bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radiographers at risk of assault
Authors: Caruana E 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose To identify the types and causes of violence towards radiographers by the patient and or relatives/friends. To determine actions to minimise these incidents.Methods Questionnaires were distributed to radiographers in New South Wales, Australia. The sample group was originally obtained from the Australia Institute of Radiography then the University of Sydney's NSW clinical database. The questions asked related to violence towards radiographers – experienced or observed, triggers for the violence and responses to the events.Results The survey responses allowed the identification of violence into various categories. To determine the cause of violence (these responses were placed into two groups: patient related and employer related); to establish how the radiographer/management handle these incidents. The most frequent type of violence by the patient and or relatives/friends towards radiographers was verbal abuse, followed by threats of physical aggression.Conclusions The best way for the radiographer to deal with violence is to remain calm yet assertive, by taking control and reasoning with the patient.
The use of whole body magnetic resonance imaging in detecting bone marrow disorders – a valid alternative to imaging modalities that utilise ionising radiation
Authors: Hansen Susanne S 
Published: October 2013

AbstractImaging modalities for investigation of bone marrow abnormalities have traditionally involved the use of ionising radiation. Now magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers an alternative to x‐rays, computer tomography (CT), nuclear medicine bone scans and bone mineral densitometry.This study attempts to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of whole body MRI in detecting bone marrow abnormalities, using T1 and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) weighted sequences. This was achieved by reviewing already acquired scan data to discover whether this method is more sensitive to marrow changes than conventional radiographic skeletal surveys and other imaging tests, involving ionising radiation.The study involved 10 adult participants all of whom suffered from heamatological malignancies, including multiple myeloma, plasma cell dyscrasia, non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma and acute lymphocytic leukaemia. Most of the study group presented with multiple myeloma. Abnormal skeletal MRI findings were reported in nine out of the 10 participants, i.e., a positive detection rate of 90%, using whole body MRI. All participants in the study who suffered from multiple myeloma or plasma cell dyscrasia showed positive MRI findings regardless of the stage of their disease. Four already had a confirmed diagnosis prior to the MRI scan, which was either visible on x‐ray or bone scintigraphy. Three participants had positive serum/urine tests, but negative radiographic findings. The study therefore established that, when investigating possible marrow disorders, MRI was more sensitive to changes in the bone‐marrow producing part of the skeleton and that MRI therefore must be considered a more suitable imaging tool.
Uncovering the causes of unnecessary repeated medical imaging examinations, or part of, in two hospital departments
Authors: Nol James , Isouard Godfrey , Mirecki Jerzy 
Published: October 2013

AbstractA study was undertaken to identify the causes of unnecessary repeated medical imaging examinations. The repeat analysis study investigated repeated medical imaging examinations at two medium sized hospitals in Sydney, Australia. The analytical part of the study was conducted jointly by a radiologist and a radiographer. Overall there were 9.3% and 7.2% of total films repeated respectively at the two hospital sites. Unnecessary repeats were found to have been caused by numerous factors including: poor technical judgement, the adoption of unconventional techniques, non availability of radiologist for advice, patient movement or motion, equipment mishandling, disorganised practice and poor supervision of students. At both of the sites, senior radiographers were associated with 70.2% and 84.5% respectively of dark and light film errors, and 59.7% and 85.5% respectively of the repeated cases had students' involvement. On the other hand, junior radiographers were involved with 70.3% and 86.1 % respectively of positioning errors.It was recommended that major changes be introduced to radiographer practice including, quality control, radiological techniques, training, supervision and continuing professional development. It was also recommended that the radiologist takes a more active role in future guidance and training of radiographers.
Minimising the risk: reducing breast tissue dose in an adolescent female
Authors: Thompson Ann L , Teo Aimee , Ungureanu Elena , Wolf M , Wirth Andrew 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBreast cancer is amongst the leading radiation‐associated, second malignancies that develop in patients after treatment for Hodgkin's disease. This risk is affected by two main factors:

The age of the patient at the time of radiotherapy; and
The dose received by the breast tissue
The adolescent female thus faces an exceptionally high risk, as breast tissue at this age is undergoing rapid developmental growth and small doses of radiation exposure could be carcinogenic. This case report of a fifteen‐year‐old girl who received radiotherapy for Hodgkin's disease demonstrates how radiation therapists worked together with the radiation oncologists and medical physicists to provide an optimal treatment plan for a high‐risk patient.
Diagnostic value of non‐invasive imaging techniques in the detection of carotid artery stenosis: a systematic review
Authors: Al Shuhaimy A , Ababtain K , Sun Z 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe purpose of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of non‐invasive imaging methods of detecting carotid artery stenosis in comparison to digital subtraction angiography (DSA) by undertaking a systematic review of the literature. The non‐invasive methods reviewed include multi‐slice computed tomography (MSCT) angiography, duplex ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) angiography.A search of medical databases (PubMed, Medline, ScienceDirect, ProQuest) of the English literature was performed and 22 studies with 68 comparisons were found to meet the selection criteria and included in our study. Five studies were performed with MSCT angiography, 11 with duplex US and 13 with MR angiography. Both duplex US and MR angiography were studied in seven out of 24 US and MR studies. The diagnostic value of each imaging modality was reviewed in terms of the sensitivity and specificity compared to DSA, which is regarded as the standard method.The mean sensitivity and specificity for MSCT angiography, duplex US and MR angiography were 88% (95% CI; 83%–92%) and 90% (95% CI; 85%–94%), 88% (95% CI; 81%–94%) and 89% (95% CI; 85%–94%), 94% (95% CI; 90%–97%) and 89% (95% CI; 85%–92%), respectively based on overall assessment. The evaluation showed that contrast‐enhanced MR angiography has high diagnostic value for detection of more than 50% stenosis of carotid artery stenosis with mean sensitivity and specificity being 95% (95% CI; 92%–98%) and 91% (95% CI; 86%–95%). When assessment was based on a combination of MR angiography and duplex US, the sensitivity reached the highest value of 98% (95% CI; 96%–100%). This analysis indicates that MR angiography, especially contrast‐enhanced MR angiography could be used as a reliable alternative modality to DSA in the detection of carotid artery stenosis.
Avenues for role expansion in image guided radiation therapy: discussion and recommendations for kilovoltage and megavoltage imaging
Authors: Burow R , Cavenagh J , Simpson C , West M , Cox J , Szymura K 
Published: October 2013

AbstractRecent advances in imaging modalities within radiation therapy departments have the capability to initiate differing roles for radiation therapists. This has the potential to considerably improve the knowledge base and clinical skills of radiation therapists, while also enhancing the relationship between the allied health and medical professions. In addition, the quality of patient care may be improved while reducing the workload of oncologists. This article aims to discuss possible links between role expansion and image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and avenues where this may be possible in modern radiotherapy departments. The work focuses on kilovoltage (kV) and megavoltage (MV) imaging modalities and their use in IGRT processes – primarily at treatment delivery. A literature review was conducted and knowledge gathered based on clinical experience at a number of departments across New South Wales and Queensland, Australia with the literature discussed framed by the authors' clinical learning and experiences. It was found that information is available supporting role expansion and IGRT separately; however, there is no direct correlation of information between these two subject areas across the current Australian or international spectra. Role expansion for radiation therapists must be accompanied by a clear definition of redeveloped roles and responsibilities in order to avoid confusion between oncologists and therapists. The authors recommend funding as vital to ensure adequate education and standardised training intra and inter departments. Ultimately, the development of radiation therapists into IGRT specialists may involve exclusively in imaging planning and treatment aspects.
Continuing Professional Development: the perceptions of radiographers in New South Wales
Authors: Lee SHE , Reed W , Poulos A 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: The Australian Institute of Radiography's (AIR) Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme provides activities for radiographers, radiation therapists and sonographers. This article aims to investigate the perceptions of radiographers in New South Wales (NSW) of the current AIR CPD programme. Methods: 400 questionnaires were distributed within NSW. The questionnaire was designed to investigate the perceptions of radiographers concerning CPD using five themes: motivation for CPD participation; appropriateness of activities; constraints experienced; effectiveness of programme; and mandatory CPD. Results: One hundred and eight‐eight questionnaires (47%) were returned. A total of 68% (n = 127) of the participants were participating in CPD activities. The participants were most motivated by gaining knowledge through CPD. A total of 80% (n = 151) of the participants considered the activities listed in the Credit Recognition Framework to be adequate. The main constraint experienced by the radiographers in the rural setting was the lack of access to CPD activities, while in the metropolitan area, it was lack of time. A total of 59% (n = 111) of the participants commented that the current AIR CPD programme is an effective programme and 66% (n = 125) of the participants stated that CPD should be voluntary for all radiographers. Conclusion: Overall, radiographers identified the strengths and weaknesses of the AIR CPD programme. They were motivated to engage in CPD. This study also highlighted the constraints experienced, which need to be addressed to encourage more participation in the CPD programme.
Uniformity in the analysis of head and neck image guided radiotherapy across multiple departments
Authors: Devereux B , Sisson T , Fenton P , Bradford C , Ambler A , Plank A , Middleton M 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: Head and Neck Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) is of vital importance particularly with the advent of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). The responsibility of IGRT rests with the treating radiation therapy team, therefore it is essential that they undertake IGRT in a uniform manner. This study represents an assessment of head and neck IGRT analysis across multiple radiation oncology departments, inclusive of radiation therapist seniority, image modality and anatomical variation within the treatment volume. Methods: Site visits were undertaken at three radiation oncology departments. At each site kV and MV image datasets were analysed by one senior radiation therapist and one junior radiation therapist. The influence of differing sites, radiation therapist seniority, image modality and cervical vertebra position on head and neck IGRT was then assessed. Results: Statistical analysis of the diagnosed field placement errors indicated that head and neck IGRT was undertaken consistently regardless of site, radiation therapist seniority, image modality and the position of the cervical vertebra. Conclusion: In the era of sophisticated treatment planning it is vital that the treatment delivery mechanism (IGRT) is performed consistently. Head and neck IGRT is the responsibility of the treating radiation therapist regardless of site, seniority, image modality and positioning challenges.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy: an emerging technique for prostate cancer treatment
Authors: Davenport S L A , King S , Giles E , Potter A 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) is treatment using stereotactic techniques outside of the brain. SBRT involves accurate delivery of an extremely hypofractionated treatment which should be beneficial for tumours with a low α/β ratio. The focus of the review is on low risk localised prostate cancer due to the low α/β ratio and lack of research into the region. This will help to determine if further research into SBRT for prostate cancer is warranted. Methods: A review of the literature was performed to discover the history and current use of SBRT for various body sites. Results: SBRT has been investigated for lung and liver cancers with studies finding toxicity and survival outcomes equivalent to conventional radiation therapy. Research into the use of SBRT in other body sites has also been conducted. However, short follow up times, small patient populations and lack of randomised trials mean the results are not of the highest reliability. The same limitations are true of studies examining SBRT for prostate cancer. Despite these limitations, positive acute toxicity and survival outcomes were observed across five studies into SBRT for prostate cancer. Conclusion: There has been no published study into the use of SBRT for prostate cancer within Australia. Theoretical modelling suggests prostate cancer will respond well to the hypofractionated treatment provided by SBRT. Good clinical outcomes with reduced treatment times are possible with SBRT making it a more convenient treatment option for the patient. SBRT also allows greater patient throughput in radiation oncology departments.
Radionuclide production
Authors: Currie GM , Wheat JM , Davidson R , Kiat H 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis article continues from the earlier article “An Introduction to Nuclear Medicine” where the general principles of nuclear medicine were discussed. Radionuclides are required in both diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures. Naturally occurring radionuclides are generally not suitable for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures due to their typically long half‐lives or less than ideal physical or chemical characteristics; therefore appropriate radionuclides need to be produced. The common methods of radionuclide production for nuclear medicine include: fission, neutron activation, cyclotron and generator.Fission occurs in a nuclear reactor where neutrons are used to bombard fission nuclides such as uranium‐235 (235U) or plutonium‐239 (239Pu). Fission results in the splitting of the large nucleus into smaller fission fragments along with the release of gamma radiation and high energy neutrons. Neutron activation also takes place in a nuclear reactor. The neutrons are used to bombard stable nuclides to form other radionuclides. There are disadvantages with this process so other production means are often preferred.Cyclotrons are used to accelerate charged particles such as protons (p), deuterons (d), triton (t) and alpha (α) particles to high velocities to penetrate the orbital electrons of the target atom and interact with the nucleus. Generators produce the most commonly used radionuclide in nuclear medicine, technetium‐99m (99mTc). The radionuclide generator sees the decay of a long half‐life parent radionuclide to a short half‐life daughter radionuclide. The daughter is the radionuclide used in nuclear medicine.An understanding of radionuclide production will assist in the understanding of both diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures.
Paperless workflow in radiation oncology: Perceptions of the multidisciplinary team
Authors: Middleton M , Richteri L , Frantzis J , Sisson T 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: The introduction of a paperless workflow in a radiation oncology setting is a major undertaking and its acceptance by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) team can be vital in its success or failure. In order to assess the acceptance of an electronic medical record (EMR), its ability to enhance six aims of improved patient care was analysed at Radiation Oncology Queensland (ROQ). The six aims of improved patient care assessed were safety, effectiveness, patient centredness, timeliness, efficiency and equity. Methods: A Likert scale questionnaire was designed and completed by five MDT groups. These five MDT groups were radiation therapists, radiation oncologists, physics, nursing and administration. The data were then analysed by simply calculating the response percentage for each of the disciplines. Additionally demographic data of average age and sex was collected. Results: For each of the six aims of improved patient care all responses were in the neither agree nor disagree range to the strongly agree range. There were no responses recorded that indicated disagreeance with the potential of an EMR to enhance the six aims of improved patient care. Conclusion: The results indicate that the MDT at ROQ view that the introduction of a paperless workflow through an EMR can enhance the six aims of improved patient care. An EMR has been accepted by the MDT and its potential of improving patient care is readily acknowledged.
Collaboration in Victorian radiation therapy
Authors: Sale C , Tran T , Fenton P , Bulmer M , Lynch R 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn 2009, Ballarat Austin Radiation Oncology Centre (BAROC) required a significant upgrade in equipment and software that was planned to span a nine‐day period. Many studies have investigated planned and unplanned interruptions to radiotherapy treatment; however, there remains no radiobiological consensus on the impact of interruptions on treatment outcomes across all areas of the body. Therefore, minimising treatment interruptions is important, highlighting that a patient‐focused approach in these situations is required.BAROC approached the Andrew Love Cancer Centre (ALCC) to assist in treating patients during the upgrade. For BAROC patients to be treated during this period there were concerns to be addressed between the two centres, namely; (1) compatibility and beam quality matching of the linear accelerators, (2) agreement between the two centres in terms of the patient record system, billing and medico‐legal matters; and (3) staffing. The commitment of the ALCC and BAROC staff to provide the best possible and equitable treatment to their patients was a strong factor that made this collaborative effort possible and a success. This paper aims to describe the unique achievement of the successful collaboration between BAROC and ALCC.
Reading Preparation of SecondaryELATeachers
Authors: Lovette Gail E. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractSecondary teacher preparation in reading in the U.S. has received minimal attention from the research community despite the almost universal implementation of the Common Core State Standards. In response, numerous publications have demanded that secondary teachers be fully prepared to support the needs of struggling readers, especially ELA teachers. The purpose of this review was to survey the requirements of the 51 U.S. State Educational Agencies (SEAs; the 50 states and the District of Columbia) for initial secondary licensure in ELA in order to describe the current status of teacher preparation with regard to the inclusion of reading development. The study begins by reviewing the research in secondary reading preparation, followed by an examination of reading instruction in secondary schools, with a particular focus on ELA. Finally, the author concludes with a presentation of the 51 SEA's licensure requirements for reading development knowledge for secondary ELA teachers.
Efficient degradation of fulvic acids in water by catalytic ozonation with CeO2/AC
Authors: Qin Hangdao , Chen Honglin , Zhang Xiaoming , Yang Guo , Feng Yujun 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDFulvic acids (FA), the main organic compounds in landfill leachate, are toxic and bio‐resistant organic compounds. Ozonation is effective in removing non‐biodegradable components and the addition of catalysts can improve the removal rates. The objective of this study is to prepare and improve CeO2/AC catalyst for catalytic ozonation of FA.RESULTSThe cerium precursor, calcination atmosphere and calcination temperature changed the percentage of Ce3+ on the surface, thus affecting the catalytic performance of CeO2/AC catalyst. A linear relationship was established between the correcting apparent rate constant of FA degradation (kapp/SBET) and the percentage of Ce3+ on the surface. The CeO2/AC with 5% of Ce loading and calcined under hydrogen atmosphere at 450 °C showed the highest catalytic activity, allowing a FA removal efficiency of 83%. The FA removal efficiency and ozone utilization efficiency were enhanced in O3/CeO2/AC compared with ozonation alone.CONCLUSIONCe3+ on the CeO2/AC surface is the active site for ozonation, indicating a feasible way to improve the catalytic performance of CeO2/AC. The O3/CeO2/AC process may be applied as a promising treatment method for landfill leachate. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification, characterization, and expression of dentin matrix protein 1 gene in Xenopus laevis
Authors: Yonekura Tomoko , Homma Hiromi , Sakurai Atsuo , Moriguchi Mitsuko , Miake Yasuo , Toyosawa Satoru , Shintani Seikou 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTDentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) is an acidic extracellular matrix protein expressed mainly in bone and dentin, and is a member of the small integrin‐binding ligand N‐linked glycoprotein (SIBLING) family. The DMP1 gene, however, appears to evolve rapidly in comparison with other SIBLING genes, even though such functionally important molecules usually evolve more slowly than less important ones. The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize an ortholog of the DMP1 gene in an amphibian (Xenopus laevis; X. laevis) to clarify molecular evolutionary alterations in DMP1 associated with calcified tissues in tetrapods. Furthermore, we analyzed the mRNA expression of this gene to elucidate its functional change in bone and developing tooth germ in comparison with amniote DMP1s. The similarities of the deduced amino acid sequence of X. laevis DMP1 to that of the corresponding amniote proteins were low, although they did share several unique features specific to DMP1 and have similar properties. Expression of X. laevis DMP1 mRNA was predominant in osteocytes and odontoblasts, but only transiently observed in ameloblasts, as in amniotes. These results suggest that DMP1 has conserved several functions during tetrapod evolution. This indicates that continuity of biochemical properties has been more important in maintaining DMP1 functionality than that of the sequence of amino acid residues, which has undergone change over the course of molecular evolution. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 320B: 525–537, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.