3D Group Research Articles

MBANet: A 3D convolutional neural network with multi-branch attention for brain tumor segmentation from MRI images

More than half of brain tumors are malignant tumors, so there is a need for fast and accurate segmentation of tumor regions in brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) images. Traditional 2D brain tumor segmentation methods seriously ignore the spatial context features of brain tumor MRI images, so how to achieve accurate segmentation of brain tumor regions with multiple modalities is the main problem. The paper proposes a 3D convolutional neural network with 3D multi-branch attention - MBANet. First, the optimized shuffle unit is used to form the basic unit (BU) module of MBANet. In the BU module, the group convolution is used to perform convolution operation after the input channel is split, and the channel shuffle is used to scramble the convolutional channels after fusion. Then, MBANet uses a novel multi-branch 3D Shuffle Attention (SA) module as the attention layer in the encoder. The 3D SA module groups along the channel dimension and divides the feature maps into small features. For each small feature, the 3D SA module builds both channel attention and spatial attention while adopting the BU module. In addition, in order to recover the resolution of the upsampling semantic features better, a 3D SA module is also used in the skip connection of MBANet. Experiments on the BraTS 2018 and BraTS 2019 show that the dice of ET, WT and TC reach 80.18%, 89.80%, 85.47% and 78.21%, 89.79%, 83.04%, respectively. The excellent segmentation performance shows that MBANet is significantly improved compared with other state-of-the-art methods.

Surgery-related characteristics, efficacy, safety and surgical team satisfaction of three-dimensional heads-up system versus traditional microscopic equipment for various vitreoretinal diseases

PurposeTo compare the three-dimensional (3D) heads-up surgery with the traditional microscopic (TM) surgery for various vitreoretinal diseases.MethodsA medical record review of patients that underwent 3D heads-up or TM vitreoretinal surgeries was performed from May 2020 to October 2021 in this retrospective case–control study. Main outcome measures included surgery-related characteristics, efficacy, safety, and satisfaction feedback from the surgical team.ResultsA total of 220 (47.6%) and 242 (52.4%) eyes were included in the 3D and TM groups, respectively. The 3D heads-up system significantly benefits delicate surgical steps, like the epiretinal membrane (ERM) peeling for ERM and internal limiting membrane peeling for idiopathic macular holes (P < 0.05). The 3D heads-up system could facilitate a significantly better visual outcome for pathologic myopic foveoschisis (P = 0.049), while no difference by TM surgery (P = 0.45). For the satisfaction feedback, the 3D heads-up system was rated significantly higher in most subscales and the overall score (P < 0.05). The surgeons’ ratings on operating accuracy and the first assistants’ rating on operating accuracy and operation cooperation were significantly higher in the TM group than in the 3D group (P < 0.05). Besides that, the 3D heads-up surgery was comparable with TM surgery in the surgery-related characteristics, choice of tamponades, postoperative VA, primary anatomic success, and perioperative complications (P > 0.05).ConclusionThe efficacy and safety of the 3D heads-up surgery were generally comparable to the TM surgery. The 3D heads-up system could significantly benefit delicate surgical steps and achieve better surgical team satisfaction.

Improving the process of spermatogenesis in azoospermic mice using spermatogonial stem cells co-cultured with epididymosomes in three-dimensional culture system

AimsThis study aimed to explore the effect of epididymosomes on the proliferative efficiency of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in vitro and the resumption of spermatogenesis in the azoospermic mice. Main methodsThe epididymosomes were extracted from the epididymis and characterized. SSCs were cultured in 2D (two-dimensional) and hydrogel-based 3D culture in the presence of 20 μg/mL epididymosome or 10 ng/mL GDNF. After two weeks of culture, the proliferation and purity of the separated SSCs were evaluated using the MTT test and flow cytometry, respectively. qRT-PCR was used to analyze PLZF, caspase-3, TGF-β, miR-10b, and miR-21 expression levels. Then, SSCs grown in the 3D culture system were labeled by DiI and transplanted into azoospermic mice via the efferent duct. After 2 weeks, tracing of DiI and cell homing were evaluated. Subsequently, histomorphometric studies and immunohistochemistry analysis were performed in testes after eight weeks of transplantation. Key findingsThe expression of PLZF, TGF-β, miR-10b, and miR-21 increased significantly (*p < 0.05) in the 3D + GDNF and 3D + epididymosomes groups than in the 2D group. Transplanted SSCs migrated into the seminiferous tubules of recipient mice and the number of spermatogenic cells and protein expression of PLZF, SCP3 and ACRBP in the 3D + GDNF and 3D + epididymosomes groups were considerably higher (∗ ∗ ∗ p < 0.001) compared to the azoospermic group. SignificanceThis finding indicates that culturing SSCs on decellularized testicular matrix (DTM) hydrogel with 10 ng/mL GDNF or 20 μg/mL epididymosomes could lead to an increase in SSCs proliferation which provides a sufficient number of SSCs for successful transplantation in azoospermic mice.

Quantitative evaluation of training method in placing miniscrews in orthodontic graduate program

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of training residents in an orthodontic program in the placement of miniscrews by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. A total of 90 miniscrews were placed in 15 pig mandibles over a 3-year period by 15 first-year orthodontic residents. Miniscrews were divided into three groups (Control group: no radiographs; 2D group: placement with 2D radiographs; CBCT group: placement with CBCT). Proximity of the miniscrew to the neighboring root was measured. The miniscrew success rate was examined in the graduate clinic from 2015 to 2021.ResultsThe percentage of root contact for each group was: 36.7% (11/30), 20.0% (6/30), 0% (0/30), for the Control, 2D, and CBCT groups, respectively. The CBCT group was significantly different from the Control and 2D groups (p < 0.05). For root proximity, the miniscrews were significantly closer to the roots in the Control (p < 0.001) and 2D (p < 0.001) groups compared with the CBCT group. No significant difference was observed between the Control and 2D groups (p = 0.80). There was no significant difference among the years in the miniscrew success rate.ConclusionsTraining the residents in an orthodontic graduate program using CBCT may be helpful to avoid root damage and to decrease the miniscrew failure rate.

Arrhythmia in pregnant women: what management is better?

Abstract Background Arrhythmias in pregnant women are commonly seen but have not been extensively studied. Drug therapy or catheter ablation during pregnancy may be required in cases of maternal arrhythmias. However, the studies did not examine the outcomes of pregnancy in cases with different management of arrhythmias. Objective We aimed to determine if there are any differences in pregnancy outcomes in women with disparate types of arrhythmia treatment. Methods We conducted a prospective study of all pregnant patients who were admitted to our hospital with arrhythmias from 2017–2020. For patients with benign arrhythmias drug therapy was not required (n=11; 14.5%, 1st group). Antiarrhythmic treatment was justified in cases with frequent symptoms and haemodynamic instability (n=65; 85.5%). Patients with effective antiarrhythmic therapy were included in 2nd group (n=31; 40.8%). In patients with drug refractory and dangerous rhythm disturbances (n=34; 44.7%, 3d group) were performed zero-fluoroscopy catheter ablation. Results A total of 76 pregnant women were admitted with arrhythmias. Mean age was 27.24±5.15 years, mean gestation age 21.27±5.34 weeks. Supraventricular tachycardia was the most common arrhythmias (n=41; 53.9%) This was followed by premature contractions (n=27; 35.6%) and ventricular tachycardia (n=8; 10.5%). There was significant difference in frequency of performed catheter ablation for disparate types of arrhythmia: 70.7% for cases of supraventricular tachycardia, 25% - ventricular tachycardia and 11.1% - premature contractions (p=0.000). Ablations were effective in all cases without adverse outcome. All ablations were performed without fluoroscopy. Vaginal delivery was in the majority in all groups (75.6% vs 62.5% vs 74.1%, p=0.736). Similarly, no differences were noted in obstetric complication (14.6% vs 12.5% vs 18.5%, p=0.656). None of them had fetal mortality. Conclusions Some patients with arrhythmias needed catheter ablation during pregnancy. There was no significant difference in type of delivery and neonatal outcomes in women with separate management of arrhythmias. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Laparoscopic surgery in 3D improves results and surgeon convenience in sleeve gastrectomy for morbid obesity

PurposeAdvanced laparoscopic procedures are still challenging. One critical issue is the lack of stereoscopic vision. The aim of this surgical study is to evaluate whether 3D vision offers any advantages for surgical performance over 2D vision during sleeve gastrectomy for morbid obesity using a laparoscopic system that allows changing between 2D and 3D optics.MethodsA total of 78 patients were analyzed, with 37 in the 2D group and 41 in the 3D group. Performance time, hospital stay, complications, and early outcomes were collected. To assess the quality of the 2D and 3D techniques, visual analog scales from 0 to 10 were designed, and image quality, depth of field, precision in performing tasks, and general ergonomics were measured.ResultsAccording to the vision system used, the mean duration of surgery was 85 ± 16.8 min for patients operated on with the 2D system and 69 ± 16.9 min for those operated on with the 3D system. There were no significant differences between the overall percentages of complications according to the type of vision used. However, postoperative complications were more severe in the 2D laparoscopy group. The average length of stay was shorter for patients in the 3D group. Regarding the differences perceived by the surgeon, the depth of field and the precision of tasks were better in the 3D vision group.ConclusionThe 3D system provided greater depth perception and precision in more complex tasks, enabling safer surgery. This led to a reduction in the operative time and hospital stay. Moreover, the severity of complications was less.

Prediction of Two-Dimensional Group IV Nitrides AxNy (A = Sn, Ge, or Si): Diverse Stoichiometric Ratios, Ferromagnetism, and Auxetic Mechanical Property.

In this work, we unveiled a new class of two-dimensional (2D) group IV nitride AxNy (A = Sn, Ge, or Si) prototypes, C2/m A4N, P3̅m1 A3N, P3m1 A2N, P3̅m1 A3N2, P6̅m2 AN, P3̅m1 AN, P6̅2m A3N4, P3m1 A2N3, P4̅21m AN2, and P3̅m1 AN3, by using evolutionary algorithms combined with first-principles calculations. Using HSE06 functional calculations, a wide range of band gaps from metal to semiconductor (0.405-5.050 eV) and ultrahigh carrier mobilities (1-24 × 103 cm2 V-1 s-1) were evidenced in these 2D structures. We found that 2D P3m1 Sn2N3, Ge2N3, and Si2N3 are intrinsic ferromagnetic semiconductors with gaps of 0.677, 1.285, and 2.321 eV, respectively. The lattice symmetry and Si-to-N2 charge transfer upon strain lead to large anisotropic negative Poisson's ratios (-0.281 to -0.146) along whole in-plane directions in 2D P4̅21m SiN2. Our findings not only enrich the family of 2D nitrides but also highlight the promising optoelectronic and nanoauxetic applications of 2D group IV nitrides.

Effectiveness of the Complex Treatment with the Inclusion of Dietary Supplements on the Sexual Health in Men with Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis

Chronic prostatitis is the most common inflammatory disease of the prostate gland, which is difficult to treat and significantly impairs the quality of life. Today, not only middle-aged men are in the risk group, but also young and older men. One of the frequent manifestations of chronic prostatitis are sexual dysfunctions, which cause psycho-emotional disturbances and negatively affect various spheres of men’s life. Maximum removal of sexual disorders is an important task in the treatment of this disease. The objective: to analyze the effectiveness of complex treatment with the inclusion of dietary supplements on the sexual health in men with chronic bacterial prostatitis. Materials and methods. 162 patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis with sexual dysfunction took part in the study. All men received complex antibacterial and anti-inflammatory therapy. The average age of the examined persons was 33.4±0.6 years old. Sexual dysfunctions in patients were studied by the survey method. The questions and answer options were based on the International Index of Erectile Function. After traditional complex antibacterial anti-inflammatory treatment, 87 patients of the 1st group (main group) received the dietary supplements produced by Harmony Ukraine Ltd. At the same time, of the 2d group (control one) did not receive additional treatment. Men of both groups were comparable in age and severity of disease manifestations, in particular sexual disorders, which were mostly pronounced. Results. As a result of the treatment, the sexual health of patients in both groups improved: sexual desire increased, the frequency of intimate relations increased, erection improved, the duration of the friction period of sexual intercourse increased, as well as the brightness of orgasmic sensations. The therapy was more effective in men of the 1st group. First of all, it concerned stability, duration and controllability of erection during sexual intercourse, increased sexual desire, regularity of intimate relations. In persons who took additionally dietary supplements, the normalization of individual sexual functions was observed in 51.7–62.1% of cases; of all functions – in an average of 57.5% of cases. In patients who received only antibacterial anti-inflammatory treatment, individual sexual functions were completely restored in 33.3–41.3% of cases; all functions on average – in 38.0% of cases (р&lt;0.01). Significantly pronounced sexual dysfunctions in men of the 1st group were not determined after treatment, they were found only in isolated cases; all of them on average – 0.9% of cases. In the persons of the 2d group, similar indicators were 6.7–25.3% of cases, respectively, on average – 14.3% of cases (р&lt;0.001). The positive effect of treatment with the inclusion of dietary supplements was determined in 82.8% of men. 60.9% of patients were very satisfied with the therapy. The specified treatment contributed to satisfaction with sexual relations and improved general health, and also had a positive effect on all spheres of men’s lives. At the same time, the patients who received only antibacterial anti-inflammatory therapy had its high effectiveness in 62.7% of cases (p&lt;0.01). 30.7% of men were very satisfied with the treatment (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion. It is advisable to widely use dietary supplements in the complex therapy of patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis with sexual disorders.

Этапное хирургическое лечение осложненной начальной катаракты у пациентов с далекозашедшей стадией пролиферативной диабетической ретинопатии

Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy of phacoemulsification of primary cataract by the second stage after vitreoretinal surgery of PDR patients. Material and methods. 187 cases of surgery treatment of patients with PDR and complicated primary cataract were enrolled. This patients were divided into four groups depending on the treatment tactics. In the 1st group patients were subjected to a two–step surgical procedure: vitreoretinal surgery with silicone oil tamponade performed as the 1st step in their treatment; followed by the 2d step, phacoemulsification surgery and silicone oil removal, and the IOL implantation, respectively. In the 2d group phacoemulsification performed simultaneously with vitreoretinal surgery: phacoemulsification, IOL implantation, vitreoretinal surgery with silicone oil tamponade. The second step differed in the removal of silicone oil from the vitreous cavity. In the 3rd group patients were subjected to a two–step surgical procedure: vitreoretinal surgery with gas tamponade performed as the 1st step in their treatment; followed by the 2d step, phacoemulsification surgery and the IOL implantation. In the 4th group phacoemulsification performed simultaneously with vitreoretinal surgery: phacoemulsification, IOL implantation, vitreoretinal surgery with gas tamponade. Results. Outcomes of the preliminary studies suggest that it is more viable to perform phacoemulsification surgery sometime later along on PDR patients with complicated primary cataract. Conclusions. This sequence of treatment procedure ensures a more gentle approach to the anatomic structures of the eye during the first stage (vitreoretinal surgery) and contributes to the reduction in the number of intraoperative and postoperative complications. Keywords: diabetic retinopathy, cataract, vitreoretinal surgery.

Application of three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction in the treatment of video-assisted thoracoscopic complex segmentectomy of the lower lung lobe: A retrospective study.

BackgroundAn increasing number of lung ground-glass nodules (GGNs) have been detected ever since low-dose computer tomography started growing in popularity. Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction technology plays a critical role in lung resection, especially in segmentectomy. In this study, we explore the role of 3D reconstruction in thoracoscopic complex segmentectomy of lower lung lobe.MethodsA total of 97 patients who underwent complex segmentectomy of lower lung lobe from January 2021 to March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. We divided these patients into a 3D group (n = 42) and a routine group (n = 55) based on preoperative 3D reconstruction or without this procedure. The demographics of patients and GGNs were collected and perioperative outcomes were compared between the two groups.ResultsAll of the baseline characteristics between the groups were comparable (all P > 0.05). There was no 30-day postoperative mortality and conversion in the two groups. The operation time of the 3D group was significantly shorter than that of the routine group (111.4 ± 20.8 min vs. 127.1 ± 32.3 min, P = 0.007). The number of stapler reloads during surgery in the 3D group was less than that in the routine group (9.0 ± 2.2 vs. 10.4 ± 2.6, P = 0.009). The rate of air leakage on postoperative days 1–3 was lower in the 3D group (11.9% vs. 30.9%, P = 0.027). In addition, the resection margins of all patients in the 3D group were adequate, while four patients in the routine group had inadequate resection margins, although there was no statistically significant difference (P = 0.131). Intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, postoperative hospital stay, pneumonia/atelectasis, and hemoptysis were similar between the two groups.ConclusionsFor performing complex segmentectomy of the lower lung lobe, the procedure of 3D reconstruction may shorten the operation time, decrease the number of stapler reloads, prevent postoperative air leakage, and guarantee a safe surgical margin. Therefore, 3D reconstruction is recommended for complex segmentectomy of the lower lung lobe.

An electronic nose based on 2D group VI transition metal dichalcogenides/organic compounds sensor array

Rapid volatile organic compounds (VOCs) detection is a hot topic today; in this framework nanomaterials and their tailorable chemistry offer a plethora of compelling opportunities. In this work, Group VI transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs, i.e., MoS2, WSe2, MoSe2, and WSe2) were functionalized with organic compounds (ellagic acid, tannic acid, catechin, and sodium cholate) able to assist their sonochemical exfoliation in water. The 16 resulting water-dispersed 2D hybrid inorganic/organic TMDs resulted in a few-layer nanoflakes conformation and were used to modify quartz crystal microbalances (QCMs) to equip an e-nose for VOCs determination. The ability of the sensors for the detection of VOCs was assessed on alcohols, terpenes, esters, and aldehydes; the responses were significatively different, confirming the synergic effect of TMD and the organic compound in the interaction with VOCs. The 16 sensors exhibited quantitative responses for VOCs (R2≥0.978) with fast signals recovery (<100 s) and repeatable (RSD ≤9.3%, n = 5), reproducible (RSD ≤12.8%, n = 3) and stable (RSD ≤14.6%, 3 months) signals. As proof of applicability, in an e-nose format, banana aroma evolution during post-harvest ripening was successfully monitored using the 2D TMDs-based sensors array. These data demonstrate that TMDs exfoliated in water with different organic compounds are sustainable functional nanomaterials, able to offer new opportunities in nano-bioelectronic applications.

Generalized Bertrand and Mannheim Curves in 3D Lie Groups

In this paper, we give a new approach for Bertrand and Mannheim curves in $3D$ Lie groups with bi-invariant metrics. In this way, some conditions including the known results have been given for a curve to be Bertrand or Mannheim curve in $3D$ Euclidean space and in $3D$ Lie groups.

Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Three-Dimensional Visualized Medical Techniques Hepatectomy for Liver Cancer with and without the Treatment of Sorafenib.

Background The application of medical image three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction technology can provide intuitive 3D image data support for accurate preoperative evaluation, surgical planning, and operation safety. However, there is still a lack of high-quality evidence to support whether 3D reconstruction technology is more advantageous in liver resection. Therefore, this study systematically evaluated the clinical effects of 3D reconstruction and two-dimensional (2D) image-assisted hepatectomy. Methods Databases were searched to collect published clinical studies on 3D reconstruction technology and 2D image-assisted liver resection. Data were extracted from the database construction to March 2022 and the risk of bias in the included studies was evaluated. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan5.3 software. Results A total of 13 clinical studies were included, including 1616 patients, 795 in the 2D group and 819 in the 3D group. The meta-analysis showed that the incidence of postoperative complications was lower in the 3D group than in the 2D group (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.49–0.83, P=0.001) and also reduced operation time (SMD = −0.51, 95% CI = −0.74∼−0.27, P < 0.0001), decreased intraoperative blood loss (SMD = −63.85, 95% CI = −98.66–29.04, P=0.0003), decreased incidence of postoperative liver failure (OR = 2.42, 95% CI = 0.99–5.95, P=0.05), decreased postoperative recurrence rate (OR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.16–0.53, P < 0.0001), and increased postoperative survival rate (OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.49–3.23, P < 0.0001). Conclusions Current data suggest that 3D reconstruction-assisted hepatectomy can reduce intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications, and recurrence, and improve postoperative survival. Therefore, the 3D reconstruction technique is worthy of application and promotion in assisted liver resection.

Accuracy and retention of denture bases fabricated by injection molding, milling, and three-dimensional printing

Objective: To compare the accuracy and retention of denture bases fabricated by injection molding, milling, and three-dimensional (3D) printing fabricating, in order to provide some references for clinical practice. Methods: A maxillary edentulous jaw model made was used to duplicated 10 working casts. The casts were numbered and scanned. The wax pattern was designed by digital ways and conventional methods and then the denture bases were fabricated by injection molding, milling, and 3D printing. The tissue surface of experimental denture base was obtained using a dental laboratory scanner. The deviation between the tissue surface of the fabricated denture bases and the working model was evaluated. A digital force gauge was used to measure the traction force. Results: The milling group [(0.076±0.026) mm] was more accurate than the 3D printing group [(0.117±0.041) mm] (P<0.05) and the injection group [(0.120± 0.025) mm] (P<0.05). The accuracy of 3D printing group and that of injection group were not statistically significant (P>0.05). The milling group [(9.55±2.44) N] demonstrated greater retentive force than 3D printing group [(5.19±0.06) N] and injection molding group [(1.52±0.52) N] (P<0.05). Conclusions: The denture base fabricated by milling was more accurate and showed the greatest retentive force than the other groups. And 3D printing group showed better retentive force than the injection molding group. Both digital manufacturing methods can meet the requirements of clinical application.

Application of Image-Fusion 3D Printing Model in Total En Bloc Spondylectomy for Spinal Malignant Tumors.

Purpose To examine the effects of 3D printing model in total en bloc spondylectomy (TES). Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of 41 cases of spinal tumors at our institution between 2017 and 2020, in which TES was applied. There were 19 cases with 3D printing model and 22 cases without 3D printing model. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, excision range, complications, VAS, and ASIA grades were recorded. Statistical methods were used to analyze the data. KaplanMeier survival curve was made to evaluate the survival. Result There were significant differences in intraoperative blood loss between the two groups. The rate of R0 resection and tumor envelope preservation were higher in 3D group than that in non-3D group. In 3D group, the complications included surgical site infection (5.2%) and cerebrospinal fluid leak (15.7%). In non-3D group, the complications included cerebrospinal fluid leak (27.3%) and nerve root injury (13.6%). The pain and neurological dysfunction were significantly relieved before and after surgery in 3D group. However, the neurological relief in non-3D group patients was not complete. The VAS scores of non-3D group at 6 months after surgery were much higher than that of 3D group. Conclusion The application of 3D printing model not only helps surgeons observe the morphology, invasion range, and anatomic relationship of the tumor preoperatively, but also assists surgeons to judge, locate, and separate the tumor intraoperatively. For spinal malignancies, the 3D printing model is worth promoting.

Copper Hexacyanoferrate Solid-State Electrolyte Protection Layer on Zn Metal Anode for High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries.

Zinc (Zn) metal possesses broad prospects as an anode for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) due to its considerable theoretical capacity of 820mAhg-1 . However, the Zn anode suffers from dendrite growth and side reactions during Zn stripping/plating. Herein, a Prussian blue analog of copper hexacyanoferrate (CuHCF) with a 3D open structure and rich polar groups (CN) is coated on Zn foil as a solid-state electrolyte (SSE) protection layer to protect the Zn anode. The CuHCF protection layer possesses low activation energy of 26.49kJ mol-1 , the high ionic conductivity of 7.6mScm-1 , and a large Zn2+ transference number of 0.74. Hence, the Zn@CuHCF||Zn@CuHCF symmetric cell delivers high cycling stability over 1800h at 5mAcm-2 , an excellent depth of discharge of 51.3%, and the accumulative discharge capacity over 3000mAhcm-2 . In addition, the Zn//Ti@CuHCF asymmetric cell achieves the coulombic efficiency (CE)of 99.87% after 2000 cycles. More importantly, the Zn@CuHCF//V2 O5 full cell presents outstanding capacity retention of 87.6% at 10Ag-1 after 3000 cycles. This workdevelops a type of material to form an artificial protection layer for high-performance AZIBs.

409 Evaluation of Advanced Bimanual Skills in Novices Using the Wrist-Like FlexDex™ Articulating Laparoscopic Needle Holder in 2D and 3D Vision: A Randomised Trial

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the novice performance of advanced bimanual laparoscopic skills using the articulating FlexDex™ laparoscopic needle holder in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) visual systems. Method In this prospective randomised trial, novices (n=40) without laparoscopic experience were recruited from a university cohort and randomised into two groups, which used the FlexDex™ and 2D or the FlexDex™ and 3D. Both groups performed 10 repetitions of a validated assessment task. Times taken and error rates were measured, and assessments were made based on completion times, error rates and learning curves. Results The intervention group that used FlexDex™ and 3D visual output completed 10 attempts of the standardised laparoscopic task quicker than the control group that used FlexDex™ with standard 2D visual output (268 seconds vs 415 seconds taken for the first three attempts and 176 seconds vs 283 seconds taken for the last three attempts, respectively). Moreover, each attempt was completed faster by the intervention group compared to the control group. The difference in average time for the first three and last three attempts reached statistical significance (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusion Combination of 3D visual systems and the FlexDex™ laparoscopic needle holder resulted in superior task performance speed, leading to shorter completion times and quicker learning effect. Although the 3D group demonstrated lower mean error rates, it did not reach statistical significance.

3D-mapping of TMS effects with automatic robotic placement improved reliability and the risk of spurious correlation

• An SPM approach can be used on TMS-induced magnetic fields to image its effects. • This method enables 3D statistical maps of conditions to be generated and compared. • It also enables 3D group results and group comparisons. • Robotic coil placement improved reliability thanks to its increased accuracy.

Effects of virtual reality-based feedback on neurofeedback training performance-A sham-controlled study.

Electroencephalography-neurofeedback (EEG-NF) has become a valuable tool in the field of psychology, e.g., to improve cognitive function. Nevertheless, a large percentage of NF users seem to be unable to control their own brain activation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine whether a different kind of visual feedback could positively influence NF performance after one training session. Virtual reality (VR) seems to have beneficial training effects and has already been reported to increase motivational training aspects. In the present study, we tested 61 young healthy adults (mean age: 23.48 years; 28 female) to investigate, whether 3D VR-based NF training has a more beneficial effect on the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR, 12–15 Hz) power increase than a mere 2D conventional NF paradigm. In the 3D group, participants had to roll a ball along a predefined path in an immersive virtual environment, whereas the 2D group had to increase the height of a bar. Both paradigms were presented using VR goggles. Participants completed one baseline and six feedback runs with 3 min each, in which they should try to increase SMR power over Cz. Half of the participants received real feedback whereas the other half received sham feedback. Participants receiving 3D VR-based feedback showed a linear increase in SMR power over the feedback runs within one training session. This was the case for the real as well as for the sham 3D feedback group and might be related to more general VR-related effects. The 2D group receiving the conventional bar feedback showed no changes in SMR power over the feedback runs. The present study underlines that the visual feedback modality has differential effects on the NF training performance and that 3D VR-based feedback has advantages over conventional 2D feedback.

Virtual reality and music's impact on psychological well-being.

Quality of life is bound to psychological well-being, which in turn is affected by the frequency and magnitude of negative mood states. To regulate mood states, humans often consume media such as music and movies, with varied degrees of effectiveness. The current investigation examined the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) vs. two-dimensional (2D) online interventions with various stimuli (audiovisual vs. visual only vs. audio only) to assess which interventions were most effective for improved well-being. Additionally, this study examined which groups displayed the highest amount of perceived presence to understand what components are essential when maximizing a person's subjective feeling of being “in” a new place and if this translated toward therapeutic results. Our data suggests that even though VR participants generally experienced more presence and had similar benefits as 2D groups for increasing positive mood, only participants in the 2D groups had a reduction in negative mood overall with 2D audiovisual participants experiencing the best results. These results contradict past studies which indicate that there could be other psychological and theoretical considerations that may play a role in determining what online experiences are more effective than just examining presence and immersive stimuli. Further research and development into using VR as a tool for improved well-being is needed to understand its efficacy in remote and in-person setting.