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Tasnim U, Islam R, Desai K, Quarles J. Investigating Personalization Techniques for Improved Cybersickness Prediction in Virtual Reality Environments. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON VISUALIZATION AND COMPUTER GRAPHICS 2024; 30:2368-2378. [PMID: 38437124 DOI: 10.1109/tvcg.2024.3372122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
In recent cybersickness research, there has been a growing interest in predicting cybersickness using real-time physiological data such as heart rate, galvanic skin response, eye tracking, postural sway, and electroencephalogram. However, the impact of individual factors such as age and gender, which are pivotal in determining cybersickness susceptibility, remains unknown in predictive models. Our research seeks to address this gap, underscoring the necessity for a more personalized approach to cybersickness prediction to ensure a better, more inclusive virtual reality experience. We hypothesize that a personalized cybersickness prediction model would outperform non-personalized models in predicting cybersickness. Evaluating this, we explored four personalization techniques: 1) data grouping, 2) transfer learning, 3) early shaping, and 4) sample weighing using an open-source cybersickness dataset. Our empirical results indicate that personalized models significantly improve prediction accuracy. For instance, with early shaping, the Deep Temporal Convolutional Neural Network (DeepTCN) model achieved a 69.7% reduction in RMSE compared to its non-personalized version. Our study provides evidence of personalization techniques' benefits in improving cybersickness prediction. These findings have implications for developing personalized cybersickness prediction models tailored to individual differences, which can be used to develop personalized cybersickness reduction techniques in the future.
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Bester M, Almario Escorcia MJ, Fonseca P, Mollura M, van Gilst MM, Barbieri R, Mischi M, van Laar JOEH, Vullings R, Joshi R. The impact of healthy pregnancy on features of heart rate variability and pulse wave morphology derived from wrist-worn photoplethysmography. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21100. [PMID: 38036597 PMCID: PMC10689737 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47980-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the association between dysfunctional maternal autonomic regulation and pregnancy complications, tracking non-invasive features of autonomic regulation derived from wrist-worn photoplethysmography (PPG) measurements may allow for the early detection of deteriorations in maternal health. However, even though a plethora of these features-specifically, features describing heart rate variability (HRV) and the morphology of the PPG waveform (morphological features)-exist in the literature, it is unclear which of these may be valuable for tracking maternal health. As an initial step towards clarity, we compute comprehensive sets of HRV and morphological features from nighttime PPG measurements. From these, using logistic regression and stepwise forward feature elimination, we identify the features that best differentiate healthy pregnant women from non-pregnant women, since these likely capture physiological adaptations necessary for sustaining healthy pregnancy. Overall, morphological features were more valuable for discriminating between pregnant and non-pregnant women than HRV features (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.825 and 0.74, respectively), with the systolic pulse wave deterioration being the most valuable single feature, followed by mean heart rate (HR). Additionally, we stratified the analysis by sleep stages and found that using features calculated only from periods of deep sleep enhanced the differences between the two groups. In conclusion, we postulate that in addition to HRV features, morphological features may also be useful in tracking maternal health and suggest specific features to be included in future research concerning maternal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bester
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612 AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
- Patient Care and Monitoring, Philips Research, 5656 AE, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - M J Almario Escorcia
- Patient Care and Monitoring, Philips Research, 5656 AE, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milan, MI, Italy
| | - P Fonseca
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612 AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Patient Care and Monitoring, Philips Research, 5656 AE, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - M Mollura
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milan, MI, Italy
| | - M M van Gilst
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612 AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Sleep Medicine Center Kempenhaeghe, 5591 VE, Heeze, The Netherlands
| | - R Barbieri
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milan, MI, Italy
| | - M Mischi
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612 AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - J O E H van Laar
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612 AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Máxima Medical Centrum, De Run 4600, 5504 DB, Veldhoven, The Netherlands
| | - R Vullings
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612 AZ, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - R Joshi
- Patient Care and Monitoring, Philips Research, 5656 AE, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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Dias RA, de Faria Cardoso C, Ghimouz R, Nono DA, Silva JA, Acuna J, Baltatu OC, Campos LA. Quantitative cardiac autonomic outcomes of hydrotherapy in women during the first stage of labor. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 9:987636. [PMID: 36660001 PMCID: PMC9844258 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.987636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Most hydrotherapy studies during childbirth report findings related to pain using a widespread set of subjective measures. In this study, ECG biomarkers as quantitative cardiac autonomic outcomes were used to assess the effects of warm shower hydrotherapy on laboring women during the first stage of labor. Methods This was a prospective single-blind cohort study on stage I delivering women. Their cardiac autonomic function was assessed using heart rate variability (HRV) measures during a deep breathing test using point-of-care testing comprised of an HRV scanner system with wireless ECG enabling real-time data analysis and visualization. Labor pain and anxiety were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VASP) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). A total of 105 pregnant women in the first stage of labor who received warm shower hydrotherapy, intravenous analgesia (scopolamine + sodium dipyrone), or spinal anesthetic (bupivacaine + morphine) were enrolled. Results In women during the first stage of labor, parasympathetic modulation reflected through RMSSD (root mean square of successive RR interval differences) was significantly reduced by hydrotherapy and intravenous analgesia (before vs. after mean rank diff. 35.73 and 65.93, respectively, p < 0.05). Overall HRV (SDNN, standard deviation of RR intervals) was significantly decreased only by intravenous analgesia (before vs. after mean rank diff. 65.43, p < 0.001). Mean heart rate was significantly increased by intravenous analgesia, while spinal anesthesia reduced it, and hydrotherapy did not alter it (before vs. after mean rank diff. -49.35*, 70.38*, -24.20 NS , respectively, *p < 0.05, NS not significant). Conclusion This study demonstrates that warm shower therapy may impact the sympathovagal balance via parasympathetic withdrawal in women during the initial stage of labor. The findings of this study provide quantitative support for using warm shower hydrotherapy during labor via point-of-care testing. The dependability of hydrotherapy as a non-pharmacological treatment is linked to the completion of more clinical research demonstrating quantitative evidence via outcome biomarkers to support indications on stress and birth progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Aparecida Dias
- Center of Innovation, Technology and Education (CITE) at Anhembi Morumbi University—Anima Institute, São José dos Campos Technology Park, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Cláudia de Faria Cardoso
- Center of Innovation, Technology and Education (CITE) at Anhembi Morumbi University—Anima Institute, São José dos Campos Technology Park, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Rym Ghimouz
- Fatima College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Daniel Alessander Nono
- Center for Special Technologies, National Institute for Space Research (INPE), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | | | - Juan Acuna
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ovidiu Constantin Baltatu
- Center of Innovation, Technology and Education (CITE) at Anhembi Morumbi University—Anima Institute, São José dos Campos Technology Park, São José dos Campos, Brazil,Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates,*Correspondence: Ovidiu Constantin Baltatu,
| | - Luciana Aparecida Campos
- Center of Innovation, Technology and Education (CITE) at Anhembi Morumbi University—Anima Institute, São José dos Campos Technology Park, São José dos Campos, Brazil,Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates,Luciana Aparecida Campos,
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Bin-Jumah MN, Gilani SJ, Alabbasi AF, Al-Abbasi FA, AlGhamdi SA, Alshehri OY, Alghamdi AM, Sayyed N, Kazmi I. Protective Effect of Fustin against Huntington's Disease in 3-Nitropropionic Treated Rats via Downregulation of Oxidative Stress and Alteration in Neurotransmitters and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Activity. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123021. [PMID: 36551777 PMCID: PMC9775313 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Researchers have revealed that Rhus verniciflua heartwood, which contains fustin as an important component, possesses antioxidant-mediated, anti-mutagenic, and anti-rheumatoid arthritis characteristics. Additionally, out of the numerous plant-derived secondary metabolites, there are various research papers concentrating on flavonoids for potential advantages in neurological illnesses. The current study aims to assess the neuroprotective potential of fustin in rodents over 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA)-induced Huntington's disease (HD)-like consequences. The efficacy of fustin 50 and 100 mg/kg was studied with multiple-dose administrations of 3-NPA, which experimentally induced HD-like symptoms in rats for 22 days. At the end of the study, several behavioral tests were performed including a beam walk, rotarod, and grip strength tests. Similarly, some biochemical parameters were assessed to support oxidative stress (reduced glutathione-GSH, superoxide dismutase-SOD, catalase-CAT, and malondialdehyde-MDA), alteration in neurotransmitters (gamma-aminobutyric acid-GABA-and glutamate), alteration in brain-derived neurotrophic factor activity, and nitrite levels. Additionally, pro-inflammatory parameters were carried out to evaluate the neuroinflammatory responses associated with streptozotocin such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and COX in the perfused brain. The fustin-treated group exhibited a significant restoration of memory function via modulation in behavioral activities. Moreover, 3-NPA altered biochemical, neurotransmitters, brain protein levels, and neuroinflammatory measures, which fustin efficiently restored. This is the first report demonstrating the efficacy of novel phytoconstituent fustin as a potential future candidate for the treatment of HD via offering neuroprotection by subsiding the oxidative and enzymatic activity in the 3-NPA experimental animal paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- May Nasser Bin-Jumah
- Biology Department, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
- Environment and Biomaterial Unit, Health Sciences Research Center, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
- Saudi Society for Applied Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sadaf Jamal Gilani
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, Preparatory Year, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Fahad A. Al-Abbasi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shareefa A. AlGhamdi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Experimental Biochemistry Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ohoud Y. Alshehri
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Al-Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amira M. Alghamdi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nadeem Sayyed
- School of Pharmacy, Glocal University, Saharanpur 247121, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Imran Kazmi
- Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence:
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Sarhaddi F, Azimi I, Axelin A, Niela-Vilen H, Liljeberg P, Rahmani AM. Trends in Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability During Pregnancy and the 3-Month Postpartum Period: Continuous Monitoring in a Free-living Context. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2022; 10:e33458. [PMID: 35657667 PMCID: PMC9206203 DOI: 10.2196/33458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Heart rate variability (HRV) is a noninvasive method that reflects the regulation of the autonomic nervous system. Altered HRV is associated with adverse mental or physical health complications. The autonomic nervous system also has a central role in physiological adaption during pregnancy, causing normal changes in HRV. Objective The aim of this study was to assess trends in heart rate (HR) and HRV parameters as a noninvasive method for remote maternal health monitoring during pregnancy and 3-month postpartum period. Methods A total of 58 pregnant women were monitored using an Internet of Things–based remote monitoring system during pregnancy and 3-month postpartum period. Pregnant women were asked to continuously wear Gear Sport smartwatch to monitor their HR and HRV extracted from photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals. In addition, a cross-platform mobile app was used to collect background and delivery-related information. We analyzed PPG signals collected during the night and discarded unreliable signals by applying a PPG quality assessment method to the collected signals. HR, HRV, and normalized HRV parameters were extracted from reliable signals. The normalization removed the effect of HR changes on HRV trends. Finally, we used hierarchical linear mixed models to analyze the trends of HR, HRV, and normalized HRV parameters. Results HR increased significantly during the second trimester (P<.001) and decreased significantly during the third trimester (P=.006). Time-domain HRV parameters, average normal interbeat intervals (IBIs; average normal IBIs [AVNN]), SD of normal IBIs (SDNN), root mean square of the successive difference of normal IBIs (RMSSD), normalized SDNN, and normalized RMSSD decreased significantly during the second trimester (P<.001). Then, AVNN, SDNN, RMSSD, and normalized SDNN increased significantly during the third trimester (with P=.002, P<.001, P<.001, and P<.001, respectively). Some of the frequency-domain parameters, low-frequency power (LF), high-frequency power (HF), and normalized HF, decreased significantly during the second trimester (with P<.001, P<.001, and P=.003, respectively), and HF increased significantly during the third trimester (P=.007). In the postpartum period, normalized RMSSD decreased (P=.01), and the LF to HF ratio (LF/HF) increased significantly (P=.004). Conclusions Our study indicates the physiological changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period. We showed that HR increased and HRV parameters decreased as pregnancy proceeded, and the values returned to normal after delivery. Moreover, our results show that HR started to decrease, whereas time-domain HRV parameters and HF started to increase during the third trimester. The results also indicated that age was significantly associated with HRV parameters during pregnancy and postpartum period, whereas education level was associated with HRV parameters during the third trimester. In addition, our results demonstrate the possibility of continuous HRV monitoring in everyday life settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Iman Azimi
- Department of Computing, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Anna Axelin
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Pasi Liljeberg
- Department of Computing, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Amir M Rahmani
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- School of Nursing, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Institute for Future Health, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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Grant AD, Erickson EN. Birth, love, and fear: Physiological networks from pregnancy to parenthood. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2022; 11:100138. [PMID: 35757173 PMCID: PMC9227990 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2022.100138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy and childbirth are among the most dramatic physiological and emotional transformations of a lifetime. Despite their central importance to human survival, many gaps remain in our understanding of the temporal progression of and mechanisms underlying the transition to new parenthood. The goal of this paper is to outline the physiological and emotional development of the maternal-infant dyad from late pregnancy to the postpartum period, and to provide a framework to investigate this development using non-invasive timeseries. We focus on the interaction among neuroendocrine, emotional, and autonomic outputs in the context of late pregnancy, parturition, and post-partum. We then propose that coupled dynamics in these outputs can be leveraged to map both physiologic and pathologic pregnancy, parturition, and parenthood. This approach could address gaps in our knowledge and enable early detection or prediction of problems, with both personalized depth and broad population scale. Giving birth and caring for offspring are dynamic processes that can instill both love and fear. Maternal physiology continuously integrates fetal, social, and environmental cues. The result is coupled change in hormonal, autonomic nervous, and emotional output. Coupling may allow internal state to be assessed from peripheral autonomic markers. Such markers may identify healthy or pathologic pregnancy, parturition, and parenting, and enable creation of real-world tools.
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Wang P, Wang SC, Liu X, Jia S, Wang X, Li T, Yu J, Parpura V, Wang YF. Neural Functions of Hypothalamic Oxytocin and its Regulation. ASN Neuro 2022; 14:17590914221100706. [PMID: 35593066 PMCID: PMC9125079 DOI: 10.1177/17590914221100706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT), a nonapeptide, has a variety of functions. Despite extensive studies on OT over past decades, our understanding of its neural functions and their regulation remains incomplete. OT is mainly produced in OT neurons in the supraoptic nucleus (SON), paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and accessory nuclei between the SON and PVN. OT exerts neuromodulatory effects in the brain and spinal cord. While magnocellular OT neurons in the SON and PVN mainly innervate the pituitary and forebrain regions, and parvocellular OT neurons in the PVN innervate brainstem and spinal cord, the two sets of OT neurons have close interactions histologically and functionally. OT expression occurs at early life to promote mental and physical development, while its subsequent decrease in expression in later life stage accompanies aging and diseases. Adaptive changes in this OT system, however, take place under different conditions and upon the maturation of OT release machinery. OT can modulate social recognition and behaviors, learning and memory, emotion, reward, and other higher brain functions. OT also regulates eating and drinking, sleep and wakefulness, nociception and analgesia, sexual behavior, parturition, lactation and other instinctive behaviors. OT regulates the autonomic nervous system, and somatic and specialized senses. Notably, OT can have different modulatory effects on the same function under different conditions. Such divergence may derive from different neural connections, OT receptor gene dimorphism and methylation, and complex interactions with other hormones. In this review, brain functions of OT and their underlying neural mechanisms as well as the perspectives of their clinical usage are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wang
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Stephani C. Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuwei Jia
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoran Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Tong Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Neuroscience Laboratory for Translational Medicine, School of Mental Health, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Jiawei Yu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Kerqin District Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Yu-Feng Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Al-Shafei AI, Musa SM, Rayis DA, Lutfi MF, El-Gendy OA, Adam I. Heart rate variability and hematological parameters in pregnant women. J Clin Lab Anal 2020; 34:e23250. [PMID: 32091186 PMCID: PMC7307359 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.23250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There are few researches on hematological parameters (hemoglobin, red cell distribution width [RDW], white blood cells [WBCs], mean platelets volume [MPV], and heart rate variability [HRV]). There are no published data on this concept (HRV and hematological parameters) during pregnancy. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted at Saad Abul Ela hospital in Khartoum, Sudan during the period of July to August 2018. Pregnant women with singleton, a live baby, were enrolled in this study. Clinical history and examination were performed. HRV (autonomic modulation) was assessed using time and frequency domain HRV indices. Results One hundred and five pregnant women were enrolled. The median (quartile) of the age, parity, and gestational age was 30.0 (25.0‐35.0) years, 1.0 (0‐3.0), and 38.0 (32.0‐39.0) weeks, respectively. While there were positive correlations between hemoglobin and low frequency (LF), RDW and high frequency (HF), WBCs and HF Norm, WBCs and LF/HF, MPV and HF Norm, LF Norm and LF/HF, there was no significant correlation between the hematological (hemoglobin, WBCs, RDW, and MPV) and HRV parameters. Linear regression analysis showed no significant association between age, parity, gestational age, body mass index, hemoglobin, RDW, and HRV variables. The Log10 WBCs were negatively associated with Log10 HF (ms2/Hz). MPV was positively associated with LF Norm and negatively associated with HF Norm. Conclusion The study failed to show significant associations between age, parity, gestational age, hemoglobin, RDW, and HRV variables. The WBCs were negatively associated with HF. MPV was positively associated with LF Norm, and it was negatively associated with HF Norm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad I Al-Shafei
- Unaizah College of Medicine, Qassim University, Unaizah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shaza M Musa
- Faculty of medicine, Najran University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Duria A Rayis
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Mohamed F Lutfi
- College of Medicine, Qassim University, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ola A El-Gendy
- Unaizah College of Medicine, Qassim University, Unaizah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ishag Adam
- College of Medicine, Qassim University, Qassim, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unaizah College of Medicine, Qassim University, Unaizah, Saudi Arabia
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Al-Ghareeb A, McKenna L, Cooper S. The influence of anxiety on student nurse performance in a simulated clinical setting: A mixed methods design. Int J Nurs Stud 2019; 98:57-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Oliveira V, von Rosenberg W, Montaldo P, Adjei T, Mendoza J, Shivamurthappa V, Mandic D, Thayyil S. Early Postnatal Heart Rate Variability in Healthy Newborn Infants. Front Physiol 2019; 10:922. [PMID: 31440164 PMCID: PMC6692663 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the increasing interest in fetal and neonatal heart rate variability (HRV) analysis and its potential use as a tool for early disease stratification, no studies have previously described the normal trends of HRV in healthy babies during the first hours of postnatal life. Methods We prospectively recruited 150 healthy babies from the postnatal ward and continuously recorded their electrocardiogram during the first 24 h after birth. Babies were included if born in good condition and stayed with their mother. Babies requiring any medication or treatment were excluded. Five-minute segments of the electrocardiogram (non-overlapping time-windows) with more than 90% consecutive good quality beats were included in the calculation of hourly medians and interquartile ranges to describe HRV trends over the first 24 h. We used multilevel mixed effects regression with auto-regressive covariance structure for all repeated measures analysis and t-tests to compare group differences. Non-normally distributed variables were log-transformed. Results Nine out of 16 HRV metrics (including heart rate) changed significantly over the 24 h [Heart rate p < 0.01; Standard deviation of the NN intervals p = 0.01; Standard deviation of the Poincaré plot lengthwise p < 0.01; Cardiac sympathetic index (CSI) p < 0.01; Normalized high frequency power p = 0.03; Normalized low frequency power p < 0.01; Total power p < 0.01; HRV index p = 0.01; Parseval index p = 0.03], adjusted for relevant clinical variables. We observed an increase in several HRV metrics during the first 6 h followed by a gradual normalization by approximately 12 h of age. Between 6 and 12 h of age, only heart rate and the normalized low frequency power changed significantly, while between 12 and 18 h no metric, other than heart rate, changed significantly. Analysis with multilevel mixed effects regression analysis (multivariable) revealed that gestational age, reduced fetal movements, cardiotocography and maternal chronic or pregnancy induced illness were significant predictors of several HRV metrics. Conclusion Heart rate variability changes significantly during the first day of life, particularly during the first 6 h. The significant correlations between HRV and clinical risk variables support the hypothesis that HRV is a good indicator of overall wellbeing of a baby and is sensitive to detect birth-related stress and monitor its resolution over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vânia Oliveira
- Centre for Perinatal Neuroscience, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wilhelm von Rosenberg
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paolo Montaldo
- Centre for Perinatal Neuroscience, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Neonatal Intensive Care, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Tricia Adjei
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Josephine Mendoza
- Centre for Perinatal Neuroscience, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Danilo Mandic
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sudhin Thayyil
- Centre for Perinatal Neuroscience, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Reyes-Lagos JJ, Ledesma-Ramírez CI, Hadamitzky M, Peña-Castillo MÁ, Echeverría JC, Lückemann L, Schedlowski M, Berg K, Wessel N, Pacheco-López G. Symbolic analysis of heart rate fluctuations identifies cardiac autonomic modifications during LPS-induced endotoxemia. Auton Neurosci 2019; 221:102577. [PMID: 31445407 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2019.102577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to compare linear and symbolic dynamics (SD) indices for detecting the autonomic cardiac changes produced by endotoxemia in freely-moving rats. In this context, we analyzed ECG-derived R-R time series in freely moving Dark Agouti rats, which received lipopolysaccharide (LPS, n = 9), or vehicle (V, n = 7). Five minutes R-R time series were assessed every hour up to +12 h and + 24 h post-LPS injection. We found that SD indices showed significant differences at +7 h between V vs. LPS groups and at +9 h between basal levels of LPS (-3 h) and post-LPS injection (pre-LPS vs. post-LPS). In general, SD seems more appropriate than linear indices to evaluate the autonomic changes of endotoxemic rats. Overall, the symbolic parameters detected decreased R-R variability and complexity, which indicate a modification of the autonomic regulation during LPS-induced endotoxemia. This modification is probably related to a reduced activity of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway at the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Javier Reyes-Lagos
- Autonomous University of the State of Mexico (UAEMex), Faculty of Medicine, Toluca, 50180, Mexico
| | | | - Martin Hadamitzky
- University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, Essen 45122, Germany
| | - Miguel Ángel Peña-Castillo
- Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM), Campus Iztapalapa, Basic Sciences and Engineering Division, Mexico City 09340, Mexico
| | - Juan C Echeverría
- Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM), Campus Iztapalapa, Basic Sciences and Engineering Division, Mexico City 09340, Mexico
| | - Laura Lückemann
- University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, Essen 45122, Germany
| | - Manfred Schedlowski
- University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, Essen 45122, Germany
| | - Karsten Berg
- Cardiovascular Physics, Department of Physics, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin 10115, Germany
| | - Niels Wessel
- Cardiovascular Physics, Department of Physics, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin 10115, Germany
| | - Gustavo Pacheco-López
- Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM), Campus Lerma, Biological and Health Sciences Division, Lerma 52005, Mexico; Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Department of Health Sciences, and Technology, Zurich 8092, Switzerland.
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12
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Gutiérrez-Maldonado E, Ledesma-Ramírez CI, Pliego-Carrillo AC, Reyes-Lagos JJ. Sign and magnitude scaling properties of heart rate fluctuations following vagus nerve stimulation in a patient with drug-resistant epilepsy. EPILEPSY & BEHAVIOR CASE REPORTS 2018; 10:78-81. [PMID: 30094179 PMCID: PMC6072651 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebcr.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy has been recently incorporated in Latin America as a treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy. In particular, it is known that linear analysis and fractal parameters of heart rate variability (HRV) are able to indirectly measure cardiac autonomic activity. This case report presents a 17-year-old female with drug-resistant epilepsy implanted with a VNS device. In order to explore cardiac autonomic changes due to VNS, linear and fractal HRV indices were calculated in the presence and absence of neurostimulation. Novel fractal scaling exponents from HRV analysis were obtained from this patient and from a healthy control subject. Our results indicate that fractal indices of HRV, such as short-term scaling parameters from magnitude and sign analyses seem to be sensitive to the presence or absence of VNS, being confirmed by linear classical methods. This study shows that VNS therapy increases the complexity of cardiac fluctuations in a patient with drug-resistant epilepsy, reflecting an augmented HRV non-linearity and a diminished anticorrelated pattern in heart rate fluctuations. A potential clinical use of these parameters includes the early identification of bradycardia, sudden unexpected death (SUDEP) risk and preoperative VNS approaches. Thus, the scaling and magnitude properties of HRV have potential importance as a non-invasive and easy method for adequate diagnostic/prognostic implications in epilepsy treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - José Javier Reyes-Lagos
- Autonomous University of the State of Mexico (UAEMex), Faculty of Medicine, Toluca 50180, Mexico
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13
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Herbell K, Zauszniewski JA. Reducing Psychological Stress in Peripartum Women With Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback: A Systematic Review. J Holist Nurs 2018; 37:273-285. [PMID: 29944076 DOI: 10.1177/0898010118783030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Peripartum women are exposed to a variety of stressors that have adverse health consequences for the maternal-child dyad (e.g., impaired bonding). To combat these adverse health consequences, heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVBF) may be implemented by holistic nurses to aid peripartum women experiencing a high level of stress. A systematic review was completed using the guidelines established in the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. To be included in the review, studies had to meet the following criteria: (a) published scientific articles, (b) studies published in English, (c) experimental, quasi-experimental, or case reports, (d) use of HRVBF as the main treatment, (e) use of psychological stress as a dependent variable, and (f) studies published until December 2017. The major findings of this review can be described as follows: (a) HRVBF and psychological stress in peripartum women are related concepts, (b) peripartum women who completed HRVBF report a reduction in stress compared with participants who did not receive HRVBF, and (c) there is currently no information on the effectiveness of HRVBF on psychological stress in the first and early second trimester of pregnancy. Overall, this systematic review of the literature provides objective evidence that HRVBF may be a potential beneficial adjuvant treatment for stress management in peripartum women.
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14
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Reyes-Lagos JJ, Ledesma-Ramírez CI, Pliego-Carrillo AC, Peña-Castillo MÁ, Echeverría JC, Becerril-Villanueva E, Pavón L, Pacheco-López G. Neuroautonomic activity evidences parturition as a complex and integrated neuro-immune-endocrine process. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2018; 1437:22-30. [DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Miguel Ángel Peña-Castillo
- Basic Sciences and Engineering Division, Campus Iztapalapa; Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM); Mexico City Mexico
| | - Juan Carlos Echeverría
- Basic Sciences and Engineering Division, Campus Iztapalapa; Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM); Mexico City Mexico
| | - Enrique Becerril-Villanueva
- Department of Psychoimmunology; National Institute of Psychiatry (INP) Ramon de la Fuente; Mexico City Mexico
| | - Lenin Pavón
- Department of Psychoimmunology; National Institute of Psychiatry (INP) Ramon de la Fuente; Mexico City Mexico
| | - Gustavo Pacheco-López
- Biological and Health Sciences Division, Campus Lerma; Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM); Lerma Mexico
- Department of Health Sciences, and Technology; Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich; Schwerzenbach Switzerland
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15
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Musa SM, Adam I, Hassan NG, Rayis DA, Lutfi MF. Maternal Heart Rate Variability during the First Stage of Labor. Front Physiol 2017; 8:774. [PMID: 29062281 PMCID: PMC5640770 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Labor necessitates continuous adjustments of cardiac autonomic reflexes by alternate activation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The division of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) that predominates during the first stage of labor is unclear and needs to be further investigated. The study aimed to compare heart rate variability (HRV) in pregnant women in the third trimester with those during the first stage of labor. We conducted a case-control study at Saad Abul Ela Maternity Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan. Forty-five women with singleton, live neonates in the first stage of labor and 45 women in the third trimester (but not in labor) were enrolled as case and control groups, respectively. Data on the medical history, obstetrics history, and clinical examinations that were performed in all of the studied women were obtained using prearranged questionnaires. Cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM) of the heart was examined in both groups based on time and frequency domain HRV indices. There were no significant differences in age, parity, body mass index, and hemoglobin levels between the two groups. Pregnant women in labor had significantly higher LnSDNN, LnRMSSD, LnTP, LnVLF, LnLF, LnHF, LF Norm, and LnLF/HF ratio, but lower HF Norm compared with controls (P < 0.001). These findings remained unchanged when possible confounders were controlled for using regression analysis. Our findings suggest a significant increase in indictors of sympathetic CAM, namely LF Norm and LnLF/HF, during labor. Sympathetic hypertonia associated with labor is unlikely to increase the risk of cardiac events because sympathetic CAM simultaneously increases with global HRV. Increased HRV during labor may be explained by parasympathetic activation as indicated by higher LnHF and LnRMSSD at the time of delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaza M Musa
- Faculty of Medicine, Alneelain University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Ishag Adam
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Nada G Hassan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Duria A Rayis
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Mohamed F Lutfi
- Faculty of Medicine, Alneelain University, Khartoum, Sudan.,College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
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Lerma C, Echeverría JC, Infante O, Pérez-Grovas H, González-Gómez H. Sign and magnitude scaling properties of heart rate variability in patients with end-stage renal failure: Are these properties useful to identify pathophysiological adaptations? CHAOS (WOODBURY, N.Y.) 2017; 27:093906. [PMID: 28964157 DOI: 10.1063/1.4999470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The scaling properties of heart rate variability data are reliable dynamical features to predict mortality and for the assessment of cardiovascular risk. The aim of this manuscript was to determine if the scaling properties, as provided by the sign and magnitude analysis, can be used to differentiate between pathological changes and those adaptations basically introduced by modifications of the mean heart rate in distinct manoeuvres (active standing or hemodialysis treatment, HD), as well as clinical conditions (end stage renal disease, ESRD). We found that in response to active standing, the short-term scaling index (α1) increased in healthy subjects and in ESRD patients only after HD. The sign short-term scaling exponent (α1sign) increased in healthy subjects and ESRD patients, showing a less anticorrelated behavior in active standing. Both α1 and α1sign did show covariance with the mean heart rate in healthy subjects, while in ESRD patients, this covariance was observed only after HD. A reliable estimation of the magnitude short-term scaling exponent (α1magn) required the analysis of time series with a large number of samples (>3000 data points). This exponent was similar for both groups and conditions and did not show covariance with the mean heart rate. A surrogate analysis confirmed the presence of multifractal properties (α1magn > 0.5) in the time series of healthy subjects and ESDR patients. In conclusion, α1 and α1sign provided insights into the physiological adaptations during active standing, which revealed a transitory impairment before HD in ESRD patients. The presence of multifractal properties indicated that a reduced short-term variability does not necessarily imply a declined regulatory complexity in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Lerma
- Departamento de Instrumentación Electromecánica, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Tlalpan, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Juan C Echeverría
- Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Iztapalapa, Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Oscar Infante
- Departamento de Instrumentación Electromecánica, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Tlalpan, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Héctor Pérez-Grovas
- Departamento de Nefrología, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Tlalpan, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Hortensia González-Gómez
- Taller de Biofísica de Sistemas Excitables, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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Exogenous oxytocin reduces signs of sickness behavior and modifies heart rate fluctuations of endotoxemic rats. Physiol Behav 2016; 165:223-30. [PMID: 27450414 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Besides the well-known roles of oxytocin on birth, maternal bonding, and lactation, recent evidence shows that this hypothalamic hormone possesses cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory and parasympathetic neuromodulation properties. In this study, we explore the heart rate fluctuations (HRF) in an endotoxemic rodent model that was accompanied by the administration of exogenous oxytocin. The assessment of HRF has been widely used as an indirect measure of the cardiac autonomic function. In this context, adult male Dark Agouti rats were equipped with a telemetric transmitter to continuously and remotely measure the electrocardiogram, temperature, and locomotion. In a between-subjects experimental design, rats received the following peripheral treatment: saline solution as a vehicle (V); lipopolysaccharide (LPS); oxytocin (Ox); lipopolysaccharide + oxytocin (LPS+Ox). Linear and non-linear parameters of HRF were estimated starting 3h before to 24h after treatments. Our results showed that exogenous oxytocin does not modify by itself the HRF of oxytocin-treated rats in comparison to vehicle-treated rats. However, in animals undergoing endotoxemia it: a) provokes a less anticorrelated pattern in HRF, b) decreased mean heart rate, c) moderated the magnitude and duration of the LPS-induced hyperthermia, and d) increased locomotion, up to 6h after the LPS injection. The less anticorrelated pattern in the HRF and decreased mean heart rate may reflect a cardiac pacemaker coupling with cholinergic influences mediated by oxytocin during LPS-induced endotoxemia. Finally, the anti-lethargic and long-term temperature moderating effects of the administration of oxytocin during endotoxemia could be a consequence of the systemic anti-inflammatory properties of oxytocin.
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Nagel C, Trenk L, Aurich C, Ille N, Pichler M, Drillich M, Pohl W, Aurich J. Sympathoadrenal balance and physiological stress response in cattle at spontaneous and PGF2α-induced calving. Theriogenology 2015; 85:979-985. [PMID: 26699278 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Increased cortisol release in parturient cows may either represent a stress response or is part of the endocrine changes that initiate calving. Acute stress elicits an increase in heart rate and decrease in heart rate variability (HRV). Therefore, we analyzed cortisol concentration, heart rate and HRV variables standard deviation of beat-to-beat interval (SDRR) and root mean square of successive beat-to-beat intervals (RMSSD) in dairy cows allowed to calve spontaneously (SPON, n = 6) or with PGF2α-induced preterm parturition (PG, n = 6). We hypothesized that calving is a stressor, but induced parturition is less stressful than term calving. Saliva collection for cortisol analysis and electrocardiogram recordings for heart rate and HRV analysis were performed from 32 hours before to 18.3 ± 0.7 hours after delivery. Cortisol concentration increased in SPON and PG cows, peaked 15 minutes after delivery (P < 0.001) but was higher in SPON versus PG cows (P < 0.001) during and within 2 hours after calving. Heart rate peaked during the expulsive phase of labor and was higher in SPON than in PG cows (time × group P < 0.01). The standard deviation of beat-to-beat interval and RMSSD peaked at the end of the expulsive phase of labor (P < 0.001), indicating high vagal activity. Standard deviation of beat-to-beat interval (P < 0.01) and RMSSD (P < 0.05) were higher in SPON versus PG cows. Based on physiological stress parameters, calving is perceived as stressful but expulsion of the calf is associated with a transiently increased vagal tone which may enhance uterine contractility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Nagel
- Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Lisa Trenk
- Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Aurich
- Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni, Vienna, Austria
| | - Natascha Ille
- Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martina Pichler
- Clinical Unit for Heard Health Management in Ruminants, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marc Drillich
- Clinical Unit for Heard Health Management in Ruminants, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Vienna, Austria
| | - Werner Pohl
- Kremesberg Research and Teaching Farm, Vetmeduni, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jörg Aurich
- Division for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni, Vienna, Austria
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