Partial-angle computed tomography (CT), including CT fluoroscopy and C-arm cone-beam CT systems, plays an important role in image-guided interventions. In these systems, the X-ray tube rotation angle is a critical factor affecting the dose evaluation. However, scans are often performed with partial rotations of approximately 180°–240°, and reliable methods for measuring the actual rotation angle have not been established. In this study, we propose a method for measuring the rotation angle in partial-angle CT scans and improving dose evaluation accuracy by incorporating the measured angles into Monte Carlo simulations. Measurements were performed using CT fluoroscopy and angiography. A CT dose index phantom was placed on the patient table, and metal rods and a real-time dosimeter were inserted into the peripheral holes and center hole, respectively. The rotation angles were identified from the X-ray attenuation caused by the metal rods, and the dose profiles for a single scan were determined by combining measurements acquired with and without the rods. The measured rotation angles and dose profiles were incorporated into Monte Carlo simulations and then validated against measured values. The differences between the displayed and measured rotation angles were 3.4
PURPOSE:Few reports have investigated the attitudes of medical students and early residents toward medical oncology and their career decisions. This study aimed to assess recognition, interest, and factors influencing the intention to specialize in medical oncology among medical students and junior residents. METHODS:A 20-item questionnaire survey was conducted online from November to December 2024. Participants were recruited from medical universities, university hospitals, and general hospitals across Japan. Responses regarding perceptions of medical oncology and decisive factors for career choice were analyzed. RESULTS:A total of 632 medical students and junior residents completed the survey. Among them, 545 (86%) recognized medical oncology, and 243 (38%) considered it a potential future career. The correlation coefficient between academic year and recognition of medical oncology was 0.976, whereas that between academic year and interest was -0.810. Sensitivity of interest, defined as the proportion of participants considering medical oncology as a career among those interested in it, was highest in third-year students (0.78). Multivariate analysis identified interest in cancer treatment as the strongest predictor of considering medical oncology as a career (contribution rate, 43%; range, 1.62; partial correlation coefficient, 0.28). CONCLUSION:Recognition of medical oncology increased with academic year, whereas interest declined. Interest in cancer treatment was the strongest predictor of intention to specialize in medical oncology.
This study aimed to establish and evaluate two evidence-based reconstruction protocols for [18F]fluciclovine PET on a high-resolution dedicated head PET system: a time-efficient protocol for routine clinical use, and a high-quality protocol designed to maximize small-lesion detectability. A brain-tumor phantom (target-to-background ratio, 5:1) was scanned on a dedicated head PET scanner (BresTome, Shimadzu). Using a 60-min list-mode acquisition, parameters were optimized for two visually defined pathways (10-min clinical-efficiency; 30-min high-quality). The optimization sequence involved optimizing the relaxation factor (β) using mean percent contrast (
Purpose: The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity (OB-OV) has increased worldwide, but its influence on contralateral patent processus vaginalis (CPPV) and perioperative outcomes in unilateral inguinal hernia is unclear. This study evaluated the association of OB-OV with CPPV, and with anesthesia induction time and surgical site infection (SSI) incidence. Methods: This retrospective study included 178 pediatric patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for unilateral inguinal hernia between April 2013 and March 2022 at our institution; 27 had OB-OV and 151 served as controls. Presence of CPPV, hernia side (right vs left), demographic variables (age, sex), and perioperative variables—including anesthesia induction time, operative time, and postoperative complications—were compared between groups using the chi-square test and Mann–Whitney U test. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between OB-OV and CPPV after adjustment for age and sex. Results: OB-OV was associated with a higher CPPV detection rate (p = 0.01), longer anesthesia induction times (p < 0.01), and a higher incidence of SSI (p = 0.04). In multivariable analysis, OB-OV was independently associated with CPPV (odds ratio 3.23; 95% CI 1.38–8.00; p < 0.01). Conclusion: In pediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic repair of unilateral inguinal hernia, OB-OV was associated with higher rates of CPPV, longer anesthesia induction time, and higher rates of SSI. Recognizing this risk may inform perioperative decision-making and preoperative counseling.
PURPOSE:In real-world care settings, wheelchair operation from multiple directions would be optimal. This study aimed to determine how caregivers operate the omni-directional accessible (OA) wheelchair, which features four swivel casters to achieve omni-directional movement and two vertical handles for caregivers located at the front of the armrest and its effectiveness for reducing time of wheelchair operations. METHOD:Twenty healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to either the OA (n = 10) or conventional (n = 10) wheelchair group. Participants performed a wheelchair operation task in a simulated care setting. We measured the caregiver's position during wheelchair operation and the task completion time required for the wheelchair operation task. RESULT:The results showed that all participants in OA group operated the wheelchair from positions other than the rear. This tendency became more pronounced as the trial number increased, contributing to shorter task completion time than conventional wheelchair. CONCLUSION:These findings suggest that OA wheelchairs are suitable and effective for use in real-world care settings.
