Lanthanide chelates are effective agents for improving contrast in MR images. Optimizing the relaxation of inner sphere water molecules is a common focus of research in this field. However, the efforts to design an optimal contrast agent have commonly over-looked the relationship of water position and water exchange kinetics. This work explores structural conformation, the impact of very fast water exchange kinetics on hydration, and differing tumbling rates for regioisomers of a number of lanthanide chelates. We have grown crystals of LnDOTMA and obtained structural data by X-ray diffraction that provide a picture of the chelate during water exchange and demonstrate that chelate conformation is associated with water position. We observe increased population of the major isomer with increased water exchange rates in variable temperature 1H NMR studies of HoDOTMA. This suggests that water position and water exchange rates are linked. We therefore recommend that accurate water exchange data be included in the application of the SBM equations when interpreting experimental data. As further support of this recommendation, we measured water exchange kinetics with 17O NMR for the rigid GdNB-DOTMA chelates. These results were used in the fitting of 1H NMRD profiles to establish tumbling parameters. Similar results were also observed in the less rigid GdNB-DOTA, establishing the first identification of regioisomers in these chelates and their biphenyl derivatives. Binding studies of GdBP-DOTA indicate that the side isomer is a more effective agent, but it is the minor species in solution. Our work herein shows that predicting efficacy of contrast agents with SBM equations requires a more complete consideration of chelate hydration (q/r6).

Gegenstand und Ziel: Einsatz des Ultraschallkontrastmittels SonoVue® zur Ermittlung der Hepatischen Transitzeit bei lebergesunden Hunden. Material und Methoden: Untersucht wurden 45 lebergesunde Hunde aus dem Patientengut der Klinik für Kleintiere der Universität Leipzig. Ausschlusskriterien waren Leber- und Herz-Kreislauferkrankungen, sowie Tumorleiden. Die Kontrastmitteluntersuchungen erfolgten am narkotisierten Tier. Das Kontrastmittel wurde intravenös appliziert. Die Zeitdifferenz zwischen Ankunft in den Leberarterien bis zum Erreichen der Lebervenen wird als Hepatische Transitzeit definiert. Die Auswertung erfolgte von zwei unabhängigen Betracht-ern, sowie einer im Ultraschallgerät installierten Analysesoftware (TIC; Time-intensity-curve). Erfasst wurden zusätzlich von jedem Patienten die Blutflussgeschwindigkeiten in der Aorta abdominalis und den Lebervenen vor und nach der Kontrastmitteluntersuchung. Ebenfalls sind die Ankunftszeiten des Kontrastmittels in den Leberarterien und Lebervenen ermittelt worden. Diese Daten wurden mit den Angaben des Alters, dem Geschlecht und dem Gewicht verglichen. Die ermittelten Ankunftszeiten des Kontrastmittels wurden mit den Blutflussgeschwindigkeiten des jeweiligen Patienten korreliert. Ergebnisse: Die Hepatische Transitzeit des Kontrastmittels SonoVue® für lebergesunde Hunde beträgt 9,82 s. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Hepatische Transitzeit des Signalverstärkers SonoVue® beim lebergesunden Hund liegt bei 9,82 s und ist damit ca. eine Sekunde kürzer als beim Men-schen. In anschließenden Studien muss bei Hunden mit nachgewiesenen Lebermetastasen die Hepatische Transitzeit ermittelt werden. Entsprechen die Ergebnisse denen aus der Human-medizin, so ist mit einer Verkürzung der Hepatischen Transitzeit zu rechnen. Insbesondere bei bekanten Primärtumor könnte mit dieser Methode eine Metastasierung früher erkannt werden.

Bismuth based nanomaterials have recently attracted attention as heavy element X-ray contrast agents because of the high atomic number and predicted biological compatibility of bismuth. Nanoparticle X-ray contrast agents may enable a number of novel medical imaging applications, including blood pool and site-directed imaging. However these hypothetical applications are hindered by lack of suitable synthetic methods for production of imaging agents. This dissertation describes synthesis of a novel class of bismuth nanoparticles that are aqueously stabilized using poly and monosaccharides. These particles are synthesized using highly biologically compatible reagents and are oxidatively stable in water and in moderately basic buffered solutions. Bismuth nanoparticles stabilized by the polysaccharide dextran have a large hydrodynamic radius and a relatively small bismuth nanocrystal core (4% bismuth by volume.) Glucose-capped particles have a much higher ratio of bismuth by volume (>60%), and experimental CT scans of these particle solutions demonstrate higher X-ray contrast versus a current clinically used radiocontrast agent. Additional syntheses of hydrophobic organoamine-capped bismuth nanoparticles by reduction of an iodobismuth cluster, and development of other X-ray contrast materials, such as a radiopaque surgical sponge marker and ink, using bismuth micoparticles produced by a top-down ball milling method, are also described.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI); Graduate Endodontics, Masters degree thesis / We evaluated the antibacterial stability (shelf life) of a new radiopaque double antibiotic paste (RoDAP) loaded in a methylcellulose system with 30% w/v barium sulfate against biofilm collected from an immature tooth with necrotic pulp. Uniform radicular dentin specimens were infected with bacterial biofilm obtained from an immature tooth with a necrotic pulp and incubated anaerobically for three weeks. These samples were randomly divided into 6 experimental groups (n=7) and treated for 1 week at three time points of aged radiopaque DAP: 0 months, 3 months, and 6 months. Group 1: 1mg/mL RoDAP treatment. Group 2: 10 mg/mL RoDAP treatment. Group 3: Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) treatment. Group 4: Methylcellulose with barium sulfate. Group 5: No treatment. Group 6: No bacteria or treatment. The samples were rinsed with sterile saline to detach biofilms and then spiral plated using a biofilm disruption assay. Statistical analyses were performed using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests with fixed effects for treatment, time, and the treatment-by-time interaction. Treatment of infected dentin with 1 mg/mL RoDAP, 10 mg/mL RoDAP, and Ca(OH)2 demonstrated significant and substantial antibiofilm effects in comparison to untreated control groups or groups treated with placebo paste after 0, 3, and 6 months of aging. Calcium hydroxide, however, showed slightly less antibiofilm activity after 6 months of aging when compared to 0 months and 3 months of aging. This difference was statistically significant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, both concentrations of RoDAP maintained full antibacterial efficacy after 6 months of aging, while calcium hydroxide lost some antibacterial activity after a shelf life of 6 months.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Introduction: Regenerative endodontic procedures require adequate disinfection of immature teeth with necrotic pulps. Regeneration endodontic procedures have been shown to increase width and length of dentin after disinfection of the root canal system with various antibiotic pastes such as double antibiotic paste (DAP). DAP is composed of an equal ratio of metronidazole and ciprofloxacin. After the root canal system is disinfected with DAP, it is later flushed out with 17-percent EDTA. There is a need for a radiopaque component in the DAP to facilitate proper placement. Following disinfection with DAP, a residual antibacterial effect is formed in dentin. It is not known if this effect is modified by making DAP radiopaque. Objectives: The residual antibacterial effects of a radiopaque double antibiotic paste against a bacterial isolate obtained from an immature tooth with necrotic pulp on radicular dentin will be explored utilizing various strengths of DAP (1 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL, and 25 mg/mL) after 1 week and 4 weeks. Materials and Methods: Dentin samples of 4x4-mm will be prepared from previously extracted human posterior teeth. The samples will be assigned to seven treatment groups in a random fashion (G1 will be treated with 25-, G2-10, and G3-1 mg/mL of radiopaque DAP. G4 will be treated with the radiopaque filler without DAP. G5 will be treated with Ca(OH)2 and G6 sterile water with bacterial biofilm, and G7 will be sterile water). The groups will be treated for both 1 week 4 weeks. These samples will then be stored in a phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution for 1 week and then inoculated with the cultured bacterial isolate from an immature tooth with necrotic pulp. The specimens will be incubated for three weeks to permit adequate formation of a biofilm. The biofilm will be detached, diluted and spirally plated onto blood agar plates and incubated for a total of 48 hours in 5-percent CO2 at 37°C. The number of CFUs/mL will be counted using an automated colony counter. A two way ANOVA and Fisher’s Protected Least Significant Differences test using 5-percent significance level will be used to evaluate the resulting data. Expected outcome: A residual antibacterial effect will be observed on radicular dentin samples when treated with radiopaque DAP. Conclusion: Using a radiopaque DAP that provides residual antibacterial effects, further awareness into regenerative endodontic procedures will be gained leading to alterations in treating such cases. / 2020-06-30

Bakgrund Magnetresonanstomografi undersökningar blir mer frekventa och därmed ökar användningen av gadoliniumbaserade kontrastmedel. Dock är gadoliniumretention ett relativt nyupptäckt fenomen och dess påverkan är fortfarande relativt okänt. Syfte Syftet med denna litteraturstudie är att få en djupare förståelse om vad gadoliniumretention är och dess inverkan på människokroppen, samt vilka implementeringar röntgensjuksköterskorkan behöva göra för att anpassa vården efter ny forskning inom området. Metod Denna studie är en systematisk litteraturstudie. Datainsamlingen har gjorts via databaserna PubMed och CINAHL. Endast vetenskapliga artiklar som uppfyllt inklusionskriterierna, exempelvis att de är peer-reviewed och primärpublicerade, har inkluderats. De artiklar som har besvarat frågeställningarna har kvalitetsgranskats och sedan har artiklarna som uppnådde medel eller hög kvalitet analyserats. Resultat Resultatet av denna studie visar att ackumulerad gadoliniumretention kan uppstå efterupprepade administreringar av gadoliniumbaserade kontrastmedel. Inga negativa biverkningar hos människokroppen har påvisats. För att minska risken för gadoliniumretention rekommenderar flera studier att minska kontrastmedelsdoser och vara varsam vid administrering. Slutsats Gadoliniumretention kan ses som förhöjd signalintensitet främst i dentate nucleus och globuspallidus i hjärnan efter upprepade administreringar av gadoliniumkontrastmedel. Dess påverkan på människokroppen är fortfarande okänd och mer forskning behövs om hurröntgensjuksköterskor kan anpassa vården därefter. / Background Magnetic resonance imaging exams is becoming more common and therefore the use of gadolinium-based contrast media increases. However, gadolinium retention is a relatively newly discovered phenomenon, and its impact on the human body is still unknown. Purpose The purpose of this study is to obtain a deeper understanding of what gadolinium retention is and how it affects the human body, and which implementations radiographers may have to do to adapt the care according to new research within the field. Method This study is a systematic literary review. The data collection was made from the databases PubMed and CINAHL. Only scientific studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria, for example that they were peer-reviewed and primary published, were included. The articles that answered the questions were quality reviewed and the articles that achieved medium or high quality were analysed. Results The result of this study shows thar accumulated gadoliniumretention can arise after repeated administrations of gadolinium-based contrast media. No adverse effects in the human body have been demonstrated. To reduce the risk of accumulating gadoliniumretention several studies recommend reducing the dosage and to be cautious when administrating. Conclusion Gadoliniumretention can be seen as an increased signal intensity, mainly in dentate nucleus and globus palladius in the human brain after multiple administration of gadolinium-based contrast media. Its adverse effects on the human body are still unknown and more research is needed on how radiographer can adapt the care thereafter.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Health Sciences in Radiography, Durban University of Technology, 2017. / Background The current scope of practice for diagnostic radiographers, does not allow them to administer intravenous contrast media (IVCM) since there are no formal training guidelines accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) (Koch 2014: 26). In selected countries abroad, radiographers are allowed to administer IVCM and have thus received the necessary and accredited training to do so. In view of this, the South African radiographer’s scope of practice is not on par with the selected countries. The radiologists in South Africa (SA) who are currently responsible for the administration of IVCM have issued a position statement which supports, in principle, the idea of radiographers administering IVCM should they receive the necessary and appropriate training to do so (RSSA 2011: 1-2). The aim of this research study was, therefore, to investigate the radiologists’ perspectives regarding the theoretical knowledge, clinical competencies and medico legal responsibilities required by radiographers in order to effectively administer IVCM. This research study provides input for the development of national training guidelines for radiographers to administer IVCM. Research Methodology A quantitative, descriptive study was conducted by targeting qualified radiologists residing and practicing within the province of KwaZulu Natal (KZN). Ethical approval was obtained from the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Institutional Research and Ethics Committee (IREC). All the participants were contacted in their personal capacity. The research tool was an online survey administered through SurveyMonkey which included questions and statements relating to the administration of IVCM and was structured so as to meet the study objectives. The research tool was evaluated and amended by an expert focus group to ensure reliability and validity. Confidentiality was maintained and all the data obtained during this research study was password protected. Results and discussion Fifty-nine radiologists (60.8 percent) participated in this study. Twelve respondents, however, were excluded due to incomplete surveys. The final response rate, therefore, was 48.5 percent (n=47) of which 72.3 percent of the respondents were from the private sector. Results illustrated the radiologists’ agreement regarding the theoretical, clinical/practical and medico legal training components for inclusion in the further training of radiographers to administer IVCM. Most respondents supported the inclusion of three assessments: theoretical (87.2 percent), clinical (93.6 percent) and a record of clinical competencies (95.7 percent). The assessments were considered equally important in terms of percentage weighting. The overall results compared favorably to the current international trends and practice standards of radiographers administering IVCM. Conclusion and Recommendations The study, in providing key data for the development of training guidelines for radiographers to administer IVCM, has demonstrated the importance of higher education (HE) and training in addressing transformation in health services with particular reference to professional scopes of practice. Furthermore, it reinforces the need for local research that will inform HE and training and hence a scope of practice that meets local needs. It was recommended that future studies should include those HE institutions offering training in Radiography as well as their stakeholders for the design and transformation of a national curriculum for radiographers to administer IVCM. / M

Inledning: Jodkontrastmedel är ett läkemedel som administreras av röntgensjuksköterskan för att förbättra kontrasten mellan inre organ och vävnader samt skilja mellan normala och patologiska områden. Jodkontrastmedel gavs uppskattningsvis i 80 miljoner doser över hela världen år 2003. Av kontrastmedel kan allvarlig biverkning eller till och med ett livshotandetillstånd uppkomma som kontrastmedelsinducerad nefropati (KMN). N-Acetylcystein (NAC) har flera egenskaper, bland annat antioxidfunktioner och förbättring av njurarnas perfusion som kan vara bidragande egenskaper till att förebygga KMN. Syfte: Denna litteraturöversikt var att sammanställa om N-Acetylcystein (NAC) är ett effektivt hydreringsalternativ för att förebygga kontrastmedelsinducerad nefropati (KMN) Metod: Studien utfördes som en allmänlitteraturöversikt. Tio vetenskapliga artiklar kvalitetsgranskades, analyserades och resultatet presenterades i kategorier. Resultat: Analysen av tio artiklar resulterade i sex kategorier, om NAC har en bra hydrerande effekt mot KMN, högriskpatienternas utveckling av KMN och NAC:s effekt, kontrastmedelsdos, mätvärden kontrollerade med serumkreatinin och cystatin C, biverkningar från oral och intravenös administration av NAC samt studiernas definition på KMN. Slutsats: NAC tillsammans med hydrering har visat sig i vissa studier vara effektivt mot KMN men det är ändå oklart om det är NAC som ger den positiva effekten. NAC tillsammans med hydrering verkar inte ge några negativa effekter för patienten då NAC har få biverkningar och är ett billigt läkemedel, men röntgensjuksköterskan bör ge kontrastmedelsdos enligt uträknad GFR. / Introduction: Iodine contrast media is a drug that is administered by the radiographer to enhance the contrast between the internal organs and tissues and distinguish between normal and pathological areas. Iodine contrast media is given estimated to 80 million dosesworldwide year 2003. By contrast media, a serious side effect or even a life-threatening condition can arise like contrast induced nephropathy (CIN). N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) has acapacity of antioxidant functions and improvement of renal perfusion, which may be properties to help and prevent CIN. Purpose: This literature review was to compile if N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is an effective hydrations alternative to prevent contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) Method: The study was conducted as a general literature review. Tenquality scientific articles were reviewed, analyzed and the results were presented in categories. Results: The analysis of the ten articles resulted in six categories, the NAC has a good dehydrating effect against KMN, high-risk patients, the development of KMN and NAC:s effect, contrast media, measurements controlled by serum creatinine and cystatin C, side effects from oral and intravenous administration of NAC and studies definition of KMN Conclusions: NAC with hydration has been shown in some studies to be effective against KMN but it is still unclear whether it is NAC that gives the positive effect. We believe that NAC along with hydration do not hurt to give to the patient when the NAC has few side effects and is an inexpensive drug, but radiographer should give contrast media according to calculated GFR.

INTRODUÇÃO: O Gadolínio (Gd) é um raro metal da classe dos lantanídios usado como meio de contraste devido as suas propriedades paramagnéticas. Após sua descoberta, foi considerado um contraste pouco nefrotóxico em pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC). Atualmente, existem evidências de que o Gd pode apresentar nefrotoxicidade semelhante aos contrastes iodados. A administração de Gadolínio em ratos com DRC pode levar a piora da função renal aferida por clearance de inulina e mobilização do ferro corporal gerando stress oxidativo. OBJETIVOS: O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito do Gd na função renal, nos parâmetros de cinética do ferro em ratos com DRC e o possível efeito protetor do anti-oxidante N-Acetilcisteína (NAC). MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Ratos Wistar machos foram submetidos à nefrectomia 5/6 (Nx) para induzir DRC. Gadoterate Meglumine, um contraste à base de Gadolínio iônico e macrocíclico foi administrado via intravenosa na dose de 1,5mmol/kg de peso de rato 21 dias após a nefrectomia. Para avaliar o efeito do Gd sobre a função renal, estudos de clearance de inulina foram realizados em 4 grupos de ratos 48 hs após a aplicação do Gd: grupo controle 1- Nx (n=7); 2- Nx+NAC (n=6); 3- Nx+Gd (n=8); 4- Nx+Gd+NAC (n=5). O NAC foi administrado no grupo 4 diluído em água 48 hs antes e 48 hs depois da administração do Gd na dose de 4800mg/l. O grupo 2 recebeu NAC durante o mesmo período de tempo do grupo 4. O Gd também foi administrado em ratos com função renal normal, grupo Normal (n=8) na mesma dose dos grupos nefrectomizados com avaliação da função renal e proteinúria. Além da taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG), foram avaliados: proteinúria de 24hs (ptn), parâmetros de gaiola metabólica, pressão arterial (PA), paramêtros de cinética do ferro representados pelo ferro sérico (Fe), capacidade total de ligação do ferro (CTLF), saturação de transferrina, ferritina sérica e stress oxidativo por meio da dosagem de espécies reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS). Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância ANOVA utilizando o programa Graph Prism com nível de significância p<0,05 e erro padrão. RESULTADOS: A aplicação de Gd em ratos nefrectomizados resultou em queda na TFG no grupo 3 em relação ao grupo controle 1 (p<0,01). Houve uma tendência de aumento da ptn no grupo 3 em relação aos demais grupos. O grupo 4 que recebeu tratamento com NAC apresentou TFG e ptn semelhante ao grupo 1 e TFG estatisticamente maior que o grupo 3 (p<0,05). Com relação ao grupo de ratos normais não houve alteração da TFG nem aumento de ptn após a aplicação do Gd em relação à ratos não nefrectomizados que não receberam contraste. Com relação aos parâmetros da cinética do ferro, o grupo 3 apresentou elevação da ferritina e da saturação da transferrina comparados ao grupo 1 (p<0,05) e (p<0,01) respectivamente. Houve diminuição da capacidade total de ligação do ferro (CTLF) no grupo 3 comparado ao grupo 1(p<0,01). O uso profilático do NAC no grupo 4 reverteu todas as alterações descritas anteriormente no grupo 3 com significância estatística (p<0,05), (p<0,01) e (p<0,01) respectivamente. Com relação ao stress oxidativo, o grupo 3 apresentou níveis de TBARS significativamente maiores que o grupo 1 (p<0,05). O grupo 4 apresentou níveis de TBARS semelhantes ao grupo 1 e menores que o grupo 3 (p<0,05). O grupo 2 que recebeu apenas NAC por curto período de tempo apresentou TFG, Ptn e parâmetros de cinética de ferro semelhantes aos grupos 1 e 4. Com relação aos dados de gaiola metabólica e pressão arterial não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos 1,2,3 e 4. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados mostram que a administração de Gd em ratos nefrectomizados resulta em dimuição da TFG, aumento da proteinúria associado a aumento da ferritina sérica, saturação de transferrina e diminuição da CTLF. Em ratos normais o Gd não mostrou ser nefrotóxico e o uso do NAC isoladamente no grupo 2 por curto período de tempo não demonstrou nenhum efeito, pois todos os parâmetros avaliados foram semelhantes ao grupo controle. Indução de stress oxidativo foi representado pelo aumento do TBARS nos ratos que receberam o Gd. O uso de NAC reverteu todas as alterações provocadas pelo Gd. Concluímos que o NAC pode ser usado como profilaxia da toxicidade associada ao Gd. / INTRODUCTION: Gadolinium (Gd) is a rare class of lanthanide metal used as a contrast agent due to its paramagnetic properties. After its discovery, was considered a bit of contrast nephrotoxicity in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Currently, there is evidence that Gd may present similar to iodine contrast media nephrotoxicity. The administration of Gadolinium in rats with CKD can lead to worsening renal function measured by inulin clearance and mobilization of iron body causing oxidative stress. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Gd on renal function, iron parameters and oxidative stress in rats with CKD and a possible effect of antioxidant N-Acetylcisteine (NAC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats underwent nephrectomy 5/6 (Nx) to induce CKD. Gadoterate meglumine, a Gadolinium based contrast ionic and macrocyclic was administrated intravenously at a dose of 1.5 mmol / kg BW of rats 21 days after nephrectomy. To evaluate the effect of Gd on renal function, inulin clearance studies were performed in 3 groups of animals 48 hours (hs) after application of Gd: a control group 1 - Nx (n =7), 2- Nx+NAC (n = 6); 3- Nx+Gd (n=8) e 4- Nx+Gd+NAC (n=5). The NAC was administrated in group 4, diluted with water 48 hs before and 48 hs after administration of gadolinium at a dose of 4800mg / l. Group 2 received NAC four days before clearance study. Gd was also administrated in rats with normal renal function, group normal (n = 8) at the same dose of nephrectomized rats with assessment of renal function and proteinuria. In addition to the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were evaluated: 24 hours proteinuria (ptn), cage metabolic parameters, blood pressure (BP), serum iron (Fe), total capacity of iron binding (TIBC), transferrin saturation, serum ferritin and oxidative stress through measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS). Data were submitted to ANOVA using the program Prism Graph with a significance level p <0.05 and standard error. RESULTS: Gd administration to group 3 results in a decrease of GFR compared with group 1 (p<0,01). There was a trend of increase ptn in group 3 compared to other groups. Normal rats treated with the same dose of Gd presented similar GFR and proteinuria when compared with normal controls. In group 3, there was a decrease in TIBC, elevation of ferritin serum levels, transferrin oversaturation and plasmatic TBARS elevation compared with group 1 (p<0,01), (p<0,05), (p<0,01) and (p<0,05) repectively. The treatment with NAC in group 4 reversed the decreased in GFR and proteinuria compared with group 3 (p<0,05) for both variables. Treatment with NAC in group 4 also reversed all alterations in iron parameters and oxidative stress described earlier with statistical significance (p<0,01), (p<0,05), (p<0,01) and (p<0,05) respectively. Group 2 received NAC for a short period of time had GFR, Ptn and kinetic parameters of iron similar to groups 1 and 4. With respect to metabolic cage data and blood pressure showed no statistical difference between groups 1,2,3 and 4.CONCLUSIONS: These results show that Gd administration to nephrectomized rats results in a decrease of GFR and increased proteinuria associated with increased serum ferritin and transferrin saturation with decreased TIBC. In normal rats, Gd was not nephrotoxic. These effects were not due to a possible effect of NAC on Nx, since all parameters measured in group 2 were not different from the group 1. There was induction of oxidative stress represented by the increase in TBARS in rats receiving gadolinium. The use of NAC reversed all these changes caused by Gd. We conclude that the NAC can be used as prophylaxis of toxicity associated with Gd.

<p>Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is a potentially curable cause of hypertension and azotemia. Besides intra-arterial renal angiography there are several non-invasive techniques utilized to diagnose patients with suspicion of renal artery stenosis. Removing the stenosis by revascularization to restore unobstructed blood flow to the kidney is known to improve and even cure hypertension/azotemia, but is associated with a significant complication rate. </p><p>To visualize renal arteries with x-ray techniques a contrast medium must be used. In a randomized, prospective study the complications of two types of contrast media (CO₂ and ioxaglate) were compared. CO₂ was not associated with acute nephropathy, but induced nausea and had lower attenuation differences compared to Ioxaglate. Acute nephropathy was related to the ioxaglate dose and the risk was evident even at very low doses if the patients were azotemic with creatinine clearance <40 ml/min. </p><p>Evaluating patients for clinically relevant renal artery stenosis can be done utilizing several non-invasive techniques. MRA was retrospectively evaluated and shown to be accurate in detecting hemodynamically significant RAS. In a prospective study of 58 patients, evaluated with four methods for renal artery stenosis, it was shown that MRA and CTA were significantly better than ultrasonography and captopril renography in detecting hemodynamically significant RAS. The standard of reference was trans-stenotic pressure gradient measurement, defining a stenosis as significant at a gradient of ≥15 mmHg. The discrepancies were mainly found in the presence of borderline stenosis.</p><p>The outcome of percutaneous revascularization procedures showed a technical success rate of 95%, clinical benefit in 63% of treated patients, 30-day mortality 1.5% and major complication rate of 13%. The major complication rate for patients with baseline serum creatinine >300µmol/l was 32%. Our results compare favorably with published studies and guidelines.</p>