A Thin Line Between Helpful and Harmful Internet Usage: Embodied Research on Internet Experiences Among Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients.

The purpose of this study was to expand upon findings from a prior Delphi study of adolescent and young adults' (AYAs') preferences for cancer resources. Utilizing an embodied approach, this study intended to elucidate a deeper and nuanced understanding of the expressed benefits and risks of engaging in cancer-related online interactions. Using Gale et al.

Influence of Paternal Race on Characteristics and Outcomes of Assisted Reproductive Technologies.

Objective: To investigate the association between paternal race and reproductive outcomes following in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Materials And Methods: We compared demographic and clinical characteristics, IVF cycle characteristics, and reproductive outcomes (pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth), stratified by male and female partner race, for all IVF cycles performed at our institution between 2014 and 2019. Wilcoxon Rank Sum test and Pearson's Chi Square test were used to compare continuous and categorical data, respectively.

Is fertility preservation a part of comprehensive cancer care in the USA? A study of NCI-designated cancer center websites.

Purpose: The delivery of oncofertility care remains challenging, and cancer patients increasingly utilize online health information to fill knowledge gaps in their fertility care. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the website content of NCI-designated cancer centers to assess the quantity and quality of patient-oriented information pertaining to fertility preservation (FP).

Methods: We systematically abstracted, evaluated, and compared website content for NCI-designated cancer centers (CC) and comprehensive cancer centers (CCC) pertaining to oncofertility and fertility preservation for both male and female cancer patients.

An open source benchmarked toolbox for cardiovascular waveform and interval analysis.

Objective: This work aims to validate a set of data processing methods for variability metrics, which hold promise as potential indicators for autonomic function, prediction of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, psychophysiological status, and general wellness. Although the investigation of heart rate variability (HRV) has been prevalent for several decades, the methods used for preprocessing, windowing, and choosing appropriate parameters lacks consensus among academic and clinical investigators. Moreover, many of the important steps are omitted from publications, preventing reproducibility.

Benchmarking heart rate variability toolboxes.

Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) metrics hold promise as potential indicators for autonomic function, prediction of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, psychophysiological status, and general wellness. Although the investigation of HRV has been prevalent for several decades, the methods used for preprocessing, windowing, and choosing appropriate parameters lack consensus among academic and clinical investigators.

Methods: A comprehensive and open-source modular program is presented for calculating HRV implemented in Matlab with evidence-based algorithms and output formats.

Accelerated life-test methods and results for implantable electronic devices with adhesive encapsulation.

We have developed and applied new methods to estimate the functional life of miniature, implantable, wireless electronic devices that rely on non-hermetic, adhesive encapsulants such as epoxy. A comb pattern board with a high density of interdigitated electrodes (IDE) could be used to detect incipient failure from water vapor condensation. Inductive coupling of an RF magnetic field was used to provide DC bias and to detect deterioration of an encapsulated comb pattern.

Heart rate-based window segmentation improves accuracy of classifying posttraumatic stress disorder using heart rate variability measures.

Objective: Heart rate variability (HRV) characterizes changes in autonomic nervous system function and varies with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this study we developed a classifier based on heart rate (HR) and HRV measures, and improved classifier performance using a novel HR-based window segmentation.

Approach: Single-channel ECG data were collected from 23 subjects with current PTSD, and 25 control subjects with no history of PTSD over 24 h.

Design and Testing of a Transcutaneous RF Recharging System for a Fetal Micropacemaker.

We have developed a rechargeable fetal micropacemaker in order to treat severe fetal bradycardia with comorbid hydrops fetalis. The necessarily small form factor of the device, small patient population, and fetal anatomy put unique constraints on the design of the recharging system. To overcome these constraints, a custom high power field generator was built and the recharging process was controlled by utilizing pacing rate as a measure of battery state, a feature of the relaxation oscillator used to generate stimuli.

A novel method to estimate safety factor of capture by a fetal micropacemaker.

We have developed a rechargeable fetal micropacemaker in order to treat severe fetal bradycardia with comorbid hydrops fetalis, a life-threatening condition in pre-term non-viable fetuses for which there are no effective treatment options. The small size and minimally invasive form factor of our design limit the volume available for circuitry and a power source. The device employs a fixed-rate and fixed-amplitude relaxation oscillator and a tiny, rechargeable lithium ion power cell.

Minimally invasive implantable fetal micropacemaker: mechanical testing and technical refinements.

This paper discusses the technical and safety requirements for cardiac pacing of a human fetus with heart failure and hydrops fetalis secondary to complete heart block. Engineering strategies to meet specific technical requirements were integrated into a systematic design and implementation consisting of a novel fetal micropacemaker, a percutaneous implantation system, and a sterile package that enables device storage and recharging maintenance in a clinical setting. We further analyzed observed problems on myocardial fixation and pacing lead fatigue previously reported in earlier preclinical trials.

A percutaneously implantable fetal pacemaker.

A miniaturized, self-contained pacemaker that could be implanted with a minimally invasive technique would dramatically improve the survival rate for fetuses that develop hydrops fetalis as a result of congenital heart block. We are currently validating a device that we developed to address this bradyarrhythmia. Preclinical studies in a fetal sheep model are underway to demonstrate that the device can be implanted via a minimally invasive approach, can mechanically withstand the harsh bodily environment, can induce effective contractions of the heart muscle with an adequate safety factor, and can successfully operate for the required device lifetime of three months using the previously-developed closed loop transcutaneous recharging system.