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Kristiansen, M, Sydow Krogh Pedersen, A-M, Sandvej, G, Jørgensen, P, Jakobsen, JV, de Zee, M, Hansen, EA, and Klitgaard, KK. Enhanced maximal upper-body strength increases performance in sprint kayaking. J Strength Cond Res 37(4): e305–e312, 2023—The association between upper-body strength and performance in 200-m flat-water sprint kayak is not fully elucidated. Therefore, the aim of study 1 was to investigate the relationship between upper-body strength and kayaking performance. In study 2, the aim was to perform a randomized training intervention to investigate whether a causal relationship was present between an increase in strength and an actual change in 200-m kayaking performance. In study 1, 37 (22 men and 15 women) elite kayak paddlers performed tests of maximal power output, isometric force, 1 repetition maximum (1RM), and 40 seconds of maximal repetition number in bench press and bench pull and a 30-second all-out on-water sprint kayak test. In study 2, 26 (16 men and 10 women) national elite junior A, U23, and senior kayak paddlers were allocated into 2 groups: a training group (TRAIN) and a maintenance group (MAIN). Each group completed a 6-week strength training intervention with the purpose of either increasing 1RM in bench press (TRAIN) or maintaining strength (MAIN). Pre- and posttests were performed in 200-m kayak ergometer sprint, 1RM bench press, and 1RM bench pull. In study 1, 1RM in bench press was the best predictor of 30-second on-water kayaking performance with a regression coefficient of 0.474. In study 2, TRAIN significantly increased 1RM strength in bench press (pre: 87.3 ± 21.2 kg, post: 93.9 ± 21.3 kg, p = 0.001) and bench pull (pre: 84.2 ± 15.3 kg, post: 86.0 ± 15.1 kg, p = 0.025). In the 200-m kayak ergometer sprint test, TRAIN significantly decreased the time to complete the test (pre: 44.8 ± 4.3 seconds, post: 44.3 ± 4.3 seconds, p = 0.042). In bench press, 1RM was the best predictor of 200-m kayaking, and an increase in bench press 1RM resulted in increased kayaking performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is an accelerated form of atherosclerosis unique to heart transplant (HTX) patients. Purpose To investigate the detection of significant coronary artery stenosis and CAV, determinants of image quality, and the radiation dose in coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) of HTX patients with 64-slice multidetector CT (64-MDCT). Material and Methods Fifty-two HTX recipients scheduled for invasive coronary angiography (ICA) were prospectively enrolled and underwent CCTA before ICA with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Results Interpretable CCTA images were acquired in 570 (95%) coronary artery segments ≥2 mm in diameter. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of CCTA for the detection of segments with significant stenosis (lumen reduction ≥50%) on ICA were 100%, 98%, 7.7%, and 100%, respectively. Twelve significant stenoses were located in segments with uninterpretable image quality or vessel diameter <2 mm; only one was eligible for intervention. IVUS detected CAV (maximal intimal thickness ≥0.5 mm) in 33/41 (81%) patients; CCTA and ICA identified CAV (any wall or luminal irregularity) in 18 (44%) and 14 (34%) of these 33 patients, respectively. The mean estimated radiation dose was 19.0 ± 3.4 mSv for CCTA and 5.7 ± 3.3 mSv for ICA ( P < 0.001). Conclusion CCTA with interpretable image quality had a high negative predictive value for ruling out significant stenoses suitable for intervention. The modest detection of CAV by CCTA implied a limited value in identifying subtle CAV. The high estimated radiation dose for 64-MDCT is of concern considering the need for repetitive examinations in the HTX population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of ultrasound contrast agents has increased over recent years. The Contrast Media Safety Committee (CMSC) of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) decided to review the safety of ultrasound contrast agents in humans and to draw up guidelines. A comprehensive literature search and review was carried out. The resulting report was discussed by the CMSC of ESUR and at the 11th European Symposium on Urogenital Radiology in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, in 2004. Ultrasound contrast agents approved for clinical use are well tolerated, and serious adverse reactions are rarely observed. Adverse events are usually minor (e.g. headache, nausea, altered taste, sensation of heat) and self-resolving. These symptoms may not be related to the ultrasound contrast materials as they have also been observed in placebo-control groups. Intolerance to some components may occur. Generalized allergy-like reactions occur rarely. Ultrasound contrast agents are generally safe. The ultrasound scanning time and the acoustic output should be kept to the lowest level consistent with obtaining diagnostic information. Adverse reactions should be treated symptomatically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the Sonalleve high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU; Philips Healthcare, Vantaa, Finland) system in ablating uterine fibroids in a 3T magnet. Material and methods: Seven women were included in this study. Treatment was performed according to the manufacturer's recommendation. Technical data describing the HIFU procedures were collected. On MR images at baseline, immediately and 30 days after ablation, we evaluated the volumes of the uterus, the dominant fibroid and the ablation zone. The Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life (UFS-QOL) questionnaire was used to assess potential clinical response. Results: The procedure was technically feasible in all patients. The median number of sonications performed during each procedure was 20 (range 2-27) per patient, the maximum temperature in all sonication cells was about 68°C. The median procedure time was 156 minutes (range 95-164). The non-perfused volume after treatment ranged from 1 to 27 ml and was unchanged or decreased in all but one patient at 30 days follow-up. There were no major adverse events. Discussion: In our 3T magnet the system was able to heat tissue and induce areas of non-enhancement within uterine fibroids without major complications. Clinical benefit remains to be proven. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In order to achieve sustained symptom control and minimize the risk of recurrence, uterine artery embolization (UAE) should aim at complete infarction of all fibroids. Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate the infarction rate of uterine fibroids in patients that had undergone uterine artery embolization (UAE) after the introduction of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) during UAE procedures at our institution. Material and Methods: Thirty patients treated with UAE between February 2006 and August 2009 were included. MR images obtained before, at 3 months, and 12 months after the procedure were reviewed. We evaluated volume changes in dominant fibroids as well as the infarction rate of all fibroids in each patient. Clinical results were evaluated by reviewing the medical records. The study was approved by the institutional review board. Results: CEUS was technically successfully performed during the UAE procedure in all patients. In five cases the endpoint of embolization was adjusted based on findings at CEUS. The mean volume shrinkage of dominant fibroids was 39.8% after 3 months and 59.8% after 12 months. There was complete infarction of all fibroid tissue in 97% of patients at 3 months and 96% at 12 months. No major complications were observed. Conclusion: After the introduction of CEUS during UAE procedures in our institution, high infarction rates were achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]