BlocklyVR : Exploring Block-based Programming in Virtual Reality

As programming is typically a static activity in front of a screen, we perform an initial exploration around the capabilities of block-based programming in the immersive space using Virtual Reality (VR) to make an early charting on how programming could involve moving the programmer's body. We created a block-based programming interface in a VR space called BlocklyVR based on the existing Blockly programming environment. To investigate programmer performance and experience in BlocklyVR, we conducted a controlled lab experiment (N = 20) with eight programming tasks that covered mathematical operations, if-statements, and function creation. Our initial exploration contributes by classifying movement types made by BlocklyVR programmers and reflecting on how these movements are related to the programming tasks. Additionally, our data suggests that participant performance in BlocklyVR was not affected compared to the 2D Blockly, even if participants were physically moving in VR space. We also found that the virtual reality sickness was marginal. Lastly, we identified four types of interaction that can potentially be employed by VR designers and developers aiming to convert a static task, like programming at a desk, into a "mobile"immersive experience. © 2023 Owner/Author

The effect of intranasal administration of an IL-1b antagonist (RAIL) on the state of the nitroxydergic system of the brain during modeling of acute cerebrovascular accident

Introduction: This study was designed to evaluate the effect activity of RAIL-gel in comparison with Citicoline on nitroxydergic system during acute cerebrovascular accident. Methods: In this study, 80 white nonlinear rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups (20 rats in each): 1) intact; 2) control - untreated with acute cerebrovascular accident (ACVA), examined on the 4th day; 3) animals with ACVA, receiving RAIL, examined on the 18th day; 4) animals with ACVA, treated with Citicoline, examined on the 4th day. The expression of inducible NOS was determined by Western blotting. The nitrosative stress marker, nitrotyrosine, was determined using the ELISE kit NITROTYROSINE (kit no. HK501-02, series 12825k1212-k). To assess the state of iNOS mRNA expression, we used the method of polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcription in real time (RT-PCR). Results: Our research demonstrated that course administration of the RAIL and Citicoline to animals with ACVA for 4 days leads to the stabilization of the parameters of the brain nitroxydergic system. However, Citicoline does not provide a full effect on the shifts of the NO system in the brain. It does not have the proper effect on such an important link in the pathogenesis of ischemic brain damage as nitrosative stress. RAIL leads to a significant decrease in NOS activity due to its inducible form (decrease in the expression of iNOS and iNOS mRNA) and a decrease in NO metabolits, and inhibition of nitrosative stress (decrease in nitrotyrosine). Conclusion: IL-1b antagonist RAIL (Intranal Gel) significantly exceeds Citicoline in terms of the severity of the effect on the nitroxydergic system indicators

Systematic review of single and combined treatments for different types of striae : A comparison of striae treatments

Acknowledgements The authors would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Rasool Akram Medical Complex Clinical Research Development Center (RCRDC) for their technical and editorial assistance.Peer reviewedPostprin