, the narrow access routes and confined working spaces in vivo usually make distal end-effectors of surgical systems not easy to operate. To overcome this problem, a novel cable-driven distal end-effector mechanism designed for single-port robotic surgery was proposed. METHODS: A cable-driven joint structure and the corresponding methods of threading cables were proposed which can maintain the length and even the tension force of cables constant during operation. Based on the proposed joint structure, the cable-driven distal end-effector mechanism consists of a parallelogram mechanism and a snake mechanism. The parallelogram mechanism is used to enlarge its reachable workspace through establishing the triangulation of operation. The snake mechanism is used to achieve the expected pose through providing sufficient bending degrees of freedom. All of the degrees of freedom can be decoupled at the expense of a slightly more tedious process of threading cables. RESULTS: The primary prototype and its miniature assembled and threaded manually performed as expected regardless of bend, translation and their combination. But the inadequate tension force of cables and assembly errors affect the load capacity and accuracy, which need to be improved by automatic assembly. CONCLUSION: A cable-driven distal end-effector mechanism composed of a parallelogram mechanism, and a snake mechanism used for single-port robotic surgery was proposed. The mechanism adopts a novel cable-driven joint structure and corresponding methods of threading cables to keep the length and even the tension force of cables constant during surgery.

Scaling the Need, Benefits, and Risks Associated with COVID-19 Acute and Postacute Care Rehabilitation: A Review.

Coronavirus is an RNA virus, which attacks the respiratory system causing complications including severe respiratory distress and pneumonia and many other symptoms. Recently, a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak emerged in Wuhan, which caused a significant number of infections in China and resulted in a global pandemic. The main aim of this study is to review and summarize the evidence regarding the supportive role of physical rehabilitation techniques in managing COVID-19-associated pneumonia. In this review, we also emphasize the use of rehabilitation techniques in the management of pneumonia in COVID-19-infected patients. Based on the evidence presented, we conclude that certain physical rehabilitation techniques and modalities could be of great support in the management of COVID-19-associated pneumonia. The safety of staff and patients when applying rehabilitation intervention requires attention. The combination of physical rehabilitation and medical treatment would result in improved treatment outcomes, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stay. Many rehabilitation techniques are safe and feasible and can be easily incorporated into the management protocol of COVID-19 victims. Decisions of early rehabilitation induction should be based on the patient's medical condition and tolerability.

Application of Boundary Layer Displacement Thickness in Wind Erosion Protection Evaluation: Case Study of a Salix psammophila Sand Barrier.

Since the establishment of blown sand physics, surface roughness has been widely used in current research to indicate the ability of a surface to resist wind erosion and to evaluate the windproof effect of protective measures. However, since the calculation of surface roughness can result in different values and its applicability is poor, there are disadvantages to its use. Therefore, it is proposed that the boundary layer displacement thickness should be used rather than roughness as an indicator to solve such problems. To analyze the new indicator's accuracy and applicability when evaluating the effect of protective measures, a wind tunnel simulation experiment on a typical mechanical protection measure commonly used for sand control in China was conducted. Indicators of roughness and boundary layer displacement thickness were compared in evaluating the windproof performance of a Salix psammophila sand barrier of differing heights, side lengths, and porosities. The wind speed acceleration rate and effective protection area, which can directly reflect the protective effect of a sand barrier, were analyzed as evaluation criteria. The results show that roughness can only reflect the influence of height on the windbreak effect of sand barriers, whereas the boundary layer displacement thickness accurately showed the influence of height, side length, and porosity on the windproof effect of the sand barriers. Compared with roughness, the boundary layer displacement thickness was more strongly correlated with the effective protection area. Therefore, the boundary layer displacement thickness, rather than roughness, should be used as a new indicator when evaluating the windproof effect of protective measures.