VR Treatment Research Articles

Verapamil stereoisomers induce antiproliferative effects in vascular smooth muscle cells via autophagy

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are important in the management of hypertension and limit restenosis. Although CCB efficacy could derive from decreased blood pressure, other mechanisms independent of CCB activity also can contribute to antiproliferative action. To understand mechanisms of CCB-mediated antiproliferation, we studied two structurally dissimilar CCBs, diltiazem and verapamil, in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). To elucidate CCB-independent effects, pure stereoisomers of verapamil (R-verapamil, inactive VR; S-verapamil, active, VS) were used. The effects of CCB exposure on cell viability (MTT reduction), cell proliferation (3H-thymidine incorporation), VSMC morphology by light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and autophagy (LC3I/II, ATG5) were measured. In general, verapamil, VR or VS treatment alone (80μM) appreciably enhanced MTT absorbance although higher concentrations (VR or VS) slightly decreased MTT absorbance. Diltiazem (140μM) markedly decreased MTT absorbance (40%) at 120h. VR or VS treatment inhibited 3H-thymidine incorporation (24h) and induced cytological alterations (i.e., karyokinesis, enhanced perinuclear MTT deposition, accumulated perinuclear “vacuoles”). TEM revealed perinuclear “vacuoles” to be aggregates of highly laminated and electron-dense vesicles resembling autophagosomes and lysosomes, respectively. Increased autophagosome activity was confirmed by a concentration-dependent increase in LC3-II formation by Western blotting and by increased perinuclear LC3-GFP+ puncta in verapamil-treated VSMC. Verapamil stereoisomers appeared to decrease perinuclear mitochondrial density. These observations indicate that antiproliferative effects of verapamil stereoisomers are produced by enhanced mitochondrial damage and upregulated autophagy in VSMC. These effects are independent of CCB activity indicating a distinct mechanism of action that could be targeted for more efficacious anti-atherosclerotic and anti-restenosis therapy.

Effectiveness of brief VR treatment for PTSD in war-fighters: a case study.

War-fighters exposed to combat are at high risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a complex and challenging condition to treat. Cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) have been empirically validated as effective treatments for PTSD resulting from sexual assault, vehicular accidents, and disasters. Exposure, imaginal or in vivo, to the traumatic event is a central component of successful CBT treatment. Early studies indicate that CBT with brief virtual reality exposure (VRE) is beneficial in treating PTSD. The case study examined the effectiveness of brief VRE in treating combat-related PTSD.

The Adoption of Virtual Reality Training in Radiation Oncology

In providing effective training of radiation oncology professionals, common difficulties are access to treatment machines and the inability to practice and explore problematic scenarios. Akin to a 'flight simulator', VERT (Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training) is a commercially available system providing a life-size VR Linac and treatment room. It offers an effective means to gain clinical experience in a completely safe environment, without the usual time pressures. It has been installed in ten 'Therapy Radiography/RTT/Therapist' training schools in England and integrated into their training curriculum. The fully articulated virtual Linac is controlled using actual hand pendants and displays all the expected functionality. 3D glasses and life size projection improve the sense of realism when using the system. Patient plans can be loaded from any treatment planning system and placed on the treatment couch. Basic concepts related to the operation of the Linac can be demonstrated and treatment scenarios explored using purpose designed training aids. More advanced techniques, such as IMRT and IGRT where correct patient positioning is critical for organ sparing whilst providing adequate target doses, can be intuitively explored. VERT has shown benefits in accelerating the appreciation of relevant clinical concepts by fresh students. London Southbank University reported that new students were able to set virtual patients into treatment positions using surface anatomy within 3 weeks. Nationally, students are reported to be better prepared for clinical placements, more confident with the handset and asking more advanced questions for the stage of training. The 'seminar VERT' system is a smaller version suitable for any clinical facility, of which 30 are installed in England. Several institutions use this with trainee oncologists to cover basic plan delivery for Head and Neck, prostate, breast and use of the Linac. This reflects the practice that evolved in Aarhus, Denmark, an early adopter of VERT, where VERT allowed the throughput of trainees to be doubled and is used for training Oncologists and Therapists. Such reports indicate gains in efficiency and quality of training. VERT can be beneficial for radiation therapist training, oncology registrar training on radiation therapy technique, assistant practitioner training, physicists, associated team members and patient education.

Cross-cultural validity of VR treatment system for flying phobia in mexican population

Cross-cultural validity of VR treatment system for flying phobia in mexican population

Different Methods for Conducting Virtual Reality Therapy for Combat PTSD, What Studies Show, and Practical Application of VR Treatment in Iraq

Event Abstract Back to Event Different Methods for Conducting Virtual Reality Therapy for Combat PTSD, What Studies Show, and Practical Application of VR Treatment in Iraq Robert McLay1*, D. P. Wood2, A. Rizzo3, J. Spira2, K. Perlman2, B. Rothbaulm4, J. Difede5, J. Pyne6, M. D. Wiederhold2 and B.K Wiederhold2 1 Naval Medical Center San Diego, Department of Mental Health, United States 2 Virtual Reality Medical Center, United States 3 University of Southern California, Institute for Creative Technologies, United States 4 Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Behavioral Sciences, United States 5 Department of Psychiatry,Weill Medical College of Cornell University, United States 6 University of Arkansas for Medical Science, Department of Psychiatry, United States Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT) has been shown to be effective in the treatment PTSD in Vietnam Veterans, car-accident victims, September 11th survivors, and PTSD related to Iraq and Afghanistan. Whereas VR has clearly proven a useful tool, assuming that all VRT is identical would be akin to assuming that all therapy that involves a couch is the same. Therapists and researchers at Naval Medical Center San Diego and Camp Pendleton participated in the development of two treatment protocols for VRT of combat PTSD. Although these two methods share many aspects, there are important differences that impact who can be enrolled in treatment, and how treatment is conducted. These studies were not set up as head to head comparisons. Nevertheless, outcomes from the two studies suggest differences in dropout rate, treatment result, and persistence of symptom remission between the two methods. Based partially on the success of the two studies conducted, VRT moved into regular, clinical use, and was also taken into the field for use in Iraq. This presentation will discuss similarities and differences between VRT methods, results of the formal studies, and clinical choices and outcomes from VRT done in Iraq. Conference: Annual CyberTherapy and CyberPsychology 2009 conference, Villa Caramora, Italy, 21 Jun - 23 Jun, 2009. Presentation Type: Oral Presentation Topic: Oral Presentations Citation: McLay R, Wood DP, Rizzo A, Spira J, Perlman K, Rothbaulm B, Difede J, Pyne J, Wiederhold MD and Wiederhold B (2009). Different Methods for Conducting Virtual Reality Therapy for Combat PTSD, What Studies Show, and Practical Application of VR Treatment in Iraq. Front. Neuroeng. Conference Abstract: Annual CyberTherapy and CyberPsychology 2009 conference. doi: 10.3389/conf.neuro.14.2009.06.063 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 23 Mar 2009; Published Online: 23 Mar 2009. * Correspondence: Robert McLay, Naval Medical Center San Diego, Department of Mental Health, San Diego, United States, rmclay1@yahoo.com Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Robert McLay D. P Wood A. Rizzo J. Spira K. Perlman B. Rothbaulm J. Difede J. Pyne M. D Wiederhold B.K Wiederhold Google Robert McLay D. P Wood A. Rizzo J. Spira K. Perlman B. Rothbaulm J. Difede J. Pyne M. D Wiederhold B.K Wiederhold Google Scholar Robert McLay D. P Wood A. Rizzo J. Spira K. Perlman B. Rothbaulm J. Difede J. Pyne M. D Wiederhold B.K Wiederhold PubMed Robert McLay D. P Wood A. Rizzo J. Spira K. Perlman B. Rothbaulm J. Difede J. Pyne M. D Wiederhold B.K Wiederhold Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (Fear of Flying): From a Private Practice Perspective

A new treatment modality has been introduced recently as an alternative to standard in vivo exposure therapy or other traditional therapeutic approaches. The Phobia Center™ is the first non-affiliated private practice in the United States to treat fear of flying (FOF) patients with VR exposure therapy. The preliminary results are very encouraging and support the efficacy of VR exposure therapy. The rationale for VR treatment for fear of flying and other anxiety disorders are examined, and factors incorporating the utilization of VR treatment in a private practice setting are explored.