Separation of small metabolites and lipids in spectra from biopsies by diffusion-weighted HR-MAS NMR: a feasibility study.

High Resolution Magic Angle Spinning (HR-MAS) NMR allows metabolic characterization of biopsies. HR-MAS spectra from tissues of most organs show strong lipid contributions that are overlapping metabolite regions, which hamper metabolite estimation. Metabolite quantification and analysis would benefit from a separation of lipids and small metabolites. Generally, a relaxation filter is used to reduce lipid contributions. However, the strong relaxation filter required to eliminate most of the lipids also reduces the signals for small metabolites. The aim of our study was therefore to investigate different diffusion editing techniques in order to employ diffusion differences for separating lipid and small metabolite contributions in the spectra from different organs for unbiased metabonomic analysis. Thus, 1D and 2D diffusion measurements were performed, and pure lipid spectra that were obtained at strong diffusion weighting (DW) were subtracted from those obtained at low DW, which include both small metabolites and lipids. This subtraction yielded almost lipid free small metabolite spectra from muscle tissue. Further improved separation was obtained by combining a 1D diffusion sequence with a T2-filter, with the subtraction method eliminating residual lipids from the spectra. Similar results obtained for biopsies of different organs suggest that this method is applicable in various tissue types. The elimination of lipids from HR-MAS spectra and the resulting less biased assessment of small metabolites have potential to remove ambiguities in the interpretation of metabonomic results. This is demonstrated in a reproducibility study on biopsies from human muscle

Analysis and compensation for the effect of the catheter position on image intensities in intravascular optical coherence tomography

Cardiovascular Aspects of Radiolog

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How to set up a mobile X-ray unit in the community:Implementation initiatives for patient-centred care

Background: Mobile X-ray unit have previously been widely used within hospitals in general, predominately for imaging patients admitted to intensive care units or for patients who cannot tolerate a visit to the radiology department. It is now possible to have an X-ray examination outside the hospital in nursing homes or to bring the service to frail, vulnerable or disabled patients. A visit to the hospital can be a frightening experience for vulnerable patients living with dementia or other neurological disorder. It can potentially have a long-term impact on the patient's recovery or behaviour. This technical note aimed to provide insight into the planning and running of a mobile X-ray unit in a Danish setting. Methods: This technical note draws on the lived experiences of radiographers operating and managing a mobile X-ray service, sharing experiences with the implementation process and the challenges and successes of a mobile X-ray unit. Results and key findings: Successes include that frail patient, especially those with dementia, benefit from mobile X-ray examinations, as they can remain in familiar surroundings during an X-ray procedure. In general, patients experienced an increased quality of life and less need for sedation medication due to anxiety. Also, working within a mobile X-ray unit is meaningful work for radiographers. Challenges included increased physicality of work, the funding required for the mobile unit, planning a communication strategy to the referring general practitioners, and permission from authorities to perform mobile examinations. Conclusion: We have successfully implemented a mobile radiography unit that provides a better service for vulnerable patients through learning from successes and challenges. Implications for practice: The mobile radiography setup can benefit vulnerable patients and provide meaningful work for the radiographers. However, transportation of mobile radiography equipment outside the hospital includes many considerations and challenges.</p

Benthic pH gradients across a range of shelf sea sediment types linked to sediment characteristics and seasonal variability

This study used microelectrodes to record pH profiles in fresh shelf sea sediment cores collected across a range of different sediment types within the Celtic Sea. Spatial and temporal variability was captured during repeated measurements in 2014 and 2015. Concurrently recorded oxygen microelectrode profiles and other sedimentary parameters provide a detailed context for interpretation of the pH data. Clear differences in profiles were observed between sediment type, location and season. Notably, very steep pH gradients exist within the surface sediments (10–20 mm), where decreases greater than 0.5 pH units were observed. Steep gradients were particularly apparent in fine cohesive sediments, less so in permeable sandier matrices. We hypothesise that the gradients are likely caused by aerobic organic matter respiration close to the sediment–water interface or oxidation of reduced species at the base of the oxic zone (NH4+, Mn2+, Fe2+, S−). Statistical analysis suggests the variability in the depth of the pH minima is controlled spatially by the oxygen penetration depth, and seasonally by the input and remineralisation of deposited organic phytodetritus. Below the pH minima the observed pH remained consistently low to maximum electrode penetration (ca. 60 mm), indicating an absence of sub-oxic processes generating H+ or balanced removal processes within this layer. Thus, a climatology of sediment surface porewater pH is provided against which to examine biogeochemical processes. This enhances our understanding of benthic pH processes, particularly in the context of human impacts, seabed integrity, and future climate changes, providing vital information for modelling benthic response under future climate scenarios

Reporting radiographers in CT and MRI:A literature review with a systematic approach

Objectives: The aim of this literature review is to provide an overview and synthesize the evidence on the role of reporting radiographers in CT and MRI, with a focus on their diagnostic accuracy, the education and training required for this role, and the challenges and opportunities associated with their integration into clinical practice. Key findings: Radiographers in CT and MRI reporting roles often achieve diagnostic accuracy comparable to radiologists, particularly for straightforward pathologies and as first readers. However, discrepancies are more common in complex cases, such as extracolonic findings in CT colonography or smaller polyps in MR colonography. Structured training, including postgraduate certificates, tele-training, and technology-enhanced learning, enhances radiographers' diagnostic accuracy and confidence. However, regional variation in training availability and standardisation limits broader implementation. Challenges to integration include legal and regulatory constraints, geographical training disparities, and concerns about misdiagnosis. Regular audits and mentoring are crucial to ensuring quality and addressing these concerns. Conclusion: Radiographers have demonstrated the ability to achieve diagnostic performance comparable to radiologists in specific contexts, particularly when supported by structured training and mentorship. However, challenges such as variability in training opportunities, legal and regulatory constraints, and the risk of misdiagnosis persist. While the evidence highlights the potential of radiographer-led reporting to enhance diagnostic workflows, reduce radiologist workloads, and improve patient care, further research is needed to address these challenges and evaluate long-term impacts on clinical outcomes. Implications for practice: Healthcare organisations should implement standardised training pathways to prepare radiographers for reporting roles. Collaborative models, where radiographers support rather than replace radiologists, can improve efficiency while maintaining quality. Policymakers must provide clear guidelines and funding to expand these roles, particularly in radiologist-shortage areas. Technological tools, such as AI-assisted reporting, can help radiographers manage complex cases. Equitable training opportunities, including remote learning and mobile apps, should address geographical disparities. Robust quality assurance protocols are essential to sustain confidence in radiographer-led reporting and enhance patient care outcomes.</p

Exploring radiographers' experience with mobile X-ray of patients in their homes

Introduction: To offer citizens with frailty or dementia living in nursing homes or other institutions a less stressful and anxious X-ray examination, a Danish hospital offers to perform the examination in the citizen's residence. This has changed the working procedure for the radiographers performing the examination. The aim of this study was to explore if the radiographers self-perceived competencies have changed whilst working in the mobile X-ray unit and if so, how these competencies are utilised within the department-based medical imaging team. Method: This study had a qualitative design following a hermeneutic approach. Individual semi structured interviews included nine radiographers, four radiographers working in the mobile X-ray unit and five radiographers working exclusively in the medical imaging team. Results: Radiographers who worked in the mobile X-ray unit did acquire new competencies such as better communication and creative positioning skills. All nine participants recognised the advantage of sharing experiences and competencies with colleagues, and recommended a formal forum to do so. They sought opportunities for the use of the mobile X-ray unit to be more widespread within their own region, and within the profession. Conclusion: This study indicates that radiographers working with mobile X-ray unit gained new competencies in communication and positioning, but without spread of new knowledge to colleagues in the medical imaging team. Implication for practice: The use of home-based mobile X-ray is a new way to provide health care services and gain new competencies for the radiographers to focus on patient centred care.</p

Radiographers use of social media - SoMe in a Nordic perspective

Introduction: Social media (SoMe) is widely used as a communication platform in everyday life. Also, healthcare professionals have embraced SoMe as a communication tool for both peers and patients. It is becoming an interactive tool for discussing professionals' issues and a place where learning and education occur. This study explores the specific patterns of SoMe use for radiographers’ in the Nordic countries. The aim of this survey was to investigate radiographers use of social platforms in a professional setting. Methods: A 29-item survey was prepared, and pilot-tested. The survey was produced in Danish a language that all Nordic countries master. In general, most Nordic languages are very similar. The survey was distributed by online platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and also distributed by newsletters by the Norwegian and Danish national radiographers societies. All data was collected anonymously. An Ethical Research approval was obtained from the University of Southern Denmark. Results: A total of 242 respondents completed the survey (Denmark n = 183, Norway n = 48, Sweden n = 8, and n = 3 from other Scandinavian countries). The respondents included 186 females, 52 males and four were undisclosed. On average, the respondents spent approximately 2 h and 23 min daily on SoMe, with 27 min specifically dedicated to content relevant to radiographers. Facebook was the preferred platform with 93 % (n = 226). A total of 5.4 % (n = 13) respondents had experienced contact from patients and/or next of kin, while 92 % (n = 222) reported no such interactions and 2.9 % (n = 7) were undisclosed. A total of 52.8 % (n = 128) used SoMe in relation to courses, conferences, or online meetings. This shows that time spent on content relevant to radiographers imply that SoMe can be a relevant tool for reaching radiographers. Conclusion: The survey demonstrates radiographers’ use of SoMe for personal and professional interest, with Facebook as the preferred social media platform. SoMe were mostly used during courses, conferences, or online meetings with half of the respondent reported using SoMe platforms during working hours. These results underscore the untapped potential of SoMe in professional healthcare settings. Additionally, the study offers insight into current practices, facilitating comparisons to identify trends in SoMe usage within the radiographer community. Implications for practice: The findings advocate for the strategic use of SoMe by radiographers', emphasizing professional networking and knowledge sharing. However, clear guidelines are necessary to ensure patient confidentiality and data security in these digital interactions.</p