Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Gynecological Devices

Background: Performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on women with gynecological devices is a completely accepted practice. The goal of our review is to assess how safe it is to perform MRI on women using contraceptive implants or devices. Study Design: Literature review, searching in PubMed-Medline/Ovid for the following keywords: magnetic resonance imaging, intrauterine devices, Implanon® and Essure®. Results: Though plastic devices do not represent a contraindication to the use of the technique, those including metallic components have been submitted to several tests, after which they were classified as MR Conditional (devices presenting no risks in MR-specific environments) by the Food and Drug Administration. Thus, the use of MRI can be safely advised to women with this type of device as long as the magnetic resonance equipment is ≤3.0 T. Conclusions: Presently, there is no scientific evidence that contraindicates performing MRI on women with any kind of gynecological device. Therefore, this procedure is safe as long as it is performed under previously tested conditions.

Efficient succinic acid production from glycerol by actinobacillus succinogenes using dimethyl sulfoxid as electron acceptor

Dissertação para obtenção do Grau de Mestre em Engenharia Química e Bioquímica

Monte Carlo simulations for dosimetric verification in photon and electron beam radiotherapy

Dissertação para obtenção do Grau de Doutor em Engenharia Biomédica

Stenosis of the Branches of the Neopulmonary Artery after the Arterial Switch Operation: a Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

Background : The neonatal arterial switch operation (ASO) is now the standard of care for children born with transposition of the great arteries. Stenosis of the neopulmonary artery on long‑term follow up is a known complication. Methods : We performed a retrospective analysis of eleven patients who underwent a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to echocardiographic evidence suggestive of stenosis of the neopulmonary artery or its branches (mean estimated Doppler gradient 48 mmHg, min 30 mmHg, max 70 mmHg). A comprehensive evaluation of anatomy and perfusion was done by cardiac MRI. Results : The branches of the neopulmonary artery (neo PA) showed decreased caliber in three patients unilaterally and in two patients, bilaterally. Magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion studies showed concomitant decreased flow, with discrepancy between the two lungs of 35/65% or worse, only in the three patients with unilateral obstruction, by two different MR perfusion methods. Conclusions : Cardiac MR can be used as a comprehensive non‑invasive imaging technique to diagnose stenosis of the branches of the neopulmonary after the ASO, allowing evaluation of anatomy and function of the neoPA, its branches, and the differential perfusion to each lung, thus facilitating clinical decision making.

Decision-making process in radiology: the magnetic resonance example in the TA context

Based on the report for “Project IV” unit of the PhD programme on Technology Assessment (Doctoral Conference) at Universidade Nova de Lisboa (December 2011). This thesis research has the supervision of António Moniz (FCT-UNL and ITAS-KIT) and Michael Decker (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology-ITAS). Other members of the thesis committee are Carlos Alberto da Silva (University of Évora), José Maria de Albuquerque (Institute of Welding and Quality), Lotte Steuten (University of Twente), Mário Forjaz Secca (FCT-UNL) and Nelson Chibeles Martins (FCT-UNL).

Technology governance in radiology: the example of magnetic resonance imaging

Based on the report for the unit “Project III” of the PhD programme on Technology Assessment in 2011. The unit was supervised by Prof. António B. Moniz (FCT-UNL).

The electron transfer complex between nitrous oxide reductase and its electron donors

J Biol Inorg Chem (2011) 16:1241–1254 DOI 10.1007/s00775-011-0812-9

New spectroscopic and electrochemical insights on a class I superoxide reductase: evidence for an intramolecular electron-transfer pathway

Biochem. J. (2011) 438,485–494 doi:10.1042/BJ20110836

Analysis of the activation mechanism of Pseudomonas stutzeri cytochrome c peroxidase through an electron transfer chain

J Biol Inorg Chem (2011) 16:881–888 DOI 10.1007/s00775-011-0785-8

Mediated catalysis of Paracoccus pantotrophus cytochrome c peroxidase by P. pantotrophus pseudoazurin: kinetics of intermolecular electron transfer

J Biol Inorg Chem (2007) 12:691–698 DOI 10.1007/s00775-007-0219-9

Kinetics studies of the superoxide-mediated electron transfer reactions between rubredoxin-type proteins and superoxide reductases

J Biol Inorg Chem (2006) 11: 433–444 DOI 10.1007/s00775-006-0090-0

Overexpression and purification of Treponema pallidum rubredoxin; kinetic evidence for a superoxide-mediated electron transfer with the superoxide reductase neelaredoxin

J Biol Inorg Chem (2004) 9: 839–849 DOI 10.1007/s00775-004-0584-6

Electron impact ionization cross sections and analysis of X-ray spectra

A thesis submitted for the degree of Ph. D. in Physics