Use of augmented reality in mental health-related conditions: A systematic review.

Objective: Augmented reality (AR) is a relatively new technology that merges virtual and physical environments, augmenting one's perception of reality. AR creates a computer-generated environment that evokes a unique perception of reality, where real and virtual objects are registered with one another, which operates interactively and in real time. Recently, the medical application of AR technology has dramatically increased with other assisted technologies, from training to clinical practice. The ability to manipulate the real environment extensively has given AR interventions an advantage over traditional approaches. In this study, we aim to conduct a systematic review of the use of AR to have a better understanding of how the use of AR may affect patients with mental health-related conditions when combined with gamification. Method: This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines by searching Pubmed and Web of Science databases. Results and Conclusion: We identified 48 relevant studies that fulfill the criteria. The studies were grouped into four categories: Neurodevelopmental disorders, anxiety and phobia, psychoeducation & well-being, and procedural & pain management. Our results revealed the effectiveness of AR in mental health-related conditions. However, the heterogeneity and small sample sizes demonstrate the need for further research with larger sample sizes and high-quality study designs.

Efficacy of Amikacin and Meropenem on Colistin-Induced Klebsiella pneumoniae Persisters.

Colistin-based antibiotic therapies have been recommended for the treatment of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infections. During colistin treatment, persister cells that tolerate antibiotics may arise. Here we designed an in vitro study to assess the killing activity of colistin, meropenem, and amikacin on colistin-induced K. pneumoniae persisters in comparison with starvation-induced persisters. Colistin-induced persisters were generated under exposure to 10 × minimum inhibitory concentration dose of colistin, whereas starvation-induced persisters were produced by limitation of nutrients. In colistin-induced persisters, amikacin totally inhibited cell growth in 6 hours, whereas 98% of the cell population was inhibited by meropenem, and total eradication with meropenem was observed after 24 hours. Both antibiotics also inhibited metabolic activity >88%. The lack of killing effect under colistin exposure suggested to us that these cells could protect themselves from further colistin stress. There was no significant permeabilization change in the cellular membrane with all antibiotics. There was no killing effect on starvation-induced persister cells with the exposure to all antibiotics. In 6 hours, the metabolic activity of the persisters with meropenem and colistin increased 99% and 40%, respectively, whereas there was no increase with amikacin. The sustained inhibition with amikacin was an important finding for antipersister effect of amikacin. Amikacin had rapid and sustained antipersister activity on colistin-induced persister cells. During the colistin treatment of K. pneumoniae infection, the addition of amikacin to the regimen seems to be an effective approach to prevent a recurrence.