This paper discusses the use of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans to reduce the need for exploratory surgery and other invasive techniques and to target better radiation therapy in cancer patients.
Abstract This paper explains that Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanning is an advanced imaging technique that can differentiate between malignant lesions and benign lesions in almost every process in cancer diagnosis, staging and treatment because PET is more sensitive than CT scanning or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques. The author explains that for PET scanning, the patient is injected with positron emitting radionuclides and placed in a tube and surrounded by a ring of detectors; when one of these high-energy photon rays is detected, the source location can be determined and mapped by a specialized software package. The paper relates that, after radiation and surgery there is considerable damage to surrounding tissue; therefore, it is often difficult to distinguish living cancer cells from morphological changes caused by surgery or tissue death caused by radiation; however, because dead tissue and cancer cells have different glucose metabolism rates, they are easy to distinguish by PETimaging.
Table of Contents
Improving Outcomes for Radiation Therapy
How PET Scanning Works
Radiation Therapy
Using PET to Analyze the Effectiveness of Radiation Treatments
From the Paper "Because PET scanning is based on glucose levels, it is important that these be controlled prior to the scan. Patients are usually told to fast for 4-6 hours prior to the test. However, they can drink water and take any medications that they are on. The goal is to get the base glucose level lower than 160 mg/dL before administering the FDG or other isotope. Patients with diabetes should continue their routine of eating small meals and taking their insulin. Then these small inconveniences, PET imaging is non-invasive and causes little discomfort to the patient."
Abstract This paper examines how nuclear medicine is a medical specialty that involves the use of radioactive isotopes in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. It looks at how positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is used extensively as diagnostic tool in the U.S. and Europe, but has limited availability in the U.K. It shows how the information obtained from these examinations can differentiate between different organs without the need for the patient to undergo surgical procedures. It also examines how, despite the long history of PET development, the costs and effectiveness of its use in routine clinical practice remain unknown. It reviews the relevant literature to determine whether PETimaging should be used more extensively in the U.K. instead of conventional nuclear medicine imaging.
From the Paper "These researchers report that despite the long history of PET development, the costs and effectiveness of its use in routine clinical practice remain virtually unknown. However, what is known is that the bottom line for these and other advances in medical technology is clinician and patient accessibility. According to Michael Johns, "Physicians who do not have access to or choose not to utilize cutting-edge technologies could potentially limit the care provided to their patients. But for many in the developing world, the cost of new equipment and materials continues to be prohibitive. Even in the West, both public and private insurance agencies take into account the cost of a test or therapy before deciding whether to pay for it" (2001, 132)."
This paper highlights the advances in imaging technology that have allowed scientists to discover how memory works and the areas of the brain involved.
Abstract This paper looks at how the different advances in brain imaging-techniques have contributed to scientists increased ability to understand the concept of memory. It looks at the advent of Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and what they have meant to the increased ability to understand and treat brain, and memory disorders.
From the Paper "For example, fMRI was found useful for research by Awh and colleagues (1999) to observe brain activations during the performance of a spatial working memory task. In this investigation, subjects were given a spatial working memory task and a control task. Using fMRI the researchers found a functionally distinct, region that showed sustained activity during the spatial working memory task, confirming the location for the neural bases for that function. In the past, researchers who wanted detailed studies of human brain activity struggled because they lacked effective investigative tools. In experiments with humans the best technologies brought only limited success in mapping the processes of consciousness."
Abstract This paper examines whether or not it is convenient for a local hospital to acquire an ultimate technology medical device, mainly a PET/CT scanning system. The paper discusses the benefits and threats of implementing such a device. According to the paper, the PET/CT is one of the latest technological devices in the medical world and is expected to give magnificent results in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases.
From the Paper "Since a first glance it might be assumed the fact that PET/CT would bring some important benefits to the patients' status and living. Even though, a great disadvantage might be represented by the high cost of the equipment, which has only allowed large hospitals to achieve it Moreover, in order for the very ill persons to be helped, UPMC has developed a mobile PET/CT unit that can be brought next to them. In this way the same equipment is able to be used by more than one clinic and its cost might be shared among them. "The Mobile PET/CT unit is identical to the stationary units, except that the equipment is mounted in a tractor trailer which is parked outside the network locations. Scans are scheduled with your oncologist, and the actual procedure takes place in the trailer" . "
Abstract This paper discusses how in a pet friendly society pets offer human kind their services as teachers, therapists, healers and companions. It discusses how pets have the ability to share in the work that humans endure, as well as aid people in feeling more secure. The paper further defines a pet friendly society as one in which cures for cancer may be achieved, or disabled people are allowed to exist in dignity.
With little more than a request for food, shelter and love, pets enhance the lives of every human being. Pets do not care about race, gender, level of education, income, or the mistakes that people make. Regardless of those that suggest that pets are a bothersome inclusion in the world, a pet friendly society even serves the naysayers and skeptics with positive outcomes.
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of the pet business. Specifically, the paper discusses the business in America focusing primarily on doggie day care services. According to the paper, the pet business in America is booming, and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Outline:
The Pet Business
Doggie Day Care
Other Pet Businesses
Protecting Pets
From the Paper "With the growing number of two-parent workers and long hours spent at work, many people chose not to own pets because they did not have time enough to devote to them. Doggie day care has changed that. The business is growing phenomenally, and even corporations such as PetsMart now offer doggie day care services in addition to grooming and training. The industry started out small, with centers operated by local area entrepreneurs who saw a need and began to fill it by opening small centers where a few dogs could spend time together. As the idea caught on, more and more centers have opened, and at least one company, Central Bark, offers franchises throughout the country. Central Bark's website refers to dogs as "children" or "babies," something that is very consistent with many pet owners, who treat their pets as their surrogate children. This phenomenon is also growing, and is helping fuel the growth in all aspects of the pet care business. This doggie day care company recognizes this, and refers to their day care as "preschool" for pets, tapping into the emotional side of the pet care business, and attracting owners who treat their pets like children."
Comparing three articles - "I Want to Be Miss America" by Julie Alvarez; "My Inner Shrimp" by Garry Trudeau and "Victoria's Not-So-Secret Strategy" by Marisa Kula - which deal with how sociey has physical expectations of a person and beauty image.
Abstract Current society is one where body image or looks is central to self image. Movies, television, beauty products, diet programs and exercise programs are all reminders of this. Every person in society is haunted by the image of what they should look like. This paper focuses on three essays, each which argue something different about the impact of our need to look a certain way. Alverez's shows what happens when a person cannot obtain the ideal look society dictates. Trudeau's shows that even if the ideal is attained, the impact on the person lingers while also showing that it is not only an issue for women. Finally, Kula shows how companies like Victoria's Secret project these images and make profit by fooling women into believing they can be the ideal. This paper considers these essays and the impact of body image and shows how living up to an ideal set by society impacts on everyone's life, whether or not that ideal can be attained. The writer concludes that the end result of this is low self-esteem for all individuals, even if some of those ideals can be attained.
From the Paper "1. The Alvarez family's ritual of watching the Miss America pageant is so important to Alvarez and her sisters because it represents what they could be. The Alverez's come from a culture where women can only be wives and mothers. The Miss America pageant represents that in America, they can aspire to more than that. The Miss America pageant also represents what it means to be American, something the Alverez sisters are trying to find out so they can fit into their new environment."
Abstract The paper shows that diagnostic imaging is a rapidly growing healthcare industry that involves the application of electromagnetic radiation to create images of internal structures of the human body with the goal of providing an accurate diagnosis of the patient's condition. It points out that a common theme in the literature review is the need for an increased receptiveness on the part of all healthcare practitioners, both senior clinicians as well as those in training, to improve interdisciplinary activities, as well as more effective communications and collaboration among the various imaging subspecialties. Regrettably, the same market forces that have driven the rapid growth of diagnostic imaging for the benefit of the healthcare consumer are the same forces that are fueling the growing tendency to use these techniques unnecessarily or for inappropriate purposes. The writer points out, however, that there are a lot of imaging machines out there that are going to require skilled and competent technicians to operate them.
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Diagnostic Imaging Today
Identifying Effective Supervisory Techniques in Support of a Constructive Clinical Learning Experience
Current and Future Trends
Bibliography
From the Paper " According to Anreson and Carroll, "These external accrediting agencies for specialized services provide a means to legitimate the organization. Internal participants also make legitimacy evaluations that can affect their own levels of involvement and motivation" (p. 36). Just as the Holy Bible points out that "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other" (Matthew 6:24, KJV), Anreson and Carroll note that one or another of these internal or external assessments may represent the most important at any given time within certain areas of the organization and different sources of legitimacy may conflict with one another.
A fundamental consideration in this regard concerns the need for changing an organizational component that is not going to be easily changed. According to Amy C. Edmondson's essay, "Framing for Learning: Lessons in Successful Technology Implementation" (2003), "The decision to bring a new, innovative technology into a complex organization is only the first step in an implementation journey. Many new technologies disrupt existing organizational routines and relationships, requiring potential users to re-learn how to work together--a challenge that usually proves more difficult than anticipated" (p. 34). As a result, any type of new technology will cause the subsequent implementation process to take place along a variety of paths that are determined less by the unique qualities of the technology itself than by a complex interaction between the technology and the adopting organization. Edmonson suggests that "Those participating in an implementation effort may have considerable leeway in how to interpret the technology's benefits and challenges, and so the same technology can be seen differently and can elicit different responses, even in organizations that may appear quite similar (p. 35)."
Abstract This paper focuses on the representations of women's body image in the media and asks how these representations affect women's self-image and behavior.
From the Paper "The images of the media surround us constantly. According to Peach (1998): "We are exposed to over 2,000 ads a day, constituting perhaps the most powerful educational force in society. The average adult will spend one and a half years of his/her life watching television commercials". (p. 128). Leafing through the morning paper we unconsciously take in adverts and photographs. Going to work we pass billboards, signs on bus stations and busses, company logo's on clothing and merchandise. At home relaxing in front of the television we are bombarded by images. What are the main messages that are conveyed by this unstoppable deluge of the media?"
Abstract This paper discusses the use of radio-diagnostic imagery instead of the more standard form of autopsy in forensic medicine. The paper examines the pros and cons of using images provided by machinery such as MRIs instead of the information provided by the more invasive autopsy procedure. The paper discusses the accuracy of radio-diagnostic imagery compared with its less technologically advanced counterpart in determining causes of death. The author concludes that while radio-diagnostic imaging can be useful in forensic medicine, it can not yet replace traditional autopsy.
Table of Contents:
Objective
Introduction
Negative Findings in the use of Radio-diagnostic Imaging in Forensic Medicine
Positive Findings in the use of Radio-diagnostic Imaging in Forensic Medicine
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "There has been an increase in the use of MRI in forensics in making a diagnosis when death involved either injury or disease. Stated to be one of the: "main criticisms of the use of MRI as an alternative to conventional autopsy is the lack of validation of this imaging technique." This is due to the mixed results that have been reported related to MRI post mortem examinations in the fields of neuropathology and paediatrics."
Tags: MRI, forensic, medicine, Post, Mortem, Magnetic, Resonance, Imaging
Abstract This paper discusses how the media can have negative effects on the body image of almost any individual, male or female. It further discusses how women are more prone to the effects of this kind of media image and reviews research that indicates, in its early stages, that these effects can be countered by intervention.
From the Paper "Every day the general public is subject to unrealistic body images portrayed by the media. On television, hypersexual teens worry more about losing their virginity than about a humongous pimple shining like a blinking beacon. In both print and electronic media, women with prominent collarbones and 15-inch waists advertise everything from fast food to pain- and weight loss medication, while men with "ripped" abs drink beer with their buddies in front of the television. In the movies, even the pets are beautiful and gaze at their perfect owners with love from the elegant couch in their perfectly maintained homes. How is the average individual supposed to compete with this flawless worldview? Does the average viewer compete with it at all or is it accepted as the depiction of the American dream?"
Abstract This paper analyzes the article, "Prejudice as Self-Image Maintenance: Affirming the Self Through Derogating Others," Fein and Spencer (1997) which illustrates how self-image maintenance processes facilitate prejudice and stereotyping and internalizes them in people. The writer shows that the most important message from this article is that we should be aware of the existence of these unconscious processes because it will be impossible to modify prejudiced behaviors unless we are aware of the processes.
From the Paper "Hate crimes are among the most serious problems in the United States. Hate crimes against victims? racial or ethnic origin, religious preference, and sexual orientation are most notorious, but the fact is that hate crimes target anybody based on any factor. Stereotyping and prejudice are the main causes of hate crimes and are deep-rooted and hard to modify. It appears that stereotyping and prejudice are not merely a product of accumulated historical issues but also a product of a psychological mechanism, which reinforces stereotyping and prejudice. In this article, "Prejudice as Self-Image Maintenance: Affirming the Self Through Derogating Others," Fein and Spencer (1997) discuss how self-image maintenance processes underlie stereotyping and prejudice."
Talks about the importance of medical imaging technology and how proper use of the technology is determined by proper understanding, guidance, and training.
Abstract This paper looks at the advances in medical imaging technology and how these advances have made it necessary to have university programs devoted entirely to medical imaging technology. The paper also looks at why this technology can so easily be used inappropriately and how focusing on its potential and promise can help solve this problem.
From the Paper "Technology and technology applications in the medical fields are proliferating faster than proverbial rabbits. The advances in digital transmission of data, together with application of MRI technology and micro circuitry have created opportunities for the medical profession to gain more accurate information, analysis, and prognoses than ever before. MRI machines produce images which are clearer, and virtually three dimensional for the medical staff to use to accumulate diagnostic information. In previous decades, developing the talents to read imaging devices was included in part of broader based medical disciplines. But today, universities have advanced BS and MS degrees in medical imaging technology."
Abstract This paper discusses what it means for humanity to have been created in the image of God. The paper explores the implications of this divine heritage, with emphasis given to the Christian texts, which portray Jesus as the redeemer of human kind.
From the Paper "In the book of Genesis, God completes his handiwork on earth with the proclamation: 'Let us make man after our own image after our likeness and let them have dominion'. The implications concerning a human creation that embodies the image of God are many..."
Tags: god, adam, jesus christ, redemption, image of man, man in god's image, genesis, corinthians, colossians
Abstract This paper explains that the image of God reflects civilizations. The author points out the relationship of the image of God to the media and technology. The paper examines the way devotional art has evolved over the ages.
From the Paper "The purpose of this paper is to discuss the images of God and how they have evolved over the ages and reflect the civilizations in which they were produced. Images of God and other devotional art deliberately appeal to the understanding and references of the times in which they are made; therefore, an image of God made in the Middle Ages would be consistently and considerably different than what would be produced today This has to do with both ..."
