Source of funding in experimental studies of mobile phone use on health: Update of systematic review

A previous review showed that among 59 studies published in 1995–2005, industry-funded studies were least likely to report effects of controlled exposure to mobile phone radiation on health-related outcomes. We updated literature searches in 2005–2009 and extracted data on funding, conflicts of interest and results. Of 75 additional studies 12% were industry-funded, 44% had public and 19% mixed funding; funding was unclear in 25%. Previous findings were confirmed: industry-sponsored studies were least likely to report results suggesting effects. Interestingly, the proportion of studies indicating effects declined in 1995–2009, regardless of funding source. Source of funding and conflicts of interest are important in this field of research.

Nouvelles techniques radiologiques pour les patients insuffisants rénaux

Radiological investigations using gadolinium or intravenous iodinated contrast products are used cautiously in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease because of their risk of acute kidney injury and systemic nephrogenic fibrosis. In this article, we review several radiological alternatives that can be useful to obtain renal anatomical and/or functional information in this patient population. The basic principles, indications, and advantages and limitations of Doppler ultrasound with measurement of the resistance index, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and a technique called BOLD-MRI (blood-oxygenation level dependent-MRI) are discussed.