Automated liquid handling robot for rapid lateral flow assay development.

The lateral flow assay (LFA) is one of the most popular technologies on the point-of-care diagnostics market due to its low cost and ease of use, with applications ranging from pregnancy to environmental toxins to infectious disease. While the use of these tests is relatively straightforward, significant development time and effort are required to create tests that are both sensitive and specific. Workflows to guide the LFA development process exist but moving from target selection to an LFA that is ready for field testing can be labor intensive, resource heavy, and time consuming.

Breast imaging training and attitudes: update survey of senior radiology residents.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the training and attitudes of senior residents regarding breast imaging.

Materials And Methods: In 2008 a follow-up survey was completed by a chief or senior resident at 201 radiology training programs in North America. Questions included organization of breast imaging rotation, resident responsibilities, clinical practice protocols at the institution, resident impressions regarding breast imaging, and resident interest in performing breast imaging after residency.

A survey of clinical research coordinators in the cooperative group setting of the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN).

Rationale And Objectives: As one of the newest cooperative groups funded by the National Cancer Institute in 1999, the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) is interested in conducting successful clinical research programs and pursuing quality research. The ACRIN Research Associate (RA) committee was formed in 2000 and felt it important to better understand the demographics, duties, needs, and concerns of ACRIN RAs. Therefore, in 2008, the committee conducted a survey of ACRIN RAs regarding these issues.

The Research Associate Committee of the ACR Imaging Network.

Research associates (RAs) play an important role in ensuring the quality of clinical trials. They are largely responsible for maintaining the accuracy and timeliness of data collected and for complying with applicable regulations. At the ACR Imaging Network (ACRIN), a cooperative group, RAs have formed a committee with the mission of helping ACRIN achieve its goal of conducting quality multi-institutional imaging clinical trials.

Prophylactic oral amiodarone compared with placebo for prevention of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass surgery.

Background: Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurs in 20% to 40% of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and contributes to delayed recovery, increased length of stay, and increased hospital cost. Measures at preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation have had mixed results. We report a double-blind trial comparing oral amiodarone with placebo for the prevention of atrial fibrillation after CABG.