Annual Dose Research Articles

Re-evaluation of shielding ability and induced activity of KSTAR with increased neutron yields

To determine the viability of the 2-fold neutron yield increase of the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) owing to the installation of a second neutral beam injection system to increase the plasma density and a divertor material change from graphite to tungsten to reduce the heat load, we performed a radiological evaluation and shielding analysis of an existing building structure and the KSTAR with an increased neutron yield per shot. According to the shielding analysis results, the weekly and annual doses outside the building did not exceed the criteria, and the fluxes and doses in the plasma experimental room were unaffected by the divertor material change. The maximum dose rate in the working area in the tokamak was 2.16E+03 μSv/h at the surface-plasma-facing components. However, the dose rate was reduced to the background level one month after a 1-shot operation of 300 s. Ar-41 was the major nuclide for the air activation calculations; however, the effluent level exceeded the derived air concentration after the 1-shot operation ended. The residual activity concentration of Ar-41 was reduced below the derived air concentration after 243 min. The annual operating condition of the KSTAR is suggested based on the evaluation results.

Occupational dose measurement in interventional cardiology practice.

Ensuring the safety of healthcare workers in interventional cardiology necessitates effective monitoring of occupational radiation exposure. This study aims to assess the accuracy of the over-apron single dosimetric approach compared with double dosimetric methods and explore the relationship between under-apron and over-apron doses. This investigation showed that the prescribed annual dose constraint of 20mSv year-1 was not exceeded by the maximum annual occupational doses determined by dosimetric algorithms, which were 0.13±0.02, 0.15±0.02 and 0.27±0.04mSv, respectively. The study demonstrated excellent statistically significant correlations among single and double dosimetric algorithms and between direct under-apron and over-apron doses. Consequently, single dosimetric algorithms could effectively estimate doses for double dosimetric algorithms, highlighting the limited added value of under-apron measurements. These findings significantly impact the practice of interventional cardiology in Sri Lanka, playing a crucial role in enhancing radiation protection measures.

Peculiarities of the exposure dose formation on the population in the most affected regions of Russia after the Chernobyl NPP accident

The paper presents an analysis of the current radiation situation in the settlements of the Russian Federation located on the most radioactively contaminated territory after the Chernobyl accident. The assessment of 137Cs content in local agricultural (milk, beef, pork, potatoes), natural (mushrooms) foodstuffs, doses of external, and internal irradiation of residents was carried out. 37 years after the Chernobyl NPP accident, 72 settlements with a total number of residents of 63869 remain in the zone of radioactive contamination whose average effective radiation doses exceed 1 mSv/year. All these settlements are located in five southwestern districts of the Bryansk region and are rural except for Novozybkov. In the private sector of settlements, potatoes and pork fully comply with radiological standards for the content of 137Cs. In milk, the content of the radionuclide can exceed the standards up to 3, in beef up to 5, in mushrooms up to 8–17 times. Over the past 30 years, the number of settlements exceeding the legally established standard for the total exposure dose to the population (1 mSv/year) has decreased by 7.5 times. Due to the decrease in the levels of 137Cs contamination of local foodstuffs and the volume of their consumption, the role of internal exposure dose has been decreasing in recent years. It was noted that in addition to a comprehensive assessment of the radiation situation in settlements, agricultural and natural ecosystems, when planning the rehabilitation of settlements with average annual radiation doses of residents above 1 mSv, it is important to take into account the current diets of residents and the real demographic situation in the territories affected by the Chernobyl accident.

Radioactivity of inert construction and demolition waste from Hong Kong and environmental assessment for marine trial reclamation in Guanghai Bay

Inert construction and demolition waste from Hong Kong (HK public fills) has been used for marine trial reclamation in the Guanghai Bay (GHWT) of the Chinese Mainland. However, an environmental assessment of HK public fills is necessary due to higher radioactivity in HK soils than typical global levels. Here, radiation dose rate, gamma radionuclides and gross beta of HK public fills were analyzed. The origin information was explored using natural primordial radionuclides as fingerprints. Our data show that radiation dose rate of HK public fills before disposal was 0.14–0.54 (0.33 ± 0.03) μSv/h (n = 16,722 data with 2787 ships) in 2014, which is less than the GHWT background. Monthly detection of 238U, 226Ra, 210Pb, 232Th, 228Th, 40K, and gross beta in HK public fills was conducted on three random ships. Their specific activities were <6.27–155.5, 58.7–98.7, <7.83–238.2,97.9–168.6, 87.1–136.0, 463.1–1,018, and 1047–1658 Bq/kgDW, respectively. These results suggest that the radioactivity levels of HK public fills are essentially the same as the GHWT background. The study assessed potential risks using various indices icluding Raeq (Radium equivalent activity), Hex (External radiation hazard index), Hin (Internal radiation hazard index), Iγ (Gamma index), AUI (Activity utilization index), AUI (Activity utilization index), E (Annual effective dose), AGDE (Annual gonadal dose equivalent), RLI (Representative level index), Din (Indoor air absorbed dose rate), Dout (Outdoor air absorbed dose rate), and ELCR (Excess lifetime cancer risk). The study suggests that HK public fills should be used for the trial reclamation rather than building-house materials. This provides valuable insights for the resource utilization and minimizing environmental pollution of HK public fills. The aim is to offer fundamental technical assistance for future waste resource utilization, ecological protection, and restoration in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Geographical distribution of radon and associated health risks in drinking water samples collected from the Mulazai area of Peshawar, Pakistan

Geospatial methods, such as GIS and remote sensing, map radon levels, pinpoint high-risk areas and connect geological traits to radon presence. These findings direct health planning, focusing tests, mitigation, and policies where radon levels are high. Overall, geospatial analyses offer vital insights, shaping interventions and policies to reduce health risks from radon exposure. There is a formidable threat to human well-being posed by the naturally occurring carcinogenic radon (222Rn) gas due to high solubility in water. Under the current scenario, it is crucial to assess the extent of 222Rn pollution in our drinking water sources across various regions and thoroughly investigate the potential health hazards it poses. In this regard, the present study was conducted to investigate the concentration of 222Rn in groundwater samples collected from handpumps and wells and to estimate health risks associated with the consumption of 222Rn-contaminated water. For this purpose, groundwater samples (n = 30) were collected from handpumps, and wells located in the Mulazai area, District Peshawar. The RAD7 radon detector was used as per international standards to assess the concentration of 222Rn in the collected water samples. The results unveiled that the levels of 222Rn in the collected samples exceeded the acceptable thresholds set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) of 11.1 Bq L−1. Nevertheless, it was determined that the average annual dose was below the recommended limit of 0.1 mSv per year, as advised by both the European Union Council and the World Health Organization. In order to avoid the harmful effects of such excessive 222Rn concentrations on human health, proper ventilation and storage of water in storage reservoirs for a long time before use is recommended to lower the 222Rn concentration.

Trends of occupational exposure to ionizing radiation in Central China for the period 2000–2021

A retrospective analysis of occupational exposure to ionizing radiation from medical uses and industrial uses in the three provinces of Central China from 2000 to 2021 was conducted. The average annual effective dose in medical uses and industrial uses decreased from 2.042 mSv and 2.334 mSv in 2000–2002 to 0.476 mSv and 0.371 mSv in 2021 respectively; the fraction of monitored workers receiving annual dose not exceeding 1 mSv increased from 60.78% and 74.45% in 2000–2002 to 94.20% and 96.85% in 2021 respectively, while receiving annual doses exceeding 20 mSv declined from 1.35% and 1.91% in 2000–2002 to 0.18% and 0.03% in 2021 respectively. The average annual effective dose and NR20 in the period 2000–2021 were relatively high in professional public health institutions (0.955 mSv and 0.004) and hospitals (0.815 mSv and 0.004). In 2021, the average annual effective dose to monitored workers in different occupational categories in medical uses in the three provinces of Central China were in the range of 0.199–0.692 mSv, with interventional radiology received the highest dose and NR20 (0.692 mSv and 0.005); the average annual effective dose ranged from 0.161 to 0.493 mSv in industrial uses, with industrial radiography received the highest dose and NR20 (0.493 mSv and 0.001). Occupational exposure in medical uses and industrial uses declined obviously in Central China, and the groups receiving higher doses are the radiation workers working in hospitals and professional public health institutions, or engaged in interventional radiology, nuclear medicine and industrial radiography, warranting more effective radiation protection measures.

Ocular radiation exposure is negligible in normal volume endourological practice.

The annual dose limit for radiation exposure to the eye has been reduced recently; the eye is widely recognised as one of the most radiosensitive tissues in the body. There is minimal good quality research as to the radiation dose that the eye receives during endourological surgery and this study aimed to address this. A prospective study was performed over an 8-month period at a single large teaching hospital in the UK. Three index procedures were included: ureteric stent insertion, ureteroscopy (URS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Surgeons wore a dosimeter on the glabella with fluoroscopy time (FT) and dose area product (DAP) recorded for each case. A total of 404 procedures were included (247 URSs, 150 ureteric stent insertions and 7 PCNLs). Dosimeters were worn by ten surgeons. Mean FTs (URS 20.56s; ureteric stent 18.96s; PCNL 360.67s) and mean DAP (URS 100.82cGy/m2, ureteric stent 119.82cGy/m2 and PCNL 1121.62cGy/m2) were identified with significant intersurgeon variability. No surgeon had a total dosimeter dose >0.00mSv. The International Commission on Radiological Protection recently reduced the yearly eye dose limit from 150 to 20mSv. Cataractogenesis is no longer considered a typical deterministic effect, with a threshold level below which no effect occurs. Even in higher volume centres, these annual limits are unlikely to be reached. Lead glasses may be considered for surgeons and radiologists with the highest exposure but, for the majority, ocular radiation exposure is negligible.

ASSESSING ANNUAL EXPOSURES DOSE AND OTHER RADIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS FROM COSMIC RADIATION AMONG FLIGHT CREWS IN NIGERIA LOCAL AIRLINE

Cosmic radiation is high-energy radiation generated in outer space that increases with altitudes. This study uses aircrew cosmic radiation exposure to measure radiation dose received by monitoring individual crew members (a total of 179 members for all the crews in the three routes for 2011 to 2022) using computer model calculator (CARI – 6M) on Nigeria’s local airlines crews and evaluated other radiological parameters. The finding shows that annual effective dose (AED) received by the air crew members between 2011 and 2022 across the three routes (Lagos – Kano, Lagos – Abuja and Lagos – Port Harcourt) ranges between 0.230 and 1.90 µSv y-1 and there is a direct relationship between the time of flight and the effective dose received by the crew members. This result is lower than the recommended value of 20 µSv y-1 by International bodies. The result also revealed that Annual Gonadal Dose Equivalent (AGDE) across the three routes ranges from 7.20 – 380 µSv y-1 with only Lagos – Kano route in year 2017 (380 µSv y-1) were above the maximum permissible value of 300 µSv y-1. The findings indicated low AED however; the significant excess lifetime cancer risk that increases with cumulative doses and dependent of the flight route constitute a risk. This implies that, there are possibilities of the crew members developing cancer during their lifetime. It’s therefore recommended that Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority should introduce regulations and training program to reduce potential sources of radiation exposure of Nigerian flight crews.

ГЕНЕРАЦИЯ СВОБОДНЫХ РАДИКАЛОВ КЛЕТКАМИ КРОВИ КОРОВ ПРИ СУБКЛИНИЧЕСКИХ ДОЗАХ РАДИАЦИИ

The aim of the study is to evaluate the kinetics of ROS generation in the peripheral blood of cattle exposed to subclinical doses of radiation. Objectives: to determine chemiluminescent indices: time to reach and amplitude of maximum activity, total ROS volume in the peripheral blood of lactating cows in agricultural landscapes of the Krasnoyarsk Region with different radioecological status; to calculate the blood phagocyte activation index. The object of the study is lactating cows kept in three agricultural landscapes of the Krasnoyarsk Region with different radioecological status: with an absorbed annual dose for farm animals of 0.92 mGy (control), with doses of 1.33 and 1.55 mGy/year. Research material is peripheral blood of cows. The studies were conducted in 2017–2019 in the immunology sector of the international scientific center for research into extreme states of the body, Federal Research Center of the Krasnoyarsk Scientific Center, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Krasnoyarsk, and at the Institute of Applied Biotechnology and Veterinary Medicine, Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education, Krasnoyarsk State Agrarian University. In the peripheral blood of lactating cows, the following chemiluminescent indices were assessed: the time of formation of peaks in the production of reactive oxygen species and the amplitude of their generation, the total volume of ROS, and the index of activation of blood phagocytes. The chemiluminescent analysis was performed in the immunology sector of the international scientific center for research into extreme conditions of the body, FRC KSC SB RAS (Krasnoyarsk). Subclinical doses of ionizing radiation of 1.33 and 1.55 mGy/year negatively affect the course of free-radical processes in the blood cells of cows. Slowdown in the formation time of kinetic peaks, an increase in the total number of spontaneous free radicals, and a decrease in the light sum of activated ROS were revealed. A decrease in the cell activation index was established, i.e. a decrease in the ability of blood phagocytes to induce a respiratory burst in response to additional antigenic irritation, which is related to the negative consequences of exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation.

Radon Levels and Risk Assessment due to its Ingestion and Inhalation from Groundwater of Lapai, North-Central Nigeria

Radon exposure through ingestion or inhalation from groundwater can be a significant public health concern due to its carcinogenic effects. This study assessed the health risks of radon exposure from groundwater in Lapai, Nigeria, using a Rad7 detector to measure radon concentration levels. The measured concentrations ranged from 5.36 ± 0.22 BqL-1 to 0.52 ± 0.06 BqL-1 with an average value of 2.82 ± 0.14 BqL-1. The annual effect dose due to ingestion of Radon obtained varies in the range of 2.76 to 28.34 μSva-1, 1.02 to 10.43 μSva-1, and 1.33 to 13.69 μSva-1 for infants, children, and adults, respectively. While the effective dose per year from inhalation of Radon released from water by adults has values in the range of 1.31 to 13.50 μSva-1. Radon levels were within permissible limits of UNSCEAR and USEPA, and the annual effective doses from inhalation and ingestion were within WHO's safe range. Nonetheless, monitoring is advised, especially during the rainy season when contamination levels may increase.

Assessment of occupational external radiation exposure of workers in the Southwest of Libya using portable NaI detector

In this study, gamma dose rates generated from the naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) were measured in the waste streams of a large scale and sludge onshore petroleum operations. Measurements conducted in this work involved: sludge recovery from separation tanks, sludge forming, NORM storage, scaling in oil tubulars, scaling in gas production and sedimentation in produced water evaporation ponds. Field work was carried out in many places of different terrain of an operation oil exploration and production in Murzuq basin in the Southwest of Libya. The radiation dose rates were measured using portable InSpector-1000. A total of 400 dose rates were acquired. The highest dose rate was 70 μSv/h acquired in sludge stored in barrels. The estimated mean annual equivalent doses in this field were in the range of 0.2–2.8 mSv/y in the first scenario, while in the second scenario the calculated mean annual equivalent doses were in the range of 0.04–0.68 mSv/y. It is assumed that workers may face various exposures in the field where measurements took place, considering the total annual effective dose to be 1.53 mSv/y. The main radioisotopes detected in these samples indicated by the display of the measuring device were 226Ra and 228Ra but detecting both radioisotopes in the same run is not achievable by using the display of the screen.

Effective dose evaluation for external exposure from surface soil by using resrad-onsite code

An annual effective dose evaluation from Dong Nai surface soil (45 samples) to humans was carried out in this work. ResRad-Onsite software has been applied to estimate the maximum exposure dose by considering different exposure levels across an area of ​​5905.7 km2 with a topsoil thickness of 20 cm. The calculation grid used in ResRad Onsite software is divided in the form of a circle of radius 3, 5, 10, 20, and 30 km, respectively, calculated from the circle center in terms of 16 wind directions. A high-purity germanium detector (HPGe) was used to determine 238U, 232Th, 226Ra, 137Cs, and 40K isotopes. The range activity concentrations of them were found to be 6.46 ÷ 48.11; 13.95 ÷ 58.75; 5.71 ÷ 35.27; 0.15 ÷ 1.23 and 6.7 ÷ 222; mBq/g, respectively. The isotope 239,240Pu was determined by the radiochemical separation method, measured on the alpha spectrometer system, and the calculated value range is 0.009 ÷ 0.073 mBq/g. The activity of 90Sr was determined by separation technique, measured on a low-background alpha/beta total counting system (MPC 9300) with a calculated value range of 0.10 ÷ 0.83 mBq/g. By ResRad-Onsite code, the external effective dose derived from the ground (excluding Radon’s contribution) is calculated to be 170 ÷ 658 µSv/year with an average value is 368.6 µSv/year. The external dose from the soil is 136.5 µSv/year (accounting for 37%). The results showed that the annual radiation dose distribution derived from the ground equivalent to the average of some different regions in the territory of Vietnam and the world. In addition, the external effective dose from the ResRad-Onsite code tended to be about 1.36 times smaller than the practical measured due to the library’s different dose conversion coefficients.

NATURALLY OCCURRING RADIONUCLIDES AND THEIR RADIOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT IN RIVER SEDIMENTS FROM THE DITRAU ALKALINE MASSIF

Naturally occurring 238U, 232Th and 40K radionuclides within river bed sediments of Jolotca and Ditrău rivers from Ditrău Alkaline Massif (DAM) and their environmental risk and spatial distribution have been analyzed. The DAM metamorphic formations have been the subject of multiple studies due to their structure and high variety of mineral species. This led to the execution of many mining operations. River bed sediment samples have been collected from two of the main drainage basins of DAM, Ditrău and Jolotca rivers. The samples were analyzed using gamma-ray spectrometry in order to determine the concentration of the naturally occurring radionuclides and the risk parameters such as RLI (Representative level index), AGDE (Annual gonadal dose equivalent), Hex (External hazard index), Hin (Internal hazard index) and DR (absorbed gamma dose rates in air). 238U, 232Th and 40K show values higher than the Upper Continental Crust (UCC) and other studies from around the world. DR, AGDE and RLI are higher than the global average and the safe limits. These values are a consequence of the geological context which determined the presence of heavy minerals and Th and U bearing minerals.

Gamma Ray Spectroscopy Analysis of Sediments of Coastal Areas in Ennore, Tamil Nadu

Objectives: This research focuses on the determination of the natural radionuclides radium, thorium, and potassium in the twenty-six sediment samples collected at the sea, beach, and creek regions of Ennore Port. Methods: The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were determined using gamma ray spectrometry with a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. Findings: The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were in the descending order of 40K (397.58 Bq kg-1) &gt; 232Th (65.83 Bq kg-1) &gt; 226Ra (18.28 Bq kg-1). The estimated average values of radiological parameters such as radium equivalent activity (143.04 Bq kg-1), absorbed dose rate (64.91 nGy h-1), annual effective dose equivalent (0.32 mSv y-1), and external hazard index (0.39) were lower than the respective world average values, reported by United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR, 2000). Moreover, the representative level index and annual gonadal dose equivalent were slightly higher than the world average value. Hence, this research proved that the study area is radiologically safe for humans and the environment. Novelty: A location and sample collection-based novelty is approached to carried out the work. Sea sediments were also collected along with samples from creek and beach regions in order to examine the dispersion of natural radionuclides from land to marine environments. The samples from the beach and creek regions were collected using a Peterson grab sampler. Especially in the sea region, the samples were collected using a Van Veen grab sampler at a depth of 4 m and a distance of 10 m parallel to the shoreline. Keywords: Natural radioactivity, Sediment, Ennore, Gamma ray spectrometry, HPGe detector, Radiological parameters

Postintervention Immunological and Entomological Survey of Lymphatic Filariasis in the City of Olinda, Brazil, 2015-2016.

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a leading cause of disability due to infectious disease worldwide. The Recife Metropolitan Region (RMR) is the only remaining focus of LF in Brazil, where the parasite Wuchereria bancrofti is transmitted solely by the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus. This study reports the results of transmission assessment surveys and molecular xenomonitoring in the city of Olinda, RMR, after nearly 15 years (2015-2016) of interventions for LF elimination. Participants were screened for W. bancrofti antigen via immunochromatographic card tests (ICT) in: 1) door-to-door surveys conducted for all children aged 5-7 years from 4 out of 17 intervention areas treated with at least five annual doses of mass drug administration (MDA), and 2) a two-stage cluster sampling survey of residents aged 5 years and older in non-MDA areas. Mosquitoes were collected via handheld aspirators in four MDA areas, differentiated by species, sex, and physiological status, pooled into groups of up to 10 blood-fed, semigravid, and gravid mosquitoes, and screened for W. bancrofti infection by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). All 1,170 children from MDA areas and the entire population sample of 990 residents in non-MDA areas were ICT negative. In MDA areas, a total of 3,152 female Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes in 277 households (range, 0-296 mosquitoes per house) were collected via aspiration. RT-qPCR of 233 pools of mosquitos were negative for W. bancrofti RNA; an independent reference laboratory confirmed these results. These results provide evidence that LF transmission has been halted in this setting.

Measurement of Hp(10), Hp(3) and Hp(0.07) to medical staff in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, using thermoluminescence dosimetry.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic and bile duct disorders. The procedure is performed under the guidance of fluoroscopy. This study aims to investigate the dose received by staff in the Endoscopy Department of AbuAli Sina Medicine and Organ Transplant Hospital in Shiraz. The dosimetry was performed using thermoluminescent dosemeters (TLD), type TLD-100. The values of Hp(10), Hp(3) and Hp(0.07) were estimated for the staff for 2months. According to the results obtained in this study, the equivalent dose of the gastroenterologist's body, eye lenses and hands was 0.045±0.001mSv, 0.111±0.014mSv and 0.357±0.034$\mathrm{mSv}$, respectively. This study showed that the annual radiation exposure for ERCP department staff of Abu Ali Sinai Hospital is less than the annual dose limit. However, if the principles of proper radiation protection and individual dosimetry are followed, the dose to staff members can be reduced.

Degradation of atrazine, glyphosate, and 2,4-D in soils collected from two contrasting crop rotations in Southwest Chaco, Argentina

Argentina stands as one of the leading consumers of herbicides. In a laboratory incubation experiment, the persistence and production of degradation metabolites of Atrazine, 2,4-D, and Glyphosate were investigated in a loamy clay soil under two contrasting agricultural practices: continuous soybean cultivation (T1) and intensified rotations with grasses and legumes (T2). The soils were collected from a long-term no-till trial replicating the influence of the meteorological conditions in the productive region. The soil was enriched with diluted concentrations of 6.71, 9.95, and 24 mg a.i./kg-1 of soil for the respective herbicides, equivalent to annual doses commonly used in the productive region. Samples were taken at intervals of 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 16, 32, and 64 days, and analysis was conducted using high-resolution liquid chromatography UPLC MS/MS. An optimal fit to the first-order kinetic model was observed for each herbicide in both rotations, resulting in relatively short half-lives. Intensified crop sequences favored the production of biotic degradation metabolites. The impact of the high frequency of soybean cultivation revealed a trend of soil acidification and a reduced biological contribution to attenuation processes in soil contamination.

Assessing radioactive contaminants in Kathmandu soils: measurement and risk analysis.

Soil samples from vegetable farmland in densely populated wards of Nepal were analyzed for natural radionuclide levels, employing a NaI(Tl) 3" [Formula: see text] 3" gamma detector. The study aimed to evaluate the causes of radiation risk, attributing it to soil contamination resulting from the rapid urbanization and concretization that followed the earthquake in 2015. The activity concentration of radium-226, thorium-232, and potassium-40 and the ranges observed are 2.080±0.084-33.675±1.356 Bq kg[Formula: see text], 17.222±0.198-119.949±1.379 Bq kg[Formula: see text], and 11.203 ± 0.325-748.828±21.716 Bq kg[Formula: see text], respectively. The average values obtained for hazard indices are as follows: radium equivalent activity (82.779 Bq kg[Formula: see text]), absorbed dose rate (36.394 nGy h[Formula: see text]), annual effective dose equivalent (0.045 mSv yearr[Formula: see text]), gamma index (0.291), external hazard index (0.224), internal hazard index (0.253), excess lifetime cancer risk (0.159), annual gonadal dose equivalent (243.278 mSv year[Formula: see text]), alpha index (0.054), and activity utilization index (0.716). However, in most places, thorium-232 concentration is greater than those of the world average and recommended values. In specific locations such as Ward 4 in Baluwatar, the soil was found to have concentrations of Ra[Formula: see text] and K[Formula: see text] exceeding recommended limits. Despite this localized concern, the overall analysis of hazard indices across the studied areas revealed that most values were within permissible limits. This suggests that, on a broader scale, radiation exposure may not be a significant concern in the investigated regions. Nonetheless, the study recommends regular monitoring in additional locations to ensure a comprehensive and ongoing assessment of radiation levels.

Adrenocortical suppression in children with nephrotic syndrome treated with corticosteroids.

Children with nephrotic syndrome are exposed to alternate day steroids for prolonged periods and this poses the need for evaluation of adrenocortical suppression using the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test. This cross-sectional study enrolled children (2-18years) both with steroid sensitive nephroticsyndrome (SSNS) (n = 27) and steroid resistant (SRNS) (n = 25); those on daily prednisolone or having serious bacterial infections or hospitalized were excluded. The primary objective was to determine prevalence of adrenocortical suppression in those on low dose alternate day steroids for more than 8weeks or having received > 2mg/kg/d for > 2weeks in the past 1year and currently in remission. A baseline morning fasting sample of serum cortisol was taken and 25IU of ACTH (Acton Prolongatum*) injected intramuscularly and repeat serum cortisol sample taken after 1h. All patients with 1h post ACTH cortisol < 18.0 µgm/dl were diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency. Receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to predict the prednisolone dose for adrenal insufficiency. Fifty-two (33 males) children were enrolled (mean age 9.4years); proportion of adrenal insufficiency was 50% and 64% using baseline and post stimulation cutoffs. The total cumulative annual dose of prednisolone 0.22mg/kg/day predicted adrenocortical suppression with AUC 0.76 (95% CI 0.63-0.89), with sensitivity of 63.9% and specificity of 81.3%. A significant proportion of children with nephrotic syndrome were detected with adrenal insufficiency on ACTH stimulation test. A cumulative steroid intake of > 0.22mg/kg/day on an alternate day basis emerged as a risk factor for predicting adrenocortical suppression.

Geochemical Distribution and Environmental Risks of Radionuclides in Soils and Sediments Runoff of a Uranium Mining Area in South China.

Uranium mining activities have contributed to the distribution and uptake of radionuclides, which have increased the active concentrations of natural radionuclides in environmental media, causing elevated human health risks. The present study aims to assess the spatial distribution characteristics of natural radionuclides in the surface soils and river sediments of the typical granite uranium mining area in South China, as well as investigate the geochemical features of natural radionuclides in the soil and sediments to understand their migration processes. The activity concentrations for 238U, 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K ranged from 17-3925 Bq/kg, 50-1180 Bq/kg, 29-459 Bq/kg, and 240-1890 Bq/kg, respectively. The open-pit mining areas and tailings pond locations exhibited the highest concentrations of activity for all these radionuclides. This distribution points to an elevated potential health risk due to radiological exposure in these specific areas. Additionally, the values of radium equivalent activity (Raeq) and annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE) in those areas were higher than the limits recommended by ICRP (2021). 238U and 226Ra have a significant correlation (0.724), and the cluster analysis was showing a statistically meaningful cluster below 5 indicated that they have similar behavior during parent rock weathering and watershed erosion, and the distribution of 232Th and 40K were influenced by the addition of rock types. The activity ratios of 226Ra/238U, 226Ra/232Th, 238U/40K, and 226Ra/40K variation indicated that 40K more mobile than 226Ra and 238U, U(VI) was reduced to U(IV) by organic matter in the downstream area and re-entered into the sediment during the sediment surface runoff in the small watershed of the uranium ore open-pit mining area. Therefore, it is necessary to further seal up and repair the tailings landfill area.