Mono, bi- and tri-exponential diffusion MRI modelling for renal solid masses and comparison with histopathological findings.

Purpose: To compare diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), and tri-exponential models of the diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal for the characterization of renal lesions in relationship to histopathological findings.

Methods: Sixteen patients planned to undergo nephrectomy for kidney tumour were scanned before surgery at 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with T-weighted imaging, DTI and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) using ten b-values. DTI parameters (mean diffusivity [MD] and fractional anisotropy [FA]) were obtained by iterative weighted linear least squared fitting of the DTI data and bi-, and tri-exponential fit parameters (D, fand D, ff) using a nonlinear fit of the multiple b-value DWI data.

Current practice in the removal of benign endometrial polyps: a Dutch survey.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the current practice of Dutch gynecologists in the removal of benign endometrial polyps and compare these results with the results of a previous study from 2003. In 2009 Dutch gynecologists were surveyed by a mailed questionnaire about polypectomy. Gynecologists answered questions about their individual performance of polypectomy: setting, form of anesthesia, method, and instrument use.

The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis: an electronic guideline implementability appraisal.

Background: Clinical guidelines are intended to improve healthcare. However, even if guidelines are excellent, their implementation is not assured. In subfertility care, the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) guidelines have been inventoried, and their methodological quality has been assessed.

Enhanced survival of spiral ganglion cells after cessation of treatment with brain-derived neurotrophic factor in deafened guinea pigs.

Exogenous delivery of neurotrophic factors into the cochlea of deafened animals rescues spiral ganglion cells (SGCs) from degeneration. To be clinically relevant for human cochlear implant candidates, the protective effect of neurotrophins should persist after cessation of treatment and the treated SGCs should remain functional. In this study, the survival and functionality of SGCs were investigated after temporary treatment with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).