Assessment Approach Research Articles

Short-Term Effects of Vestibular Training on Gross Motor Function in Children and Youth with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

To review the literature on the effects of vestibular training on motor function and balance in children and youth with cerebral palsy. Eight databases (MEDLINE-PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane Library, OTSeeker, Web of Science, Scopus Database, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus.) were searched up to May 15th, 2023. Studies comparing vestibular training with other types of interventions. The DerSimonian and Laird method was employed using random effects models to calculate the pooled estimate of the effect size with confidence intervals of 95%. The risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration's tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to judge the certainty of the evidence for all outcomes. Eight studies were included comprising 226 participants with cerebral palsy. The meta-analyses demonstrated significant standardized mean differences in favor of vestibular training program compared to other technique(s) for Gross Motor Function Measure (-0.471; 95% confidence intervals: -0.919 to -0.023) and balance (-0.546; 95% confidence intervals: -0.916 to -0.176). Vestibular training has potential benefits in the short-term as a therapeutic approach for improving gross motor function and the balance in children and youth with cerebral palsy, but further research is needed.

Quantitative blood loss measurement methods for early detection of primary postpartum haemorrhage following vaginal birth: A scoping review.

To map the commonly used quantitative blood loss measurement methods in clinical practice and provide a solid foundation for future studies. This study adhered to the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews. We conducted a literature search using five databases to retrieve articles published between January 2012 and September 2022. The search was repeated on 29 February 2024. Data extraction and verification were carried out by two independent researchers using a self-designed data extraction form. Ultimately, 26 studies published between 2012 and 2024 were considered eligible for inclusion. Six categories of methods were identified from the 26 articles. Among the included studies, only two involved randomized controlled trials, with the majority being observational studies. The World Health Organization (2012) version of the postpartum haemorrhage diagnostic criteria was predominantly used in most studies. Gravimetric and volumetric methods emerged as the most commonly used methods for quantifying postpartum haemorrhages. The timing of blood collection was inconsistent among the included studies. Only 12 studies mentioned measures for the management of amniotic fluid. This scoping review supports the replacement of the visual estimation of blood loss with quantitative assessment methods. Supporting a specific assessment approach is not feasible due to the variability of the study. Future research should focus on establishing the best practices for specific quantitative methods to standardize the management of postpartum haemorrhage and reduce the incidence of postpartum haemorrhage-related adverse outcomes. Healthcare professionals need to acknowledge the low accuracy of visual estimation methods and implement quantitative methods to assess postpartum blood loss. Given the limitations inherent in each assessment method, quantification of blood loss should be combined with assessment of maternal vital signs, physiologic indicators and other factors.

European Stroke Organisation (ESO) Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of patent foramen ovale (PFO) after stroke.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is frequently identified in young patients with cryptogenic ischaemic stroke. Potential stroke mechanisms include paradoxical embolism from a venous clot which traverses the PFO, in situ clot formation within the PFO, and atrial arrhythmias due to electrical signalling disruption. The purpose of this guideline is to provide recommendations for diagnosing, treating, and long-term managing patients with ischaemic stroke and PFO. Conversely, Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) was not considered an index event in this context because only one RCT involved TIA patients. However, this subgroup analysis showed no significant differences between TIA and stroke outcomes. The working group identified questions and outcomes, graded evidence, and developed recommendations following the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach and the European Stroke Organisation (ESO) standard operating procedure for guideline development. This document underwent peer-review by independent experts and members of the ESO Guideline Board and Executive Committee. The working group acknowledges the current evidentiary gap in delineating an unequivocal diagnostic algorithm for the detection of PFO. Although transoesophageal echocardiography is conventionally held as the most accurate diagnostic tool for PFO identification, its status as the 'gold standard' remains unsubstantiated by rigorously validated evidence. We found high-quality evidence to recommend PFO closure plus antiplatelet therapy in selected patients aged 18-60 years in whom no other evident cause of stroke is found but a PFO (i.e. PFO-associated stroke). The PASCAL classification system can be used to select such candidates for PFO closure. Patients with both a large right-to-left shunt and an atrial septal aneurysm benefit most from PFO closure. There is insufficient evidence to make an evidence-based recommendation on PFO closure in patients older than 60 and younger than 18 years. We found low quality evidence to suggest against PFO closure in patients with unlikely PFO-related stroke according to the PASCAL classification, except in specific scenarios (Expert Consensus). We suggest against long-term anticoagulation in patients with PFO-associated stroke unless anticoagulation is indicated for other medical reasons. Regarding the long-term AF monitoring after PFO closure, the working group concluded that there remains significant uncertainty regarding the risks and benefits associated with the use of long-term cardiac monitoring, such as implantable loop recorders. This document provides additional guidance, in the form of evidence-based recommendations or expert consensus statements, on diagnostic methods for PFO detection, and medical management after PFO closure.

Effectiveness of combining prevention psychological interventions with interventions that address the social determinants of mental health in low and middle-income countries: protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Common mental health conditions (CMHCs), including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are highly prevalent in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Preventive strategies combining psychological interventions with interventions addressing the social determinants of mental health may represent a key strategy for effectively preventing CMHCs. However, no systematic reviews have evaluated the effectiveness of these combined intervention strategies for preventing CMHCs. This systematic review will include randomised controlled trials (RCTs) focused on the effectiveness of interventions that combine preventive psychological interventions with interventions that address the social determinants of mental health in LMICs. Primary outcome is the frequency of depression, anxiety or PTSD at postintervention as determined by a formal diagnostic tool or any other standardised criteria. We will search Epistemonikos, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Global Index Medicus, ClinicalTrials.gov (Ctgov), International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). Two reviewers will independently extract the data and evaluate the risk of bias of included studies using the Cochrane risk of bias tool 2. Random-effects meta-analyses will be performed, and certainty of evidence will be rated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. This study uses data from published studies; therefore, ethical review is not required. Findings will be presented in a published manuscript. CRD42023451072.

Development of an artificial neural network based-prediction model for bond strength of FRP bars in concrete

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars have garnered increasing attention in recent years due to their superior corrosion resistance, offering a potential solution to the significant drawback of steel corrosion in concrete. For the widespread utilization of FRP bars in concrete structures, determining the bond strength between FRP bars and concrete is a crucial topic. This study seeks to develop a prediction model to estimate the bond strength of FRP bars in concrete, utilizing an extended dataset from 1010 pull-out tests. Initially, the study evaluates the applicability of several bond strength formulas from existing codes. Subsequently, two prediction models, namely a multivariate linear regression model and an artificial neural network (ANN) model, are introduced for estimating the bond strength of FRP bars in concrete. The results indicate that the correlation between the evaluation values of existing formulas and the experimental value is very low. This is because these formulas have not yet been updated to encompass the expanded usage scopes of FRP bars with various surface processing methods and types of concrete. While the multivariate linear regression model outperforms these formulas, its accuracy is still relatively low; in contrast, the ANN demonstrates superior performance, achieving an R^2 value for both the validation and test set of more than 0.92. The findings highlight that, when considering a broader range of applications, the ANN serves as a robust tool for accurately predicting the bond strength of FRP bars in concrete, in comparison to traditional formulas and linear regression models. This assessment approach provides engineers with a convenient, high-precision tool for designs utilizing various forms of FRP bars and diverse types of concrete in practical design scenarios

From rare events to systematic data collection: the RESCUED registry for sudden cardiac death in the young in Germany.

Approximately one-third of sudden cardiac deaths in the young (SCDY) occur due to a structural cardiac disease. Forty to fifty percent of SCDY cases remain unexplained after autopsy (including microscopic and forensic-toxicological analyses), suggesting arrhythmia syndromes as a possible cause of death. Due to the possible inheritability of these diseases, blood relatives of the deceased may equally be carriers of the causative genetic variations and therefore may have an increased cardiac risk profile. A better understanding of the forensic, clinical, and genetic data might help identify a subset of the general population that is at increased risk of sudden cardiac death. The German registry RESCUED (REgistry for Sudden Cardiac and UnExpected Death) comprises information about SCDY fatalities and clinical and genetic data of both the deceased and their biological relatives. The datasets collected in the RESCUED registry will allow for the identification of leading causes of SCDY in Germany and offer unique possibilities of scientific analyses with the aim of detecting unrecognized trends, risk factors, and clinical warning signs of SCDY. In a pilot phase of 24months, approximately 180 SCDY cases (< 50years of age) and 500 family members and clinical patients will be included. RESCUED is the first registry in Germany collecting comprehensive data of SCDY cases and clinical data of the biological relatives reviewed by cardiac experts. RESCUED aims to improve individual risk assessment and public health approaches by directing resources towards early diagnosis and evidence-based, personalized therapy and prevention in affected families. Trial registration number (TRN): DRKS00033543.

Comprehensive Assessment of the Effect of Multi-Cropping on Agroecosystems

Multi-cropping is becoming an increasingly popular technique in agriculture to tackle major and complex agroecosystem problems such as biodiversity and soil fertility loss, erosion and degradation, increased greenhouse gas emissions, etc. Comprehensively assessing the impact of multi-cropping intensity on agroecosystems is a new and still under-researched approach that can provide a better understanding of the impact of individual indicators on the overall functioning of biodiverse agroecosystems. Data from a stationary field experiment using multi-cropping at the Vytautas Magnus University Experimental Station between 2020 and 2022 were used to carry out this study. The study included maize, hemp, and faba bean as single, binary, and ternary crops. A complex assessment approach (CEI value) was used to determine the impact of these crops on the agroecosystem, the interrelationships between the main indicators, and the strength of their effects. It was found that the ternary maize–hemp–faba bean crop had the most positive effect on the agroecosystem. The effectiveness of other crops was 2 to 35% less. The lowest value was calculated for the maize–faba bean crop.

Integrating portable X-ray fluorescence site survey and ArcGIS models for rapid risk assessment and mitigation strategies at an abandoned arsenic mine site: a case study

ABSTRACT Australia’s metalliferous abandoned mine sites (MAMSs), pose tangible threats to the environment and human health. To address these concerns, our study utilised state-of-the-art handheld XRF technology to conduct a real-time assessment of the Mole River arsenic mine site. The data revealed notably elevated levels of arsenic and manganese, with the southeast corner of the site identified as a contaminant hotspot. We used a tiered risk assessment approach to compare the detected contaminant concentrations to the Australian health investigation levels (tier 1). This led us to a broader examination of erosion vulnerabilities and the potential migration of contaminants (tier 2). Further, a hydrological assessment (tier 3) identified significant erosion in southern regions, indicating the potential for contaminants to be transported off-site through surface water runoff to Sam’s Creek and Mole River. The proximity of a reservoir to these runoff pathways brought forth additional challenges, especially during heavy rainfall events. Subsequent laboratory analysis of water samples reinforced our findings, as they confirmed heightened arsenic concentrations in Mole River downstream, accentuating the potential risks to ecosystems and human health. By integrating the XRF contour map and erosion assessment with the RUSLE model, valuable insights are gained into critical hotspots with high contamination and erosion potential. By directing rehabilitation efforts towards critical hotspots, resources can be allocated more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Scoping review of exposure questionnaires and surveys in interstitial lung disease

BackgroundMany interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) have clear causal relationships with environmental and occupational exposures. Exposure identification can assist with diagnosis, understanding disease pathogenesis, prognostication and prevention of disease progression and...

Analyzing the correlation between body composition variables and cellular phase angle via computerized bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)

Background: Various diseases and pathological conditions, as well as inflammatory processes, either in isolation or in combination with advanced age, can lead to significant alterations in body composition. This study investigates the correlation between various body composition metrics and the cellular Phase Angle (PhA) through Computerized Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) in a diverse age group of individuals ranging from 18 to 80 years. Objective: Our aim was to explore the interplay between body composition variables such as Body Mass Index, Lean Body Mass, Skeletal Muscle Mass, and their potential influence on the cellular integrity as indicated by PhA. Methods: Utilizing a dataset of 199 participants, we employed both linear and advanced machine learning models, including Random Forest regression, to analyze the predictive relationships and variable importance within our body composition metrics. Results: Initial analyses revealed strong correlations between mass-related measures and suggested complex relationships with the PhA, an indicator of cellular health and membrane integrity. The Random Forest model significantly outperformed simple linear regression in predicting PhA, emphasizing the nonlinear nature of these relationships and the importance of a comprehensive approach in body composition assessment. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the nuanced interactions between body composition variables and their collective impact on cellular health as measured by PhA. This study underscores the potential of utilizing PhA alongside traditional metrics for a more nuanced understanding of body composition and its implications for health. Future research should continue to leverage advanced statistical and machine learning techniques to further elucidate these complex relationships, with implications for nutritional, sports medicine, and biomedical fields. Initial analyses revealed strong correlations between mass-related measures and suggested complex relationships with the Phase Angle, an indicator of cellular health and membrane integrity. The Random Forest model significantly outperformed simple linear regression in predicting PhA, emphasizing the nonlinear nature of these relationships and the importance of a comprehensive approach in body composition assessment. Our findings highlight the nuanced interactions between body composition variables and their collective impact on cellular health as measured by PhA. This study underscores the potential of utilizing PhA alongside traditional metrics for a more nuanced understanding of body composition and its implications for health. Future research should continue to leverage advanced statistical and machine learning techniques to further elucidate these complex relationships, with implications for nutritional, sports medicine, and biomedical fields.

Consensus paper on the assessment of adult patients with traumatic brain injury with Glasgow Coma Scale 13-15 at the emergency department: A multidisciplinary overview.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common reason for presenting to emergency departments (EDs). The assessment of these patients is frequently hampered by various confounders, and diagnostics is still often based on nonspecific clinical signs. Throughout Europe, there is wide variation in clinical practices, including the follow-up of those discharged from the ED. The objective is to present a practical recommendation for the assessment of adult patients with an acute TBI, focusing on milder cases not requiring in-hospital care. The aim is to advise on and harmonize practices for European settings. A multiprofessional expert panel, giving consensus recommendations based on recent scientific literature and clinical practices, is employed. The focus is on patients with a preserved consciousness (Glasgow Coma Scale 13-15) not requiring in-hospital care after ED assessment. The main results of this paper contain practical, clinically usable recommendations for acute clinical assessment, decision-making on acute head computerized tomography (CT), use of biomarkers, discharge options, and needs for follow-up, as well as a discussion of the main features and risk factors for prolonged recovery. In conclusion, this consensus paper provides a practical stepwise approach for the clinical assessment of patients with an acute TBI at the ED. Recommendations are given for the performance of acute head CT, use of brain biomarkers and disposition after ED care including careful patient information and organization of follow-up for those discharged.

Analgesia for the treatment of acute pancreatitis: a protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis

IntroductionGastrointestinal hospitalisations in the USA cause over US$130 billion in expenditures, and acute pancreatitis is a leading cause of these hospitalisations. Adequate pain control is one of the primary treatment...

Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from sheep production system in China: An integrated approach of data envelopment analysis and life cycle assessment

Over the past decades, the global population has significantly increased, resulting in high demand for food. China, the largest sheep-producing country, has experienced 20 rapid expansions in its sheep industry, which has caused environmental consequences. This study proposes an integrated approach that combines data envelopment analysis (DEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) to assess the ecological consequences of the sheep production system. Therefore, this work aims to evaluate the energy consumption of the existing production system and identify optimization opportunities to reduce its environmental impacts. Our results demonstrate that sheep production can decrease total energy consumption by 9.82% using optimization. Food production was reported as a critical factor in environmental impact, responsible for 69%. However, the optimized approach led to a decrease of 4,677.64 MJ in energy consumption in sheep production compared to the initial state. The findings of this study showcase the possibility of decreasing energy usage and lessening greenhouse gas (GHG) discharges in sheep farming by implementing optimization strategies.

FRUIT FRESHESS PREDICTION USING CNN

This Project proposes a methodology utilizing Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for the holistic assessment of fruit quality, encompassing freshness, ripeness, and health status. By integrating CNNs with multi-feature analysis, including image data and spectral signatures, the model aims to provide accurate classification of fruits into categories of fresh/rotten, ripe/unripe, and healthy/diseased. The methodology outlines data collection, preprocessing, feature extraction, CNN model development, evaluation metrics, and potential applications. Ensuring fruit quality is crucial for consumer satisfaction and food safety. Manual inspection is time-consuming and subjective, necessitating automated systems. This methodology proposes a CNN-based approach for comprehensive fruit quality assessment, addressing freshness, ripeness, and health status simultaneously. Key Words: CNN , Fresh/Rotten ,Fruit Quality, Deep Learning.

UV-Vis quantification of the iron content in iteratively steam and HCl purified single-walled carbon nanotubes.

As-produced carbon nanotubes contain impurities which can dominate the properties of the material and are thus undesired. Herein we present a multi-step purification treatment that combines the use of steam and hydrochloric acid in an iterative manner. This allows the reduction of the iron content down to 0.2 wt. % in samples of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Remarkably, Raman spectroscopy analysis reveals that this purification strategy does not introduce structural defects into the SWCNTs' backbone. To complete the study, we also report on a simplified approach for the quantitative assessment of iron using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The amount of metal in SWCNTs is assessed by dissolving in HCl the residue obtained after the complete combustion of the sample. This leads to the creation of hexaaquairon(III) chloride which allows the determination of the amount of iron, from the catalyst, by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The main advantage of the proposed strategy is that it does not require the use of additional complexing agents.

Association between clinical biomechanical metrics of cervical spine function and pain or disability in people with neuromusculoskeletal neck pain: Protocol for a systematic review and planned meta-analysis.

Neck pain is a burdensome condition associated with pain, disability, and economic cost. Neck pain has been associated with observable changes in neuromuscular function and biomechanics. Prior research shows impairments in kinematic control, including reduced mobility, velocity, and smoothness of cervical motion. However, the strength of association between these impairments and patient-reported pain and disability is unclear rendering development of novel and relevant rehabilitation strategies difficult. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesize existing evidence on the strength of association between clinical biomechanical metrics of neck function (ROM, strength, acceleration, accuracy, smoothness, etc.) and patient-reported neck pain and disability. This protocol follows Cochrane guidelines and adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P). MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science and Scopus will be searched, along with the gray literature, up to 20 November 2023, using terms and keywords derived from initial scoping searches. Observational studies, including cohorts and cross-sectional studies, that explore associations between clinical biomechanics of the neck and patient-reported outcomes of neck pain or disability will be included. Two reviewers will independently perform study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment (National Institute of Health tool). Data will be synthesized using either a random effects meta-analytic approach or qualitatively using a modified Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, dependent on the homogeneity of data available. This review addresses a gap in the literature by systematically synthesizing findings on the relationship between neck function impairments and patient-reported outcomes. It will identify priorities for neck pain rehabilitation and gaps in current knowledge. The results of this review will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication, conference presentation, and lay language summaries posted on an open-access website. PROSPERO Registration number: CRD42023417317. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023417317.

Mastering the transition: induction activities for Chinese students to facilitate adaption to the UK learning environment

Student induction, a key element of transition to university, is of great importance because it marks the initial face-to-face interaction between students and university staff and their introduction to learning in higher education. In the School of Accounting, Finance and Economics at the University of Greenwich, a tailored induction approach is used for incoming Chinese Direct Entry (CDE) students. The goal of this induction is to familiarise CDE students with the United Kingdom (UK) learning environment to counter the academic culture shock which international students can experience. CDE induction begins with sessions which explain UK teaching, learning and assessment approaches, followed by an introduction to the university’s library resources. Students then collaborate in small groups, applying the techniques and knowledge they have gained to analyse case studies. This immediate engagement with student-centred learning jumpstarts independent study skills, collaboration and friendships among CDE students.

Utilizing digital technologies for rapid damage assessment and reconnaissance: the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş-Türkiye earthquakes (Mw 7.7 and Mw 7.6)

AbstractThis paper presents a comprehensive overview of the rapid damage assessment and reconnaissance efforts following the devastating earthquakes on February 6, 2023, in Türkiye. It specifically focuses on implementing the SiteEye Disaster Plugin, an additional component of SiteEye software developed by i4 Company engineers and Middle East Technical University researchers. This tool played a critical role in managing and analyzing a massive dataset comprising over 28,000 images and videos. The research highlights the plugin’s innovative features, such as offline data collection, georeferenced-based layering, and an integrated damage classification system, significantly improving earthquake impact assessments’ accuracy and efficiency. It also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration involving national and international teams and the role of open data in disaster management. The findings demonstrate how digital technologies can transform the field of disaster response, offering new approaches for rapid assessment and effective management in the aftermath of seismic events. This research contributes valuable insights into enhancing disaster preparedness and response strategies, particularly in earthquake-prone areas.

Prophylactic Antibiotics Delivered Via the Respiratory Tract to Reduce Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: A Systematic Review, Network Meta-Analysis, and Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objectives: To assess the effects of antibiotics delivered via the respiratory tract in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Data Sources: We searched PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov for studies published in English up to October 25, 2023. Study Selection: Adult patients with mechanical ventilation of over 48 h and receiving inhaled or instilled antibiotics (with control group) to prevent VAP were included. Data Extraction: Two independent groups screened studies, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach was used to assess the certainty/quality of the evidence. Results of a random-effects model were reported for overall and predefined subgroup meta-analyses. The analysis was primarily conducted on randomized controlled trials, and observational studies were used for sensitivity analyses. Data Synthesis: Seven RCTs with 1445 patients were included, of which six involving 1283 patients used nebulizers to deliver antibiotics. No obvious risk of bias was found among the included RCTs for the primary outcome. Compared with control group, prophylactic antibiotics delivery via the respiratory tract significantly reduced the risk of VAP (risk ratio [RR], 0.69 [95% CI, 0.53–0.89]), particularly in subgroups where aminoglycosides (RR, 0.67 [0.47–0.97]) or nebulization (RR, 0.64 [0.49–0.83]) were used as opposed to other antibiotics (ceftazidime and colistin) or intratracheal instillation. No significant differences were observed in mortality, mechanical ventilation duration, ICU and hospital length of stay, duration of systemic antibiotics, need for tracheostomy, and adverse events between the two groups. Results were confirmed in sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: In adult patients with mechanical ventilation for over 48 h, prophylactic antibiotics delivered via the respiratory tract reduced the risk of VAP, particularly for those treated with nebulized aminoglycosides.

ECG-based estimation of respiration-induced autonomic modulation of AV nodal conduction during atrial fibrillation

Introduction: Information about autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity may offer insights about atrial fibrillation (AF) progression and support personalized AF treatment but is not easily accessible from the ECG. In this study, we propose a new approach for ECG-based assessment of respiratory modulation in atrioventricular (AV) nodal refractory period and conduction delay.Methods: A 1-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) was trained to estimate respiratory modulation of AV nodal conduction properties from 1-minute segments of RR series, respiration signals, and atrial fibrillatory rates (AFR) using synthetic data that replicates clinical ECG-derived data. The synthetic data were generated using a network model of the AV node and 4 million unique model parameter sets. The 1D-CNN was then used to analyze respiratory modulation in clinical deep breathing test data of 28 patients in AF, where an ECG-derived respiration signal was extracted using a novel approach based on periodic component analysis.Results: We demonstrated using synthetic data that the 1D-CNN can estimate the respiratory modulation from RR series alone with a Pearson sample correlation of r = 0.805 and that the addition of either respiration signal (r = 0.830), AFR (r = 0.837), or both (r = 0.855) improves the estimation.Discussion: Initial results from analysis of ECG data suggest that our proposed estimate of respiration-induced autonomic modulation, aresp, is reproducible and sufficiently sensitive to monitor changes and detect individual differences. However, further studies are needed to verify the reproducibility, sensitivity, and clinical significance of aresp.