SummaryThe transplantation of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived insulin-producing β cells for the treatment of diabetes is finally approaching the clinical stage. However, even with state-of-the-art differentiation protocols, a significant percentage of undefined non-endocrine cell types are still generated. Most importantly, there is the potential for carry-over of non-differentiated cell types that may produce teratomas. We sought to modify hESCs so that their differentiated progeny could be selectively devoid of tumorigenic cells and enriched for cells of the desired phenotype (in this case, β cells). Here we report the generation of a modified hESC line harboring two suicide gene cassettes, whose expression results in cell death in the presence of specific pro-drugs. We show the efficacy of this system at enriching for β cells and eliminating tumorigenic ones both in vitro and in vivo. Our approach is innovative inasmuch as it allows for the preservation of the desired cells while eliminating those with the potential to develop teratomas.

The objective of this study was to investigate the possible mode(s) of action for the medicinal use of Orchis mascula (OM) (family Orchidaceae) in hypertension and dyslipidemia. In spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), OM significantly (Po0.05) reduced systolic blood pressure to 174.2±9.63 vs. 203.4±7.13 mm Hg (mean±s.e.m.; n¼7-10) and improved endothelial dysfunction by increasing acetylcholine-induced relaxation. In normotensive anesthetized rats, the crude extract of OM (Om.Cr) at 10 and 30 mg kg À1 caused a dose-dependent attenuation of mean arterial pressure. OM also decreased serum triglycerides to 29.28 ± 6.99 vs. 93.84 ± 5.7 mg per 100 ml (Po0.001), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol to 5.99 ± 1.27 vs. 21.9 ± 3.5 mg per 100 ml (Po0.05) and atherogenic index to 0.096±0.017 vs. 0.36±0.08 mg per 100 ml (Po0.05). OM significantly reduced lipid levels in tyloxapol and high fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia. In a second model, OM also reduced gain in body weight with a reduction in daily diet consumption. In isolated rabbit aorta, Om.Cr caused concentration-dependent relaxation of both phenylephrine and high K + (80 mM)-induced contractions and a rightward shift of the calcium concentration-response curves similar to the effect seen with verapamil. In conclusion, OM shows antihypertensive and endothelial-modulating effects mediated through multiple pathways that include direct vasodilation by calcium channel blockade and reduction of plasma lipids by inhibition of biosynthesis, absorption and secretion. This study rationalizes the medicinal use of OM in hypertension and dyslipidemia. However, further studies are required to identify the active constituents of this plant.

The surge of COVID-19 has introduced a new threat surface as malevolent actors are trying to benefit from the pandemic. Because of this, new information sources and visualization tools about COVID-19 have been introduced into the workflow of frontline practitioners. As a result, analysts are increasingly required to shift their focus between different visual displays to monitor pandemic related data, security threats, and incidents. Augmented reality (AR) smart glasses can overlay digital data to the physical environment in a comprehensible manner. However, the real-life use situations are often complex and require fast knowledge acquisition from multiple sources. In this study we report results from an experiment with six subjects using an AR overlaid information interface coupled with traditional computer monitors. Our goal was to evaluate a multi tasking setup with traditional monitors and an AR headset where notifications from the new COVID-19 MISP instance were visualized. Our results indicate that better situational awareness does translate to increased task performance, but at the cost of a gender gap that requires further attention.

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