Mechanism design and kinematics analysis of multifunctional waist rehabilitation bed

A multifunctional waist rehabilitation bed is designed for the traction therapy of human spine and gait rehabilitation training. The rehabilitation bed has four degrees of freedom, the rotation in the x, y, and z axis, and the movement in the z axis, which realizes traction treatment of lumbar spine rotation around coronal axis, vertical axis, sagittal axis and gait rehabilitation training. Considering the stability and safety during the rehabilitation process, the kinematic model of coronal-axis-rotation part, vertical-axis-rotation part and rehabilitation bed are established. Using MATLAB, the model and numerical simulation were carried out to obtain the curve of joint change when the waist rehabilitation bed was used for different functions, which verifies the effectiveness of the mechanism

Analysis of single-cell RNAseq identifies transitional states of T cells associated with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Exhausted T cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) comprise diverse subsets of tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment that play key roles in tumor progress. Understanding subset diversity in T cells is a critical question for developing cancer immunotherapy. METHODS: A total of 235 specimens from surgical resections of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients were examined for infiltration of exhausted T cell (Tex) in tumor and adjacent tissue. We conducted deep single-cell targeted immune profiling on CD3 RESULTS: We observed transitional differentiation of exhausted CD8 CONCLUSIONS: T cell exhaustion is a progressive process, and the gene-expression profiling displayed T cell exhaustion and anergy are different. Accordingly, it is possible that functional exhaustion is caused by the combination effects of passive defects and overactivation in stress response. The results help to understand the dynamic framework of T cells function in cancer which is important for designing rational cancer immunotherapies

DGT Passive Sampling for Quantitative in Situ Measurements of Compounds from Household and Personal Care Products in Waters

Widespread use of organic chemicals in household and personal care products (HPCPs) and their discharge into aquatic systems means reliable, robust techniques to monitor environmental concentrations are needed. The passive sampling approach of diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT) is developed here and demonstrated to provide in situ quantitative and time-weighted average (TWA) measurement of these chemicals in waters. The novel technique is developed for HPCPs, including preservatives, antioxidants and disinfectants, by evaluating the performance of different binding agents. Ultrasonic extraction of binding gels in acetonitrile gave good and consistent recoveries for all test chemicals. Uptake by DGT with HLB (hydrophilic lipophilic-balanced) as the binding agent was relatively independent of pH (3.5-9.5), ionic strength (0.001-0.1 M) and dissolved organic matter (0-20 mg L-1), making it suitable for applications across a wide range of environments. Deployment time and diffusion layer thickness dependence experiments confirmed DGT accumulated chemicals masses are consistent with theoretical predictions. The technique was further tested and applied in the influent and effluent of a wastewater treatment plant. Results were compared with conventional grab-sampling and 24-h-composited samples from autosamplers. DGT provided TWA concentrations over up to 18 days deployment, with minimal effects from biofouling or the diffusive boundary layer. The field application demonstrated advantages of the DGT technique: it gives in situ analyte preconcentration in a simple matrix, with more quantitative measurement of the HPCP analytes

Identification of novel urine proteomic biomarkers for high stamina in high-altitude adaptation

Introduction: We aimed to identify urine biomarkers for screening individuals with adaptability to high-altitude hypoxia with high stamina levels. Although most non-high-altitude natives experience rapid decline in physical ability when ascending to high altitudes, some individuals with high-altitude adaptability continue to maintain high endurance levels.Methods: We divided the study population into two groups: the LC group (low change in endurance from low to high altitude) and HC group (high change in endurance from low to high altitude). We performed blood biochemistry testing for individuals at high altitudes and sea level. We used urine peptidome profiling to compare the HH (high-altitude with high stamina) and HL (high-altitude with low stamina) groups and the LC and HC groups to identify urine biomarkers.Results: Routine blood tests revealed that the concentration of white blood cells, lymphocytes and platelets were significantly higher in the HH group than in the HL group. Urine peptidome profiling showed that the proteins ITIH1, PDCD1LG2, NME1-NME2, and CSPG4 were significantly differentially expressed between the HH and HL groups, which was tested using ELISA. Urine proteomic analysis showed that LRG1, NID1, VASN, GPX3, ACP2, and PRSS8 were urine proteomic biomarkers of high stamina during high-altitude adaptation.Conclusion: This study provides a novel approach for identifying potential biomarkers for screening individuals who can adapt to high altitudes with high stamina

The spectrum of B cells in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapeutic applications of immunoglobulin G4‐related disease

Abstract Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)‐related disease is a chronic fibroinflammatory disease mediated by immune disorders. Given the challenging clinical diagnosis and treatment, knowledge of the pathogenesis of IgG4‐related disease is important. The typical elevation of serum IgG4 concentrations and infiltration of IgG4‐positive plasma cells in the involved tissues indicate the involvement of B lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of IgG4‐related disease. Mass production of autoantibodies reflects abnormal activation of B cells, which causes tissue damage. Circulating plasmablasts are recently discovered markers that correlate with serum IgG4 concentration, the extent of organ involvement and disease activity. B‐cell depletion therapy is an emerging curative strategy that can significantly alleviate clinical manifestations and achieve remission in patients with IgG4‐related disease. These findings highlight the potential role of B cells in IgG4‐related disease. In this review, we discuss the pathogenic impact of B lymphocytes on IgG4‐related disease and describe novel therapies targeting B cells

Synthesis and Evaluation of Bio-Based Plasticizers from 5-Hydroxymethyl-2-Furancarboxylic Acid for Poly(vinyl chloride)

5-Hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid (HFCA), a promising biomonomer from renewable resources, was used to synthesize two bio-based plasticizers, namely, hexyl 5-((hexanoyloxy)methyl)-2-furancarboxylate (HHMFC) and dihexyl 5,5'-(oxybis(methylene))bis(furan-2-carboxylate) (DHOBFC). The chemical structures of these prepared plasticizers were confirmed using Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance, and then, their plasticization effects on poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) were also studied. As a result, HFCA-based plasticizers were miscible with PVC and exhibited excellent plasticization performances, compared with commercial dioctyl phthalate. It was noted that HHMFC had a much better plasticizing effect on the PVC film than DHOBFC; however, it displayed a poorer volatility resistance and exudation resistance, which could be attributed to its smaller molecular weight. Besides, because each rigid furan ring of the synthesized plasticizers contained one oxygen atom, the polarity of HFCA-based plasticizers was improved, which inhibited them from migrating from the PVC matrix into nonpolar solvents. Therefore, the HFCA-based plasticizers have good potential as primary plasticizers for PVC