Women in interventional radiology: insights into Australia's gender gap.

AIM: To assess differences in the exposure, teaching, knowledge, appreciation, and interest in interventional radiology (IR) between male and female doctors prior to specialisation and to identify potential predisposing factors to the gender inequality in interventional radiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional multicentre study was conducted using in-person and web-based distribution of a voluntary, anonymous questionnaire to junior doctors yet to commence specialisation at 11 health services across two Australian states. RESULTS: Complete responses were provided by 333 junior doctors (21.9% response rate). Women were significantly less likely than men to consider a career in IR (13.1% versus 29.7%, p < 0.001). No other statistically significant gender disparities were identified, as both men and women reported low levels of prior teaching and exposure to IR, strong belief in the importance of IR, and suboptimal knowledge of IR. CONCLUSIONS: The gender gap amongst practising Australian interventional radiologists is perpetuated by a consistent gender gap in upcoming junior doctors' desire to pursue IR. This disparity exists despite junior doctors receiving the same exposure and opportunities in interventional radiology, possibly suggesting that preconceived stereotypes or psychosocial factors deter females from pursuing this procedural, male-dominated subspecialty. Future qualitative studies are required to confirm this hypothesis, in conjunction with prospective, experimental trials to determine whether changes in education, mentorship, and advocacy can promote gender equality.

Lunate trabecular structure: a radiographic cadaver study of risk factors for Kienböck's disease [corrected].

The aetiology of Kienböck's disease is unknown. Ulnar variance and lunate shape are possible mechanical risk factors. This study assessed the trabecular structure in 29 cadaveric lunates using microCT and correlated this with ulnar variance and lunate shape on plain radiographs and with bone density assessed using conventional CT. The bony trabeculae within the lunate were shown to run almost perpendicular to the proximal and distal joint surfaces in the coronal plane; these trabeculae met the subchondral bone at an angle between 72-102 degrees. In lunates whose proximal and distal articular surfaces are not parallel, the trabecular orientation may be less able to resist compressive forces and more susceptible to fracture.

A technique for functional and aesthetic reconstruction of the oral commissure and buccal mucosa.

Oral mucosal lesions such as hyperkeratosis can enlarge and involve adjacent anatomic structures. Surgical treatment may cause significant morbidity in terms of loss of function due to scarring and compromised aesthetics due to failure to restore the original muscle anatomy and overlying soft tissue. The authors present a case of hyperkeratosis of the oral commissure and buccal mucosa, which was successfully reconstructed by using vermilion myomucosal flap and A-T advancement.

Resolution of existing intimal plaque in a patient with carotidynia.

We present a case of carotidynia that was imaged with 3 techniques: sonography, CT angiography, and gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging. We describe a previously unreported finding, the resolution of an intimal plaque noted on imaging at the time of initial presentation, presumably due to changes induced by the healing phase of the carotid inflammatory process.

Anti-mosquito ovary antibodies reduce the fecundity of Anopheles stephensi (Diptera:Insecta).

Rabbit antibodies to five antigens (AJ** 29, 35, 43, 64, and 80 kDa) derived from the ovaries of Anopheles stephensi tended to reduce the number of eggs produced. Ingestion of anti-mosquito ovary antibodies did not show a detectable effect on the mortality of mosquitoes. Antisera raised against An. stephensi ovaries showed cross-reactivity in other tissues and in the ovaries of other Anopheles spp. by Western blotting. The results indicate that anti-mosquito ovary antibodies have the potential to disrupt the reproductive physiology of mosquitoes, and indicate the need for further studies with target antigens.