Since the workplace has become desk-based and leisure time has become dominated by digital relaxation modes, the world is moving at a pace where physical activity has become a time-bound routine. The negative effects of extended sitting are a global concern since the workforce is becoming more desk based. There is a dearth of reviews that may link the knowledge on the effects of sedentary behaviour on hypertension and its accompanying damage to the brain and blood vessels and provide a future scope for the investigations connected to the relationship between sedentary behaviour and hypertension. Methods: Based on the database search and extensive research we did, we found studies that concentrated on the adverse effects of sedentary behaviour in association with blood pressure, cognitive decline and brain damage on adults. Results: We extracted 12 articles out of 20,625. We identified the potential adverse effects of sedentary behaviour, methods to reduce sedentary behaviour and the positive changes on health due to the interventions introduced. Sedentary lifestyle has shown a decline in human health. However, the visible symptoms presented later in life makes it very important to know the areas of decline and look for ways to curb the decline or procrastinate it.
Background and aim: There is evidence to support the favorable impact of physical activity (PA) on brain volume. However, the empirical evidence exploring the relationship between physical and sedentary behavior remains mixed. We aimed to explore the relationship between PA and sedentary behavior and brain volume. Methods: The study sample (n = 150, mean age = 39.7 years) included patients interviewed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) who underwent an MRI brain scan. From the images obtained, we measured total intracranial, gray matter, and white matter volume along with the hippocampus, amygdala, parahippocampal gyrus, and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). Multivariable linear regression analysis was done. Results and discussion: Left hippocampus and overall PA were positively and significantly associated (β = 0.71, p = 0.021) whereas time spent on vigorous physical activity showed a negative association (β = −0.328, p = 0.049) with left hippocampal volume. Conclusion: We found a positive association between total PA and the left hippocampus, whereas vigorous PA showed a negative association with the left hippocampus.
Background: In August 2017, the European Commission awarded the “European Study on Clinical Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRL) for X-ray Medical Imaging” project to the European Society of Radiology to provide up-to-date Diagnostic Reference Levels based on clinical indications. This work aimed to conduct an extensive literature review by analyzing the most recent studies published and the data provided by the National Competent Authorities to understand the current situation regarding Diagnostic Reference Levels based on clinical indications for Radiation Therapy Computed Tomography. Objective: To review the literature on established DRLs and methodologies for establishing Diagnostic reference levels in radiation therapy planning computed tomography (RTCT). Methods: Eligibility criteria: A cohort study (observational design) reporting DRLs in adult patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) for radiation therapy for the region head and neck or pelvis were included. The comprehensive literature searches for the relevant studies published between 2000 and 2021 were performed using PubMed, Scopus, CINHAL, Web of Science, and ProQuest. Results: Three hundred fifty-six articles were identified through an extensive literature search. Sixty-eight duplicate reports were removed. The title and abstract of 288 studies were assessed and excluded if they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Sixteen of 288 articles were selected for full-text screening (studies conducted between 2000 and 2021). Five articles were included in the review after the full-text screening. Conclusions: A globally approved standard protocol that includes scanning techniques, dose measurement method, and DRL percentile needs to be established to make a valuable and accurate comparison with international DRLs.
Background: In planning radiotherapy treatments, computed tomography (CT) has become a crucial tool. CT scans involve exposure to ionizing radiation, which can increase the risk of cancer and other adverse health effects in patients. Ionizing radiation doses for medical exposure must be kept “As Low As Reasonably Achievable”. Very few articles on guidelines for radiotherapy-computed tomography scans are available. This paper reviews the current literature on radiation dose optimization based on the effective dose and diagnostic reference level (DRL) for head, neck, and pelvic CT procedures used in radiation therapy planning. This paper explores the strategies used to optimize radiation doses, and high-quality images for diagnosis and treatment planning. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 patients with head, neck, and pelvic region cancer in our institution. The DRL, effective dose, volumetric CT dose index (CTDIvol), and dose-length product (DLP) for the present and optimized protocol were calculated. DRLs were proposed for the DLP using the 75th percentile of the distribution. The DLP is a measure of the radiation dose received by a patient during a CT scan and is calculated by multiplying the CT dose index (CTDI) by the scan length. To calculate a DRL from a DLP, a large dataset of DLP values obtained from a specific imaging procedure must be collected and can be used to determine the median or 75th-percentile DLP value for each imaging procedure. Results: Significant variations were found in the DLP, CTDIvol, and effective dose when we compared both the standard protocol and the optimized protocol. Also, the optimized protocol was compared with other diagnostic and radiotherapy CT scan studies conducted by other centers. As a result, we found that our institution’s DRL was significantly low. The optimized dose protocol showed a reduction in the CTDIvol (70% and 63%), DLP (60% and 61%), and effective dose (67% and 62%) for both head, neck, and pelvic scans. Conclusions: Optimized protocol DRLs were proposed for comparison purposes.
Radiographers play a pivotal role in healthcare but face significant occupational health challenges, including work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs), burnout, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. These challenges, influenced by high workloads and inadequate ergonomics, compromise their well-being and job performance. This study aims to assess the prevalence of these health outcomes and evaluate the role of workplace factors in mitigating or exacerbating these issues. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted per PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Literature searches across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase included quantitative studies published from 2014 to 2024. Data on prevalence, outcomes, and measurement tools were extracted, and a random-effects model was used to estimate pooled prevalence. Risk of bias was assessed with the ROBINS-E tool. From 1080 records, 14 studies met inclusion criteria. WRMSDs were reported by 85 % (95 % CI: 74-95) of radiographers, with the neck (73 %) and lower back (67 %) being the most affected regions. Burnout prevalence included emotional exhaustion at 29.8 % (95 % CI: 19.8-39.8). Chronic fatigue and sleep disturbances were strongly linked to extended shifts and poor ergonomics. Protective factors included professional recognition and workplace ergonomic interventions. Radiographers are disproportionately affected by physical and psychological health risks. Addressing these through enhanced workplace ergonomics, stress management, and workload balancing is imperative to improving their quality of life and job performance. Implementing ergonomic training, fostering professional recognition, and reducing workloads are crucial for sustainable radiography practices. Policy reforms and workplace interventions can significantly improve radiographers' health, ensuring better job satisfaction and retention.
7 May 2024 in Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences