Significant technological trends are impacting health care,from consumerisation,datafication,circular economy,and platformization of services.Web 3.0,or the Internet of Value,enables direct peer-to-peer value exchange...Significant technological trends are impacting health care,from consumerisation,datafication,circular economy,and platformization of services.Web 3.0,or the Internet of Value,enables direct peer-to-peer value exchange,opening up new business models that will impact health care.Among the many technologies that will also be part of the healthcare transformation is artificial intelligence,which shocked the world with the debut of ChatGPT in 2022.This opinion piece will explore how AI underpins the health transformation and,far from being an enemy of health,is the critical friend health care has been waiting for.展开更多
BACKGROUND Systematic review focuses on the visual patient avatar(VPA)technology,a tool designed to enhance situational awareness in anesthesia by transforming traditional numerical data into intuitive visual displays...BACKGROUND Systematic review focuses on the visual patient avatar(VPA)technology,a tool designed to enhance situational awareness in anesthesia by transforming traditional numerical data into intuitive visual displays.AIM To explore how VPA can improve perceptual performance,reduce cognitive load,and increase user acceptance,potentially leading to better patient outcomes.METHODS The review is based on 14 studies conducted between 2018 and 2023 in five different hospitals across Europe.RESULTS These studies demonstrate that VPA allows clinicians to perceive and recall vital signs more efficiently than conventional monitoring methods.The technology’s intuitive design helps reduce cognitive workload,indicating less mental effort required for patient monitoring.Users’feedback on VPA was generally positive,highlighting its potential to enhance monitoring and decision-making in highstress environments.However,some users noted the need for further development,particularly in visualization design and data integration.CONCLUSION Review concludes that VPA technology represents a significant advancement in patient monitoring,promoting better situational awareness and potentially improving safety in perioperative care.展开更多
Avatars, as promising digital representations and service assistants of users in Metaverses, can enable drivers and passengers to immerse themselves in 3D virtual services and spaces of UAV-assisted vehicular Metavers...Avatars, as promising digital representations and service assistants of users in Metaverses, can enable drivers and passengers to immerse themselves in 3D virtual services and spaces of UAV-assisted vehicular Metaverses. However, avatar tasks include a multitude of human-to-avatar and avatar-to-avatar interactive applications, e.g., augmented reality navigation,which consumes intensive computing resources. It is inefficient and impractical for vehicles to process avatar tasks locally. Fortunately, migrating avatar tasks to the nearest roadside units(RSU)or unmanned aerial vehicles(UAV) for execution is a promising solution to decrease computation overhead and reduce task processing latency, while the high mobility of vehicles brings challenges for vehicles to independently perform avatar migration decisions depending on current and future vehicle status. To address these challenges, in this paper, we propose a novel avatar task migration system based on multi-agent deep reinforcement learning(MADRL) to execute immersive vehicular avatar tasks dynamically. Specifically, we first formulate the problem of avatar task migration from vehicles to RSUs/UAVs as a partially observable Markov decision process that can be solved by MADRL algorithms. We then design the multi-agent proximal policy optimization(MAPPO) approach as the MADRL algorithm for the avatar task migration problem. To overcome slow convergence resulting from the curse of dimensionality and non-stationary issues caused by shared parameters in MAPPO, we further propose a transformer-based MAPPO approach via sequential decision-making models for the efficient representation of relationships among agents. Finally, to motivate terrestrial or non-terrestrial edge servers(e.g., RSUs or UAVs) to share computation resources and ensure traceability of the sharing records, we apply smart contracts and blockchain technologies to achieve secure sharing management. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms the MAPPO approach by around 2% and effectively reduces approximately 20% of the latency of avatar task execution in UAV-assisted vehicular Metaverses.展开更多
The metaverse has emerged as a prominent topic with growing interest fueled by advancements in Web 3.0,blockchain,and immersive technologies.This paper presents a thorough analysis of the metaverse,showcasing its evol...The metaverse has emerged as a prominent topic with growing interest fueled by advancements in Web 3.0,blockchain,and immersive technologies.This paper presents a thorough analysis of the metaverse,showcasing its evolution from a conceptual phase rooted in science fiction to a dynamic and transformative digital environment impacting various sectors including gaming,education,healthcare,and entertainment.The paper introduces the metaverse,details its historical development,and introduces key technologies that enable its existence such as virtual and augmented reality,blockchain,and artificial intelligence.Further this work explores diverse application scenarios,future trends,and critical challenges including data privacy,technological limitations,and integration issues that must be addressed for the metaverse to reach its full potential.The significance of this study lies in its comprehensive nature,providing insights not only for researchers and practitioners but also for policymakers aiming to navigate the complexities of the metaverse and leverage its capabilities for societal advancements.Finaly,the paper forecast the future where the metaverse plays an integral role in reshaping human interaction,commerce,and creativity,thus emphasizing the need for ongoing research and collaborative efforts to unlock its vast possibilities.展开更多
Nowadays,theuse of Avatars that are unique digital depictions has increased by users to access Metaverse—a virtual reality environment—through multiple devices and for various purposes.Therefore,the Avatar and Metav...Nowadays,theuse of Avatars that are unique digital depictions has increased by users to access Metaverse—a virtual reality environment—through multiple devices and for various purposes.Therefore,the Avatar and Metaverse are being developed with a new theory,application,and design,necessitating the association of more personal data and devices of targeted users every day.This Avatar and Metaverse technology explosion raises privacy and security concerns,leading to cyber attacks.MV-Honeypot,or Metaverse-Honeypot,as a commercial off-the-shelf solution that can counter these cyber attack-causing vulnerabilities,should be developed.To fill this gap,we study user’s engagements with Avatars in Metaverse,analyze possible security vulnerabilities,and create a model named Simplified Avatar Relationship Association with Non-linear Gradient(SARANG)that draws the full diagram of infrastructure components and data flow through accessing Metaverse in this paper.We also determine the most significant threat for each component’s cyberattacks that will affect user data and Avatars.As a result,the commercial off-the-shelf(COTS)of the MV-Honeypot must be established.展开更多
Metaverse,once a concept confined to science fiction,has emerged as a transformative reality during the digital era.As this immersive virtual world gains prominence,the role of avatars and the digital representations ...Metaverse,once a concept confined to science fiction,has emerged as a transformative reality during the digital era.As this immersive virtual world gains prominence,the role of avatars and the digital representations of users in shaping educational experiences within a metaverse becomes increasingly crucial.This study examined the design of avatars and their effectiveness in virtual education.Using the cognitive walkthrough(CW)method,a well-established user-centric assessment approach,this study examined how users engage in avatar design in virtual educational settings,highlighting their cognitive processes.Through the CW approach,this study identified usability issues and learning challenges,providing valuable insights into the user experience.The investigation focuses on the VRoid platform for avatar design,selected for its user-friendly interface and robust customization features.Participants(n=12;six men and six women)from diverse educational backgrounds were carefully selected to offer a comprehensive range of perspectives.They performed avatar design tasks that closely mirrored the learning environment of the metaverse,followed by in-depth post-exercise interviews.The findings of this study highlight the essential role of avatar design in enhancing user engagement and improving the learning outcomes of virtual education.Furthermore,we provide practical recommendations for educators and designers to effectively leverage avatar innovation.In a continuously evolving era of metaverse,this research contributes significantly to the ongoing discourse on user-centered design in educational settings,thereby influencing the future trajectory of virtual education.展开更多
Avatars play a key role in how persons interact within virtual environments,acting as the digital selves.There are many types of avatars,each serving the purpose of representing users or others in these immersive spac...Avatars play a key role in how persons interact within virtual environments,acting as the digital selves.There are many types of avatars,each serving the purpose of representing users or others in these immersive spaces.However,the optimal approach for these avatars remains unclear.Although consumer applications often use cartoon-like ava-tars,this trend is not as common in work settings.To gain a better understanding of the kinds of avatars people prefer,three studies were conducted involving both screen-based and virtual reality setups,looking into how social settings might affect the way people choose their avatars.Personalized avatars were created for 91 participants,including 71 employees in the automotive field and 20 participants not affiliated with the company.The research shows that work-type situations influence the chosen avatar.At the same time,a correlation between the type of display medium used to display the avatar or the person’s personality and their avatar choice was not found.Based on the findings,recom-mendations are made for future avatar representations in work environments and implications and research questions derived that can guide future research.展开更多
Even though people approach a new technological development with distance, they have to use these technologies in order to keep up with the requirements of the age. As a result of the rapidly developing artificial int...Even though people approach a new technological development with distance, they have to use these technologies in order to keep up with the requirements of the age. As a result of the rapidly developing artificial intelligence and technology sector, the concept of metaverse is a virtual world that can be used in the health, tourism, marketing, advertising, education and gaming industries. When the literature is reviewed, it is seen that there are many domestic and foreign sources on the subject, but most of these sources are generally related to developments in the gaming and entertainment sectors. But apart from this, studies are being carried out to make it possible to use it in many sectors, including its use in the health sector. With this study, it is aimed to briefly mention what the existing metaverse studies are and to prepare a detailed research result for its use in the health sector. This study consists of five chapters. In the first part, information on the definition of the metaverse concept and how it has developed is given, and the infrastructure requirements necessary for the formation of the metaverse universe are mentioned. In the second section, it is discussed what kind of hardware and software tools may be needed if metaverse technology is possible. In the third section, research on the areas in which metaverse technology can be used in the health sector and current studies and future studies are included. In the fourth section, the legal aspects of this situation when a metaverse-based health service is to be initiated with twin avatars are discussed. In the last section, the advantages and disadvantages of metaverse technology are discussed. It can be seen from the study that the positive aspects of this kind of activity in the field of health will be more positive. As a result, the study constitutes an important value that will be a source for similar studies to be conducted in the future.展开更多
Purpose:This research presents findings from a qualitative exploration of the reactions of adolescents(12-14 years old)to navigating an exergame with an avatar created from multiple scans of the player(referred to as ...Purpose:This research presents findings from a qualitative exploration of the reactions of adolescents(12-14 years old)to navigating an exergame with an avatar created from multiple scans of the player(referred to as a self-representational avatar).Methods:Post-gameplay interviews were conducted with adolescents following participation in a 20-min laboratory session(21.2±0.8 min,mean±SD)where the self-representational avatar was navigated through an exergame.Verbatim transcripts(n=40)were coded and analyzed by 2 independent coders using hybrid thematic analysis for this secondary data analysis.Codes were reviewed to identify themes representing adolescents’reactions.Results:Four themes emerged.Adolescents connected with their avatars and felt protective toward them,which influenced their actions in the exergame and contributed to their overall game enjoyment.Conclusion:Creating exergames navigated by a self-representational avatar was an enjoyable experience and influenced gameplay.Future research should explore the effect of this approach on gameplay frequency and intensity over time.展开更多
Objective:The liver is the most common metastatic site in advanced colorectal cancer.Most patients with colorectal cancer liver metastasis(CRLM)cannot benefit from currently available treatment.Patient-derived xenogra...Objective:The liver is the most common metastatic site in advanced colorectal cancer.Most patients with colorectal cancer liver metastasis(CRLM)cannot benefit from currently available treatment.Patient-derived xenograft(PDX)models with defined molecular signatures are attractive preclinical models and essential for preclinical studies.展开更多
BACKGROUND The response to chemotherapy treatment of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)is difficult to predict and the identification of patients who most likely will benefit from aggressive chemothe...BACKGROUND The response to chemotherapy treatment of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)is difficult to predict and the identification of patients who most likely will benefit from aggressive chemotherapy approaches is crucial.The concept of personalized medicine has emerged in the last years with the objective to tailor the medical treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient,and particularly to the tumor biology of each patient.The need for invivo xenotransplantation models for cancer patients has increased exponentially,and for this reason zebrafish avatars have gained popularity.Preliminary studies were conducted also with PDAC tissue.AIM To develop a simple,not expensive,diffusible zebrafish embryo model as avatar for patients affected by PDAC.METHODS Tumor tissue was taken from the surgical specimen by the histopathologist.After its fragmentation into small pieces,they are stained with CM-Dil.Small pieces of stained tissue were transplanted into the yolk of wt AB zebrafish embryos with a glass capillary needle.Embryos were incubated at 35°C in E3 medium supplemented with 1%Pen/Strep in the presence or absence of drugs for the following days in respect of the treatment plan(Gemcitabine;Gemcitabine and Oxaliplatin;Gemcitabine and nab-Paclitaxel;5-Fluorouracil and Folinic acid and Oxaliplatin and Irinotecan).The response of zebrafish xenografts to the chemotherapy options has been analyzed by monitoring the fluorescent stained area at 2 h post injection(hpi),1 d and 2 d post injection(dpi).In each time point,the mean size of the stained area was measured by ImageJ and it was normalized with respect to the 1 dpi time point mean relative tumor area(RTA).We evaluated the effect of the chemotherapy exposition comparing the mean RTA of each treated subgroup and the control group and evaluating the percentage reduction of the mean RTA by comparing each treated subgroup with the control group.RESULTS Between July 2018 and October 2019,a total of 15 patients with pancreatic cancer were prospectively enrolled.In all cases,it was possible to take a fragment of the tumor from the surgical specimen for the xenotransplantation in the zebrafish embryos.The histological examination confirmed the presence of a PDAC in all cases.In absence of chemotherapy(control group),over time the Dil-stained area showed a statistically significant increase in all cases.A statistically significant reduction of the mean RTA in the treated subgroups for at least one chemotherapy scheme was reported in 6/15(40%)cases.The analysis of the percentage reduction of the RTA in treated subgroups in comparison to the control group revealed the presence of a linear relationship in each subgroup between the percentage reduction of the RTA and the number of cases reporting each percentage threshold considered for the analysis.CONCLUSION Our model seems to be effective for the xenotransplantation of PDAC tissue and evaluation of the effect of each chemotherapy scheme on the xenotransplanted tumor tissue.展开更多
文摘Significant technological trends are impacting health care,from consumerisation,datafication,circular economy,and platformization of services.Web 3.0,or the Internet of Value,enables direct peer-to-peer value exchange,opening up new business models that will impact health care.Among the many technologies that will also be part of the healthcare transformation is artificial intelligence,which shocked the world with the debut of ChatGPT in 2022.This opinion piece will explore how AI underpins the health transformation and,far from being an enemy of health,is the critical friend health care has been waiting for.
文摘BACKGROUND Systematic review focuses on the visual patient avatar(VPA)technology,a tool designed to enhance situational awareness in anesthesia by transforming traditional numerical data into intuitive visual displays.AIM To explore how VPA can improve perceptual performance,reduce cognitive load,and increase user acceptance,potentially leading to better patient outcomes.METHODS The review is based on 14 studies conducted between 2018 and 2023 in five different hospitals across Europe.RESULTS These studies demonstrate that VPA allows clinicians to perceive and recall vital signs more efficiently than conventional monitoring methods.The technology’s intuitive design helps reduce cognitive workload,indicating less mental effort required for patient monitoring.Users’feedback on VPA was generally positive,highlighting its potential to enhance monitoring and decision-making in highstress environments.However,some users noted the need for further development,particularly in visualization design and data integration.CONCLUSION Review concludes that VPA technology represents a significant advancement in patient monitoring,promoting better situational awareness and potentially improving safety in perioperative care.
基金supported in part by NSFC (62102099, U22A2054, 62101594)in part by the Pearl River Talent Recruitment Program (2021QN02S643)+9 种基金Guangzhou Basic Research Program (2023A04J1699)in part by the National Research Foundation, SingaporeInfocomm Media Development Authority under its Future Communications Research Development ProgrammeDSO National Laboratories under the AI Singapore Programme under AISG Award No AISG2-RP-2020-019Energy Research Test-Bed and Industry Partnership Funding Initiative, Energy Grid (EG) 2.0 programmeDesCartes and the Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE) programmeMOE Tier 1 under Grant RG87/22in part by the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) (SRG-ISTD-2021- 165)in part by the SUTD-ZJU IDEA Grant SUTD-ZJU (VP) 202102in part by the Ministry of Education, Singapore, through its SUTD Kickstarter Initiative (SKI 20210204)。
文摘Avatars, as promising digital representations and service assistants of users in Metaverses, can enable drivers and passengers to immerse themselves in 3D virtual services and spaces of UAV-assisted vehicular Metaverses. However, avatar tasks include a multitude of human-to-avatar and avatar-to-avatar interactive applications, e.g., augmented reality navigation,which consumes intensive computing resources. It is inefficient and impractical for vehicles to process avatar tasks locally. Fortunately, migrating avatar tasks to the nearest roadside units(RSU)or unmanned aerial vehicles(UAV) for execution is a promising solution to decrease computation overhead and reduce task processing latency, while the high mobility of vehicles brings challenges for vehicles to independently perform avatar migration decisions depending on current and future vehicle status. To address these challenges, in this paper, we propose a novel avatar task migration system based on multi-agent deep reinforcement learning(MADRL) to execute immersive vehicular avatar tasks dynamically. Specifically, we first formulate the problem of avatar task migration from vehicles to RSUs/UAVs as a partially observable Markov decision process that can be solved by MADRL algorithms. We then design the multi-agent proximal policy optimization(MAPPO) approach as the MADRL algorithm for the avatar task migration problem. To overcome slow convergence resulting from the curse of dimensionality and non-stationary issues caused by shared parameters in MAPPO, we further propose a transformer-based MAPPO approach via sequential decision-making models for the efficient representation of relationships among agents. Finally, to motivate terrestrial or non-terrestrial edge servers(e.g., RSUs or UAVs) to share computation resources and ensure traceability of the sharing records, we apply smart contracts and blockchain technologies to achieve secure sharing management. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms the MAPPO approach by around 2% and effectively reduces approximately 20% of the latency of avatar task execution in UAV-assisted vehicular Metaverses.
基金supported by Key Scientific Research Projects of Colleges and Universities in Henan Province(Grant No.23A520054)Henan Provincial Science and Technology Research and Development Program Joint Fund(Application Research)(Grant No.232103810045)+1 种基金Henan ProvinceHigh end Foreign Expert Introduction Program Project(Grant No.HNGD2024034)Open Foundation of State Key Laboratory of Networking and Switching Technology(Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications)(Grant No.SKLNST-2020-2-01).
文摘The metaverse has emerged as a prominent topic with growing interest fueled by advancements in Web 3.0,blockchain,and immersive technologies.This paper presents a thorough analysis of the metaverse,showcasing its evolution from a conceptual phase rooted in science fiction to a dynamic and transformative digital environment impacting various sectors including gaming,education,healthcare,and entertainment.The paper introduces the metaverse,details its historical development,and introduces key technologies that enable its existence such as virtual and augmented reality,blockchain,and artificial intelligence.Further this work explores diverse application scenarios,future trends,and critical challenges including data privacy,technological limitations,and integration issues that must be addressed for the metaverse to reach its full potential.The significance of this study lies in its comprehensive nature,providing insights not only for researchers and practitioners but also for policymakers aiming to navigate the complexities of the metaverse and leverage its capabilities for societal advancements.Finaly,the paper forecast the future where the metaverse plays an integral role in reshaping human interaction,commerce,and creativity,thus emphasizing the need for ongoing research and collaborative efforts to unlock its vast possibilities.
基金supported by the Institute of Information&Communications Technology Planning&Evaluation(IITP)(Project Nos.2022-0-00701,10%,RS-2023-00228996,10%,RS-2022-00165794,10%)the ICTR&DProgram of MSIT/IITP(ProjectNo.2021-0-01816,10%)a National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)grant funded by the Korean Government(Project No.RS2023-00208460,60%).
文摘Nowadays,theuse of Avatars that are unique digital depictions has increased by users to access Metaverse—a virtual reality environment—through multiple devices and for various purposes.Therefore,the Avatar and Metaverse are being developed with a new theory,application,and design,necessitating the association of more personal data and devices of targeted users every day.This Avatar and Metaverse technology explosion raises privacy and security concerns,leading to cyber attacks.MV-Honeypot,or Metaverse-Honeypot,as a commercial off-the-shelf solution that can counter these cyber attack-causing vulnerabilities,should be developed.To fill this gap,we study user’s engagements with Avatars in Metaverse,analyze possible security vulnerabilities,and create a model named Simplified Avatar Relationship Association with Non-linear Gradient(SARANG)that draws the full diagram of infrastructure components and data flow through accessing Metaverse in this paper.We also determine the most significant threat for each component’s cyberattacks that will affect user data and Avatars.As a result,the commercial off-the-shelf(COTS)of the MV-Honeypot must be established.
文摘Metaverse,once a concept confined to science fiction,has emerged as a transformative reality during the digital era.As this immersive virtual world gains prominence,the role of avatars and the digital representations of users in shaping educational experiences within a metaverse becomes increasingly crucial.This study examined the design of avatars and their effectiveness in virtual education.Using the cognitive walkthrough(CW)method,a well-established user-centric assessment approach,this study examined how users engage in avatar design in virtual educational settings,highlighting their cognitive processes.Through the CW approach,this study identified usability issues and learning challenges,providing valuable insights into the user experience.The investigation focuses on the VRoid platform for avatar design,selected for its user-friendly interface and robust customization features.Participants(n=12;six men and six women)from diverse educational backgrounds were carefully selected to offer a comprehensive range of perspectives.They performed avatar design tasks that closely mirrored the learning environment of the metaverse,followed by in-depth post-exercise interviews.The findings of this study highlight the essential role of avatar design in enhancing user engagement and improving the learning outcomes of virtual education.Furthermore,we provide practical recommendations for educators and designers to effectively leverage avatar innovation.In a continuously evolving era of metaverse,this research contributes significantly to the ongoing discourse on user-centered design in educational settings,thereby influencing the future trajectory of virtual education.
基金funded by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft(DFG,German Research Foundation)under Germany’s Excellence Strategy-EXC 2075-390740016.
文摘Avatars play a key role in how persons interact within virtual environments,acting as the digital selves.There are many types of avatars,each serving the purpose of representing users or others in these immersive spaces.However,the optimal approach for these avatars remains unclear.Although consumer applications often use cartoon-like ava-tars,this trend is not as common in work settings.To gain a better understanding of the kinds of avatars people prefer,three studies were conducted involving both screen-based and virtual reality setups,looking into how social settings might affect the way people choose their avatars.Personalized avatars were created for 91 participants,including 71 employees in the automotive field and 20 participants not affiliated with the company.The research shows that work-type situations influence the chosen avatar.At the same time,a correlation between the type of display medium used to display the avatar or the person’s personality and their avatar choice was not found.Based on the findings,recom-mendations are made for future avatar representations in work environments and implications and research questions derived that can guide future research.
文摘Even though people approach a new technological development with distance, they have to use these technologies in order to keep up with the requirements of the age. As a result of the rapidly developing artificial intelligence and technology sector, the concept of metaverse is a virtual world that can be used in the health, tourism, marketing, advertising, education and gaming industries. When the literature is reviewed, it is seen that there are many domestic and foreign sources on the subject, but most of these sources are generally related to developments in the gaming and entertainment sectors. But apart from this, studies are being carried out to make it possible to use it in many sectors, including its use in the health sector. With this study, it is aimed to briefly mention what the existing metaverse studies are and to prepare a detailed research result for its use in the health sector. This study consists of five chapters. In the first part, information on the definition of the metaverse concept and how it has developed is given, and the infrastructure requirements necessary for the formation of the metaverse universe are mentioned. In the second section, it is discussed what kind of hardware and software tools may be needed if metaverse technology is possible. In the third section, research on the areas in which metaverse technology can be used in the health sector and current studies and future studies are included. In the fourth section, the legal aspects of this situation when a metaverse-based health service is to be initiated with twin avatars are discussed. In the last section, the advantages and disadvantages of metaverse technology are discussed. It can be seen from the study that the positive aspects of this kind of activity in the field of health will be more positive. As a result, the study constitutes an important value that will be a source for similar studies to be conducted in the future.
基金supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health(to ZD and DTR21HD075048)funded in part with federal funds from the USDA/ARS under Cooperative Agreement No.58-3092-5-001。
文摘Purpose:This research presents findings from a qualitative exploration of the reactions of adolescents(12-14 years old)to navigating an exergame with an avatar created from multiple scans of the player(referred to as a self-representational avatar).Methods:Post-gameplay interviews were conducted with adolescents following participation in a 20-min laboratory session(21.2±0.8 min,mean±SD)where the self-representational avatar was navigated through an exergame.Verbatim transcripts(n=40)were coded and analyzed by 2 independent coders using hybrid thematic analysis for this secondary data analysis.Codes were reviewed to identify themes representing adolescents’reactions.Results:Four themes emerged.Adolescents connected with their avatars and felt protective toward them,which influenced their actions in the exergame and contributed to their overall game enjoyment.Conclusion:Creating exergames navigated by a self-representational avatar was an enjoyable experience and influenced gameplay.Future research should explore the effect of this approach on gameplay frequency and intensity over time.
文摘Objective:The liver is the most common metastatic site in advanced colorectal cancer.Most patients with colorectal cancer liver metastasis(CRLM)cannot benefit from currently available treatment.Patient-derived xenograft(PDX)models with defined molecular signatures are attractive preclinical models and essential for preclinical studies.
文摘BACKGROUND The response to chemotherapy treatment of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)is difficult to predict and the identification of patients who most likely will benefit from aggressive chemotherapy approaches is crucial.The concept of personalized medicine has emerged in the last years with the objective to tailor the medical treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient,and particularly to the tumor biology of each patient.The need for invivo xenotransplantation models for cancer patients has increased exponentially,and for this reason zebrafish avatars have gained popularity.Preliminary studies were conducted also with PDAC tissue.AIM To develop a simple,not expensive,diffusible zebrafish embryo model as avatar for patients affected by PDAC.METHODS Tumor tissue was taken from the surgical specimen by the histopathologist.After its fragmentation into small pieces,they are stained with CM-Dil.Small pieces of stained tissue were transplanted into the yolk of wt AB zebrafish embryos with a glass capillary needle.Embryos were incubated at 35°C in E3 medium supplemented with 1%Pen/Strep in the presence or absence of drugs for the following days in respect of the treatment plan(Gemcitabine;Gemcitabine and Oxaliplatin;Gemcitabine and nab-Paclitaxel;5-Fluorouracil and Folinic acid and Oxaliplatin and Irinotecan).The response of zebrafish xenografts to the chemotherapy options has been analyzed by monitoring the fluorescent stained area at 2 h post injection(hpi),1 d and 2 d post injection(dpi).In each time point,the mean size of the stained area was measured by ImageJ and it was normalized with respect to the 1 dpi time point mean relative tumor area(RTA).We evaluated the effect of the chemotherapy exposition comparing the mean RTA of each treated subgroup and the control group and evaluating the percentage reduction of the mean RTA by comparing each treated subgroup with the control group.RESULTS Between July 2018 and October 2019,a total of 15 patients with pancreatic cancer were prospectively enrolled.In all cases,it was possible to take a fragment of the tumor from the surgical specimen for the xenotransplantation in the zebrafish embryos.The histological examination confirmed the presence of a PDAC in all cases.In absence of chemotherapy(control group),over time the Dil-stained area showed a statistically significant increase in all cases.A statistically significant reduction of the mean RTA in the treated subgroups for at least one chemotherapy scheme was reported in 6/15(40%)cases.The analysis of the percentage reduction of the RTA in treated subgroups in comparison to the control group revealed the presence of a linear relationship in each subgroup between the percentage reduction of the RTA and the number of cases reporting each percentage threshold considered for the analysis.CONCLUSION Our model seems to be effective for the xenotransplantation of PDAC tissue and evaluation of the effect of each chemotherapy scheme on the xenotransplanted tumor tissue.
