Average Exposure Rate Research Articles

Prevalence Study and Overview of Rabies in the Province of Ouarzazate-Morocco

Background: Rabies is a cosmopolitan anthropozoonosis for which humans are accidental victims. In Morocco, rabies is an endemic disease, with new cases of human rabies reported every year. The aim of our study is to analyze the epidemiological aspects of rabies in the province of Ouarzazate. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study using records available at the Ouarzazate Municipal Hygiene Office. It includes 1,759 cases of exposure to animal bites between 2016 and 2019. Results: We identified 1,759 cases of animal bites during the period of 4 years of study, representing an average annual exposure rate of 190/100,000 inhabitants. Most cases were rural (65%). The median age of bitten cases was 28 years, with people under 15 years of age exposed in 32% of cases. Males predominate, with 61.3% of cases. Dogs are the main animal aggressors at 47.8%, followed by cats at 33%. The upper limbs are the preferred sites of aggression (89.2%). Exposure was grade III in 76.8% of cases. Lesions were multiple in 52.1% and superficial in 62.6%. No cases of human rabies have been recorded since 2001, despite 20 cases being exposed to a biologically confirmed rabid animal during our study. Conclusion: Rabies remains a public health concern in the province of Ouarzazate, despite the presence of a national rabies control program. Effective control of this zoonosis requires strengthening education and community engagement, as well as close collaboration between animal health and human health sectors for integrated management of bite cases.

Characterization of DNA damage repair mutations in lung cancer in an underserved urban patient population.

e20058 Background: DNA-damage repair (DDR) mutations in lung cancer have shown potential for use as therapeutic targets and predictive biomarkers. However, the relationship between DDR mutations and socioeconomic factors remains largely unknown. In this study, we characterize the distribution of DDR gene mutations in lung cancer patients at a single academic medical center serving a unique population consisting of primarily underserved, underinsured patients. Methods: All lung cancer patients seen at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) between 11/2/2015 and 9/11/2023 with TEMPUS genetic data available were included in the study (N = 235). DDR mutations of interest were ARID1A, ATM, ATR, ATRX, BAP1, BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, CHEK2, ERCC3, FANCA, FANCC, MLH3, MRE11, MSH6, MUTYH, NBN, PALB2, and RAD50. The population was subdivided into a DDR mutation positive group and a DDR mutation negative group. Each group was compared with respect to lung cancer type, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and socioeconomic factors including sex, race, insurance category, and zip code. Results: The overall frequency of DDR mutations in the population was 28.5% (n = 67). The most common DDR mutations were ARID1A (20.7%), CHEK2 (12.8%), ATM (9.9%), BRCA2 (9.9%), ATRX (7.9%), and MUTYH (7.9%). The histological distribution of the DDR mutation positive group was adenocarcinoma (76.1%), squamous cell carcinoma (4.4%), adenosquamous carcinoma (2.9%), neuroendocrine carcinoma (5.9%), and other (10.4%). The histological distribution of the DDR negative group was adenocarcinoma (60.1%), squamous cell carcinoma (22.0%), adenosquamous carcinoma (1.1%), neuroendocrine carcinoma (4.1%), and other (12.5%). There was a significant effect in TMB, t(55) = 2.97, p = 0.004, with a higher mean TMB in the DDR positive group (M = 14.4, SD = 11.1) compared to the DDR negative group (M = 9.4, SD = 5.1). The most common zip codes in the DDR positive groupwere 60608 (9.0%), 60629 (9.0%), and 60616 (7.5%) compared to 60616 (8.3%), 60609 (5.3%), and 60624 (4.7%) in the DDR negative group. Demographic factors of the two groups are compared below. Conclusions: The frequency and distribution of DDR mutations in lung cancer at UIC appears similar to what has been previously reported in the literature. There is a higher tumor mutational burden in lung cancers with DDR mutations, which may suggest greater susceptibility to immunotherapy. There may be a correlation between the presence of DDR mutations and lung cancer type, insurance category, and patient geographic distribution. Future work will include obtaining further geographic data for the study population such as average income, pollution exposure, and smoking rate by neighborhood. [Table: see text]

Assessment of natural background radiation levels in Ranipokhari, Kathmandu, Nepal, following the 2015 earthquake and during reconstruction

Natural background radiation is present in the environment and its level can vary depending on the location, occurring radioactive elements in soil, water, and air. The measurement of natural background radiation in Ranipokhari, a historic pond in Kathmandu, is important as it is currently undergoing reconstruction after the 2015 earthquake. We used a Professional Digital Geiger Counter (GCA 07W) to measure the radiation dose at 50 different locations, 31 of which were on the outer corner of the pond and 19 were inside the pond. The minimum and maximum radiation exposure levels were found to be 49.80 μR/h and 147.48 μR/h, respectively, with an overall average exposure rate of (108.06 ± 3.47) μR/h. We observed that the count and exposure rates were higher on sunny days compared to rainy days. Hypothesis testing suggested that the average background exposure rate in Ranipokhari is higher than the world average external background radiation levels reported by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). Our study provides crucial information on the natural background radiation levels in Ranipokhari, which can assist in the safe reconstruction of this historic pond after the earthquake.

Radiation Exposure to the Personnel Performing Myocardial Blood Flow Quantification Study Using 13N-ammonia Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography.

The present study aimed to evaluate radiation exposure to staff performing coronary flow reserve (CFR) measurement using 13N-ammonia. The radiation exposure rate during the administration of 13N-ammonia for the rest and stress part of the study was noted using an ionization chamber-based calibrated survey monitor. The radiation exposure to persons involved in dispensing radioactivity (D1), administering radioactivity (D2) and monitoring the patient during pharmacological stress (D3) were measured using an energy compensated Si-diode personal pocket dosimeter. The average dose received by individuals with dosimeters D1, D2, and D3 was 1.28 ± 0.79 µSv, 1.56 ± 0.51 µSv, and 0.88 ± 0.97 µSv per injection, respectively, during the rest of study and 1.56 ± 0.96 µSv, 2.64 ± 1.22 µSv, and 2.2 ± 1.7 µSv per injection, respectively, during stress study. The average exposure rate during the administration of 13N-ammonia at 0.5 m and 1.5 m from the injection site was found to be 259 µSv/h and 53.4 µSv/h, respectively, during the rest study and 301 µSv/h and 67.25 µSv/h, respectively, during stress study. The exposure to the staff performing CFR study with 13N-ammonia was well within prescribed limits by the International Commission on Radiological Protection 103. The CFR measurement with 13N-ammonia positron emission tomography/computed tomography can be included in routine workups of cardiac patients without the fear of radiation exposure.

Radiation Safety and External Radiation Exposure Rate of Patients Receiving I-131 Therapy for Hyperthyroidism and Remnant Ablation as Outpatient: An Institutional Experience.

Objective Our objective was to study the radiation exposure rate as function of time in the administration of radioiodine iodine-131 (I-131) for the treatment of thyrotoxicosis or Graves' disease and remnant ablation on an outpatient basis at the Department of Nuclear Medicine, and also, to study the impact of revised discharge criteria for radioiodine therapy enforced by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) of India. Materials and Methods This study included patients who underwent low-dose radioiodine therapy using I-131. Patients were classified into two different groups, that is, group A and group B. Group A included patients receiving low dose I-131 for the treatment of thyrotoxicosis, whereas group B included patients receiving I-131 therapy for the ablation of residual thyroid tissue after total thyroidectomy. The radiation exposure rate was measured using a radiation detector in milli roentgen per hour (mR/h) at 5 cm distance of stomach and neck levels and with the patient standing at the distance of 1 m after oral administration of I-131 at 0, 1, and 2 hours. Results A total of 134 (17 males and 117 females) patients were included in the study. Group A comprised 102 (14 male and 88 females) patients and group B of 32 (3 males and 29 females) patients. At the neck level, the average exposure rate in group A versus group B after 0, 1, and 2 hours was observed to be 6.9 versus 22.27 mR/h, 33.67 versus 43.39 mR/h, and 41.75 versus 48.90 mR/h, respectively. At the stomach level, the exposure rate was 23.65 versus 71.32 mR/h, 13.27 versus 48.45 mR/h, and 9.91 versus 39.43 mR/h after 0, 1, and 2 hours, respectively. At a distance of 1 m, the exposure rate was 1.31 versus 2.99 mR/h, 1.05 versus 2.58 mR/h, and 0.92 versus 2.21 mR/h, respectively. Conclusion Exposure rate measured for patients treated with up to 1,110 MBq (30 mCi) of I-131 was under permissible limits as per revised discharged limits, that is, 50 µSv/h (5 mR/h) prescribed by AERB, India. The patients undergoing radioiodine therapy I-131 (up to 1,110 MBq/30 mCi) can be discharged safely 2 hours postadministration following good work practice along with providing proper radiation safety instructions to patients.

Measurement of Outdoor and Indoor Background Ionizing Radiation of O.B. Lulu Briggs Health Center, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria

Measurement of outdoor and indoor background ionizing radiation (BIR) of O.B. Lulu Briggs Health Centre in the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria was carried out using a well-calibrated Radalert-100 (Radiation meter) and Digilert-200 meters and Global Positioning System (Garmin 765). 30 selected locations were considered. The outdoor and indoor results are as follows respectively, average exposure rates are 0.012±0.001 and 0.013±0.001 mR/h, mean absorbed dose rate (ADR) are 105.6 and 96.28 nGy/h, estimated value of the annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE) are 0.17 and 0.27 mSv/y and mean excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) are (0.60 and 0.92) x 10-3. The obtained values for BIR in O.B. Lulu Briggs Health Centre are not above the recommended standard limit of 0.013mR/h by International Commission on Radiological protection (ICRP). AEDE that was calculated in the entire O.B. Lulu Briggs Health Centre is within safe values, the ELCR and the ADR estimated were higher than the world permissible values of 0.29 x 10-3 and 84.0 nGy/h respectively. The calculated dose to organs for O.B. Lulu Briggs showed that the testes have the highest organ dose of (0.140667 and 0.218053) mSv/y for outdoor and indoor respectively.

Analysis of news communication strategies in the era of full media based on big data mining

Abstract With the development of information technology, the news media industry has entered the all-media era. Today, everyone is a communicator, and the audience has more diversified channels to obtain news information, but it also leads to the truly useful news being easily overwhelmed. In order to analyze the strategy of news dissemination in the all-media era, this paper analyzes different types of news media platforms and audiences based on big data mining technology. The mining results show that cultural news has the largest share on radio, TV, and video sites, with 27.5% and 57.3%, respectively. Social news had the largest share on news sites, at 29.8%. Political news has the largest share of mobile clients at 27.9%. Economic news has the largest share on social media platforms, with 23.5%. In addition, the news is viewed much more on new media, such as video websites and social platforms, than on traditional media, such as newspapers, magazines, TV and radio. In terms of the exposure rates of different types of news audiences to media platforms, the average exposure rates of newspapers and magazines, TV and radio, news sites, mobile clients, social platforms and video sites are 8.83%, 28.30%, 44.49%, 59.57%, 71.03% and 90.46%, respectively. In the era of full media, news dissemination should focus on applying new communication technologies, enriching the presentation form of news, and selecting reasonable topics for the characteristics of audiences on different platforms. The analysis of news communication strategy based on big data mining can grasp the pain points in current news communication, which is of great guidance for transforming news communication in the era of full media.

MP77-06 THE PROJECTED SHORT AND LONG-TERM ANTICIPATION OF THE PROSTATE CANCER POPULATION IN KOREA BASED ON PSA TESTING AND SOCIAL-AGING TREND DURING THE LAST DECADES

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP77-06 THE PROJECTED SHORT AND LONG-TERM ANTICIPATION OF THE PROSTATE CANCER POPULATION IN KOREA BASED ON PSA TESTING AND SOCIAL-AGING TREND DURING THE LAST DECADES Young Hwii Ko, Ki Hak Moon, Hee Chang Jung, Phil Hyun Song, Jae Young Choi, Yeong Uk Kim, Jae Youn Jang, and Jong Gyun Ha Young Hwii KoYoung Hwii Ko More articles by this author , Ki Hak MoonKi Hak Moon More articles by this author , Hee Chang JungHee Chang Jung More articles by this author , Phil Hyun SongPhil Hyun Song More articles by this author , Jae Young ChoiJae Young Choi More articles by this author , Yeong Uk KimYeong Uk Kim More articles by this author , Jae Youn JangJae Youn Jang More articles by this author , and Jong Gyun HaJong Gyun Ha More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003351.06AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The current serum prostate-specific antigen testing incidence in males aged over 40 years in Korea was only 7.26% national-widely (2016), and most of the detected prostate cancer (PCa) were driven by the elderly (aged over 60 years occupies over 90% of PCa in 2019) or the super-elderly (over aged over 75 years occupied 1/3 of cases) population. Based on these trends, we anticipated the short and long-term PCa incidence national-widely. METHODS: A regression equation model for the estimated incidence of PCa was extracted based on two key pieces of information; 1) the expected age distribution available from the national statistics, projected with the reported incidence of PCa divided by ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, and over 80’s from the last two decades (2006-2018), 2) the reported increasing incidence of PSA across the nation for the last decades (2006-2016) in each age subgroup. RESULTS: The incidence of PCa increased about threefold (4,425 in 2006 to 15,043 in 2016). PCa incidences increased with age (p<0.001). The average exposure rate for the PSA has increased by 1.08% by each year. Based on the officially reported expected life expectancy, 28,822 new PCa cases in 2030 (when PSA incidence was expected to be 14.4%) and 40,478 cases in 2040 were extracted from the current equation projected (when PSA incidence was expected to be 26.4%). If public PSA screening has been routinely performed only in the ‘60s and ‘70s in 2030, the number of cases would be 37,503 in 2030 (PSA incidence was expected to be 23.06%) and 43,719 in 2040 (Figure 1). CONCLUSIONS: With the accelerating trend of social aging, the incidence of PCa was anticipated to be increased almost two-fold by 2030. With the aid of a national-wide screening program only for the limited age subgroups, significantly enhanced detection could be expected. Source of Funding: This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT). (No. 2022R1A2C1009074) © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e1103 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Young Hwii Ko More articles by this author Ki Hak Moon More articles by this author Hee Chang Jung More articles by this author Phil Hyun Song More articles by this author Jae Young Choi More articles by this author Yeong Uk Kim More articles by this author Jae Youn Jang More articles by this author Jong Gyun Ha More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Evaluation of Health Risk Due to Exposure to Radiation in Some Hospitals in Rivers State

An external background ionization radiation was carried out in Our Lady Health of the sick hospital, Colworth Medical and Olive Tree Medical Diagnostics Port Harcourt. The background radiation reading was taken using the radiation alert meter (Digilert 200). The estimated value for the excess lifetime cancer risk from the three hospitals are lower than the world average, also the annual effective dose equivalent from Our Lady Health of the sick hospital, Colworth Medical Centre and Olive three medical center are lower than the world accepted value. The average absorbed dose rates are higher than the world accepted value which is 84nGy/h. the average exposure rate from the three hospitals is lower than the world accepted value which is 0.013mR/h. the absorbed dose rate exceeded the safe limit for the general public.

Research on the cross-contamination in the confined conference room with the radiant floor heating system integrated with the down-supply ventilation

The performance of a confined conference room under radiant heat floor combined with down-supply ventilation (RFDS) is investigated. The purpose of the study is to reveal the mechanism of indoor contaminants transmission from infected person and to protect the occupants. The exhaled contaminant dispersion was simulated using a CFD model and experimentally validated in an office with the down-supply ventilation (DS). The effects of radiant floor (RF) combined with down-supply ventilation on airflow and contaminant distribution in the room was evaluated with regard to different RF temperatures and inlet velocities. The influence of downdraft from the envelope on the airflow pattern of the room is also discussed. It is proved that the exposure risk of pollutants can be reduced by strengthening the insulation of the envelope.The simulation results showed that the proposed RFDS system could significantly reduce the level of exposure to contaminants in the breathing zone (BZ) of occupants. In this research case, the RFDS reduced the average exposure rates by more than 50% relative to the case with the only down-supply warm air heating. Furthermore, With improved envelope insulation, the probability of infection can be reduced by more than 80% only by avoiding a simultaneous inlet velocity of 0.3 m/s at RF temperatures no less than 27 °C. The results suggested an improved fresh air heating mode for passive ultra-low energy consumption buildings with good thermal insulation and air tightness.

EVALUATION OF HAZARD INDICES OF BACKGROUND RADIATION IN SOME MAJOR TOWNS OF GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

Interest for the determination of naturally occurring radiation and environmental radioactivity has led to the interest of extensive surveys in many countries including Nigeria. This work was carried out to ascertain the indoor and outdoor background ionizing radiation in Gombe state as a precautionary measure due to recent development of radioactive activities in the State. RDS-31 Survey meter placed 1m above the earth surface was used for taking readings. The measured average exposure rates ranged from 0.007 to 0.017 mR/h for indoor and 0.007 to 0.015 mR/h for outdoor with a total mean of 0.010 ± 0.003 mR/h, which are within the limit of world average of 0.013 mR/h. The indoor absorbed dose rate ranged from 61.34 ± 7.52 nGy/h in Kwami to 149.21 ± 57.35 nGy/h in Billiri with a total mean value of 88.47 ± 32.64 nGy/h, which is higher than World’s average of 84.00 nGy/h, while the outdoor ranged from 61.34 ± 17.45 nGy/h in Shongom to 134.42 ± 38.61 nGy/h in Kaltungo with a mean total value of 90.24 ± 29.88 nGy/h, which is 31.24 nGy/h higher than the standard average of 59.00 nGy/h. Equivalent dose rate was calculated to be in the range of 0.59 ± 0.07 mSv/yr to 1.44 ± 0.55 mSv/yr with a total mean of 0.86 ± 0.32 mSv/yr, which is within the International Commission on Radiological Protection(ICRP)recommended limit of 1 mSv/yr. The AEDE shows a range of 0.33 ± 0.08 to 0.73 ± 0.28 mSv/yr for indoor and 0.08 ± 0.02 to 0.16 ± 0.05 mSv/y for the outdoor respectively. The sum is found to be 0.54 mSv/yr which is 0.02 mSv/yr higher than the world’s average of 0.52 mSv/yr. Estimated life-time cancer risk ranges from 1.20 x 10-3 to 2.56 x 10-3 mSv/yr, while outdoor ranges from 0.30 x 10-3 to 0.58 x 10-3mSv/yr with a total mean of 2.08 x 10-3 mSv/yr which is larger compared with the resulting worldwide average of 1.45 x 10-3. The excess lifetime cancer risk values indicated that the probabilities of contracting cancer for residents of Gombe, Kwami, Dukku, Yamaltu Deba, Bajoga, Shongom, Balanga, Funakaye, Kaltungo are low but higher in Billiri, and Akko (Mai-Ganga). These values may not constitute any immediate health risk to the residents of Gombe state but precaution should be taken in order to avoid stochastic effect.

Increasing urban and rural population exposures to warm‐season concurrent hot days and nights on the North China Plain

AbstractBased on the daily minimum and maximum temperatures recorded on the North China Plain (NCP), in this research, we define independent hot days (IHDs), independent hot nights (IHNs), and concurrent hot days and nights (CDHNs) and analyse the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of these variables. Moreover, based on demographic data derived from Statistical Yearbooks, the exposure of urban and rural populations to CDHNs was also studied. The results show that on the NCP, the average number of heatwave event days was 33.41, and CDHNs, IHDs, and IHNs accounted for 21.07, 38.59, and 40.34% of this total, respectively. Only IHDs showed a nonsignificant decreasing trend. The annual average exposure rates to CDHNs, IHDs, and IHNs were 13.17, 22.75, and 25.29 million person‐days, respectively, all of which showed significant increasing trends. The proportion of the urban population exposed to CDHNs was only 12% in the 1960s but increased to 58% in the 2010s. Although the exposure of urban and rural populations showed a significant increasing trend on the NCP, the driving factors showed opposite trends. The exposure of urban populations was mainly driven by the population effect, while the exposure of rural populations was mainly caused by climate effects. In this study, we demonstrated a method for assessing the impacts of heatwave events on exposed populations, thus forming a scientific basis for the development of governmental policies regarding climate change adaptations.

The national-wide incidence of prostate-specific antigen testing trend for a decade in Korea by age group.

PurposeTo document nationwide serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing trends over the past decade and to investigate the impact of testing on prostate cancer (PCa) detection.Materials and MethodsUsing annual National Health Insurance Service of Korea data for the period 2006 to 2016, PSA testing rates were investigated for men aged ≥40 years by decade, and associations between test rates and registered PCa cases were analyzed.ResultsDuring the study period, the incidence of PCa increased about threefold (4,415 in 2006 to 15,046 in 2016). PCa incidences increased with age (p<0.001) and about 60% of cases were over 70 years old. Despite a fourfold increase in PSA testing (246,911 in 2006 to 937,548 in 2016), the average exposure rate among all men was only 7.27% in 2016, and the mean number of repeat tests for those that did not develop PCa during the study period was 2.9. PSA test rates increased with age and in 2016 were 1.65% for those in their 40s, 4.90% for those in their 50s, 12.0% for those in their 60s, 19.2% for those in their 70s, and 21.6% for those aged ≥80. Regardless of the age groups, a significant association was found between PSA test numbers and the detection of PCas.ConclusionsIn contrast to the soaring incidence of PCa especially in those aged over 70 years who have a more frequent chance for PSA testing triggered by concomitant voiding symptoms, low exposure in general and among relatively younger men favors a countrywide screening policy.

Teresterial Background Ionizing Radiation around Lead/Zinc Mining Site in Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Background ionizing radiation around Lead/Zinc mining sites at Ishiagu, Ebonyi State was carried out using appropriate equipment. The background ionizing radiation of the environment was determined by measuring the radiation exposure rates using Radalert-200 and Geographical Positioning System (GPS). Radiological health parameters and effective dose to different organs of the body was estimated. The average exposure rate of 0.00017mSv/h (0.017mR/h) measured was relatively higher than the world acceptable value of 0.00013mSv/h (0.013mR/h ). All the radiological risk parameters estimated are relatively high. The result of this work shows that the mining µactivities have enhanced the radiation level of Ishiagu and health status of the populace.

Radiation exposure to allied health personnel handling blood specimens from patients receiving radioactive iodine-131 and recombinant human TSH (thyrogen®) stimulation

With increasing use of recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) stimulation protocol in radioactive iodine-131 treatment of thyroidectomised differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), there is increasing concern regarding radiation safety during collection and processing of radioactive blood samples. Our study aims to quantify this radiation exposure in the context of current radiation guidelines to provide a practical safety framework. We analysed 45 patients prospectively referred to a tertiary centre in Singapore, who had histologically proven DTC, and who were thyroidectomised and planned for I-131 with rhTSH stimulation. Each patient received rhTSH for two consecutive days, with I-131 administered 24 h after, and a stimulated Thyroglobulin blood sample collected and processed 72 h after the last rhTSH dose. We measured radiation exposures with dosimeters. Based on the average and maximum exposure rates calculated, we extrapolated and derived the number of radioactive blood samples that could be safely collected and processed. Mean hand and body radiation exposures during venepuncture and blood processing were generally significantly higher than background radiation. Based on average exposure rates, the permissible number of blood samples that can be collected and processed is 9.09 × 103 per year (24 per day) and 8.70 × 104 per year (238 per day), respectively. This is the first study to date to extrapolate permissible thresholds that can serve as a practical guideline to the number of radioactive blood samples which can be safely collected and processed, following radioactive iodine therapy, within the limits of current radiation guidelines. Once validated, generalisations to other radioactive therapies may be considered.

Mitigation of radiation exposure during surgical hepatectomy after yttrium-90 radioembolization

Yttrium-90 (Y-90) radioembolization for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma can present safety challenges when transplanting recently treated Y-90 patients. To reduce surgeons’ contact with radioactive tissue and remain within occupational dose limits, current guidelines recommend delaying transplants at least 14 days, if possible. We wanted to determine the level of radiation exposure to the transplant surgeon when explanting an irradiated liver before the recommended decay period. An ex-vivo radiation exposure analysis was conducted on the explanted liver of a patient who received Y-90 therapy 46 h prior to orthotopic liver transplant. To estimate exposure to the surgeon’s hands, radiation dosimeter rings were placed inside three different surgical glove configurations and exposed to the explanted liver. Estimated radiation doses corrected for Y-90 decay were calculated. Radiation safety gloves performed best, with an average radiation exposure rate of 5.36 mSV h−1 in the static hand position, an 83% reduction in exposure over controls with no glove (31.31 mSv h−1). Interestingly, non-radiation safety gloves also demonstrated reduced exposure rates, well below occupational regulation limits. Handling of Y-90 radiated organs within the immediate post-treatment period can be done safely and does not exceed federal occupational dose limits if appropriate gloves and necessary precautions are exercised.

ASSESSMENT OF RADIATION EXPOSURE LEVEL IN BLACKSMITHING WORKSHOP IN GOMBE, GOMBE STATE

Measurement of terrestrial background ionizing radiation of blacksmith workshops of Gombe State, Nigeria was carried out using well-calibrated Geiger-Muller counter meters and a meter tape. The measured average exposure rate of two line-sections are 0.018±0.002 and 0.017±0.002 mRh-1. Estimated equivalent dose rates for the two line-sections are 1.50 and 1.45 mSvy-1. The average absorbed dose rates estimated in line-section one and line-section two are 154.94 and 149.97 nGyh-1 respectively. Annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE) of 0.48 mSvy-1 was obtained for outdoor exposure in line-section one while in line-section two, AEDE was 0.23 mSvy-1. The calculated mean excess lifetime cancer risk values for the blacksmith workshop sections are 0.83x 10-3 and 0.80 x 10-3. The obtained values for background ionizing radiation in the line-sections of blacksmith workshop were above the recommended standard limit by ICRP while the absorbed doses (D) were above the recommended value and AEDE calculated in two line-sections of blacksmithing workshops were within the safe values this implies that blacksmithing activities in these areas may not influence the doses received by public. The excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) estimated were higher than their world permissible values of 0.29 x 10-3 respectively. The calculated dose to organs showed that the testes have the highest organ dose of 0.153 mSvy-1while liver has the lowest organ dose of 0.086 mSvy-1. This result shows that exposure to

GIS MAPPING OF BIR LEVELS AROUND FOSSIL FUEL AND GAS DISPENSING STATIONS AND ASSESSMENT OF THEIR RADIOLOGICAL RISK IMPLICATIONS

The assessment of terrestrial background ionizing radiation levels within fossil fuel and gas dispensing environments to evaluate the radiological risk around Warri metropolis has been conducted using a digilert 200 Nuclear Radiation monitor meter and a GPS. The GIS monitoring of the BIR levels was carried out between September and December 2018 by delineating the city into eight zones using GIS mapping. The measured average exposure rates ranged from 0.006mRh-1(0.50 𝑚𝑆𝑣𝑦-1) to 0.026mRh-1(2.19𝑚𝑆𝑣𝑦-1) with an overall mean value of 0.015±0.004mRh-1 (1.26±0.32 𝑚𝑆𝑣𝑦-1). The estimated mean outdoor absorbed dose rate for the regions ranged from 116.60±40.38nGyh-1 in Jeddo region to 148.9±49.63nGyh-1 in PTI region and a mean of 129.82±32.98𝜂Gyh-1.The AEDE evaluated is 0.16±0.04 𝑚𝑆𝑣𝑦-1 while the ELCR value is 0.56±0.014µ𝑆𝑣𝑦-1. The estimated dose to organs testes receiving the highest organ dose of 0.10 𝑚𝑆𝑣𝑦-1 while the liver receives the lowest dose to organ of 0.06 𝑚𝑆𝑣𝑦-1. The GIS mapping of the examined facilities revealed that radiation levels in 38 of the 61 sampling locations (62.3%) exceeded the global ambient permissible level of 13.0 𝜇Rh-1 (1.0 𝑚𝑆𝑣𝑦-1) reported by UNSCEAR, therefore the measured values are adjudged high and the environment radiologically impaired. But, these may not cause any short- team health risk to the fuel/gas attendants and attendees in these stations. The obtained estimated excess lifetime cancer risk indicates low chances of contracting cancer and the radiation doses to the adult organs investigated is insignificant.

Adult Secondhand Smoke Exposure - Shanghai Municipality, 2018.

What is already known on this topic?The average secondhand smoke exposure rate was 68.1% in China in 2018. The World Health Organization suggests that legislation must be used to achieve a 100% smoke-free environment and protect nonsmokers from secondhand smoke.What is added by this report?This study showed that the implementation of the Amendment Regulations on Smoking Control in Public Places of Shanghai had a significant effect on reducing the exposure rate of secondhand smoke. The rate in 2018 was 46.7%, which was significantly lower than that (58.5%) before implementation in 2016. What are the implications for public health practice?Considering the high exposure and the harm of secondhand smoke in China, it is necessary to promote smoke-free legislation and enforce tobacco control measures.

Occupational Hazards from Outdoor and Indoor Radiation in Oil Field Facilities in Rivers State, Nigeria

The aim of this study is to determine the occupational hazards due to exposure to gamma radiations from oil and gas facilities. In-situ measurement of radiation exposure rate of some Oil Field Facilities in Rivers State, Nigeria carried out using Digilert 200 and Radalert 100 nuclear radiation monitor and a geographical positioning system (Garmin GPSMAP 76S). The average exposure rates of the facilities range from 0.010±0.002 to 0.015±0.001, for indoor and 0.014±0.003 to 0.027±0.003 for outdoor. The mean absorbed dose rates for indoor varied from 92.1 to 121.1 nGyh-1 while the mean outdoor absorbed dose varied from 120.4 to 234.2 nGyh-1. The estimated indoor annual effective dose varied from 0.14 to 0.19 mSvy-1 while the outdoor annual effective dose varied from 0.23 to 0.36 m Svy-1.The estimated indoor excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) range from 0.56× to 0.65x10-3 and outdoor ranged from 0.65×5 to 1.26×. The respective mean values of absorbed dose, AEDE and ELCR for indoor and outdoor measurements at the different locations exceeded the world permissible values of 60, 70 and 0.29× respectively. The result of this work indicated that used oilfield pipe market recorded the highest exposure rate. This could be due to radiations from scales on the pipes and may pose health challenged for long term exposure.