Associations of residential greenspace exposure and fetal growth across four areas in Spain

An accumulating body of evidence has associated exposure to greenspace with improved birth outcomes, including higher birth weight and lower risk of low birth weight; however, evidence on such association with in-utero fetal growth is scarce. We explored the influence of maternal exposure to residential greenspace and fetal growth in four INMA (Infancia y Medio Ambiente) Spanish birth cohorts (2003–2008), with 2,465 participants. Residential greenspace was characterised by the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) average across 100 m, 300 m, and 500 m buffers around the residence. Repeated ultrasound measurements of the abdominal circumference (AC), biparietal diameter (BPD), femur length (FL), and estimated fetal weight (EFW) were used. We created customised-generalised least squares models to evaluate associations of residential greenspace exposure on each fetal growth parameter, controlled for the relevant confounders. There were associations between the 500 m buffer and BPD, FL, and AC. We also found associations in the 300 m buffer and FL and AC. The associations in the 100 m buffer were null. Estimates were higher among participants with lower socioeconomic status. Mediation analyses found that air pollution might explain 15–37% of our associations. Mediation by physical activity was not observed. Greenspace exposure may be beneficial for fetal growth.     

The use of ultrasound,fibronectin and other parameters to predict the success of labour induction

Induction of labour is a common obstetrical procedure and is undertaken when the benefits of delivery are considered to outweigh the risks of continuation of pregnancy. However, more than one-fifth of induction cases fail to result in vaginal births and lead to unplanned caesarean deliveries, which compromise the birth experience and have negative clinical and resource implications. The need for accurate prediction of successful labour induction is increasingly recognised and many researchers have attempted to evaluate the potential predictability of different factors including maternal characteristics, Bishop score, various biochemical markers and ultrasound markers and derive predictive models to address this issue.     

超声引导下辅助诊断和治疗冻结肩的研究进展

冻结肩是常见的肩部疾病,传统非可视化治疗冻结肩效果欠佳。近年来,超声引导具有动态实时定位、无辐射、便携性、低成本等优点在辅助诊断和治疗冻结肩患者中得到成功应用,不仅能提供精确的诊断,也提高了患者中长期的疗效。本文就超声引导辅助诊断和治疗冻结肩的研究进展进行综述。     

The role of the sonographer – An investigation into the scope of practice for the sonographer internationally

IntroductionThere is global variance in the role of a practicing sonographer. Literature examining global sonographic roles and scope of practice is limited, despite the international applicability of ultrasound imaging. This study aimed to examine the common and divergent features of a practicing sonographer internationally, and their impact upon the development of a global standard of practice.MethodsAn ethically approved mixed-methods online survey was conducted. The purposive sample included all 75 current elected council members of the ISRRT [International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists], an international professional organisation.ResultsThirty-six individuals from at least 32 different countries responded, reflecting the sonography profession in all four ISRRT regions. The results suggest that sonographer education requirements differ widely, from on the job training (16%, 6/36) to undergraduate or postgraduate schooling (44%, 16/36). Registration and accreditation bodies were present in the jurisdiction of 41% (14/34) and 35% (12/33) of respondents respectively, though many were voluntary, physician-focused or non-specific to sonographers. Five of 11 (45%) respondents suggested that the sonographer–radiologist relationship is individual-dependent, and not primarily positive or negative. Ten of 28 (36%) suggested that other professionals do not know the role of the sonographer.ConclusionThe majority of ISRRT council member respondents believe that an international scope of practice could benefit and be implemented in their jurisdiction (26/28, 93% and 22/33, 67%). The key advantages noted were standardisation of education and improved professional mobility. However, lack of sonographer education and radiologist acceptance are important potential barriers.Implications for practiceAn international scope of practice could be beneficial and implementable in most ISRRT jurisdictions. Professional mobility and education standardization are the primary advantages. Insufficient sonographer education and physician acceptance are the key potential obstacles.     

肌骨超声在腰痛诊断中的应用

腰痛已成为世界范围内主要的公共健康问题,常规的腰痛影像学检查会反复地对患者造成辐射伤害,并且存在一定的漏诊、误诊的可能性,延误治疗时机。肌骨超声是一种非侵入性的成像方法,具有安全、无创的特点,并且价格低廉,已经作为常用的腰痛辅助筛查手段。通过对腰痛的常规影像学检查手段进行分析比较,全面阐述肌骨超声在腰痛的诊断及康复过程中的价值,为更好地促进腰痛的诊断和康复提供理论基础。