The use of portable electronic devices as an evaluation tool in the clinical setting

The Portable Electronic Device (PED) is emerging as an effective tool which can aid in evidence-based practice along with supporting the educational needs of both clinical and classroom training (Honeybourne, 2006; Applegate, 2010). Specific types of PED’s may include personal digital assistants, smart phones, iTouch, iPads, laptops and tablets (Figure 1). Research on the use of mobile devices has been conducted in fields such as medicine and nursing; however, there is little research in the field of radiation science. More research is needed to determine how these devices can be used as an instructional aid and competency assessment tool for radiation science students (Applegate, 2010)

HPV-related cancers: case studies and treatment

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with more than 150 viruses.1 HPV is an infection of the basal epithelium and transmission can occur either by direct contact or during childbirth. More than 50% of sexually active people will be infected with some form of HPV during their lifetime.2 Two categories of sexually transmitted HPV include low-risk HPVs, which are not cancer causing, and high-risk, or oncogenic HPVs, which can lead to a cancer diagnosis. Malignancies found to be associated with HPV infection include cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile and anal cancers as well as cancers of the oropharynx. Treatment of HPV-related cancers often includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Health education and prevention is necessary to reduce cancers related to HPV infections. Education on abstinence and vaccinations are two methods proven to be effective. The role of the health care provider is to educate adolescents regarding the risk of sexually transmitted disease and ways to protect themselves from HPV-related cancers such as the cases reviewed in this exhibit

The use of simulation in the clinical education of radiation science students

Radiation science education students are considered to be adult learners. According to Fanning & Gaba, adults learn best through experiential learning.1 Experiential learning actively engages the student by providing them with the ability to participate and play a role in the acquisition of knowledge.1 Simulation in medical education is a practical approach which allows adults to learn experientially. The goal of simulation is not to substitute for actual clinical experience, but to replicate these clinical scenarios for the purpose of assessment of skill and feedback of the activity.2 Reform in education and medicine, along with the pressures associated with patient safety, have promoted the utilization of simulation in medical education. Team-based learning and inter-professional collaboration can also be fostered in a simulated setting.3 There are many approaches to simulated clinical education; three current methods will be addressed in this exhibit. These three methods include: Utilization of a clinical skills lab manikin Virtual simulation Use of Standardized Patients Cognitive, psychomotor and affective learning domains can all be evaluating by using any of these three types of simulation methods

Avoiding bowel toxicity in the treatment of the renal surgical bed

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common cancer associated with the kidney. RCC accounts for approximately 3% of all adult malignancies with the incidence increasing by almost 2% per year.1,2 Radical nephrectomy is the standard of treatment for patients with localized disease; however approximately 30% of patients present with metastasis.2 The use of radiation therapy is most often limited to post-operative cases when residual tumor is identified or for symptomatic relief of metastatic disease. Definitive radiation treatment is not commonly indicated due to the low tolerance to radiation of surrounding abdominal structures such as the small bowel, ipsilateral kidney, and spinal cord. For patients diagnosed with left-sided RCC, the main dose limiting structure is the small bowel. The following case study will focus on avoiding bowel toxicity with the use of post-operative radiation therapy for the treatment of a Stage III left-sided renal cell carcinoma

Cardiac metastasis

Metastatic cardiac lesions are often clinically silent, and incidence may be determined more accurately upon autopsy.1 Cardiac metastases have been identified by autopsy in up to 20% of patients who succumbed to cancer. Malignant melanoma, leukemia, and lymphoma are the most common primary cancers to spread to the heart; however, these cases of metastasis have decreased with improved chemotherapy regimens.2 Few reports of cardiac metastasis due to colon cancer were found in the literature. This exhibit illustrates the case of a 65-year-old female patient with presumed metastatic disease to the heart from a primary colon malignancy

Using mlearning in the education of radiation science students

Radiation science is a highly visual field that is constantly evolving due to technological advances. Technology has significantly improved almost all aspects of the field over the past 10-15 years. These advances in technology have also played a significant role in the education of radiation science students didactically and clinically. The enormous increase in the capabilities of information technology provides the opportunity for educators to dramatically change their way of teaching.1 mLearning or mobile learning involves the use of mobile devices (i.e. personal digital assistants, smart phones, iPhones, iTouch, iPad, laptops and tablets) to enhance teaching and learning. The most significant advantage of mLearning is the mobility of the technology which allows for unlimited, immediate and continuous access to course materials. The goal of this initial research is to discuss the implementation of mobile learning, specifically through the use of the Apple iTouch, into the education of radiation science students

Healthcare Workers Occupationally Exposed to Ionizing Radiation Exhibit Altered Levels of Inflammatory Cytokines and Redox Parameters

Studies have shown an increased risk for a variety of cancers, specifically brain cancer, in healthcare workers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation. Although the mechanisms mediating these phenomena are not fully understood, ionizing radiation-mediated elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative DNA damage, and immune modulation are likely involved. A group of 20 radiation exposed workers and 40 sex- and age-matched non-exposed control subjects were recruited for the study. We measured superoxide (O2•−) levels in whole blood of healthcare workers and all other measurements of cytokines, oxidative DNA damage, extracellular superoxide dismutase (EcSOD) activity and reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH/GSSG) in plasma. Levels of O2•− were significantly higher in radiation exposed workers compared to control. Similarly, a significant increase in the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1α and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α in radiation exposed workers compared to control was observed, while there was no significance difference in the other 27 screened cytokines. A significant positive correlation was found between MIP-1α and O2•− levels with no correlation in either IL-6 or IL-1α. Further, a dose-dependent relationship with significant O2•− production and immune alterations in radiation exposed workers was demonstrated. There was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of oxidative DNA damage, GSH/GSSG levels, or EcSOD activity. Although the biologic significance of cytokines alterations in radiation exposed workers is unclear, further studies are needed for determining the underlying mechanism of their elevation