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  1. Rabba JA, Suhaimi FM, Mat Jafri MZ, Jaafar HA, Osman ND
    Radiography (Lond), 2023 May;29(3):533-538.
    PMID: 36913788 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2023.02.028
    INTRODUCTION: The daily image quality assessment involves large datasets that consume a lot of time and effort. This study aims to evaluate a proposed automated calculator for image distortion analysis in 2-dimensional (2D) panoramic imaging mode for a dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) system in comparison with present manual calculations.

    METHODS: A ball phantom was scanned using panoramic mode of the Planmeca ProMax 3D Mid CBCT unit (Planmeca, Helsinki, Finland) with standard exposure settings used in clinical practice (60 kV, 2 mA, and maximum FOV). An automated calculator algorithm was developed in MATLAB platform. Two parameters associated with panoramic image distortion such as balls diameter and distance between middle and tenth balls were measured. These automated measurements were compared with manual measurement using the Planmeca Romexis and ImageJ software.

    RESULTS: The findings showed smaller deviation in distance difference measurements by proposed automated calculator (ranged 3.83 mm) as compared to manual measurements (ranged 5.00 for Romexis and 5.12 mm for ImageJ software). There was a significant difference (p 

  2. Mohamed A, Mat Sanusi NSA, Azman NS, Zailani NS, Jasmin NH, Che Isa IN
    Radiography (Lond), 2024 Jan;30(1):388-393.
    PMID: 38159357 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2023.12.006
    INTRODUCTION: Postgraduate education in medical imaging is an important platform that can support in preparing radiographers for the role extension and advancement in radiography. Thus, this study aims to identify the factors influencing final year radiography students' intention to pursue postgraduate education in medical imaging.

    METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among final year students in medical imaging programs from six institutions in Malaysia. Purposive convenience sampling has been employed. Data collection was related to students' interest in postgraduate study and possible factors that may affect students' intention to pursue postgraduate education after study degree completion. The questionnaire was a combination of a Likert Scale and open-ended question.

    RESULTS: A total of 148 (female, n = 132 and male, n = 16) responses were included in the analysis. Among the participants, n = 93 (62.8 %) of students intended to pursue study. The highest choice of study was mixed mode (41.9 %) and cardiac imaging was the field of choice by the students (22.3 %). Five factors have been found to significantly correlate with the students' intention to pursue postgraduate study in medical imaging which were student attributes, being an academician, remuneration, finance, and social influences (p  0.05).

    CONCLUSION: Five out of seven factors tested were found to significantly influence students' decision to pursue postgraduate education in medical imaging. Effective strategies based on the influencing factors should be strategized to encourage more students to pursue postgraduate education in medical imaging.

    IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Implementation of effective strategies based on the influencing factors will improve access to education among radiography students, ultimately enhancing future radiographers' capability and competency.

  3. Thibault T, Gurung M, Leuvrey C, Boos A, Ronot P, El Masoudi I, et al.
    Radiography (Lond), 2024 Jan;30(1):159-162.
    PMID: 38035427 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2023.10.013
    BACKGROUND: Lead protective gloves are widely used to attenuate scattered radiations during fluoroscopic-guided medical procedures, thereby reducing hand exposure to radiation.

    AIMS: To determine whether lead-containing gloves present a risk of metal leaching onto the operator's skin, particularly due to the presence of sweat.

    METHODS: Artificial sweat of varying acidity was introduced into two types of commercial gloves containing lead. The level of lead in the sweat was then assessed after different exposure times. Electron microscopy was used to observe the morphology of the glove layers.

    RESULTS: Lead was detected in artificial sweat during each contact test on two different types of gloves. The concentration of lead increased with the acidity of the sweat, and the contact time. Gloves with a protective lining transferred less lead into sweat, but it was still present at significant levels. (i.e. few milligrams of lead per glove after one hour contact).

    CONCLUSIONS: Fluoroscopy operators should be aware of the risk of leaching of lead ions when using lead gloves under intensive conditions, although the potential harmfulness of lead ions leached into the glove remains essentially unknown.

  4. Osman ND, Abdulkadir MK, Shuaib IL, Nasirudin RA
    Radiography (Lond), 2024 Jan;30(1):237-244.
    PMID: 38035439 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2023.11.012
    INTRODUCTION: The adoption of size-specific dose estimate (SSDE) in clinical practice is still limited owing to the tedious and complex manual measurement of individual patient size for the clinical calculation of SSDE. Thus, the automation of SSDE is imperative. This study aims to evaluate a predictive equation for the automated calculation of SSDE.

    METHODS: A user-friendly software was developed to accurately predict the individual size-specific dose estimation of paediatric patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) scans of the head, thorax, and abdomen. The software includes a calculation equation developed based on a novel SSDE prediction equation that used a population's pre-determined percentage difference between volume-weighted computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol) and SSDE with age. American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM RPT 204) method (manual) and segmentation-based SSDE calculators (indoseCT and XXautocalc) were used to assess the proposed software predictions comparatively.

    RESULTS: The results of this study show that the automated equation-based calculation of SSDE and the manual and segmentation-based calculation of SSDE are in good agreement for patients. The differences between the automated equation-based calculation of SSDE and the manual and segmentation-based calculation are less than 3%.

    CONCLUSION: This study validated an accurate SSDE calculator that allows users to enter key input values and calculate SSDE.

    IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: The automated equation-based SSDE software (PESSD) seems a promising tool for estimating individualised CT doses during CT scans.

  5. Abdulwahid Mohammad Noor K, Mohd Norsuddin N, Che Isa IN, Abdul Karim MK
    Radiography (Lond), 2024 Jul;30(4):1041-1052.
    PMID: 38723445 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2024.04.019
    INTRODUCTION: Breast imaging plays a crucial role in the early detection and management of breast cancer, with visual quality, modality innovation and diagnostic performance being key factors in achieving accurate diagnoses and optimal patient outcomes. This paper presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the literature on the three above elements focusing on breast imaging, aiming to uncover publication trends, identify influential works and authors, and highlight future research directions.

    METHODS: We employed a methodical bibliometric approach, making use of Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases for gathering literatures. We planned our search strategy, concentrating on terms linked to "breast imaging," "image quality," and "diagnostic accuracy" to ensure a systematic examination of the subject. The enhanced search functions in these databases enabled us to narrow down and improve our findings, choosing only the articles, conference papers, and book sections that are most relevant. After conducting a thorough screening process to remove duplicates and evaluate significance, we utilized ScientoPy and VOSviewer software for an in-depth bibliometric analysis. This helped to explore trends in publications, patterns of citations, and thematic groups, giving us a better understanding of how the field has changed and where it currently stands. Our approach prioritized assessing methodological quality and bias in the studies we included, guaranteeing the reliability of our findings.

    RESULTS: We reviewed 2984 relevant publications, revealing a consistent annual growth rate of 2.8% in breast imaging research, with the United States and Europe leading in contributions. The study found that advancements in radiological technologies and international collaboration are driving forces behind the field's expansion. Key subject areas such as 'Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, and Medical Imaging' dominated, underscoring their impact on diagnostic quality. Notable authors and institutions have been identified for their influential research, characterized by high citation metrics and significant scholarly impact.

    CONCLUSION: The study shows a continuous increase in research on breast imaging, considered by new technologies and teamwork defining the present time. The assessment highlights a key move towards utilizing digital imaging methods and computational analysis, affecting the improvement of future diagnostic procedures and patients' results. The study highlights the importance of continued international collaborations to tackle the new barriers in breast imaging and make the most of technological progress.

    IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This study shows a focus on using interdisciplinary methods and cutting-edge technology in breast imaging to help healthcare professionals improve their performance and accuracy in diagnosis. Recognizing vital research and emerging trends should guide clinical guidelines, radiology training, and patient care plans to encourage the use of effective techniques and stimulate innovation in diagnostic approaches.

  6. Hariyanto AP, Mugni FF, Khumaira L, Sensusiati AD, Nursela AL, Suprijanto, et al.
    Radiography (Lond), 2024 Dec 11;31(1):254-263.
    PMID: 39667263 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2024.11.023
    INTRODUCTION: Phantom materials with tissue-equivalent physical properties that require regular evaluation using patented phantoms are essential for medical device quality assurance programs. This study evaluated phantom materials for tissue equivalence and their use in image quality assessment for breast ultrasound scanner performance testing using two custom-made phantoms.

    METHODS: Two types of phantoms were developed: phantoms A and B. Phantom A was made from a base material consisting of polyvinyl chloride-plastisol with the addition of glycerol, whereas phantom B consisted of polyvinyl chloride-plastisol with the addition of graphite. Each phantom had a stiff and soft lesion shaped like a sphere, with a diameter of 1.4 cm. The phantoms were cuboids with dimensions of 10 × 10 cm2 and a thickness of 5 cm. A series of phantom evaluations was performed, consisting of density, elasticity, acoustic properties, B-mode ultrasound images, and strain ratio.

    RESULTS: The characterisation results show that background A closely resembles fibroglandular tissue in terms of density and acoustic properties (<5% variation); background B only resembles fibroglandular tissue in terms of density (-1.8% variation). In terms of elasticity, both backgrounds were close to the minimum value of fibroglandular tissue elasticity. The soft lesion on the phantom had a slightly lower density and elasticity than the carcinoma, whereas its acoustic properties (speed of sound and attenuation coefficient) were slightly higher than those of the reference carcinoma. Both phantoms were consistent with the literature in terms of strain ratio, geometric accuracy, lesion detection, and mean pixel value and showed good potential stability over one year.

    CONCLUSION: This study successfully described the fabrication and evaluation sequence of a phantom equivalent to breast fibroglandular tissue and its evaluation via ultrasound imaging.

    IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This study offers proprietary information essential for the fabrication of phantoms that can be used for quality assurance and control in ultrasound imaging.

  7. Hariyanto AP, Endarko E, Mardat MD, Almira L, Ng KH
    Radiography (Lond), 2026 Oct;32(7):103543.
    PMID: 42648226 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2026.103543
    INTRODUCTION: Commercial polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) computed tomography dose index (CTDI) phantoms are widely used for CT dose assessment, but their cost and limited availability may restrict routine quality assurance, especially in resource-limited settings. This study evaluated the feasibility of a low-cost 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) head CTDI phantom as a complementary to commercial PMMA phantoms for CT dosimetry.

    METHODS: A 160-mm-diameter PLA head CTDI phantom with five dosimetry holes was fabricated using fused deposition modeling. Its elemental composition, density, effective atomic number, electron density, Hounsfield units (HU), and CT dosimetry parameters were characterized. Measurements were performed on 128-slice Ingenuity Philips and GE Discovery scanners, at 80, 120, and 140 kV. CTDI was measured at two different times and then compared with PMMA.

    RESULTS: PLA showed properties close to PMMA, with differences of 5.08% in density, -0.015% in effective atomic number, and -4.46% in electron density. PLA HU values were lower than PMMA, ranging from 22.5 to 45.3 HU on Philips and 25.1-49.1 HU on GE. CTDIvol deviations between PLA and PMMA ranged from -9.00% to -2.82% in November 2025 and from -5.78% to -3.83% in June 2026. These deviations remained within <10%, which was generally considered acceptable for comparative phantom-based CT dosimetry.

    CONCLUSION: The PLA CTDI phantom showed good effective atomic number, electron density, and dosimetric agreement with the standard PMMA phantom across two CT systems and two measurement time points.

    IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: 3D-printed PLA CTDI phantom could offer a practical, low-cost complementary tool for comparative CTDI measurement, education, protocol optimization, and quality assurance.

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