Optimisation of T2 and T2* sequences in MRI for better quantification of iron on transfused dependent sickle cell patients.

This work aimed to investigate the effect of different shim techniques, voxel sizes, and repetition time (TR) on using theT2 and T2* sequences to determine their optimum settings to investigate the quantification of iron in transfused dependent sickle cell patients. The effect of each of these parameters was investigated on phantoms of different Gadolinium (Gd) concentrations, on 10 volunteers and 25 patients using a1 5T MRI Philips scanner. No significant difference between the three shim techniques was noticed in either T2 or T2* sequence measurements. Pixel sizes of 1 × 1 and 2 × 2 mm provided optimum results for T2 measurements. At 1 × 1 mm pixel size the T2* measurements experienced less error in measurements than the size of 2.5 × 2.5 mm used in the literature. Even though the slice thickness variation did not provide any changes in T2 measurements, the 12 mm provided optimum T2* measurements. TR variation did not yield significant changes on either T2 or T2* measurements. These results indicate that both T2 and T2* sequences can be further improved by providing more reliable measurements and reducing acquisition time.

Sudanese paediatric residents' perception towards training environment in Sudan Medical Specialisation Board, 2020.

The training environment is a determinant of learning outcomes. Paediatric residents spend most of their training programme activities in hospitals and related health centres. Measurement of the educational environment for residents is important to detect strengths and weaknesses and to ensure quality training.The overall aim is to determine the perception of postgraduate paediatric residents of a hospital educational environment. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted by using the modified Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure (PHEEM) to evaluate the training environment of paediatric residents in Sudan who spent 4 years of training after the curriculum was updated in 2014. PHEEM questionnaire was used to collect data from 150 final-year paediatric residents. Additional data about the programme were collected using checklists. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Science version 23. Of 101 residents who completed the forms, 19 (18.8%) were male and 82 (81.2%) were female. The total Cronbach's alpha score was 0.894. The total scale score was 74/160, which indicated an overall suboptimal response. The overall score was 74.66, autonomy score was 25.75, teachers score was 29.17 and social support score was 19.73. The overall mean ranged between 0.9604 and 2.9109. There were no significant differences between male and female responses. The examination results showed high scores despite the suboptimal educational environment. Perception of the training environment by residents showed suboptimal responses. All subscales showed problems that needed attention and urgent interventions. The social subscale score was the lowest and needed special attention with regard to the large number of females. It is vital to evaluate the whole training in order to make decisions about the weaknesses for improvements and continuation.