[Expert recommendations for magnetic resonance imaging of muscle disorders]. / Expertenempfehlung zur Magnetresonanztomographie bei Muskelerkrankungen.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance (MRI) imaging of the skeletal muscles (muscle MRI for short) is increasingly being used in clinical routine for diagnosis and longitudinal assessment of muscle disorders. However, cross-centre standards for measurement protocol and radiological assessment are still lacking. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this expert recommendation is to present standards for the application and interpretation of muscle MRI in hereditary and inflammatory muscle disorders. METHODS: This work was developed in collaboration between neurologists, neuroradiologists, radiologists, neuropaediatricians, neuroscientists and MR physicists from different university hospitals in Germany. The recommendations are based on expert knowledge and a focused literature search. RESULTS: The indications for muscle MRI are explained, including the detection and monitoring of structural tissue changes and oedema in the muscle, as well as the identification of a suitable biopsy site. Recommendations for the examination procedure and selection of appropriate MRI sequences are given. Finally, steps for a structured radiological assessment are presented. CONCLUSIONS: The present work provides concrete recommendations for the indication, implementation and interpretation of muscle MRI in muscle disorders. Furthermore, it provides a possible basis for the standardisation of the measurement protocols at all clinical centres in Germany.

Gender- and personality-specific differences in academic qualifications, research motivation, and attractiveness of leadership positions: a survey among radiologists from Germany. / Gender- und persönlichkeitsspezifische Unterschiede in akademischer Qualifikation, Forschungsmotivation und Attraktivität von Leitungspositionen in der Radiologie: eine deutschlandweite Umfrage.

This study investigated gender- and personality-specific differences in academic qualifications, research motivation, and options to increase the attractiveness of leadership positions in radiology.A validated questionnaire with 66 questions was distributed via the German Roentgen Society and individually sent to 4,500 radiologists in Germany. Participants were asked about their gender. Personality dimensions were assessed using the OCEAN (Big Five) model. Multivariable regression analyses were employed.Of 510 included participants (women 237 (46.5%)), men were four times more likely to have acquired an associated professorship (AP, Habilitation Privatdozent) ((odds ratio (OR) 4.39 (2.22-8.67)). Also, they planned to achieve an AP more frequently (OR 2.87 (1.47-5.61)). The only gender-specific motivator for an AP was the option to become eligible for the position of chief physician (men OR 2.56 (1.07-6.15)). Mentors increased the probability of acquiring an AP (OR 2.07 (1.13-3.80)) or striving for an AP (4.82 (2.39-9.73)). Female mentees were likelier to have female mentors (OR 4.62 (1.68-12.73)). To increase the attractiveness of leadership positions, female radiologists perceived gender balance at the management level (OR 3.32 (2.28-4.82)), top sharing (OR 2.22 (1.48-3.32)), and better work-life balance (OR 2.02 (1.19-3.43)) as more relevant than male radiologists. More pronounced openness (OR 1.62 (1.10-2.38)) and extroversion (OR 1.45 (1.07-1.97)) were positively associated with planning an AP. More pronounced agreeableness (OR 0.67 (0.50-0.91)) was negatively associated.Research motivation is mainly independent of gender. Academic qualification varies with gender and personality dimensions. Mentoring, female role models, top sharing, and better work-family compatibility could motivate women to pursue academic leadership. · Male radiologists are more frequently motivated to pursue an associated professorship by the option of becoming a chief physician.. · Openness and extroversion make pursuing an associated professorship more likely.. · Role models at the management level, top sharing, and flexible work time are more important for female radiologists.. · Molwitz I, Kemper C, Stahlmann K et al. Gender- and personality-specific differences in academic qualifications, research motivation, and attractiveness of leadership positions: a survey among radiologists from Germany. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; DOI 10.1055/a-2415-7337.

Motivation and success factors in radiological research in Germany - results of a survey by the Methodology and Research Working Group of the German Radiological Society. / Motivation und Erfolgsfaktoren in der radiologischen Forschung in Deutschland ­ Ergebnisse einer Umfrage der AG Methodik und Forschung.

Investigation of motivation and identification of success factors in radiology research in Germany.Using a German online survey (54 questions, period: 3.5 months), demographic aspects, intrinsic and extrinsic success characteristics, as well as personal and organizational success factors were surveyed based on a career success model. The survey results were reported descriptively. The correlations between success factors and success characteristics were examined using linear, binary-logistic, and multinomial regression models.176 people (164 academically active, 10 not academically active) answered the survey. Most participants (80%, 139/174) worked at a university hospital. 32% had privatdozent or professor as their highest academic title (56/173). The researchers' main motivation was intrinsic interest in research (55%, 89/163), followed by a desire to increase their own career opportunities (25%, 41/163). The following were identified as factors for intrinsic success: i) support from department management (estimate=ß=0.26, p<0.001), ii) good work-life balance (ß=0.37, p<0.001), and iii) the willingness to pursue science even after reaching the career goal (ß=0.16, p<0.016). Relevant factors for extrinsic scientific success were mentoring, protected research time, and activities in professional societies.Researchers in German radiology are mainly intrinsically motivated. Factors known from the literature that determine intrinsic and extrinsic scientific success were confirmed in this study. Knowledge of these factors allows targeted systematic support and could thus increase scientific success in German radiology. · Main motivation for German radiology research is intrinsic interest, followed by career opportunities.. · Factors for intrinsic scientific success are good work-life balance and support by department management.. · Factors for extrinsic scientific success are mentoring, activities in professional societies, and protected research time.. · Wegner F, Heinrichs H, Stahlmann K et al. Motivation and success factors in radiological research in Germany - results of a survey by the Methodology and Research Working Group of the German Radiological Society. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; DOI 10.1055/a-2350-0023.

[Expert recommendations for magnetic resonance imaging of muscle disorders]. / Expertenempfehlung zur Magnetresonanztomographie bei Muskelerkrankungen.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance (MRI) imaging of the skeletal muscles (muscle MRI for short) is increasingly being used in clinical routine for diagnosis and longitudinal assessment of muscle disorders. However, cross-centre standards for measurement protocol and radiological assessment are still lacking. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this expert recommendation is to present standards for the application and interpretation of muscle MRI in hereditary and inflammatory muscle disorders. METHODS: This work was developed in collaboration between neurologists, neuroradiologists, radiologists, neuropaediatricians, neuroscientists and MR physicists from different university hospitals in Germany. The recommendations are based on expert knowledge and a focused literature search. RESULTS: The indications for muscle MRI are explained, including the detection and monitoring of structural tissue changes and oedema in the muscle, as well as the identification of a suitable biopsy site. Recommendations for the examination procedure and selection of appropriate MRI sequences are given. Finally, steps for a structured radiological assessment are presented. CONCLUSIONS: The present work provides concrete recommendations for the indication, implementation and interpretation of muscle MRI in muscle disorders. Furthermore, it provides a possible basis for the standardisation of the measurement protocols at all clinical centres in Germany.