Consensus in rooted dynamic networks with short-lived stability.

We consider the problem of solving consensus using deterministic algorithms in a synchronous dynamic network with unreliable, directional point-to-point links, which are under the control of a message adversary. In contrast to the large body of existing work that focuses on message adversaries that pick the communication graphs from a predefined set of candidate graphs arbitrarily, we consider message adversaries that also allow to express eventual properties, like stable periods that occur only eventually. Such message adversaries can model systems that exhibit erratic boot-up phases or recover after repeatedly occurring, massive transient faults.

Stand-alone craniocervical decompression is feasible in children with mucopolysaccharidosis type I, IVA, and VI.

Background Context: In patients with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS), glycosaminoglycan deposits in the dura mater and supporting ligaments cause spinal cord compression and consecutive myelopathy, predominantly at the craniocervical junction. Disease characteristics of craniocervical stenosis (CCS) in patients with MPS differ profoundly from other hereditary and degenerative forms. Because of high periprocedural morbidity and mortality, patients with MPS pose a substantial challenge to the inexperienced medical care provider.

Development of a Scoring System to Evaluate the Severity of Craniocervical Spinal Cord Compression in Patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis IVA (Morquio A Syndrome).

Background: As spinal cord compression at the craniocervical junction (CCJ) is a life-threatening manifestation in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) IVA, surgical decompression should be performed before damage becomes irreversible. We evaluated the diagnostic value of several examinations for determining the need for decompression surgery.

Methods: We retrospectively analysed results of clinical neurological examination, somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 28 MPS IVA patients.

Craniocervical decompression in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis VI: development of a scoring system to determine indication and outcome of surgery.

Objective: To analyse diagnostic value of somato-sensory evoked potentials (SEP), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and clinical neurological examination in the decision for decompression surgery in mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) VI patients with craniocervical cord compression (CCJ).

Methods: We retrospectively analysed neurological examination, SEP of the median nerve and MRI outcomes from 31 MPS VI patients. Individual scores for each test (based on severity of findings) and a sum of scores of all three procedures (CCJ score) were evaluated for their potential to measure the need for and improvement after surgery.

Urinary diversion in children and adolescents with neurogenic bladder: the Mainz experience. Part II: Continent cutaneous diversion using the Mainz pouch I.

After failure of conservative treatment of neurogenic bladders (deterioration of the upper urinary tract/incontinence) continent cutaneous diversion has to be considered in those patients with irreparable urethral sphincter defects or those who are unable to perform trans-urethral self-catheterization. In this second part of the study we investigated the long-term safety of using the Mainz pouch I with regard to protecting the upper urinary tracts and to provide urine continence. Between 1985 and 2002, operations to form an ileocaecal pouch with umbilical stoma (Mainz pouch I) were performed on 70 children and adolescents of median age 15.

Urinary diversion in children and adolescents with neurogenic bladder: the Mainz experience. Part III: Colonic conduit.

After the failure of conservative treatment of neurogenic bladders, urinary diversion has to be considered. For patients with chronic renal failure, severe dilated upper urinary tracts with deterioration of the renal function and those who are not able to perform a self-catheterization, the colonic conduit diversion is our therapy of choice. In this part of the study, we investigate the long-term safety of our concept for these patients in regard to protecting the upper urinary tracts.

Urinary diversion in children and adolescents with neurogenic bladder: the Mainz experience. Part I: Bladder augmentation and bladder substitution--therapeutic algorisms.

After the failure of conservative treatment of neurogenic bladders (deterioration of the upper urinary tract/incontinence), bladder augmentation/bladder substitution and supravesical urinary diversion have to be considered. In our concept, bladder augmentation is indicated for hyperreflexive and small low compliance bladders with normal upper urinary tracts. In cases with combined sphincteric incompetence, a fascial sling (FS) can be required to achieve continence.

Somatosensory evoked potentials in Arnold-Chiari malformation.

Nearly all patients with repaired myelomeningoceles have an Arnold-Chiari (AC) malformation and about 20% of these patients develop clinical signs of brainstem dysfunction. The management of symptomatic AC malformation is still controversial and techniques are needed to provide an objective assessment of brainstem function. We recorded somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) in 52 patients aged between 8 months and 20 years (median 7.

Primary myelomeningocele closure and consequences.

Purpose Of Review: Myelomeningocele, the most frequently occurring open neural tube defect, requires lifelong care of the patient by medical professionals and by relatives. A basic understanding of the neurosurgical measures that have to be taken in the newborn, the infant, the child and the adult is important also for physicians of other disciplines involved in the treatment of patients with myelomeningocele.

Recent Findings: The most recent topic broadly discussed in this context is the role of foetal neurosurgery for closure of the neural tube defect.