scholarly journals Use of a non-invasive accelerometric method for diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux in premature infants

Author(s):  
Ira H. Gewolb ◽  
Frank L. Vice

Abstract Objective To evaluate the clinical usefulness of a non-invasive accelerometric device to diagnose GER in preterm babies. Study design An accelerometer was taped over the sub-xiphoid process in 110 preterm (GA 29.6 ± 3.3 wk) infants (133 studies). Low frequency, sub-audible signals were captured via digital recording (sampling rate 200 Hz), then re-sampled (rate = 60 Hz) to create a spectrogram (focused range 0–30 Hz). Mean amplitude in the focused range was calculated. Results Of 85 studies with simultaneous pH-metry and accelerometry, 18 had concurrent positive and 23 had concurrent negative scores, 42 had negative pH scores when accelerometry was positive (≥1 µV), consistent with non-acid reflux. Eleven infants at high risk of aspiration received surgical interventions. All but 1 had negative pH scores while 10/11 had positive accelerometry. Conclusions The non-invasiveness of this accelerometric technique allows for GER screening and for repeated testing to assess efficacy of interventions.

2009 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 191-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzannah K. Helps ◽  
Samantha J. Broyd ◽  
Christopher J. James ◽  
Anke Karl ◽  
Edmund J. S. Sonuga-Barke

Background: The default mode interference hypothesis ( Sonuga-Barke & Castellanos, 2007 ) predicts (1) the attenuation of very low frequency oscillations (VLFO; e.g., .05 Hz) in brain activity within the default mode network during the transition from rest to task, and (2) that failures to attenuate in this way will lead to an increased likelihood of periodic attention lapses that are synchronized to the VLFO pattern. Here, we tested these predictions using DC-EEG recordings within and outside of a previously identified network of electrode locations hypothesized to reflect DMN activity (i.e., S3 network; Helps et al., 2008 ). Method: 24 young adults (mean age 22.3 years; 8 male), sampled to include a wide range of ADHD symptoms, took part in a study of rest to task transitions. Two conditions were compared: 5 min of rest (eyes open) and a 10-min simple 2-choice RT task with a relatively high sampling rate (ISI 1 s). DC-EEG was recorded during both conditions, and the low-frequency spectrum was decomposed and measures of the power within specific bands extracted. Results: Shift from rest to task led to an attenuation of VLFO activity within the S3 network which was inversely associated with ADHD symptoms. RT during task also showed a VLFO signature. During task there was a small but significant degree of synchronization between EEG and RT in the VLFO band. Attenuators showed a lower degree of synchrony than nonattenuators. Discussion: The results provide some initial EEG-based support for the default mode interference hypothesis and suggest that failure to attenuate VLFO in the S3 network is associated with higher synchrony between low-frequency brain activity and RT fluctuations during a simple RT task. Although significant, the effects were small and future research should employ tasks with a higher sampling rate to increase the possibility of extracting robust and stable signals.


Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 672
Author(s):  
Bruce A. Young ◽  
Skye Greer ◽  
Michael Cramberg

In the viper boa (Candoia aspera), the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shows two stable overlapping patterns of pulsations: low-frequency (0.08 Hz) pulses with a mean amplitude of 4.1 mmHg that correspond to the ventilatory cycle, and higher-frequency (0.66 Hz) pulses with a mean amplitude of 1.2 mmHg that correspond to the cardiac cycle. Manual oscillations of anesthetized C. aspera induced propagating sinusoidal body waves. These waves resulted in a different pattern of CSF pulsations with frequencies corresponding to the displacement frequency of the body and with amplitudes greater than those of the cardiac or ventilatory cycles. After recovery from anesthesia, the snakes moved independently using lateral undulation and concertina locomotion. The episodes of lateral undulation produced similar influences on the CSF pressure as were observed during the manual oscillations, though the induced CSF pulsations were of lower amplitude during lateral undulation. No impact on the CSF was found while C. aspera was performing concertina locomotion. The relationship between the propagation of the body and the CSF pulsations suggests that the body movements produce an impulse on the spinal CSF.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Jacobsen ◽  
T.A Dembek ◽  
A.P Ziakos ◽  
G Kobbe ◽  
M Kollmann ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (A-fib) is the most common arrhythmia; however, detection of A-fib is a challenge due to irregular occurrence. Purpose Evaluating feasibility and performance of a non-invasive medical wearable for detection of A-fib. Methods In the CoMMoD-A-fib trial admitted patients with a high risk for A-fib carried the wearable and an ECG Holter (control) in parallel over a period of 24 hours under not physically restricted conditions. The wearable with a tight-fit upper arm band employs a photoplethysmography (PPG) technology enabling a high sampling rate. Different algorithms (including a deep neural network) were applied to 5 min PPG datasets for detection of A-fib. Proportion of monitoring time automatically interpretable by algorithms (= interpretable time) was analyzed for influencing factors. Results In 102 inpatients (age 71.0±11.9 years; 52% male) 2306 hours of parallel recording time could be obtained; 1781 hours (77.2%) of these were automatically interpretable by an algorithm analyzing PPG derived intervals. Detection of A-Fib was possible with a sensitivity of 92.7% and specificity of 92.4% (AUC 0.96). Also during physical activity, detection of A-fib was sufficiently possible (sensitivity 90.1% and specificity 91.2%). Usage of the deep neural network improved detection of A-fib further (sensitivity 95.4% and specificity 96.2%). A higher prevalence of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction was observed in patients with a low interpretable time (p=0.080). Conclusion Detection of A-fib by means of an upper arm non-invasive medical wearable with a high resolution is reliably possible under inpatient conditions. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Internal grant program (PhD and Dr. rer. nat. Program Biomedicine) of the Faculty of Health at Witten/Herdecke University, Germany. HELIOS Kliniken GmbH (Grant-ID 047476), Germany


Batteries ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 36
Author(s):  
Erik Goldammer ◽  
Julia Kowal

The distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis of impedance spectra is a proven method to determine the number of occurring polarization processes in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), their polarization contributions and characteristic time constants. Direct measurement of a spectrum by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), however, suffers from a high expenditure of time for low-frequency impedances and a lack of general availability in most online applications. In this study, a method is presented to derive the DRT by evaluating the relaxation voltage after a current pulse. The method was experimentally validated using both EIS and the proposed pulse evaluation to determine the DRT of automotive pouch-cells and an aging study was carried out. The DRT derived from time domain data provided improved resolution of processes with large time constants and therefore enabled changes in low-frequency impedance and the correlated degradation mechanisms to be identified. One of the polarization contributions identified could be determined as an indicator for the potential risk of plating. The novel, general approach for batteries was tested with a sampling rate of 10 Hz and only requires relaxation periods. Therefore, the method is applicable in battery management systems and contributes to improving the reliability and safety of LIBs.


2021 ◽  
pp. 69-70
Author(s):  
Pakanati Sujana ◽  
Venkata Mahesh Gandhavalla ◽  
K. Prabhakara Rao

Introduction: COVID19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2 which is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets and contact routes. WHO recommended the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for prevention and N95 respirators are critical components of PPE. Breathing through N95 respirator will impart stress in the individual and that can be assessed by heart rate variability (HRV). HRV measures the variation in time between each heartbeat controlled by autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is a non invasive reliable index to identify the ANS imbalances. Aims And Objectives: This study is aimed at assessing the HRV of Interns working in COVID19 wards using N95 respirators. Methodology: This study included 100 interns in whom short term HRV was recorded using the standard protocol. Lead II of ECG was recorded using AD instruments (ADI) 8channel polygraph and HRV was analysed using Labchart 8pro software. The recordings were taken before and 1hour after wearing N95 respirator. Results: Overall HRV (SDRR) was found to decrease signicantly after wearing N95 respirator for 1hr (p=0.000). Similarly, indices representing the parasympathetic component ( RMSSD and HF ) were also found to decrease signicantly with the use of N95 respirator. Low frequency (LF) power and LF/HF ratio increased signicantly with N95 respirator use (p=0.000). Conclusion: We conclude that using N95 respirator increased sympathetic activity reecting decreased HRV in our subjects Hence we recommend that it is better to change the duty pattern for interns.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia P. Slopsema ◽  
John M. Boss ◽  
Lane A. Heyboer ◽  
Carson M. Tobias ◽  
Brooke P. Draggoo ◽  
...  

Background: Electrical stimulation is increasingly relevant in a variety of medical treatments. In this study, surface electrical stimulation was evaluated as a method to non-invasively target a neural function, specifically natural sensation in the distal limbs. Method: Electrodes were placed over the median and ulnar nerves at the elbow and the common peroneal and lateral sural cutaneous nerves at the knee. Strength-duration curves for sensation were compared between nerves. The location, modality, and intensity of each sensation were also analyzed. In an effort to evoke natural sensations, several patterned waveforms were evaluated. Results: Distal sensation was obtained in all but one of the 48 nerves tested in able-bodied subjects and in the two nerves from subjects with an amputation. Increasing the pulse amplitude of the stimulus caused an increase in the area and magnitude of the sensation in a majority of subjects. A low frequency waveform evoked a tapping or tapping-like sensation in 29 out of the 31 able-bodied subjects and a sensation that could be considered natural in two subjects with an amputation. This waveform performed better than other patterned waveforms that had proven effective during implanted extra-neural stimulation. Conclusion: Surface electrical stimulation has the potential to be a powerful, non-invasive tool for activation of the nervous system. These results suggest that a tapping sensation in the distal extremity can be evoked in most able-bodied individuals and that targeting the nerve trunk from the surface is a valid method to evoke sensation in the phantom limb of individuals with an amputation for short term applications.


Author(s):  
Vladimir Karpinsky ◽  
Vladimir Asming

The infrasound array VALS developed in Kola Branch GS RAS has been installed in June 2016 on the Valaam Island in addition to the continuously operating seismic station VALR. The array consists of 3 spaced low-frequency microphones. The data with a sampling rate of 100 Hz is stored continuously at the acquisition computer; the timing is carried out using GPS. In addition to the acquisition system, an infrasound signal detector is installed on the computer. It works in near real-time mode and enables us to find signals and compute their back azimuths. At the end of 2018, a new version of the detector was developed at the Kola Branch GS RAS. The detector began to work much faster, which enabled us to carry out data processing for 2.5 years in two frequency ranges in a short time. The main task of the array is acoustic monitoring, the detection of infrasound events, the determination of their parameters, and the selection of events of natural origin. The data are also used (in combination with the VALR seismic station data) to locate near seismic events, especially weak ones. The analysis of the obtained data revealed the prevailing directions to the signal sources. The change of directions to sources in time was investigated, seasonal features were revealed. Acoustic events were detected in the frequency bands 1–5 Hz and 10–20 Hz, and a significant difference was found in the azimuthal distribution of events for these ranges. A joint analysis of acoustic and seismic data showed that the part of events with both acoustic and seismic components is low – it is almost completely exhausted by career explosions. It was also noted that in addition to explosions in nearby quarries (Kuznechnoye, Pitkäranta) located at a distance of 50–60 km, according to acoustic data, events corresponding to explosions at quarries located at a distance of 100 km or more were repeatedly identified.


2002 ◽  
Vol 205 (16) ◽  
pp. 2525-2533 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Schuster

SUMMARYGymnotiform weakly electric fish find their way in the dark using a continuously operating active sensory system. An electric organ generates a continuous train of discharges (electric organ discharges, EODs), and tuberous high-frequency electroreceptors monitor the pattern of transcutaneous current flow associated with each EOD. Here, I report that a prior interruption to the continuous train of EODs dramatically affects a response shown by many pulse-type gymnotids. In this so-called novelty response, fish normally raise their electrosensory sampling rate in response to novel sensory stimuli. The gymnotid Gymnotus carapo was induced to pause its EODs briefly, and the novelty response to sensory stimuli given post-pause was analyzed. Mechanosensory stimuli given as early as 20 EODs after a pause elicited clear novelty responses, but strong high-frequency electrical stimuli were ineffective at this time. Moreover, high-frequency electrical stimuli remained less efficient in eliciting normal-sized responses until approximately 2000 EODs, or 40s, after a pause. The post-pause inefficiency of high-frequency stimuli was not due to an inappropriate choice of intensity or their temporal patterning and did not result from the stimulation that caused the pausing. Low-frequency stimuli that also recruited ampullary electroreceptors were more efficient than high-frequency stimuli in eliciting post-pause responses. These findings show that continuous activity is required either to maintain sensitivity to high-frequency electrical stimuli or to ensure that such stimuli are able to modulate efficiently the pacemaker that sets the discharge frequency.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Dennis ◽  
John Dennis

Renal failure is a leading cause of suffering and death in domestic cats, with approximately 1 in 3 cats affected.  Current standard-of-care treatment usually involves palliative care, diets restricted in protein and phosphorus, plenty of fluids, and sometimes vitamin D and Omega-3.  But even with early detection, which is difficult, treatment options are limited and often are not very effective.  Dietary restrictions and palliative care are often the best that can be offered, but the creatinine levels tend to inexorably creep upward toward eventual kidney failure and death.  We report the effectiveness of the use of a low-frequency, low-intensity, non-invasive treatment using Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Fields, specifically tuned to inductively generate micro-electric currents in deep tissues (ICES®-PEMF).  This report chronicles the return to normal and then reversion to renal insufficiency in a single cat, when ICES®-PEMF was applied, then withheld, then applied again, over three cycles of application and non-application, over a 5-year period. A return to normal creatinine levels, with a subsequent return to renal insufficiency as indicated by loss of control of creatinine, correlated precisely with the application and non-application of ICES®-PEMF.  The pattern observed during each cycle was as follows:  when applied 2 to 3 times weekly for 20-60 minutes each treatment, creatinine levels declined to normal range within 2-3 months.  During periods when treatment was discontinued, creatinine levels began to climb to high levels again.  We suggest the further study and potential use of ICES®-PEMF as an effective, inexpensive, safe, non-invasive treatment for feline kidney disease.


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