Giovanni Mandarano - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Giovanni Mandarano
The knowledge that unbound gadolinium was responsible for NSF highlighted the need for alternativ... more The knowledge that unbound gadolinium was responsible for NSF highlighted the need for alternative and safer imaging agents for MRI applications. Nanoparticles (used in conjunction with MRI) were identified as offering the potential and promise, to be saf
European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Oct 1, 2014
Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences, Jul 31, 2022
Biomedical Imaging and Intervention Journal, 2009
Interventional techniques using ultrasound guidance, such as Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) of li... more Interventional techniques using ultrasound guidance, such as Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) of liver lesions, are the domain of the radiologist. However, real time ultrasound imaging as performed by the sonographer, is critical in monitoring the successful insertion and placement of the RFA needle. RFA is used to create a localised and controlled application of heat in order to induce necrosis of cells within the liver lesions. The role of the sonographer is to assist in establishing the criteria for RFA therapy. This includes assessing the liver to establish how easily the lesion can be identified; the size of the lesion; its proximity to large blood vessels and adjacent vital organs and the access route to the lesion itself. In essence, in this discussion, the focus will be on the sonographic techniques in the assessment of the liver prior to RFA and the RFA procedure itself. A brief review of the clinical role that can be provided by Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is also included.
Biomedical Imaging and Intervention Journal, 2008
The magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) examination has all but replaced the diagn... more The magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) examination has all but replaced the diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) examination for imaging the biliary tree and pancreatic ducts in many practical aspects of the clinical setting. Despite this increase in popularity, many magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiographers still find aspects of the MRCP examination quite challenging. The aim of this tutorial paper is to provide useful technical advice on how to overcome such perceived challenges and thus produce a successful diagnostic MRCP examination. This paper will be of interest to novice MRI radiographers who are at the beginning of their learning curve in MRCP examination. Other MRI radiographers who are interested in practical tips for protocol variations may also find the paper useful.
Affecting approximately up to 10-40% of all cancer patients, the prognosis for patients suffering... more Affecting approximately up to 10-40% of all cancer patients, the prognosis for patients suffering from metastatic brain tumours is poor. Treatment of these metastatic tumours is greatly hindered by the presence of the blood brain barrier which restricts the overwhelming majority of small molecules from entering the brain. A novel approach to overcome this barrier is to target receptor mediated transport mechanisms present on the endothelial cell membranes, in particular the transferrin receptor. Given their specificity, safety profile and stability, nucleic acid-based therapeutics are ideal for this purpose. This review explores the development of bifunctional aptamers for the treatment of brain metastases.
Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences, 2010
Radiation safety concerns are ongoing in the medical community and in the general populace. Radio... more Radiation safety concerns are ongoing in the medical community and in the general populace. Radiographers have a responsibility to not only use carefully developed protocols, but to re-examine how we use radiation in medical imaging. What was considered best practice 10 years ago may prove to be excessive now in the face of progressing and advancing technology, with the advent of multi-slice volume acquisition computed tomography (CT) and the increasing frequency of its use. Best practice demands that risk reduction is an ongoing activity especially in view of the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle.
Abstract The Interactive e-Atlas (IeA) has been developed to assist students with the difficult c... more Abstract The Interactive e-Atlas (IeA) has been developed to assist students with the difficult concepts associated with anatomy, physiology, radiographic imaging and other discipline-specific knowledge. The IeA is based on a series of ���pages��� linked sequentially. A standard template ensures that students can focus on content and pedagogical issues. The educational theory underpinning the IeA is adapted from Kirkpatrick's 1979) Training Evaluation Model. This approach has led us to develop the IeA with the following positive ...
Internal Medicine Journal, 2011
Radiologic technology, 2019
Radiologic technology, 2018
Breast cancer is one of the most commonly occurring cancers in women globally and is the primary ... more Breast cancer is one of the most commonly occurring cancers in women globally and is the primary cause of cancer mortality in females. BC is highly heterogeneous with various phenotypic expressions. The overexpression of HER2 is responsible for 15–30% of all invasive BC and is strongly associated with malignant behaviours, poor prognosis and decline in overall survival. Molecular imaging offers advantages over conventional imaging modalities, as it provides more sensitive and specific detection of tumours, as these techniques measure the biological and physiological processes at the cellular level to visualise the disease. Early detection and diagnosis of BC is crucial to improving clinical outcomes and prognosis. While HER2-specific antibodies and nanobodies may improve the sensitivity and specificity of molecular imaging, the radioisotope conjugation process may interfere with and may compromise their binding functionalities. Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides capable o...
![Research paper thumbnail of Development and use of iron oxide nanoparticles (Part 1): Synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles for Magnetic Resonance Imaging [MRI]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/77825076/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Contrast agents, such as iron oxide, enhance MR images by altering the relaxation times of tissue... more Contrast agents, such as iron oxide, enhance MR images by altering the relaxation times of tissues in which the agent is present. They can also be used to label targeted molecular imaging probes. Unfortunately, no molecular imaging probe is currently available on the clinical MRI market. A promising platform for MRI contrast agent development is nanotechnology, where superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONS) are tailored for MR contrast enhancement, and/or for molecular imaging. SPIONs can be produced using a range of methods and the choice of method will be influenced by the characteristics most important for a particular application. In addition, the ability to attach molecular markers to SPIONS heralds their application in molecular imaging. There are many reviews on SPION synthesis for MRI; however, these tend to be targeted to a chemistry audience. The development of MRI contrast agents attracts experienced researchers from many fields including some researchers with ...
RMIT University‘s media annotation tool (MAT) is a computer software program dedicated to incorpo... more RMIT University‘s media annotation tool (MAT) is a computer software program dedicated to incorporating video footage to the student learning experience in a novel manner. In addition to the usual functions associated with videos, MAT allows users to enter written comments at strategic and key positions to emphasise the required learning points. Innovatively introduced to creatively support learning for work-ready skills, in 2011 MAT was integrated into courses across nine student cohorts, over six disciplines, in the Vocational and Higher Education (undergraduate and post graduate) sectors of the university. This paper will focus on analysis of insights of teacher experiences using MAT, highlighting sustainable ways forward with university designed innovations. It will introduce the context of implementing MAT and discuss the process of evaluating the requirements for promoting MAT to the wider university community and, more specifically, to embed and sustain MAT into the long-term.
Introduction MRI is a high spatial resolution non-invasive technique but it has low specificity f... more Introduction MRI is a high spatial resolution non-invasive technique but it has low specificity for targeting explicit pathologies. In an effort to improve specificity, MRI contrast agents with strong paramagnetic properties such as Gadolinium have been developed. However recent reports of suspected deaths associated with gadolinium administration have severely limited their use [1-2]. Iron oxide contrast agents have been used for MRI signal enhancement however particle size issues have limited their imaging to liver, spleen and the gastro-intestinal lumen. To achieve a more targeted delivery an iron oxide based MRI contrast agent must be biocompatible, have high chemical stability, be easily functionalised and retain a high net magnetisation value. In this study, we used silica coated iron oxide to generate highly magnetic nanoparticles small enough to by-pass the reticulo-endothelial system and localise in a specific tumour. We aimed to demonstrate that targeted MRI diagnosis of c...
Pharmaceuticals
Cancer has a high incidence and mortality rate worldwide, which continues to grow as millions of ... more Cancer has a high incidence and mortality rate worldwide, which continues to grow as millions of people are diagnosed annually. Metastatic disease caused by cancer is largely responsible for the mortality rates, thus early detection of metastatic tumours can improve prognosis. However, a large number of patients will also present with micrometastasis tumours which are often missed, as conventional medical imaging modalities are unable to detect micrometastases due to the lack of specificity and sensitivity. Recent advances in radiochemistry and the development of nucleic acid based targeting molecules, have led to the development of novel agents for use in cancer diagnostics. Monoclonal antibodies may also be used, however, they have inherent issues, such as toxicity, cost, unspecified binding and their clinical use can be controversial. Aptamers are a class of single-stranded RNA or DNA ligands with high specificity, binding affinity and selectivity for a target, which makes them p...
World Journal of Radiology, 2012
AIM: To measure and compare computed tomography (CT) radiation doses delivered to patients in pub... more AIM: To measure and compare computed tomography (CT) radiation doses delivered to patients in public paediatric hospitals in Australia and Saudi Arabia. METHODS: Doses were measured for routine CT scans of the head, chest and abdomen/pelvis for children aged 3-6 years in all dedicated public paediatric hospitals in Australia and Saudi Arabia using a CT phantom measurement cylinder. RESULTS: CT doses, using the departments' protocols for 3-6 year old, varied considerably between hospitals. Measured head doses varied from 137.6 to 528.0 mGy•cm, chest doses from 21.9 to 92.5 mGy•cm, and abdomen/pelvis doses from 24.9 to 118.0 mGy•cm. Mean head and abdomen/pelvis doses delivered in Saudi Arabian paediatric CT departments were significantly higher than those in their Australian equivalents. CONCLUSION: CT dose varies substantially across Australian and Saudi Arabian paediatric hospitals. Therefore, diagnostic reference levels should be established for major anatomical regions to standardise dose.
Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences, 2006
The Interactive e-Atlas (IeA) has been developed to assist students with the difficult concepts a... more The Interactive e-Atlas (IeA) has been developed to assist students with the difficult concepts associated with anatomy, physiology, radiographic imaging and other discipline-specific knowledge. The IeA is based on a series of ���pages��� linked sequentially. A standard template ensures that students can focus on content and pedagogical issues. The educational theory underpinning the IeA is adapted from Kirkpatrick's 1979) Training Evaluation Model. This approach has led us to develop the IeA with the following positive ...
Anatomical sciences education, 2015
An Interactive electronic Atlas (IeA) was developed to assist first-year nursing students with in... more An Interactive electronic Atlas (IeA) was developed to assist first-year nursing students with interpretation of laboratory-based prosected cadaveric material. It was designed, using pedagogically sound principles, as a student-centered resource accessible to students from a wide range of learning backgrounds. It consisted of a highly simplified interactive interface limited to essential anatomical structures and was intended for use in a blended learning situation. The IeA's nine modules mirrored the body systems covered in a Nursing Biosciences course, with each module comprising a maximum of 10 pages using the same template: an image displaying a cadaveric specimen and, in most cases, a corresponding anatomical model with navigation panes (menus) on one side. Cursor movement over the image or clicking the menu highlighted the structure with a transparent overlay and revealed a succinct functional description. The atlas was complemented by a multiple-choice database of nearly ...
The knowledge that unbound gadolinium was responsible for NSF highlighted the need for alternativ... more The knowledge that unbound gadolinium was responsible for NSF highlighted the need for alternative and safer imaging agents for MRI applications. Nanoparticles (used in conjunction with MRI) were identified as offering the potential and promise, to be saf
European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Oct 1, 2014
Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences, Jul 31, 2022
Biomedical Imaging and Intervention Journal, 2009
Interventional techniques using ultrasound guidance, such as Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) of li... more Interventional techniques using ultrasound guidance, such as Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) of liver lesions, are the domain of the radiologist. However, real time ultrasound imaging as performed by the sonographer, is critical in monitoring the successful insertion and placement of the RFA needle. RFA is used to create a localised and controlled application of heat in order to induce necrosis of cells within the liver lesions. The role of the sonographer is to assist in establishing the criteria for RFA therapy. This includes assessing the liver to establish how easily the lesion can be identified; the size of the lesion; its proximity to large blood vessels and adjacent vital organs and the access route to the lesion itself. In essence, in this discussion, the focus will be on the sonographic techniques in the assessment of the liver prior to RFA and the RFA procedure itself. A brief review of the clinical role that can be provided by Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is also included.
Biomedical Imaging and Intervention Journal, 2008
The magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) examination has all but replaced the diagn... more The magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) examination has all but replaced the diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) examination for imaging the biliary tree and pancreatic ducts in many practical aspects of the clinical setting. Despite this increase in popularity, many magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiographers still find aspects of the MRCP examination quite challenging. The aim of this tutorial paper is to provide useful technical advice on how to overcome such perceived challenges and thus produce a successful diagnostic MRCP examination. This paper will be of interest to novice MRI radiographers who are at the beginning of their learning curve in MRCP examination. Other MRI radiographers who are interested in practical tips for protocol variations may also find the paper useful.
Affecting approximately up to 10-40% of all cancer patients, the prognosis for patients suffering... more Affecting approximately up to 10-40% of all cancer patients, the prognosis for patients suffering from metastatic brain tumours is poor. Treatment of these metastatic tumours is greatly hindered by the presence of the blood brain barrier which restricts the overwhelming majority of small molecules from entering the brain. A novel approach to overcome this barrier is to target receptor mediated transport mechanisms present on the endothelial cell membranes, in particular the transferrin receptor. Given their specificity, safety profile and stability, nucleic acid-based therapeutics are ideal for this purpose. This review explores the development of bifunctional aptamers for the treatment of brain metastases.
Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences, 2010
Radiation safety concerns are ongoing in the medical community and in the general populace. Radio... more Radiation safety concerns are ongoing in the medical community and in the general populace. Radiographers have a responsibility to not only use carefully developed protocols, but to re-examine how we use radiation in medical imaging. What was considered best practice 10 years ago may prove to be excessive now in the face of progressing and advancing technology, with the advent of multi-slice volume acquisition computed tomography (CT) and the increasing frequency of its use. Best practice demands that risk reduction is an ongoing activity especially in view of the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle.
Abstract The Interactive e-Atlas (IeA) has been developed to assist students with the difficult c... more Abstract The Interactive e-Atlas (IeA) has been developed to assist students with the difficult concepts associated with anatomy, physiology, radiographic imaging and other discipline-specific knowledge. The IeA is based on a series of ���pages��� linked sequentially. A standard template ensures that students can focus on content and pedagogical issues. The educational theory underpinning the IeA is adapted from Kirkpatrick's 1979) Training Evaluation Model. This approach has led us to develop the IeA with the following positive ...
Internal Medicine Journal, 2011
Radiologic technology, 2019
Radiologic technology, 2018
Breast cancer is one of the most commonly occurring cancers in women globally and is the primary ... more Breast cancer is one of the most commonly occurring cancers in women globally and is the primary cause of cancer mortality in females. BC is highly heterogeneous with various phenotypic expressions. The overexpression of HER2 is responsible for 15–30% of all invasive BC and is strongly associated with malignant behaviours, poor prognosis and decline in overall survival. Molecular imaging offers advantages over conventional imaging modalities, as it provides more sensitive and specific detection of tumours, as these techniques measure the biological and physiological processes at the cellular level to visualise the disease. Early detection and diagnosis of BC is crucial to improving clinical outcomes and prognosis. While HER2-specific antibodies and nanobodies may improve the sensitivity and specificity of molecular imaging, the radioisotope conjugation process may interfere with and may compromise their binding functionalities. Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides capable o...
Contrast agents, such as iron oxide, enhance MR images by altering the relaxation times of tissue... more Contrast agents, such as iron oxide, enhance MR images by altering the relaxation times of tissues in which the agent is present. They can also be used to label targeted molecular imaging probes. Unfortunately, no molecular imaging probe is currently available on the clinical MRI market. A promising platform for MRI contrast agent development is nanotechnology, where superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONS) are tailored for MR contrast enhancement, and/or for molecular imaging. SPIONs can be produced using a range of methods and the choice of method will be influenced by the characteristics most important for a particular application. In addition, the ability to attach molecular markers to SPIONS heralds their application in molecular imaging. There are many reviews on SPION synthesis for MRI; however, these tend to be targeted to a chemistry audience. The development of MRI contrast agents attracts experienced researchers from many fields including some researchers with ...
RMIT University‘s media annotation tool (MAT) is a computer software program dedicated to incorpo... more RMIT University‘s media annotation tool (MAT) is a computer software program dedicated to incorporating video footage to the student learning experience in a novel manner. In addition to the usual functions associated with videos, MAT allows users to enter written comments at strategic and key positions to emphasise the required learning points. Innovatively introduced to creatively support learning for work-ready skills, in 2011 MAT was integrated into courses across nine student cohorts, over six disciplines, in the Vocational and Higher Education (undergraduate and post graduate) sectors of the university. This paper will focus on analysis of insights of teacher experiences using MAT, highlighting sustainable ways forward with university designed innovations. It will introduce the context of implementing MAT and discuss the process of evaluating the requirements for promoting MAT to the wider university community and, more specifically, to embed and sustain MAT into the long-term.
Introduction MRI is a high spatial resolution non-invasive technique but it has low specificity f... more Introduction MRI is a high spatial resolution non-invasive technique but it has low specificity for targeting explicit pathologies. In an effort to improve specificity, MRI contrast agents with strong paramagnetic properties such as Gadolinium have been developed. However recent reports of suspected deaths associated with gadolinium administration have severely limited their use [1-2]. Iron oxide contrast agents have been used for MRI signal enhancement however particle size issues have limited their imaging to liver, spleen and the gastro-intestinal lumen. To achieve a more targeted delivery an iron oxide based MRI contrast agent must be biocompatible, have high chemical stability, be easily functionalised and retain a high net magnetisation value. In this study, we used silica coated iron oxide to generate highly magnetic nanoparticles small enough to by-pass the reticulo-endothelial system and localise in a specific tumour. We aimed to demonstrate that targeted MRI diagnosis of c...
Pharmaceuticals
Cancer has a high incidence and mortality rate worldwide, which continues to grow as millions of ... more Cancer has a high incidence and mortality rate worldwide, which continues to grow as millions of people are diagnosed annually. Metastatic disease caused by cancer is largely responsible for the mortality rates, thus early detection of metastatic tumours can improve prognosis. However, a large number of patients will also present with micrometastasis tumours which are often missed, as conventional medical imaging modalities are unable to detect micrometastases due to the lack of specificity and sensitivity. Recent advances in radiochemistry and the development of nucleic acid based targeting molecules, have led to the development of novel agents for use in cancer diagnostics. Monoclonal antibodies may also be used, however, they have inherent issues, such as toxicity, cost, unspecified binding and their clinical use can be controversial. Aptamers are a class of single-stranded RNA or DNA ligands with high specificity, binding affinity and selectivity for a target, which makes them p...
World Journal of Radiology, 2012
AIM: To measure and compare computed tomography (CT) radiation doses delivered to patients in pub... more AIM: To measure and compare computed tomography (CT) radiation doses delivered to patients in public paediatric hospitals in Australia and Saudi Arabia. METHODS: Doses were measured for routine CT scans of the head, chest and abdomen/pelvis for children aged 3-6 years in all dedicated public paediatric hospitals in Australia and Saudi Arabia using a CT phantom measurement cylinder. RESULTS: CT doses, using the departments' protocols for 3-6 year old, varied considerably between hospitals. Measured head doses varied from 137.6 to 528.0 mGy•cm, chest doses from 21.9 to 92.5 mGy•cm, and abdomen/pelvis doses from 24.9 to 118.0 mGy•cm. Mean head and abdomen/pelvis doses delivered in Saudi Arabian paediatric CT departments were significantly higher than those in their Australian equivalents. CONCLUSION: CT dose varies substantially across Australian and Saudi Arabian paediatric hospitals. Therefore, diagnostic reference levels should be established for major anatomical regions to standardise dose.
Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences, 2006
The Interactive e-Atlas (IeA) has been developed to assist students with the difficult concepts a... more The Interactive e-Atlas (IeA) has been developed to assist students with the difficult concepts associated with anatomy, physiology, radiographic imaging and other discipline-specific knowledge. The IeA is based on a series of ���pages��� linked sequentially. A standard template ensures that students can focus on content and pedagogical issues. The educational theory underpinning the IeA is adapted from Kirkpatrick's 1979) Training Evaluation Model. This approach has led us to develop the IeA with the following positive ...
Anatomical sciences education, 2015
An Interactive electronic Atlas (IeA) was developed to assist first-year nursing students with in... more An Interactive electronic Atlas (IeA) was developed to assist first-year nursing students with interpretation of laboratory-based prosected cadaveric material. It was designed, using pedagogically sound principles, as a student-centered resource accessible to students from a wide range of learning backgrounds. It consisted of a highly simplified interactive interface limited to essential anatomical structures and was intended for use in a blended learning situation. The IeA's nine modules mirrored the body systems covered in a Nursing Biosciences course, with each module comprising a maximum of 10 pages using the same template: an image displaying a cadaveric specimen and, in most cases, a corresponding anatomical model with navigation panes (menus) on one side. Cursor movement over the image or clicking the menu highlighted the structure with a transparent overlay and revealed a succinct functional description. The atlas was complemented by a multiple-choice database of nearly ...