Muscle & nerve
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We evaluated incorporation of the quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART) into the diagnostic criteria for small fiber neuropathy (SFN) as an addition to quantitative sensory testing (QST) and intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) testing. ⋯ Assessment of both somatic and peripheral autonomic small nerve fibers enhances diagnostic criteria for SFN.
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We investigated a novel application of phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS) in diaphragm dysfunction induced by mechanical ventilation (MV). ⋯ PNS exerted a protective effect against MV-induced diaphragm dysfunction by counteracting altered expression of IGF-1 and ubiquitin ligase in the diaphragm.
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The aim of this study was to investigate differences in twitch and M-wave potentiation in the quadriceps femoris when electrical stimulation is applied over the quadriceps muscle belly versus the femoral nerve trunk. ⋯ In addition to enhanced electrogenic Na(+) -K(+) pumping, other factors (such as synchronization in activation of muscle fibers and muscle architectural properties) may significantly influence the magnitude of M-wave enlargement.
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Comparative Study
Spatial distribution of motor units recruited during electrical stimulation of the quadriceps muscle versus the femoral nerve.
In this study we investigated differences in the spatial recruitment of motor units (MUs) in the quadriceps when electrical stimulation is applied over the quadriceps belly versus the femoral nerve. ⋯ For the VM, MU spatial recruitment during nerve and over-the-quadriceps stimulation of increasing intensity occurred in a similar manner, whereas significant differences were observed for the VL.
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Neuromuscular ultrasound involves the use of high-resolution ultrasound to image the peripheral nervous system of patients with suspected neuromuscular diseases. It complements electrodiagnostic studies well by providing anatomic information regarding nerves, muscles, vessels, tendons, ligaments, bones, and other structures that cannot be obtained with nerve conduction studies and electromyography. Neuromuscular ultrasound has been studied extensively over the past 10 years and has been used most often in the assessment of entrapment neuropathies. This review focuses on the use of neuromuscular ultrasound in 4 of the most common entrapment neuropathies: carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar neuropathy at the elbow and wrist, and fibular neuropathy at the knee.