Ultrasound-guided robotic surgical procedures: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound has been nicknamed "the surgeon's stethoscope". The advantages of laparoscopic ultrasound beyond a substitute for the sense of touch are considerable, especially for robotic surgery. Being able to see through parenchyma and into vascular structures enables to avoid unnecessary dissection by providing a thorough assessment at every stage without the need for contrast media or ionising radiation. The limitations of restricted angulation and access within the abdominal cavity during laparoscopy can be overcome by robotic handling of miniaturised ultrasound probes and the use of various and specific frequencies will meet tissue- and organ-specific characteristics. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the reported applications of intraoperative ultrasound-guided robotic surgery and to outline future perspectives. METHODS: The study adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched up to October 2023. Manuscripts reporting data on ultrasound-guided robotic procedures were included in the qualitative analysis. RESULTS: 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority (53%) were related to the field of general surgery during liver, pancreas, spleen, gallbladder/bile duct, vascular and rectal surgery. This was followed by other fields of oncological surgery (42%) including urology, lung surgery, and retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy for metastases. Among the studies, ten (53%) focused on locating tumoral lesions and defining resection margins, four (15%) were designed to test the feasibility of robotic ultrasound-guided surgery, while two (10.5%) aimed to compare robotic and laparoscopic ultrasound probes. Additionally two studies (10.5%) evaluated the robotic drop-in probe one (5%) assessed the hepatic tissue consistency and another one (5%) aimed to visualize the blood flow in the splenic artery. CONCLUSION: The advantages of robotic instrumentation, including ergonomics, dexterity, and precision of movements, are of relevance for robotic intraoperative ultrasound (RIOUS). The present systematic review demonstrates the virtue of RIOUS to support surgeons and potentially reduce minimally invasive procedure times.

A survey of perceptions of exposure to new technology in residents and practicing ophthalmologists.

BACKGROUND: Incorporation of the rapid advances in ophthalmologic surgical and diagnostic techniques inherent in the field poses a challenge to residency training programs. This study investigates exposure to new technologies during residency and perception of its impact on practice patterns. METHODS: Ophthalmology residents at various training levels and practicing ophthalmologists who had completed their training were invited to participate in a survey study assessing exposure to various technologies in residency and in practice. Data collection occurred from December 2022 to June 2023. Descriptive statistics were performed. RESULTS: The study received 132 unique responses, including 63 ophthalmology residents and 69 practicing ophthalmologists. 65.2% (n = 45) of practicing ophthalmologists and 47.6% (n = 30) of current residents reported discussion/training on newly developed products on the market (e.g. premium IOLS, MIGS), was "minimally discussed but not emphasized" or "not discussed at all" in residency. 55.1% (n = 38) of practicing ophthalmologists reported that exposure to new technologies during residency did influence types of technologies employed during practice. The majority resident physicians reported enjoying being trained on newer technology and feeling more prepared for future changes in the field (95.2%, n = 60) and felt that having industry partnerships in residency enhances education and training (90.5%, n = 57). CONCLUSIONS: Considering how to maximize exposure to newer technologies/devices during residency training is important, and may contribute to training more confident, adaptable surgeons, who are more likely to critically consider new technologies and adopt promising ones into their future clinical practice.

Mobile application interventions to increase physical activity and their effect on kinanthropometrics, body composition and fitness variables in adolescent aged 12-16 years old: An umbrella review.

BACKGROUND: The aims of the present umbrella review were (a) to summarize the available evidence on the effectiveness of mobile applications aimed at increasing physical activity; (b) to analyse the effect of an increase in physical activity on kinanthropometric variables, body composition and physical fitness of adolescents aged 12-16 years old; and (c) to determine the strengths and limitations of the interventions carried out with adolescents aged 12-16 years old through the use of mobile applications, to provide recommendations for future research. METHODS: The most relevant inclusion criteria were (a) adolescents aged 12-16 years old; (b) interventions carried out only with mobile apps; (c) pre-post measurements; (d) participants without illnesses or injuries; and (e) interventions lasting more than 8 weeks. The databases used to identify the systematic reviews were the Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed and Scopus. Two reviewers independently used the AMSTAR-2 scale to measure the methodological quality of the included reviews and also carried out an analysis of external validity, with a third reviewer participating in the cases in which consensus was not reached. RESULTS: A total of 12 systematic reviews were included (these included a total of 273 articles that used electronic devices, of which 22 studies exclusively used mobile applications with adolescents aged 12-16). Regarding physical activity and its effect on body composition, kinanthropometric variables and physical fitness, no significant differences were found for any of the variables analysed, and the results were not sufficiently consistent to determine the influence of these interventions. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to highlight that the scientific research conducted so far showed that mobile applications were not effective in increasing physical activity and changing the kinanthropometric variables, body composition or physical fitness of adolescents. Thus, future research with stronger methodological rigour and larger samples is needed to provide stronger evidence.

"Masked dissociation": the many faces of technology.

After briefly explaining the concepts of dissociation and repression and discussing the new interest that the concept of dissociation has acquired within the actual psychoanalytic panorama, the author explains the concept of a dissociative continuum and presents Peter Goldberg's theory on somatic dissociation. Starting from this model, she proposes an interpretation of the use of technology, and especially of the internet, as a dissociative modality that helps separate the mind from the body, one that allows the maintenance of personal security-a concept dear to Sullivan-through physical distance. The implications of this point of view are discussed.

Innovative therapeutic strategies in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): A review of progress and perspectives.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a commonly occurring condition that can significantly impact quality of life. Often considered a lifestyle disease. Traditional treatment methods focus on pharmacotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and in extreme cases, surgical interventions. This article discusses current and novel approaches to managing gastroesophageal reflux disease. The foundation of this work was medical articles and research gathered from the PubMed database. Keywords such as "esophageal reflux treatment", "new technologies in GERD treatment", "innovative reflux treatment methods", were used to facilitate the literature search. In managing gastroesophageal reflux disease, the application of appropriate pharmacological therapy and lifestyle changes for the patient remains key. However, new technologies and treatment methods, such as advanced endoscopic repair procedures, innovative medications, and personalized approaches, are gaining importance. These new strategies can significantly improve patients' quality of life, reduce symptoms, and minimize the need for surgical interventions.

Mixed results for exposure and response prevention therapy in mixed reality for patients with contamination-related obsessive-compulsive disorder: A randomized controlled pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Technology-supported exposure and response prevention (ERP) for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as tested in clinical research, holds promise but also has limitations. The present study aims to overcome these limitations by using mixed reality for ERP (MERP). The objectives of this pilot study were to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and acceptance of MERP and to identify possible obstacles. METHODS: Twenty inpatients with contamination-related OCD were recruited and randomized to two conditions: MERP (six sessions in 3 weeks) and care as usual treatment. Patients were assessed before treatment (baseline), after the 3-week intervention period (post), as well as 3 months after post assessment (follow-up) regarding symptomatology (Y-BOCS). RESULTS: Results showed a similar reduction in symptomatology in both groups from baseline to post. Regarding safety, no clinically significant deterioration was detected in the MERP group. Patients' evaluation of the MERP was heterogeneous. The qualitative feedback provided helpful indications for further development of the software. Sense of presence was below the midpoint of the scales. CONCLUSION: This is the first study evaluating a MERP for patients with OCD that shows cautious evidence for the acceptance and safety of MERP. The results of the subjective evaluation suggest revisions of the software.

Study protocol for improving mental health during pregnancy: a randomized controlled low-intensity m-health intervention by midwives at primary care centers.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy-related anxiety and depression has received considerable attention worldwide. Mental health problems in pregnant women already since early weeks of gestation may have important consequences to the fetus. The necessity for more effective health care pathways, including some early interventions that reduce the overall burden of the childbearing situation appears a key factor for a successful birth and care of the baby. The few studies focalized in interventions, are focused on delivery and postpartum, without taking into account the whole maternity process. Current literature recommends the use of interventions based on new technologies for the treatment of mood disorders, already during the prenatal period. There have been scarce well-designed intervention studies that test technological low-intensity interventions by midwives to address pregnant women's mental health, diminishing anxiety and depression during pregnancy. METHODS/DESIGN: Adult pregnant women (weeks 12-14 of gestation) will be recruited and screened from different primary care centers in Catalonia, Spain. Women who pass the initial mental screening will be randomly allocated to the relaxation virtual reality intervention or control group. The intervention aims to improve mental state of pregnant women during pregnancy, work through breathing, mindfulness and muscle relaxation techniques. Women in the control group will receive standard care offered by the public funded maternity services in Catalonia. The primary outcome measures will include the Edinburg Postnatal Depression (EPDS), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), and the Cambridge Worry Scale (CWS) instruments. Secondary outcome measures will include the Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised (TCI-R) and the Whooley and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 (GAD-2) questions. Routinary pregnancy monitoring measures will be also evaluated. DISCUSSION: This study aims to test the efficacy of a low-intensity, midwife-led e-health intervention based on new technologies to work on women's anxiety and depression during pregnancy. We hypothesize that low-intensity mental health intervention during pregnancy, using an e-health (virtual reality) as a support tool, will be effective in reducing of anxiety, depressive symptoms, and improving satisfaction with pregnancy follow-up. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials ID NCT05756205.

Sustainable, technological, and innovative challenges post Covid-19 in health, economy, and education sectors.

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has caused an evolution in the business use of Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and New Technologies in general. The general objective of the article is to assess how this process developed during the pandemic in the use and standardization of Big Data, digitalization, the use of data in the private sector and in the public administration and to assess whether it has been used to modernize and digitalize the post-pandemic society. The specific objectives of the article are: 1) the impact of new technologies on society during confinement; 2) to understand the use of Big Data for the creation of new products and businesses and 3) to assess which businesses and companies and from which economic sectors have emerged, which have been transformed and which have disappeared.

Development and perspectives of rapid detection technology in food and environment.

Food safety become a hot issue currently with globalization of food trade and food supply chains. Chemical pollution, microbial contamination and adulteration in food have attracted more attention worldwide. Contamination with antibiotics, estrogens and heavy metals in water environment and soil environment have also turn into an enormous threat to food safety. Traditional small-scale, long-term detection technologies have been unable to meet the current needs. In the monitoring process, rapid, convenient, accurate analysis and detection technologies have become the future development trend. We critically synthesizing the current knowledge of various rapid detection technology, and briefly touched upon the problem which still exist in research process. The review showed that the application of novel materials promotes the development of rapid detection technology, high-throughput and portability would be popular study directions in the future. Of course, the ultimate aim of the research is how to industrialization these technologies and apply to the market.

Deep Learning-Based Next-Generation Waveform for Multiuser VLC Systems.

Due to the growing number of users, power, and spectral effectiveness, most communication systems are complex and difficult to implement on a large scale. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has played an outstanding role in the implementation of theoretical systems in the real world, with less complexity achieving better results. In this direction, we compare the Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) technique for a multiuser Visible Light Communication (VLC) system with Successive Interference Cancellation (SIC) for two types of detectors: (1) the deep learning-based system and (2) the traditional maximum likelihood (ML) decoder-based system. For multiplexing, we compare the variations of novel Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) multiplexing and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) with Index Modulation (IM). In this article, we implement OFDM-IM and OAM-IM for four users for the Gaussian fading MIMO Line-of-Sight (LoS) and Non-Line-of-Sight (NLoS) VLC channels. The suggested systems' bit error rate (BER) performances are compared in simulations for a wide range of Signal-to-Noise Ratios (SNRs), which shows that deep learning-based systems outperform the ML-based system for both users to ensure better decoding at the receiver end, especially at higher SNR values. The detection error is lower in a deep learning-based system at around 20% and around 30% for low SNR and high SNR values, respectively.