A "glympse" into neurodegeneration: Diffusion MRI and cerebrospinal fluid aquaporin-4 for the assessment of glymphatic system in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

The glymphatic system (GS) is a whole-brain perivascular network, consisting of three compartments: the periarterial and perivenous spaces and the interposed brain parenchyma. GS dysfunction has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD). So far, comprehensive research on GS in humans has been limited by the absence of easily accessible biomarkers.

Validation of a Novel Mobile Application for Assessing Pediatric Tracheostomy Emergency Simulations.

Objective: Pediatric tracheostomy is associated with high morbidity and mortality, yet clinician knowledge and quality of tracheostomy care may vary widely. In situ simulation is effective at detecting and mitigating related latent safety threats, but evaluation via retrospective video review has disadvantages (eg, delayed analysis, and potential data loss). We evaluated whether a novel mobile application is accurate and reliable for assessment of in situ tracheostomy emergency simulations.

Different neuropsychological and brain volumetric profiles in a pair of identical twins with myotonic dystrophy type 1 indicate a non-genetic modulation of clinical phenotype.

We report on genetic and environmental modulation of social cognition abilities and brain volume correlates in two monozygotic twins (Twin1 and Twin2) with genetically confirmed myotonic dystrophy-type1 who grew up in different environmental settings. They both underwent neuropsychological assessment (i.e.

Incidence and predictors of postural abnormalities in Parkinson's disease: a PPMI cohort study.

Background: Axial postural abnormalities (PA) are invalidating symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). Risk factors for PA are unknown.

Objectives: We sought to evaluate PA incidence and risk factors over the first 4-6 years of PD.

Parenting Stress, Community Support, and Unmet Health Care Needs of Children in the US.

Objectives: In 2018, approximately 2.3 million children in the United States had unmet healthcare needs (UHCN). To date, studies examining associations between UHCN and parent stress and support have had limited generalizability.

Calculation of Kidney Volumes with Magnetic Resonance in Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: Comparison between Methods.

Autosomal dominant polycystic renal disease (ADPKD) is the most frequent kidney inheritable disease, characterized by the presence of numerous bilateral renal cysts, causing a progressive increase in total kidney volume (TKV) and a progressive loss of renal function. Several methods can be used to measure TKV by using MRI, and they differ in complexity, accuracy and time consumption. This study was performed to assess the performance of the ellipsoid method and the semi-automatic segmentation method, both for TKV and SKV (single kidney volume) computation.

Celocentesis for Early Prenatal Diagnosis in Couples at-Risk for β-Thalassemia and Sicilian (δβ)-Thalassemia.

The procedures commonly used for prenatal diagnosis (PND) of thalassemia are villocentesis or amniocentesis, respectively, at the 11th and 16th weeks of gestation. Their main limitation is essentially due to the late gestation week in which diagnosis is performed. The celomic cavity is accessible between the 7th and 9th weeks of gestation and it has been demonstrated that it contains embryonic erythroid precursor cells as a source of fetal DNA for earlier invasive PND of thalassemia and other monogenic diseases.

Addition of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression to Conventional Treatment Improves Volume Reduction Before Lymphatic Surgery for Lower Limb Lymphedema: A Pilot Study.

This study assesses the impact of an advanced intermittent pneumatic compression device (IPC - Lympha Press® Optimal Plus) when added to Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) compared to CDT alone on volume reduction of limbs with lymphedema. The goal is to maximally reduce edema in preparation for microsurgery. Fifty subjects scheduled for Multiple Lymphatic-Venous Anastomosis (MLVA) were randomly (sequentially) assigned to experimental or control group: 25 (21 females and 4 males) in the experimental IPC group and 25 (20 females and 5 males) in the control group.

Role of the Cadaver Lab in Lymphatic Microsurgery Education: Validation of a New Training Model.

Background: Microsurgical transplantation of vascularized lymph nodes (VLNT) or lymphatic vessels (VLVT) alongside derivative lymphaticovenous procedures are promising approaches for treatment of lymphedema. However, clinically relevant training models for mastering these techniques are still lacking. Here we describe a new training model in human cadaver and validate its use as training tool for microsurgical lymphatic reconstruction.

Far Infrared Radiation Therapy for Gynecological Cancer-Related Lymphedema Is an Effective and Oncologically Safe Treatment: A Randomized-Controlled Trial.

Gynecological cancer-related lymphedema (GCRL) is a devastating condition that adversely influences function, health, and quality of life. We conducted a randomized-controlled clinical study as well as experiments to investigate the efficacy and safety of far infrared radiation (FIR) to treat lymphedema in patients having previously undergone surgery for gynecological tumors. Seventy-four women with GCRL, cancer free for 5 years or more, were randomly allocated into two treatment groups: standard of care with bandage treatment and treatment with FIR plus bandage.

Bipedicled distally based medial plantar artery perforator flap for forefoot reconstruction: A case report.

Reconstruction of soft-tissue defects in the foot weight-bearing area should encompass sensate and robust skin. Regarding forefoot defects, distally based medial plantar artery (MPA) flap is an ideal option. However, considering variation of the terminal branches of the MPA, reverse flow flaps can be unreliable with an increasing risk of venous congestion or insufficient arterial flow.

Lymphatic Leaks of the Thigh and Inguinal Region: Combined Plastic Surgery Approaches for an Effective Treatment Algorithm.

Background: Surgical procedures interfering with the draining nodes in the inguinal region carry the intrinsic risk of lymphatic complications. Lesions of the inguinal lymphatic network can lead to lymphocele or lymphocutaneous fistulas and can eventually be associated to limb lymphedema with consequent high morbidity.

Objectives: This article describes a new surgical algorithm based on wound properties to properly address lymphatic complications of the inguinal area.

Lymphovenous anastomosis for the treatment of lymphedema: A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis.

Lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) has been described as an effective treatment for early stages of lymphedema (LE). The aim of this study was to deepen the evaluation of the effectiveness of LVA by performing a metaanalysis to provide information about its utility in specific anatomical sites, clinical stages, duration of lymphedema, and surgical technique. A systematic literature search using PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Database was performed in November 2019.

Multiple lymphatic-venous anastomoses (MLVA) for microsurgical drainage of primary peno-scrotal lymphedema: A case report.

Single site Multiple Lymphatic-Venous Anastomoses (MLVA) provides optimal functional and cosmetic results with low complication rates in treatment of lower limb lymphedema. However, no evidence exists in literature concerning the use of this technique in treatment of peno-scrotal lymphedema. We report a case of a 44-year-old male patient who developed secondary peno-scrotal lymphedema with severe lymphorrhea, following a laser treatment for scrotal pustolosis, leading to recurrent infections and finally an established peno-scrotal lymphedema.

The cannabidiol conundrum: potential benefits and risks of cannabidiol products for children.

Purpose Of Review: Since the federal ban on hemp products was lifted in December 2018, cannabidiol (CBD), a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid derived from hemp, has become increasingly popular and accessible. CBD is sold in the form of oils, tablets, and foods in locations including gas stations, cafés, and drug stores. Despite a lack of reliable evidence, many parents praise its purported therapeutic effects on a variety of childhood ailments.

Free Pedicled Anterolateral Thigh Flap for Abdominal Wall Reconstruction.

Background/aim: Large full thickness abdominal wall defects following malignancies can be a reconstructive challenge. The purpose of this study was to analyze long-term outcomes and complications following abdominal wall reconstruction using composite antero-lateral thigh (ALT) flaps.

Patients And Methods: The study retrospectively investigated 16 consecutive patients who underwent abdominal wall reconstruction with autologous flap between May 2003 and March 2018.

Comparisons of fascio-cutaneous anterolateral thigh and sandwich fascial ALT free flap in the distal extremity reconstruction.

Introduction: The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is considered a workhorse reconstructive option; however, it is encumbered by its bulkiness that can result in poor final outcome and need for revision surgery. The aim of the present study was to compare the standard cutaneous ALT free flap and sandwich fascial ALT (SALT) free flap, raised harvesting between the Scarpa's fascia and the crural fascia, for distal extremity soft tissue reconstruction, including pre- intra- and post-operative considerations and outcomes.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective review of medical records from 2013 to 2018 of 24 patients who underwent distal extremity reconstruction with standard fascio-cutaneous ALT flap (13 patients) and SALT flap (11 patients) was performed.

A Systematic Review of Outcomes After Genital Lymphedema Surgery: Microsurgical Reconstruction Versus Excisional Procedures.

Introduction: Genital lymphedema (GL) surgery can be either palliative or functional. Palliative procedures involve excision of the affected tissue and reconstruction by either local flaps or skin grafts. Reconstructive procedures aim to restore lymphatic flow through microsurgical lymphaticovenous anastomoses (LVAs).

Procedural Recommendations for Lymphoscintigraphy in the Diagnosis of Peripheral Lymphedema: the Genoa Protocol.

Introduction: Lymphoscintigraphy is the gold standard for imaging in the diagnosis of peripheral lymphedema. However, there are no clear guidelines to standardize usage across centers, and as such, large variability exists. The aim of this perspectives paper is to draw upon the knowledge and extensive experience of lymphoscintigraphy here in Genoa, Italy, from our center of excellence in the assessment and treatment of lymphatic disorders for over 30 years to provide general guidelines for nuclear medicine specialists.

Inclusion of targeted skin products in the pre-surgical treatment regimen of peripheral lymphedema & lipedema.

Advanced lymphedema is associated with a number of adverse skin changes including color, thickening of the epidermis, dryness, and hyperkeratosis. These changes are related to prolonged lymph stasis and contribute to an increased risk of infection. Similarly, lipedema is associated with skin thickening and appearance of nodular adipose deposition.