bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The breast cancer patient's experience of making radiation therapy treatment decisions
Authors: Halkett Georgia KB , Arbon Paul , Scutter Sheila D , Borg Martin 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWomen who are diagnosed with breast cancer have many decisions to make during the course of their treatment. The aims of this paper are to describe the women's experience of making radiation therapy treatment decisions for early breast cancer and to explore how women feel about receiving radiation therapy. An in‐depth understanding of the women's experience was developed using a qualitative research approach underpinned by hermeneutic phenomenology. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 18 women who had completed treatment for early breast cancer. The themes that emerged from the data were: being challenged, getting ready, beyond control, regaining a sense of control and getting through it. This study provides health professionals with an initial understanding of the women's perspective of the experience of making radiation therapy treatment decisions for early breast cancer. This study concludes by suggesting that further research needs to be conducted to gain an understanding of how other patients feel about treatment decision‐making and radiation therapy.
Ultrasound as a secondary screening tool in mammographically dense breasts
Authors: Griggs Kylie 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIt is well known that breast screening is a part of our society and is designed to reduce the mortality and morbidity from breast cancer. Mammography is the imaging modality of choice in a breast screening environment. Both the detection rate of mammography in a screening environment and the sensitivity of mammography in symptomatic women are known to be greater than that of ultrasound. However, after a review of literature both of these are said to increase when the two imaging modalities are combined. This paper will present that mammography has limitations in breast imaging, especially in women with dense breasts and that ultrasound can have a benefit as a secondary screening tool in these women. It will be shown that although ultrasound also has its limitations, these can be minimised with the implementation of effective education and imaging protocols.The paper will conclude that although further research into ultrasound as screening tool is required, its use as a complement to mammography can only be of benefit to the general population.
A potential role for student portfolios in the medical radiation sciences
Authors: Currie Geoffrey M. , Wheat Janelle M. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThere is a recognised need in higher education to develop authentic evidence of student learning outcomes. In medical radiation science, there is demand for a tool for ongoing course quality assurance and authentic evidence of the capabilities, skill base and knowledge base of graduates, with particular reference to the requirements for professional accreditation and the courses prescribed graduate attributes. The student portfolio is considered here as a potential tool for this purpose.As a formative tool, the medical radiation science student portfolio may benefit industry by delivering highly self‐motivated, self‐reflective, professional and competent practitioners with retained deep understanding of theory conceptualised to practice. As a summative tool, the student portfolio would provide authentic evidence of student learning outcomes, graduate quality and attributes, and standards of competence.
An evaluation of safety policies and procedures in Australian magnetic resonance imaging departments
Authors: Burwell Jann , Davidson Rob 
Published: October 2013

AbstractStage 3 accreditation of medical imaging sites was introduced within Australia in 2004. For the first time, it was compulsory for medical imaging practices to comply with the guidelines for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) safety of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists, with a compliance date of December 2005. Stages 1 and 2 had been designed specifically for medical imaging practices incorporating licensed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment, but Stage 3 had wider application. A questionnaire was sent to 110 MRI sites identified within Australia. This questionnaire was designed to assess how site‐specific MRI safety protocols have evolved and investigate the rigour with which these protocols are applied. Forty‐six of the questionnaires were returned and these form the basis of this report. Thirty‐nine of the respondents hold Medicare licenses for their MRI units and should, therefore, have successfully completed Stages 1 and 2 of the accreditation process.
Somnolence syndrome after cranial irradiation: a literature review
Authors: Woodford Katrina 
Published: October 2013

AbstractSomnolence syndrome is a commonly seen, early‐delayed side effect of radiation treatment to the brain. Despite being a recognised side effect for over 30 years, many associated aspects of the syndrome are still unclear, such as which patients are most prone to the condition, what are its associated symptoms, what is its aetiology, what treatment factors affect it and how can it be managed? Literature has shown that somnolence syndrome can occur in children and adults after receiving cranial irradiation. The syndrome is characterised by a variety of symptoms, including mild drowsiness to extreme exhaustion, low‐grade fever, nausea, anorexia and headache. Symptoms generally appear between five to six weeks after the completion of treatment. Why and how the syndrome comes about is still uncertain. Popular theory suggests that it is due to transient demyelination of the nerve fibre. The condition has been shown to appear at doses as low as 12 Gy and up to 54 Gy with a fraction size dependence not yet established. The use of steroid therapy has proven to be an effective method to reduce the occurrence of somnolence syndrome in patients receiving cranial irradiation, with the optimal regime still to be determined. Health care professionals should acknowledge and warn their patients of the syndrome, ensuring proper care is available if it develops. Further study is required on the aetiology of the syndrome, the late neurological outcomes of the syndrome and the optimal steroid schedule for its management.
Radiographers' experiences of stress and methods of coping: a content analytic phenomenologic study
Authors: Ugwu Anthony Chukwuka , Ahamefule Kenneth Nwadinobi , Nwobi Ivor Chigozie 
Published: October 2013

AbstractStress has the potential to discourage radiographers from practice and to cause brain drain in the profession. The aim of this study was to consider stress, from a holistic perspective, of the radiographers' experiences.Qualitative research methods were employed. Using random sampling, 10 radiographers, two from each of the five states of southeastern Nigeria were interviewed. The interview questions aimed to explore the experience of radiographers with a focus on the causes of stress and the associated coping mechanisms. Data analysis involved identification, coding of key concepts and their relationships.A conceptual framework was developed regarding the causes of stress among radiographers and their relationship with other concepts identified by radiographers. The greatest cause of stress was high workload while the most popular coping mechanism was booking modifications.The conceptual framework and methods of coping with stress reported in this study have important implications for professional practice and future research in Nigeria and beyond. Changes in work practices such as employment of more radiographers, positive attitude of management towards radiographers will reduce stress among radiographers in Nigeria and beyond.
Comparing immobilisation methods for the tangential treatment of large pendulous breasts
Authors: Barrett‐Lennard MJ , Thurstan SM 
Published: October 2013

AbstractLarge pendulous breasts pose particular challenges in stabilisation for radiotherapy, due to their inherent mobility. To ensure reproducibility of their positioning between fractions, customised breast immobilisation devices are designed to improve stabilisation and minimise toxicities to the skin and underlying lung. This study aims to review current methods of immobilisation for tangential treatment techniques to the large breast, assessing the range of devices commonly used and discover if any one technique can be recommended. A survey containing 13 questions was sent to 42 randomly‐selected centres performing tangential treatments for breast cancer. The questions were designed to assess each centre's opinion on the effectiveness of the immobilisation device and reproducibility of the breast position for patients with large pendulous breasts. Centres graded their responses using a Likert scale of 1–5, 1 being most effective to 5 being the least effective outcome. Additionally, centres were asked to identify if their current system had any advantages/disadvantages. Ten immobilisation devices were identified from 18 responses to the survey. The prone technique was the most popular, practiced by 22% of respondents. It also ranked consistently well over all in the questions from the survey. The breast board, thermoplastic mask, wireless bra, breast cups, Micropore tape™ (Livingstone International Pty Ltd, Rosebury, NSW, Australia), Vac fix® (S & S Technology, Houston, Texas, USA), stockings, breast rings and plastic L‐shaped supports were other devices identified by respondents. None of these other techniques were graded consistently well over the range of survey questions compared with the prone technique. Those using the prone technique were most satisfied with its effectiveness for patients with large pendulous breasts, however, it is acknowledged that the technique is not suitable for all patients.
Why do students choose the medical radiation science profession?
Authors: Bamba A , Bamba V , Chen Y , Deng Y , Li L , Ruan W , Zhang Y , Caruana E 
Published: October 2013

AbstractRecruitment and retention are of paramount importance to medical radiation science (MRS) as a profession. There is a strong demand for MRS practitioners which is expected to continue as the population ages. This study aimed to examine demographic data, factors relating to the career choice of MRS, and future work or study plans of first year MRS students. Questionnaires were distributed to 83 first year students, currently enrolled in MRS at the University of Sydney. A total of 73 completed questionnaires were received. This sample included 30 diagnostic radiography students, 24 nuclear medicine students and 19 radiation therapy students. The top three factors that influenced students' career choices was wanting to help others, followed by wanting to work in a healthcare field, then wanting to work with technology. The most common source of students' career information was family members, friends and health professionals. Among the students, 68.5% were aware of advancement opportunities in their stream of MRS. About half of the students planned to specialise or undertake postgraduate study in MRS, and 39.7% planned to study another degree after graduating. The results of this study indicated that many students chose MRS as a career with the goal of helping others. The most frequently reported source through which the students first heard about the profession was personal contacts. Furthermore, about half of the students were interested in further study. This information can be used by professional organisations, educational programs, or employers to assist in recruitment and retention strategies of MRS students.
Critical appraisal of quantitative and qualitative research literature
Authors: Smith Tony 
Published: October 2013

AbstractCritical appraisal of research articles can be used to inform the design of new research studies. It can also be used by clinicians who wish to improve service quality by using the best available evidence to inform their practice. This paper describes a broad framework of critical appraisal of published research literature that covers both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.The aim is the heart of a research study. It should be robust, concisely stated and specify a study factor, outcome factor(s) and reference population. Quantitative study designs, including sampling methods, can be ranked in order of the quality of the evidence they produce, with randomised control trials being ranked as level 1. The strength of evidence from qualitative research studies depends on the degree of rigour used in data collection and analysis, using techniques like theoretical sampling, triangulation and participant validation. Whatever the study design, it must be appropriate to address the aim of the study.In critically appraising all research papers, there is a need to reflect on how well the conclusions flow logically from the results of the analysis and answer the original research question and how well the research applies to the population we are interested in.
Exploring radiographers' attitudes to mandatory CPD in the United Kingdom and New Zealand
Authors: Henwood SM , Yielder J , Flinton D 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIntroduction: This paper reports the first phase of a two‐phase longitudinal study which explored the attitudes of radiographers in two countries (UK and New Zealand) towards CPD, before and after the introduction of a mandatory CPD policy. In addition, this paper outlines in brief the planned phase two of the project, which will be undertaken to assess whether attitudes change over time, following the introduced mandate. Methods: 1739 radiographers across both countries were approached via a survey using a written questionnaire with quantitative and qualitative components endorsed by the relevant professional body in each country (Society of Radiographers and the New Zealand Institute of Medical Radiation Technologists). The questionnaire was statistically analysed using t‐tests. In addition, the qualitative components were analysed thematically, to add depth and explanations to the findings. This paper presents the results, focusing especially on the qualitative data in order to fully explore the attitudes demonstrated. Results: The results of the study showed that a degree of apathy surrounded CPD participation, despite the professional expectation that staff be CPD active. On an individual level, radiographers self reported a low level, or a complete lack of formal recording of CPD. A number of barriers were identified, which were perceived by participants to restrict their CPD activity, including, of particular note, poor staffing levels and lack of employer support. Radiographers in both countries appeared to have a narrow understanding of what is perceived to constitute CPD, with an apparent focus on formal, attendance‐based activities. Less formal, on‐the‐job activities were not always considered as CPD by participants in this study. Conclusion: This study outlined a range of factors which impact on attitudes towards CPD, with many similarities in findings across both countries represented. A lack of intrinsic motivation was demonstrated, which is perceived to hamper active participation in CPD. There was a desire for personal benefit from CPD participation to be evident, in order to motivate individuals to get actively involved. The complexity of the current working environment was outlined, with acknowledgement that the mandatory policy towards CPD is not the only factor affecting participation. While further research will be required to examine the impact of all the variables affecting CPD, the results of this study may allow individuals and managers to begin to interact with CPD participation in order to attempt to increase the level and effectiveness of learning in practice.
Evaluation of a Sinmed shoulder support cushion for head and neck immobilisation
Authors: Brown E 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: Accuracy and reproducibility of patient positioning is a central issue in the successful delivery of radiation therapy treatment. As treatment techniques become increasingly conformal, this issue has become ever more important. With the recent implementation of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) for head and neck patients, the Princess Alexandra Hospital Radiation Oncology Department has been investigating optimal immobilisation techniques for these patients. Methods: As part of this investigation, the department has recently trialled the inclusion of a modified Sinmed shoulder support cushion (CIVCO Medical Solutions, Kalona IA, USA) as part of the standard positioning protocol for head and neck patients. After trialling this piece of equipment on a small group of patients, an evaluation was undertaken to assess its effect on patient positioning accuracy. This evaluation consisted of electronic portal imaging assessment and collation of observations from treatment and planning staff. Results: No major differences were found between the positioning accuracy achieved for patients positioned with the support cushion in comparison to those positioned as per departmental protocol. Furthermore, trends were noted that indicated the support cushion actually decreased the level of positioning accuracy that was achieved. Staff observation demonstrated that the support cushion was not easy to use and contributed to problematic shell fitting in daily practice. Conclusion: As a result, the shoulder support cushion has not been implemented as part of the department's protocol for head and neck patient positioning with its use being limited to those patients who would most benefit from its inclusion due to anatomical restrictions.
Assessment of competency in radiography students — a new approach
Authors: Kilgour A J 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe assessment of the clinical performance and clinical competence of radiography students is problematic for many reasons, including the following:

Significant variations between clinical centres in how students are assessed
Internal variations within larger clinical centres, depending on who completes the assessment forms
Clinical supervisors being uncomfortable with failing poorly performing students
Different interpretations among supervisors as to what constitutes competence
Confusion amongst supervisors who accept students from more than one university, due to variations in assessment paperwork.
A national assessment tool has been designed and implemented in radiation therapy. Other disciplines to develop a national assessment tool in recent times have included speech pathology and physiotherapy. The discussion that follows describes the first stage of a project to develop a national assessment framework, including a national assessment tool, for the diagnostic radiography profession.The first stage of this project to develop a national assessment framework is a literature search, and this paper is based on the preliminary findings of this search. The aims of the search were to identify:

The fundamental principles of assessment in higher education
Factors arising from these principles that must be considered when designing a clinical assessment tool
Articles were sourced using Educational Resources Information Centre (ERIC), and were chosen based on their relevance to the topic. Some were sourced directly from their authors. Each article was summarised, and sorted into major categories using NVivo8™ (QSR International Pty Ltd, Doncaster, Victoria, Australia) qualitative data analysis software. These categories were: Function of education; issues related to assessment; types of knowledge and understanding; constructive alignment; teacher's role; competence; assessment (formative vs. summative and analytic vs. holistic); criterion and standards referencing; professional judgment. This was followed by a summary of the major categories.
Low‐temperature degradation of a Y‐TZP ceramic after surface treatments
Authors: Amaral Marina , Valandro Luiz Felipe , Bottino Marco A. , Souza Rodrigo O. A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of zirconia surface treatments on low‐temperature degradation (LTD). Disc‐shaped specimens were subjected to one of four surface treatments, denoted as C (control—no surface treatment), Si (air abrasion with 30 µm silica‐modified alumina particles), Al (air abrasion with 30 µm alumina particles), and Gr (grinding with 120 grit diamond discs). Half of the samples were submitted to autoclave treatment for 12 h (127°C, 1.5 bar). Samples were characterized by x‐ray diffraction and profilometer analysis and were subjected to biaxial flexural strength test. All of the groups exhibited an increase in the amount of monoclinic phase (m‐phase) after LTD. The t→m transformation was remarkable for the specimens from the C group, which also exhibited a significant increase in strength. The Gr group also exhibited an increase in strength but lower initial roughness, which probably suppressed LTD on the zirconia surface. The specimens subjected to air abrasion exhibited higher initial amounts of m‐phase and a small increase in m‐phase after LTD; the strength was not affected in these groups. The effects of LTD were different with each surface treatment applied. Apparently, LTD may be suppressed by smoother surfaces or the presence of an initial amount of m‐phase on zirconia surface. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 101B: 1387–1392, 2013.
Factors Controlling the Role of Zn and Reactivity of Zn‐bound Cysteines in Proteins: Application to Drug Target Discovery
Authors: Lee Yu‐Ming , Lin Yeh‐Fon , Lim Carmay 
Published: October 2013

AbstractZinc is an element essential to all forms of life. It can play a predominantly catalytic role or a exclusively structural role in proteins. Here, we provide an overview of important structural and catalytic Zn metalloproteins and highlight the key features distinguishing structural Zn sites from catalytic Zn sites. We elucidate why Zn can assume dual roles in proteins and provide ways to distinguish catalytic Zn sites from structural Zn sites and guidelines for targeting these Zn sites in drug target proteins. We also elucidate why the Zn‐bound cysteines in certain structural Zn‐sites are reactive and how they may be distinguished from inert Zn‐bound cysteines.
Neighborhoods in Maximum Packings of 2Kn and Quadratic Leaves of Triple Systems
Authors: Chaffee Joe , Rodger C. A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn this paper, two related problems are completely solved, extending two classic results by Colbourn and Rosa. In any partial triple system of , the neighborhood of a vertex v is the subgraph induced by . For (mod 3) with , it is shown that for any 2‐factor F on or vertices, there exists a maximum packing of with triples such that F is the neighborhood of some vertex if and only if , thus extending the corresponding result for the case where or 1 (mod 3) by Colbourn and Rosa. This result, along with the companion result of Colbourn and Rosa, leads to a complete characterization of quadratic leaves of λ‐fold partial triple systems for all , thereby extending the solution where by Colbourn and Rosa.