Sequencing conversational turns in peer interactions: An integrated approach for evidence-based conversational agent for just-in-time nicotine cravings intervention.

Background: Risky health behaviors place an enormous toll on public health systems. While relapse prevention support is integrated with most behavior modification programs, the results are suboptimal. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) applications provide us with unique opportunities to develop just-in-time adaptive behavior change solutions.

Intracerebral hemorrhage markers on non-contrast computed tomography as predictors of the dynamic spot sign on CT perfusion and associations with hematoma expansion and outcome.

Purpose: To assess the association between non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) hematoma markers and the dynamic spot sign on computed tomography perfusion (CTP), and their associations with hematoma expansion, clinical outcome, and in-hospital mortality.

Methods: Patients who presented with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) to a stroke center over an 18-month period and underwent baseline NCCT and CTP, and a follow-up NCCT within 24 h after the baseline scan were included. The initial and follow-up hematoma volumes were calculated.

Telemedicine for Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation and Orthopedic Postoperative Rehabilitation.

Telehealth visits result in high-quality care, with high patient and provider satisfaction. Strong evidence suggests that virtual physical therapy is noninferior to conventional face-to-face physical therapy for a variety of musculoskeletal disorders. Postoperative telerehabilitation has a strong positive effect on clinical outcomes, and the increased intensity telerehabilitation programs offer is a promising option for patients.

Depression and anxiety as barriers to art initiation, retention in care, and treatment outcomes in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Background: Since mental health may influence HIV care among people living with HIV (PLHIV), we sought to evaluate the impact of anxiety and depression on ART initiation and HIV-related outcomes.

Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of PLHIV in the Umlazi Township of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We measured depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and anxiety using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale, both of which have been validated in sub-Saharan Africa, among all patients prior to receiving a positive HIV test.

Geographic Variation in Cardiac Rehabilitation Participation in Medicare and Veterans Affairs Populations: Opportunity for Improvement.

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation is strongly recommended after myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, or coronary artery bypass surgery, but it is historically underused. We sought to evaluate variation in cardiac rehabilitation participation across the United States.

Methods: From administrative data from the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system and a 5% Medicare sample, we used International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision codes to identify patients hospitalized for myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, or coronary artery bypass surgery from 2007 to 2011.

Biophysical Modeling to Determine the Optimization of Left Ventricular Pacing Site and AV/VV Delays in the Acute and Chronic Phase of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy.

Background: Cardiac anatomy and function adapt in response to chronic cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The effects of these changes on the optimal left ventricle (LV) lead location and timing delay settings have yet to be fully explored.

Objective: To predict the effects of chronic CRT on the optimal LV lead location and device timing settings over time.

Construction of 3D MR image-based computer models of pathologic hearts, augmented with histology and optical fluorescence imaging to characterize action potential propagation.

Cardiac computer models can help us understand and predict the propagation of excitation waves (i.e., action potential, AP) in healthy and pathologic hearts.

Fusion of optical imaging and MRI for the evaluation and adjustment of macroscopic models of cardiac electrophysiology: a feasibility study.

The aim of this work was to demonstrate the correspondence between a macroscopic 3D computer model of electrophysiology (i.e., the Aliev-Panfilov model) parametrized with MR data and experimental characterization of action potential propagation in large porcine hearts, ex vivo, using optical methods (based on voltage-sensitive fluorescence).