Variation in blood pressure and heart rate of radiological technologists in worktime tracked by a wearable device: A preliminary study.

The aim of this preliminary study was to measure the systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) and heart rate (HR) of radiological technologists by WD, and evaluate variation among individuals by worktime, day of the week, job, and workplace. Measurements were obtained using a wristwatch-type WD with optical measurement technology that can measure SBP and DBP every 10 minutes and HR every 30 minutes. SBP, DBP, and HR data obtained at baseline and during work time were combined with the hours of work, day of the week, job, and workplace recorded by the participants in 8 consecutive weeks. We calculated the mean, the ratio to baseline and coefficient of variation [CV(%)] for SBP, DBP, and HR. SBP, DBP, and HR values were significantly higher during work hours than at baseline (p<0.03). The ratio to baseline values ranged from 1.02 to 1.26 for SBP and from 1.07 to 1.30 for DBP. The ratio to baseline for SBP and DBP showed CV(%) of approximately 10% according to the day of the week and over the study period. For HR, ratio to baseline ranged from 0.95 to 1.29. The ratio of mean BP to baseline was >1.2 at the time of starting work, middle and after lunch, and at 14:00. The ratio to baseline of SBP were 1.2 or more for irradiation, equipment accuracy control, registration of patient data, dose verification and conference time, and were also working in CT examination room, treatment planning room, linac room, and the office. CV(%) of BP and HR were generally stable for all workplaces. WD measurements of SBP, DBP, and HR were higher during working hours than at baseline and varied by the individuals, work time, job, and workplace. This method may enable evaluation of unconscious workload in individuals.

The role of radiologic technologists during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the pandemic, stress of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on a radiology department has caused major change in the workflow and protocol, which can inflame unnecessary anxiety among the staff. We have adapted and responded quickly however, to the volatile clinical situations owing to a close consultant in infection control. Our repeatedly revised procedures since the 2014 Ebola outbreak possess the expertise and were very useful. In-house training sessions have been held and updated accordingly. In-house networking service has now become more common in our department instead of the emergency contact network relaying the message to the person on the phone tree. Up until January 2022, we examined 10,861 chest X-rays with no in-hospital infection. We sincerely hope our chest X-ray strategies comply with infection prevention and control standards and minimize use of personal protective equipment will be embraced as a positive initiative by frontline radiologic technologists and relieve their anxiety.

Atherosclerotic Progression Is Related to Immune-Related Adverse Events.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are widely used in various types of cancers and patients. Recently, it has been reported that ICIs aggravate atherosclerosis. This study aimed to identify characteristics that are related to the progression of atherosclerosis.This study was conducted in a single medical center and included 32 patients who were grouped based on the presence of an immune-related adverse event (IRAE). There were 16 IRAE patients and 16 non-IRAE patients. Atherosclerosis was measured as the volume of calcified plaque at the aortic arch on a computed tomography (CT) scan. We measured the volume on CT at 3 time points as follows: before treatment, at ICI initiation, and after 180 days or more.After the first ICI administration, the IRAE group showed significant exacerbation of atherosclerosis compared to the non-IRAE group (P = 0.002). A high volume of plaque was observed in IRAE patients after ICI treatment as compared to before ICI administration (P = 0.058).ICIs tend to hasten atherosclerosis progression in IRAE patients, indicating that high-risk cardiovascular patients should be concerned about cardiovascular events. Moreover, this study suggests the possibility of predicting IRAEs based on the volume of calcified plaques.

Enhancing the use of computed tomography and cardiac catheterization angiography in Zambia: A project report on a global extension of medical technology in Japan.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death in adults in Zambia among the non-communicable diseases. The Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of Health procured Japanese radiological systems, computed tomography, and angiography for the University Teaching Hospitals (UTHs) - Adult in 2015. However, the operation of these diagnostic systems has not been optimal due to lack of a proper maintenance service plan, lack of competent health professionals, and erratic supply of medical consumables. In this study, we report our experiences of providing intensive training to multidisciplinary healthcare teams of the radiology department at UTHs - Adult from 2017 to 2019 to strengthen the quality management system of the radiological equipment so as to provide effective healthcare services. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had enormous negative impact on essential healthcare. Long-term support through continuous hands-on training must be provided to establish sustainable healthcare services.

Diffusion-weighted imaging and diffusion-weighted whole-body imaging with background body signal suppression for characterizing esophageal cancer: a case report.

PURPOSE: Information on the extent or structure of esophageal cancer (ESC) is necessary for identifying whether the carcinoma is localized or resectable. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and diffusion-weighted whole-body imaging with background body signal suppression (DWIBS) are useful for this purpose. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One case of ESC with dysphagia presented at our hospital. Endoscopic examination revealed an elevated lesion with an ulcer, and stenosis was detected. DWI showed a high-intensity signal extending from the proximal to the distal ends of the carcinoma and extending to the tunica adventitia. A strong signal was also observed using (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). DWIBS clearly revealed ESC, and these findings, along with those from DWI, suggested that our case had stage-T3 ESC. FDG-PET did not reveal the detailed structure of the ESC. DWIBS, on the other hand, showed that the signal extended to the tunica adventitia and the lumen of the esophagus. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that DWI and DWIBS are useful for the detection and assessment of ESC.