Objectives
To develop technical guidelines for computed tomography urography.
Methods
The French Society of Genitourinary Imaging organised a Delphi consensus conference with a two-round Delphi ...survey followed by a face-to-face meeting. Consensus was strictly defined using a priori criteria.
Results
Forty-two expert uro-radiologists completed both survey rounds with no attrition between the rounds. Ninety-six (70%) of the initial 138 statements of the questionnaire achieved final consensus. An intravenous injection of 20 mg of furosemide before iodinated contrast medium injection was judged mandatory. Improving the quality of excretory phase imaging through oral or intravenous hydration of the patient or through the use of an abdominal compression device was not deemed necessary. The patient should be imaged in the supine position and placed in the prone position only at the radiologist’s request. The choice between single-bolus and split-bolus protocols depends on the context, but split-bolus protocols should be favoured whenever possible to decrease patient irradiation. Repeated single-slice test acquisitions should not be performed to decide of the timing of excretory phase imaging; instead, excretory phase imaging should be performed 7 min after the injection of the contrast medium. The optimal combination of unenhanced, corticomedullary phase and nephrographic phase imaging depends on the context; suggestions of protocols are provided for eight different clinical situations.
Conclusion
This expert-based consensus conference provides recommendations to standardise the imaging protocol for computed tomography urography.
Key Points
•
To improve excretory phase imaging, an intravenous injection of furosemide should be performed before the injection of iodinated contrast medium.
•
Systematic oral or intravenous hydration is not necessary to improve excretory phase imaging.
•
The choice between single-bolus and split-bolus protocols depends on the context, but split-bolus protocols should be favoured whenever possible to decrease patient irradiation.
Objectives
To develop technical guidelines for magnetic resonance imaging aimed at characterising renal masses (multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, mpMRI) and at imaging the bladder and upper ...urinary tract (magnetic resonance urography, MRU).
Methods
The French Society of Genitourinary Imaging organised a Delphi consensus conference with a two-round Delphi survey followed by a face-to-face meeting. Two separate questionnaires were issued for renal mpMRI and for MRU. Consensus was strictly defined using a priori criteria.
Results
Forty-two expert uroradiologists completed both survey rounds with no attrition between the rounds. Fifty-six of 84 (67%) statements of the mpMRI questionnaire and 44/71 (62%) statements of the MRU questionnaire reached final consensus. For mpMRI, there was consensus that no injection of furosemide was needed and that the imaging protocol should include T2-weighted imaging, dual chemical shift imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging (use of multiple
b
-values; maximal
b
-value, 1000 s/mm
2
) and fat-saturated single-bolus multiphase (unenhanced, corticomedullary, nephrographic) contrast-enhanced imaging; late imaging (more than 10 min after injection) was judged optional. For MRU, the patients should void their bladder before the examination. The protocol must include T2-weighted imaging, anatomical fast T1/T2-weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging (use of multiple
b
-values; maximal
b
-value, 1000 s/mm
2
) and fat-saturated single-bolus multiphase (unenhanced, corticomedullary, nephrographic, excretory) contrast-enhanced imaging. An intravenous injection of furosemide is mandatory before the injection of contrast medium. Heavily T2-weighted cholangiopancreatography-like imaging was judged optional.
Conclusion
This expert-based consensus conference provides recommendations to standardise magnetic resonance imaging of kidneys, ureter and bladder.
Key Points
• Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) aims at characterising renal masses; magnetic resonance urography (MRU) aims at imaging the urinary bladder and the collecting systems.
• For mpMRI, no injection of furosemide is needed.
• For MRU, an intravenous injection of furosemide is mandatory before the injection of contrast medium; heavily T2-weighted cholangiopancreatography-like imaging is optional.
The iQ-Check Real-Time PCR kits use PCR technology based on gene amplification and detection by a real-time PCR thermalcycler for the detection of target analytes in select food matrices. The ...iQ-Check
O157:H7
(PTM) 020801 and STEC VirX and STEC SerO (combined PTM 121203) methods were previously validated for different matrices under different enrichment schemes.
To modify the current iQ-Check
O157:H7 Kit for the detection of
O157:H7 from 25 to 375 g for raw ground beef (17% fat), raw beef trim, and fresh spinach. In addition, a matrix extension was validated for iQ-Check
O157:H7 for raw chicken breast without skin (25 g), raw chicken thigh with skin (25 g), mechanically separated chicken (25 g), and raw ground pork (25 g). The study also included the modification of the iQ-Check STEC VirX and SerO Kits for the detection of non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing
(STEC) for raw ground beef (375 g), raw beef trim (375 g), and fresh spinach (375 g) from STEC Enrichment Broth to buffered peptone water (BPW). All tests were carried out at 8-22 h (10-22 h for fresh spinach).
Ground beef, beef trim, and spinach were co-inoculated with
O157:H7, non-O157 STECs, and
spp. and analyzed for
O157:H7 and non-O157 STECs after an 8-22 h enrichment in BPW for the beef matrices and after a 10-22 h enrichment in BPW for spinach. The chicken matrices were inoculated with
O157:H7 only and analyzed after an 8-22 h enrichment in BPW. The iQ-Check Free DNA Removal Solution workflow was utilized for all matrices. Confirmations at the 22 h time point and method comparisons were conducted with the appropriate reference method as outlined in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Chapter 4A or the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service
Chapters 5.09 and 5B.05. For the iQ-Check STEC VirX and STEC SerO Kits, inclusivity and exclusivity were also performed.
The two inclusivity and exclusivity evaluations indicated that the test methods can accurately detect the target analytes and correctly excluded nontarget organisms after 8 h of enrichment. In the method comparison study, the iQ-Check
O157:H7 and STEC VirX and STEC SerO test kits demonstrated no statistically significant differences between candidate and reference method results or between presumptive and confirmed results for all food matrices analyzed and the two time points (8 or 10 and 22 h). Both time points produced the same results, with no discrepancies.
The iQ-Check real-time PCR kits are effective methods for the detection of
O157 and non-O157 STECs (both the virulence factors and the O groups) from raw ground beef, raw beef trim, and fresh spinach in 375 g samples enriched in BPW for 8-22 h (10-22 h for fresh spinach). In addition, the iQ-Check
O157 Kit is effective in detecting
O157 in 25 g samples of raw chicken breast without skin, raw chicken thigh with skin, mechanically separated chicken, and raw ground pork. The iQ-Check test kits allow the end user to pair enrichments for multiple target analytes, allowing the user to prepare a single enrichment and perform a single DNA extraction. The Free DNA Removal Solution removes free DNA from samples prior to PCR analysis, protecting DNA from intact and living cells.
The method modifications were granted based on the data collected.
The Bio-Rad iQ-Check
spp
Kit uses real-time PCR technology for detection of
species in select food matrixes and environmental surfaces.
The iQ-Check
spp
method was modified to reduce the enrichment ...medium volume for environmental sponges from 225 and 100 to 60 mL and to reduce the enrichment time for sponges and swabs from 25 ± 1 to as short as 18 h. The modified method was validated with stainless steel, polystyrene plastic, and sealed concrete using sponges or swabs with two different neutralizing buffers (Letheen Broth and HiCap™ Neutralizing Broth). In addition, the Bio-Rad Free DNA Removal Solution was used for all environmental samples.
The iQ-Check
spp. modified method was compared with the reference culture method in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service
Chapter 8.10 using an unpaired study design.
In the method comparison study, the iQ-Check
spp. modified method demonstrated no statistical difference in performance between candidate and reference method results or between presumptive and confirmed results for all environmental surfaces analyzed using HiCap Neutralizing Broth (World Bioproducts LLC) and Letheen broth.
The modified iQ-Check
method is an effective method for the detection of
species in environmental surfaces using both types of neutralizing buffer.
The method modification was granted based on the data collected.
(1) Background: The aim of the present pilot study was to study the effect of a new oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist on adenomyosis. (2) Methods: Eight premenopausal women, aged between ...37 and 45 years, presenting with heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and dysmenorrhea due to diffuse and disseminated uterine adenomyosis, confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), received 200 mg linzagolix once daily for a period of 12 weeks, after which they were switched to 100 mg linzagolix once daily for another 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in volume of the adenomyotic uterus from baseline to 24 weeks, evaluated by MRI. Secondary efficacy endpoints included the change in uterine volume from baseline to 12 and 36 weeks by MRI, and also weeks 12, 24, and 36 assessed by transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS). Other endpoints were overall pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, non-menstrual pelvic pain, dyspareunia, amenorrhea, quality of life measures, bone mineral density (BMD), junctional zone thickness, and serum estradiol values. (3) Results: Median serum estradiol was suppressed below 20 pg/mL during the 12 weeks on linzagolix 200 mg, and maintained below 60 pg/mL during the second 12 weeks on linzagolix 100 mg. At baseline, the mean ± SD uterine volume was 333 ± 250 cm
. After 24 weeks of treatment, it was 204 ± 126 cm
, a reduction of 32% (
= 0.0057). After 12 weeks, the mean uterine volume was 159 ± 95 cm
, a reduction of 55% from baseline (
= 0.0001). A similar pattern was observed when uterine volume was assessed by TVUS. Improvements in overall pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, non-menstrual pelvic pain, dyspareunia, and dyschezia, as well as quality of life measured using the EHP-30 were also observed. Mean percentage BMD loss at 24 weeks was, respectively, -2.4%, -1.3%, and -4.1% for the spine, femoral neck, and total hip. The most common adverse events were hot flushes, which occurred in 6/8 women during the first 12 weeks, and 1/8 women between 12 and 24 weeks. (4) Conclusions: Linzagolix at a dose of 200 mg/day reduced uterine volume, and improved clinically relevant symptoms. Treatment with 100 mg thereafter retains the therapeutic benefits of the starting dose while minimizing side effects. This 'hit hard first and then maintain' approach may be the optimal way to treat women with symptomatic adenomyosis.
Abstract
iQ-Check Salmonella II is a real-time PCR kit for detection of Salmonella in foods. Specific oligonucleotide probes are used to detect target DNA during the amplification, by hybridizing to ...the amplicons. These probes are linked to a fluorophore, which fluoresces only when hybridized to the target sequence. As part of an Emergency Response Validation due to a massive outbreak and subsequent recall, peanut butter was tested to compare the performance of iQ-Check Salmonella II to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Bacteriological Analytical Manual (FDA-BAM) reference method for detection of Salmonella. A single enrichment in buffered peptone water was used for a reduced enrichment time of 21 1 h over the 48 h reference method. There was no significant difference in the performance of the iQ-Check kit when compared to the FDA-BAM method, as determined by Chi-square analysis. All samples identified as positive by iQ-Check were confirmed by reference method protocol.
A comparative evaluation study of the Bio-RadR iQ-CheckTM Listeria monocytogenes II Kit (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, CA) was conducted at Q Laboratories, Inc., Cincinnati, OH. iQ-Check is a rapid ...method based on real-time PCR amplification and detection of L. monocytogenes in food and environmental samples. The iQ-Check method was compared to the Health Canada MFHPB-30 reference method for the analysis of five ready-to-eat meats--deli turkey, hot dogs, liver pate, raw fermented sausage, and deli ham--and one stainless steel surface. Each food matrix was analyzed at two contamination levels: a low level at 0.2-2 CFU/25 g and a high level at 2-5 CFU/25 g. The environmental surfaces were analyzed at a low level of 0.2-2 CFU/5 cm.sup.2 sampling area and a high level of 2-5 CFU/5 cm.sup.2 sampling area. There were 20 replicates per contamination level and five control replicates at 0 CFU/25 g or 0 CFU/5 cm.sup.2 sampling area (uninoculated). All samples detected by iQ-Check were subsequently confirmed by reference method protocol. There was no significant difference in the number of positive samples detected by the iQ-Check Listeria monocytogenes II Kit in comparison to the Health Canada MFHPB-30 method for all matrixes tested.
A comparative evaluation study of the Bio-RadR iQ-ChecTM Listeria species Kit (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, CA) was conducted at Q Laboratories, Inc., Cincinnati, OH. iQ-Check is a rapid method ...based on real-time PCR amplification and detection of all species of Listeria, including L. grayi, in food and environmental samples. The iQ-Check method was compared to the Health Canada MFHPB-30 reference method for the analysis of five ready-to-eat meats--deli turkey, hot dogs, liver pate, raw fermented sausage, and deli ham--and one stainless steel surface. Each food matrix was analyzed at two contamination levels: a low level at 0.2-2 CFU/25 g and a high level at 2-5 CFU/25 g. The environmental surfaces were analyzed at a low level of 0.2-2 CFU/5 cm.sup.2 sampling area and a high level of 2-5 CFU/5 cm.sup.2 sampling area. There were 20 replicates per contamination level and five control replicates at 0 CFU/25 g or 0 CFU/5 cm.sup.2 sampling area (uninoculated). All samples that were detected by iQ-Check were subsequently confirmed by reference method protocol. There was no significant difference in the number of positive samples detected by the iQ-Check Listeria spp. Kit in comparison to the Health Canada MFHPB-30 method for all matrixes tested.
Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) particles are phagocytosed by cells of the macrophage-monocytic phagocytic system. They are usually used in MRI as a negative contrast agent, because of their ...strong T2* effect, to improve detection of tumors in the liver and spleen. However, they also have a potent T1 relaxivity. In the current study, we describe this T1 effect in liver hemangiomas.
Twelve patients (nine women and three men, aged from 38 to 76 years) with liver hemangiomas were examined by means of MRI at 1.5 T before and after intravenous administration of SPIO particles at a dose of 15 mumol Fe/kg body wt. Signal intensity was measured from regions of interest.
Whereas on postcontrast T2-weighted SE images the hemangiomas showed on average a signal drop of 20% (p = 0.011) and 49% (p = 0.001) (first and second echo, respectively), their signal increased by 106% (p = 0.001) on postcontrast T1-weighted SE images.
The T1 effect (signal enhancement) we observed in liver hemangiomas after infusion of SPIO particles could prove to be a useful new diagnostic feature that would help characterize these common lesions and differentiate them from other liver tumors.
The iQ-Check Salmonella II Real-Time PCR test kit utilizes Salmonella-specific oligonucleotide probes and primers for the rapid and specific detection of Salmonella species in select food types. The ...alternative method was evaluated by using 375 g test portions in an unpaired study design for two matrices, milk chocolate and dry dog food. Each matrix was compared with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Chapter 5 Salmonella reference method. Fourteen technicians from 12 laboratories, including academia and industry, located within the United States and Canada participated in the collaborative study. Three levels of contamination were evaluated for each matrix: an uninoculated control level (0 CFU/test portion), a low inoculum level (0.2-2 CFU/test portion), and a high inoculum level (2-5 CFU/test portion). The statistical analysis was conducted according to the Probability of Detection (POD) statistical model. The results obtained for the low inoculum level test portions produced a difference in the candidate presumptive and confirmatory results (dLPOD) value with a 95% confidence interval of -0.05, (-0.15, 0.06) for the milk chocolate and 0.10, (-0.01, 0.21) for the dry dog food. The dLPOD results indicate an equivalence between the candidate method and reference method for the matrices evaluated, and the method demonstrated acceptable interlaboratory reproducibility as determined in the collaborative evaluation. False positive and false negative rates were determined for each matrix and produce values of <2%. Based on the data generated, the method demonstrated acceptable interlaboratory reproducibility data and statistical analysis.
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