bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ureteral calculi imaging: a literature review comparing plain film studies, contrast media studies, ultrasound and computed tomography
Authors: Meredith E , Reed W 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: Through a study of the literature this paper aims to investigate the imaging pathway which should be undertaken by patients presenting to the emergency department with renal colic and flank pain. Method: The British Journal of Radiology, Journal of Endourology, Radiology, RadioGraphics, American Journal of Radiology and Adult Urology were searched to find any previous studies into this area through the use of keywords: calculi, renal, computed tomography (CT), plain imaging, abdominal, ultrasound, intravenous urogram (IVU) and x‐ray. Conclusion: This literature review determined that the use of non‐enhanced helical CT scanning of the abdomen and pelvis should be utilised as the initial imaging technique. CT is able to demonstrate all stones, can be performed rapidly and can diagnose other pathologies which may be mimicking renal colic. Plain film and contrast imaging studies including intravenous urography (IVU) are seen as being of little diagnostic value for frontline identification due to their inability to demonstrate a large number of stones due to size, location and composition. Ultrasound has been shown to be of use as a tool for pregnant or paediatric patients, however its inability to accurately demonstrate the ureters and diagnose extra‐urinary pathology limits its use for the general population. The use of low‐dose CT is also discussed, and its use advocated for patients with repeat presentation of these symptoms. As more eduction is provided into this area, the authors believe this will become the modality and technique of choice. An imaging pathway flowchart devised by this review is provided.
Systematic review — role expansion in radiation therapy: from an international perspective to an Australian context
Authors: Acharya U , Acharya V , Vatsavayi S Raja , Cox J 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis systematic review aims to explore the current state of role expansion in radiation therapy internationally and gain an informed understanding of the possibilities of such practices in an Australian context. A comprehensive search from 1990 to 2008 was undertaken to extract publications from electronic databases, individual journals and professional bodies. A thorough title and abstract audit was conducted. Fifteen articles were selected for critical analysis after content examination. The results indicated that expanded roles for radiation therapists (RTs) have been implemented internationally, but few are reported in the Australian environment. The two most prominent roles identified were the patient treatment reviewer and the image reviewer. Additionally, roles such as the breast planning RT, research RT and information and support RT have also been described. The data offered a substantial amount of evidence that developed countries are progressing rapidly towards role expansion. Expanded practice has conferred greater accountability; autonomy and responsibility on RTs. Positive outcomes such as improved patient care and increased job satisfaction for RTs have been observed despite barriers such as medical dominance and legal issues. It therefore appears that role expansion in RT is viable in Australia, but further research and evaluation should be conducted before role expansion is applied.
Prior cancer‐death events: what impact does this have on radiation therapy students?
Authors: Dungey GM 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: In 2004, a study was undertaken to determine whether treating cancer patients affected the identity development of radiation therapy students in New Zealand. Initial data analysis revealed many students had experienced significant cancer‐death events, such as family members or friends dying prior to entering the course. Methods: A further thematic analysis was undertaken of the transcript data to determine the effects of having a prior cancer‐death event on students' attitudes and perceptions of death. Results: Sixteen of the 21 students indicated that they had experienced a cancer‐death event before entering the course. Four main themes evolved from the analysis of the student transcripts. The themes were: impact of having a prior cancer‐death event; parent relationships; compassion; and a reported feeling that their lives are meaningful. Students reported the impact of the prior death‐event on their professional choice and other aspects of their lives. Conclusion: Previous research found that young adults tended not to want to talk to their parents about death. In this study students openly discussed with parents issues relating to previous cancer‐death events and dying patients. Both female and male students in this cohort demonstrated high levels of compassion. They expressed increased feelings of empathy with family and friends facing life‐threatening illnesses of others although not necessarily if minor illness was involved. Students also reported that their life was made more meaningful by their past experience with a cancer‐death. Further research will aim to explore whether a prior death‐related event influences a range of tertiary students with respect to their attitude to life, their relationships with other people and their career choices.
Comparison of fiducial and bony anatomy match with the introduction of implanted gold seed markers in the prostate gland
Authors: Hilder B 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: The introduction of implanted gold seed fiducial markers for prostate cancer patients at the WP Holman Clinic, Hobart in November 2007 provided the opportunity to compare practice both with other centres and with the previous practice of the clinic. Methods: Images from the first 15 patients implanted with fiducial markers were analysed to ascertain the correlation between online match to fiducial markers and offline bony match. Random and systematic errors in both the matches and any changes in action level (using a clinical action level of 3 mm) between image pairs were determined. Results: The study demonstrated that the use of fiducial markers in this clinic is practicable and that the random and systematic error of both the bony anatomy and fiducial match were similar to that of other studies. The change in action level between the use of fiducial markers and bony anatomy was 46% for anterior/posterior images and 63% for lateral images. This indicates that a match to bony anatomy could result in an underdose of the treatment volume and inclusion of unintended normal tissue in the high dose irradiated region. Conclusion: This small study demonstrates that the introduction of fiducial markers for image matching should result in more accurate isocentre placement.
Development of a training package to increase the performance of radiographers in assessing screening mammograms
Authors: Moran S , Warren‐Forward H 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: Due to a lack of any formal training in mammographic image interpretation for radiographers in Australia, a training package was developed specifically for radiographers who were to undertake a trial of screening mammogram assessment. Methods: A PowerPoint presentation was developed and included topics such as: how best to prepare to screen read, methods of checking all areas of the breast tissue, and examples of benign and malignant lesions. The training package was made available after completion of a pilot study, and pre‐post testing was conducted on the same mammograms to determine the effectiveness of training. Results: There was an overall increase in sensitivity (73–78%) with five of seven radiographers improving. The average specificity was relatively constant (71–70%), with three radiographers showing improvement. Again, overall accuracy remained constant (72%) with four radiographers improving, one remaining constant and two decreasing in accuracy. Conclusion: Guidelines for preparing and systematically checking mammogram images were helpful to most of the radiographers, with the training package helping to improve sensitivity and accuracy for the majority of participants.
An introduction to nuclear medicine
Authors: Wheat JM , Currie GM , Davidson R , Kiat H 
Published: October 2013

AbstractNuclear medicine is the injection, ingestion or inhalation of a radiopharmaceutical for the purpose of diagnosis or therapy. It shares imaging synergies with both planar/general x‐ray and to computed tomography (CT) in its acquisition methods. Nonetheless, the prime difference is that the focus of planar x‐ray and CT is on morphology or anatomy while nuclear medicine has a focus on the evaluation of function or physiology. The history of nuclear medicine follows similar timelines to that of x‐ray. Nuclear medicine, however, had a slower recognition and clinical permeation of its imaging/treatment methods and strengths as well as a delayed recognition of the dangers of these forms of ionising radiation. Both planar x‐ray and planar nuclear medicine, and x‐ray CT and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) have emerged with greater integration in order provide improved diagnostic utility of each modality; the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The strengths of x‐ray imaging modalities and the treatment approaches used in radiation therapy are well understood by diagnostic radiographers and radiation therapists. An understanding of the technical and clinical aspects of nuclear medicine and its imaging and treatments strengths can provide improved service provision and patient care.
Development and implementation of the Australian universities radiation therapy student clinical assessment form
Authors: Dempsey S , Giles E , Chiswell M , Wright C , Charlton N , Rowntree P , Forrest W , Churcher K , Jimenez Y , Hargrave C 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: Prior to 2009, one of the problems faced by radiation therapists who supervised and assessed students on placement in Australian clinical centres, was that each of the six Australian universities where Radiation Therapy (RT) programmes were conducted used different clinical assessment and reporting criteria. This paper describes the development of a unified national clinical assessment and reporting form that was implemented nationally by all six universities in 2009. Methods: A four phase methodology was used to develop the new assessment form and user guide. Phase 1 included university consensus around domains of student practice and assessment, and alignment with national competency standards; Phase 2 was a national consensus workshop attended by radiation therapists involved in student supervision and assessment; Phase 3 was an action research re‐iterative Delphi technique involving two rounds of a mail‐out to gain further expert consensus; and stage 4 was national piloting of the developed assessment form. Results: The new assessment form includes five main domains of practice and 19 sub‐domain criteria which students are assessed against during placement. Feedback from the pilot centre participants was positive, with the new form being assessed to be comprehensive and complemented by the accompanying user guide. Conclusion: The new assessment form has improved both the formative and summative assessment of students on placement, as well as enhancing the quality of feedback to students and the universities. The new national form has high acceptance from the Australian universities and has been subject to wide review by the profession.
Attitudes of medical imaging technologists on use of gonad shielding in general radiography
Authors: MacKay M , Hancy C , Crowe A , D'Rozario R , Ng CKC 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: Gonad shielding is an important way to address the ‘as low as reasonably achievable’ (ALARA) requirement in radiography. However, its use relies on the attitudes of medical imaging technologists (MITs) to consistently adhere to professional conduct requirements relating to the application of gonad shielding. The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes of Western Australian (WA) MITs to the use of gonad shielding in general radiography and also to explore the variables influencing these attitudes. Methods: A questionnaire regarding MITs' attitudes towards gonad shielding was developed based on relevant literature and distributed to MITs working in general radiography employed by public and private clinical centres in WA metropolitan and rural regions. Descriptive (percentage of frequency, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (chi‐square, t‐test and analysis of variance) were used to analyse the responses of the multiple choice (MC) and 5‐point scale questions from the returned questionnaires. Results: The questionnaire response rate was 44.6% (127/285). It was found that WA MITs perceived gonad shielding as important (mean: 3.8) and that adequate education had been provided (mean: 3.1). However, statistically significant attitude variations existed among MITs from different employment sectors (P < 0.01), equipment awareness (P < 0.05), genders (P < 0.005) and educational qualifications (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Overall, WA MITs have positive and appropriate attitudes to the use of gonad shielding in general radiography. However, statistically significant attitude variations existed among MITs. Possible directions for improvement include the provision of gonad shielding protocol in each x‐ray room in clinical departments and the enhancement of education and training of shielding application. This potentially will lead to improved consistency in the appropriate application of gonad protective shielding.
Quality parameters and assessment methods of digital radiography images
Authors: Alsleem H , Davidson R 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis article reviews the parameters that characterise the image quality of digital radiography and the available evaluation methods that are used to measure these parameters. The article also discusses the factors that affect each parameter of image quality. Digital imaging systems are the most commonly utilised technology in the field of radiology. Screen‐film radiography systems are almost replaced by digital radiography. The data acquisition and image processing principles of digital radiography differ from that of conventional radiography. The required exposure factors for each digital radiography system are not the same. Therefore, the image quality should be optimised while lower radiation dose is maintained according to the properties of the specific imaging system. Distinguishing image quality parameters and understanding the factors that control each image quality parameter are essential to optimise and maintain image quality and to reduce radiation dose to the patient. The degree of factors effects on the images of different digital radiography types and systems are not exactly same. There are different methods and approaches that are used to evaluate the quality of medical images and to assess the performance of imaging systems and each has its own rewards and limits. Therefore, these methods should be utilised and employed according to their aptitudes to improve imaging process.
A guide to foetal dose minimisation in computed tomography pulmonary angiography of the pregnant patient
Authors: Hancock J , Reed W 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: For pregnant patients the imaging choice between computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and ventilation‐perfusion scintigraphy (VQ) in the investigation of pulmonary emboli (PE) is clouded by perceptions of radiation dose levels reaching the foetus. There is also uncertainty amongst medical professionals regarding the subsequent need to implement measures directed at reducing this dose. The aim of this article is to clarify the various theories surrounding CTPA of the pregnant patient and provide radiographers and medical professionals with a clear, concise understanding of how to reduce the radiation dose to the foetus during CTPA scanning. Methods: In a review of the current data surrounding foetal doses in relation to CTPA this paper is able to compare CTPA and VQ foetal doses. By collating information from the limited number of studies performed on foetal dose reduction techniques for CTPA a number of conclusions were drawn in order to formulate a scanning guide for radiographers. Results: Current opinion suggests that the benefits of CTPA outweigh those of VQ with respect to foetal radiation dose. Survey evidence suggests that often no foetal dose reduction strategies are implemented when scanning a pregnant woman for CTPA. Recently published studies have shown that simply by altering the CTPA scanning parameters, such as kVp, mAs, and scan length, using lead protection on the abdomen, and even ingesting barium sulphate solution the dose received by the foetus can be reduced by at least half. Conclusion: Since the stochastic effects of radiation are relatively unknown it is prudent to use any practical techniques aimed at reducing the foetal dose during a CTPA study. Since most of the measures investigated are practical and cause little patient discomfort the authors suggest that consideration should be given to integrating these modifications into current routine scanning protocols.
Revolution or evolution? Hybrid imaging continues to push boundaries
Authors: Bailey DL 
Published: October 2013

AbstractOne of the major advances in imaging in the last decade has been the combination of existing functional imaging techniques such as SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) or positron emission tomography (PET) with x‐ray computed tomography (CT), giving an anatomical framework to the functional image. PET/CT and SPECT/CT have changed the practice of nuclear medicine considerably since their introduction. This article examines how this hybrid technology evolved, its revolutionary impact, and that it is now seen as the first of potentially many multimodality hybrid imaging devices.
Radiological procedure induced heat loss in neonatal patients' transfer to the radiology department: implications for hypothermia
Authors: Chingarande GR , Matiki F 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: The objectives of this survey were to determine temperature differences within the neonatal unit thermal environment and the radiographic room thermal environment; to measure how much time in minutes the infant spends outside the neonatal unit thermal environment during a radiographic examination carried out in the radiology department and to measure the amount of heat lost by the infant in the process. Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted over a period of two months. Twenty two neonates, aged between one and 30 days, were included in the study. The neonate's body temperature before and after the radiological procedure, the total time the neonate spent outside the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and the temperature difference between the NICU and the radiological procedure room were measured for each neonate. Results: The mean time spent outside the neonatal unit was 27.82 minutes (standard deviation −1.68). The temperature difference ranged from −4°C to 3.5°C, with a mean temperature difference of −1.7°C. For 50% of the infants there was a temperature difference of 2 or more degrees. Eighteen percent of the neonates developed hypothermia during the course of the radiological procedure. The WHO classification of hypothermia, which defines a core body temperature between 36°C and 36.4°C as mild hypothermia, 32 to 35.9°C as moderate hypothermia and below 32°C as severe hypothermia, was adopted for this study. Conclusion: The study concludes that in settings where the NICU is not equipped for radiological procedures, where there is no functional mobile radiology equipment and where the neonate must be transported to the radiology department for radiographic procedures, greater care should be taken to minimise heat loss from the neonate. Greater coordination between the departments and warm linen for swaddling the neonates is recommended.
The role of breast imaging during pregnancy and lactation in the diagnosis of breast malignancy
Authors: Saunders C , Taylor D , Ives A 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: Imaging the pregnant or lactating breast can prove a challenge with malignancy either obscured or masquerading as a benign mass. Pregnancy related, or gestational breast cancer occurs in 24 of every 100,000 pregnancies. It is vital to exclude malignancy in women at any age, whether pregnant or not, who present with breast symptoms and imaging is an important part of this work up. Methods: This paper reviews the current world knowledge of how best to image the breast in women who are pregnant or lactating. It includes the authors' own case series of 22 women identified from the Western Australian Gestational Breast Cancer Project and cases diagnosed at Royal Perth Hospital up to the end of March 2007 for whom breast imaging studies were available for review. Results/discussion: We discuss the imaging characteristics of gestational breast cancer as described in the world literature. Results demonstrate that most, but not all, pregnant and lactating breasts have high density but there is up to 100% negative predictive value for mammography and ultrasound. Despite the increased density mammography and/or ultrasound reveal positive findings when cancer is present in up to 90% of cases. Image guided biopsy is important to confirm a diagnosis. Conclusion: Imaging the breasts during pregnancy or lactation adds valuable information in the work up of a breast symptom. We provide an algorithm for the investigation of pregnant and/or lactating women with a palpable breast mass.
Identification and Estimation of Engel Curves with Endogenous and Unobserved Expenditures
Authors: Battistin Erich , Nadai Michele De 
Published: October 2013

SummaryWhen dealing with the estimation of Engel curves, measurement errors in expenditure data and simultaneity are likely sources of endogeneity. In this paper we study identification of the parameters that characterize an Engel curve in the presence of both. We consider specifications where budget shares are polynomials in the logarithm of total expenditure, which is the case frequently encountered in empirical applications. We propose an estimation procedure which is an extension of that in Lewbel () and exploits a control function assumption to correct for the endogeneity of the true unobserved total expenditure. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal exposure to bisphenol A at the reference dose impairs mitochondria in the heart of neonatal rats
Authors: Jiang Ying , Liu Juan , Li Yuanyuan , Chang Huailong , Li Gengqi , Xu Bing , Chen Xi , Li Weiyong , Xia Wei , Xu Shunqing 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTBisphenol A (BPA) exposure has been reported to be epidemiologically associated with heart disease. As mitochondria play an important role in the early development of the heart and in the pathogenesis of heart disease, the current study investigated the possibility of cardiac mitochondrial injury in neonatal rat heart prenatally exposed to BPA. Pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to BPA 50 µg kg–1 day–1 or corn oil 1 ml kg–1 by oral gavage throughout gestation. Heart samples from pups on postnatal day 1 were isolated for analysis. Ultrastructure results showed mild swelling with dissociation of cristae in myocardial mitochondria of BPA‐treated rats. Additionally, mitochondrial membrane potential and the activity of respiratory chain complex II were significantly decreased. However, the activities of other three complexes (CI, CIII, CIV) and cardiac histology stayed normal. The expression levels of some key regulators involved in mitochondria energy metabolism and ATP‐generating pathways were downregulated. The study demonstrated for the first time that prenatal exposure to BPA at the reference dose could impair mitochondria in the hearts of neonatal rats. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.