bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT): an introduction
Authors: Currie GM , Iqbal B , Wheat JM , Davidson R , Kiat H 
Published: October 2013

AbstractSingle photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) has been widely used in nuclear medicine for several decades. Since the late 1980s and early 1990s SPECT images have been combined with x‐ray computed tomography (CT) to provide complimentary information of anatomy and function for improved diagnostic outcomes. Image registration emerged to bring SPECT and CT into a combined SPECT/CT imaging modality. Despite the success of these approaches, difficulties exist with the co‐registration process; differing spatial resolutions, differing respiratory state/cardiac cycle and differing abdominal contents from examinations being performed at different times of the day. Hardware innovations, hybrid SPECT/CT, were developed to address co‐registration software limitations. Acquisition of both SPECT and CT images can be made within a few seconds of one another. Since the first commercial system became available in 1999, which used low x‐ray outputs with low quality CT images, SPECT/CT have evolved to utilise higher output diagnostic standard CT scanners such as 64 slice CT systems. The improved capability and diagnostic quality CT images has been accompanied by widespread clinical use and demand. The ability to accurately locate the functional information seen from SPECT has an incremental benefit over the SPECT and CT images alone. Clinical examples are provided to highlight these combined strengths. SPECT/CT is one example of the ‘blurring’ of traditional boundaries between radiology and nuclear medicine. An understanding of the technical and clinical aspects of SPECT/CT can provide improved clinical outcomes for the benefit of the patient and of the professional development of medical radiation scientists.
Applying project management principles to research projects in a health setting
Authors: Vachan B 
Published: October 2013

AbstractUndertaking a research project can be a colossal task. The project manager is responsible for ensuring the project is on time and within scope and budget. He or she is also responsible for generating and maintaining the project's momentum from start to finish. This article demonstrates the application of project management principles of initiation, planning, monitoring, control and implementation when designing, running and completing a research project.
Ultrasound guided intravenous cannula insertion — reflection
Authors: Gilmore CA , Burnett RH , Straw RJ , Kroll WJ , Franklin IR 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: Intravenous (IV) access is a necessity for a range of medical imaging department (MID) examinations. A number of patients who require intravenously administered therapy are difficult to cannulate using a blind approach in the hospital ward or MID. The practice of peripheral intravenous cannula (PIVC) insertion is a specialist field, with required skills usually obtained through dedicated clinical training programs. Established as a diagnostic tool, ultrasound is widely used to aid clinicians in gaining vascular access as it increases success and reduces complications. Non‐diagnostic application however is poorly reported by non‐medical officer or nursing professions. This study is based on the reflective experience of health practitioners with a title of Accredited Medical Sonographer (AMS). Methods: A retrospective study was conducted recounting PIVC insertions under ultrasound (US) guidance during the period 24th June 2010 to 23rd December 2011, at the MID of The Prince Charles Hospital, Australia. Results: During the study period, 957 PIVC insertion procedures were performed and 953 procedures were technically successful (99.6%). Conclusion: The necessity for venous access extends beyond medical imaging examinations in any hospital as it is a necessity for infusion therapy. An AMS with the appropriate PIVC insertion training is equipped with a unique skill set to expertly perform intravenous cannulation of the difficult to cannulate patient.
A survey to evaluate the implementation of a national clinical assessment form
Authors: Giles E , Dempsey S , Chiswell M , Wright C , Bridge P , Charlton N 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: The Australian Universities Radiation Therapy Student Clinical Assessment Form (AURTSCAF) was designed to assess the clinical skills of radiation therapy (RT) students from the six universities that offer entry level RT programs. Given the AURTSCAF has now been in use for over two years, the Radiation Therapy Program Coordinators (RTPC) group initiated a post implementation evaluation survey. This formed the final phase of the AURTSCAF project and was funded by the Radiation Oncology Division of the Department of Health and Ageing. Methods: A cross‐sectional designed survey using purposive sampling was distributed via email to all RT clinical sites. The survey asked questions about the requirements of a pass grade for students at different stages of their program, and the addition of a new category of assessment related to fitness to practise. Response types included both forced choice closed ended responses and open ended responses. There was also a section for open comments about the AURTSCAF. Results: There were 100 responses (55%) from clinicians who had utilised the assessment form over the previous 12 month period. Responses highlighted several positives with regard to the utility and implementation of the form. Comments regarding areas for improvement with the standardisation of the grading of students and consensus for the addition of a new domain in fitness for practise have informed the recommended changes proposed for 2012. Conclusion: This evaluation has provided a representative sample of the views of clinicians involved in assessing students on clinical placement. Recommendations include the addition of the sixth domain of assessment: Fitness for practise, the addition of descriptors and prompts for this domain in the user guide, the addition of a consensus statement about the use of the rating scale and dissemination of the proposed changes nationally.
Educational technology in medical imaging education
Authors: Starkey D 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurpose: The emergence of digital technologies has created enthusiasm for their application to student learning. An evolving issue in medical imaging is how these technologies might be implemented within programs. Methods: A review of the literature was performed to explore applications and issues of educational technology in medical imaging Results: There are a range of applications for educational technology within medical imaging education however limitations do exist. Learners must be supported by the development of skills to utilise education technologies. The digital picture archival and communication environment presents an ideal opportunity to enhance student learning through interaction and engagement with images. Implementation of education technologies to support student placement activities is an area for future development provided equity of access is addressed. Conclusion: Education technologies have specific application to medical imaging education as part of a blended curriculum.
A comparison of Saudi Arabian and Australian radiographers' perceptions of computed tomography radiation dose
Authors: Al Mohiy H , Sim J , Annabell N , Seeram E , Davidson R 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackground: Computed tomography (CT) is a powerful diagnostic tool, but the radiation delivered to paediatric patients needs to be kept to a minimum. Thus, CT education and protocols must be continuously reviewed, particularly with respect to paediatric CT examinations. Purpose: To investigate the knowledge and perceptions of paediatric CT radiographers from Australia and Saudi Arabia regarding paediatric CT dose. Methods: Interviews were conducted with CT radiographers working in dedicated paediatric hospitals during 2010. Their training and perceptions of paediatric CT radiation dose were evaluated, along with their departments' policies. Actual dose measurements from their departments were compared to their perceptions to reveal radiographers' awareness of their department's typical dose relative to those delivered by their contemporaries. Results: Almost all surveyed radiographers were willing to minimise their radiation dose, but many Saudi Arabian radiographers were not allowed to make any changes to their CT protocols. CT protocols in Saudi Arabia were wholly defined by the CT machine vendors' recommendations, whereas most Australian CT protocols were established following reviews of the appropriate literature. Conclusion: Australian and Saudi Arabian CT radiographers' training and perceptions of paediatric CT dose vary substantially, and differences exist in terms of workplace culture. Continuous professional development will assist Saudi Arabian radiographers to reduce CT radiation dose.
Physical and technical principles of sonography: A practical guide for non‐sonographers
Authors: Thoirs K 
Published: October 2013

AbstractMedical and health professionals who have not been trained in medical sonography are increasingly being asked to operate ultrasound equipment across a variety of niche applications. The quality of medical sonography images is very dependent on the operator. Any person who operates medical sonography equipment for any application should have a good understanding of the physical principles of sonography, and understand the controls available to them to optimise images and correct artefacts to ensure optimal patient care. This article provides a brief explanation of the physical principles of medical sonography, the controls that are available to the user to optimise images, and common artefacts that may occur.
WHO BENEFITS FROM JOB CORPS? A DISTRIBUTIONAL ANALYSIS OF AN ACTIVE LABOR MARKET PROGRAM
Authors: Eren Ozkan , Ozbeklik Serkan 
Published: October 2013

SUMMARYUsing recently developed econometric techniques to estimate quantile treatment effects (QTE) and experimental data, we examine the impact of Job Corps on earnings distribution. Our results indicate a great deal of heterogeneity in the effects of Job Corps. The QTEs show an increasing pattern along the earnings distribution, with much more pronounced differences at the upper quantiles for males, whites, and ages 20–24. Moreover, we find the QTEs to be very small at quantiles below the median for males, ages 16–17 and 18–19, and non‐resident students. We propose strong economic conditions and skill hypotheses to explain the heterogeneity observed over the earnings distribution. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential responses to JNJ‐37822681, a specific and fast dissociating dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, in cynomolgus monkey and Sprague–Dawley rat general toxicology studies: clinical observations, prolactin levels, mammary histopathology findings and toxicokinetics
Authors: de Waal Eric J. , Desmidt Maria , Korte Sven , Niehoff Marc , Chase Kevan , Arrowsmith Wayne , Lampo Ann 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTJNJ‐37822681 is a potent, specific and fast dissociating dopamine D2 receptor antagonist intended for the treatment of schizophrenia. Its nonclinical toxicological profile was investigated in a series of general repeat dose toxicity studies in cynomolgus monkeys and Sprague–Dawley rats. The maximum duration of treatment was 9 and 6 months, respectively. Interspecies differences were noted in the response to JNJ‐37822681 in terms of extrapyramidal (EPS)‐like clinical signs and prolactin‐mediated tissue changes in the mammary gland. Monkeys showed severe EPS‐like clinical signs such as abnormal posture, abnormal eye movements and hallucination‐like behavior at relatively low exposures compared to those associated with EPS in patients with schizophrenia. The high sensitivity of the monkey to JNJ‐37822681‐induced EPS‐like signs was unexpected based on the fast dissociating properties of the compound. Rats, however, were not prone to EPS. Elevated serum prolactin levels were found in rats and monkeys. While rats showed slight to moderate prolactin‐related tissue changes upon histopathological examination in all studies, which among others affected the mammary gland, only minor mammary gland tissue changes were noted in monkeys. Prolactin levels were only slightly increased in patients with schizophrenia receiving relatively high dose levels of JNJ‐37822681. The monkey toxicology studies did not provide an exposure‐based safety margin, while in rats adverse effects were only noted at exposures considerably higher than those achieved at efficacious plasma concentrations in the clinic. Overall, the available data suggest that the cynomolgus monkey showed better predictivity towards the nature of JNJ‐37822681‐associated adverse events in humans than the Sprague–Dawley rat. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective Solid‐phase Extraction of Cu2+ by a Novel Cu(II)‐imprinted Silica Gel
Authors: Faghihian Hossein , Asghari Khadijeh 
Published: October 2013

AbstractA new Cu(II)‐imprinted salen functionalized silica gel adsorbent was synthesized by surface imprinting technique and was employed as a selective solid phase extraction material for Cu2+ removal from aqueous solutions. The samples were characterized by FT‐IR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, CHNS and DTG techniques. The BET surface area of the silica gel was also determined. The adsorbent was then used for removal of Cu2+ from aqueous solutions under different experimental conditions. It was concluded that the synthesized imprinted silica gel had higher selectivity and capacity compared to the non‐imprinted silica gel and the maximal adsorption capacity of 67.3 and 56.5 mg.g−1 was obtained respectively for ion‐imprinted and non‐imprinted adsorbents. The relative selectivity factor (β) of 50.32 and 31.94 was obtained respectively for Cu2+/Ni2+ and Cu2+/Zn2+ pairs. The dynamic adsorption capacity of the imprinted adsorbent was close to the static adsorption capacity due to the fast kinetic of adsorption. Furthermore, the ion‐imprinted adsorbent was recovered and repeatedly used and satisfactory adsorption capacity with acceptable precision was obtained. Each experiment was repeated at least for three times and the mean and the standard deviation for each measurement were calculated. The applicability of the method was examined for Zayandehrood water as real sample. Acceptabe standard deviation was obtained.
TiO2 Thin Film with Varied Porous Structure Applied on the Degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Wang Sheng‐Hung , Wang Kuo‐Hua , Jehng Jih‐Mirn 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn this study, porous TiO2 thin films were prepared by the sol‐gel method employing polyethylene glycol 1000 (PEG 1000) as an organic template. Pore sizes were adjusted by varying the concentration of PEG 1000. The optimal PEG concentration range required to form TiO2 films with a regular porous structure was investigated and was found to be 0.01–0.015 M. As the PEG 1000 concentration increased, the surface of these films became rougher because of larger pores. Degradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV irradiation was used to determine the photocatalytic activity of the films. In addition, the effect of the pH value of the MB solution on the films was evaluated by controlling its pH value at 5, 7, and 9. The results showed that the photocatalytic activity was correlated to the pore size and pore density of the thin films. TiO2 thin films possessing pore sizes in the diameter range of 35–85 nm exhibited the best conversion of 98% after 8 h of UV irradiation when the pH value was 7.
Identification of Pivotal Cellular Factors Involved in HPV‐Induced Dysplastic and Neoplastic Cervical Pathologies
Authors: Mattarocci Stefano , Abbruzzese Claudia , Mileo Anna M. , Carosi Mariantonia , Pescarmona Edoardo , Vico Carmen , Federico Antonio , Vizza Enrico , Corrado Giacomo , Arisi Ivan , Felsani Armando , Paggi Marco G. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractCervical carcinoma represents the paradigm of virus‐induced cancers, where virtually all cervical cancers come from previous “high‐risk” HPV infection. The persistent expression of the HPV viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 is responsible for the reprogramming of fundamental cellular functions in the host cell, thus generating a noticeable, yet only partially explored, imbalance in protein molecular networks and cell signaling pathways. Eighty‐eight cellular factors, identified as HPV direct or surrogate targets, were chosen and monitored in a retrospective analysis for their mRNA expression in HPV‐induced cervical lesions, from dysplasia to cancer. Real‐time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed by using formalin‐fixed, paraffin embedded archival samples. Gene expression analysis identified 40 genes significantly modulated in LSIL, HSIL, and squamous cervical carcinoma. Interestingly, among these, the expression level of a panel of four genes, TOP2A, CTNNB1, PFKM, and GSN, was able to distinguish between normal tissues and cervical carcinomas. Immunohistochemistry was also done to assess protein expression of two genes among those up‐regulated during the transition between dysplasia and carcinoma, namely E2F1 and CDC25A, and their correlation with clinical parameters. Besides the possibility of significantly enhancing the use of some of these factors in diagnostic or prognostic procedures, these data clearly outline specific pathways, and thus key biological processes, altered in cervical dysplasia and carcinoma. Deeper insight on how these molecular mechanisms work may help widen the spectrum of novel innovative approaches to these virus‐induced cell pathologies. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 463–470, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neurogenesis of Neural Crest‐Derived Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells by EGF and bFGF
Authors: Fortino Veronica R. , Chen Ren‐Shiang , Pelaez Daniel , Cheung Herman S. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractNeuroregenerative medicine is an ever‐growing field in which regeneration of lost cells/tissues due to a neurodegenerative disease is the ultimate goal. With the scarcity of available replacement alternatives, stem cells provide an attractive source for regenerating neural tissue. While many stem cell sources exist, including: mesenchymal stem cells, embryonic stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells, the limited cellular potency, technical difficulties, and ethical considerations associated with these make finding alternate sources a desirable goal. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) derived from the neural crest were induced into neural‐like cells using a combination of epidermal growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor. Morphological changes were evident in our treated group, seen under both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. A statistically significant increase in the expression of neuron‐specific β‐tubulin III and the neural stem/progenitor cell marker nestin, along with positive immunohistochemical staining for glial fibrillary acidic protein, demonstrated the success of our treatment in inducing both neuronal and glial phenotypes. Positive staining for synaptophysin demonstrated neural connections and electrophysiological recordings indicated that when subjected to whole‐cell patch clamping, our treated cells displayed inward currents conducted through voltage‐gated sodium (Na+) channels. Taken together, our results indicate the success of our treatment in inducing PDLSCs to neural‐like cells. The ease of sourcing and expansion, their embryologic neural crest origin, and the lack of ethical implications in their use make PDLSCs an attractive source for use in neuroregenerative medicine. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 479–488, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microorganism‐mediated, CTAB‐directed synthesis of hierarchically branched Au‐nanowire/Escherichia coli nanocomposites with strong near‐infrared absorbance
Authors: Yang Haixian , Du Mingming , Odoom‐Wubah Tareque , Wang Jing , Sun Daohua , Huang Jiale , Li Qingbiao 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe facile use of microorganisms as green templates for shape‐control of Au nanostructures can not only utilize their characteristic nanoscale dimensions and versatility, but also bridge the gap between bulk materials and Au nanostructures for technical applications.RESULTSUsing Escherichia coli cells (ECCs), closely packed, hierarchically branched, chemically difficult‐to‐synthesize and stable Au nanowires (AuNWs) were fabricated through a seedless microorganism‐mediated, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromides (CTAB)‐directed method. The ECCs played dual roles in the biosorption of Au ions and acted as preferential nucleation sites for Au nanocrystals in the formation of the AuNWs. In addition, proper CTAB concentration and just a little excessive ascorbic acid were essential to the formation of the AuNWs. The preferential nucleation sites that were simultaneously mediated by adjacent cells favored branched growth. Random growth of the same nanowire with multiple branched points gave rise to hierarchically branched AuNWs. Interestingly, the AuNW/ECC nanocomposites exhibited a noticeable absorbance at around 1900 nm in the near‐infrared (NIR) region.CONCLUSIONThis study verifies the general strategy by combining a microorganism and CTAB for the fabrication of functional AuNW/microorganism nanocomposites. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Polycation liposomes as a vector for potential intracellular delivery of microRNA
Authors: Ando Hidenori , Okamoto Ayaka , Yokota Masafumi , Asai Tomohiro , Dewa Takehisa , Oku Naoto 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundWe previously developed a microRNA (miRNA) delivery system by using dicetyl phosphate‐tetraethylenepentamine‐based polycation liposomes (TEPA‐PCL), applied it to miR‐92a delivery, and demonstrated its gene‐silencing potential and effective anti‐angiogenic effects. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism of intracellular delivery of cholesterol‐grafted miR‐92a (miR‐92a‐C) into cells.MethodsTo investigate the intracellular distribution of miR‐92a‐C/TEPA‐PCL complex, we used human umbilical vein endothelial cells and examined certain points after transfection: (i) the time‐course of miR‐92a‐uptake into the cells; (ii) the endocytosis pathway induced by miR‐92a‐C/TEPA‐PCL; (iii) the capability of miR‐92a‐C/TEPA‐PCL to escape from the endosomes; and (iv) the release of miR‐92a‐C from TEPA‐PCL in the cytoplasm.ResultsOur data indicated that miR‐92a‐C formulated in TEPA‐PCL accumulated in and was spread throughout the cytoplasm in a time‐dependent manner, and was taken up into the cells by macropinosome‐mediated endocytosis. In addition, the surface charge of miR‐92a‐C/TEPA‐PCL was neutral at pH 7.4 and was charged positively at around pH 5.5, which is the inner pH of endosomes. When the late endosomes/lysosomes were stained with Lysotracker, miR‐92a‐C/TEPA‐PCL efficiently escaped from the endosomes into the cytoplasm, possibly through the proton‐sponge effect. Furthermore, miR‐92a‐C spread throughout whole cytoplasm and did not co‐localize completely with TEPA‐PCL, indicating that some of the miR‐92a‐C was present in free form in the cytoplasm.ConclusionsThe results of the present study suggest that TEPA‐PCL‐based lipoplexes have an excellent potential to deliver microRNAs into the cytoplasm of cells and to induce RNA silencing action mediated by microRNAs and other small RNAs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.