Currently, the basis for standard clinical X-ray radiography is absorption, tracking attenuation of radiation when X-ray beams pass through a particular part of the body. The fundamental interaction processes are dependent on variations in the atomic number and density of the target medium; consequentially radiographic contrast can be poor, particularly in regard to soft tissue imaging. Over the past several years considerable interest has been paid to utilising phase properties of the X-ray field to enhance radiographic contrast in challenging circumstances, particularly with respect to soft-tissue imaging. Surrey is among an increasing number of institutes in which a programme of investigation of phase contrast X-ray imaging has been established. We briefly review some basic ideas in X-ray phase contrast imaging and then examine the radiographic contrast enhancement that can be obtained, use being made of the method of free-space propagation and investigating a number of test objects, including biological samples. The equipment used at Surrey is relatively simple, comprising of bench-top X-ray tubes with focal spot sizes from a few microns up to 100 microns and a position sensitive 12 bit CCD detector.

Muscular Dystrophy is a diverse group of acquired and inherited neuromuscular conditions that cause progressive muscle wasting and weakness, with varying degrees of pain and fatigue. In some cases, cardiac and respiratory complications are involved. As a result, there is a decline in mobility which leads to slowed walking, tripping and falls with some cases requiring walking aids or wheelchairs. The aim of this study is to explore the psychological responses to the stressor of Muscular Dystrophy patients. This study employs qualitative approach which used interviews for its data collection method. The participants involved in this study are one individual with Muscular Dystrophy disease, two parents with a Muscular Dystrophy child, one Muscular Dystrophy medical specialist, two physiotherapists with Muscular Dystrophy patients and one occupational therapist with Muscular Dystrophy patients. The responses to stressor brought up by the participants are shock and denial, anxiety, anger and guilt, and depression, demotivation, and low fighting spirit. Individuals with Muscular Dystrophy and their parents respond negatively to Muscular Dystrophy disease.
Muscular Dystrophies