Effect of β-Glucan (Angel Yeast) Compared to a Placebo on Cold and Flu Incidence and Symptoms in an Adult Population—A Double Blind, Randomised Controlled Trial

Background: 1-3, 1-6 β-glucan derived from Baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has been widely studied for its immune stimulatory capabilities and safety. Previous studies found β-glucan to have efficacy at reducing incidence of URTIs as well as being a low risk for negative side effects. The current study aimed to examine the effects of yeast β-glucan (Angel Yeast) on cold and flu incidences and symptoms in healthy adults. Methods: Two hundred and thirty-one males and females aged 18 to 65 years old supplemented with either β-glucan or a placebo for 3-months. Participants completed a general health questionnaire every 4 weeks and in addition, if participants experienced any cold or flu symptoms, these were recorded daily (along with severity) until resolved or up to 2 weeks. Results: Supplementation with β-glucan reduced the self-reported severity of sore throats and improved sleep quality compared to the placebo group. Conclusions: Yeast β-glucan supplementation appears to be able to help reduce certain symptoms experienced during a cold or flu episode and is safe and well tolerated.

Multi-LeapMotion sensor based demonstration for robotic refine tabletop object manipulation task

In some complicated tabletop object manipulation task for robotic system, demonstration based control is an efficient way to enhance the stability of execution. In this paper, we use a new optical hand tracking sensor, LeapMotion, to perform a non-contact demonstration for robotic systems. A Multi-LeapMotion hand tracking system is developed. The setup of the two sensors is analyzed to gain a optimal way for efficiently use the informations from the two sensors. Meanwhile, the coordinate systems of the Mult-LeapMotion hand tracking device and the robotic demonstration system are developed. With the recognition to the element actions and the delay calibration, the fusion principles are developed to get the improved and corrected gesture recognition. The gesture recognition and scenario experiments are carried out, and indicate the improvement of the proposed Multi-LeapMotion hand tracking system in tabletop object manipulation task for robotic demonstration.

Irreversible Electroporation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Abutting the Diaphragm:A Prospective Single-center Study

Background and Aims:Irreversible electroporation(IRE)is an emerging local ablation therapy which may be effective for unresectable tumors.This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous IRE in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)abutting the diaphragm.Methods:A total of 26 participants with 39 tumors abutting the diaphragm were prospectively evaluated between July 2015 and September 2018.Complications associated with IRE were recorded,and the survival benefit of IRE was analyzed.The factors associated with time to local tumor progression(LTP)were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression models.Results:No major complications or treatmentrelated deaths occurred.The technical success rate was 96.2%(25/26)and complete ablation rate was 92.3%(36/39).The median followup period was 16.7 months(range:3.0-43.0 months),the LTP occurred in 15.2%of tumors and median time to LTP was 20.4 months.Overall,tumor size(hazard ratio:1.24[95%confidence interval:0.38,3.81],p=0.03)was the only factor associated with time to LTP.Conclusions:This study shows for the first time that percutaneous IRE is a safe and effective ablation technology for HCC abutting the diaphragm.