Optimizing radiography education: Adapting curricula to evolving clinical practices in UAE healthcare.

Background: Despite population growth, the UAE is experiencing a decline in the utilization of plain radiography (X-ray) due to changes in clinical priorities and advancements in imaging technologies like CT and MRI. This decrease impacts medical education, creating a gap between training and practical application. Ensuring evidence-based justification for radiological procedures is crucial to prevent overutilization and strain of healthcare resources, highlighting the need for updated curricula.

Motivational factors influencing radiography students' career choices: A survey study.

Background: Despite significant advancements in healthcare in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), limited research has explored the motivational factors influencing UAE radiography students' choice of this field.

Materials And Methods: Institutional using a cross-sectional survey, to explore motivational factors influencing career decisions among UAE radiography students. It was conducted in 2023 and involved 100 students from four universities across the UAE.

Proteomic approaches for biomarker discovery and clinical applications in autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune diseases (ADs) impact approximately 3% of the global population. It encompasses more than 80 chronic, often debilitating conditions resulting from immune system defects that lead the body to attack its tissues. Although many ADs are rare, their prevalence is rising.

Associations of Self-Management Care and Shared Decision-Making with Glycemic Control and Psychosocial Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Purpose: This study explored the associations of Self-Management Care (SMC) and Shared Decision-Making (SDM) with clinical outcomes, specifically glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, and non-clinical outcomes (psychosocial Outcomes) in patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 200 patients with T2DM, recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected from the two healthcare facilities in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, between March and June 2020.

Patient perspectives on AI in radiology: Insights from the United Arab Emirates.

Rationale And Objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI) enhances diagnostic accuracy, efficiency, and patient outcomes in radiology. Patient acceptance is essential for successful integration. This study examines patient perspectives on AI in radiology within the UAE, focusing on their knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers.

Attitudes and awareness regarding the European consensus statement on the use of patient contact shielding.

Introduction: Lead contact shielding has been an essential element of patient radiation protection since its introduction in the early 1900s. The European Consensus Statement (ECS) on Patient Contact Shielding argues that diagnostic radiation doses have decreased to negligible levels. Given the potential for lead shielding to be misaligned or displaced, the ECS recommends refraining from its use to prevent the occurrence of repeated radiation exposures.

Qualitative and Quantitative Evaluation of the Image Quality of MDCT Multiphasic Liver Scans in HCC Patients.

The quality of CT images obtained from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients is complex, affecting diagnostic accuracy, precision, and radiation dose assessment due to increased exposure risks. The study evaluated image quality qualitatively and quantitatively by comparing quality levels with an effective radiation dose to ensure acceptable quality accuracy. This study retrospectively reviewed 100 known HCC patients (Li-RADS-5) who underwent multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) multiphasic scans for follow-up of their health condition between January and October 2023.

Radiographers' knowledge, clinical expertise and application of pain management strategies in the radiology department: Results from a qualitative focus group.

Background: Radiographers are frequently involved in imaging patients in pain thus requiring a heightened awareness and focus on this crucial issue.

Purpose: To explore the challenges radiographers encounter when imaging patients in pain and to identify strategies that could be implemented to improve overall patient-centered care.

Methods: A qualitative research study with a single focus group (FG) was conducted using six radiographers working within Irish hospitals.

Navigating the employment terrain in the Irish radiography sector.

Background: In Ireland, radiographers typically work in the public or private sector. This study investigates the determinants influencing radiographers' employment choices between the public and private sectors, offering employers valuable insights into the key factors that shape these decisions.

Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed nationally via social media and email.

Investigating knowledge of DRLs, image quality and radiation dose in PET/CT and CT imaging among medical imaging professionals.

Objective: To investigate the knowledge of diagnostic reference levels (DRLs), image quality, radiation dose and protocol parameters among Jordanian medical imaging professionals (MIPs) involved in PET/CT and CT scan procedures.

Materials And Methods: A questionnaire was designed and distributed to MIPs in Jordan. The survey comprised four sections: demographic data, MIP knowledge on dose/protocol parameters, image quality, and DRLs.

The Diverse Utility of Contrast Media Delivery and Dosing During Computed Tomography: An International Assessment of Knowledge and Practices.

Background: Despite the escalated production rate, the Iodinated Contrast Media (ICM) shortage continues, and demand outweighs supply.

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the knowledge and practice of ICM delivery in computed tomography (CT) among radiographers and radiologic technologists worldwide.

Methods: An IRB-approved cross-sectional survey used Google Forms for data collection.

Empowering Radiographers: A Call for Integrated AI Training in University Curricula.

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) applications are rapidly advancing in the field of medical imaging. This study is aimed at investigating the perception and knowledge of radiographers towards artificial intelligence.

Methods: An online survey employing Google Forms consisting of 20 questions regarding the radiographers' perception of AI.

National and local diagnostic reference levels for adultF-FDG and CT in Jordanian PET/CT: findings and implications in practice.

This study aims to report the findings of Jordanian national diagnostic reference level (NDRL) survey for fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) and local diagnostic reference level (LDRL) of computed tomography (CT) used for attenuation correction and anatomical localisation (AC-AL); and AC and diagnostic CT (AC-DX) within the context of whole-body WB and half-body HB adult oncology PET/CT scanning. Two-structured questionnaires were prepared to gather the necessary information: dosimetry data, patient demographics, equipment specification, and acquisition protocols for identifiedF-FDG PET/CT procedures. The NDRL and achievable dose were reported based on the 75th and 50th percentiles forF-FDG administered activity (AA), respectively.

Diagnostic reference levels in spinal CT: Jordanian assessments and global benchmarks.

Background: To reduce radiation dose and subsequent risks, several legislative documents in different countries describe the need for Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs). Spinal radiography is a common and high-dose examination. Therefore, the aim of this work was to establish the DRL for Computed Tomography (CT) examinations of the spine in healthcare institutions across Jordan.

Revising and exploring the variations in methodologies for establishing the diagnostic reference levels for paediatric PET/CT imaging.

PET-computed tomography (PET/CT) is a hybrid imaging technique that combines anatomical and functional information; to investigate primary cancers, stage tumours, and track treatment response in paediatric oncology patients. However, there is debate in the literature about whether PET/CT could increase the risk of cancer in children, as the machine is utilizing two types of radiation, and paediatric patients have faster cell division and longer life expectancy. Therefore, it is essential to minimize radiation exposure by justifying and optimizing PET/CT examinations and ensure an acceptable image quality.

Reducing ' probably benign ' assessments in normal mammograms: The role of radiologist experience.

Rationale And Objectives: to investigate the relationship between radiologists' experience in reporting mammograms, their caseloads, and the classification of category '3' or 'Probably Benign' on normal mammograms.

Materials And Methods: A total of 92 board-certified radiologists participated. Self-reported parameters related to experience, including age, years since qualifying as a radiologist, years of experience reading mammograms, number of mammograms read per year, and hours spent reading mammograms per week, were documented.

Establishment of diagnostic reference levels in low-dose renal computed tomography.

Background: Increased radiation doses from computed tomography (CT) examinations is well known with proven risks of inducing cancers for effective dose >100 mSv (according to some studies >50 mSvs).

Purpose: To establish the diagnostic reference level (DRL) for low-dose renal CT examinations in the evaluation of renal stones.

Material And Methods: Patient demographics, CT parameters, and dosimetric indices (CTDI and dose length product [DLP]) were collected from 12 tertiary hospitals that routinely perform renal CT in the detection and evaluation of renal stones over a period of 12 weeks.

Atrial Septal Defect Repair in Adolescent and Adult Patients, a Cross Sectional Study at Jordan University Hospital, a Tertiary Hospital in a Developing Country.

Objective: We aim to report our heart team's experience in repair of Secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) in adolescent and adult patients at Jordan University Hospital (JUH).

Methodology: A retrospective observational study of 44 patients who underwent secundum ASD closure by transcatheter closure (TCC) or Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) at JUH. Patients who were treated at an age of 14 years or older regardless of the age of diagnosis were included.

Management of the Most Common Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Infancy: The Middle East Expert Consensus.

The occurrence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) is a formidable challenge for infants, parents, and healthcare professionals. Although data from the Middle East are scarce, experts consider FGIDs a prevalent condition in everyday clinical practice. The new Rome IV criteria revisited the definitions from a clinical perspective to provide a practical and consistent diagnostic protocol for FGIDs.

Development of a computational tool for estimating computed tomography dose parameters.

Background: Computed Tomographic (CT) imaging procedures have been reported as the main source of radiation in diagnostic procedures compared to other modalities. To provide the optimal quality of CT images at the minimum radiation risk to the patient, periodic inspections and calibration tests for CT equipment are required. These tests involve a series of measurements that are time consuming and may require specific skills and highly-trained personnel.

Radiation dose reduction considerations and imaging patterns of ground glass opacities in coronavirus: risk of over exposure in computed tomography.

This article aims to summarize the available data on the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SAR-CoV-2) imaging patterns as well as reducing radiation dose exposure in chest computed tomography (CT) protocols. First, the general aspects of radiation dose in CT and radiation risk are discussed, followed by the effect of changing parameters on image quality. This article attempts to highlight some of the common chest CT signs that radiologists and emergency physicians are likely to encounter.

Radiologists' Knowledge and Attitudes towards CT Radiation Dose and Exposure in Saudi Arabia-A Survey Study.

Computed tomography (CT) is a key imaging technique in diagnostic radiology, providing highly sensitive and specific information. While its use has increased dramatically in recent years, the quantity and associated risks of radiation from CT scans present major challenges, particularly in paediatrics. The fundamental principles of radiation protection require that radiation quantities be as low as reasonably achievable and CT use must be justified, particularly for paediatric patients.

Does mammographic density remain a radiological challenge in the digital era?

Background: The low subject contrast between cancerous and fibroglandular tissue could obscure breast abnormalities.

Purpose: To investigate radiologists' performance for detection of breast cancer in low and high mammographic density (MD) when cases are digitally acquired.

Material And Methods: A test set of 60 digital mammography cases, of which 20 were cancerous, were examined by 17 radiologists.

The implications of increased mammographic breast density for breast screening in Jordan.

Introduction: Mammographic breast density is associated with a four to six times increased risk for breast cancer. Mammographic breast density varies by ethnicity, geographical region and age. The aim of this study was to document for the first time the mammographic breast density of Jordanian women and to explore its relationship with age.