Virtual Reality Techniques Research Articles

PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS IN BURN PATIENTS: A META-ANALYSIS OF DISORDERS AND TREATMENTS

The main subject of this paper is the psychological disorders experienced by burn patients, with a particular emphasis on the necessity of psychological intervention in their treatment. The research seeks to investigate prevalent mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety, and assess the efficacy of various therapeutic approaches.The method relied on a comprehensive review of prior literature and a thorough evaluation of the outcomes from relevant studies. The findings indicated that a significant portion of burn victims experience various psychological disorders. This includes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression impacting, and anxiety affecting. The research also highlighted the significance of providing psychosocial support to enhance treatment results, as well as the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Virtual Reality (VR) techniques in addressing these conditions.To ensure comprehensive and effective patient care, it is recommended to integrate psychological interventions into burn treatment protocols, as stated in the paper's conclusion.

Early Supraspinal Influences on Human Embryonic Posture.

Knowledge of embryonic body posture as a reflection of neurodevelopment is limited. Here, we investigate embryonic body posture, preference, symmetry, and lateralization during periods of rest using virtual reality (VR) and four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound techniques to enhance our knowledge of neurodevelopment. It is hypothesized that lateralization and asymmetry in embryonic posture are absent. Embryos from low-risk pregnancies at 9 weeks gestational age (GA) were analyzed using a 30-min 4D ultrasound and VR techniques. In the middle of an embryonic resting period, the total body posture was determined by combining joint positions. Interindividual and intraindividual postures were analyzed over time to identify posture preferences, asymmetry, and lateralization. Sixteen embryos (N=210 middle frames out of 210 resting periods) displayed 27 different embryonic body postures. Interindividual and intraindividual variations in postures were seen. Asymmetry was noted in upper extremities, whereas lateralization of the head and spine was observed in nine embryos. Intraindividual and interindividual variation in embryonic posture at 9 weeks' GA is seen, suggesting the presence of supraspinal influences on body posture this early. Future interdisciplinary longitudinal studies on embryonic posture may provide further insights into embryonic central nervous system development, contributing to our understanding of embryonic health.

Utilidad de la realidad virtual en la formación médica: manejo clínico de un paciente con monoartritis de rodilla

The use of technological environments with virtual reality (VR) techniques for the practice of arthrocentesis offers an effective and safe way to learn and improve the necessary skills to carry out a medical procedure and patient care. This article presents an interactive simulator using immersive VR, in which the participant experiences practicing clinical management and decision-making in the face of a person presenting with monoarthritis in a medical consultation. The objective with this development is for the user to acquire the competence to perform, correctly and safely, a knee arthrocentesis and to differentiate the types of synovial fluids that can be found in a joint. In turn, it provides clinical guidance and assists with the user's medical decision-making. There fore, the aim is to improve the quality of care and patient safety when practicing this technique previously through clinical simulation.

The impact of maternal vulnerability on stress biomarkers and first-trimester growth: the Rotterdam Periconceptional Cohort (Predict Study).

Is the degree of maternal vulnerability positively associated with stress biomarkers (stress hormones, C-reactive protein, tryptophan metabolites, and one-carbon metabolites), and does long-term exposure to stress hormones reduce first-trimester growth? The maternal vulnerability risk score is positively associated with concentrations of hair cortisol and cortisone and negatively with tryptophan, while higher hair cortisol concentrations are associated with reduced first-trimester growth without mediation of tryptophan. A high degree of maternal vulnerability during the periconception period is associated with impaired first-trimester growth and pregnancy complications, with consequences for long-term health of the child and future life course. However, due to the challenges of early identification of vulnerable women, the uptake of periconception care is low in this target group. Between June 2022 and June 2023, this study was conducted in a sub-cohort of 160 pregnant women participating in the Rotterdam Periconceptional Cohort (Predict Study), an ongoing prospective tertiary hospital-based cohort. One hundred and thirty-two women with ongoing pregnancies and available stress biomarker data were included in the analysis. Data on periconceptional social, lifestyle, and medical risk factors were collected via self-administered questionnaires, and these factors were used for the development of a composite maternal vulnerability risk score. Stress biomarkers, including stress hormones (hair cortisol and cortisone) and inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers (C-reactive protein, total homocysteine, and tryptophan metabolites) were determined in the first trimester of pregnancy. First-trimester growth was assessed by crown-rump length (CRL) and embryonic volume (EV) measurements at 7, 9, and 11 weeks gestation by making use of an artificial intelligence algorithm and virtual reality techniques using 3D ultrasound data sets. The associations between the maternal vulnerability risk score and stress biomarkers were identified using linear regression models, and between stress hormones and CRL- and EV-trajectories using mixed models. A mediation analysis was performed to assess the contribution of tryptophan. All associations were adjusted for potential confounders, which were identified using a data-driven approach. Several sensitivity analyses were performed to check the robustness of the findings. The maternal vulnerability risk score was positively associated with concentrations of hair cortisol and cortisone (pg/mg) (β = 0.366, 95% CI = 0.010-0.722; β = 0.897, 95% CI = 0.102-1.691, respectively), and negatively with tryptophan concentrations (µmol/L) (β = -1.637, 95% CI = -2.693 to -0.582). No associations revealed for C-reactive protein and total homocysteine. Higher hair cortisol concentrations were associated with reduced EV-trajectories (3√EV: β = -0.010, 95% CI = -0.017 to -0.002), while no associations were found with CRL-trajectories. Mediation by tryptophan was not shown. Residual confounding cannot be ruled out, and the external validity may be limited due to the study's single-center observational design in a tertiary hospital. There is mounting evidence that a high degree of maternal vulnerability negatively affects maternal and perinatal health, and that of the future life course. The results of our study emphasize the need to identify highly vulnerable women as early as possible, at least before conception. Our findings suggest that the chronic stress response and alterations of the maternal tryptophan metabolism are involved in maternal vulnerability, affecting first-trimester growth, with potential impact on the long-term health of the offspring. This study was funded by the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Clinical Chemistry of the Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and the Junior Award granted by the De Snoo-van 't Hoogerhuijs Foundation in March 2022. There are no conflicts of interest. N/A.

Двигательные синкинезии у постинсультных больных и их реабилитационное значение. Обзор.

INTRODUCTION. Post-stroke patients often develop involuntary concomitant movements (synkinesis), which are closely related to the state of muscle tone and the nature of tendon reflexes on the side of hemiparesis. In Russia, according to the Marie-Foix classification, synkinesis is usually divided into global, imitation and coordination, and in the English-language literature terms such as “motor irradiation”, “motor overflow”, “mirror movements”, “abnormal coactivation” are used to designate them. etc. There are attempts to use these conjugal movements to restore the function of paretic limbs, but their rehabilitation value has not been sufficiently studied. AIM. Based on literature data, to study the features of pathological synkinesis in post-stroke patients, and to evaluate the possibility of their use to optimize rehabilitation methods (kinesitherapy). MATERIAL AND METHODS. The bibliographic search was performed in the scientific citation databases RSCI, PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. The following keywords were used: "global synkinesis", "imitation synkinesis", "coordinator synkinesis", "mirror synkinesis", "motor irradiation", "abnormal coactivation", "PNF", "rehabilitation". The initial search for sources within the last 5 years did not reveal enough of them to compile a full-fledged review, for this reason, the analysis era was extended to 20 years. The main attention is paid to English-language controlled randomized trials and reviews. A total of 152 sources were analyzed, 72 of which met the specified criteria and were selected for compiling this analytical review. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. The conducted literature analysis convinces that the basis of the traditional classification of post-stroke synkinesis by Marie-Foix should be preserved, but some additions are needed. The following types of post-stroke synkinesis should be taken into account: global, respiratory-brachial, imitative, coordinative and abnormal. In addition to kinesitherapy using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, they can be used in the methods of functional electrical stimulation, bilateral training, mirror therapy, restrictive therapy according to Taub, etc. Coordinative and abnormal synkinesis are of the greatest rehabilitation value. In the residual period of stroke, persistent abnormal synkinesis can limit voluntary motor skills and require inactivation. In this case, orthopedic fixation, reflex-inhibitory positions, Perfetti therapy, the use of robotic simulators based on biofeedback and virtual reality techniques are recommended. Conclusion. The traditional Marie-Foy classification of post-stroke motor synkinesis has no alternatives but needs to be supplemented. It is advisable to distinguish the following synkinesis: global, respiratory-brachial, imitation, coordinator and anomalous global, respiratory-brachial, imitation, coordinator and anomalous. The most valuable material for kinesitherapy techniques is coordination and anomalous synkinesis. In the residual period of stroke, the remaining abnormal synkinesis limits voluntary motor activity and requires inactivation. KEYWORDS: global synkinesis, mirror synkinesis, motor irradiation, abnormal coactivation, PNF, rehabilitation

Examining the effect of locomotion techniques on virtual prototype assessment: Gaze analysis using a Head-Mounted Display

Improvements in the performance and graphical quality of Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs) have led to their increasing use in Virtual Reality (VR) for product presentation and virtual prototype (VP) evaluations. Various locomotion techniques in VR make it possible to move through a virtual scenario and approach the VP for evaluation purposes. The integration of eye-tracking devices into recent HMDs allows the trajectory and gaze behavior of observers to be reported during the evaluation, often more objectively than self-report questionnaires. However, very few studies have used physiological measures for the evaluation of products embedded in VR environments. Therefore, this paper offers a study in which 95 people evaluated three VPs of street furniture presented in their environment of use using Meta Quest Pro headset and explored through teleport and natural walking. The influence of the locomotion techniques on the ratings recorded using a semantic differential, sense of presence, cybersickness, and the role of eye-tracking in understanding gaze behavior while evaluating products' Areas of Interest (AOIs), are investigated. This study found no evidence that the way of approaching the product influences the evaluation of some of its features, overall product evaluation, confidence in responses, sense of presence, or cybersickness differently. On the other hand, this work evidences that the locomotion technique had an impact on how the user approached the products, which could significantly influence the viewing time of some AOIs. The study revealed that the most observed AOIs coincided with those parts closely related to important features, generally located at the top of the products, so paying special attention to these parts when designing and evaluating similar VPs is recommended.

Behavioural Gap Assessment of Human-Vehicle Interaction in Real and Virtual Reality-Based Scenarios in Autonomous Driving

In the field of autonomous driving research, the use of immersive virtual reality (VR) techniques is widespread to enable a variety of studies under safe and controlled conditions. However, this methodology is only valid and consistent if the conduct of participants in the simulated setting mirrors their actions in an actual environment. In this paper, we present a first and innovative approach to evaluating what we term the behavioural gap, a concept that captures the disparity in a participant’s conduct when engaging in a VR experiment compared to an equivalent real-world situation. To this end, we developed a digital twin of a pre-existed crosswalk and carried out a field experiment (N = 18) to investigate pedestrian-autonomous vehicle interaction in both real and simulated driving conditions. In the experiment, the pedestrian attempts to cross the road in the presence of different driving styles and an external Human-Machine Interface (eHMI). By combining survey-based and behavioural analysis methodologies, we develop a quantitative approach to empirically assess the behavioural gap, as a mechanism to validate data obtained from real subjects interacting in a simulated VR-based environment. Results show that participants are more cautious and curious in VR, affecting their speed and decisions, and that VR interfaces significantly influence their actions.

Interactive Virtual Ankle Movement Controlled by Wrist sEMG Improves Motor Imagery: An Exploratory Study.

Virtual reality (VR) techniques can significantly enhance motor imagery training by creating a strong illusion of action for central sensory stimulation. In this article, we establish a precedent by using surface electromyography (sEMG) of contralateral wrist movement to trigger virtual ankle movement through an improved data-driven approach with a continuous sEMG signal for fast and accurate intention recognition. Our developed VR interactive system can provide feedback training for stroke patients in the early stages, even if there is no active ankle movement. Our objectives are to evaluate: 1) the effects of VR immersion mode on body illusion, kinesthetic illusion, and motor imagery performance in stroke patients; 2) the effects of motivation and attention when utilizing wrist sEMG as a trigger signal for virtual ankle motion; 3) the acute effects on motor function in stroke patients. Through a series of well-designed experiments, we have found that, compared to the 2D condition, VR significantly increases the degree of kinesthetic illusion and body ownership of the patients, and improves their motor imagery performance and motor memory. When compared to conditions without feedback, using contralateral wrist sEMG signals as trigger signals for virtual ankle movement enhances patients' sustained attention and motivation during repetitive tasks. Furthermore, the combination of VR and feedback has an acute impact on motor function. Our exploratory study suggests that the sEMG-based immersive virtual interactive feedback provides an effective option for active rehabilitation training for severe hemiplegia patients in the early stages, with great potential for clinical application.

Extended Reality for Mental Health Evaluation: Scoping Review.

Mental health disorders are the leading cause of health-related problems worldwide. It is projected that mental health disorders will be the leading cause of morbidity among adults as the incidence rates of anxiety and depression grow worldwide. Recently, "extended reality" (XR), a general term covering virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), is paving the way for the delivery of mental health care. We aimed to investigate the adoption and implementation of XR technology used in interventions for mental disorders and to provide statistical analyses of the design, usage, and effectiveness of XR technology for mental health interventions with a worldwide demographic focus. In this paper, we conducted a scoping review of the development and application of XR in the area of mental disorders. We performed a database search to identify relevant studies indexed in Google Scholar, PubMed, and the ACM Digital Library. A search period between August 2016 and December 2023 was defined to select papers related to the usage of VR, AR, and MR in a mental health context. The database search was performed with predefined queries, and a total of 831 papers were identified. Ten papers were identified through professional recommendation. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were designed and applied to ensure that only relevant studies were included in the literature review. We identified a total of 85 studies from 27 countries worldwide that used different types of VR, AR, and MR techniques for managing 14 types of mental disorders. By performing data analysis, we found that most of the studies focused on high-income countries, such as the United States (n=14, 16.47%) and Germany (n=12, 14.12%). None of the studies were for African countries. The majority of papers reported that XR techniques lead to a significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety or depression. The majority of studies were published in 2021 (n=26, 30.59%). This could indicate that mental disorder intervention received higher attention when COVID-19 emerged. Most studies (n=65, 76.47%) focused on a population in the age range of 18-65 years, while few studies (n=2, 3.35%) focused on teenagers (ie, subjects in the age range of 10-19 years). In addition, more studies were conducted experimentally (n=67, 78.82%) rather than by using analytical and modeling approaches (n=8, 9.41%). This shows that there is a rapid development of XR technology for mental health care. Furthermore, these studies showed that XR technology can effectively be used for evaluating mental disorders in a similar or better way that conventional approaches. In this scoping review, we studied the adoption and implementation of XR technology for mental disorder care. Our review shows that XR treatment yields high patient satisfaction, and follow-up assessments show significant improvement with large effect sizes. Moreover, the studies adopted unique designs that were set up to record and analyze the symptoms reported by their participants. This review may aid future research and development of various XR mechanisms for differentiated mental disorder procedures.

Periconceptional maternal supplement intake and human embryonic growth, development, and birth outcomes: the Rotterdam Periconception Cohort.

Is periconceptional multiple-micronutrient supplement (MMS) use including folic acid (FA) compared to FA use only associated with increased embryonic growth, development, and birth weight in a high-risk population? Women with MMS intake show no significant differences in first-trimester morphological embryo development, but increased first-trimester embryonic growth trajectories and fewer neonates born small for gestational age (SGA), less than the 3rd percentile (<p3), compared to women using only FA. Periconceptional maternal FA intake in the general population is associated with increased embryonic and fetal growth, and reduced risks of neural tube defects, other congenital malformations, low birth weight, and neonates born SGA. A prospective tertiary hospital-based cohort study (the Rotterdam Periconceptional Cohort) was conducted from January 2010 to December 2020. We included 1076 women from the Rotterdam Periconceptional Cohort, before 10 weeks of pregnancy with follow-up until delivery. Embryonic growth was assessed by measurement of crown-rump length (CRL) and embryonic volume (EV), and embryonic morphology was described by Carnegie stages using longitudinal three-dimensional ultrasound scans and virtual reality techniques. Birth outcomes were extracted from medical records. General characteristics and supplement use were extracted from research questionnaires. This study showed increased embryonic growth trajectories (adjusted models, CRL: β = 0.052, 95% CI 0.012-0.090, EV: β = 0.022, 95% CI 0.002-0.042) in women using MMS compared to those using only FA. Moreover, a 45% reduced risk of a neonate-born SGA (<p3) was shown in women using MMS compared to FA users (adjusted OR = 0.546, 95% CI 0.308, 0.969). Embryonic morphological development (Carnegie stages) and the occurrence of miscarriages did not differ between women using MMS or solely FA. Following the heterogeneity of the composition and dose of MMS preparations, it is unclear which specific micronutrient, combination, or dose explains the increased embryonic growth trajectory and reduction in risk for SGA. This also hampers the possibility of differentiating between the effects of FA alone or as a component of MMS. Our findings emphasize the importance of periconceptional maternal MMS use as a potential preventative intervention against reduced embryonic growth and neonates born SGA. Therefore, we recommend the periconceptional use of MMS in women at risk of inadequate micronutrient intake. However, awareness of potentially harmful side effects of high doses and combinations of micronutrients is essential, therefore the optimal composition and dose need to be investigated, and careful surveillance is recommended. This research was funded by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and the ZonMw grant Open Competition 2018 (09120011910046). The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. NTR4356.

Virtual Reality-Induced Modification of Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex Gain in Posturography Tests.

Background: The aim of the study was to demonstrate the influence of virtual reality (VR) exposure on postural stability and determine the mechanism of this influence. Methods: Twenty-six male participants aged 21-23 years were included, who underwent postural stability assessment twice before and after a few minute of single VR exposure. The VR projection was a computer-generated simulation of the surrounding scenery. Postural stability was assessed using the Sensory Organization Test (SOT), using Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP). Results: The findings indicated that VR exposure affects the visual and vestibular systems. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in results before and after VR exposure were observed in tests on an unstable surface. It was confirmed that VR exposure has a positive influence on postural stability, attributed to an increase in the sensory weight of the vestibular system. Partial evidence suggested that the reduction in vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) reinforcement may result in an adaptive shift to the optokinetic reflex (OKR). Conclusions: By modifying the process of environmental perception through artificial sensory simulation, the influence of VR on postural stability has been demonstrated. The validity of this type of research is determined by the effectiveness of VR techniques in the field of vestibular rehabilitation.

IMPLEMENTING VIRTUAL REALITY TO FOSTER CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS CHECKING AND REPORTING

The scarce human workforce during the economic downturn and the COVID lockdown measures exposed the need for more reliance on in-person construction site visits. During the pandemic, the research team conducted a systematic review to investigate how virtual reality (VR) techniques can be applied to foster more effective construction defect checking and reporting. The findings indicate that VR technologies can be applied in marker-based inspection, which is crucial for developing the automatic defect recording and tracking system. Built on these findings, this paper reports a case study conducted in Melbourne, Australia, demonstrating how VR techniques can be applied to develop practical solutions for enhancing defect checking and reporting in an actual construction project. The solutions focused on reducing the time-consuming and inefficient manual tracking process. This study shows a step forward in assisting human judgment by resolving the in-person marker-based inspections and manual defect tracking encountered in traditional defect checking and reporting practices.

IMPLEMENTING VIRTUAL REALITY TO FOSTER CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS CHECKING AND REPORTING

The scarce human workforce during the economic downturn and the COVID lockdown measures exposed the need for more reliance on in-person construction site visits. During the pandemic, the research team conducted a systematic review to investigate how virtual reality (VR) techniques can be applied to foster more effective construction defect checking and reporting. The findings indicate that VR technologies can be applied in marker-based inspection, which is crucial for developing the automatic defect recording and tracking system. Built on these findings, this paper reports a case study conducted in Melbourne, Australia, demonstrating how VR techniques can be applied to develop practical solutions for enhancing defect checking and reporting in an actual construction project. The solutions focused on reducing the time-consuming and inefficient manual tracking process. This study shows a step forward in assisting human judgment by resolving the in-person marker-based inspections and manual defect tracking encountered in traditional defect checking and reporting practices.

Visual extended reality tools in image-guided surgery in urology: a systematic review.

The aim of this systematic review is to assess the clinical implications of employing various Extended Reality (XR) tools for image guidance in urological surgery. In June 2023, a systematic electronic literature search was conducted using the Medline database (via PubMed), Embase (via Ovid), Scopus, and Web of Science. The search strategy was designed based on the PICO (Patients, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) criteria. Study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (registry number CRD42023449025). We incorporated retrospective and prospective comparative studies, along with single-arm studies, which provided information on the use of XR, Mixed Reality (MR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR) in urological surgical procedures. Studies that were not written in English, non-original investigations, and those involving experimental research on animals or cadavers were excluded from our analysis. The quality assessment of comparative and cohort studies was conducted utilizing the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, whilst for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the Jadad scale was adopted. The level of evidence for each study was determined based on the guidelines provided by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. The initial electronic search yielded 1,803 papers after removing duplicates. Among these, 58 publications underwent a comprehensive review, leading to the inclusion of 40 studies that met the specified criteria for analysis. 11, 20 and 9 studies tested XR on prostate cancer, kidney cancer and miscellaneous, including bladder cancer and lithiasis surgeries, respectively. Focusing on the different technologies 20, 15 and 5 explored the potential of VR, AR and MR. The majority of the included studies (i.e., 22) were prospective non-randomized, whilst 7 and 11 were RCT and retrospective studies respectively. The included studies that revealed how these new tools can be useful both in preoperative and intraoperative setting for a tailored surgical approach. AR, VR and MR techniques have emerged as highly effective new tools for image-guided surgery, especially for urologic oncology. Nevertheless, the complete clinical advantages of these innovations are still in the process of evaluation.

Visualization and Interaction Model of Outdoor Landscape Design Based on Virtual Reality Technology using Optimized Sparse Spectra Graph Convolutional Neural Network

The artistic thought of traditional garden landscape design has significant effect on garden art, architectural theory, gardening theory are also inextricably linked. In modern gardens, traditional architecture lacks applicability to construction of garden painting environment. In this Manuscript, Visualization and Interaction Model of Outdoor Landscape Design Based on Virtual Reality Technology using Optimized Sparse Spectra is Graph Convolutional Neural Network is proposed (VIM-OLD-VRT-SSGCNN).Initially the data is collected fromArcbazer.com data. Afterwards sparse spectra graph convolutional neural network (SSGCNN) is used to design the Outdoor Landscape. In Generally, SSGCNN doesn’t expose some adoption of optimization systems for calculating optimal parameters for exactly design the Outdoor Landscape. Hence, Piranha Foraging optimization Algorithm (PFOA) is proposed to optimize SSGCNN which precisely design Outdoor Landscape. Finally Visualization and Interaction Model of Outdoor Landscape Designed. The proposed VIM-OLD-VRT-SSGCNN method is implemented python and performance metrics likes accuracy, precision, F1-score, sensitivity, specificity, computational time, RoC are evaluated. The performance of VIM-OLD-VRT-SSGCNN method provides 18.31%, 20.72%, 21.67% greater accuracy, 17.83%, 18.42%, 20.38% greater precision and 21.75%, 22.36%, 23.59% greater computational time while compared with existing techniques like Utilizing Deep Learning to Generate Font with Backyards in Landscape Architecture(UDL-GFB-LA), Urban Landscape Design Depend on Data Fusion with Computer Virtual Reality Technology (ULD-DF-CVRT),perception of urban sounds cape and landscape utilizing different visual environment reproduction techniques in virtual reality (PUSL-DVER-VR) respectively.

Image Processing Techniques in Virtual and Augmented Reality: A Comprehensive Overview

Abstract: Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) have become increasingly popular technologies with diverse applications ranging from entertainment and gaming to healthcare and education. Central to the immersive experiences offered by VR and AR are advanced image processing techniques. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the image processing techniques commonly employed in VR and AR systems, including image recognition, depth sensing, stereo vision, and more. Additionally, it discusses their applications, challenges, and future directions in the field.

Major evidence of the relationship of cardiovascular disease and tooth extraction: a systematic review

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases can present a congenital origin, that is present from birth, such as interatrial and interventricular communication, defects of the artery, coronary arteries, or acquired coronary artery anomalies that involve several risk factors such as smoking, alcohol, old age, and sedentary lifestyle. Thus, the acquired ones are the most frequent in the routine of a dental practice, so the dentist should be able to attend to those patients who need special care, regarding the correct use of medications due to the risk of drug interactions, the type of local anesthetic to be used and the management of patients who use anticoagulant therapy. Objective: It was to develop a concise systematic review to highlight the main clinical outcomes of the relationship between cardiovascular diseases and tooth extraction. Methods: The research and development of the work were carried out from December 2023 to February 2024 in the databases Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, and Scielo, following the PRISMA rules. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument and the risk of bias was based on the Cochrane instrument (Funnel Plot). Results and Conclusion: A total of 112 studies were found that were subjected to eligibility analysis. The final sample had 36 eligible studies and 21 studies were described in the systematic review. Most studies showed homogeneity in their results, with X2 =63.9% &gt;50%, with p&lt;0.05. It was concluded that the virtual reality technique was effective in controlling blood pressure and heart rate within an acceptable range and can help in the management of blood pressure and heart rate during tooth extraction in patients with hypertension. It is necessary for the dental treatment of these patients with heart disease a good knowledge of the subject and requires medical and dental coordination. Dental surgeons need to be prepared to identify possible medical and dental emergencies and take steps to prevent or treat them effectively and quickly.

A comparison of conventional and advanced 3D imaging techniques for percutaneous left atrial appendage closure.

Understanding complex cardiac anatomy is essential for percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure. Conventional multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) are now supported by advanced 3D printing and virtual reality (VR) techniques for three-dimensional visualization of volumetric data sets. This study aimed to investigate their added value for LAA closure procedures. Ten patients scheduled for interventional LAA closure were evaluated with MSCT and TEE. Patient-specific 3D printings and VR models were fabricated based on MSCT data. Ten cardiologists then comparatively assessed LAA anatomy and its procedure relevant surrounding structures with all four imaging modalities and rated their procedural utility on a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire (from 1 = strongly agree to 5 = strongly disagree). Device sizing was rated highest in MSCT (MSCT: 1.9 ± 0.8; TEE: 2.6 ± 0.9; 3D printing: 2.5 ± 1.0; VR: 2.5 ± 1.1; p < 0.01); TEE, VR, and 3D printing were superior in the visualization of the Fossa ovalis compared to MSCT (MSCT: 3.3 ± 1.4; TEE: 2.2 ± 1.3; 3D printing: 2.2 ± 1.4; VR: 1.9 ± 1.3; all p < 0.01). The major strength of VR and 3D printing techniques was a superior depth perception (VR: 1.6 ± 0.5; 3D printing: 1.8 ± 0.4; TEE: 2.9 ± 0.7; MSCT: 2.6 ± 0.8; p < 0.01). The visualization of extracardiac structures was rated less accurate in TEE than MSCT (TEE: 2.6 ± 0.9; MSCT: 1.9 ± 0.8, p < 0.01). However, 3D printing and VR insufficiently visualized extracardiac structures in the present study. A true 3D visualization in VR or 3D printing provides an additional value in the evaluation of the LAA for the planning of percutaneous closure. In particular, the superior perception of depth was seen as a strength of a 3D visualization. This may contribute to a better overall understanding of the anatomy. Clinical studies are needed to evaluate whether a more comprehensive understanding through advanced multimodal imaging of patient-specific anatomy using VR may translate into improved procedural outcomes.

Virtual Reality Computed Tomography Evaluation - Anatomy and Clinical Implications for Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement.

Three-dimensional aortic root evaluation using virtual reality (VR) techniques for valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSARR) preparation has not yet been implemented, so we demonstrated VR computed tomography (VR-CT) and assessed its utility for VSARR.Methods and Results: We enrolled 72 patients who underwent multidetector CT before elective VSARR for annuloaortic ectasia with tricuspid aortic valve. The geometries of their aortic roots were measured with a VR-CT workstation. The mean values of geometric height (GH), free margin length (FML), and commissural height (CH) were 17.2±2.4 mm, 36.0±5.2 mm, and 24.0±4.3 mm, respectively. The right coronary/noncoronary CH was significantly greater than the left coronary/right coronary and left coronary/noncoronary CH. The left coronary cusp had the shortest FML, intercommissural distances (ICD), and smallest central angle. Although the right coronary cusp had the largest values for FML, ICD, and central angle, the right coronary cusp had the lowest GH and EH. The VR-CT measurements strongly correlated with intraoperative alternatives, especially with mean GH (R2=0.75) and left coronary/noncoronary CH (R2=0.79). Furthermore, mean GH was observed to be significantly different among the selected graft size groups; therefore, the preoperative mean GH could play a significant role in graft sizing. VR-CT evaluation allows a thorough understanding of aortic root anatomy, which could facilitate VSAAR.

Analysis of the effectiveness of the augmented reality technique as an influence on the digital marketing

Augmented Reality is recognized as the newest clever breakthrough in marketing and is used to promote a variety of goods and services. Through the use of this technology, businesses and brands interact with their target market to learn everything about their current and potential customers’ expectations. However, important elements are associated with the development of augmented reality technology. The objective of this article is to scientifically evaluate the usefulness of virtual reality techniques in digital marketing. The study concentrated on a variety of variables, including those that influence consumers’ desire to make a purchase, such as the degree to which a system is interactive, instructive, and congruent with reality. The quantitative methodology used in this study. Random sampling methodology is used in a survey method to gather data. The partially least-squares Structured Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method will also be used to evaluate and confirm any proposed causal links between the latent variables. Direct marketing and system quality were shown to be correlated, and the significance value ( sig) was found to be less than 0.05. The conclusion confirms the assumption that interactivity has no significant and positive impact on digital marketing but, system quality, product informativeness, and reality congruence have a large and advantageous effect on digital marketing. Empirical findings suggest that using augmented reality technologies is one of the greatest digital marketing ways to engage customers in interactive experiences and provide them with quality goods and services.