Can we do better at measuring patient-reported outcomes after cranioplasty? A systematic review.

Measuring quality of life (QOL) after cranioplasty is increasingly evident as a necessary component of patient-centered care. For data to be useful in clinical decision-making and approval of new therapies, studies must utilize valid and reliable instruments. Our objective was to critically appraise studies evaluating QOL in adult cranioplasty patients and determine validity and relevance of the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) used.

Deep Brain Stimulation for the Management of AIFM1-Related Disabling Tremor: A Case Series.

The AIFM1 gene encodes a mitochondrial protein that acts as a flavin adenine dinucleotide-dependent nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidase and apoptosis regulator. Monoallelic pathogenic AIFM1 variants result in a spectrum of X-linked neurological disorders, including Cowchock syndrome. Common features in Cowchock syndrome include a slowly progressive movement disorder, cerebellar ataxia, progressive sensorineural hearing loss, and sensory neuropathy.

The Transverse Facial Artery as a Recipient Artery in Neuroplastic Surgery Microvascular Reconstruction.

Microvascular reconstruction in the craniofacial region is particularly challenging due to a paucity of adequate recipient vessels. The facial vessels are commonly utilized; however, in neurocranial reconstruction, the distance from the defect to the vessels may require the use of interposition vein grafts. The superficial temporal vessels, which have the benefit of closer proximity, are often compromised or injured in patients with previous neurosurgical procedures or radiation therapy.

Development of CHARMM Additive Potential Energy Parameters for α-Methyl Amino Acids.

Potential energy parameters for α-methyl amino acids were generated with ab initio calculations on α-methyl--acetylalanyl-'-methylamide (the α-methyl "alanine dipeptide") which served as an input to a grid-based correction to the backbone torsional potential (known as CMAP) consistent with the CHARMM36m additive protein force field. The new parameters were validated by comparison with experimentally determined helicities of the 22 residue C-terminal peptide (H10) from apolipoprotein A1 and five α-methylated variants in water and 0.3:0.

Incorporation of α-methylated amino acids into Apolipoprotein A-I mimetic peptides improves their helicity and cholesterol efflux potential.

Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) mimetic peptides are potential therapeutic agents for promoting the efflux of excess cellular cholesterol, which is dependent upon the presence of an amphipathic helix. Since α-methylated Ala enhances peptide helicity, we hypothesized that incorporating other types of α-methylated amino acids into ApoA-I mimetic peptides may also increase their helicity and cholesterol efflux potential. The last helix of apoA-I, peptide 'A' (VLESFKVSFLSALEEYTKKLNT), was used to design peptides containing a single type of α-methylated amino acid substitution (Ala/A, Glu/D, Lys/K, Leu/L), as well as a peptide containing both α-methylated Lys and Leu (6).