Cervical paraspinal electromyography: normal values in 100 control subjects.

The normal electromyographic values and the significance of spontaneous activity, when examining the cervical paraspinal muscles, has been studied rarely, and there are very few studies concerning this issue.To obtain muscle unit potential (MUP) reference values for cervical paraspinal muscles, we examined 100 volunteers. Spontaneous activity and the analysis of 20 MUPs in every individual were checked by the automated MUP analysis program.In those individuals ages 20 to 40 years, no spontaneous activity was observed, and in the ones ages 40 to 60 years and 60 years or older, fibrillations and/or positive sharp waves were seen in 8% and 92%, respectively. MUP values were found to be close to those of upper limb muscles. Age has no significant effect on MUP values, except for mean amplitude that was increased in individuals ages 60 to 80 years.Our findings suggest that fibrillations and positive sharp waves do not have much electrodiagnostic value in the study of cervical paraspinal muscles of middle-aged and elderly subjects, when it is an isolated finding, and there is a need for an extended electromyographic examination, including other muscles, to exclude radiculopathy. Automated MUP analysis is easily performed, and our results may serve as reference values.     

In vivo multicolor molecular MR imaging using diamagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer liposomes

A variety of (super)paramagnetic contrast agents are available for enhanced MR visualization of specific tissues, cells, or molecules. To develop alternative contrast agents without the presence of metal ions, liposomes were developed containing simple bioorganic and biodegradable compounds that produce diamagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer MR contrast. This diamagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer contrast is frequency-dependent, allowing the unique generation of "multicolor" images. The contrast can be turned on and off at will, and standard images do not show the presence of these agents. As an example, glycogen, L-arginine, and poly-L-lysine were encapsulated inside liposomes and injected intradermally into mice to image the lymphatic uptake of these liposomes. Using a frequency-dependent acquisition scheme, it is demonstrated that multicolor MRI can differentiate between different contrast particles in vivo following their homing to draining lymph nodes. Being nonmetallic and bioorganic, these diamagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer liposomes form an attractive novel platform for multicolor imaging in vivo.     

Does contemporary ART lead to pre-eclampsia? A cohort study and meta-analysis

PurposeRecent publications suggested that the risk for pre-eclampsia (PE) is higher with frozen-thawed embryo transfers (FETs) compared to fresh transfers (IVF-ETs). These studies were based on old data that reflects outdated practices. In this paper, we wanted to assess the incidence of PE in current assisted reproductive technology (ART) practice.MethodsIn this cohort study, we present the incidence of PE in all births in the province of Ontario, Canada, for the years 2013–2017 for FET, IVF-ET, and natural conceptions (NC). We also compare our findings to previous studies in a meta-analysis that includes over 4 million births.ResultsThe results of our study show that contemporary practice of ART results in comparable risk for PE between FET and IVF-ET; however, the risk is higher than NC.ConclusionCurrent ART practice is associated with a lower risk for PE in frozen embryo transfer; this RR can be further attenuated by using ovulatory endometrial preparation for FETs.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10815-021-02061-z.     

Early-life factors and adult anti-Müllerian hormone levels

Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics - This study aims to examine whether early-life factors are associated with adult ovarian reserve, measured by anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)...     

The CT halo sign in invasive aspergillosis

In immunocompromised patients, the pulmonary computed tomography halo sign is highly suggestive of angioinvasive aspergillosis. Early recognition may be life‐saving.