Real-road NOx and CO2 emissions of city and highway China-6 heavy-duty diesel vehicles.

The emission of heavy-duty vehicles has raised great concerns worldwide. The complex working and loading conditions, which may differ a lot from PEMS tests, raised new challenges to the supervision and control of emissions, especially during real-world applications. On-board diagnostics (OBD) technology with data exchange enabled and strengthened the monitoring of emissions from a large number of heavy-duty diesel vehicles. This paper presents an analysis of the OBD data collected from more than 800 city and highway heavy-duty vehicles in China using remote OBD data terminals. Real-world NOx and CO2 emissions of China-6 heavy-duty vehicles have been examined. The results showed that city heavy-duty vehicles had higher NOx emission levels, which was mostly due to longer time of low SCR temperatures below 180°C. The application of novel methods based on 3B-MAW also found that heavy-duty diesel vehicles tended to have high NOx emissions at idle. Also, little difference had been found in work-based CO2 emissions, and this may be due to no major difference were found in occupancies of hot running.

Study of stereopsis using a depth sensation detection platform equipped with computer vision technology (DALE3D) / Estudio de estereopsis mediante una plataforma de detección de sensaciones de profundidad equipada con tecnología de visión por ordenador (DALE3D)

Background and objectives: The invention described herein is a prototype based on computer vision technology that measures depth perception and is intended for the early examination of stereopsis. Materials and methods: The prototype (software and hardware) is a depth perception measurement system that consists on: (a) a screen showing stereoscopic models with a guide point that the subject must point to; (b) a camera capturing the distance between the screen and the subject's finger; and (c) a unit for recording, processing and storing the captured measurements. For test validation, the reproducibility and reliability of the platform were calculated by comparing results with standard stereoscopic tests. A demographic study of depth perception by subgroup analysis is shown. Subjective comparison of the different tests was carried out by means of a satisfaction survey. Results: We included 94 subjects, 25 children and 69 adults, with a mean age of 34.2 ± 18.9 years; 36.2 % were men and 63.8 % were women. The DALE3D platform obtained good repeatability with an interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between 0.94 and 0.87, and coefficient of variation (CV) between 0.1 and 0.26. Threshold determining optimal and suboptimal results was calculated for Randot and DALE3D test. Spearman's correlation coefficient, between thresholds was not statistically significant (p value > 0.05). The test was considered more visually appealing and easier to use by the participants (90 % maximum score). Conclusions: The DALE3D platform is a potentially useful tool for measuring depth perception with optimal reproducibility rates. Its innovative design makes it a more intuitive tool for children than current stereoscopic tests. Nevertheless, further studies will be needed to assess whether the depth perception measured by the DALE3D platform is a sufficiently reliable parameter to assess stereopsis.(AU)

Usability, Ergonomics, and Educational Value of a Novel Telestration Tool for Surgical Coaching: Usability Study.

BACKGROUND: Telementoring studies found technical challenges in achieving accurate and stable annotations during live surgery using commercially available telestration software intraoperatively. To address the gap, a wireless handheld telestration device was developed to facilitate dynamic user interaction with live video streams. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to find the perceived usability, ergonomics, and educational value of a first-generation handheld wireless telestration platform. METHODS: A prototype was developed with four core hand-held functions: (1) free-hand annotation, (2) cursor navigation, (3) overlay and manipulation (rotation) of ghost (avatar) instrumentation, and (4) hand-held video feed navigation on a remote monitor. This device uses a proprietary augmented reality platform. Surgeons and trainees were invited to test the core functions of the platform by performing standardized tasks. Usability and ergonomics were evaluated with a validated system usability scale and a 5-point Likert scale survey, which also evaluated the perceived educational value of the device. RESULTS: In total, 10 people (9 surgeons and 1 senior resident; 5 male and 5 female) participated. Participants strongly agreed or agreed (SA/A) that it was easy to perform annotations (SA/A 9, 90% and neutral 0, 0%), video feed navigation (SA/A 8, 80% and neutral 1, 10%), and manipulation of ghost (avatar) instruments on the monitor (SA/A 6, 60% and neutral 3, 30%). Regarding ergonomics, 40% (4) of participants agreed or strongly agreed (neutral 4, 40%) that the device was physically comfortable to use and hold. These results are consistent with open-ended comments on the device's size and weight. The average system usability scale was 70 (SD 12.5; median 75, IQR 63-84) indicating an above average usability score. Participants responded favorably to the device's perceived educational value, particularly for postoperative coaching (agree 6, 60%, strongly agree 4, 40%). CONCLUSIONS: This study presents the preliminary usability results of a novel first-generation telestration tool customized for use in surgical coaching. Favorable usability and perceived educational value were reported. Future iterations of the device should focus on incorporating user feedback and additional studies should be conducted to evaluate its effectiveness for improving surgical education. Ultimately, such tools can be incorporated into pedagogical models of surgical coaching to optimize feedback and training.

SARS-CoV-2 booster vaccination does not worsen glycemia in people with type 1 diabetes using insulin pumps: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: Despite an increased risk for adverse outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection among individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D), vaccine hesitancy persists due to safety concerns including dysglycemia. The impact of booster vaccination on individuals using automated insulin delivery (AID) systems remains unclear. METHODS: We used continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data from 53 individuals with T1D using insulin pump therapy who received their third and/or fourth COVID-19 vaccination. CGM data from the 14 days before and 3 and 7 days after each vaccination were compared. The primary outcome was glucose time in range (TIR) (70-180 mg/dL) 3 and 7 days post-vaccination compared with the 14 days prior. Secondary outcomes included other CGM metrics such as time below range (< 70 mg/dL), time above range (> 180 mg/dL), mean glucose, co-efficient of variation and average total daily insulin. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 53 adults (64% women, 64% AID), totaling 74 vaccination periods (84% Pfizer-BioNTech boosters), mean ± SD age 40.0 ± 15.9 years, duration of diabetes 26.0 ± 15.4 years. There was no significant difference between pre-vaccination TIR (61.0%±18.5) versus 3 (60.5%±22.8) and 7 days post-vaccination (60.2%±21.8; p = 0.79). Level 1 hypoglycemia, time in range 54-69 mg/dL, was lower 3 (1.1%±1.7) and 7 days post-vaccination (1.1%±1.6), compared with 14 days pre-vaccination (1.4%±1.4; p = 0.021). CONCLUSION: The study provides evidence that SARS-CoV-2 booster vaccination does not acutely worsen glycemia in people with T1D receiving insulin pump therapy.

Evolving pathogen trends and spatial-temporal dynamics of hand, foot, and mouth disease in Fengxian District, Shanghai (2009-2022).

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a prevalent acute infectious disease caused by enteroviruses, presenting substantial public health challenges in Shanghai, especially among children. The dynamic nature of HFMD's etiology necessitates an ongoing evaluation of its epidemiological and virological trends to inform effective control strategies. This study aims to investigate the epidemiological patterns and viral evolution of HFMD in Fengxian District, Shanghai, China, with a focus on shifts in predominant viral strains over a 14-year period. We conducted a retrospective analysis of HFMD cases reported to the National Notifiable Disease Reporting System in Fengxian District from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2022. Epidemiological trends, strain prevalence, and demographic impacts were assessed. A total of 27,272 HFMD cases were documented during the study period, with incidence showing pronounced seasonal fluctuations-peaking in spring and summer and a lesser peak in autumn. The disease incidence demonstrated significant positive correlations with several meteorological variables: daily average temperature (r = 0.30, P < 0.05), relative humidity (r = 0.20, P < 0.05), wind speed (r = 0.17, P < 0.05), and precipitation (r = 0.17, P < 0.05). Geographically, Nanqiao Town, Fengcheng Town, and Xidu Subdistrict reported the highest incidence rates. The demographic analysis revealed a male-to-female ratio of 1.60:1, predominantly affecting children aged 1-3 years. Prior to 2017, Enterovirus 71 (EV71) and Coxsackievirus A16 (CoxA16) were the primary detected strains; post-2017, Coxsackievirus A6 (CoxA6) emerged as the dominant strain. Statistical analysis confirmed significant year-to-year variations in virus detection rates, with decreasing trends for EV71 and other enteroviruses and an increasing trend for CoxA6. The findings indicate a distinct seasonal incidence of HFMD in Fengxian District. This study underscores the need for targeted public health education, enhanced surveillance, and proactive measures in childcare facilities to mitigate disease spread during peak seasons. Moreover, the evolving viral landscape warrants accelerated efforts in vaccine development against new strains to reduce HFMD incidence.

Efficacy and clinical implications of a stepwise screening strategy for atrial fibrillation after stroke: Insights from the SAFAS study.

BACKGROUND: Although guidelines recommend screening patients for atrial fibrillation (AF) after stroke, the optimal timing and combination of screening tools remain unclear. AIMS: We evaluated the suitability of a sequential combination of screening techniques for AF detected after stroke (AFDAS). We also compared patient characteristics according to the timing of AFDAS. METHODS: Patients without previous AF admitted for acute ischaemic stroke were prospectively enrolled. After a stepwise screening approach for AFDAS based on electrocardiogram, telemetry monitoring and in-hospital long-term Holter, patients with cryptogenic stroke underwent implantation of an implantable cardiac monitor (ICM). Early AFDAS was defined as AF diagnosed during hospitalization and late AFDAS as AF diagnosed on an ICM. RESULTS: Of the 240 patients included, 104 (43.3%) had a documented cause of stroke not related to AF. Among the 136 remaining patients, AFDAS was detected in 82 (60.3%) during the acute screening phase or during the 3-year follow-up by ICM. Early AFDAS was diagnosed by ECG, telemetry and in-hospital long-term Holter monitoring in 17 (20.7%), 25 (30.5%) and 18 (22.0%) patients, respectively. Among 76 patients who had an ICM implanted for cryptogenic stroke, AF was detected in 22 patients (28.9%). Except for age and stroke location, patients with early AFDAS did not differ from those with late AFDAS, particularly with regard to the prevalence of atrial cardiomyopathy markers. CONCLUSION: A stepwise approach to AFDAS screening allows early detection of AF in a considerable number of patients during their hospitalization. ICMs remain complementary to non-invasive screening tools for the detection of remote episodes of AF.

A Clinician and Electronic Health Record Wearable Device Intervention to Increase Physical Activity in Patients With Obesity: Formative Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: The number of individuals using digital health devices has grown in recent years. A higher rate of use in patients suggests that primary care providers (PCPs) may be able to leverage these tools to effectively guide and monitor physical activity (PA) for their patients. Despite evidence that remote patient monitoring (RPM) may enhance obesity interventions, few primary care practices have implemented programs that use commercial digital health tools to promote health or reduce complications of the disease. OBJECTIVE: This formative study aimed to assess the perceptions, needs, and challenges of implementation of an electronic health record (EHR)-integrated RPM program using wearable devices to promote patient PA at a large urban primary care practice to prepare for future intervention. METHODS: Our team identified existing workflows to upload wearable data to the EHR (Epic Systems), which included direct Fitbit (Google) integration that allowed for patient PA data to be uploaded to the EHR. We identified pictorial job aids describing the clinical workflow to PCPs. We then performed semistructured interviews with PCPs (n=10) and patients with obesity (n=8) at a large urban primary care clinic regarding their preferences and barriers to the program. We presented previously developed pictorial aids with instructions for (1) providers to complete an order set, set step-count goals, and receive feedback and (2) patients to set up their wearable devices and connect them to their patient portal account. We used rapid qualitative analysis during and after the interviews to code and develop key themes for both patients and providers that addressed our research objective. RESULTS: In total, 3 themes were identified from provider interviews: (1) providers' knowledge of PA prescription is focused on general guidelines with limited knowledge on how to tailor guidance to patients, (2) providers were open to receiving PA data but were worried about being overburdened by additional patient data, and (3) providers were concerned about patients being able to equitably access and participate in digital health interventions. In addition, 3 themes were also identified from patient interviews: (1) patients received limited or nonspecific guidance regarding PA from providers and other resources, (2) patients want to share exercise metrics with the health care team and receive tailored PA guidance at regular intervals, and (3) patients need written resources to support setting up an RPM program with access to live assistance on an as-needed basis. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of an EHR-based RPM program and associated workflow is acceptable to PCPs and patients but will require attention to provider concerns of added burdensome patient data and patient concerns of receiving tailored PA guidance. Our ongoing work will pilot the RPM program and evaluate feasibility and acceptability within a primary care setting.

Commercially available wearable health monitors in dogs only had a very strong correlation during longer durations of time: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare a commercially available accelerometer, FitBark 2 (FitBark 2nd Generation; FitBark) with a previously validated accelerometer, Actical (Actical; Respironics Inc) during periods of activity and rest. We hypothesized that the FitBark 2 would correlate strongly with the Actical during periods of activity and rest. METHODS: 20 dogs between the ages of 1 and 9 years of variable sex, breed, and body weight were enrolled from April through August 2022 in a 1-week pilot trial. Dogs were fitted with a neck collar with both devices mounted on it and wore it continuously for 1 week. Six time points were established to evaluate varying degrees of activity and periods of rest, which included the week, a 1-mile walk, the day of the walk, the hour the walk occurred in, 6 am to 7 am on the morning of the walk, and 11 pm to 12 am on the evening of the walk. Actical and FitBark 2 were compared using linear regression and correlation analysis. RESULTS: Correlation analysis revealed a very strong correlation between the Actical and FitBark 2 during the entire week of the study, with a moderate correlation at other time points. Linear regression revealed the strength of the relationship by the r2 = 0.85, F1,13 = 76.08. CONCLUSIONS: FitBark 2 can be used to evaluate the activity and rest of dogs with varying degrees of correlation when compared to the Actical. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The time period assessed impacts the correlation of the FitBark 2 and Actical. This should be considered when using the FitBark 2 for data collection.

Thirty-Day High-Grade Aortic Valve Block Post-Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients Discharged on Heart Rhythm Monitor.

Background: Conduction disease is an important and common complication post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Previously, we developed a conduction disease risk stratification and management protocol post-TAVR. This study aims to evaluate high-grade aortic valve block (HAVB) incidence and risk factors in a large cohort undergoing ambulatory cardiac monitoring post-TAVR according to conduction risk grouping. Methods: This single-center, retrospective study evaluated all patients discharged on ambulatory cardiac monitoring between 2016 and 2021 and stratified them into 3 groups based on electrocardiogram predictors of HAVB risk (group 1 [low], group 2 [intermediate], and group 3 [high]). HAVB was defined as ≥2 consecutive nonconducted P waves in sinus rhythm or bradycardia <50 beats/minute with a fixed rate for atrial fibrillation/flutter. Descriptive statistics were used to show the incidence and timeline, while logistic regression was utilized to evaluate predictors of HAVB. Results: Five hundred twenty-eight patients were included (median age 80 years [74-85]; 43.8% female). Forty-one patients (7.8%) developed HAVB during ambulatory monitoring (68% were asymptomatic). Over a median follow-up of 2 years (1.3-2.7), the overall mortality rate was 15.0% (30-day mortality rate of 0.57%, n = 3). Risk factors for HAVB were male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 2.46, p = 0.02, 95% CI = 1.21-5.43), baseline right bundle branch block (OR = 2.80, p = 0.01, 95% CI = 1.17-6.19), and post-TAVR QRS >150 â€‹ms (OR = 2.16, p = 0.03, 95% CI = 1.01-4.40). The negative predictive value for patients in groups 1 and 2 for 30-day HAVB was 95.0 and 93.8%, respectively. Conclusions: The risk of 30-day HAVB post-TAVR on ambulatory monitoring post-TAVR varies according to post-TAVR electrocardiogram findings, and a 3-group algorithm effectively identifies groups with a low negative predictive value for HAVB.

Innovations and applications of ketone body monitoring in diabetes care.

Ketone bodies, comprising ß-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB), acetoacetate (AcAc), and acetone, play a vital role as essential energy substrates. In individuals with diabetes, ketone bodies can be elevated under various conditions, including diabetic ketoacidosis, use of sodium-glucose transporter type 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, and extreme carbohydrate restriction. There are three methods for measuring ketone bodies. Urine ketone analysis (AcAc) is a standard clinical test, whereas blood ketone testing (BHB+AcAc) is valuable in identifying or resolving diabetic ketoacidosis. Recently, technology for measuring breath acetone has been introduced, which provides an easy means of monitoring ketogenic diets in obese individuals. The basic breath alcohol detector also reacts with breath acetone. Therefore, it is important for professional drivers taking SGLT2 inhibitors to be cautious as workplace breath alcohol detectors may show false-positive results. Conversely, if a positive result is obtained, a detailed examination of ketosis is necessary. This review provides an overview of ketone body measurements in individuals with diabetes.

Impact of 1.5†T Magnetic Field on Treatment Plan Quality in MR-Guided Radiotherapy: Typical Phantom Test Cases.

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the influence of the magnetic field on treatment plan quality using typical phantom test cases, which encompass a circle target test case, AAPM TG119 test cases (prostate, head-and-neck, C-shape, multi-target test cases), and a lung test case. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the typical phantom test cases, two plans were formulated. The first plan underwent optimization in the presence of a 1.5 Tesla magnetic field (1.5 T plan). The second plan was re-optimized without a magnetic field (0 T plan), utilizing the same optimization conditions as the first plan. The two plans were compared based on various parameters, including con-formity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), fit index (FI) and dose coverage of the planning target volume (PTV), dose delivered to organs at risk (OARs) and normal tissue (NT), monitor unit (MU). A plan-quality metric (PQM) scoring procedure was employed. For the 1.5 T plans, dose verifications were performed using an MR-compatible ArcCHECK phantom. RESULTS: A smaller dose influence of the magnetic field was found for the circle target, prostate, head-and-neck, and C-shape test cases, compared with the multi-target and lung test cases. In the multi-target test case, the significant dose influence was on the inferior PTV, followed by the superior PTV. There was a relatively large dose influence on the PTV and OARs for lung test case. No statistically significant differences in PQM and MUs were observed. For the 1.5 T plans, gamma passing rates were all higher than 95% with criteria of 2 mm/3% and 2 mm/2%. CONCLUSION: The presence of a 1.5 T magnetic field had a relatively large impact on dose parameters in the multi-target and lung test cases compared with other test cases. However, there were no significant influences on the plan-quality metric, MU and dose accuracy for all test cases.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding intra-abdominal pressure monitoring among pediatric intensive care nurses: A cross-sectional study.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) and the training requirements of pediatric intensive care nurses regarding intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) monitoring, in order to provide a reference for the development of relevant training programs and operational procedures in clinical practice. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted from April 2023 to June 2023. A convenience sample was created by recruiting 212 pediatric intensive care nurses in eight hospitals in Zhejiang Province. A self-developed IAP monitoring KAP assessment tool was used for evaluation, which included knowledge (14 items), attitude (6 items), and practice (8 items), three dimensions, 28 items. Results: The overall KAP score was 60.73 ± 8.35; the knowledge score was 7.84 ± 2.35, with a scoring rate of 56.0%; the attitude score was 25.16 ± 3.23, with a scoring rate of 83.9%; and the practice score was 28.44 ± 6.46, with a scoring rate of 69.3%. Nurses wh-o have received IAP monitoring training have higher KAP score, knowledge score and practice score than those who have not received it (P < 0.05). Nurses aged ≤ 30 showed better knowledge of IAP monitoring than those aged > 30 (P < 0.05). Among the participants, 55.7% of the nurses believed the current knowledge was insufficient to perform IAP measurement effectively. Difficulty in identifying the high-risk population of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) (64.6%), unfamiliarity with the operation process of IAP measurement (55.6%), and unreasonable nurse-patient ratio allocation (52.8%) were the main obstacles for nurses to monitor IAP. Conclusions: Pediatric intensive care nurses have a positive attitude towards IAP monitoring, but the knowledge level and practical behavior still need to be strengthened. In particular, the knowledge of published consensus definitions, measurement techniques, and frequency for IAP monitoring is inadequate. It is necessary to implement tailored IAP monitoring training based on their training needs and potential obstacles to promote the standardization and scientificity of IAP monitoring.

Management of Continuous Glucose Monitors in Radiation Oncology Patients.

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are an increasingly prevalent electronic medical device utilized by patients with diabetes, offering several advantages over "finger sticks". There is a resulting rise in patients with CGMs seen in radiation oncology clinics. Manufacturers specify that CGMs should not be exposed to radiation (both diagnostic and therapeutic), due to risk of device damage, creating challenges for patients and providers. We present a workflow for management of CGMs in radiation oncology patients, beginning with systematic screening by providers and staff. We propose options for CGM management together with the device prescriber, including removal of the CGM or keeping it in place with periodic finger sticks to confirm accuracy, and offer guidance to radiation oncology providers and staff.

Biological Significance of the Komodo Dragon's Tail (Varanus komodoensis, Varanidae).

The Komodo dragon is a unique reptile with an elongated tail that exhibits hitherto unknown adaptations and functions. This tail, composed of 60-86 vertebrae, serves diverse ecological and physiological roles. In juveniles, it is essential for an arboreal lifestyle and balance, while in adults, it functions as a tool for defense and offensive actions. It possesses characteristic haemal arches and a dorsal keel, along with well-developed muscles which enable precise tail control, influencing the Komodo dragon's maneuverability and directional changes. The tail stores adipose tissue, providing Komodo dragons with the ability to regulate body temperature and independence from other seasonal variations. The tail adipose tissue impacts numerous biochemical processes and may play a crucial role in the animals' metabolic strategies and reproductive capabilities. Its functions include providing essential mineral compounds for the organism, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Analysing the biochemical composition of tail fat is crucial for understanding the health of Komodo dragons.

Comparison of community ambulation intensity determined from overground and treadmill walking cadence cut points: Is there a relationship between step activity measures and predicted VO2 max in healthy children and adults?

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of using maximal cadence criteria cut points established during overground and treadmill walking, on intensity outputs measured during community ambulation. The second aim was to establish the relationship between cardiovascular fitness (predicted VO2 max capacity) and community ambulation intensity performance, in typically developing individuals. RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the effect on intensity measures when using cadence cut point criteria derived from overground and treadmill walking and does predicted VO2 max correlate with exercise related community activity in a typically developing population? METHODS: A group of 37 typically developing participants between 8 and 27 years of age, underwent a graded submaximal VO2 testing protocol followed by a typical week of community ambulation, recorded with a step activity monitor. Maximum cadence criteria established during overground and treadmill walking were applied and the data were compared. The weekly step activity variables included: total steps, total ambulatory time, intensity, duration, and volume. Predicted VO2 Max was calculated, and correlations calculated to step activity outputs. RESULTS: Results showed significant differences (p<0.001) between cadence cut point criteria across all intensity measures except in the amount of time spent in the 30-60 % intensity category (p=0.182). Predicted VO2 max did not significantly correlate with step activity outputs related to exercise (moderate+ intensity and long duration ambulatory bouts; p>0.277). SIGNIFICANCE: This study illustrates the importance of close consideration in applying recommended cut off criteria when assessing intensity outputs from step activity data. Cadence from both overground and treadmill walking were collected in a controlled lab setting, but the influence of the treadmill mechanical and forced cadence criteria must be considered when selecting intensity cut points.

Analysis of the Effects of Epidural Anesthesia on the Nociception Level Index (NOL®) during Abdominal Surgery.

Background: The NOL® system (PMD-200™ Nociception Level Monitor; Medasense Ltd., Ramat Gan, Israel) is used for the real-time detection of physiological nociception in anesthetized patients by assessing the parameters indicative of sympathetic activity, such as photoplethysmography, skin conductance, peripheral temperature, and accelerometry, which are quantified into the NOL®-Index. This index is more sensitive than traditional clinical parameters in estimating pain and stress responses. While its effectiveness in general anesthesia is well documented, its efficacy in epidural anesthesia needs further investigation. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed NOL®-Index dynamics compared to conventional parameters after epidural administration of bupivacaine. Following ethics committee approval, 119 NOL® measurements were retrospectively analyzed after thoracic epidural catheter administration in 40 patients undergoing abdominal and urological surgery. The NOL-Index® was assessed at 0, 1, 3, and 5 min post application and compared to heart rate, blood pressure, and bispectral index dynamics. Results: This study showed a significant decrease in the NOL®-Index post-local-anesthetic administration with better sensitivity than classical clinical parameters (0 min = 38 ± 11; 1 min = 22 ± 13*; 3 min = 17 ± 11*; 5 min = 12 ± 10*). Higher doses of local anesthetics led to a significant, dose-dependent decrease in NOL®-Index (low dose, 5 min = 15 ± 10*; high dose, 5 min = 8 ± 8*). Conclusions: This study is the first to demonstrate the effectiveness of the NOL®-Index in measuring nociceptive effects following epidural administration, highlighting its potential superiority over conventional parameters and its sensitivity to dose variations.

Feasibility of a using chest strap and dry electrode system for longer term cardiac arrhythmia monitoring: Results from a pilot observational study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Cardiac arrhythmia diagnostic yield improves with increased duration of monitoring. We investigated patient comfort, diagnostic quality of ECG, and arrhythmia diagnostic yield using a single lead longer term external cardiac monitor (ECM). METHODS: The observational ECM feasibility study enrolled patients with increased risk of cardiac arrhythmia. The ECM investigational prototype was designed using a chest strap with dry electrodes connected to module capable of triggered loop recording of ECG, and automatic detection of arrhythmia. In group-A of study (24-h inpatient), patients wore ECM and Holter that recorded ECG from the ECM and adhesive electrodes. In group-B of study (12-weeks ambulatory), at monthly follow-ups patients filled out a comfort survey and device stored arrhythmia episodes were reviewed. RESULTS: The study enrolled 34 patients (38 % females, average age 57.5 years, 65 % had palpitations, 12 % had syncope). Diagnostic quality ECG was recorded on 76.5 % of the monitoring duration in 12 of 20 patients with reviewable data in group-A, with motion artifacts causing loss in ECG signal for 18.7 % of the time. In 14 patients in group-B, 94.9 % of the survey responses indicated that ECM was comfortable to wear. Cardiac arrhythmia was observed in 4 of 17 patients (24 %) in group-A and 9 of 14 patients (64 %) in group-B in device recorded episodes. All ECM detected pause and tachycardia were inappropriate detections due to motion artifacts and temporary device removal. CONCLUSION: The chest strap-based ECM device was mostly comfortable to wear and recorded diagnostic quality ECG in three-fourth of monitoring period. Cardiac arrhythmia was observed in 64 % of patients over 3-month monitoring along with large number of motion artifact induced inappropriate detections.

Contactless and Calibration-Free Blood Pressure and Pulse Rate Monitor for Screening and Monitoring of Hypertension: Cross-Sectional Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: The key to reducing the immense morbidity and mortality burdens of cardiovascular diseases is to help people keep their blood pressure (BP) at safe levels. This requires that more people with hypertension be identified, diagnosed, and given tools to lower their BP. BP monitors are critical to hypertension diagnosis and management. However, there are characteristics of conventional BP monitors (oscillometric cuff sphygmomanometers) that hinder rapid and effective hypertension diagnosis and management. Calibration-free, software-only BP monitors that operate on ubiquitous mobile devices can enable on-demand BP monitoring, overcoming the hardware barriers of conventional BP monitors. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the accuracy of a contactless BP monitor software app for classifying the full range of clinically relevant BPs as hypertensive or nonhypertensive and to evaluate its accuracy for measuring the pulse rate (PR) and BP of people with BPs relevant to stage-1 hypertension. METHODS: The software app, known commercially as Lifelight, was investigated following the data collection and data analysis methodology outlined in International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 81060-2:2018/AMD 1:2020 "Non-invasive Sphygmomanometers-Part 2: Clinical investigation of automated measurement type." This validation study was conducted by the independent laboratory Element Materials Technology Boulder (formerly Clinimark). The study generated data from 85 people aged 18-85 years with a wide-ranging distribution of BPs specified in ISO 81060-2:2018/AMD 1:2020. At least 20% were required to have Fitzpatrick scale skin tones of 5 or 6 (ie, dark skin tones). The accuracy of the app's BP measurements was assessed by comparing its BP measurements with measurements made by dual-observer manual auscultation using the same-arm sequential method specified in ISO 81060-2:2018/AMD 1:2020. The accuracy of the app's PR measurements was assessed by comparing its measurements with concurrent electroencephalography-derived heart rate values. RESULTS: The app measured PR with an accuracy root-mean-square of 1.3 beats per minute and mean absolute error of 1.1 (SD 0.8) beats per minute. The sensitivity and specificity with which it determined that BPs exceeded the in-clinic systolic threshold for hypertension diagnosis were 70.1% and 71.7%, respectively. These rates are consistent with those reported for conventional BP monitors in a literature review by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. The app's mean error for measuring BP in the range of normotension and stage-1 hypertension (ie, 65/85, 76% of participants) was 6.5 (SD 12.9) mm Hg for systolic BP and 0.4 (SD 10.6) mm Hg for diastolic BP. Mean absolute error was 11.3 (SD 10.0) mm Hg and 8.6 (SD 6.8) mm Hg, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A calibration-free, software-only medical device was independently tested against ISO 81060-2:2018/AMD 1:2020. The safety and performance demonstrated in this study suggest that this technique could be a potential solution for rapid and scalable screening and management of hypertension.