Enhanced attention using head-mounted virtual reality

Some evidence suggests that experiencing a given scenario using virtual reality (VR) may engage greater attentional resources than experiencing the same scenario on a 2D computer monitor. However, the underlying neural processes associated with these VR-related effects, especially those pertaining to current consumer-friendly head-mounted displays of virtual reality (HMD-VR), remain unclear. Here, two experiments were conducted to compare task performance and EEG-based neural metrics captured during a perceptual discrimination task presented on two different viewing platforms. Forty participants (20–25 years old) completed this task using both an HMD-VR and traditional computer monitor in a within-group, randomized design. Although Experiment I (n = 20) was solely behavioral in design, Experiment II (n = 20) utilized combined EEG recordings to interrogate the neural correlates underlying potential performance differences across platforms. These experiments revealed that (1) there was no significant difference in the amount of arousal measured between platforms and (2) selective attention abilities in HMD-VR environment were enhanced from both a behavioral and neural perspective. These findings suggest that the allocation of attentional resources in HMD-VR may be superior to approaches more typically used to assess these abilities (e.g., desktop/laptop/tablet computers with 2D screens)

The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance

INTRODUCTION Investment in Africa over the past year with regard to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequencing has led to a massive increase in the number of sequences, which, to date, exceeds 100,000 sequences generated to track the pandemic on the continent. These sequences have profoundly affected how public health officials in Africa have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. RATIONALE We demonstrate how the first 100,000 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from Africa have helped monitor the epidemic on the continent, how genomic surveillance expanded over the course of the pandemic, and how we adapted our sequencing methods to deal with an evolving virus. Finally, we also examine how viral lineages have spread across the continent in a phylogeographic framework to gain insights into the underlying temporal and spatial transmission dynamics for several variants of concern (VOCs). RESULTS Our results indicate that the number of countries in Africa that can sequence the virus within their own borders is growing and that this is coupled with a shorter turnaround time from the time of sampling to sequence submission. Ongoing evolution necessitated the continual updating of primer sets, and, as a result, eight primer sets were designed in tandem with viral evolution and used to ensure effective sequencing of the virus. The pandemic unfolded through multiple waves of infection that were each driven by distinct genetic lineages, with B.1-like ancestral strains associated with the first pandemic wave of infections in 2020. Successive waves on the continent were fueled by different VOCs, with Alpha and Beta cocirculating in distinct spatial patterns during the second wave and Delta and Omicron affecting the whole continent during the third and fourth waves, respectively. Phylogeographic reconstruction points toward distinct differences in viral importation and exportation patterns associated with the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants and subvariants, when considering both Africa versus the rest of the world and viral dissemination within the continent. Our epidemiological and phylogenetic inferences therefore underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic on the continent and highlight key insights and challenges, for instance, recognizing the limitations of low testing proportions. We also highlight the early warning capacity that genomic surveillance in Africa has had for the rest of the world with the detection of new lineages and variants, the most recent being the characterization of various Omicron subvariants. CONCLUSION Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve. This is important not only to help combat SARS-CoV-2 on the continent but also because it can be used as a platform to help address the many emerging and reemerging infectious disease threats in Africa. In particular, capacity building for local sequencing within countries or within the continent should be prioritized because this is generally associated with shorter turnaround times, providing the most benefit to local public health authorities tasked with pandemic response and mitigation and allowing for the fastest reaction to localized outbreaks. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century

Hypoxia Inducible Factor and Interleukin-6 mediated activation of human Angiotensinogen is not coupled in Huh7 cells

Alcohol usage is linked to increased blood pressure and fibrotic transformation of the liver after the hepatocyte death. Angiotensinogen (AGT) is the source of Ang II which is produced by sequential action of renin followed by angiotensin converting enzyme. The blood AGT levels correlate to blood pressure, therefore, an increase in blood AGT levels result into corresponding increase in Ang II levels affecting blood pressure regulation and liver fibrogenic processes. Alcohol metabolism by the liver produces oxidative stress (ROS) activating hypoxia inducible transcription factor-1alpha (HIF-1α). Chronic alcoholics possess increased levels of interleukin-6 with circulating ethanol in blood. The effects of HIF-1α and STAT3 activation mediated effects on AGT secretion by Huh7 cells were studied by treatment with hypoxia mimetics and IL-6 with ethanol to determine the combined effects at 24 and 48 hrs. post treatments. AGT secretion levels which were increased with Huh7 hepatocytes after deferoxamine (60 nM and 120 nM) treatments post four- and six-hours treatments were not sustained post 24 and 48 hrs. The IL-6 (10 ng/ml) mediated AGT secretion was sustained till 24 and 48 hrs. Treatment with 50 mM ethanol did not affect HIF-1α mediated effect on AGT secretion while slightly increasing secretion with IL-6. HIF-1α and IL-6 combined treatment did not produce additive effects on secretion of AGT at 24 or 48 hrs. Treatment of ethanol with HIF-1α activation and IL-6 did not increase AGT secretion. It is concluded that HIF-1α activation effects on AGT secretion may be for shorter time period

BOWEL OBSTRUCTION: IMAGING AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL MANAGEMENT

<p><i><strong>Introduction: </strong>Bowel obstruction develops when the regular flow of intraluminal contents is obstructed. Obstruction can occur in the small or large bowel, which can be either functional or mechanical. In nearly 80% of cases of mechanical intestinal obstruction, the small bowel is involved. Ischemia, which aggravates up to 42% of intestinal obstructions, considerably raises bowel obstruction-related mortality. Twenty percent of admissions involving "surgical abdomens" are due to bowel obstructions. Radiology is crucial for confirming the diagnosis and determining the root of the problem. Emergency management of bowel obstruction often comprises aggressive fluid resuscitation, bowel decompression, analgesic and antiemetic therapy when clinically necessary, and early surgical consultation.</i></p><p><i><strong>Aim of the Study: </strong>The purpose of this review is to familiarise radiology residents and other practitioners with the imaging findings indicative of intestinal blockage and to highlight problems necessitating emergency surgical intervention. The evaluation will concentrate on radiography and CT., which are the two most often utilized imaging techniques for suspected intestinal obstruction.</i></p><p><i><strong>Methodology:</strong>The review is a comprehensive research of PUBMED since the year 1997 to 2021</i></p><p><i><strong>Conclusion:</strong>Understanding the treatment of patients with small and large bowel obstruction is crucial for colon and rectal surgeons. For the majority of suspected intestinal blockages, computed tomography is typically the most suitable and accurate diagnostic imaging modality. Plain radiography and contrast imaging/fluoroscopy are two additional frequently used imaging modalities. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging are less often used imaging modalities. No matter the imaging modality employed, the interpretation of imaging should follow a methodical, systematic approach to guarantee diagnostic accuracy.</i></p><p><i><strong>Keywords:</strong>Bowel obstruction, small bowel obstruction, large bowel obstruction, imaging, computed tomography, abdominal radiography, contrast enema, small bowel follow-through, Ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, emergency treatment, etc.</i></p&gt

Rationale and Design of the Percutaneous Stem Cell Injection Delivery Effects on Neomyogenesis in Dilated Cardiomyopathy (The POSEIDON-DCM Study)

BACKGROUND: While accumulating clinical trials have focused on the impact of cell-therapy in patients with acute MI and ischemic cardiomyopathy, there are fewer efforts to examine cell-based therapy in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM). We hypothesized that cell-therapy could have a similar impact in NICM. METHODS/RESULTS: The POSIDEON-DCM trial is a phase I/II trial designed to address autologous vs. allogeneic bone marrow derived MSCs in patients with NICM. In this study, cells will be administered transendocardially with the NOGA injection-catheter system to patients (n=36) randomly allocated to two treatments groups: Group 1 (n=18 auto-hMSCs) and Group 2 (n=18 allo-hMSCs). The primary and secondary objectives are, respectively, to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of allo-hMSCS vs. auto-hMSCs in patients with NICM. CONCLUSIONS: This study will establish safety of transendocardial injection of stem cells (TESI), compare phenotypic outcomes, and offer promising advances in the field of cell-based therapy in patients with NICM

Randomized Comparison of Allogeneic Versus Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND: While human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have been tested in ischemic cardiomyopathy, few studies exist in chronic non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM). OBJECTIVES: The POSEIDON-DCM trial is a randomized comparison of safety and efficacy of autologous (auto) vs. allogeneic (allo) bone marrow-derived hMSCs in NIDCM. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients were randomized to either allo- or auto-hMSCs in a 1:1 ratio. Patients were recruited between December 2011 and July 2015 at the University of Miami Hospital. Patients (age: 55.8 ± 11.2; 32% female) received hMSCs (100 million) by transendocardial stem cell injection (TESI) in ten left ventricular sites by NOGA Catheter. Treated patients were evaluated at baseline, 30 days, 3-, 6-, and 12-months for safety: serious adverse events (SAE), and efficacy endpoints: Ejection Fraction (EF), Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT), MACE, and immune-biomarkers. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, #NCT01392625. RESULTS: There were no 30-day treatment-emergent (TE)-SAEs. 12-month SAE incidence was 28.2% (95% CI: 12.8, 55.1) in allo, and 63.5% (95% CI: 40.8, 85.7; p=0.1004) in auto. One allo-group patient developed an elevated donor specific cPRA. EF increased in allo by 8.0 units (95% Cl: 2.8, 13.2; p=0.004), and in auto: 5.4 units (95% Cl: −1.4, 12.1; p=0.116, allo vs. auto p=0.4887). 6MWT increased for allo: 37.0 meters (95% Cl: 2.0 to 72.0; p=0.04), but not auto: 7.3 meters (95% Cl: −47.8, 33.3; p=0.71, auto vs. allo p=0.0168). MLHFQ score decreased in allo (p=0.0022), and auto (p=0.463; p=0.172). The MACE rate was lower in allo vs. auto (p=0.0186). Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) decreased (p=0.0001 for each), to a greater extent in allo vs. auto at six-months (p=0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate safety and support greater, clinically meaningful efficacy of allo-hMSC vs. auto-hMSC in NIDCM patients. Pivotal trials of allo-hMSCs are warranted based on these results