Initial evidence suggests that virtual reality (VR) can effectively reduce palliative symptoms. While such findings shed a positive light on the ability of VR exposure to improve patients’ physical ...and emotional symptoms, VR could have downsides with adverse effects. As most of the reported adverse effects are related to physical risks or technical challenges, there is a scarcity of reports on possible psychological risks posed by VR exposure in palliative care settings, an area with considerable concerns. This is an area that is likely to have a significant impact on the future of clinical practice and research on the use of VR in palliative care. Based on the clinical experience of a registered clinical psychologist who has delivered VR in a palliative care unit for 3 years, we put forward a perspective on the potential psychological complications of using VR in palliative care. Our clinical experiences show that exposure to a desirable virtual environment that is beneficial to patients might not always align with realistic expectations, and that should the use of VR be considered, special precautions are needed to minimize possible psychological harms. This perspective article further proposes three approaches aiming to minimize possible psychological hazards: incorporation of psychological assessment prior to VR administration, psychological interventions right after VR, and professional training of the VR facilitators. We hope that our personally witnessed concerns and perspectives can alert future VR facilitators to the potential psychological hazards of using VR for patients receiving palliative care and inspire future research to minimize psychological harms.
A comparison between Cinematic Rendering Technique (CRT) and Volume Rendering Technique (VRT) in cases with postmortem CT-angiography (PMCTA) was carried out.
For different injuries seen in PMCTA, a ...VRT and a CRT image of exactly the same pathological section was generated. Two questionnaires were created, one with CRT and one with VRT reconstructions, with the same questions per 3D-image. The questionnaires were sent to forensic pathologists, lawyers and police officers. In total eleven different injuries had to be analyzed.
In total 109 questionnaires were answered fully. Of these returnees, 36 stated that they were forensic pathologists. Seventy-three people were assigned to the group of medical laypersons, in the study this group consists mainly of police officers, judges and lawyers. Between the two software programs CRT and VRT that were compared, no significant difference could be identified in any of the participating groups with regard to the assessment of the life-threatening nature of the injury images shown. When asked about the comprehensibility of pathology, there was a significant difference in favour of CRT. This advantage was apparent to named medical laypersons and to forensic pathologists.
The study showed a positive trend that CRT may be more understandable than VRT. Not only the medical laypersons, but also the forensic physicians found CRT to be beneficial.
Abstract The objective of the present investigation was to generate linear regression models for stature estimation on the basis of sternum length derived from computed tomography–volume rendering ...technique (CT–VRT) images for Western Chinese. The study sample comprised 288 individuals of Western Chinese, including 124 females and 164 males, with documented ages between 19 and 78 years, and was randomly divided into two subgroups. The linear regression analysis for the calibration sample data yielded the following formulae: male stature (cm) = 137.28 + 1.99*combined length of manubrium and mesosternum and female stature (cm) = 111.59 + 3.51* combined length of manubrium and mesosternum. Pearson's correlation coefficients for the regression models were r = 0.459 and r = 0.541 for the male and female formulae, respectively. The standard errors of the estimate (SEE) were 4.76 cm for the male equation and 6.73 cm for the female equation. The 95% confidence intervals of the predicted values encompassed the correct stature of all specimen in the validation sample. The regression equations derived from the sternum length in the present study can be used for stature estimation and the length of the sternum is a reliable predictor of stature in Chinese when better predictors of stature like the long bones are not available, and the CT–VRT method may be a practical method for stature estimation.
Background: Nicotine in tobacco smoke causes demyelination. Again, hypoxia in long-term smokers is linked to neuropathy. Visual receptors are early sufferer of neuropathy. Visual-Acuity & other ...ocular tests often fail to detect subtle changes of neuropathy which, however, can be detected by VEP test. Literature review shows that changes in VEP come earlier than PFT changes in smokers. Ironically, smokers claim that smoking improves their reaction time, which can be assessed by VRT.
Aims and Objective: To relate smoking status with VEP and VRT. Materials and Methods: Fifty-six subjects (smoker group = 28 & non-smoker group = 28), whose age & sex were matched, were included in the study. Their PFT, pattern VEP of both eyes & VRT were recorded. The data were compared between the two groups using unpaired t-test, considering statistical significance at p<0.05.
Results: The FVC (4.35±0.83 vs. 5.32+1.18 l, p=0.022), FEF 25% (7.40+2.38 vs. 8.74+3.90 l/s, p=0.019) & FEF 50% (6.11+1.52 vs. 7.74+2.57, p= 0.010) were significantly lower in smokers compared to nonsmokers. There was no significant difference in P100 wave latency of VEP. But, VRT of smokers were significantly shorter (431.69+60.29 vs. 441.14+123.54 ms, p=0.010).
Conclusion: Smokers have shorter visual reaction time and similar visual evoked potential as compared to non-smokers.
The irreversible progression of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is delayed by tolvaptan. Therefore, we aim to systematically estimate and ...evaluate the efficacy and safety of tolvaptan in the treatment of ADPKD.
Two reviewers independently searched all published randomized controlled trials studies in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane databases, extracted data, assessed bias risk and rated the quality of evidence. Data were analyzed by the RevMan software.
We identified 8 trials including 2135 patients. Both of the decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) MD=1.89, 95% CI (0.74, 3.04), P=0.001 and total kidney volume (TKV) MD=−3.32, 95% CI (−4.57, −2.07), P<0.001 were delayed in tolvaptan group compared with placebo group in ADPKD patients. The use of tolvaptan delayed TKV progression in the different-month subgroups MD=−69.99, 95% CI (−91.05, −48.94), P<0.001. Tolvaptan reduced renal pain RR=0.66, 95% CI (0.54, 0.81), P<0.001 and hematuria events RR=0.55, 95% CI (0.41, 0.74), P<0.001 in ADPKD patients. However, the prevalence of thirst RR=2.75, 95% CI (2.34, 3.24), P<0.001 and nocturia events RR=3.01, 95% CI (1.27, 7.11), P=0.01 were increased in tolvaptan group. There is no significant difference of hypertension events RR=0.92, 95% CI (0.82, 1.03), P=0.13 in tolvaptan group compared placebo group.
This meta-analysis suggests that tolvaptan may improve clinical progression in patients with ADPKD without significantly increasing the risk of adverse reactions.
La progresión irreversible de la enfermedad renal poliquística autosómica dominante (ERPAD) a enfermedad renal en etapa final (ESRD) es demorada por tolvaptan. Por tanto, nuestro objetivo fue estimar y calcular sistemáticamente la eficacia y seguridad de tolvaptan en el tratamiento de ERPAD.
Dos revisores buscaron de manera independiente todos los estudios publicados sobre ensayos controlados aleatorizados en las bases de datos de PubMed, Embase, Web of Science y Cochrane, extrayendo datos, evaluando el riesgo de sesgo y calificando la calidad de la evidencia. Los datos fueron analizados utilizando el software RevMan.
Identificamos ocho ensayos, que incluyeron 2.135 pacientes. Tanto la reducción de la tasa de filtración glomerular estimada (eGFR) MD=1,89, IC 95% (0,74, 3,04), p=0,001 como el volumen renal total (VRT) MD=−3,32, IC 95% (−4,57, −2,07), p<0,001 se demoraron en el grupo tolvaptan, en comparación con el grupo placebo en los pacientes con ERPAD. El uso de tolvaptan demoró la progresión del VRT en los subgrupos de diferentes meses MD=−69,99, IC 95% (−91,05, −48,94), p<0,001. Tolvaptan redujo el dolor renal RR=0,66, IC 95% (0,54, 0,81), p<0,001 y los episodios de hematuria RR=0,55, IC 95% (0,41, 0,74), p<0,001 en los pacientes con ERPAD. Sin embargo, la prevalencia de episodios de sed RR=2,75, IC 95% (2,34, 3,24), p<0,001 y nocturia RR=3,01, IC 95% (1,27, 7,11), p=0,01 se incrementó en el grupo tolvaptan. No existe diferencia significativa en cuanto a episodios de hipertensión RR=0,92, IC 95% (0,82, 1,03), p=0,13 en el grupo tolvaptan, en comparación con el grupo placebo.
Este metaanálisis sugiere que tolvaptan puede mejorar la progresión clínica en los pacientes con ERPAD, sin incrementar significativamente el riesgo de reacciones adversas.
In public service media (PSM) theory and policy, it is argued that more audience participation is needed in the production of PSM programs. However, little research has been done on the actual ...implementation and evaluation of audience participation in practice. Therefore, we investigate the values and meanings media users attach to participatory opportunities in PSM. We focus on the case of Bel10, a radio project of the Flemish public broadcaster VRT, as audience participation in radio is an under-researched field. First, we look at the literature to provide an overview of the main challenges PSM is dealing with in relation to audience participation. Subsequently, we conduct 24 in-depth interviews with participants in the Bel10 project and 10 focus groups with non-participating listeners. Finally, we conclude that audience participation is especially valued by media users when it contributes to societal objectives, such as being critical of the status quo.
U radu se prikazuju rezultati analize hortikulturne flore kućnih vrtova Gacke doline koja je s jedne strane omeđena Velebitom, a s druge Kapelom. Istraživanje je provedeno tijekom 2018. i 2019. ...godine, te revidirano 2021. godine. Nasumično je izabrano 40 vrtova koji se nalaze na različitim lokalitetima Gacke doline. Na istraživanoj površini determinirane su 133 svojte u sklopu 113 rodova i 60 porodica. Brojem svojta dominiraju kritosjemenjače (129 svojta; 96,99 %) i to dvosupnice (114 svojta; 85,71 %). Od prisutnih porodica najzastupljenija je porodica Rosaceae (12,78 %), a od rodova rod Prunus (5,26 %). Prema vrsti habitusa većina svojta su grmovi (30,83 %). Veća je dominantnost vazdazelenih svojti (61 %) u odnosu na listopadne. Prema geografskom podrijetlu su brojnije alohtone vrste (58,65 %) i to podrijetlom iz Amerike (26,92 %). Svojte ukrasnog karaktera (54,14 %) zastupljenije su od utilitarnih.
The paper presents the results of the analysis of the horticultural flora of the home gardens of the Gacka Valley, which is bounded on one side by Velebit and on the other by Kapela. The research was conducted in 2018 and 2019, and revised in 2021. 40 gardens located in different localities of the Gacke Valley were randomly selected. 133 taxa in 113 genera and 60 families were determined on the investigated area. The number of taxa is dominated by angiosperms (129 taxa; 96.99%) and dicotyledons (114 taxa; 85.71%). Of the families present, the Rosaceae family is the most represented (12.78%), and of the genera, the genus Prunus (5.26%). According to the type of habitus, most taxa are shrubs (30.83%). There is a greater dominance of evergreen taxa (61%) compared to deciduous taxa. According to geographical origin, non-native species are more numerous (58.65%), mostly originating from America (26.92%). Taxa of ornamental character are mostly represented (54.14%).
Purpose
Literature is conflicted on whether electromechanical delay durations decrease following resistance training programs. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the contributions and ...durations of the electrochemical (EMD
E-M
) and mechanical (EMD
M-F
) components to the overall electromechanical delay (EMD
E-F
) during step isometric muscle actions following 4-weeks of structured, multi-joint, lower-body variable resistance training (VRT) program.
Methods
Twelve men performed 4-weeks of VRT leg press training utilizing combination of steel plates (80% total load) and elastic bands (20% total load). Training consisted of 3 sets of 10 repetitions at a 10 repetition maximum load, 3 day week
−1
for 4-weeks. EMD
E-M
, EMD
M-F
, and EMD
E-F
was measured at Baseline, Week-2, and Week-4 during voluntary step isometric muscle actions (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction) from the vastus lateralis using electromyographic, mechanomyographic, and force signals.
Results
The EMD
E-M
, EMD
M-F
, and EMD
E-F
exhibited decreases in duration following 4-weeks of VRT. In addition, EMD
E-M
contributed significantly less (42–47%) than EMD
M-F
(53–58%) to the total duration of EMD
E-F
across the 4-weeks of VRT.
Conclusions
These findings indicated that a structured, VRT program utilizing multi-joint exercise was sufficient to induce decreases in the electrochemical and mechanical processes associated with step isometric muscle contractions. In addition, the utilization of the electromyographic, mechanomyographic, and force signals were capable of quantifying electrochemical and mechanical component changes associated with voluntary muscle contraction. Thus, EMD
E-M
, EMD
M-F
, and EMD
E-F
can be useful in quantifying physiological changes in athletic, clinical, and applied research interventions.
Introduction:
As the global population continues to age, the demand for palliative care is progressively increasing. This growing trend highlights the pressing need for groundbreaking interventions ...that can effectively manage palliative symptoms and improve the quality of end-of-life care. We present a brief, structured, personalized, and innovative psychological intervention named Flourishing-Life-Of-Wish Virtual Reality Therapy (FLOW-VRT)®, which capitalizes on the distinctiveness of virtual reality (VR) as an advanced technology for symptom management. FLOW-VRT is theoretically based on self-determination theory, stress coping theory, flow theory, and attention restoration theory. With a special focus on relaxation, “FLOW-VRT-Relaxation” is designed to enhance end-of-life coping through personalized VR relaxation. As most studies on the use of VR in palliative care have been feasibility or pilot studies with small sample sizes, there is a need for a randomized controlled trial with sufficient statistical power.
Methods:
The current study used a randomized controlled trial (
n
= 128) to test the efficacy of FLOW-VRT-Relaxation by comparing it to traditional relaxation practice in palliative care.
Results:
Our results showed that following a FLOW-VRT-Relaxation session, the symptoms of distress that patients in palliative care have to endure significantly reduced, whether physical or emotional in nature.
Discussions:
The current findings provide promising results regarding the therapeutic potential of using FLOW-VRT-Relaxation as a cost-effective, scalable, and personalized VR relaxation for patients in palliative care.
The effect of gamma-ray and neutron radiations on the variable retention time (VRT) phenomenon occurring in dynamic random access memory (DRAM) is studied. It is shown that both ionizing radiation ...and nonionizing radiation induce VRT behaviors in DRAM cells. It demonstrates that both Si/SiO 2 interface states and silicon bulk defects can be a source of VRT. It is also highlighted that radiation-induced VRT in DRAMs is very similar to the radiation-induced dark current random telegraph signal in image sensors. Both phenomena probably share the same origin, but high-magnitude electric fields seem to play an important role in VRT only. Defect structural fluctuations (without change of charge state) seem to be the root cause of the observed VRT whereas processes involving trapping and emission of charge carriers are unlikely to be a source of VRT. VRT also appears to be the most probable cause of intermittent stuck bits in irradiated DRAMs.
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