scholarly journals Owner's Perception of Seizure Detection Devices in Idiopathic Epileptic Dogs

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jos Bongers ◽  
Rodrigo Gutierrez-Quintana ◽  
Catherine Elizabeth Stalin
Keyword(s):  
Seizure Frequency ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Epileptic Seizures ◽  
Seizure Detection ◽  
Idiopathic Epilepsy ◽  
Device Development ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
Dog Owners ◽  
Emergency Drugs

Accurate knowledge of seizure frequency is key to optimising treatment. New methods for detecting epileptic seizures are currently investigated in humans, which rely on changes in biomarkers, also called seizure detection devices. Critical to device development, is understanding user needs and requirements. No information on this subject has been published in veterinary medicine. Many dog health collars are currently on the market, but none has proved to be a promising seizure detector. An online survey was created and consisted of 27 open, closed, and scaled questions divided over two parts: part one focused on general questions related to signalment and seizure semiology, the second part focused specifically on the use of seizure detection devices. Two hundred and thirty-one participants caring for a dog with idiopathic epilepsy, were included in the study. Open questions were coded using descriptive coding by two of the authors independently. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. Our results showed that the unpredictability of seizures plays a major part in the management of canine epilepsy and dog owners have a strong desire to know when a seizure occurs. Nearly all dog owners made changes in their daily life, mainly focusing on intensifying supervision. Owners believed seizure detection devices would improve their dog's seizure management, including a better accuracy of seizure frequency and the ability to administer emergency drugs more readily. Owners that were already keeping track of their dog's seizures were 4.2 times more likely to show confidence in using seizure detection devices to manage their pet's seizures, highlighting the need for better monitoring systems. Our results show that there is a receptive market for wearable technology as a new management strategy in canine epilepsy and this topic should be further explored.

scholarly journals Variation in activity levels amongst dogs of different breeds: results of a large online survey of dog owners from the UK

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Pickup ◽  
Alexander J. German ◽  
Emily Blackwell ◽  
Mark Evans ◽  
Carri Westgarth
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Exercise Frequency ◽  
Kennel Club ◽  
Dog Walking ◽  
Other Information ◽  
Dog Owners ◽  
The Uk

AbstractRegular physical activity is an important means of promoting health, both in people and their pets. Walking is the most common method used for dogs, but there is a lack of clarity on how much daily activity different breeds of dog require. Data from an online survey of UK dog owners were collected between June and August in 2014. The University of Liverpool Ethics Committee approved the project, and owners consented to data use. The initial dataset (17 028 dogs) was first cleaned to remove erroneous data, and then edited to remove mixed breed dogs, leaving a total of 12 314 dogs from known pedigree breeds. Other information collected included sex, age, neuter status, breed, and amount and frequency of exercise. Exercise frequency and duration were estimated across different breeds, and compared with Kennel Club recommendations, usingχ2tests and binary logistic regression. The online survey data indicated differences amongst breeds in the amount of walking reported (P < 0·001). Afghan hounds were the least exercised breed, whilst breeds reportedly exercised most included: English setter, foxhound, Irish setter and Old English sheepdog. Gundogs were most likely to be walked once per d or more (P < 0·001), whilst smaller dogs were more likely to meet their UK Kennel Club guidelines for dog walking (P < 0·001). The frequency of dog walking varies both within and amongst breeds, and many do not currently receive the recommended amount of exercise. This may constitute a canine welfare problem and also have an impact on the physical activity levels of their owners.

Evaluating the implementation potential of a transcultural tool for Tamil migrants with gestational diabetes mellitus living in Switzerland

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Gestational Diabetes ◽  
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Private Practices ◽  
Populations At Risk ◽  
Management Procedures

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus is a condition that affects many pregnancies and ethnicity appears to be a risk factor. Data indicate that approximately 18% of Tamil women are diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus. Today, approximately 50,000 of Tamils live in Switzerland. To date, there is no official tool available in Switzerland that considers the eating and physical activity habits of this migrant Tamil population living in Switzerland, while offering a quick overview of gestational diabetes mellitus and standard dietetics management procedures. The NutriGeD project led by Bern University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland aimed at closing this gap. The aim of this present study was to evaluate the implementation potential of the tools developed in the project NutriGeD for dietetic counseling before their wide scale launch in Swiss hospitals, clinics and private practices. Method: An online survey was developed and distributed to 50 recruited healthcare professionals working in the German speaking region of Switzerland from October – December 2016 (31% response rate). The transcultural tools were sent to participants together with the link to the online survey. The evaluation outcome was analysed using binary logistic regression and cross tabulation analysis with IBM SPSS version 24.0, 2016. Results: 94% (N=47) respondents believed that the transcultural tools had good potential for implementation in hospitals and private practices in Switzerland. A binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the age of participants had a good correlation (42.1%) on recommending the implementation potential of the transcultural tool. The participants with age group 34- 54 years old where the highest group to recommend the implementation potential of the transcultural tool and this was found to be statistically significant (p=0.05). 74% (34 out of 50) of the respondents clearly acknowledged the need for transcultural competence knowledge in healthcare practices. 80% (N =40) of the respondents agreed that the information presented in the counseling display folder was important and helpful while 60% (N= 30) agreed to the contents being clinically applicable. 90% (N=45) participants recommended the availability of the evaluated transcultural tools in healthcare settings in Switzerland. Conclusion: The availability in healthcare practice of the evaluated transcultural tools was greatly encouraged by the Swiss healthcare practitioners participating in the survey. While they confirmed the need for these transcultural tools, feed-backs for minor adjustments were given to finalize the tools before their official launch in practice. The developed materials will be made available for clinical visits, in both hospitals and private practices in Switzerland. The Migmapp© transcultural tool can serve as a good approach in assisting healthcare professionals in all fields, especially professionals who practice in areas associated with diet - related diseases or disorders associated with populations at risk.

scholarly journals A Recent Investigation on Detection and Classification of Epileptic Seizure Techniques Using EEG Signal

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 668
Author(s):  
Sani Saminu ◽  
Guizhi Xu ◽  
Zhang Shuai ◽  
Isselmou Abd El Kader ◽  
Adamu Halilu Jabire ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Learning ◽  
Learning Algorithms ◽  
Epileptic Seizures ◽  
Seizure Detection ◽  
Performance Comparison ◽  
Eeg Signal ◽  
Detection Algorithms ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Monitoring And Diagnosis

The benefits of early detection and classification of epileptic seizures in analysis, monitoring and diagnosis for the realization and actualization of computer-aided devices and recent internet of medical things (IoMT) devices can never be overemphasized. The success of these applications largely depends on the accuracy of the detection and classification techniques employed. Several methods have been investigated, proposed and developed over the years. This paper investigates various seizure detection algorithms and classifications in the last decade, including conventional techniques and recent deep learning algorithms. It also discusses epileptiform detection as one of the steps towards advanced diagnoses of disorders of consciousness (DOCs) and their understanding. A performance comparison was carried out on the different algorithms investigated, and their advantages and disadvantages were explored. From our survey, much attention has recently been paid to exploring the efficacy of deep learning algorithms in seizure detection and classification, which are employed in other areas such as image processing and classification. Hybrid deep learning has also been explored, with CNN-RNN being the most popular.

Clinical features of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in prepubertal and pubertal patients with idiopathic epilepsy

2009 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 319-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Verrotti ◽  
Sergio Agostinelli ◽  
Angelika Mohn ◽  
Rossella Manco ◽  
Giangennaro Coppola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Features ◽  
Epileptic Seizures ◽  
Idiopathic Epilepsy

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Patient’s Decision about Bariatric Surgery: Results of a National Survey

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (8) ◽  
pp. 756
Author(s):  
Maciej Walędziak ◽  
Anna Różańska-Walędziak ◽  
Paweł Bartnik ◽  
Joanna Kacperczyk-Bartnik ◽  
Andrzej Kwiatkowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Weight Loss Surgery ◽  
General Information ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Bariatric Patients ◽  
The Moment ◽  
The Impact

Background: the COVID-19 pandemic and the implemented restrictions have changed the functioning of healthcare systems worldwide. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of the present epidemiological situation on patients’ decisions about undergoing weight loss surgery. Methods: data were collected from 906 bariatric patients by the means of a national online survey, the majority of whom were women (87.9%). The survey started on 9 April 2020 and was open until 28 April 2020. The questionnaire included multiple choice and open questions, divided into three chapters: general information about the patient, life during the COVID-19 pandemic, and bariatric care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: despite the pandemic and the associated risk of COVID-19 infection, 443 responders (48.9%) would have decided to undergo bariatric surgery. Awareness of the negative impact of obesity on the course of COVID-19 illness had only marginable impact on patients’ decision-making (76.6% vs. 75.3%; p < 0.80). Contact with COVID-19 prior to the survey had a negative impact on the willingness to undergo bariatric surgery (3.0% vs. 4.4%; p < 0.55). There was a positive correlation between the BMI and preference for bariatric surgery in the time of the pandemic (37.4 ± 9.0 vs. 34.9 ± 8.7; p < 0.001). Conclusions: the level of awareness about the advantages of operative treatment of obesity is high among bariatric patients. The majority of patients awaiting bariatric surgery at the moment of the survey were positive about undergoing bariatric surgery despite the increased risk of a serious course of COVID-19 infection. Therefore, a large proportion of patients was determined to have bariatric treatment even during the pandemic, being aware of the increased risk of worse pace of COVID-19 disease in case of obesity and related diseases.

scholarly journals Absence Seizure Detection Algorithm for Portable EEG Devices

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pawel Glaba ◽  
Miroslaw Latka ◽  
Małgorzata J. Krause ◽  
Sławomir Kroczka ◽  
Marta Kuryło ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Detection Rate ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Epileptic Seizures ◽  
Seizure Detection ◽  
Detection Algorithm ◽  
Absence Epilepsy ◽  
Absence Seizure ◽  
Epileptiform Discharges ◽  
Morlet Continuous Wavelet Transform

Absence seizures are generalized nonmotor epileptic seizures with abrupt onset and termination. Transient impairment of consciousness and spike-slow wave discharges (SWDs) in EEG are their characteristic manifestations. This type of seizure is severe in two common pediatric syndromes: childhood (CAE) and juvenile (JAE) absence epilepsy. The appearance of low-cost, portable EEG devices has paved the way for long-term, remote monitoring of CAE and JAE patients. The potential benefits of this kind of monitoring include facilitating diagnosis, personalized drug titration, and determining the duration of pharmacotherapy. Herein, we present a novel absence detection algorithm based on the properties of the complex Morlet continuous wavelet transform of SWDs. We used a dataset containing EEGs from 64 patients (37 h of recordings with almost 400 seizures) and 30 age and sex-matched controls (9 h of recordings) for development and testing. For seizures lasting longer than 2 s, the detector, which analyzed two bipolar EEG channels (Fp1-T3 and Fp2-T4), achieved a sensitivity of 97.6% with 0.7/h detection rate. In the patients, all false detections were associated with epileptiform discharges, which did not yield clinical manifestations. When the duration threshold was raised to 3 s, the false detection rate fell to 0.5/h. The overlap of automatically detected seizures with the actual seizures was equal to ~96%. For EEG recordings sampled at 250 Hz, the one-channel processing speed for midrange smartphones running Android 10 (about 0.2 s per 1 min of EEG) was high enough for real-time seizure detection.

scholarly journals The effects of epileptic seizures upon quality of life

2009 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 110-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priscila Camile Barioni Salgado ◽  
Fernando Cendes
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Seizure Frequency ◽  
Seizure Control ◽  
Epileptic Seizures ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Co Morbidity ◽  
Item Quality ◽  
Patients With Epilepsy ◽  
And Control

OBJECTIVE: understand the psychological considerations of the relationship between the effect of seizures upon the patients' perception of seizure control, depression, anxiety and quality of life (QoL). METHODS: 151 adult patients with epilepsy diagnosed for over two years were interviewed and responded the 31-Item Quality of Life in Epilepsy (QOLIE-31), the Trait Form of the State/Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI II) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS: 45 patients were depressed (29.8%) and 29 (19.2%) had anxiety. Depression scores ranged from 0 to 49 (M=7.4; SD=8.9) and anxiety scores ranged from 19 to 69 (M=41.5, SD=11.9). Total QoL score was correlated to seizure control (p<0.001), perception of epilepsy control (p<0.001), anxiety (p<0.001), and depression (p=0.003). The perception of epilepsy control was correlated to seizure control (p<0.001), seizure frequency (p=0.001), anxiety (p<0.001) and depression (p<0.001). Seizure control was associated to anxiety (p=0.033) and depression (p<0.001). There was co-morbidity between anxiety and depression (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of the seizure frequency and control to the evaluation of perception of epilepsy control and shows that anxiety and depression in epilepsy are predicted by seizure-related (seizure frequency and control) and psychosocial aspects (perception of control and QoL) together.

scholarly journals Leaders Inspiring the Next Generation of Citizen Scientists – An Analysis of the Predictors of Leadership in Birding

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Randler
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Field Trips ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Social Dimension ◽  
Serious Leisure ◽  
Leadership Roles ◽  
The Social ◽  
University Degree

Citizen Science (CS) is a megatrend of the 21st century given its importance for nature conservation. CS projects dealing with birds often require knowledge and abilities to identify species. This knowledge is not easy to acquire and people often learn from leaders during field trips and lectures about birds. This emphasizes the need for leaders in ornithology. Although data of CS projects are increasing, less is known about people providing guidance and taking over leadership roles. In this study, leadership roles (leading field trips, giving lectures/presentations) are analyzed by studying demographic variables, birding specialization, and the social dimension of the involvement concept of serious leisure. Participants were recruited via many channels to cover a broad range of birdwatchers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland who participated in the online survey. A total of 1,518 participants were men, 1,390 were women (mean age 47.7). Mean years of birding were on average 24.5. 845 persons lead at least one field trip, and 671 gave on lecture (in combination 991). Mean number of field trips led during the last 5 years was 13.43, mean number of presentations was 8.21. Persons that gave presentations also led field trips (Phi = 0.593, p &lt; 0.001). However, there are still people that preferred leading field trips over lecturing and vice versa. Men more than women took over leadership roles. A binary logistic regression showed an influence of age, gender, and university degree. Social relatedness was related to being a leader, also birding skill/competence as well as self-report behavior of birding were significant predictors for leadership roles. Years of birdwatching and both commitment scales were not significant. The data indicate that more diversity in leadership roles might be beneficial with more women and younger persons.

scholarly journals Factors that influence mothers’ prenatal decision to breastfeed in Spain

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Ballesta-Castillejos ◽  
Juan Gómez-Salgado ◽  
Julián Rodríguez-Almagro ◽  
Inmaculada Ortiz-Esquinas ◽  
Antonio Hernández-Martínez
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Maternal Education ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Ethics Committee ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Online Study ◽  
Multiple Factors ◽  
Intention To Breastfeed ◽  
Significant Factors

Abstract Background Parents’ decisions about how to feed their newborns are influenced by multiple factors. Our objective was to identify the factors that can influence the decision to breastfeed. Methods Cross-sectional observational online study was conducted in Spain on women who gave birth between 2013 and 2018. The total number of participants was 5671. Data collection was after approval by the ethics committee in 2019. The data were collected retrospectively because the information was obtained from women who were mothers during the years 2013–2018. An online survey was distributed to breastfeeding associations and postpartum groups. Multivariate analysis with binary logistic regression was done to calculate the Adjusted Odds Ratios (aOR). The main result variable was “intention to breastfeed”. Results Ninety-seven percent (n = 5531) of women made the decision to breastfeed prior to giving birth. The internet played a role in deciding to breastfeed in 33.7% (n = 2047) of women, while 20.1% (n = 1110) said the same thing about their midwife. We identified five significant factors associated with the mother’s prenatal decision to breastfeed: attending maternal education (aOR 2.10; 95% CI 1.32, 3.34), having two (aOR 0.52; 95% CI 0.28, 0.99) and three children (aOR 0.24; 95% CI 0.10, 0.59), previous breastfeeding experience (aOR 6.99; 95% CI 3.46, 14.10), support from partner (aOR 1.58; 95% CI 1.09,2.28) and having a condition during pregnancy (aOR 0.62; 95% CI 0.43, 0.91). Conclusions Factors related with previous breastfeeding experience and education for mothers are decisive when it comes to making the decision to breastfeed. Given the proven influence that partners have in decision-making, it is important for them to be fully involved in the process.

scholarly journals Dreaming about Dogs: An Online Survey

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1915
Author(s):  
Michael Schredl ◽  
Christian Bailer ◽  
Muriel Sophie Weigel ◽  
Melina Sandra Welt
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Continuity Hypothesis ◽  
Negative Experiences ◽  
Active Time ◽  
Dog Owners ◽  
Close Contacts

Dogs have been close human companions for millennia and one would expect—according to the continuity hypothesis of dreaming—that dogs are also quite common in dreams. Previous studies showed that the percentages of dreams that include dogs range from about 1.5% to 5%, but studies relating waking-life experiences with dogs with dreams about dogs have not been carried out. In total, 1695 persons (960 women, 735 men) completed an online survey that included questions about dreams and waking-life experiences that included dogs. The findings indicate that dogs show up, on average, in about 5% of remembered dreams, but this percentage is much higher in the dreams of dog owners and persons with close contacts with dogs. Moreover, the active time spent with a dog and the proximity during sleep is also related to a higher percentage of dreams that include dogs. Although dreams including dogs are on average more positively toned than dreams in general, about 11% of the dog dreams included threatening dogs. Persons who had negative experiences with dogs in their waking lives reported more threatening dog dreams. The results support the continuity hypothesis and it would be very interesting to conduct content analytic studies with dream samples obtained from dog owners to learn more about the variety of interactions between dreamers and dogs.

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