The use of Modulation Transfer Function as an Overall Quality Control parameter in PET/CT

The Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) is an important parameter for the characterization of image quality and the signal transfer properties of an imaging system. To develop a new method for MTF determination of PET/CT in three dimensions (3D), a novel and highly uniform, film based flood source using 18F-FDG has been prepared. The source was placed between PMMA blocks of various thicknesses, and imaged in a GE Discovery-ST, PET/CT system. MTF was then calculated from the line spread function (LSF) profile of the film. The film was prepared by immersing silica gel matrix, Al foils (5×10cm Fluka) in 18F-FDG bath solution. The effects of different reconstruction algorithms and the shape of the scanned object on MTF were investigated. By this method the alignment of PET and CT in the fused image was investigated as well. Hence the MTF can be used as an overall quality control parameter in PET/C

Effects of vitamin D supplementation in endometriosis: a systematic review

Background: There is a growing body of human, animal and in vitro studies on vitamin D (vit D) substitution in endometriosis. The aim of this systematic review is to critically appraise and qualitatively synthesize the results of the available studies that examine the supplementation of vit D for endometriosis treatment. Methods: A systematic search of the literature was conducted in four electronic databases (Medline, Cochrane, Scopus, Embase) and grey literature for original research articles on humans, animals and in vitro models published in any language. Results: Four human studies, four animal studies and four in vitro studies were included. Quantitative synthesis of human studies showed no significant effect of vit D intake for dysmenorrhea (2 studies, 44 vit D vs 44 placebo, mean -0.71, 95% CI -1.94, 0.51) and non-cyclic pelvic pain (2 studies, 42 vit D vs 38 placebo, mean 0.34, 95% CI -0.02, 0.71). Regarding reproductive outcomes in women with endometriosis after in vitro fertilization, the only available study showed no differences between women taking vit D and women taking placebo. Three of the four included animal studies showed regression of endometriotic implants when treated with vit D. The in vitro studies demonstrated that vit D decreases invasion and proliferation of endometriotic lesions without affecting apoptosis. Conclusions: Although in vitro and animal studies suggest regression of the endometriotic implants and decrease of invasion and proliferation after vit D supplementation, this was not reflected in the results of the meta-analysis, which showed no benefit of vit D supplementation in patients with endometriosis and dysmenorrhea or non-cyclic pelvic pain as well as on the outcome of IVF treatment. However, given the heterogeneity and the diversity of the available studies, more research is required to shed light on the role of vit D supplementation in women with endometriosis. Keywords: 1,25(OH)2D; 25(OH)D; 25(ΟΗ)D3; Endometriosis; Supplementation; Vitamin

Leptin concentrations in endometriosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition, affecting mainly women of reproductive age. Leptin is a regulator of food intake and energy expenditure, posing pleiotropic actions, and regulating immunity and fertility. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature regarding leptin concentrations in biological fluids and tissues of women with endometriosis, and to investigate and propose a possible role of leptin in the pathophysiology of endometriosis. Materials and methods: A systematic search of the literature was conducted in two electronic databases (MEDLINE, COCHRANE) and grey literature for original research articles on humans, published in any language. Results: Twenty-nine studies with 1291 women with endometriosis and 1664 controls were included in the systematic review. Peritoneal fluid and follicular fluid leptin concentrations were higher in endometriosis compared with control group [mean difference (MD) 7.10, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 4.76 to 9.44 ng/mL, 18 studies), (MD 1.35, 95 % CI 0.54-2.17 ng/ml, 2 studies) respectively. No differences were evident in serum (MD 0.92, 95 % CI -0.84 to 2.68 ng/mL, 12 studies) or plasma (MD -0.95, 95 % CI -4.63 to 2.72 ng/mL, 3 studies) between the groups. No meta-analysis was conducted for ovarian tissue leptin (2 studies). Conclusions: This meta-analysis provided evidence for increased leptin concentrations in both peritoneal fluid and follicular fluid of women with endometriosis compared with control; these differences were not present in the serum or plasma. The above results support a potential pathophysiologic role for leptin in the local microenvironment while declines its use as a blood diagnostic marker. Furthermore, we propose a possible role of leptin in the pathophysiology of endometriosis. Keywords: Adiponectin; Endometrioma; Endometriosis; Follicular fluid; Leptin; Leptin receptor; Leptin-binding protein; Peritoneal fluid; Plasma; Serum

A simple technique for suspension and stabilization of retrieval bag and adnexa by anchoring to the abdominal wall

We describe a useful technique, in laparoscopic cystectomy in-a-bag, for suspension and stabilization of endobag and adnexa using temporary sutures. It intends to create an isolated field to avoid spillage of the cyst content into the abdomen in case of rupture, thereby allowing the safe laparoscopic removal of ovarian masses

“Do it cheaper”: A cost-effective Endobag for small specimens

A simple technique that permits to reduce the cost during gynecologic laparoscopic surgery. Small specimens may be retrieved with the use of a modified urine pediatric bag