Predicting cortical-thalamic functional connectivity using functional near-infrared spectroscopy and graph convolutional networks.

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) measures cortical hemodynamic changes, yet it cannot collect this information from subcortical structures, such as the thalamus, which is involved in several key functional networks. To address this drawback, we propose a machine-learning-based approach to predict cortical-thalamic functional connectivity using cortical fNIRS data. We applied graph convolutional networks (GCN) to two datasets obtained from healthy adults and neonates with early brain injuries, respectively.

Altered functional connectivity in preterm neonates with intraventricular hemorrhage assessed using functional near-infrared spectroscopy.

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a common neurological injury following very preterm birth. Resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is associated with injury severity; yet, fMRI is impractical for use in intensive care settings. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) measures RSFC through cerebral hemodynamics and has greater bedside accessibility than fMRI.

Altered resting-state functional connectivity in newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy assessed using high-density functional near-infrared spectroscopy.

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) results from a lack of oxygen to the brain during the perinatal period. HIE can lead to mortality and various acute and long-term morbidities. Improved bedside monitoring methods are needed to identify biomarkers of brain health.

Subcortical brain volumes in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

Background: Despite treatment with therapeutic hypothermia, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is associated with adverse developmental outcomes, suggesting the involvement of subcortical structures including the thalamus and basal ganglia, which may be vulnerable to perinatal asphyxia, particularly during the acute period. The aims were: (1) to examine subcortical macrostructure in neonates with HIE compared to age- and sex-matched healthy neonates within the first week of life; (2) to determine whether subcortical brain volumes are associated with HIE severity.

Methods: Neonates (n = 56; HIE: n = 28; Healthy newborns from the Developing Human Connectome Project: n = 28) were scanned with MRI within the first week of life.

Three-dimensional cranial ultrasound and functional near-infrared spectroscopy for bedside monitoring of intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm neonates.

Germinal Matrix-Intraventricular Hemorrhage (GMH-IVH) remains a significant cause of adverse neurodevelopment in preterm infants. Current management relies on 2-dimensional cranial ultrasound (2D cUS) ventricular measurements. Reliable biomarkers are needed to aid in the early detection of posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD) and subsequent neurodevelopment.

Efficacy of Mobile phone use on adherence to Nevirapine prophylaxis and retention in care among the HIV-exposed infants in prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: HIV is a major contributor to infant mortality. A significant gap remains between the uptake of infant and maternal antiretroviral regimens and only a minority of HIV-exposed infants receives prophylaxis and safe infant feeding. Losses to follow-up of HIV-exposed infants are associated with shortcomings of facility-based PMTCT models with weak community support of linkages.

Basic newborn resuscitation guidelines for healthcare providers in Maragua District Hospital: a best practice implementation project.

Objective: The overall aim of this project was to assess compliance with evidence-based criteria regarding newborn resuscitation among healthcare workers in the maternity units in Maragua District Hospital (a busy district hospital in Kenya).

Introduction: Globally, the majority of deaths under five years are attributable to neonatal causes. Perinatal asphyxia accounts for a significant portion of these deaths, especially in developing countries.