Computer and Video Games in Mental Health

Due to the breakthrough of new technological devices in the last decade, electronic media has now become an integral part of our lives. Among its various forms, playing video games is one screen-based recreational activity enjoyed across various age groups and genders. Although undoubtedly entertaining, there is a considerable debate over the relative impact of video gaming on an individual. Traditionally, the research has focused on the negative effects of playing video games, but recent studies show that they can be an effective tool to reduce stress caused by daily hassles, help connect with likeminded people, and enhance a wide range of cognitive skills. There is also a small pool of research on the use of commercial video games in a therapeutic capacity to help build rapport and provide social skill training. This manuscript is focused on reviewing the pertinent research of the last two decades and from various online sources of scientific information on the abovementioned aspects of electronic and video games, their therapeutic implications in mental health, and suggesting future research directions

Clinical outcome of platelet rich plasma versus steroid in treatment of frozen shoulder

Background: Evaluate functional outcome of use of platelet rich plasma versus steroid in frozen shoulder.Methods: The study was conducted in Department of Orthopaedics in RNT Medical College, Udaipur. Adult patients with periarthritis shoulder (frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis) admitted to Trauma centre in Maharana Bhupal Government hospital attached with R.N.T. Medical College, Udaipur were included in this study after obtaining their informed, valid written consent. This is a prospective study from October 2018 to February 2020.Results: Our study demonstrated that PRP is not inferior to CS in any of the measured parameters. Both of the groups experienced similar benefits from the injection therapies with no statistical differences detected in ROM or VAS scores at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months. No adverse effects were detected in either of the two groups.Conclusions: We can conclude that both PRP and MPS showed efficacy on treating frozen shoulder. The current study provides strong evidence in support of a statistically significant effect of platelet concentrates in the treatment of frozen shoulder in vivo where steroid contraindicated or refused by patient. However, inj. Methylprednisolone has sudden onset of action because of anti-inflammatory action with respect to inj. PRP, so has better result at 1 week follow up post injection. But in long term (at 3 months follow up) inj. PRP has better effect in compared to Inj. MPS

The nature and distribution of particulate matter in the Mandovi estuary, Central West coast of India

Systematic seasonal variations of suspended particulate matter (SPM) along a 44-km transect of the Mandovi estuary reveal that the concentrations of SPM are low at river-end stations, increase generally seaward, and are highest at sea-end stations of the estuary. An estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM) occurs at sea-end stations during June-September when river discharge is high and also in February-May when river discharge is low. These are the two windiest times of year, the former associated with the southwest monsoon and the latter characterized by a persistent sea breeze. The salinity vs. SPM plot shows that high SPM is a seaward deposit and skewed landward. Suspended matter comprised of floccules, fecal pellets, and aggregates that consist of clay and biogenic particles occur everywhere in the estuary. Diatoms are the most common and are of marine type at the sea-end and freshwater-dominated at river-end stations of the estuary. SPM is characterized by kaolinite- and smectite-rich clay mineral suites at the river- and sea-end stations, respectively. Smectite concentrations increase seawards with the increase in SPM content and are not influenced by salinity. Wind-driven waves and currents and biogeochemical processes at the mouth of estuary likely play an important role in the formation of ETM in resuspension and transformation of SPM into floccules and aggregates and in their upkeep or removal

Prevention of recurrent atrial fibrillation with chronic dual-site right atrial pacing

AbstractObjectives. We investigated 1) the feasibility, safety and efficacy of multisite right atrial pacing for prevention of atrial fibrillation (AF); and 2) the ability of atrial pacing in single- and dual-site modes to increase arrhythmia-free intervals in patients with drug-refractory AF.Background. We recently developed and applied a novel technique of dual-site right atrial pacing in an unselected group of consecutive patients with AF requiring demand pacing. A prospective crossover study design was used to evaluate single- and dual-site right atrial pacing modes.Methods. The frequency of AF during the 3 months before pacemaker implantation was analyzed. Consecutive consenting patients underwent insertion of two atrial leads and one ventricular lead with a DDDR pulse generator. Patients were placed in a dual-site pacing mode for the first 3 months and subsequently mode switched to single site pacing for 3 months. Mode switching was repeated at 6-month intervals thereafter.Results. Atrial pacing resulted in a marked decline in AF recurrences (p < 0.001). During dual-site pacing with an optimal drug regimen, there was no AF recurrence in any patient compared with five recurrences in 12 patients during single-site pacing (p = 0.03). The mean (±SD) arrhythmia-free interval before pacing (14 ± 14 days) was prolonged with dual- (89 ± 7 days, p < 0.0001) and single-site pacing (76 ± 27 days, p < 0.0001). Symptomatic AF episodes showed a declining trend during dual- and single-site pacing compared with those during the preimplantation period (p = 0.10). Mean antiarrhythmic drug use for all classes declined from 4 ± 1.9 drugs before implantation to 1.5 ± 0.5 (p < 0.01) drugs after implantation. Twelve (80%) of 15 patients remained in atrial paced rhythm at 13 ± 3 months.Conclusions. We conclude that multisite right atrial pacing is feasible, effective and safe for long-term application. Atrial pacing significantly prolongs arrhythmia-free intervals in patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal AF. Dual-site right atrial pacing may offer additional benefits and should be considered either as the primary mode or in patients unresponsive to single-site pacing

Suspended sediment dynamics on a seasonal scale in the Mandovi and Zuari estuaries, Central West coast of India

Suspended particulate matter (SPM) collected at regular stations from the Mandovi and Zuari estuaries indicates that the peaks of high SPM coincide with peaks of high rainfall and low salinity and also with peaks of moderate/low rainfall coupled with high salinity during the monsoon. The estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM) is a characteristic feature, it occurs in the channel accompanying spring tide during the monsoon and pre-monsoon, and shifts to the bay on neap tide during post-monsoon. ETM remains at the same position in the Mandovi River, both during the monsoon and pre-monsoon, whereas in Zuari it stretched upstream during monsoon and migrates seaward of the channel during pre-monsoon. The ETM coincides with the freshwater-seawater interface during the monsoon and is formed by the interaction between tidal currents and river flows. The ETM during pre-monsoon is associated with high salinities and is generated by tidal and wind-induced currents. The turbidity maximum on neap tide during post-monsoon may be due to the erosion and resuspension of sediments from the emergent tidal flats and transport of these turbid waters into the bay. Funneling effect of the narrowing bay in the Zuari estuary and associated physical processes effectively enhance the magnitude of the currents and transports sediments to the channel. SPM retention percentage indicates that the estuarine channel is prone to siltation

Clinical and functional outcome of isolated posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation

Background: PCL ligament avulsion fracture injuries constitute about 3-20% of all the knee injuries. Isolated posterior cruciate ligament injuries are uncommon and often go undiagnosed in acutely injured knees. fracture. In the long run they cause severe functional disability of the knee joint. There is no consensus concerning the optimal surgical treatment approach for these injuries. Our study was to assess the functional and clinical outcome of isolated PCL avulsion fractures with open reduction and internal fixation.Methods: This is a prospective study of 27 patients with isolated PCL avulsion fractures, done in the department of orthopaedics in RNT medical college over a 2-year period. All were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with 4 mm cannulated cancellous screw and washer. Postoperatively, patient leg was immobilized in posterior POP slab for 2 weeks, allowing toe touch weight bearing. All patients were regularly followed-up. 3 cases of post operative wound infection were detected.Results: Of the 27 patients, there were 19 males and 8 females. All the cases showed good fracture union in an average of 12 weeks post operatively. In the first 6 weeks, all of them acquired an average knee flexion of 90 degrees and by 3 months, all of them had 125 degrees of free flexion possible.2 cases showed negative posterior draw sign. The knee scoring system assessment showed 21 cases of excellent result, 4 cases of good result and 2 cases of fair result.Conclusions: Though rare, PCL avulsion fractured are to be managed properly and treated surgically. PCL tibial avulsion fractures treated through Burk and Schaffer approach with open reduction and internal fixation produces good results

Correlates of school dropout and absenteeism among adolescent girls from marginalized community in north Karnataka, south India.

Secondary education among lower caste adolescent girls living in rural Karnataka, South India, is characterized by high rates of school drop-out and absenteeism. A cross-sectional baseline survey (N=2275) was conducted in 2014 as part of a cluster-randomized control trial among adolescent girls (13-14 year) and their families from marginalized communities in two districts of north Karnataka. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used. Overall, 8.7% girls reported secondary school dropout and 8.1% reported frequent absenteeism (past month). In adjusted analyses, economic factors (household poverty; girls' work-related migration), social norms and practices (child marriage; value of girls' education), and school-related factors (poor learning environment and bullying/harassment at school) were associated with an increased odds of school dropout and absenteeism. Interventions aiming to increase secondary school retention among marginalized girls may require a multi-level approach, with synergistic components that address social, structural and economic determinants of school absenteeism and dropout

Female Sex and Gender in Lung/Sleep Health and Disease. Increased Understanding of Basic Biological, Pathophysiological, and Behavioral Mechanisms Leading to Better Health for Female Patients with Lung Disease

Female sex/gender is an undercharacterized variable in studies related to lung development and disease. Notwithstanding, many aspects of lung and sleep biology and pathobiology are impacted by female sex and female reproductive transitions. These may manifest as differential gene expression or peculiar organ development. Some conditions are more prevalent in women, such as asthma and insomnia, or, in the case of lymphangioleiomyomatosis, are seen almost exclusively in women. In other diseases, presentation differs, such as the higher frequency of exacerbations experienced by women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or greater cardiac morbidity among women with sleep-disordered breathing. Recent advances in -omics and behavioral science provide an opportunity to specifically address sex-based differences and explore research needs and opportunities that will elucidate biochemical pathways, thus enabling more targeted/personalized therapies. To explore the status of and opportunities for research in this area, the NHLBI, in partnership with the NIH Office of Research on Women's Health and the Office of Rare Diseases Research, convened a workshop of investigators in Bethesda, Maryland on September 18 and 19, 2017. At the workshop, the participants reviewed the current understanding of the biological, behavioral, and clinical implications of female sex and gender on lung and sleep health and disease, and formulated recommendations that address research gaps, with a view to achieving better health outcomes through more precise management of female patients with nonneoplastic lung disease. This report summarizes those discussions

Therapeutic opportunities within the DNA damage response

The DNA damage response (DDR) is essential for maintaining the genomic integrity of the cell, and its disruption is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Classically, defects in the DDR have been exploited therapeutically in the treatment of cancer with radiation therapies or genotoxic chemotherapies. More recently, protein components of the DDR systems have been identified as promising avenues for targeted cancer therapeutics. Here, we present an in-depth analysis of the function, role in cancer and therapeutic potential of 450 expert-curated human DDR genes. We discuss the DDR drugs that have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or that are under clinical investigation. We examine large-scale genomic and expression data for 15 cancers to identify deregulated components of the DDR, and we apply systematic computational analysis to identify DDR proteins that are amenable to modulation by small molecules, highlighting potential novel therapeutic targets