Noninvasive AKA location with open-source software and low-cost hardware is feasible. The OsiriX software allows to effectively navigate through CT data not only to study the aorta, but also to detect the AKA, as in the case of the standard method and the literature data. Its availability and ease of use may contribute to make identification of the AKA part of the routine evaluation of CT scans in patients with aortic disease, even where dedicated workstations are not available, with potential benefits for planning therapeutic procedures.

Knowledge of the spinal cord (SC) vascular supply is important in patients undergoing procedures that involve the thoracic and thoraco-abdominal aorta; the SC vasculature, however, has a complex and highly variable anatomy. Recent breakthroughs in imaging methods have expanded the non-invasive diagnostic ability to determine a patient's spinal cord vascular pattern, particularly in detecting the presence and location of the artery of Adamkiewicz. CT is the imaging modality of choice for most patients with thoracic and thoraco-abdominal aortic disease for pre-operative planning of endovascular treatment: thus the data set required for our analysis of spinal cord vascular anatomy is already available. This paper provides examples of the SC vasculature imaging that can be obtained with 64 row scanners and appropriate postprocessing.

BACKGROUND: It is indispensable that members of the medical profession receive the technical training needed to enable them to rapidly obtain effective vascular access. Training procedures should be used judiciously to familiarize students with the technique. However, existing models are expensive or ineffective, and models need to be developed that are similar to what will be encountered in real patients.OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate creation and application of a gelatin model for training ultrasound-guided puncture.METHOS: The model was made using a mixture of colorless gelatin and water in a transparent plastic receptacle with two pairs of orifices of different diameters, through which two plastic tubes were inserted, to simulate blood vessels.RESULTS: The model was a close approximation to the real medical procedure in several aspects, since gelatin has a similar consistency to human tissues, providing a more faithful reproduction of the tactile sensation at the moment when the needle reaches the interior of a vessel and its contents are aspirated.CONCLUSIONS: The method proposed here can be used to easily construct a low-cost model using everyday materials that is suitable for large-scale training of ultrasound-guided puncture.

This study focuses on the significance of neighborhoods in a city as the smallest self-sufficient urban units akin to nuclear families in the larger society. Thus, improvements to the neighborhood form can improve livability, maximize walkability, and better the overall life quality of city inhabitants, which, in turn, advance a city’s overall environmental and social sustainability profile. The physical form (arrangement) and density of neighborhoods are primarily shaped by land ownership regulations, transportation, and communication means. The development of smart technology, especially in the fields of transportation and communication, has led to the reconsideration of some of sustainable urban form concepts such as neighborhoods. Low-density cities like Doha, Qatar can become both sustainable and livable, creating the basis for a sustainable city. First, this paper presents a critical review of Doha’s neighborhoods and advanced transport and communication technologies, in addition to the integration of these technologies with the physical form of neighborhoods. Then, the paper discusses the influences of such technologies on the future sustainability of the city of Doha and its neighborhoods. This investigation is based on a Delphi study to address the characteristics of a neighborhood and to identify two paradigms of ‘good’ design practice.

No abstract

This study examines the concept of sustainability and livability at the neighborhood level in a low-density city such as Doha. In its current form, Metropolitan Doha, Qatar’s capital and where 80% of the population resides, is neither sustainable nor ranked highly in many city livability indices of international cities, although Qatar aims to become a truly sustainable state as envisioned in its Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030 and endorsed in its National Development Strategies 2012 and 2018. Doha remains a fractured city; its rapid growth has led to unrestrained, extensive urban sprawl with high dependency on private transportation mainly by large SUVs, continually instigated by the absence of public transportation. Doha is also a relatively low-density city where the main driver of its urban sprawl is the inhabitants’ deep-set desire for privacy, and hence, home ownership of single-family detached villas, which have become the predominant residential building-block of neighborhoods with little to no provisions of in-neighborhood community services and amenities such as basic shopping, health, education, and recreation. Consequently, this urban form has resulted in long and frequent commutes for individuals and families, increasing the number of vehicles in traffic almost every hour of every day, traffic congestion, high transportation-related CO2 emissions, additional expenses, and loss of quality family time, among several other environmental, social, and economic sustainability impacts. The findings of this study, which are based on a behavioral survey, illustrate the residents’ views on neighborhood improvement and changes in the transportation modes, as well as their willingness to change their habits for the benefit of common and future generations.

Background Lipedema is characterized by the deposition of abnormal fat in the lower and upper limbs bilaterally. It is a disease with high prevalence and genetic characteristics. Non-specific and non-quantified increases in the thickness of the subcutaneous tissue have previously been demonstrated using magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. Objectives To evaluate the thickness of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue in predetermined areas as a distinguishing feature between individuals with and without lipedema using ultrasound. Methods Ultrasound images of 89 female patients were analyzed, including patients undergoing clinical investigation for venous insufficiency or lipedema who underwent ultrasound evaluations at our institution. Patients were divided in two groups: with lipedema clinically diagnosed and those without lipedema. They underwent a common Doppler protocol for venous mapping to assess venous insufficiency associated with the evaluation of dermis and subcutaneous thickness at pre-defined points of the lower limbs. Results There were 63 patients with lipedema. Anterior thigh, pre-tibial and lateral aspect of the leg and supra-just medial malleolar region were significantly different. Supra-just medial malleolar region was significantly different with BMI above 25. An optimal cutoff value was calculated for the ultrasound diagnosis of lipedema using thickness of the dermis and subcutaneous tissues. Conclusions Studied criteria allow use of simple and reproducible ultrasound cutoff values to diagnose lipedema in the lower limbs. Pre-tibial region thickness measurement, followed by thigh and lateral leg thickness are recommended for the ultrasound diagnosis of lipedema.

Background Lipedema is characterized as an abnormal deposition of fat in the buttocks and legs bilaterally that may be accompanied by swelling, pain, and tenderness. It is still often confused with more frequent conditions such as obesity and lymphedema. The estimated prevalence in Europe varies between 0.06% and 39%. Objectives To evaluate the prevalence of lipedema and identify health factors related to it in the Brazilian population. Methods Administration of a previously validated online screening questionnaire to a representative sample of the general population. The questionnaire was distributed and administered to anonymous volunteers representing the general Brazilian population using software designed for population analyses. Results 253 women answered the questionnaire, 12.3 ± 4% (Confidence Interval [CI] 95%) of whom presented symptoms compatible with a high probability of being diagnosed with lipedema. Furthermore, anxiety, depression, hypertension, and anemia were also correlated with a high probability of the diagnosis. Conclusions The estimated prevalence of lipedema in the population of Brazilian women is 12.3%.