bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computed Tomography Colonography: Patient Tolerance to CO2 Insufflation
Authors: Gaspar Monique D. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTComputed Tomography (CT) colonography, also known as “virtual colonoscopy” is a relatively new technique for colorectal evaluation. It allows imaging of the colonic mucosa and wall similar to those obtained during conventional colonoscopy. The aim of the present study was to investigate patient tolerance to carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation during CT colonography and whether the CO2 insufflation was adequate to distend the bowel sufficiently for radiological diagnosis. This study also aimed to demonstrate a relationship between patient age and patient tolerance to CO2 insufflation. This research investigated 22 patients (50 per cent male, mean age 64 years) with a variety of clinical indications. CO2 was insufflated through a rectal catheter to the maximum extent of patient tolerance. Volumetric data of the abdomen and pelvis was acquired in a single breathold using a GE Lightspeed Plus multislice CT scanner with the patient in the supine and prone positions. The CO2 insufflation time for the supine and prone series was recorded and the patients rated their tolerance to the CO2 insufflation based on a modified Likert scale. The results were analysed using scatter graphs and Pearson's Correlation Coefficient, mapping the CO2 insufflation time for the prone and supine series and comparing it to patient age. The findings indicate that there was a statistical significance between patient age and patient tolerance (r=−0.47), however, no statistical significance was found between the other variables. This may be due to several reasons including variable bowel length and a small sample. Additional studies are required with a larger sample in order to further investigate this topic.
Mandatory Continuing Professional Education: Do we need it?
Authors: Field Nikki 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTIn view of the recommendations made in the “Report of the Radiation Oncology Inquiry — A Vision for Radiotherapy” that radiation therapists should prove their competence through continuing professional education (CPE) and the decision by the Council of the Australian Institute of Radiography to mandate continuing professional development for members from January 2005, it seems timely to address the CPE voluntary versus mandatory debate for medical radiation scientists. This paper explores the nature of CPE and presents an argument for CPE to remain voluntary. The two main reasons for this stance are the lack of evidence that CPE improves professional practice and the violation of adult learning principles inherent in mandatory education. Due to the paucity of information about this issue in medical radiation science professions arguments are drawn from across the health sciences professions. Needs assessment and evaluation of CPE programs will also be examined.
MR imaging of Crohn's disease: The experience at the Royal Melbourne Hospital
Authors: Perry Chris 
Published: October 2013

AbstractUntil recently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has had little to offer the physician or surgeon in the area of small bowel gastro‐intestinal (GI) imaging. Long scan times leading to motion artifacts and poor image quality as well as a lack of good quality imaging coils have all contributed to this fact. However, in the last 5–10 years, these problems have been overcome by the creation of very fast sequences enabling breath‐hold scan times, as well as increases in surface coil technology (phased‐array abdominal coils) to increase signal‐to‐noise ratio and image quality. In the light of these new advances, MRI is being used increasingly to aid in the diagnosis of certain GI tract diseases. This paper looks at the ability of MRI to diagnose the chronic inflammatory bowel condition known as Crohn's disease, with a discussion on the experience of our department to date.
Computed tomography imaging for superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome
Authors: Dobeli Karen 
Published: October 2013

AbstractSuperior semicircular canal dehiscence is a newly described syndrome of sound and / or pressure induced vertigo. Computed tomography (CT) imaging plays an important role in confirmation of a defect in the bone overlying the canal. A high resolution CT technique utilising 0.5 mm or thinner slices and multi‐planar reconstructions parallel to the superior semicircular canal is required. Placement of a histogram over a suspected defect can assist CT diagnosis.
Student initiated clinical activities: a review of a new assessment technique for clinical education
Authors: Reed Warren 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIntroduction This article presents a review of a new clinical assessment technique designed to encourage student learning by utilising choice, negotiation and reflection as part of the assessment process. The students' perceptions of this assessment were requested as part of a quality review.Methods A questionnaire was distributed to all first year students (101) and subsequently the same questionnaire was distributed to the same students in the third year (92) to gain a longitudinal perspective. The questionnaire included 10 closed item statements related to a five point Likert scale and one open ended question. Descriptive analysis was carried out on the closed ended statements and thematic analysis on the open‐ended statement.Result The students surveyed agreed with the majority of statements. They agreed that the assessment had given them a deeper understanding of the activities they chose to perform.Conclusion This review has provided important feedback to improve this new assessment technique in the future.
Giant cerebral aneurysm: 3D computed tomography angiography vs. rotational 3D digital subtraction angiography
Authors: Perry Chris D. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe purpose of writing this case study was to compare the accuracy of computed tomography angiography (CTA) and 3D rotational digital subtraction angiography (3D DSA) in demonstrating a giant cerebral aneurysm and its relationship to the parent artery. The patient was a 36‐year‐old female who presented to our department with a suspected cerebral aneurysm as seen on a non‐contrast computerised tomography (CT) brain scan. The CTA and 3D DSA were performed on consecutive days and both demonstrated a giant aneurysm arising from the right posterior cerebral artery. A series of 3D images were produced from both modalities, with each possessing sub‐millimeter spatial resolution. After comparison between the two 3D data sets, it was evident that the 3D DSA was superior in delineating the relationship between the aneurysm and its parent artery. The CTA suffered from partial voluming in this area and it seemed as though a connection was present between the aneurysm and posterior cerebral artery distal to the aneurysm neck. Based on the CTA alone, an incorrect report would have resulted. Surgery later confirmed the absence of this connection and, thereby, proved that 3D DSA was more accurate in the visualisation of this patient's aneurysm. Treatment for this patient could therefore be planned more confidently based on the 3D DSA findings.
Technical knowledge and skills in undergraduate radiation therapy: The University of Newcastle experience
Authors: Hopkins Melissa G. , Callan Scott A. , Cant Jennifer G. , Dempsey Shane 
Published: October 2013

AbstractRadiation therapy (RT) technologies and the technical skills required have undergone an extended period of change and advancement. The University of Newcastle's RT curriculum has met this challenge by developing a technologically layered curriculum that not only retains the basic fundamental concepts underpinning RT, but also reflects current and emerging technology, as well as the associated skill developments.This paper outlines how past, current and future RT technical approaches and technical skills are integrated into the current undergraduate RT curriculum.
The use of gonadal shielding in singular common diagnostic radiographic procedures
Authors: Bowen Sean A. , Clarke Ryan , Dickson Samuel S. , McLennan Christopher M. , Stonehouse Mark K. , Wilcher Tobey F. , Buxton Anthony J. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study was to make recommendations regarding when the use of gonadal shielding is significant in reducing gonad dose for common diagnostic procedures. Two separate literature reviews were conducted and the data compared. The first review proposed to determine average entrance surface doses (ESD) for common diagnostic procedures and the second to determine a threshold for exposure to the gonads below which risk of genetic effects was negligible. By comparing accepted ESD and associated gonad doses with the threshold dose, recommendations for each procedure could be made. This recommendation would be that either gonadal shielding is significant in reducing risk of genetic effects for this examination, or that gonadal shielding would make no difference because the doses involved are negligible. Common procedures were selected as well as common series, based on the fact that these procedures contribute relatively high dose to the gonads. A threshold dose to the gonads was established to be 10 mGy. Below this level of exposure, genetic risk to the gonads is considered negligible. It was found that none of the series or individual exams contributed significant dose to the gonads (dose levels above the 10 mGy threshold). It should be noted, however, that this recommendation applies only to individual patients receiving individual exposures. The effect of repeat examinations or the risk to a population of patients was not considered. It was also found that gonadal shielding may alleviate fears of radiation exposure in patients. It was recommended that for all individual examinations/series included in this study that gonadal shielding was unnecessary because the doses involved present negligible genetic risk to the patient. However, best practice in radiography includes upholding the ‘As low as reasonably achievable’ principle (ALARA) and considering the fears of patients, and it is for this reason that gonadal shielding should be used.
Radiographer reporting of trauma images: United Kingdom experience and the implications for evolving international practice
Authors: Hardy Maryann , Snaith Beverly , Smith Tony 
Published: October 2013

AbstractSome United Kingdom (UK) radiographers share the task of radiological reporting with radiologists. This paper aims to describe the current status of radiographer reporting of trauma images in the countries of the UK and reflect on its relevance to the development of similar advanced practice roles internationally.In February 2007, a cross‐sectional survey with respect to radiographer reporting was conducted of 456 UK hospitals with an Emergency Department (ED) or Minor Injuries Unit (MIU). The main outcome measures were the number of reporting radiographers; number of half‐day radiographer reporting sessions per week; availability of, and radiographer involvement in ‘hot’ reporting. A total of 306 (67.1%) responses were received. Reporting radiographers were employed at 56.9% (174/306) of the respondent hospitals. Of hospitals with an ED, 70% (142/203) employed reporting radiographers compared to 31.1% (32/103) of those with a MIU. At 146 of the 174 hospitals that employed reporting radiographers (83.9%) there were between one and six radiographers involved. At 155 hospitals (155/174; 89.1%) radiographers performed between 0 and 10 reporting sessions each week. Most reported for one or two sessions. ‘Hot’ reporting operated at only 11.1% (34/306) of the respondent hospitals, with radiographers leading this service at 64.7% (22/34) of those sites.The rate of radiographer reporting uptake in UK hospitals appears to have slowed. Also, few radiographers are engaged in ‘hot’ reporting of trauma images. The prevalent UK model of ‘cold’ radiographer reporting may not be transferable to other countries where there is a need is for immediate and accurate reporting of trauma images.
Characteristics of good practice — how to be a good radiographer
Authors: Egestad Helen 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe study's objective was to define the characteristics of ‘good practice’ in radiography.Method Observations of six radiographers performing CT examinations on patients, and in‐depth interviews with four radiographers. Interviews and observations are analysed using Kvale's phenomenological method.Results Radiographers perform examinations differently. Differences are especially apparent in regard to how they relate to their patients. The radiographers viewed their job in three different ways: those who saw radiography as a technical job; those ambivalent as to whether the job is of a technical or a relational nature; and those who sought to utilise technique via the patient. Good radiography is characterised by the combination and integration of technical and patient‐oriented actions.Discussion The results of this study challenge the profession's view of its own practice and the overall value criteria to employ when evaluating radiographic practice.
Does Australian state location influence MRS practitioners' access to and use of the internet?
Authors: Shanahan Madeleine 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe internet is an important information resource used by health practitioners to access the most current health and medical information. In Australia, the public health system is managed and operated independently at state and territory level and this raises the potential for differential access to the internet to exist within workplaces across government boundaries such as Australian states. This paper examines the effect of Australian state on access to and use of the internet by comparing medical radiation science (MRS) workplaces in Queensland and Victoria.Survey design was used to collect data. In 2007, a questionnaire was sent to 1067 Australian MRS practitioners in Victoria and Queensland, with a response rate of 31.1%. The results show that internet access within workplaces varied across and within Australian states. Victorian practitioners in the public sector reported the highest level of internet connectivity within their workplace with 64% of practitioners reporting internet access on all workplace computers compared to 13% of practitioners employed in the public sector in Queensland (P = 0.000). Victorian practitioners in the public sector also reported greater use of the internet (P = 0.000) and valued it higher as a resource for updating their professional knowledge (P = 0.011) than their colleagues in the public sector in Queensland. Approximately one‐third of practitioners employed in the private sector in both Queensland and Victoria reported internet access on all computers in their workplace (P = 0.885). There exists a digital divide within MRS workplaces which must be addressed so regardless of state or health sector of employment, practitioners can avail themselves of current health and medical information made available through the internet that supports them in staying up‐to‐date with the changing knowledge base of their profession.
Delayed treatment for a case of acute ischaemic stroke using mechanical embolectomy — the L5 Merci Retriever
Authors: Velkovic J , McEwan S , Coulthard A 
Published: October 2013

AbstractEndovascular therapies for acute ischaemic stroke represent important alternatives or adjuncts to thrombolysis. A middle‐aged male suffered a Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) Grade 0 distal left middle cerebral artery (LMCA) occlusion resulting in right hemiparesis and dysphasia. Intravenous thrombolysis was contraindicated due to pre‐existing anticoagulant therapy and associated risk of intracranial haemorrhage. The patient underwent rescue mechanical embolectomy with an L5 Merci Retriever, with adjuvant local intra‐arterial (IA) thrombolysis. Successful TIMI Grade 3 restoration of LMCA blood flow occurred within eight hours of ictus. Aphasia resolved within 24 hours, whilst other motor and speech symptoms gradually improved over 6 months, allowing the patient to resume work and independent living. Mechanical embolectomy appears to be a safe and effective alternative in cases of delayed presentation, or where intravenous thrombolysis is contraindicated. Combined mechanical embolectomy and adjuvant IA thrombolysis, instituted within eight hours of ictus in an anticoagulated patient, achieved favourable clinical outcome (modified Rankin Score of 2) without major thromboembolic or haemorrhagic complications.
The feasibility of using radiogrammetry in comparing cortical bone thickness in human and non‐human tibiae
Authors: Croker SL , Reed W , Donlon D 
Published: October 2013

AbstractA method was sought by which to measure the cortical thickness of long bones, as a prelude to a large comparative study of cortical bone thickness. Radiography presents a simple, non‐destructive method for visualising internal features of bones. Radiogrammetry, though frequently used for cortical bone measurements, has predominantly focused on the metacarpals in the literature, while studies examining the method for large long bones are less plentiful. The tibia was used in this study, with samples from humans, kangaroos, sheep, dogs, pigs and cattle. Digital radiographs were obtained from the anterior and medial sides of the bone; images were then displayed on screen, magnified and measured. Bone diameter, medulla diameter and cortical thickness were measured for each projection, at the midpoint of the tibia. Some difficulty was encountered due to the lack of clarity of the endosteal border of the cortex, though intra‐observer tests found the method to be largely reproducible. Magnification and distortion of the image were observed, particularly on larger bones as they were situated a greater distance above the film surface. These factors were not considered too limiting; furthermore, the simplicity of the method means it would be generally suitable for the proposed study.
Using online peer feedback in formative assessment for medical sonography students teaching: the student view
Authors: Thoirs KA 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: This paper reports the results of a survey of external medical sonography university students which investigated their perceptions of anonymous online peer feedback formative assessments. Peer feedback is gaining popularity among academic teachers to both promote deeper learning and reduce heavy marking loads. Methods: In a cross sectional study design, 77 postgraduate students enrolled in an externally delivered sonography course in 2009 were invited to participate in a student evaluation survey. Results: Sixteen students (21%) responded to the survey. Students registered positive perceptions on a Likert scale for items asking about the value of the learning experiences, their level of comfort in participating in peer feedback, and their acceptance of using a web based medium. Anonymity rated highly as an important element of the assessments. Two‐tailed Mann‐Whitney U tests demonstrated no significant differences (P < 0.05) between student perceptions of assessment items with and without peer feedback, or between the feedback provided by their peers and the feedback provided by the teacher. Conclusion: Open questions provided insight in how the students perceived the assessment could be improved. Future derivations of the described assessment process should use a more user‐friendly online platform, and the breadth of course content should be expanded so that all learning objectives and content are integrated into formative assessment. As well as being more acceptable to students this approach is more likely to motivate students to meet learning objectives, and encourage active learning. Further evaluation will be required as the assessments are modified.
Developing a qualitative framework for analysis of student journals
Authors: Findlay N , Dempsey S , Warren‐Forward H 
Published: October 2013

AbstractLearning from work is an important aspect of student and professional life when working within the health profession. Personal journals are one way that health professionals are able to document their experiences. These journals also hold a wealth of information about the student experience on placement. To analyse the content of journals a qualitative research analytical method is required.There are many different methodological underpinnings or approaches within qualitative research and it is important that the researchers consider their own world view and the context of the research and the data to be evaluated when selecting a qualitative methodology to utilise.This paper discusses an overview of the process of choosing a qualitative framework for the analysis of the descriptions contained within student personal journals. The paper describes the development and validity checking of a coding or sourcebook for qualitative descriptive analysis of student personal journals.
CT dose reduction is achievable: one site's experience with a dose optimisation process
Authors: Smith K , Mandarano G 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAn Emotion 6 Siemens Multi‐Detector CT scanner (Erlangen, Germany) was installed at the review site in December 2005. Improving upon the manufacturer's default exposure settings, the authors sought to perform a quality review to reduce ionising radiation dose delivered to patients. Dose associated with CT examinations across the major body regions was assessed. Dose savings ranged from 11% to 70% when compared to the manufacturer's default settings. Dose comparisons are also made with the European Standards and the United Kingdom Field Survey.
A patient presenting with an advanced squamous cell carcinomas to the left thigh
Authors: Coles AJ 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIntroduction: In Australia, Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC) are the second most common form of skin cancer and is most frequently present in the population aged 50 years and older. SCCs characteristically are slow growing tumours, but are known to enlarge rapidly in some cases. Apart from presenting with a lesion, patients are usually asymptomatic. Radiation therapy is the treatment option when surgery is not feasible; the patient has metastatic disease or high risk cutaneous SCC. Systemic chemotherapy is only used when metastatic disease is present. Case presentation: A male patient in his late forties presented to clinic with a 25 cm fungating SCC lesion to the left upper thigh. Radiation therapy treatment via non coplanar beams was prescribed to treat the lesion to 66 Gy in 33 fractions. Chemotherapy was not an option due to the patient's co‐morbidities. This case report follows the patient from the start to 84 weeks post treatment. Conclusion: The patient discussed in this case report found the treatment process and overall outcomes were satisfactory despite the advanced presentation of the disease and anxieties about hospitals and medical staff. The radiation therapists involved in this patient's treatment process found the case challenging, and it gave them the opportunity to utilise their skills and knowledge to approach the case with a range of alternative techniques. In this case, treatment achieved the desired outcome for the patient.