Xurong Liang, Jiyu-A Yang, Jiyu-B Yang, Xin Wang, Yonggang Yang
{"title":"Evaluation of abdominal massage as a non-pharmacological modality to restore gut microbiota and duodenal barrier function in a rat model of functional dyspepsia.","authors":"Xurong Liang, Jiyu-A Yang, Jiyu-B Yang, Xin Wang, Yonggang Yang","doi":"10.1177/09287329251363139","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09287329251363139","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundFunctional dyspepsia (FD) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder associated with impaired motility, mucosal barrier disruption, and dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota. While pharmacological treatments exist, non-invasive therapeutic approaches leveraging traditional medicine are gaining attention for their holistic benefits and minimal side effects.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic impact of abdominal massage, a non-pharmacological intervention rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), on gastrointestinal motility, duodenal barrier integrity, and gut microbiota in a rat model of FD.MethodsEighteen male rats were assigned to control, model, and massage groups. The FD model was established via multifactorial stress. The massage group underwent daily abdominal massage for 7 days. Food intake, body weight, gastric emptying, and intestinal propulsion were assessed. Duodenal tissue morphology, expression of tight junction proteins (occludin and claudin-1), and intestinal microbiota profiles (via 16S rRNA sequencing) were analyzed using histological, immunofluorescence, and high-throughput sequencing technologies.ResultsAbdominal massage significantly improved gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion in FD rats. Histological examination revealed restoration of duodenal villi architecture, and immunofluorescence showed increased expression of occludin and claudin-1. Microbiota analysis suggested a shift toward a more balanced community, with trends indicating increased abundance of beneficial taxa such as Enterococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae.ConclusionAbdominal massage effectively enhances gastrointestinal motility, suggests potential to promote intestinal microbiota homeostasis, and repairs mucosal barrier dysfunction in FD rats. These findings suggest the potential of massage therapy as a safe, non-invasive, and technologically integrable modality in the management of gastrointestinal disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":48978,"journal":{"name":"Technology and Health Care","volume":" ","pages":"9287329251363139"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144800754","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Technological advances in acupoint thread embedding treatment: Effects on NIHSS score, Serum SIRT1, HIF-1α, and macrophage efferocytosis in stroke patients.","authors":"Min Li, Wanyi Xie, Qingrui Lv, Meitang He, Hanhong Zou, Miaoying Hong, Hanyan Pang, Jingchao Cai, Jianshuang Shi, Wenhao Huang","doi":"10.1177/09287329251363433","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09287329251363433","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundAcupoint thread embedding treatment (ATET) is a traditional therapeutic approach used in stroke rehabilitation.ObjectiveTo explore the application of ATET in combination with modern medical technology, examining its effects on neurological function and key serum biomarkers in stroke patients.MethodsA total of 108 stroke patients were randomly assigned to ATE treatment group (n = 52) and Control Group (n = 56). Various parameters including baseline characteristics, levels of inflammatory markers, macrophage efferocytosis-related factors, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, therapeutic efficacy, and adverse events were assessed and compared between the two groups.ResultsA significant improvement in NIHSS scores was observed in the treatment group compared to the control group. Additionally, serum levels of SIRT1, HIF-1α, and macrophage efferocytosis-related factors were significantly altered, suggesting that ATET may influence biological pathways involved in stroke recovery.ConclusionThe application of ATET, supported by advanced diagnostic technologies, shows promising effects in stroke rehabilitation. This study highlights the potential for integrating traditional therapies with modern medicine to improve clinical outcomes in stroke patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":48978,"journal":{"name":"Technology and Health Care","volume":" ","pages":"9287329251363433"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144785743","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abdullah A Asiri, Lal Hussain, Muhammad Irfan, Khlood M Mehdar, Muhammad Awais, Magbool Alelyani, Mohammed Alshuhri, Ahmad Joman Alghamdi, Sultan Alamri, Muhammad Amin Nadeem
{"title":"Brain tumor segmentation by optimizing deep learning U-Net model.","authors":"Abdullah A Asiri, Lal Hussain, Muhammad Irfan, Khlood M Mehdar, Muhammad Awais, Magbool Alelyani, Mohammed Alshuhri, Ahmad Joman Alghamdi, Sultan Alamri, Muhammad Amin Nadeem","doi":"10.1177/09287329251363699","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09287329251363699","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundMagnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a cornerstone in diagnosing brain tumors. However, the complex nature of these tumors makes accurate segmentation in MRI images a demanding task.ObjectiveAccurate brain tumor segmentation remains a critical challenge in medical image analysis, with early detection crucial for improving patient outcomes.MethodsTo develop and evaluate a novel UNet-based architecture for improved brain tumor segmentation in MRI images. This paper presents a novel UNet-based architecture for improved brain tumor segmentation. The UNet model architecture incorporates Leaky ReLU activation, batch normalization, and regularization to enhance training and performance. The model consists of varying numbers of layers and kernel sizes to capture different levels of detail. To address the issue of class imbalance in medical image segmentation, we employ focused loss and generalized Dice (GDL) loss functions.ResultsThe proposed model was evaluated on the BraTS'2020 dataset, achieving an accuracy of 99.64% and Dice coefficients of 0.8984, 0.8431, and 0.8824 for necrotic core, edema, and enhancing tumor regions, respectively.ConclusionThese findings demonstrate the efficacy of our approach in accurately predicting tumors, which has the potential to enhance diagnostic systems and improve patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":48978,"journal":{"name":"Technology and Health Care","volume":" ","pages":"9287329251363699"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144785742","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jijun Chen, Liang Wang, Danhua Ma, Hongyan Gao, Yuyuan Shi
{"title":"A new target for the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma: Circ_0046336.","authors":"Jijun Chen, Liang Wang, Danhua Ma, Hongyan Gao, Yuyuan Shi","doi":"10.1177/09287329251363708","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09287329251363708","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundThis study was designed to investigate the mechanism of Circ_0046336 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).MethodsThe expression pattern of Circ_0046336 and its distribution in OSCC cell lines (SCC-9 and CAL-27) were identified. Fluorescence <i>in situ</i> hybridization was applied to determine the location of Circ_0046336. Circ_0046336 silencing was detected by methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), flow cytometry and transwell assays. The binding relation between Circ_0046336 and miR-181d-3p or ADAM12 and miR-181d-3p was investigated using bioinformatics and dual luciferase reporter assay. ADAM12 and miR-181d-3p expressions in OSCC cells with Circ_0046336 knockdown were quantified. Rescue assays were carried out, and the expressions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins were measured via Western blot.ResultsCirc_0046336 was overexpressed and mainly distributed in the cytoplasm of OSCC cells. Circ_0046336 targeted miR-181d-3p and miR-181d-3p targeted ADAM12 in OSCC cells. Circ_0046336 silencing facilitated apoptosis, and suppressed viability, migration and invasion of OSCC cells, while upregulating miR-181d-3p and downregulating ADAM12. MiR-181d-3p deficiency reversed the regulatory role of Circ_0046336 in biological behaviors of OSCC cells. Circ_0046336 silencing promoted E-cadherin expression and inhibited N-cadherin and Vimentin expressions, but such effects were reversed by miR-181d-3p downregulation.ConclusionCirc_0046336 acts as a ceRNA to regulate apoptosis, migration, invasion and EMT of OSCC cells via miR-181d-3p/ADAM12 axis.</p>","PeriodicalId":48978,"journal":{"name":"Technology and Health Care","volume":" ","pages":"9287329251363708"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144785741","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Construction and validation of a frailty risk prediction model for geriatric hematologic neoplasms patients: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Jinying Zhao, Yating Liu, Zhongfan Kan, Qianqian Zhang, Zenghui Sha, Zhiwei Xu, Rui Ma, Yandi Wang, Rui Hao, Wenxuan Wang, Lanna Song, Wenjun Xie","doi":"10.1177/09287329251363698","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09287329251363698","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundWith the increasing incidence of malignant hematological neoplasms in the elderly population, debilitating issues have gradually become an important challenge for patients.ObjectivesTo construct a prediction model, draw a nomogram, and perform internal validation of the model.Methods505 elderly patients with hematological neoplasms were included in the study. The survey was conducted using research tools such as a general information questionnaire, the Chinese version of the Geriatric 8. A risk prediction model was established and a line chart was drawn to visualize the model after univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis. Internal validation of the model was performed using Boot strap bootstrap sampling, calibration curve, receiver operating characteristic curve and area under curve, decision curve analysis to internally validate the model.ResultsAfter constructing the model and resampling, it was shown that the calibration curve matched the ideal curve well, and the decision analysis curve showed good calibration, discrimination, and clinical benefit within the 0.0-1.0 threshold range.ConclusionThe prediction model constructed in this study has good predictive effects and can help clinical medical staff to identify the risk of frailty in geriatric hematologic neoplasms patients at an early stage.</p>","PeriodicalId":48978,"journal":{"name":"Technology and Health Care","volume":" ","pages":"9287329251363698"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144776716","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell derived exosomal miR-361-5p reversed the effect of bortezomib on multiple myeloma.","authors":"Tianbao Lin, Yun Zhang, Zhiping Hu, Shuyan Liu","doi":"10.1177/09287329251350918","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09287329251350918","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundBortezomib is the first-line drug in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) and its resistance is the main obstacle to cure MM. MicroRNA-361-5p (MiRNA-361-5p) in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) might participate in the bortezomib resistance via paracrine pathway. The study was to characterize the role and molecular mechanism of miR-361-5p in bortezomib resistance in MM.MethodsThe exosomes of BMSCs were obtained and characterized by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. The MM cell U266 was treated with bortezomib, bortezomib and BMSC exosomes, bortezomib and BMSC exosomes transfected with miR-361-5p inhibitor. The cell viability was measured by cell counting kit. Protein expression of PDPK1, PI3K, p-PI3K, mTOR, p-mTOR, AKT, and Pan-AKT was detected by western blot. The apoptosis level of bortezomib resistant cell lines was detected by flow cytometry.ResultsLow expression of miR-361-5p promoted the survival of U266 cells and inhibited cell apoptosis, reversing the inhibitory effect of bortezomib on U266 cells. PDPK1 may be a downstream target of miR-361-5p. Low expression of BMSCs-derived exosomal miR-361-5p may reverse the effect of bortezomib on U266 cells by regulating the PDPK1/PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis.ConclusionLow expression of BMSCs-derived exosomal miR-361-5p may overcome bortezomib resistance in MM by regulating PDPK1/PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis.</p>","PeriodicalId":48978,"journal":{"name":"Technology and Health Care","volume":" ","pages":"9287329251350918"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144762068","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Characteristics of thigh and shank affected side acceleration parameter during stroke hemiplegic gait.","authors":"Jeong-Woo Seo, Sangkwan Lee","doi":"10.1177/09287329251363425","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09287329251363425","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundDespite its clinical relevance, there is a relative lack of research examining flexibility and stability based on the acceleration or speed of localized limb segments, such as the shank and thigh.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate gait characteristics based on acceleration in the thigh and shank to identify differences between the affected and unaffected sides in stroke hemiplegic patients.MethodForty individuals with stroke-induced hemiplegia were assessed during a 5-meter walk using a 3D motion analysis system and Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs). Spatial-temporal and acceleration parameters were calculated.ResultsSignificant differences were observed between the affected and unaffected sides in stance time, swing time, swing phase, and stance phase. In terms of acceleration, the mean acceleration in the anterior-posterior (AP) direction of the thigh and the mean value of the center of mass (CoM) in the AP direction differed significantly. These spatial-temporal findings were consistent with known characteristics of hemiplegic gait. A notable posterior shift of the thigh CoM on the affected side was identified, likely reflecting impaired propulsion and reduced stability.ConclusionThe posterior displacement of the thigh CoM on the affected side may represent a compensatory mechanism to maintain balance during gait. Clinically, this posterior CoM shift could serve as a meaningful indicator of hemiplegic gait and a potential target for rehabilitation interventions aimed at restoring gait symmetry and improving functional mobility.</p>","PeriodicalId":48978,"journal":{"name":"Technology and Health Care","volume":" ","pages":"9287329251363425"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144754921","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Multimodal biometric authentication system leveraging optimally trained ensemble classifier using feature-level fusion.","authors":"Khushboo Jha, Aruna Jain, Sumit Srivastava","doi":"10.1177/09287329251363424","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09287329251363424","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveThis study aims to enhance cybersecurity by implementing a robust biometric-based authentication approach. A Multimodal Biometric System (MBS) is proposed, utilizing feature-level fusion of human facial (physiological) and speech (behavioral) features to improve security, accuracy, and user convenience. The system addresses the limitations of traditional authentication methods, including unimodal biometrics and password-based security.BackgroundIn the modern digital landscape, human-computer interaction and digital platforms play a crucial role in daily life. With billions of users engaging in social media, financial transactions, and e-commerce, the demand for secure authentication mechanisms has intensified. However, the increasing sophistication of cyber threats poses significant risks, undermining trust, security, and confidence in digital systems.<b>Method:</b> The proposed MBS incorporates improved proposed techniques for feature extraction, feature level fusion strategies and an ensemble classification model combining Bi-LSTM and DCNN. To optimize performance, the system is enhanced using an improved bio-inspired Manta Ray Foraging Optimization (MRFO) algorithm.ResultsThe system's performance was evaluated using two publicly available Voxceleb1 and VidTIMIT datasets, achieving accuracy rates of 98.23% and 97.92%, with Equal Error Rates (EERs) of 3.23% and 3.62%, respectively.ConclusionThe proposed approach outperforms conventional optimization techniques and existing state-of-the-art MBS. As a contactless and non-intrusive authentication system, it enables seamless data acquisition through devices equipped with cameras and microphones, such as smartphones, ensuring real-time processing of biometric modalities.<b>Application:</b> This contactless MBS presents a viable solution for secure and hygienic authentication in applications requiring high cyber resilience, including banking, e-commerce and other digital security domains.<b>Precis/Table of Contents:</b> This research enhances cybersecurity by proposing a Multimodal Biometric System (MBS) that integrates feature-level fusion of facial (physiological) and speech (behavioral) traits. The approach improves security, accuracy, and user convenience while addressing hygiene concerns. It overcomes the limitations of traditional authentication methods, including unimodal biometrics and password-based security vulnerabilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":48978,"journal":{"name":"Technology and Health Care","volume":" ","pages":"9287329251363424"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144754922","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Qiu-Yang Lu, Mei-Ling Lan, Nan Dai, Kai Xiong, Yu Fu, Wei Liang
{"title":"LncRNA-TIL1H mediates targeted regulation of the drug-resistant gene MDR1 and RAD21 to promote immune resistance and accelerate osteosarcoma progression.","authors":"Qiu-Yang Lu, Mei-Ling Lan, Nan Dai, Kai Xiong, Yu Fu, Wei Liang","doi":"10.1177/09287329251360524","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09287329251360524","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundTargeted regulation of drug-resistant gene expression through lncRNA has emerged as a novel research direction for overcoming immune resistance in osteosarcoma. However, the specific effects and regulatory mechanisms of lncRNA-TIL1H on immune resistance in osteosarcoma remain unclear.ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which lncRNA-TIL1H targets the regulation of the drug-resistant genes MDR1 and RAD21.MethodsClinical samples including osteosarcoma tissues and adjacent tissues were collected for qPCR and WB analysis of lncRNA-TIL1H expression as well as MDR1 and RAD21. Acquisition of drug-resistant osteosarcoma cells by cisplatin treatment MG-63/R. The cells were divided into four groups: MG-63, MG-63/R, si-NC-MG-63/R, and si-TIL1H-MG-63/R group. Cell proliferation and colony formation, and migration and invasion were detected by CCK-8, Transwell and scratch assays. In addition, the effects on osteosarcoma after interfering with lncRNA-TIL1H were further explored by the animal experiments, including HE staining and immunohistochemistry.ResultsThe expression of lncRNA-TIL1H and the drug-resistant genes MDR1 and RAD21 significantly increased in osteosarcoma. si-TIL1H effectively inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, migration and decreased the expression of drug-resistant genes in MG-63/R. Finally, the animal experiments revealed that si-lncRNA-TIL1H inhibited tumor proliferation.ConclusionThe expression of lncRNA-TIL1H in MG-63/R promotes the upregulation of drug-resistant genes MDR1 and RAD21, leading to the occurrence of immune resistance and accelerating osteosarcoma progression.</p>","PeriodicalId":48978,"journal":{"name":"Technology and Health Care","volume":" ","pages":"9287329251360524"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144745616","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Enhancing the efficacy and user experience of virtual reality exposure therapy for social anxiety disorder: A pilot study.","authors":"Warut Aunjitsakul, Kanthee Anantapong, Pakawat Wiwattanaworaset, Aimorn Jiraphan, Teerapat Teetharatkul, Katti Sathaporn, Kreuwan Jongbowonwiwat, Sitthichok Chaichulee","doi":"10.1177/09287329251360523","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09287329251360523","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundSocial anxiety disorder (SAD) significantly impairs social functioning. Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) offers a promising treatment by providing a controlled, customizable environment. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the efficacy and user experience of a VRET program.MethodsThe study was conducted in two phases: Phase I with the general population and Phase II with individuals diagnosed with SAD at a university hospital. Social anxiety, depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale at three time points: before, immediately after, and two weeks post-VRET. The Virtual Reality Neuroscience Questionnaire assessed user experience, game mechanics, in-game assistance, and any VR-induced symptoms. Our VRET program utilized graded exposure techniques within culturally relevant social scenarios.ResultsBoth groups exhibited significant reductions in social anxiety levels following VRET sessions (ps < 0.01) compared to pre-VRET levels. However, individuals with SAD reported increased social anxiety at the two-week follow-up, while the general population maintained their improvement. The VR software received satisfactory ratings for usability, safety, and acceptability.ConclusionThis program demonstrates potential for reducing social anxiety and provides a satisfactory VR experience, supporting its feasibility for individuals with SAD in a developing country. Given the pilot nature and limited sample size, these findings should be interpreted cautiously. Future research with larger samples and repeated sessions is needed to enhance efficacy and ensure long-term benefits. Comprehensive treatment protocols, including tutorials, relaxation techniques, and stress monitoring, are recommended for optimal outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":48978,"journal":{"name":"Technology and Health Care","volume":" ","pages":"9287329251360523"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144734531","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}