bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
WE‐B‐137‐01: Plastic Scintillation Detectors: Present Status and Their Application for Quality Assurance and in Vivo Dosimetry
Authors: Beddar S , Beaulieu L 
Published: July 2013

Development of plastic scintillation detector (PSD) systems for dosimetry has been evolving for two decades now. The subject area has been a topic of a keen research interest that has generated lot of publications lately. PSD systems are being introduced in the market place. Numerous PSD systems for External Beam Radiation Therapy and Brachytherapy have been proposed, most times differentiating from the original systems by slight changes in one or more components, such as the photodetector. However, few major technological and engineering innovations have enabled this new technology to be embraced by the community which helped launching these systems for commercialization (Standard Imaging, Radiadyne, etc.). Scintillation materials (plastic, scintillating fibers and liquid) have many properties that make them ideal for dosimetry including water equivalence and energy independence for MV photons, linearity with dose, dose rate independence, high spatial resolution and nanosecond fast response time. Therefore, these detectors do not require the usual conversion and/or correction factors used for other commonly used detectors to convert the dosimeter reading to absorbed dose. This evolution started with point detectors and has led to matrix arrays to respond to the ever‐increasing complexity of radiotherapy treatment fields such as IMRT, small field dosimetry or incorporating them within special patient applicators to monitor the dose in real time. This lecture will provide a brief overview of the dosimetric characteristics and properties of PSDs when exposed to high‐energy photon beams. We will present few recent applications of PSD systems as applied for EBRT and Brachytherapy (quality assurance and in vivo dosimetry applications). We will briefly present the available and soon to come commercial products related to this type of dosimetry.Learning Objectives:1. Review the underlying physics of organic scintillation materials and the properties of plastic scintillation detectors used in radiation dosimetry.2. Understand the principles of the methods associated with recent innovations of PSDs in EBRT and Brachytherapy.3. Identify potential applications that could benefit from these PSD systems.
WE‐C‐134‐01: The Art of the Image: The Identification and Remediation of Image Artifacts in Projection Radiography
Authors: Walz‐Flannigan A , Geiser W 
Published: July 2013

When it comes to diagnostic image quality, the radiologist may the ultimate arbiter of quality for the purposes of deciding whether an image meets diagnostic criteria, but in the clinical environment the medical physicist is the primary expert on imaging science and technology and as such serves an important role as “image detective” when it comes to identifying the root causes of image artifacts that can mimic or mask diagnostic features in medical images. In this course examples of common and interesting artifacts linked to various imaging system components in general radiography and mammography clinical imaging systems will be reviewed. These will include but are not limited to, artifacts associated with screen‐film, digital imaging receptors, and artifacts introduced by image processing. Appropriate solutions to proactively or re‐actively address image artifacts will be discussed.Note: At the end of the session an “Image Clinic” will be held wherein attendees can bring their “problem” images for diagnosis by the experts.Learning Objectives:1. Have a renewed appreciation for the variety of causes and presentation of imaging artifacts in general radiography and mammography.2. Learn techniques to assist in the investigation, remediation and prevention of imaging artifacts.3. Discover online educational resources to continue their education on image artifact presentation and remediation.
WE‐F‐WAB‐01: Safety Improvement Through Incident Learning
Authors: Ford E , Ezzell G , Dicker A , Piotrowski T 
Published: July 2013

Incident learning is a key tool for improving the quality and safety of procedures. Its use has been linked to better patient‐safety outcomes. This session is designed to provide practical advice to the clinical medical physicist on how to run a successful incident learning system in radiation oncology. The session will draw on engaging examples from clinical practice and will focus on the relevance to smaller clinics. The session will include a presentation from a leading physician on clinical perspectives on quality and safety improvement. The session will also introduce the new national incident reporting system being developed by AAPM and ASTRO. This program employs the Patient Safety Organization (PSO) structure. The concept and structure of the PSO system will be discussed by an expert in the field.Learning Objectives:1. Appreciate the value of incident learning for improving patient safety2. Understand the difference between incident learning at the institutional level vs. the national level, and recognize the issues unique to each3. Learn about the new national radiation oncology incident learning system developed by AAPM and ASTRO
TH‐A‐134‐01: Breast Imaging QA
Authors: Geiser W , Reeve D 
Published: July 2013

Implementation of a New Breast Tomosynthesis Program: A Clinical Medical Physicist's Experience‐W Geiser Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) was approved by the FDA as a screening tool for breast cancer in February 2011. Many systems were preinstalled as 2D systems and are now being upgraded for DBT and there is evidence that DBT is helping reduce recall rates while increasing cancer detection rates. As of February 2013 there were approximately 500 systems certified by the FDA for DBT and it is expected that there will be more than 700 certified systems by the third quarter of 2013. Facilities implementing a breast tomosynthesis program need to be aware that there are many hurdles to be overcome before tomosynthesis studies can be performed. The purpose of this lecture is to provide medical physicists assisting facilities that are upgrading 2D systems or installing new DBT systems, the knowledge to assist with facility design, image storage requirements, choice of PACS, and optimization of diagnostic review. New educational requirements for medical physicists to qualify to perform acceptance testing and continued annual testing of DBT systems will also be reviewed.Learning Objectives:1. Be able to assist with implementation of breast tomosynthesis at their facility.2. Know the process for accreditation and certification of DBT systems.3. Understand additional shielding requirements and facility design for a facility installing digital breast tomosynthesis.Breast MR Imaging and Quality Control — D ReeveMR imaging of the breast is an important adjunct to mammography and ultrasound for the detection of breast cancer and for breast biopsy guidance. Diagnostic breast MRI protocols typically include T2‐weighted fat saturated images and 3D T1‐weighted dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) multiphase images using a Gadolinium‐based contrast agent. The DCE images are used to determine the kinetic signature of enhancing tissues in order to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions. MR spectroscopy and diffusion weighted images (DWI) may also be acquired in order to provide additional diagnostic information.The diagnostic value of breast MRI scans can be improved by choosing acquisition parameters that optimize image quality parameters such as SNR, contrast and spatial resolution. As with any MRI protocol, achieving the desired image quality must balance the need for acceptable scan times. The timing and temporal resolution of the DCE series are important considerations.Breast radiofrequency (RF) coils are phased array coils capable of simultaneous bilateral imaging. A comprehensive breast MRI quality control program is important to assess the performance of the MRI system as well as the breast RF coils.Learning Objectives:1. Provide an overview of breast MR imaging and MR‐guided biopsy procedures.2. Describe breast MR image quality criteria and protocol optimization.3. Discuss the components of a breast MRI quality control program.
TH‐C‐105‐01: Medical Physics Practice Guidelines
Authors: Prisciandaro J , Chan M , Fontenot J , Cody D 
Published: July 2013

The AAPM has long advocated a consistent level of medical physics practice, and has published many recommendations and position statements toward that goal, such as Science Council Task Group reports related to calibration and quality assurance, Education Council and Professional Council Task Group reports related to education, training, and peer review, and Board‐approved Position Statements related to the Scope of Practice, physicist qualifications, and other aspects of medical physics practice. Despite these concerted and enduring efforts, the profession does not have clear and concise statements of the acceptable practice guidelines for routine clinical medical physics. As accreditation of clinical practices becomes more common, Medical Physics Practice Guidelines (MPPGs) will be crucial to ensuring a consistent benchmark for accreditation programs. To this end, the AAPM has recently endorsed the development of MPPGs, which may be generated in collaboration with other professional societies. The MPPGs are intended to be freely available to the general public. Accrediting organizations, regulatory agencies and legislators will be encouraged to reference these MPPGs when defining their respective requirements. MPPGs are intended to provide the medical community with a clear description of the minimum level of medical physics support that the AAPM would consider to prudent in all clinical practice settings. Support includes but is not limited to staffing, equipment, machine access, and training. These MPPGs are not designed to replace extensive Task Group reports or review articles, but rather to describe the recommended minimum level of medical physics support for specific clinical services. This session will describe the purpose, scope, and procedure for development of MPPGs and introduce the first two recently published MPPGs: (1) IGRT Commissioning and QA, and (2) CT Protocol Management and Review.Learning Objectives:1. Understand the purpose and scope of MPPG from the AAPM2. Understand the benefits and process of the development of MPPG by the AAPM3. Introduce the first two AAPM MPPGs
TH‐C‐116‐01: Managing Treatment Planning Systems
Authors: Chang J , Newman G , DeWyngaert K , Feng W 
Published: July 2013

The radiotherapy treatment planning system has evolved over the years into a very powerful but complex software tool. Most modern treatment planning systems employ advanced information technologies (e.g., network, clientserver…) that allow multiple users to access patient data simultaneously and perform treatment plans from almost anywhere. Although these improvements have increased the efficiency of treatment planning process, they also pose serious challenges for medical physicists who are responsible for the data security and system management of the treatment planning system on the application level. In addition, the treatment planning system designed for clinical use is commonly used for research and education purposes, which put additional burden on system management. In this symposium we will use existing commercial Windows‐and Unix‐based systems to illustrate effective techniques for managing modern treatment planning systems for routine clinical use and for research and education. Topics will include:1.Introduction of information technologies: (a) client/server vs. centralized processing, (b) enterprise‐level systems, (c) motivation to move to centralized processing and (d) what to consider if planning a move.2.System management: (a) system manager, (b) user management, (c) privilege assignment, (d) scripting, (e) synchronize preferences, (f) database integrity, (g) backup and recovery, (h) plan locking, (i) anonymizing patient data, (j) policy and procedure, and (k) training.3.Research and Education: (a) challenge facing, (b) typical research settings, (c) user privilege considerations, (d) patient data sharing, (e) backup and recovery, (f) protocol accreditation and submission and (g) protocol/template sharing.Learning Objectives:1. Be familiar with the information technologies used by modern treatment planning systems.2. Understand the scope and challenges of managing modern treatment planning systems.3. Understanding the different requirement for research and education use4. Be able to implement some management techniques introduced in the symposium.
TH‐E‐WAB‐01: MR Guided Therapy Planning
Authors: Paulson E , Cao Y , Cormack R 
Published: July 2013

MRI has played a supportive role in radiation therapy for over two decades, and current observations and guidance suggest that this role will be increasing over the next several years. This symposium will explore some of the advances and questions related to using MRI as a key, if not solitary, imaging methodology in the planning of radiation therapy treatments. Both external beam radiation therapy as well as brachytherapy will be explored. Issues such as distortion, image quality, scanning time, optimization of MRI protocols, integration in the radiation therapy workflow, and knowledge and practice information of use to non‐diagnostic physicists will be explored.Learning Objectives:1. Understand the current and potential near future roles of MRI external beam radiation therapy2. Understand current recommendations and future directions for MRI in brachytherapy3. Understand the quality assurance and commissioning needs for MRI systems for the above uses4. Understand the characteristics of modern MRI systems and the modifications and additional features that may facilitate radiation therapy useSiemens Medical Systems
Isolation of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) from Household Water and Shower Aerosols in Patients with Pulmonary Disease Caused by NTM
Authors: Thomson Rachel , Tolson Carla , Carter Robyn , Coulter Chris , Huygens Flavia , Hargreaves Megan 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

It has been postulated that susceptible individuals may acquire infection with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) from water and aerosol exposure. This study examined household water and shower aerosols of patients with NTM pulmonary disease. The mycobacteria isolated from clinical samples from 20 patients included
M. avium
(5 patients),
M. intracellulare
(12 patients),
M. abscessus
(7 patients),
M. gordonae
(1 patient),
M. lentiflavum
(1 patient),
M. fortuitum
(1 patient),
M. peregrinum
(1 patient),
M. chelonae
(1 patient),
M. triplex
(1 patient), and
M. kansasii
(1 patient). One-liter water samples and swabs were collected from all taps, and swimming pools or rainwater tanks. Shower aerosols were sampled using Andersen six-stage cascade impactors. For a subgroup of patients, real-time PCR was performed and high-resolution melt profiles were compared to those of ATCC control strains. Pathogenic mycobacteria were isolated from 19 homes. Species identified in the home matched that found in the patient in seven (35%) cases:
M. abscessus
(3 cases),
M. avium
(1 case),
M. gordonae
(1 case),
M. lentiflavum
(1 case), and
M. kansasii
(1 case). In an additional patient with
M. abscessus
infection, this species was isolated from potable water supplying her home. NTM grown from aerosols included
M. abscessus
(3 homes),
M. gordonae
(2 homes),
M. kansasii
(1 home),
M. fortuitum
complex (4 homes),
M. mucogenicum
(1 home), and
M. wolinskyi
(1 home). NTM causing human disease can be isolated from household water and aerosols. The evidence appears strongest for
M. avium
,
M. kansasii
,
M. lentiflavum
, and
M. abscessus
. Despite a predominance of disease due to
M. intracellulare
, we found no evidence for acquisition of infection from household water for this species.
Genetic Characteristics of CTX-M-Type Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase (ESBL)-Producing Enterobacteriaceae Involved in Mastitis Cases on Japanese Dairy Farms, 2007 to 2011
Authors: Ohnishi Mamoru , Okatani Alexandre T. , Harada Kazuki , Sawada Takuo , Marumo Kenji , Murakami Masaru , Sato Reiichiro , Esaki Hidetake , Shimura Keiko , Kato Hajime , Uchida Naoki , Takahashi Toshio 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

Sixty-five CTX-M-2/15/14 extended-spectrum-β-lactamase-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
were isolated from 258,888 mastitic milk samples from Japanese dairy farms between 2007 and 2011. CTX-M-2-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
and CTX-M-15-producing
Escherichia coli
were the predominant strains isolated. There was no predominant clonal type, and clonal diversity was found even in strains isolated from a single farm.
A Sensitive Multiplex, Real-Time PCR Assay for Prospective Detection of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli from Stool Samples Reveals Similar Incidences but Variable Severities of Non-O157 and O157 Infections in Northern California
Authors: Lefterova Martina I. , Slater Kathleen A. , Budvytiene Indre , Dadone Patricia A. , Banaei Niaz 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

Rapid and accurate detection of Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) of all serotypes from patients with diarrhea is critical for medical management and for the prevention of ongoing transmission. In this prospective study, we assessed the performance of a multiplex, real-time PCR assay targeting
stx
1
and
stx
2
for the detection of O157 and non-O157 STEC in diarrheal stool samples enriched in Gram-negative broth. We show that the assay is 100% sensitive (95% confidence interval [CI], 89.1% to 100%) and 98.5% specific (95% CI, 90.6% to 99.9%) based on a panel of 40 known STEC-positive specimens and 65 known negative specimens. During a 2-year postvalidation period, the assay detected more positive samples from patients in northern California than did culture and PCR testing performed at a public health reference laboratory, with a positive predictive value of 95.6% (95% CI, 87.6% to 99.1%). Serotyping data showed an incidence rate of 51.2% for non-O157 STEC strains, with 5.8% of patients (1/17) with non-O157 strains and 42.9% (6/14) with O157 strains (
P
= 0.03) developing hemolytic-uremic syndrome. The findings from this study underscore the recommendations of the CDC for laboratories to test all diarrheal stool samples from patients with acute community-acquired diarrhea for non-O157 STEC in addition to the O157 serotype by using a sensitive assay. Additionally, a survey of 17 clinical laboratories in northern California demonstrated that nearly 50% did not screen all stool specimens for the presence of Shiga toxins, indicating that many clinical microbiology laboratories still do not routinely screen all stool specimens for the presence of Shiga toxins as recommended in the 2009 CDC guidelines.
Bilateral Conjunctivitis Due to Trichomonas vaginalis without Genital Infection: an Unusual Presentation in an Adult Man
Authors: Abdolrasouli Alireza , Croucher Adam , Roushan Azita , Gaydos Charlotte A. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

We report an unusual case of extragenital infection with
Trichomonas vaginalis
of the conjunctiva of a 32-year-old man. Only one other similar case has been reported in the English language literature. The present report reinforces the widening pathologic spectrum of trichomonads in humans, especially in the context of emerging extragenital infections.
Negative Regulation of RIG-I-Mediated Innate Antiviral Signaling by SEC14L1
Authors: Li Meng-Tong , Di Wei , Xu Hao , Yang Yong-Kang , Chen Hai-Wei , Zhang Fei-Xiong , Zhai Zhong-He , Chen Dan-Ying 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT
Retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) is a key sensor for recognizing nucleic acids derived from RNA viruses and triggers beta interferon (IFN-β) production. Because of its important role in antiviral innate immunity, the activity of RIG-I must be tightly controlled. Here, we used yeast two-hybrid screening to identify a SEC14 family member, SEC14L1, as a RIG-I-associated negative regulator. Transfected SEC14L1 interacted with RIG-I, and endogenous SEC14L1 associated with RIG-I in a viral infection-inducible manner. Overexpression of SEC14L1 inhibited transcriptional activity of the IFN-β promoter induced by RIG-I but not TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3). Knockdown of endogenous SEC14L1 in both HEK293T cells and HT1080 cells potentiated RIG-I and Sendai virus-triggered IFN-β production as well as attenuated the replication of Newcastle disease virus. SEC14L1 interacted with the N-terminal domain of RIG-I (RIG-I caspase activation and recruitment domain [RIG-I-CARD]) and competed with VISA/MAVS/IPS-1/Cardif for RIG-I-CARD binding. Domain mapping further indicated that the PRELI-MSF1 and CRAL-TRIO domains but not the GOLD domain of SEC14L1 are required for interaction and inhibitory function. These findings suggest that SEC14L1 functions as a novel negative regulator of RIG-I-mediated antiviral signaling by preventing RIG-I interaction with the downstream effector.
BK Polyomavirus Genotypes Represent Distinct Serotypes with Distinct Entry Tropism
Authors: Pastrana Diana V. , Ray Upasana , Magaldi Thomas G. , Schowalter Rachel M. , Çuburu Nicolas , Buck Christopher B. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

BK polyomavirus (BKV) causes significant urinary tract pathogenesis in immunosuppressed individuals, including kidney and bone marrow transplant recipients. It is currently unclear whether BKV-neutralizing antibodies can moderate or prevent BKV disease. We developed reporter pseudoviruses based on seven divergent BKV isolates and performed neutralization assays on sera from healthy human subjects. The results demonstrate that BKV genotypes I, II, III, and IV are fully distinct serotypes. While nearly all healthy subjects had BKV genotype I-neutralizing antibodies, a majority of subjects did not detectably neutralize genotype III or IV. Surprisingly, BKV subgenotypes Ib1 and Ib2 can behave as fully distinct serotypes. This difference is governed by as few as two residues adjacent to the cellular glycan receptor-binding site on the virion surface. Serological analysis of mice given virus-like particle (VLP)-based BKV vaccines confirmed these findings. Mice administered a multivalent VLP vaccine showed high-titer serum antibody responses that potently cross-neutralized all tested BKV genotypes. Interestingly, each of the neutralization serotypes bound a distinct spectrum of cell surface receptors, suggesting a possible connection between escape from recognition by neutralizing antibodies and cellular attachment mechanisms. The finding implies that different BKV genotypes have different cellular tropisms and pathogenic potentials
in vivo
. Individuals who are infected with one BKV serotype may remain humorally vulnerable to other BKV serotypes after implementation of T cell immunosuppression. Thus, prevaccinating organ transplant recipients with a multivalent BKV VLP vaccine might reduce the risk of developing posttransplant BKV disease.