81 research outputs found
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Preterm nutritional intake and MRI phenotype at term age: a prospective observational study
Objective:
To describe (1) the relationship between nutrition and the preterm-at-term infant phenotype, (2) phenotypic differences between preterm-at-term infants and healthy term born infants and (3) relationships between somatic and brain MRI outcomes.
Design:
Prospective observational study.
Setting:
UK tertiary neonatal unit.
Participants:
Preterm infants (<32â
weeks gestation) (n=22) and healthy term infants (n=39)
Main outcome measures:
Preterm nutrient intake; total and regional adipose tissue (AT) depot volumes; brain volume and proximal cerebral arterial vessel tortuosity (CAVT) in preterm infants and in term infants.
Results:
Preterm nutrition was deficient in protein and high in carbohydrate and fat. Preterm nutrition was not related to AT volumes, brain volume or proximal CAVT score; a positive association was noted between human milk intake and proximal CAVT score (r=0.44, p=0.05). In comparison to term infants, preterm infants had increased total adiposity, comparable brain volumes and reduced proximal CAVT scores. There was a significant negative correlation between deep subcutaneous abdominal AT volume and brain volume in preterm infants (r=â0.58, p=0.01).
Conclusions:
Though there are significant phenotypic differences between preterm infants at term and term infants, preterm macronutrient intake does not appear to be a determinant. Our preliminary data suggest that (1) human milk may exert a beneficial effect on cerebral arterial vessel tortuosity and (2) there is a negative correlation between adiposity and brain volume in preterm infants at term. Further work is warranted to see if our findings can be replicated and to understand the causal mechanisms
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Technologyâenabled patient care in medical radiation sciences: the two sides of the coin
This is an exciting time to be working in healthcare and medical radiation sciences. This article discusses the potential benefits and risks of new technological interventions for patient benefit and outlines the need for co-production, governance and education to ensure these are used for advancing patients' well-being
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Evaluating the use of gradient echo imaging for the detection of cerebral microbleeds in acute stroke cases: A retrospective data analysis in a UK stroke unit
INTRODUCTION: Imaging in stroke, allows its classification into ischaemic stroke (IS) or intracranial haemorrhagic stroke (ICH), ensuring time-sensitive treatment to be administered. Imaging can also allow detection of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), which may further determine pharmacological intervention in acute stroke. True gradient echo (T2âGRE) or susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) have high sensitivity for the detection of CMBs. These two sequences are included in the national guidelines; however, the implementation of these guidelines can vary depending on local interpretation and scanner capabilities.
AIM: To explore the use and application of blood sensitive MRI sequences in a specialist UK stroke unit for the detection of CMBs, to improve local practice.
METHODS: A retrospective data analysis of the native database, spanning a 6-month period, was used. The data of 281 acute stroke patients with an MRI were reviewed and analysed. The MRI sequences applied, and the final diagnosis were noted for each case.
RESULTS: Of the 281 acute stroke patients with MRI, 259 (92.1%) had an IS, 16 (5.68%) an ICH and 6 (2.14%) had both. Overall, 13 (4.63%) had a CMB diagnosis. All of these 13 patients had a true T2âGRE sequence. CMBs were not detected in the absence of a T2âGRE sequence.
CONCLUSION: T2âGRE imaging is essential for detecting CMBs. When omitted, CMB incidence can be considerably lower than that suggested in the literature. Missing CMB diagnoses in stroke patients may result in suboptimal treatment pathways, compromising the patients' standard of care.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: When SWI is not available, it is imperative to always include a true T2âGRE sequence to detect microbleeds in suspected acute stroke cases
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Identifying cardiomegaly in chest X-rays: a cross-sectional study of evaluation and comparison between different transfer learning methods
BACKGROUND: Cardiomegaly is a relatively common incidental finding on chest X-rays; if left untreated, it can result in significant complications. Using Artificial Intelligence for diagnosing cardiomegaly could be beneficial, as this pathology may be underreported, or overlooked, especially in busy or under-staffed settings.
PURPOSE: To explore the feasibility of applying four different transfer learning methods to identify the presence of cardiomegaly in chest X-rays and to compare their diagnostic performance using the radiologists' report as the gold standard.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two thousand chest X-rays were utilized in the current study: 1000 were normal and 1000 had confirmed cardiomegaly. Of these exams, 80% were used for training and 20% as a holdout test dataset. A total of 2048 deep features were extracted using Google's Inception V3, VGG16, VGG19, and SqueezeNet networks. A logistic regression algorithm optimized in regularization terms was used to classify chest X-rays into those with presence or absence of cardiomegaly.
RESULTS: Diagnostic accuracy is reported by means of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV), with the VGG19 network providing the best values of sensitivity (84%), specificity (83%), PPV (83%), NPV (84%), and overall accuracy (84,5%). The other networks presented sensitivity at 64.1%-82%, specificity at 77.1%-81.1%, PPV at 74%-81.4%, NPV at 68%-82%, and overall accuracy at 71%-81.3%.
CONCLUSION: Deep learning using transfer learning methods based on VGG19 network can be used for the automatic detection of cardiomegaly on chest X-ray images. However, further validation and training of each method is required before application to clinical cases
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Paediatric magnetic resonance imaging adaptations without the use of sedation or anaesthesia: A narrative review
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) produces images with high soft tissue contrast without the use of ionising radiation, making it a valuable tool for scanning paediatrics. However, it can be difficult to scan children when they are awake, resulting often in poor image quality scans and necessitating the use of sedation and general anaesthesia (GA). The aim of sedation and anaesthesia is to reduce anxiety and movement during image acquisition, thereby improving compliance and image quality. However, there are adverse risks and costs to their use, leading to the need to consider alternative imaging adaptation methods. This research discussed potential methods of reducing anxiety and improving paediatric compliance during MRI examinations, by assessing their feasibility for use in the clinical setting. The literature suggests that adaption strategies and modification of radiographer techniques were mostly effective in reducing the requirement of sedation/GA
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Systematic review of MRI safety literature in relation to radiofrequency thermal injury prevention
Introduction
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a rapidly evolving modality, generally considered safe due to lack of ionising radiation. While MRI technology and techniques are improving, many of the safety concerns remain the same as when first established. Patient thermal injuries are the most frequently reported adverse event, accounting for 59% of MRI incidents to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Surveys indicate many incidents remain unreported. Patient thermal injuries are preventable and various methods for their mitigation have been published. However, recommendations can be variable, fragmented and confusing.
The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise the evidence on MRI safety and associated skin injuries and offer comprehensive recommendations for radiographers to prevent skin thermal injuries.
Methods
Four journal databases were searched for sources published January 2010âMay 2023, presenting information on MRI safety and thermal injuries.
Results
Of 26,801 articles returned, after careful screening and based on the eligibility criteria, only 79 articles and an additional 19 grey literature sources were included (nâ=â98). Included studies were examined using thematic analysis to determine if holistic recommendations can be provided to assist in preventing skin burns. This resulted in three simplified recommendations:
- Remove any electrically conductive items
- Insulate the patient to prevent any conductive loops or contact with objects
- Communicate regularly
Conclusion
By implementing the above recommendations, it is estimated that 97% of skin burns could be prevented. With thermal injuries continuing to impact MRI safety, strategies to prevent skin burns and heating are essential. Assessing individual risks, rather than blanket policies, will help prevent skin thermal injuries occurring, improving patient care
Artificial intelligence education for radiographers, an evaluation of a UK postgraduate educational intervention using participatory action research: a pilot study.
Artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled applications are increasingly being used in providing healthcare services, such as medical imaging support. Sufficient and appropriate education for medical imaging professionals is required for successful AI adoption. Although, currently, there are AI training programmes for radiologists, formal AI education for radiographers is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate and discuss a postgraduate-level module on AI developed in the UK for radiographers. A participatory action research methodology was applied, with participants recruited from the first cohort of students enrolled in this module and faculty members. Data were collected using online, semi-structured, individual interviews and focus group discussions. Textual data were processed using data-driven thematic analysis. Seven students and six faculty members participated in this evaluation. Results can be summarised in the following four themes: a. participants' professional and educational backgrounds influenced their experiences, b. participants found the learning experience meaningful concerning module design, organisation, and pedagogical approaches, c. some module design and delivery aspects were identified as barriers to learning, and d. participants suggested how the ideal AI course could look like based on their experiences. The findings of our work show that an AI module can assist educators/academics in developing similar AI education provisions for radiographers and other medical imaging and radiation sciences professionals. A blended learning delivery format, combined with customisable and contextualised content, using an interprofessional faculty approach is recommended for future similar courses. [Abstract copyright: © 2023. The Author(s).
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UK obstetric sonographersâ experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic: Burnout, role satisfaction and impact on clinical practice
Introduction:
The COVID-19 pandemic placed additional demands and stressors on UK obstetric sonographers, who were required to balance parent safety and service quality, alongside staff safety. Increased pressure can negatively impact a healthcare workerâs well-being and the provision of person-centred care. The aim of this study was to explore obstetric sonographersâ experiences of performing pregnancy ultrasound scans during the pandemic and to assess the impact on burnout, role satisfaction and clinical practice.
Methods:
An online, anonymous cross-sectional survey was created to capture sonographersâ experience alongside using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory to evaluate burnout and Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation 10 (CORE-10) to measure psychological distress.
Results:
Responses were received from 138 sonographers. Of those completing the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (n = 89), 92.1% and 91.0% met the burnout thresholds for exhaustion and disengagement, respectively. Sonographers with a higher burnout score also perceived that COVID-19 had a greater, negative impact on their practice (p < 0.05). The mean CORE-10 score of 14.39 (standard deviation = 7.99) suggests mild psychological distress among respondents. A significant decrease in role satisfaction was reported from before to during the pandemic (p < 0.001), which was associated with higher scores for burnout and psychological distress (p < 0.001). Change in role satisfaction was correlated with sonographersâ perception of safety while scanning during the pandemic (R2 = 0.148, p < 0.001). Sixty-five sonographers (73.9%) reported they were considering leaving the profession, changing their area of practice or working hours within the next 5 years.
Conclusion:
Job and context-specific interventions are required to mitigate burnout and its consequences on the workforce and service provision beyond the pandemic
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The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on UK parent experiences of pregnancy ultrasound scans and parent-fetal bonding: A mixed methods analysis
INTRODUCTION: Companionship in antenatal care is important for facilitating positive parental experiences. During the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions on partner attendance at fetal ultrasound scans were introduced nationally to minimise transmission of the virus. This study aimed to explore the effect of these restrictions on maternal and paternal experiences of pregnancy scans and evaluate their potential effect on parent-fetal bonding.
METHODS: A UK-wide, anonymous cross-sectional survey was completed by new and expectant parents (n = 714) who had, or were awaiting a pregnancy scan during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CORE-10 and an adapted version of the Prenatal Attachment Inventory were used to evaluate psychological distress and prenatal bonding. Additional survey questions captured parental experiences of scans. Separate statistical and thematic analyses of the data were undertaken. A joint display matrix was used to facilitate integration of quantitative and qualitative claims to generate a comprehensive interpretation of study findings.
FINDINGS: When fathers did not attend the scan, feelings of excitement and satisfaction were significantly reduced (p<0.001) and feelings of anxiety increased (p<0.001) in both parents. Mothers were concerned about receiving unexpected news alone and fathers felt excluded from the scan. Mean paternal bonding (38.22, SD 10.73) was significantly lower compared to mothers (47.01, SD 7.67) although no difference was demonstrated between those who had attended the scan and those who had not. CORE-10 scores suggested low-to-mild levels of psychological distress, although the mean difference between mothers and fathers was not significant. Key themes described both parents' sense of loss for their desired pregnancy scan experience and reflected on sonographers' central role in providing parent-centred care during scans.
CONCLUSION: Restrictions on partner attendance at scans during the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative effect on parental experiences of antenatal imaging. Provision of parent-centred care, which is inclusive of partners, is essential for improved parental experiences
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