-
MethodsX Jun 2024Electroencephalogram (EEG) electrode digitization is crucial for accurate EEG source estimation, and several commercial systems are available for this purpose. The...
Electroencephalogram (EEG) electrode digitization is crucial for accurate EEG source estimation, and several commercial systems are available for this purpose. The present study aimed to evaluate the digitizing accuracy of electromagnetic and optical systems. Additionally, we introduced a novel rotation method for the electromagnetic system and compared its accuracy with the conventional method of electromagnetic and optical systems. In the conventional method, the operator moves around a stationary participant to digitize, while the participant does not move their head or body. In contrast, in our proposed rotation method with an electromagnetic system, the operator rotates the participant sitting on a swivel chair to digitize in a consistent position. We showed high localization accuracy in both the optical and electromagnetic systems, with an average localization error of less than 3.6 mm. Comparisons of the digitization methods revealed that the electromagnetic system demonstrates superior digitizing accuracy compared to the optical system. Notably, the proposed rotational method is the most accurate among the three methods, which can be attributed to the consistent positioning of EEG electrode digitization within the electromagnetic field. Considering the affordability of the electromagnetic system, our findings provide valuable insights for researchers aiming for precise EEG source estimation.•The study compares the accuracy of electromagnetic and optical systems for EEG electrode digitization, introducing a novel rotation method for improved consistency and precision.•The electromagnetic system, especially with the proposed rotation method, achieves superior digitizing accuracy over the optical system.•Highlighting the cost-effectiveness and precision of the electromagnetic system with the rotation method, this research offers significant insights for achieving precise EEG source estimation.
PubMed: 38808097
DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.102766 -
Pharmacology Research & Perspectives Jun 2024Cardiovascular disorders are the leading cause of death in the world. Many organ diseases (kidney, heart, and brain) are substantially more prone to develop in people... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Cardiovascular disorders are the leading cause of death in the world. Many organ diseases (kidney, heart, and brain) are substantially more prone to develop in people with hypertension. In the treatment of hypertension, first-line medications are recommended, while imidazoline receptor agonists are not first-line antihypertensives. Our goal was to conduct a network meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of imidazoline receptor agonists. The meta-analysis was performed following the PRISMA guidelines using the PICOS format, considering the CONSORT recommendations. Studies were collected from four databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase. A total of 5960 articles were found. After filtering, 27 studies remained eligible for network meta-analysis. Moxonidine reduced blood pressure in sitting position statistically significantly after 8 weeks of treatment (SBP MD: 23.80; 95% CI: 17.45-30.15; DBP MD: 10.90; 95% CI: 8.45-13.35) compared to placebo. Moreover, moxonidine reduced blood pressure more effectively than enalapril; however, this difference was not significant (SBP MD: 3.10; 95% CI: -2.60-8.80; DBP MD: 1.30; 95% CI: -1.25-3.85). Dry mouth was experienced as a side effect in the case of all imidazoline receptor agonists. After 8 weeks of treatment, the appearance of dry mouth was highest with clonidine (OR: 9.27 95% CI: 4.70-18.29) and lowest with rilmenidine (OR: 6.46 95% CI: 0.85-49.13) compared to placebo. Somnolence was less frequent with moxonidine compared to rilmenidine (OR: 0.63 95% CI: 0.17-2.31). Imidazoline receptor agonists were nearly as effective as the first-line drugs in the examined studies. However, their utility as antihypertensives is limited due to their side effects. As a result, they are not first-line antihypertensives and should not be used in monotherapy. However, in the case of resistant hypertension, they are a viable option. According to our findings, from the point of view of safety and efficacy, moxonidine appears to be the best choice among imidazoline receptor agonists.
Topics: Humans; Imidazoline Receptors; Antihypertensive Agents; Hypertension; Imidazoles; Blood Pressure; Network Meta-Analysis; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38807350
DOI: 10.1002/prp2.1215 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024This study examined the efficacy of an optimized DeepLabCut (DLC) model in motion capture, with a particular focus on the sit-to-stand (STS) movement, which is crucial...
This study examined the efficacy of an optimized DeepLabCut (DLC) model in motion capture, with a particular focus on the sit-to-stand (STS) movement, which is crucial for assessing the functional capacity in elderly and postoperative patients. This research uniquely compared the performance of this optimized DLC model, which was trained using 'filtered' estimates from the widely used OpenPose (OP) model, thereby emphasizing computational effectiveness, motion-tracking precision, and enhanced stability in data capture. Utilizing a combination of smartphone-captured videos and specifically curated datasets, our methodological approach included data preparation, keypoint annotation, and extensive model training, with an emphasis on the flow of the optimized model. The findings demonstrate the superiority of the optimized DLC model in various aspects. It exhibited not only higher computational efficiency, with reduced processing times, but also greater precision and consistency in motion tracking thanks to the stability brought about by the meticulous selection of the OP data. This precision is vital for developing accurate biomechanical models for clinical interventions. Moreover, this study revealed that the optimized DLC maintained higher average confidence levels across datasets, indicating more reliable and accurate detection capabilities compared with standalone OP. The clinical relevance of these findings is profound. The optimized DLC model's efficiency and enhanced point estimation stability make it an invaluable tool in rehabilitation monitoring and patient assessments, potentially streamlining clinical workflows. This study suggests future research directions, including integrating the optimized DLC model with virtual reality environments for enhanced patient engagement and leveraging its improved data quality for predictive analytics in healthcare. Overall, the optimized DLC model emerged as a transformative tool for biomechanical analysis and physical rehabilitation, promising to enhance the quality of patient care and healthcare delivery efficiency.
Topics: Humans; Neural Networks, Computer; Movement; Biomechanical Phenomena; Male; Female; Smartphone; Adult; Sitting Position; Standing Position; Motion Capture
PubMed: 38793876
DOI: 10.3390/s24103022 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Measuring postural control in an upright standing position is the standard method. However, this diagnostic method has floor or ceiling effects and its implementation is...
A Statistical and AI Analysis of the Frequency Spectrum in the Measurement of the Center of Pressure Track in the Seated Position in Healthy Subjects and Subjects with Low Back Pain.
Measuring postural control in an upright standing position is the standard method. However, this diagnostic method has floor or ceiling effects and its implementation is only possible to a limited extent. Assessing postural control directly on the trunk in a sitting position and consideration of the results in the spectrum in conjunction with an AI-supported evaluation could represent an alternative diagnostic method quantifying neuromuscular control. In a prospective cross-sectional study, 188 subjects aged between 18 and 60 years were recruited and divided into two groups: "LowBackPain" vs. "Healthy". Subsequently, measurements of postural control in a seated position were carried out for 60 s using a modified balance board. A spectrum per trail was calculated using the measured CoP tracks in the range from 0.01 to 10 Hz. Various algorithms for data classification and prediction of these classes were tested for the parameter combination with the highest proven static influence on the parameter pain. The best results were found in a frequency spectrum of 0.001 Hz and greater than 1 Hz. After transforming the track from the time domain to the image domain for representation as power density, the influence of pain was highly significant (effect size 0.9). The link between pain and gender ( = 0.015) and pain and height ( = 0.012) also demonstrated significant results. The assessment of postural control in a seated position allows differentiation between "LowBackPain" and "Healthy" subjects. Using the AI algorithm of neural networks, the data set can be correctly differentiated into "LowBackPain" and "Healthy" with a probability of 81%.
Topics: Humans; Male; Adult; Female; Sitting Position; Low Back Pain; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Algorithms; Postural Balance; Adolescent; Cross-Sectional Studies; Pressure; Prospective Studies; Artificial Intelligence; Healthy Volunteers; Posture
PubMed: 38793865
DOI: 10.3390/s24103011 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2024: The relationship between heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) indices has been repeatedly studied in adults but limited data are available on the relationship...
: The relationship between heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) indices has been repeatedly studied in adults but limited data are available on the relationship in paediatric populations. : Continuous 12-lead electrocardiograms were recorded in 1016 healthy children and adolescents (534 females) aged 4 to 19 years during postural manoeuvres with rapid changes between 10-min positions of supine → sitting → standing → supine → standing → sitting → supine. In each position, the averaged RR interval was measured together with four HRV indices, namely the SDNN, RMSSD, quasi-normalised high-frequency components (qnHF), and the proportions of low- and high-frequency components (LF/HF). In each subject, the slope of the linear regression between the repeated HRV measurements and the corresponding RR interval averages was calculated. : The intra-subject regression slopes, including their confidence intervals, were related to the age and sex of the subjects. The SDNN/RR, RMSSD/RR, and qnHF/RR slopes were significantly steeper ( < 0.001) and the (LF/HF)/RR slopes were significantly shallower ( < 0.001) in younger children compared to older children and adolescents. : The study suggests that sympathetic and vagal influences on heart rate are present in both younger and older children. With advancing age, the sympatho-vagal balance gradually develops and allows the vagal control to suppress the sympathetic drive towards higher heart rates seen in younger age children.
PubMed: 38792438
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102897 -
Scientific Reports May 2024Heart rate is under constant autonomic influence but the development of the influence in children is not fully understood. Continuous electrocardiograms were obtained in...
Heart rate is under constant autonomic influence but the development of the influence in children is not fully understood. Continuous electrocardiograms were obtained in 1045 healthy school-age children (550 females) during postural provocations with body position changes between supine, sitting, standing, supine, standing, sitting and supine (in this order), 10 min in each position with position changes within 20 s. Heart rate was measured in each position and speed of heart rate changes between positions were assessed by regressions of rates versus timing of individual cardiac cycles. Supine heart rate was gradually decreasing with age: 82.32 ± 9.92, 74.33 ± 9.79, 67.43 ± 9.45 beats per minute (bpm) in tertile age groups < 11, 11-15, > 15 years, respectively (p < 0.0001), with no significant sex difference. Averaged speed of heart rate changes differed little between sexes and age groups but was significantly faster during rate deceleration than acceleration (e.g., supine ↔ standing: 2.99 ± 1.02 vs. 2.57 ± 0.68 bpm/s, p < 0.0001). The study suggests that in children, vagal heart rate control does not noticeably change between ages of approximately 6-19 years. The gradual resting heart rate decrease during childhood and adolescence is likely caused by lowering of cardiac sympathetic influence from sympathetic overdrive in small children to adult-like sympatho-vagal balance in older adolescents.
Topics: Humans; Heart Rate; Female; Child; Male; Adolescent; Electrocardiography; Posture; Autonomic Nervous System; Supine Position; Vagus Nerve
PubMed: 38789480
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62000-7 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... May 2024A fracture associated with an anteriorly displaced fragment may induce soft tissue disintegration. However, this might be avoided by maintaining the stability of the...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
A fracture associated with an anteriorly displaced fragment may induce soft tissue disintegration. However, this might be avoided by maintaining the stability of the sacrococcygeal bone. Fixation by using less invasive modalities is needed to improve the outcome.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 37-year-old female came with tailbone pain, which lasted around one month. There was a history of falling in a sitting position a month before hospital admission. Tenderness was positive while palpating the perineal site. A radiography examination shows a fracture in the sacrococcygeal segment with anterior dislocation. The patient was diagnosed with a sacrococcygeal fracture and anterior dislocation.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
We performed a mini-open procedure using a modified figure-of-eight technique to reconnect the sacrococcygeal bone. Suturing was performed through the skin in the painful area, and then the bone at the injured site was reduced. As an outcome, there was an improvement in the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ5D) scores.
CONCLUSION
A mini-open procedure with a modified figure of eight is a simple and valuable method for correcting the sacrococcygeal components.
PubMed: 38788633
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109769 -
Frontiers in Bioengineering and... 2024Sedentary behaviour has been associated with an increased risk of falls among older adults. Although gait initiation (GI) is a promising tool used to assess fall risk,...
Sedentary behaviour has been associated with an increased risk of falls among older adults. Although gait initiation (GI) is a promising tool used to assess fall risk, it has yet to be quantitatively evaluated for dynamic stability in sedentary populations. Tai Chi exercise is believed to be effective in preventing falls in older adults, but its effect on GI stability has not been quantified. This study aims to compare the stability of GI in sedentary older individuals those who are long-term Tai Chi exercisers by using a quantitative approach. This study included 17 sedentary older women without exercise habits (age: 65.59 ± 3.66 years, average daily sitting time: 8.735 ± 1.847 h/day) and 19 older women who regularly engage in Tai Chi exercise (age: 65.58 ± 3.63 years, years of exercise: 9.84 ± 3.48 years). Every participant underwent five trials of self-paced GI walking tests. Eight cameras and four force plates were used to obtain kinematic and kinetic parameters. The trajectory of the centre of mass (CoM) and the position of the foot placement were recorded. The anterior-posterior (A-P) and medio-lateral (M-L) dynamic stability at the onset and end moments of the single-legged support was calculated using CoM and gait spatiotemporal parameters. The stepping dynamic stability and foot placement positions of both groups were compared. The Tai Chi group had greater stability in the M-L directions at the swing leg's toe-off moment and in the M-L and A-P directions at the heel-strike moment, as well as significantly larger step length, step width and step speed during locomotion than sedentary older women. However, the stability in the A-P directions at the swing leg's toe-off moment and the foot inclination angle was not statistically different between the two groups. Long-term regular Tai Chi exercise can enhance the dynamic stability of GI in older women, and effectively improve their foot placement strategy during GI. The findings further confirm the negative effect of sedentary on the stability control of older women and the positive role of Tai Chi in enhancing their gait stability and reducing the risk of falls.
PubMed: 38784770
DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1353270 -
BMC Public Health May 2024Physical behaviors such physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep are associated with mortality, but there is a lack of epidemiological data and knowledge using...
Feasibility and acceptability of a cohort study baseline data collection of device-measured physical behaviors and cardiometabolic health in Saudi Arabia: expanding the Prospective Physical Activity, Sitting and Sleep consortium (ProPASS) in the Middle East.
BACKGROUND
Physical behaviors such physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep are associated with mortality, but there is a lack of epidemiological data and knowledge using device-measured physical behaviors.
PURPOSE
To assess the feasibility of baseline data collection using the Prospective Physical Activity, Sitting, and Sleep consortium (ProPASS) protocols in the specific context of Saudi Arabia. ProPASS is a recently developed global platform for collaborative research that aims to harmonize retrospective and prospective data on device-measured behaviors and health. Using ProPASS methods for collecting data to perform such studies in Saudi Arabia will provide standardized data from underrepresented countries.
METHOD
This study explored the feasibility of baseline data collection in Saudi Arabia between November and December 2022 with a target recruitment of 50 participants aged ≥ 30 years. Established ProPASS methods were used to measure anthropometrics, measure blood pressure, collect blood samples, carry out physical function test, and measure health status and context of physical behaviors using questionnaires. The ActivPal™ device was used to assess physical behaviors and the participants were asked to attend two sessions at (LHRC). The feasibility of the current study was assessed by evaluating recruitment capability, acceptability, suitability of study procedures, and resources and abilities to manage and implement the study. Exit interviews were conducted with all participants.
RESULT
A total of 75 participants expressed an interest in the study, out of whom 54 initially agreed to participate. Ultimately, 48 participants were recruited in the study (recruitment rate: 64%). The study completion rate was 87.5% of the recruited participants; 95% participants were satisfied with their participation in the study and 90% reported no negative feelings related to participating in the study. One participant reported experiencing moderate skin irritation related to placement of the accelerometer. Additionally, 96% of participants expressed their willingness to participate in the study again.
CONCLUSION
Based on successful methodology, data collection results, and participants' acceptability, the ProPASS protocols are feasible to administer in Saudi Arabia. These findings are promising for establishing a prospective cohort in Saudi Arabia.
Topics: Humans; Saudi Arabia; Male; Exercise; Female; Feasibility Studies; Adult; Sleep; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Sitting Position; Sedentary Behavior; Cohort Studies; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38778331
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18867-2 -
Fluids and Barriers of the CNS May 2024Optimizing the treatment of several neurosurgical and neurological disorders relies on knowledge of the intracranial pressure (ICP). However, exploration of normal ICP... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
OBJECTIVE
Optimizing the treatment of several neurosurgical and neurological disorders relies on knowledge of the intracranial pressure (ICP). However, exploration of normal ICP and intracranial pressure pulse wave amplitude (PWA) values in healthy individuals poses ethical challenges, and thus the current documentation remains scarce. This study explores ICP and PWA values for healthy adults without intracranial pathology expected to influence ICP.
METHODS
Adult patients (age > 18 years) undergoing surgery for an unruptured intracranial aneurysm without any other neurological co-morbidities were included. Patients had a telemetric ICP sensor inserted, and ICP was measured in four different positions: supine, lateral recumbent, standing upright, and 45-degree sitting, at day 1, 14, 30, and 90 following the surgery.
RESULTS
ICP in each position did not change with time after surgery. Median ICP was 6.7 mmHg and median PWA 2.1 mmHg in the supine position, while in the upright standing position median ICP was - 3.4 mmHg and median PWA was 1.9 mmHg. After standardization of the measurements from the transducer site to the external acoustic meatus, the median ICP was 8.3 mmHg in the supine position and 1.2 mmHg in the upright standing position.
CONCLUSION
Our study provides insights into normal ICP dynamics in healthy adults following a uncomplicated surgery for an unruptured aneurysm. These results suggest a slightly wider normal reference range for invasive intracranial pressure than previously suggested, and present the first normal values for PWA in different positions. Further studies are, however, essential to enhance our understanding of normal ICP. Trial registration The study was preregistered at www.
CLINICALTRIALS
gov (NCT03594136) (11 July 2018).
Topics: Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Intracranial Aneurysm; Intracranial Pressure; Neurosurgical Procedures; Posture; Pulse Wave Analysis; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 38773608
DOI: 10.1186/s12987-024-00549-1