Multiparametric MR evaluation of uterine leiomyosarcoma and STUMP versus leiomyoma in symptomatic women planned for high frequency focussed ultrasound: accuracy of imaging parameters and interobserver agreement for identification of malignancy

Objective: To assess accuracy of and interobserver agreement on multiparametric MR findings to distinguish uterine leiomyoma (LM) from uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) and soft tissue tumour of unknown malignant potential. Methods: Inclusion criteria: All females over 18 years with least one uterine mass measuring 5 cm or more in at least one of the three standard orthogonal dimensions on MR with histopathological confirmation of LM, LMS, or soft tissue tumour of unknown malignant potential (STUMP) in the 3 months following MR. Patients with LMS were drawn from a larger cohort being assessed for MR-guided focussed ultrasound (MRgFUS) suitability. Image evaluation: Assessed variables were: lesion margin, margin definition, T2 signal homogeneity, >50% of lesion with T2 signal brighter than myometrium, haemorrhage, restricted diffusion, contrast enhancement (CE), CE pattern, local lymphadenopathy and ascites. Results: 32 LM, 10 LMS and 1 STUMP were evaluated. Ill-defined (p-value = 0.0003–0.0004) or irregular (p = 0.003–0.004) lesion margin, T2 hyperintensity >50% (p = 0.001–0.004), and peripheral CE (p = 0.02–0.05) were significantly more common in LMS/STUMP than LM for both radiologists. 10/11 (Reader 2) and 11/11 (Reader 1) LMS/STUMP displayed restricted diffusion but so did 63–80% of LM. Agreement was greatest for margin characteristics (κ = 0.73–0.81). Conclusion: Irregular/ill-defined lesion margin best distinguished LMS/STUMP from LM with good interrater reliability. Advances in knowledge: Assessment of agreement regarding MR parameters distinguishing LM from LMS and STUMP has not previously been undertaken in a cohort including a large number of patients with LMS. This will help inform evaluation of females considering minimally invasive LM treatment.

High-intensity focussed ultrasound (HIFU) als salvagebehandeling van recidiverend prostaatcarcinoom: stand van zaken wetenschap en praktijk. Een review van systematische reviews

SamenvattingEr verschijnen steeds meer oorspronkelijke studies naar de veiligheid en effectiviteit van HIFU als salvagebehandeling van een lokaal recidief van het prostaatcarcinoom (Pca). Ook verschenen recentelijk meerdere systematische reviews (SR’s) over dit onderwerp. Deze review van SR’s geeft inzicht in de huidige stand van wetenschap en praktijk ten aanzien van salvage-HIFU van een lokaal recidiverend Pca. De meest recente en tevens grootste SR toont bij een lokaal recidief na bestraling geen verschil in overleving tussen HIFU en salvage radicale prostatectomie of salvagebestraling. De morbiditeit na salvage-HIFU was lager dan na een salvage radicale prostatectomie. In verband met de hoge morbiditeit bij een salvage radicale prostatectomie wordt deze zelden uitgevoerd. HIFU als salvagebehandeling kan daarom worden gezien als een veelbelovend alternatief. Dit geldt zeker voor patiëntengroepen bij wie leeftijd, ziektestadium en wens van de patiënt in de richting wijzen van afzien van agressievere therapieën, en bij wie het risico op bijwerkingen en vermindering van de kwaliteit van leven te hoog wordt geacht. De huidige evidence geeft voldoende aanleiding om, in afwachting van studies met hogere bewijskracht, HIFU als salvagebehandeling aan te bieden in plaats van androgeendeprivatietherapie, dan wel niet te behandelen.

Determination of bisphenol A, its chlorinated derivatives and structural analogues in vegetables by focussed ultrasound solid-liquid extraction and GC–MS/MS

Environmental contextFollowing stringent regulations, based on environmental health concerns, for controlling the production and usage of bisphenol A, several analogues have been developed as replacement chemicals. These analogues are now found in environmental samples at similar or even higher concentrations than bisphenol A. We report a sensitive and easy-to-perform analytical method for the determination of 11 bisphenols in vegetables. AbstractIn this work, a sensitive, selective, fast and easy-to-perform method has been developed, based on focussed ultrasound solid-liquid extraction (FUSLE) and dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE), for the multiresidue determination of bisphenol A (BPA), its chlorinated derivatives (Clx-BPA) and six structural analogues (S, F, E, B, P, AF) in vegetables. Determination was carried out by gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). A Box–Behnken design was used to optimise the most significant variables. Recoveries in the range from 74 to 105%, precision (relative standard deviation) lower than 12% and limits of quantification in the range from 0.05 to 1ngg−1 d.w. (dry weight) were achieved. The method was successfully applied to the determination of the compounds in carrot, turnip and potato samples purchased from a local market. BPA and Cl-BPA were found in most of the analysed samples at concentrations up to 8.91ngg−1 d.w. The analytical and operational properties of the method make it appropriate to be applied in food monitoring programs.