Numerical and experimental methods for the assessment of a human finger-inspired soft pneumatic actuator for gripping applications.

The increasing demand for soft robotic systems in agricultural, biomedical and other applications has driven the development of actuators that can mimic the flexibility and adaptability of human muscles. Several studies have explored the design and implementation of soft actuators for robotic applications, however, there is a need for soft actuators demonstrating delicate gripping capabilities but also excel in specific biomedical applications, such as therapeutic massaging. The objective of this work is to develop a multi-finger soft pneumatic actuator mimicking human fingers for Ayurvedic therapeutic massaging and gripping applications.

Encompassing view of spatial and single-cell RNA sequencing renews the role of the microvasculature in human atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a pervasive contributor to ischemic heart disease and stroke. Despite the advance of lipid-lowering therapies and anti-hypertensive agents, the residual risk of an atherosclerotic event remains high, and developing therapeutic strategies has proven challenging. This is due to the complexity of atherosclerosis with a spatial interplay of multiple cell types within the vascular wall.

Trends and Complications of Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Among Applicants for the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Part II and Maintenance of Certification Examinations: Analysis of Data Over a 15-Year Period.

Background: Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) and tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) are commonly performed surgical procedures that often have a high learning curve.

Purpose: To review the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) Part II oral examination case list and the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) examination case list databases for trends in MPFLR (isolated and with concurrent TTO) and complication rates.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Berbamine prevents SARS-CoV-2 entry and transmission.

Effective antiviral drugs are essential to combat COVID-19 and future pandemics. Although many compounds show antiviral activity, only a few retain effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2. Here, we show that berbamine (Berb) is effective against SARS-CoV, MER-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, including the XBB.