Leaf Ethanol Extract Suppresses TNF-α/IFN-γ-Induced Inflammatory Response via Down-Regulating JNK or STAT1/3 Pathways in Human Keratinocytes.

Skin inflammation may cause allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis. () is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family and is well-known for its anti-asthma effects. has traditionally been used to treat respiratory ailments, dysentery, jaundice, and digestive problems.

An Epiduroscopy Simulator Based on a Serious Game for Spatial Cognitive Training (EpiduroSIM): User-Centered Design Approach.

Background: Performing high-level surgeries with endoscopy is challenging, and hence, an efficient surgical training method or system is required. Serious game-based simulators can provide a trainee-centered educational environment unlike traditional teacher-centered education environments since serious games provide a high level of interaction (feedback that induces learning).

Objective: This study aimed to propose an epiduroscopy simulator, EpiduroSIM, based on a serious game for spatial cognitive training.

A Steerable Endoscope for Transnasal Skull Base Surgery.

In this paper, we described the development of an endoscopic system with the application of minimally invasive observation for a pituitary tumor or a craniopharyngioma. The end-effector was manufactured by attaching an image sensor to the end of a manipulator with a diameter of 3 mm (smaller than a commercial endoscope) by making slits on a biocompatible PAI (Polyamide-imide) tube. The end-effector having 2 degrees of freedom for bending is designed not only to cover most of the FOVs (92.

Design And Experiment Of A Passive Sit-To-Stand And Walking (STSW) Assistance Device For The Elderly.

Most elderly people complain about the discomfort of movements such as a sit-to-stand (STS) motion through losing their muscular strength of lower extremity over aging. This paper presents a novel passive sit-to-stand and walking (STSW) assistance device to aid in physical support for indoor daily life of the elderly. The STSW assistance device is actuated by a pneumatic cylinder and a gas spring.

Feasibility of Percutaneous Robot-Assisted Epiduroscopic System.

Background: Endoscopy has replaced open surgery, especially in spinal surgery. Among them, image-guided epiduroscopy allows pain generators to be identified, including epidural adhesion, fibrotic tissues, root compression, and spinal stenosis. However, the heavy lead apron worn by pain physicians to avoid exposure to radiation can induce occupational hazards, such as orthopedic complications and radiation-induced cancer.

Development and preclinical trials of a wire-driven end effector device for frozen shoulder treatment.

Several different flexible end effectors have been developed to solve the problem of approaching the lesion in a minimally invasive surgery. In this paper, we developed a wire-driven end effector device to treat frozen shoulder. Since the device is for capsular release surgery, it has a suitable bend radius for the surgery.

Kicking modality during erratic-dynamic and static condition effects the muscular co-activation of attacker.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of different kicking modality, i.e., erratic-dynamic target (EDT) versus static target (ST) on the performance of the roundhouse kick in two groups of taekwondo athletes of different skill level.

A micro-fabricated force sensor using an all thin film piezoelectric active sensor.

The ability to measure pressure and force is essential in biomedical applications such as minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and palpation for detecting cancer cysts. Here, we report a force sensor for measuring a shear and normal force by combining an arrayed piezoelectric sensors layer with a precut glass top plate connected by four stress concentrating legs. We designed and fabricated a thin film piezoelectric force sensor and proposed an enhanced sensing tool to be used for analyzing gentle touches without the external voltage source used in FET sensors.

Measurement and comparison of taekwondo and yongmudo turning kick impact force for two target heights.

The primary purpose of this research was to compare the impact characteristics of Taekwondo (TKD) and Yongmudo (YMD) player's turning kick according to the target height. 5 highly skilled YMD and 5 TKD players participated in this study. To measure the impact force, two accelerometers were fixed to a PVC pipe in a sandbag.

Impedance learning for robotic contact tasks using natural actor-critic algorithm.

Compared with their robotic counterparts, humans excel at various tasks by using their ability to adaptively modulate arm impedance parameters. This ability allows us to successfully perform contact tasks even in uncertain environments. This paper considers a learning strategy of motor skill for robotic contact tasks based on a human motor control theory and machine learning schemes.