1,720,970 research outputs found
Are the blood pressure levels associated with the hippocampal, temporal and amygdala volumes in sedentary females? A sub-group analysis of a cross-sectional study
No full textThis study investigated the impact of sedentary behavior and hypertension on brain size, focusing on the female population, with a retrospective analysis of MRI data from 19 sedentary females. The results revealed a significant relationship between hypertension and brain structure changes, particularly an enlargement of the hippocampal region in hypertensive females, which was most pronounced in early stages of hypertension but less pronounced in more advanced stages. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring hypertension, as it can silently affect cognitive health, emphasizing the need for early detection and management to prevent cognitive decline in individuals with sedentary lifestyles, especially females. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications of these cerebral alterations
Alteration in carotid artery physiology and cognitive function during simulated work conditions in males
No full textAlteration in the central vascular hemodynamics is speculated to influence cognitive functions, including executive functions in young adults. Prolonged sitting is associated with compromised central vascular functions, which activity micro-breaks could mitigate. However, the association between the carotid vascular hemodynamic alteration and the executive functions is yet to be explored. We administered a randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of various intensities' micro-breaks on central vascular and cognitive functions during simulated work conditions for four hours. The carotid artery hemodynamics and cognitive functions were measured by Duplex ultrasound at 0th, 2nd and 4th hour and computer-based Flanker tests at 0th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th hour of visit days, respectively. From the randomised controlled trial, we extracted the secondary data of carotid artery hemodynamics and cognitive functions change at the 4th hour from the baseline and analysed for any relation. Though we observed linear relation between the carotid artery hemodynamics and the executive functions, the relation was not statistically significant. we found a significant reduction in carotid artery diameter during prolonged sitting (0.03 cm [95%CI 0.01, 0.05]), velocity (10.35 cm/s [95%CI -2.85, 17.86]) and shear rate during interrupted sitting (174.39 [95%CI 65.67, 283.11]) We found increased accuracy during prolonged sitting (12.7% [95%CI 0.66, 24.81]) and sitting with light-intensity activity breaks (6.92% [95%CI 1.39, 12.44]). Though a significant relation between carotid artery function and cognitive function could not be established, micro-breaks can mitigate the vascular and cognitive risks associated with prolonged sitting
Active adults have thicker peripheral muscles and diaphragm: a cross-sectional study.
No full textBackground: The association between exercise and muscle build-up is a long-run connection. Whereas limited physical activity doesn't do well with muscle build-up. But how much is that difference in muscle thickness between different levels of physical activity? Aim: To understand this we conducted a cross-sectional study to associate physical activity and sitting time with the muscle thickness of the lower limb and diaphragm. Methods: Patients ranging from 18-35 were chosen for this study. After enquiring about lifestyle factors like -smoking and drinking, out of 91 patients 30 patients smoke regularly and 6 patients had drinking habits. Also regarding occupation, 74.7% were employed and 25% were unemployed. We conducted this study on 91 participants who were grouped based on self-reported physical activity and sitting time levels based on IPAQ scores and underwent ultrasonography for quadriceps (rectus femoris and vastus intermedialis), soleus muscle, and diaphragm. Results: We found that the lower limb muscles have shown statistically significant differences between vigorous physical activity (VPA) and lower physical activity (LPA). We found that the quadriceps muscle(rectus femoris and vastus intermedialis) thickness was 1.3 cm in LPA whereas 2.8 cm in VPA with (p=<0.001) soleus muscle thickness being 1 cm in LPA and 2.2 cm. Conclusions: Physical activity levels are found to be positively related to the peripheral muscle thickness VPA (p=<0.001). Physical activity levels are found to be positively related to peripheral muscle thickness
Knowledge of Medical Imaging Professionals on Healthcare-Associated Infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textHealth-care associated infections (HCAIs) are a significant concern for both Health care professionals and patients. With recent advances in imaging modalities, there is an increase in patients visiting the radiology department for diagnosis and therapeutic examination. The equipment used for the investigator is contaminated, which may result in HCAIs to the patients and health care professionals. Medical Imaging Professionals (MIPs) should have adequate knowledge to overcome the spread of infection in the radiology department. This systematic review aimed to examine the literature on the knowledge and precaution standard of MIPs on HCIAs. The review was performed with a relative keyword using PRISMA guidelines. The articles were retrieved from 2000 to 2020 using Scopus, PubMed, and ProQuest databases. The NICE public health guidance manual was used to assess the quality of the full-length article. The search yielded 262 articles, of which Scopus published 13 articles, PubMed published 179 articles, and ProQuest published 55 articles. In the present review, out of 262 articles, only five articles fulfilled the criteria which reported the MIP's knowledge of Jordan, Egypt, Sri Lanka, France, and Malawi population. The present review reported that MIPs have moderate knowledge and precaution standards on HCIAs in the radiology department. However, due to the limited studies published in the literature, the current review limits the application of the outcome in the vast MIPs population. This review recommended further studies to be conducted among the MIPs worldwide to know the actual knowledge and precaution standards on HCIA
Alteration in central vascular and cognitive functions during simulated work conditions in males – a secondary analysis from a randomised controlled trial
No full textBackground: Alteration in the central vascular hemodynamics is speculated to influence cognitive functions, including executive functions in young adults. Prolonged sitting is associated with compromised central vascular functions, which activity micro-breaks could mitigate. However, the association between the carotid vascular hemodynamic alteration and the executive functions is yet to be explored. Methods: We administered a randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of various intensities' micro-breaks on central vascular and cognitive functions during simulated work conditions for four hours. The carotid artery hemodynamics and cognitive functions were measured by Duplex ultrasound at 0th, 2nd and 4th hour and computer-based Flanker tests at 0th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th hour of visit days, respectively. From the randomised controlled trial, we extracted the secondary data of carotid artery hemodynamics and cognitive functions change at the 4th hour from the baseline and analysed for any relation. Results: Though we observed linear relation between the carotid artery hemodynamics and the executive functions, the relation was not statistically significant. we found a significant reduction in carotid artery diameter during prolonged sitting (0.03 cm [95%CI 0.01, 0.05]), velocity (10.35 cm/s [95%CI -2.85, 17.86]) and shear rate during interrupted sitting (174.39 [95%CI 65.67, 283.11]) We found increased accuracy during prolonged sitting (12.7% [95%CI 0.66, 24.81]) and sitting with light-intensity activity breaks (6.92% [95%CI 1.39, 12.44]). We did not find any significant relation between the change in central vascular functions (carotid artery diameter, velocity, shear rate and blood flow) and the cognitive functions during three different work conditions. Conclusion: Though a significant relation between carotid artery function and cognitive function could not be established, microbreaks can mitigate the vascular and cognitive risks associated with prolonged sitting
Impact of Yoga on the central and peripheral vascular function among desk-based workers
No full textYoga has demonstrated superior effectiveness in enhancing vascular functions during extended periods of sitting. Numerous organizations in India and around the world are actively endorsing the integration of Yoga into the workplace. This initiative aims to encourage the adoption of interrupted sitting practices and implement efficient yoga routines to alleviate physical strain, all without necessitating a fundamental shift in work culture
Low dose protocol for high resolution CT thorax: influence of matrix size and tube voltage on image quality and radiation dose
No full textTo compare the effect of matrix sizes and tube voltage on image quality and radiation dose on high-resolution CT thorax. A Phantom experiment was performed, followed by a patient scan. For phantom and patient scan, a total of 6 protocols with two tube voltage settings, 120 kVp and 100 kVp, with a combination of three matrix sizes, 512, 768, and 1024 was used. One hundred and eighty adult patients with HRCT thorax scan was considered. Dose data was collected, and quantitative image analysis was performed by drawing region on interests on the acquired phantom and patient images. Qualitative image analysis was performed independently by two blinded radiologists. The dose report of the phantom experiment revealed that the 100kVp with selected matrix size delivered 15.64% and 15.62% less radiation dose in terms of CTDIvol and DLP, respectively, compared to 120kVp settings with selected matrix sizes. Similarly, for the patient population, the CTDIvol and DLP difference noted for 120kVp and 100kVp with different matrix sizes was statistically significant (p<0.001). For quantitative image quality, the difference noted was also statistically significant among two kVp settings. The mean score for subjective image assessment was greater than 4.5 for diagnostic acceptability and streak artefacts. The result suggests that the 100 kVp with 512 X 512 matrix size is preferable in the HRCT Lung to achieve the optimal diagnostic image quality with a reduction of almost 40% of the dose to the patients compared to 120 kVp techniques
Impact of Yoga on the cognitive function among desk-based workers
No full textThe brain plays a crucial role in regulating metabolic disorders through its structural and functional integrity. It acts a core centre for the function of the body and mind. Any changes to this can cause serious damage and lead to conditions developing in later life. Within this digital era, the active promotion of digital based careers and opportunities to work from home have resulted in people living more sedentary lifestyles, this can have an adverse effect on the body and mind
Prevalence Of Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia Among Allied Health Professionals During The Pandemic Outbreak: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis
No full textThis systematic review and meta-analysis, conducted by Dr. Leena R David and colleagues, aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and insomnia among allied health professionals (AHPs) during the COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious disease outbreaks. The study identified a critical gap in the existing literature concerning the mental health of AHPs during such crises.
The researchers systematically searched major databases and identified 267 relevant articles, of which five met the inclusion criteria for review. These studies collectively involved 11,148 healthcare professionals, with 831 (7.54%) being AHPs. The selected studies utilized various mental health assessment tools and reported prevalence rates of anxiety and depression among AHPs.
The meta-analysis focused on three of the studies, revealing a pooled effect size of 0.21 for psychological stress and 0.19 for anxiety among AHPs. The results indicated that AHPs experienced moderate levels of psychological distress during infectious disease outbreaks.
Several risk factors were identified, including younger age, gender, social support, and occupational characteristics. The role of supervisors and the provision of accurate information were also highlighted as crucial in managing AHPs' mental health.
Despite the limitations of this study, including potential publication bias and heterogeneity among the selected studies, it provides valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by AHPs during pandemics. The authors emphasize the need for further research with larger sample sizes and validated measurement tools to better understand and address the mental health of AHPs.
In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of monitoring and supporting the mental well-being of AHPs, who play a vital role in healthcare delivery during infectious disease outbreaks. Policymakers and healthcare organizations are urged to take action to mitigate the impact on AHPs' mental health and ensure their readiness and resilience in facing future public health crises
Can Yoga show better vascular functions than exercise among office worker: A Scoping Review
No full textBackground. Isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) in the elderly is primarily caused by the loss of vascular compliance with ageing brought on by the stiffening of arteries. In older people, arterial ageing, and elevated blood pressure (BP) have emerged as the primary cardiovascular (CV) risks. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if Bikram yoga, a style of heated hatha yoga, would improve endothelial function in young, middle-aged, and older, healthy adults. Methods. 47 participants varying widely in age from 18 to 70 years were enrolled in this study. The study was conducted in four peer review journal databases (Scopus, PubMed, Ovid, and Science Direct) and studies based on randomized control trials conducted worldwide on Yoga, Vascular Function, Exercise, and Office workers. Results. Yoga intervention shows improvement in vascular function, arterial stiffness, and flow mediated dilation. Yoga shows a significant reduction in HR (p = 0.031) and increase in pulse pressure (PD) within-yoga group whereas in exercise group does not show any significance in ventricular function, the mean increase in Left ventricular ejection time (LVET) was noticed in yoga group. The between group analysis has shown significant difference in post-intervention RPP between the yoga and exercise groups, indicating that the improvement in myocardial performance was more significant in the yoga group compared to the exercise group. There was a significant reduction in mean% Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) with a P value of 0.004, indicating yoga had a beneficial effect on reducing MAP. However, brachial artery FMD (Flow Mediated Dilation) was significantly increased after the intervention in older adults but not in young subjects
- …
