Effectiveness of low dose computed tomography to detect fractures in paediatric suspected physical abuse: a systematic review.

Purpose: The skeletal survey X-ray series is the current 'gold standard' when investigating suspected physical abuse (SPA) of children, in addition to a non-contrast computed tomography (CT) brain scan. This systematic literature review synthesised findings of published research to determine if low dose computed tomography (LDCT) could detect subtle fractures and therefore replace the skeletal survey X-ray series in the investigation of SPA in children aged under 3 years.

Methods: Five electronic databases and grey literature were systematically searched from their inception to 28 April 2022.

Brainstem processing of cough sensory inputs in chronic cough hypersensitivity.

Background: Chronic cough is a prevalent and difficult to treat condition often accompanied by cough hypersensitivity, characterised by cough triggered from exposure to low level sensory stimuli. The mechanisms underlying cough hypersensitivity may involve alterations in airway sensory nerve responsivity to tussive stimuli which would be accompanied by alterations in stimulus-induced brainstem activation, measurable with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Methods: We investigated brainstem responses during inhalation of capsaicin and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in 29 participants with chronic cough and 29 age- and sex-matched controls.

Comparison of typical radiation doses and risks using an anthropomorphic 'bone fracture' phantom for commonly performed X-ray projections in a 5-year-old.

Introduction: Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) are typical dose levels for medical imaging examinations for groups of standard-sized patients or standard phantoms for broadly defined types of equipment used as a tool to aid optimisation of protection for medical exposures. Currently, there are no paediatric DRLs for conventional radiography (i.e.

Typical median effective radiation doses using an anthropomorphic bone fracture phantom for initial radiographic skeletal surveys in the investigation of suspected physical abuse.

Background: A series of 31 radiographs is recommended by the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) when investigating suspected physical abuse (SPA).

Objective: To determine the radiation dose delivered for skeletal surveys performed for SPA in Victorian radiology departments based on their local protocols.

Materials And Methods: A 5-year-old paediatric bone fracture phantom was radiographed at five radiology sites using both the RCR recommended protocol and, where applicable, the local departmental SPA protocol.

Designing a breast support device for phase contrast tomographic imaging: getting ready for a clinical trial.

Objective: To design a device that can support the breast during phase-contrast tomography, and characterise its fit parameterisation and comfort rating.

Methods: 27 participants were recruited to trial a system for breast support during simulated phase contrast imaging, including being positioned on a prone imaging table while wearing the device. Participants underwent a photogrammetry analysis to establish the geometric parameterisations.

Immersive virtual reality simulated learning environment versus role-play for empathic clinical communication training.

Introduction: The use of immersive virtual reality simulated learning environments (VR SLEs) for improving clinical communication can offer desirable qualities including repetition and determinism in a safe environment. The aim of this study was to establish whether the mode of delivery, VR SLE versus clinical role-play, could have a measurable effect on clinical empathic communication skills for MRI scenarios.

Methods: A split-cohort study was performed with trainee practitioners (n = 70) and qualified practitioners (n = 9).

Effect of x-ray energy on the radiological image quality in propagation-based phase-contrast computed tomography of the breast.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in developing and developed countries and is responsible for 15% of women's cancer deaths worldwide. Conventional absorption-based breast imaging techniques lack sufficient contrast for comprehensive diagnosis. Propagation-based phase-contrast computed tomography (PB-CT) is a developing technique that exploits a more contrast-sensitive property of x-rays: x-ray refraction.

Findings from machine learning in clinical medical imaging applications - Lessons for translation to the forensic setting.

Machine learning (ML) techniques are increasingly being used in clinical medical imaging to automate distinct processing tasks. In post-mortem forensic radiology, the use of these algorithms presents significant challenges due to variability in organ position, structural changes from decomposition, inconsistent body placement in the scanner, and the presence of foreign bodies. Existing ML approaches in clinical imaging can likely be transferred to the forensic setting with careful consideration to account for the increased variability and temporal factors that affect the data used to train these algorithms.

Development of an automated radiotherapy dose accumulation workflow for locally advanced high-risk prostate cancer - A technical report.

An automated dose accumulation and contour propagation workflow using daily cone beam computed tomography (CBCTs) images for prostate cases that require pelvic lymph nodes irradiation (PLNs) was developed. This workflow was constructed using MIM® software with the intention to provide accurate dose transformations for plans with two different isocentres, whereby two sequential treatment phases were prescribed. The pre-processing steps for data extractions from treatment plans, CBCTs, determination of couch shift information and management of missing CBCTs are described.

Behavioral and Regional Brain Responses to Inhalation of Capsaicin Modified by Painful Conditioning in Humans.

Background: Cough is a defense mechanism that protects the airways and lungs in response to airway irritation. The sensory neurons involved in detecting airway irritants and the neural pathways mediating cough share similarities with those that encode pain from the body. Painful conditioning stimuli applied to one body site are known to reduce the perception of pain at another.

Quantification of Student Radiographic Patient Positioning Using an Immersive Virtual Reality Simulation.

Introduction: Immersive virtual reality (VR) simulation environments facilitate novel ways for users to visualize anatomy and quantify performance relative to expert users. The ability of software to provide positional feedback before a practitioner progresses with subsequent stages of examinations has broad implications for primary and allied healthcare professionals, particularly with respect to health and safety (eg, exposing to x-rays). The effect of training student-radiographers (radiology technicians), with a VR simulation environment was quantitatively assessed.

Development of a simple numerical model for trabecular bone structures.

Purpose: Advances in additive manufacturing processes are enabling the fabrication of surrogate bone structures for applications including use in high-resolution anthropomorphic phantoms. In this research, a simple numerical model is proposed that enables the generation of microarchitecture with similar statistical distribution to trabecular bone.

Methods: A human humerus, radius, ulna, and several vertebrae were scanned on the Imaging and Medical beamline at the Australian Synchrotron and the proposed numerical model was developed through the definition of two complex functions that encode the trabecular thickness and position-dependant spacing to generate volumetric surrogate trabecular structures.

Effect of external fixation rod coupling in computed tomography.

External fixation is a common tool in the treatment of complex fractures, correction of limb deformity, and salvage arthrodesis. These devices typically incorporate radio-opaque metal rods/struts connected at varying distances and orientations between rings. Whilst the predominant imaging modality is plain film radiology, computed tomography (CT) may be performed in order for the surgeon to make a more confident clinical decision (e.

Advantages of breast cancer visualization and characterization using synchrotron radiation phase-contrast tomography.

The aim of this study was to highlight the advantages that propagation-based phase-contrast computed tomography (PB-CT) with synchrotron radiation can provide in breast cancer diagnostics. For the first time, a fresh and intact mastectomy sample from a 60 year old patient was scanned on the IMBL beamline at the Australian Synchrotron in PB-CT mode and reconstructed. The clinical picture was described and characterized by an experienced breast radiologist, who underlined the advantages of providing diagnosis on a PB-CT volume rather than conventional two-dimensional modalities.

The implementation of a haptic feedback virtual reality simulation clinic with dynamic patient interaction and communication for medical imaging students.

Introduction: An immersive virtual reality (VR) simulation clinic with dynamic patient interaction and communication was developed to facilitate the training of medical radiation science students. The software "CETSOL VR Clinic" was integrated into the Medical Imaging programme at Monash University in 2016 in order to benchmark student experiences against existing simulation techniques (Shaderware™).

Methods: An iterative approach to development, based on two cycles of user feedback, was used to develop and refine the simulated clinical environment.

High-Resolution X-Ray Phase-Contrast 3-D Imaging of Breast Tissue Specimens as a Possible Adjunct to Histopathology.

Histopathological analysis is the current gold standard in breast cancer diagnosis and management, however, as imaging technology improves, the amount of potential diagnostic information that may be demonstrable radiologically should also increase. We aimed to evaluate the potential clinical usefulness of 3-D phase-contrast micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging at high spatial resolutions as an adjunct to conventional histological microscopy. Ten breast tissue specimens, 2 mm in diameter, were scanned at the SYRMEP beamline of the Elettra Synchrotron using the propagation-based phase-contrast micro-tomography method.

Validation of a Geant4 model of the X-ray fluorescence microprobe at the Australian Synchrotron.

A Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation of the X-ray fluorescence microprobe (XFM) end-station at the Australian Synchrotron has been developed. The simulation is required for optimization of the scan configuration and reconstruction algorithms. As part of the simulation process, a Gaussian beam model was developed.