SeizureNet: Multi-Spectral Deep Feature Learning for Seizure Type Classification

Automatic classification of epileptic seizure types in electroencephalograms (EEGs) data can enable more precise diagnosis and efficient management of the disease. This task is challenging due to factors such as low signal-to-noise ratios, signal artefacts, high variance in seizure semiology among epileptic patients, and limited availability of clinical data. To overcome these challenges, in this paper, we present SeizureNet, a deep learning framework which learns multi-spectral feature embeddings using an ensemble architecture for cross-patient seizure type classification. We used the recently released TUH EEG Seizure Corpus (V1.4.0 and V1.5.2) to evaluate the performance of SeizureNet. Experiments show that SeizureNet can reach a weighted F1 score of up to 0.94 for seizure-wise cross validation and 0.59 for patient-wise cross validation for scalp EEG based multi-class seizure type classification. We also show that the high-level feature embeddings learnt by SeizureNet considerably improve the accuracy of smaller networks through knowledge distillation for applications with low-memory constraints

Empowering Community Dwelling Older Citizens to Improve Their Balance with a Novel Technology Platform

The prevalence of balance deficits increases as the population is ageing. Such deficits are associated with the increased incidence of falls which in turn is linked with substantial limited functionality and morbidity. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) as a component of the treatment has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms and improving balance. HOLOBALANCE is an intervention based on a novel technology platform for providing VRT unsupervised, at home which means that motivating citizens to be compliant and promoting empowerment are the cornerstones for its wide adoption. Here we present how citizens empowerment is being addressed in HOLOBALANCE

Analysis of the sentiments of the participants in a clinical study to evaluate a balance rehabilitation intervention delivered by a Virtual Coach

Multiple studies for balance rehabilitation interventions have been accomplished aiming to demonstrate that sensory interventions and cognitive functionality are crucial for postural control and improvement of the quality of patient's daily life. However, none of the existing studies is filling the lack of expert physiotherapists availability. A pilot randomized study was conducted to assess the acceptability of the HOLOBalance telerehabilitation system. HOLOBalance is an interactive AR rehabilitation system which encompasses multi-sensory training program to enhance balance and cognitive coaching, for older adults at falls risk. In this work, we present a sentiment analysis of the patients participating in this study using the VADER methodology to evaluate and quantify their attitude towards the HOLOBalance system. Our results highlight the importance of findings positive polarity towards the AR interaction, which is based on the use of a holographic virtual physiotherapist. The compound score of 0.185 indicates the valuable positive feedback gained from the user experience

Healthier and Independent Living of the Elderly: Interoperability in a Cross-Project Pilot

The ageing of the population creates new heterogeneous challenges for age-friendly living. The progressive decline in physical and cognitive skills tends to prevent elderly people from performing basic instrumental activities of daily living and there is a growing interest in technology for aging support. Digital health today can be exercised by anyone owning a smartphone and parameters such as heart rate, step counts, calorie intake, sleep quality, can be collected and used not only to monitor and improve the individual’s health condition but also to prevent illnesses. However, for the benefits of e-health to take place, digital health data, either Electronic Health Records (EHR) or sensor data from the IoMT, must be shared, maintaining privacy and security requirements but unlocking the potential for research an innovation throughout EU. This paper demonstrates the added value of such interoperability requirements, and a form of accomplishing them through a cross-project pilot

High-Coverage Whole-Exome Sequencing Identifies Candidate Genes for Suicide in Victims with Major Depressive Disorder

We carried out whole-exome ultra-high throughput sequencing in brain samples of suicide victims who had suffered from major depressive disorder and control subjects who had died from other causes. This study aimed to reveal the selective accumulation of rare variants in the coding and the UTR sequences within the genes of suicide victims. We also analysed the potential effect of STR and CNV variations, as well as the infection of the brain with neurovirulent viruses in this behavioural disorder. As a result, we have identified several candidate genes, among others three calcium channel genes that may potentially contribute to completed suicide. We also explored the potential implication of the TGF-β signalling pathway in the pathogenesis of suicidal behaviour. To our best knowledge, this is the first study that uses whole-exome sequencing for the investigation of suicide

Comparing two service delivery models for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV during transition from single-dose nevirapine to multi-drug antiretroviral regimens

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV has been eliminated from the developed world with the introduction of multi-drug antiretroviral (md-ARV) regimens for the prevention of MTCT (PMTCT); but remains the major cause of HIV infection among sub-Saharan African children. This study compares two service delivery models of PMTCT interventions and documents the lessons learned and the challenges encountered during the transition from single-dose nevirapine (sd-nvp) to md-ARV regimens in a resource-limited setting.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Program data collected from 32 clinical sites was used to describe trends and compare the performance (uptake of HIV testing, CD4 screening and ARV regimens initiated during pregnancy) of sites providing PMTCT as a stand-alone service (<it>stand-alone site</it>) versus sites providing PMTCT as well as antiretroviral therapy (ART) (<it>full package site</it>). CD4 cell count screening, enrolment into ART services and the initiation of md-ARV regimens during pregnancy, including dual (zidovudine [AZT] +sd-nvp) prophylaxis and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) were analysed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>From July 2006 to December 2008, 1,622 pregnant women tested HIV positive (HIV+) during antenatal care (ANC). CD4 cell count screening during pregnancy increased from 60% to 70%, and the initiation of md-ARV regimens increased from 35.5% to 97% during this period. In 2008, women attending ANC at <it>full package </it>sites were 30% more likely to undergo CD4 cell count assessment during pregnancy than women attending <it>stand-alone </it>sites (relative risk (RR) = 1.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1-1.4). Enrolment of HIV+ pregnant women in ART services was almost twice as likely at <it>full package </it>sites than at <it>stand-alone </it>sites (RR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.5-2.3). However, no significant differences were detected between the two models of care in providing md-ARV (RR = 0.9; 95% CI: 0.9-1.0).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>All sites successfully transitioned from sd-nvp to md-ARV regimens for PMTCT. <it>Full package </it>sites offer the most efficient model for providing immunological assessment and enrolment into care and treatment of HIV+ pregnant women. Strengthening the capacity of <it>stand-alone </it>PMTCT sites to achieve the same objectives is paramount.</p