Biomarkers.

Background: Establishing practical and effective diagnostic pathways for people with cognitive impairment is a crucial international research priority. Traditional (late-phase) analysis of an amyloid-beta (Aβ) PET scan (∼90 minutes after radiotracer injection) provides important information about the presence/absence of underlying Alzheimer's pathology, but no information about brain metabolism/perfusion. Recent work suggests that amyloid-beta PET tracer uptake shortly after injection ('early-phase') closely reflects brain metabolism and perfusion.

Early-phase amyloid PET reproduces metabolic signatures of cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease.

Introduction: Recent work suggests that amyloid beta (Aβ) positron emission tomography (PET) tracer uptake shortly after injection ("early phase") reflects brain metabolism and perfusion. We assessed this modality in a predominantly amyloid-negative neurodegenerative condition, Parkinson's disease (PD), and hypothesized that early-phase F-florbetaben (eFBB) uptake would reproduce characteristic hypometabolism and hypoperfusion patterns associated with cognitive decline in PD.

Methods: One hundred fifteen PD patients across the spectrum of cognitive impairment underwent dual-phase Aβ PET, structural and arterial spin labeling (ASL) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and neuropsychological assessments.

Exercise testing in patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children-related myocarditis versus idiopathic or viral myocarditis.

Background: While most children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children have rapid recovery of cardiac dysfunction, little is known about the long-term outcomes regarding exercise capacity. We aimed to compare the exercise capacity among patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children versus viral/idiopathic myocarditis at 3-6 months after initial diagnosis.

Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study among patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children in June 2020 to May 2021 and patients with viral/idiopathic myocarditis in August 2014 to January 2020.

Virtual cardiac fitness training in pediatric heart transplant patients: A pilot study.

Background: Cardiac fitness training in pediatric heart transplant recipients can improve functional capacity. Widespread implementation has been limited mostly due to logistical constraints, specifically related to travel. The aim of this study was to implement and assess a virtual cardiac fitness program for pediatric heart transplant patients.

Beta Amyloid Deposition Is Not Associated With Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson's Disease.

The extent to which Alzheimer neuropathology, particularly the accumulation of misfolded beta-amyloid, contributes to cognitive decline and dementia in Parkinson's disease (PD) is unresolved. Here, we used Florbetaben PET imaging to test for any association between cerebral amyloid deposition and cognitive impairment in PD, in a sample enriched for cases with mild cognitive impairment. This cross-sectional study used Movement Disorders Society level II criteria to classify 115 participants with PD as having normal cognition (PDN, = 23), mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI, = 76), or dementia (PDD, = 16).

Exercise stress echocardiography: Impact on clinical decision-making in pediatric patients.

Background: The role of exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) in the pediatric population is less well defined as compared to adults. We aimed to determine the utility and impact of ESE on clinical decision-making in pediatric patients.

Methods: We identified patients who underwent an ESE at our center from 2011 to 2015.

The utility of combined cardiopulmonary exercise stress testing in the evaluation of pediatric patients with chest pain.

Introduction: A cardiac cause is an extremely rare etiology of pediatric chest pain. Despite its low sensitivity/specificity, exercise stress testing (EST) is widely used to determine the prognosis in patients with suspected/established coronary disease. We aimed to look at the utility of a combined cardiopulmonary EST in the evaluation of pediatric patients with chest pain.

Reduction of peak plantar pressure in people with diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy: an evaluation of the DH Pressure Relief Shoe™.

Background: Offloading plantar pressure is a key strategy for the prevention or healing of neuropathic plantar ulcers in diabetes. Non-removable walking casts, such as total contact casts, are currently considered the gold-standard for offloading this type of wound. However, alternative methods for offloading that are more cost effective and easier to use are continually being sought.