bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi-gesture drag-and-drop decoding in a 2D iBCI control task
Authors: Gusman Jacob T. , Hosman Tommy , Crawford Rekha , Singer-Clark Tyler , Kapitonava Anastasia , Kelemen Jessica N. , Hahn Nick , Henderson Jaimie M. , Hochberg Leigh R. , Simeral John D. , Vargas-Irwin Carlos E. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveIntracortical brain-computer interfaces (iBCIs) have demonstrated the ability to enable point and click as well as reach and grasp control for people with tetraplegia. However, few studies have investigated iBCIs during long-duration discrete movements that would enable common computer interactions such as “click-and-hold” or “drag-and-drop”.ApproachHere, we examined the performance of multi-class and binary (attempt/no-attempt) classification of neural activity in the left precentral gyrus of two BrainGate2 clinical trial participants performing hand gestures for 1, 2, and 4 seconds in duration. We then designed a novel “latch decoder” that utilizes parallel multi-class and binary decoding processes and evaluated its performance on data from isolated sustained gesture attempts and a multi-gesture drag-and-drop task.Main ResultsNeural activity during sustained gestures revealed a marked decrease in the discriminability of hand gestures sustained beyond 1 second. Compared to standard direct decoding methods, the Latch decoder demonstrated substantial improvement in decoding accuracy for gestures performed independently or in conjunction with simultaneous 2D cursor controlSignificanceThis work highlights the unique neurophysiologic response patterns of sustained gesture attempts in human motor cortex and demonstrates a promising decoding approach that could enable individuals with tetraplegia to intuitively control a wider range of consumer electronics using an iBCI.
Dynamic MR of muscle contraction during electrical muscle stimulation as a potential diagnostic tool for neuromuscular disease
Authors: Santini Francesco , Croce Michele Giovanni , Deligianni Xeni , Paoletti Matteo , Barzaghi Leonardo , Bergsland Niels , Faggioli Arianna , Manco Giulia , Bonizzoni Chiara , Jin Ning , Ravaglia Sabrina , Pichiecchio Anna 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThanks to the rapid evolution of therapeutic strategies for muscular and neuromuscular diseases, the identification of quantitative biomarkers for disease identification and monitoring has become crucial. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been playing an important role by noninvasively assessing structural and functional muscular changes. This exploratory study investigated the potential of dynamic MRI during neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to detect differences between healthy controls (HCs) and patients with metabolic and myotonic myopathies. The study included 14 HCs and 10 patients with confirmed muscular diseases. All individuals were scanned with 3T MRI with a protocol that included a multi-echo gradient echo sequence for fat fraction quantification, multi-echo spin-echo for water T2 relaxation time calculation, and 3D phase contrast sequences during NMES. The strain tensor, buildup and release rates were calculated from velocity datasets. Results showed that strain and strain buildup rate were reduced in the soleus muscle of patients compared to HCs, suggesting these parameters could serve as biomarkers of muscle dysfunction. Notably, there were no significant differences in fat fraction or water T2 measurements between patients and HCs, indicating that the observed changes reflect alterations in muscle contractile properties that are not reflected by structural changes. The findings provide preliminary evidence that dynamic muscle MRI during NMES can detect abnormalities in muscle contraction in patients with myotonia and metabolic myopathies, warranting further research with larger, more homogeneous patient cohorts.
Partial dependence of ultrasonically estimated fetal weight on biometric parameters
Authors: Bitsouni Vasiliki , Gialelis Nikolaos , Tsilidis Vasilis 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the contribution of each sonographically measured parameter on fetal weight formulas.MethodsMultiple datasets and datasets extracted from existing literature are employed in this study. The Sobol’ method is then implemented on each of these datasets. Following this, bootstrapping is carried out using the indices from individual weeks as sample points. The mean value for each resulting sample is calculated. Finally, the median, along with a 95% confidence interval, is estimated based on the empirical distribution. This methodology is repeated for all formulas examined.ResultsThe median, along with a 95% CI, for the estimate of the mean of the Sobol’ sensitivity indices for the parameters of 29 known formulas are presented.ConclusionsDepending on the formula, the values of some parameters show substantial fluctuations or are insignificant to the fetal weight estimation.
Who are the Speech-Language Pathologists of the Future? Results of a national demographic survey of Canadian SLP Students
Authors: Wood Emily , Kika Mariya , Molnar Monika 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSpeech-language pathologists (SLPs) are experts in communication and swallowing who work with individuals across the lifespan. Prior demographic surveys in English-speaking countries (e.g., Canada and the United States) suggest that SLPs’ gender, racial, linguistic, and cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds may not be aligned with those of their clientele. The aim of this study is to describe the demographic characteristics of current SLP students, to gauge whether the demographic composition of future clinicians is changing and is aligned with the population they are trained to serve. We designed an anonymous online survey, in the Canadian context, that enabled us to compare current SLP student demographics with statistics available about the target population at large. This survey was disseminated to all SLP students enrolled in an accredited institution in 2024. Participants answered questions about their age, sex and gender, linguistic, racial and cultural identities, and socioeconomic status. More than half (N=525, 53%) of currently enrolled SLP students completed the survey. Results indicate that SLP students are overwhelmingly cisgender females. SLP students spoke 48 unique languages, and while most were bi or multilingual, few felt competent enough in languages other than English and French to engage in clinical service delivery. There were 151 unique racial and ethnic identities reported, with the largest proportion of students identifying as “North American.” Culturally most SLPs identified as “Canadian.” Very few students identified as Black or Indigenous racially or culturally. Most respondents reported a higher-than-average total household income. Findings suggest that the demographic composition of current SLP students is more diverse than those currently practicing, however there is still over-, and underrepresentation of certain populations. Implications for practice and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Evaluating Observer Reliability and Diagnostic Accuracy of CT-LEFAT Criteria for Post-Treatment Head and Neck Lymphedema: A Prospective Blinded Comparative Analysis of Oncologist Human Inter-Rater Performance
Authors:   MD Anderson Head and Neck Cancer Symptom Working Group, West Natalie A. , Attia Serageldin K. , Kaffey Zaphanlene , Dede Cem , Mulder Samuel L. , El-Habashy Dina M. , Neuberger Roger , Naser Mohamed A. , Frank Steven J. , Mao Shitong , McMillan Holly , Smith Brad , Rosenthal David , Lai Stephen Y. , Hutcheson Katherine A. , Moreno Amy C. , Fuller Clifton D. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundRadiation-associated lymphedema and fibrosis (LEF) is a significant toxicity following radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Recently, the CT Lymphedema and Fibrosis Assessment Tool (CT-LEFAT) was developed to standardize LEF diagnosis through fat stranding visualized on CT. This study aims to evaluate the inter-observer reliability and diagnostic accuracy of the CT-LEFAT criteria.Materials and MethodsThis study retrospectively evaluated 26 HNC patients treated with RT that received a minimum of two contrast-enhanced CT scans. Qualitative review was conducted by five physician raters to assess the fat stranding observed on CT according to the CT-LEFAT criteria. Fleiss’ kappa analysis was used to assess the inter- and intra-rater reliability, and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Area Under the Curve (AUC) analysis was used to evaluate diagnostic accuracy.ResultsThe inter-rater reliability across the six CT-LEFAT regions generally indicated a slight to fair agreement across all raters (0.04 ≤ kappa ≤ 0.36). Intra-observer agreement was generally fair to moderate (overall kappa=0.44). The ROC AUC analysis varied based on aggregation method used (0.60 ≤ average AUC ≤ 0.70).ConclusionThis specific use-case evaluating CT-LEFAT criteria displays limited performance. This suggests that additional materials, such as further training, refinement of imaging methods, or other processes may be required before achieving clinically-ready diagnostic performance of LEF diagnosis.
“WE CAN ALL CONTRIBUTE IN OUR OWN WAY”: KNOWLEDGE MOBILIZATION TOOLS TO PROMOTE BEST PRACTICES IN UNIVERSAL ACCESSIBILITY
Authors: Corcuff Maëlle , Routhier François , Lamontagne Marie-Eve 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundCities aim to enhance urban accessibility following the adoption of the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. However, implementation faces challenges due to complex municipal legislation, lack of awareness, and organizational obstacles. Engaging stakeholders and empowering municipal employees through knowledge mobilization is crucial, as shown in a Quebec City’s partnership research process.AimTo report the implementation strategy as implemented, explore the perception of the employees about the format and feasibility of the implementation strategy and explore the induced changes of knowledge mobilization tools on the implementation determinants of universal accessibility measures for municipal employees.MethodsThe study used a multi-method design, involving interviews and a questionnaire with the project steering committee, made up of city employees and the research team. Three 30-minute participatory workshops were conducted for culture, communications, and public consultation administrative units.ResultsParticipants appreciated the workshop format and video content, suggesting minor improvements for broader implementation. The tools effectively increased engagement in implementing universal accessibility measures, proving valuable for raising awareness.Discussion and ConclusionThe study demonstrates the advantages of a collaborative approach in developing knowledge mobilization tools, enhancing municipal personnel’s capacity for universal accessibility measures, and highlighting the need for adaptable strategies.Contributions to the litteratureKnowledge mobilization tools created in partnership with knowledge users encourage buy-in and a positive view of the tools.An interactive implementation strategy actively involving knowledge users promotes awareness and behavior changeMunicipal organizations’ context being complex, the implementation strategy must be adapted to each group of people and their reality to facilitate the implementation and adoption of the tools.The combined use of a theoretical framework and a participatory approach provides a guideline for the development of tools and implementation, while adapting to the specific context.
National trends in drug overdose mortality in Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations, 2018-2022
Authors: Zhu David T. , Park Andrew 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundDrug overdose deaths have surged over the past two decades, disproportionately impacting racial/ethnic minority populations. Yet, little is known about drug overdose patterns among Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) populations.MethodsWe obtained data on drug overdose deaths and population totals from the CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death database and American Community Survey between 2018 and 2022. We calculated crude mortality rates per 100,000, stratified by sex, US Census Division, and drug types—prescription opioids, heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and benzodiazepines. Additionally, we conducted disaggregated analyses for six Asian American subgroups (Asian Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese) and three NHPI subgroups (Hawaiian, Guamanian, Samoan).ResultsIn 2022, there were 1226 drug overdose deaths among Asian Americans and 154 among NHPI individuals. The crude mortality rate for NHPI individuals (17.52 per 100,000; 95% CI: 14.76– 20.29) tripled that of Asian Americans (5.85 per 100,000; 95% CI: 5.52–6.18). Fentanyl was the leading cause of overdose deaths among Asian Americans (3.17 per 100,000; 95% CI: 2.93– 3.41), whereas methamphetamine was predominant among NHPI individuals (11.38 per 100,000; 95% CI: 9.15–13.61). Among Asian American subgroups, Japanese Americans had the highest mortality rate (9.90 per 100,000; 95% CI: 9.61–10.2), and among NHPI subgroups, Guamanians had the highest rates (43.16 per 100,000; 95% CI: 39.05–48.24).ConclusionsThese findings underscore the urgent need for culturally competent harm reduction services, mental health and addiction treatment, and social services, addressing structural barriers that perpetuate drug overdose disparities in AANHPI communities.
Causes of Pediatric Deaths in Lusaka, Zambia: A Quantitative Geographic Information Systems Approach
Authors: Sportiello Kristen , Shah Mina , Buda Alexandra , Mwanza Isaiah , Mathews Manoj , Bearden David R. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundWhile childhood mortality has been declining in Zambia, it remains high at 58 per 1000 live births. Importantly, many leading causes of mortality in Zambia are preventable. This study was conducted to identify clusters of childhood mortality, causes of death of recently deceased children, barriers to care, and risk factors for mortality in Lusaka, Zambia.MethodsThis study was conducted as a prospective cohort study. Family members or lawfully authorized representatives (LARs) were interviewed when they came to pick up death certificates for recently deceased children from Lusaka Children’s Hospital. Each interview included a verbal autopsy, determination of the child’s location of residence, and collection of demographic information. Demographic data was also collected from a healthy control group. Quantitative Geographic Information Systems was used to visualize mortality and evaluate for clustering.ResultsLeading primary causes of death included malnutrition (21%), complications of chronic illnesses (16%), and central nervous system infections (13%), while the leading barriers to care were cost (58%) and difficulties with travel (53%). Compared to controls, recently deceased children came from families with significantly lower incomes (1905 Kwacha vs. 2412 Kwacha, p = 0.03) and were significantly more likely to have a history of malnutrition (16.7% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.005). Mortality was clustered in two high-population density, low-income neighborhoods in Lusaka.ConclusionsSystems to reduce financial barriers to care and improve access to transportation could reduce childhood mortality in Lusaka. The aforementioned neighborhoods are ideal locations for public health interventions or improved healthcare services.
Adherence, Adverse Events and Viral Control among Children and Adolescents with HIV in Zambia Switched to an Integrase Inhibitor Regimen
Authors: Bearden David R. , Sportiello Kristen , Mweemba Milimo , Lungu Frank , Mwanza-Kabaghe Sylvia , Birbeck Gretchen 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundBased on recent World Health Organization recommendations, there has been a large-scale transition in Sub-Saharan Africa to integrase inhibitor (II)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens.SettingThis study was conducted at an urban referral center in Lusaka, Zambia.MethodsThis study included 297 children and adolescents with HIV (CAWH) on ART for one year prior to enrollment and followed for 1-4 years after enrollment. ART adherence, ART regimen, and viral load were assessed periodically. Structured interviews were conducted with a subset of 95 children to assess adherence barriers and side effects.ResultsChildren on protease inhibitor (PI)-based regimens were more likely to report adherence problems than children taking II- or Efavirenz-based regimens (10% vs. 28%, p=0.03) and noted more days with missed doses (median 1 vs. 0, p=0.02). In interviews, the most common reasons given for poor adherence included bad medication taste, not being home when medications were due, and perceived side effects. The PI group was more likely to report that taste was a problem affecting adherence (22% vs. 4%, p=0.05) and headache as an ART side effect (17% vs. 4%, p=0.05). Switching from a PI- to an II-based regimen was associated with improved adherence (72% vs. 92%, p=0.01) and an undetectable viral load (67% vs. 78%).ConclusionsSwitching CAWH from PI-based to II-based regimens has many advantages including superior side effect profiles, adherence, and viral suppression. PI taste aversion may be a significant contributor to pediatric adherence issues. Palatability should be considered in pediatric HIV drug development.
Where Adults with Heart Failure Die: Insights from the CDC-WONDER Database
Authors: Ali Farman , Ahmad Shaaf , Ullah Aman , Raja Adarsh , Ahmed Faizan , Perswani Prinka , Alam Ahsan , Mattampuram Jishanth , Maniya Talha , Janjua Hamza , Bonkowski Tyler J. , Nanjundappa Aravinda 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDHeart failure (HF) is associated with high mortality rates and substantial healthcare costs. Although there is increasing emphasis on introducing palliative care for patients with HF, it is not well characterized where adults with HF spend their final days before death.STUDY AIMThis study analyzed the locations and circumstances of death among adults with HF in the United States using data from the CDC-WONDER database.METHODOLOGYThe study examined mortality data of individuals aged ≥ 20 years, with HF listed as the underlying cause of death between 1999 and 2023. The place of death was categorized as the emergency room (ER), hospice/nursing home, inpatient medical facility, or home. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between death location and demographic factors.RESULTSFrom 1999 to 2023, HF-related deaths decreased from 1999 (3.60% and 143.6 AAMR) to 2010 (3.47% and 123.1 AAMR). From 2010 onwards, a gradual rise is seen, with the rate of HF deaths reaching 5.18% and 168.1 AAMR in 2023. Notably, deaths at home increased from 18.41% (50,648 of 275,132) in 1999 to 33.47% (132,470 of 395,826) in 2023 and deaths in hospice/nursing homes increased from 30.95% (85,144 of 275,132) in 1999 to 34.71% (116,634 of 336,014) in 2017 and then sudden fall was observed until 2023 to 29.54% (116,931 of 395,826). Older adults (65+) were more likely to die in inpatient facilities. Gender, ethnicity, and urbanization influenced the place of death, with males, White patients, and those residing in large metropolitan areas more likely to die in medical facilities.CONCLUSIONSThis study highlights the changing patterns in the locations of death among HF patients, emphasizing the need for improved home and hospice care services. Addressing disparities in healthcare access and enhancing palliative care are essential for improving end-of-life experiences. Further research is needed to investigate the factors that contribute to these trends.
Beyond the Spectrum: Subtype-Specific Molecular Insights into Autism Spectrum Disorder Via Multimodal Data Integration
Authors: Zahiri Javad , Mirzaie Mehdi , Duan Kuaikuai , Xiao Yaqiong , Aamodt Caitlin , Yang Xiaotong , Nazari Sanaz , Andreason Charlene , Lopez Linda , Barnes Cynthia Carter , Arias Steven , Nalabolu Srinivasa , Garmire Lana , Wang Tianyun , Hoekzema Kendra , Eichler Evan E. , Pierce Karen , Lewis Nathan E. , Courchesne Eric 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSome toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have mild social symptoms and developmental improvement in skills, but for others, symptoms and abilities are moderately or even severely affected. Those with profound autism have the most severe social, language, and cognitive symptoms and are at the greatest risk of having a poor developmental outcome. The little that is known about the underlying biology of this important profound autism subtype, points clearly to embryonic dysregulation of proliferation, differentiation and neurogenesis. Because it is essential to gain foundational knowledge of the molecular biology associated with profound, moderate, and mild autism clinical subtypes, we used well-validated, data-driven patient subtyping methods to integrate clinical and molecular data at 1 to 3 years of age in a cohort of 363 ASD and controls representative of the general pediatric population in San Diego County. Clinical data were diagnostic, language, cognitive and adaptive ability scores. Molecular measures were 50 MSigDB Hallmark gene pathway activity scores derived from RNAseq gene expression. Subtyping identified four ASD, typical and mixed diagnostic clusters. 93% of subjects in one cluster were profound autism and 93% in a different cluster were control toddlers; a third cluster was 76% moderate ability ASD; and the last cluster was a mix of mild ASD and control toddlers. Among the four clusters, the profound autism subtype had the most severe social symptoms, language, cognitive, adaptive, social attention eye tracking, social fMRI activation, and age-related decline in abilities, while mild autism toddlers mixed within typical and delayed clusters had mild social symptoms, and neurotypical language, cognitive and adaptive scores that improved with age compared with profound and moderate autism toddlers in other clusters. In profound autism, 7 subtype-specificdysregulated gene pathways were found; they control embryonic proliferation, differentiation, neurogenesis, and DNA repair. To find subtype-commondysregulated pathways, we compared all ASD vs TD and found 17 ASD subtype-commondysregulated pathways. Thesecommonpathways showed a severity gradient with the greatest dysregulation in profound and least in mild. Collectively, results raise the new hypothesis that the continuum of ASD heterogeneity is moderated by subtype-commonpathways and the distinctive nature of profound autism is driven by the differentially added profound subtype-specific embryonic pathways.