Evaluation of an integrated variable flip angle protocol to estimate coil B for hyperpolarized MRI.

Purpose: The purpose of this work is to validate a simple and versatile integrated variable flip angle (VFA) method for mapping B in hyperpolarized MRI, which can be used to correct signal variations due to coil inhomogeneity.

Theory And Methods: Simulations were run to assess performance of the VFA B mapping method compared to the currently used constant flip angle (CFA) approach. Simulation results were used to inform the design of VFA sequences, validated in four volunteers for hyperpolarized xenon-129 imaging of the lungs and another four volunteers for hyperpolarized carbon-13 imaging of the human brain.

An end-to-end assessment on the accuracy of adaptive radiotherapy in an MR-linac.

Purpose: To develop and demonstrate an end-to-end assessment procedure for adaptive radiotherapy (ART) within an MR-guided system.

Methods And Materials: A 3D printed pelvic phantom was designed and constructed for use in this study. The phantom was put through the complete radiotherapy treatment chain, with planned internal changes made to model prostate translations and shape changes, allowing an investigation into three ART techniques commonly used.

Building workforce capacity for ethical reflection in health promotion: a practitioner's experience.

Health promotion does not have a code of ethics, although attempts have been made to assist practitioners in their understanding and application of ethical concepts. This article describes and analyses one such attempt, sustained from 2006 to 2014 in rural South Australia. The attempt comprised capacity-building activities that were informed by principles of organisational change management, especially the principle of creating champions.

A pilot trial of tele-ophthalmology services in north Wales.

We identified the need for a tele-ophthalmology service at the Tywyn hospital in Wales. During a two-year period, 22 emergency patients were managed by telemedicine, thereby reducing the need for ambulance transfer. We expect that there will be increased use of tele-ophthalmology in north Wales as the technology improves and the equipment becomes easier to use.