Sigma Receptor Ligands Prevent COVID Mortality In Vivo: Implications for Future Therapeutics.

The emergence of lethal coronaviruses follows a periodic pattern which suggests a recurring cycle of outbreaks. It remains uncertain as to when the next lethal coronavirus will emerge, though its eventual emergence appears to be inevitable. New mutations in evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants have provided resistance to current antiviral drugs, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccines, reducing their therapeutic efficacy.

Emerging mutation patterns in SARS-CoV-2 variants.

There is an urgent need to understand the functional effects of mutations in emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2. Variants of concern (alpha, beta, gamma and delta) acquired four patterns of spike glycoprotein mutations that enhance transmissibility and immune evasion: 1) mutations in the N-terminal domain (NTD), 2) mutations in the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD), 3) mutations at interchain contacts of the spike trimer, and 4) furin cleavage site mutations. Most distinguishing mutations among variants of concern are exhibited in the NTD, localized to sites of high structural flexibility.

Motion sickness: an evolutionary and genetic basis for the negative reinforcement model.

It has been theorized that motion sickness evolved as a negative reinforcement system which terminates motion involving postural instability and/or sensory conflict. A hypothetical example is provided by a "thought experiment" whereby protohominids are in a tree looking for food. Selection pressure results when the organisms that have an aversion to motion-producing sensory conflict do not venture out too far on the tree limbs and therefore tend to survive.

CO2 laser-assisted posterior semicircular canal ablation for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to analyze a new technique, CO2 laser-assisted posterior semicircular canal ablation (LAPSCCA), in the treatment of refractory benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Study Design: Prospective study of patients with disabling BPPV who failed conservative therapy.

Methods: Patients noted to have been treated with at least three Epley maneuvers without success and continuing to have disabling symptoms were enrolled in this study.

Shape-memory stapes prosthesis for otosclerosis surgery.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a shape-memory alloy, Nitinol, as a component of an improved stapes prosthesis.

Study Design: Prospective laboratory and clinical study to develop a Nitinol stapes prosthesis.

Methods: Various diameters of Nitinol wire and temperature transition variants were analyzed with regard to ease of deformation, response to heating, and strength.