Amount Of Dose Research Articles

Radiation doses to the eye lenses of radiologic technologists who assist patients undergoing computed tomography.

The present study aimed to determine the amount of radiation exposure to the eye lenses of radiologic technologists while assisting patients undergoing computed tomography imaging and the effects of wearing lead glasses on dose reduction. Monthly radiation doses were collected for 12months. Dose quantities at a depth of 3mm (Hp(3)) were measured at the neck using personal optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimeters. We also estimated Hp(3) as converted air kerma using small OSL dosimeters at the neck and at six positions on the lead glasses near the eyes. The total dose-length product at the time of patient assistance was 53,341 mGy·cm/y. The Hp(3) from the personal dosimeter was 9.13mSv/y and the highest dose recorded by the small OSL dosimeters attached outside the lead glasses was 8.47mSv/y. The lead glasses reduced the radiation exposure by ~ 60%.

EURADOS STRATEGIC RESEARCH AGENDA 2020: VISION FOR THE DOSIMETRY OF IONISING RADIATION.

Since 2012, the European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS) has developed its Strategic Research Agenda (SRA), which contributes to the identification of future research needs in radiation dosimetry in Europe. Continued scientific developments in this field necessitate regular updates and, consequently, this paper summarises the latest revision of the SRA, with input regarding the state of the art and vision for the future contributed by EURADOS Working Groups and through a stakeholder workshop. Five visions define key issues in dosimetry research that are considered important over at least the next decade. They include scientific objectives and developments in (i) updated fundamental dose concepts and quantities, (ii) improved radiation risk estimates deduced from epidemiological cohorts, (iii) efficient dose assessment for radiological emergencies, (iv) integrated personalised dosimetry in medical applications and (v) improved radiation protection of workers and the public. This SRA will be used as a guideline for future activities of EURADOS Working Groups but can also be used as guidance for research in radiation dosimetry by the wider community. It will also be used as input for a general European research roadmap for radiation protection, following similar previous contributions to the European Joint Programme for the Integration of Radiation Protection Research, under the Horizon 2020 programme (CONCERT). The full version of the SRA is available as a EURADOS report (www.eurados.org).

Strategies used to meet the challenges of mass COVID-19 vaccination by the pharmacy department in a large academic medical center.

DisclaimerIn an effort to expedite the publication of articles related to the COVID-19 pandemic, AJHP is posting these manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time.PurposeHighly effective coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines have brought hope for ending the pandemic. Unprecedented mass vaccination started first among healthcare workers. The aim of this report is to describe key strategies undertaken by a large hospital pharmacy department to meet the challenges of preparing a large quantity of COVID-19 vaccine doses in a short period of time.SummaryMedStar Washington Hospital Center (MWHC) was in the first group of hospitals in Washington, DC, to receive Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in December 2020. The pharmacy department faced challenges including stringent vaccine storage requirements, a need for specific equipment and workflow, limited funding, and staffing constraints. The pharmacy department’s senior leaders defined pharmacy responsibilities, budgeted for equipment, participated in vaccination center design, and instructed pharmacy informatics personnel. The vaccine coordinators were appointed to oversee all vaccination-related operations. An ultra–low temperature freezer was installed 2 weeks before arrival of the first shipment of vaccine. All pharmacy order entry tools and operating procedures were standardized, and staff training and schedules were finalized by December 15. The first dose of the vaccine was administered on December 16 at the vaccination center. Pharmacy staff members dispensed the vaccine doses and monitored patients. By January 6, 2021, MWHC had vaccinated 3,812 employees with their first vaccine dose, with an average of 228 doses administered daily.ConclusionKey strategies such as systemic coordination, early preparation, detailed planning, operating procedure development, and staff education and engagement proved successful in facilitating preparation of thousands of COVID-19 vaccine doses for hospital employees within a short period of time.

Can Use of Default Dispensing Quantities in Electronic Medical Record Lower Opioid Prescribing?

Leftover opioids can contribute to misuse and abuse. Recommended dosing quantities in the electronic medical record can guide prescribing patterns. We hypothesized that decreasing the default from 30 doses to 12 doses would decrease the overall number of opioids prescribed without increasing second opioid prescriptions or additional health utilization. We performed a single-center retrospective study of children with forearm and elbow fractures who presented to the emergency department for evaluation and subsequent orthopedic follow-up between January 15, and September 19, 2017. The default dispensing quantity was decreased on June 1, 2016 from 30 doses to 12 doses. Patients were categorized to preintervention and postintervention groups. We compared the number of opioids prescribed, second opioid prescriptions, emergency department visits, and pain-related telephone calls and orthopedic visits with χ2 and logistic regression analyses. There were 1107 patients included. Rates of opioid prescribing were similar preintervention and postintervention (61% vs 56%, P = 0.13). After the change to the default quantity, the median number of doses decreased from 18 to 12 doses, with opioid prescriptions of 30 or more doses dropping from 35% to 11%. No significant association was found between preintervention versus postintervention, opioid prescription at discharge, and having 1 or more pain-related or unexpected follow-up visits. Lowering the default dispensing quantity of opioids in the electronic medical record decreases the number of opioids prescribed without increasing second prescriptions or additional health care utilization. These findings suggest that a further reduction in the number of opioids prescribed for upper-extremity fractures may be possible.

Numerical research of probabilistic characteristics of quality by the piece the component of mix with increase in number of doses given by the batcher

In work it is carried out the mathematical analysis of these pilot studies of the automatic conveyor mixer (non-mixer) and drum dozers for receiving mix of single elements of the components having similar standard overall dimensions but differing in internal properties at effective end use. The relevance and novelty of development are shown on the example of receiving the general party of composite product from small similar parties, at the determined forming of its uniformity, with the set qualitative and quantitative characteristics from single heterogeneous components. The analysis of influence of ratios of components in synthesizable mix on its quality is carried out. The main evaluation criterion was the quantity of doses of components at the same time given by batchers and its influence on final parameters of the received mixes.

Study of primordial radionuclides and radon/thoron exhalation rates in Bageshwar region of Kumaun Himalaya, India

The measurements of primordial radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th and 40K) and radon exhalation rates in soil samples were performed in Bageshwar region of Kumaun Himalaya, India using gamma-ray spectrometry and scintillation detector based radon monitor, respectively. The average concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the investigated region were found to be 36 Bq kg−1, 50 Bq kg−1 and 1595 Bq kg−1, respectively. The average values of radon and thoron mass exhalation rates were observed to be 29 mBq−1 kg−1 s−1 and 256 mBq−1 kg−1 s−1, respectively. The average value of thoron surface exhalation rates was observed to be 2281 mBq−1 m−2 s−1. The external exposure to 226Ra, 232Th and 40K is estimated in terms of different hazard assessment indices and dose quantities. The high values of 232Th content in soil samples indicate the presence of thorium mineralization in the vicinity of study area. The methodology adopted and results obtained are discussed in details.

Optimization of imaging parameters in chest CT for COVID-19 patients: an experimental phantom study.

With the global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), chest computed tomography (CT) is vital for diagnosis and follow-up. The increasing contribution of CT to the population-collected dose has become a topic of interest. Radiation dose optimization for chest CT of COVID-19 patients is of importance in clinical practice. The present study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the detection of ground-glass nodules and exudative lesions in chest CT among COVID-19 patients and to find an appropriate combination of imaging parameters that optimize detection while effectively reducing the radiation dose. The anthropomorphic thorax phantom, with 9 spherical nodules of different diameters and CT values of -800, -630, and 100 HU, was used to simulate the lesions of COVID-19 patients. Four custom-simulated lesions of porcine fat and ethanol were also scanned at 3 tube potentials (120, 100, and 80 kV) and corresponding milliampere-seconds (mAs) (ranging from 10 to 100). Separate scans were performed at pitches of 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.15, and 1.49, and at collimations of 10, 20, 40, and 80 mm at 80 kV and 100 mAs. CT values and standard deviations of simulated nodules and lesions were measured, and radiation dose quantity (volume CT dose index; CTDIvol) was collected. Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and figure of merit (FOM) were calculated. All images were subjectively evaluated by 2 radiologists to determine whether the nodules were detectable and if the overall image quality met diagnostic requirements. All simulated lesions, except -800 HU nodules, were detected at all scanning conditions. At a fixed voltage of 120 or 100 kV, with increasing mAs, image noise tended to decrease, and the CNR tended to increase (F=9.694 and P=0.033 for 120 kV; F=9.028 and P=0.034 for 100 kV). The FOM trend was the same as that of CNR (F=2.768 and P=0.174 for 120 kV; F=1.915 and P=0.255 for 100 kV). At 80 kV, the CNRs and FOMs had no significant change with increasing mAs (F=4.522 and P=0.114 for CNRs; F=1.212 and P=0.351 for FOMs). For the 4 nodules of -800 and -630 HU, CNRs had no statistical differences at each of the 5 pitches (F=0.673, P=0.476). The CNRs and FOMs at each of the 4 collimations had no statistical differences (F=2.509 and P=0.125 for CNRs; F=1.485 and P=0.309 for FOMs) for each nodule. CNRs and subjective evaluation scores increased with increasing parameter values for each imaging iteration. The CNRs of 4 -800 HU nodules in the qualified images at the thresholds of scanning parameters of 120 kV/20 mAs, 100 kV/40 mAs, and 80 kV/80 mAs, had statistical differences (P=0.038), but the FOMs had no statistical differences (P=0.085). Under the 3 threshold conditions, the CNRs and FOMs of the 4 nodules were highest at 100 kV and 40 mAs (1.6 mGy CTDIvol). For chest CT among COVID-19 patients, it is recommended that 100 kV/40 mAs is used for average patients; the radiation dose can be reduced to 1.6 mGy with qualified images to detect ground-glass nodules and exudation lesions.

PHENOLIC ACID PROFILING BY RP-HPLC: EVALUATION OF ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTICANCER ACTIVITIES OF CONOCARPUS ERECTUS PLANT EXTRACTS

Due to the versatile application of plants the utilization of plants and their inferred substances builds up day by day for the revelation of new curative agents. Conocarpus erectus has placed in the family Combretaceae, in one of the two species of Conocarpus genus and ordinarily exists in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In some countries it is used as folk medicine for fever, anemia, diabetes, catarrh, diarrhea and conjunctivitis. The current study was carried out to investigate the antibacterial and anticancer properties of the plant. The four defatted methanol extracts of C. erectus different parts (leaves, stems, fruits and bark) showed high antibacterial and anticancer activity even with small quantity of dose. Antimicrobial assay was used to check out the antibacterial activity against 6 bacterial strains Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus Aureus and Klebstella Pneumoniae. The results show that gram positive bacteria show more sensitivity and zone of inhibition as compared to gram negative bacteria. For anticancer activity, MTT assay was performed on HepG2 cells for this purpose. Plant extorts show anticancer activity with a minute quantity. For phytochemical screening defatted methanol extract of Conocarpus erectus was subjected to the silica gel glass column go behind by (RP-HPLC–UV–ESI-MS). It contains phenol such as tannin and flavinoid as major component. Plant contain Ellagic acid; di-hexahydroxy diphenyl, Vascalgin isomer as foremost tannin component. Gallic Acid, Kaempferol on the base of mass spectra and time of retention. The extract of Conocarpus erectus (leaves, shoot, bark & fruit) parts shows high antibacterial, antioxidant and hepta-protective activities due to phenolic content. Tannin has high antibacterial activity than other compound. C.erectus is notable for its folkloristic curative potential. More in vivo and in vitro phytochemical studies are needed to use the plant for prevention and treatment of many diseases.

Immunobiological safety profile and therapeutic effectiveness of Klebsiella pneumonia bacteriophages using acute and sub-chronic animal toxicity study

Background: Recently, numerous pre-clinical and clinical studies have shown their significant phage therapy efficacy against many antibiotic resistant pathogens and proved to be one of the best alternatives to the antibiotics. Bacteriophages can also be used as biocontrol agents in agriculture and petroleum industries. However, only few researchers have focused to monitor the phage-mediated acute immune reactions during phage therapy. Methods and materials: Besides, phage safety was evaluated by determining toxicity after acute and sub-chronic oral administration of low and high dose of bacteriophages in male and female rodents. In addition, the safety profile of animals after dosing for 28 days was evaluated for biochemistry, hematology, cytokines assay, histology, and food and water intake. Here, in this study, we had orally administered the bacteriophages against Klebsiella pneumonia XDR strain in low (1015PFU) and high dose (1020 PFU) quantities to rats in acute (single dose) and chronic toxicity (daily dose for 28 days) model. Results: No significant clinical sign was observed in all the experimental groups as well as in the control animals. Besides, no significant change in feed intake and body weight was observed throughout the study period. After 28 days of phage dosing, blood was collected for estimation of hematology, biochemistry, and cytokines assay. The data suggested no alterations in the haematological profile, clinical biochemical parameters, relative organ weights, and immune biomarkers. Also, the gross pathological examinations of all the major organs were found to be normal across the treatment groups. Cytokines i.e. interlukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-4, IL-6, and INF-gamma were observed within normal range for rat regardless of treatment. The results suggested no acute and sub-chronic toxicity in oral administration of low (105 PFU) and high dose (107 PFU) of isolated bacteriophages. Conclusion: Thus, in conclusion these results support the long term oral bacteriophage therapy in XDR and MDR strains without having any strong acute immune response.

Evaluation of Holstein stud bulls by productivity and quality of sperm

The sperm quality of stud bulls is an important indicator on which depends the result of cattle reproduction. The aim of the study was to evaluate the Holstein bulls in terms of productivity and quality of sperm in the conditions of LLC “Ukrainian Genetic Company”. The study was carried out on livestock of 20 stud bulls of the Holstein breed of foreign selection, which were in the same conditions of feeding, keeping and use. The sperm production parameters were determined using an IVOS sperm analyser and evaluated in accordance with respective DSTU standard. Freezing resistance of sperm was estimated as a percentage ratio of sperm doses rejected after cryopreservation to their total amount. The absolute sperm efficiency of stud bulls was evaluated by the method of the experts of the Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics nd. a. M.V. Zubets of National Academy of Agrarian Science. It was found that that stud bulls of LLC “Ukrainian Genetic Company” are characterized by sufficient fertility. They have produced, on average, 156 ejaculates within a year, which included 106 high-quality ejaculates (67.9%). Characteristics of sperm efficiency of experimental stud bulls are rather variable (Сv from 23.1-79.7%), and vary within the following limits: the number of high-quality ejaculates throughout a year – 32-173 pcs., native sperm obtained – 201-1016 ml, percent of rejected sperm – 3.1-76.1, doses of sperm obtained – 5755-61920 pcs. It was revealed that probable difference in sperm production indicators of sperm providers is associated with their individual characteristics. Volume of ejaculate ranges from 3.77 to 7.30 ml (d=3.57; td=16.6; P<0.001), sperm motility ranges from 7.2 to 8.3 points (d=1.1; td=11.1; P<0.001), sperm concentration in ejaculate ranges from 1.51 to 3.52 bln/ml (d=2.01; td=24; P<0.001), freezing resistance of sperm ranges from 59.6 to 99.6%. Holstein stud bulls of LTD “Ukrainian Genetic Company” have rather high sperm productivity index that ranges from 5.19 to 15.29 bln of motile spermatozoids in ejaculate. A strong positive correlation was found between motility and sperm concentration (r = +0.825; P<0.001), motility and the quantity of sperm doses obtained per year (r = +0.766; P<0.001), concentration and quantity of sperm doses obtained per year (r = +0.595; P<0.001)

A new dose quantity for evaluation and optimisation of MV photon dose distributions when using advanced algorithms: proof of concept and potential applications

Advanced algorithms used in MV photon radiotherapy model radiation transport in any media. They represent a step forward but introduce new uncertainties and questions, including whether to report the doses to water (Dw,m) or medium (Dm,m) voxels, and the impact of fluence changes introduced by surrounding media. These aspects can compromise consistency between both reporting modes and with previous algorithms in which clinical experience is based. This study introduces a new dose quantity, the dose-to-reference-like medium, to overcome the aforementioned shortcomings. It is linked to a reference medium, water in this study (Dw,m*), and defined as the absorbed dose in a voxel of this reference medium surrounded by a reference-like medium with the same radiation transport characteristics as the original one. We propose to derive Dw,m* distributions by post-processing Dw,m or Dm,m applying a correction factor (CF) to each voxel which depends on its composition. We present and justify a simple and straightforward method to obtain CFs that only involves two phantoms with the same density: one with the considered composition and the other with that of the reference medium. A proof of concept was performed in a clinical environment for Acuros XB (AXB) advanced algorithm and 6 MV photon beams. The CFs were derived for the tissues characterised in Acuros. Dw,m* was compared to Dw,m, Dm,m, and Dw,w from AAA analytical algorithm for some virtual and clinical cases. All the previous quantities presented limitations that can be solved by Dw,m*. This new quantity allows the applicability of evaluation parameters, traceability to clinical experience, and isolation of heterogeneity effects to identify optimum plans, offering useful characteristics for plan evaluation and optimisation in clinical practice. Additionally, it also has potential applications in automated treatment planning and multi-centre activities such as clinical trials, audits, benchmarking, and shared models for automation.

Verification system for intensity-modulated radiation therapy with scintillator.

In the preparation of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), patient-specific verification is widely employed to optimize the treatment. To accurately estimate the accumulated dose and obtain the field-by-field or segment-by-segment verification, an original IMRT verification tool using scintillator light and an analysis workflow was developed in this study. The raw light distribution was calibrated with respect to the irradiated field size dependency and light diffusion in the water. The calibrated distribution was converted to dose quantity and subsequently compared with the results of the clinically employed plan. A criterion of 2-mm dose-to-agreement and 3% dose difference was specified in the gamma analysis with a 10% dose threshold. By applying the light diffusion calibration, the maximum dose difference was corrected from 7.7cGy to 3.9cGy around the field edge for a 60cGy dose, 7 × 7 cm2 irradiation field, and 10 MV beam energy. Equivalent performance was confirmed in the chromodynamic film. The average dose difference and gamma pass rate of the accumulated dose distributions in six patients were 0.8 ± 4.5cGy and 97.4%, respectively. In the field-by-field analysis, the average dose difference and gamma pass rate in seven fields of Patient 1 were 0.2 ± 1.2cGy and 93.9%, respectively. In the segment-by-segment analysis, the average dose difference and gamma pass rate in nine segments of Patient 1 and a 305° gantry angle were - 0.03 ± 0.2cGy and 93.9%, respectively. This system allowed the simultaneous and independent analysis of each field or segment in the accumulated dose analysis.

Effective dose in medicine.

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) developed effective dose as a quantity related to risk for occupational and public exposure. There was a need for a similar dose quantity linked to risk for making everyday decisions relating to medical procedures. Coefficients were developed to enable the calculation of doses to organs and tissues, and effective doses for procedures in nuclear medicine and radiology during the 1980s and 1990s. Effective dose has provided a valuable tool that is now used in the establishment of guidelines for patient referral and justification of procedures, choice of appropriate imaging techniques, and providing dose data on potential exposure of volunteers for research studies, all of which require the benefits from the procedure to be weighed against the risks. However, the approximations made in the derivation of effective dose are often forgotten, and the uncertainties in calculations of risks are discussed. An ICRP report on protection dose quantities has been prepared that provides more information on the application of effective dose, and concludes that effective dose can be used as an approximate measure of possible risk. A discussion of the way in which it should be used is given here, with applications for which it is considered suitable. Approaches to the evaluation of risk and methods for conveying information on risk are also discussed.

Effective dose from radiation exposure in medicine: Past, present, and future.

Effective dose (E) has been developed by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) as a dose quantity with a link to risks of health detriment, mainly cancer. It is based on reference phantoms representing average individuals, but this is often forgotten in its application to medical exposures, for which its use sometimes goes beyond the intended purpose. There has been much debate about issues involved in the use of E in medicine and ICRP is preparing a publication with more information on this application. This article aims to describe the development of E and explain how it should be used in medicine. It discusses some of the issues that arise when E is applied to medical exposures and provides information on how its use might evolve in the future. The article concludes with responses to some frequently asked questions about uses of E that are in line with the forthcoming ICRP publication. The main use of E in medicine is in meaningful comparison of doses from different types of procedure not possible with measurable dose quantities. However, it can be used, with appropriate care, as a measure of possible cancer risks. When considering E to individual patients, it is important to note that the dose received will differ from that assessed for reference phantoms, and the risk per Sv is likely to be greater on average in children and less in older adults. Newer techniques allow the calculation of patient-specific E which should be distinguished from the reference quantity.

Larger Initial Opioid Prescriptions Following Total Joint Arthroplasty Are Associated with Greater Risk of Prolonged Use.

The ongoing U.S. opioid epidemic threatens quality of life and poses substantial economic and safety burdens to opioid abusers and their communities, physicians, and health-care systems. Public health experts have argued that prescription opioids are implicated in this epidemic; however, opioid dosing following surgical procedures remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between initial opioid prescribing following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and the risk and quantity of long-term opioid use. Patients undergoing THA or TKA from January 1, 2016, to June 30, 2016, were identified. Preoperative 30-day opioid and benzodiazepine exposures were evaluated using the Rhode Island Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. Cumulative morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) in the postoperative inpatient stay, initial outpatient opioid prescription, and prescriptions filled from 31 to 90 days (prolonged use) and 91 to 150 days (chronic use) following the surgical procedure were calculated. Regression analyses evaluated the association between the initial postoperative opioid dosing and prolonged or chronic use, controlling for demographic characteristics, procedure, preoperative opioid and benzodiazepine exposures, anesthesia type, and use of a peripheral nerve block. A total of 507 patients (198 who underwent a THA and 309 who underwent a TKA) were identified. Increased inpatient opioid dosing (odds ratio [OR], 1.49 per 1 standard deviation increase in inpatient opioid MMEs; p = 0.001) and increased dosing in the first outpatient prescription (OR, 1.26 per 1 standard deviation increase in initial outpatient prescription MMEs; p = 0.049) were each independently associated with an increased risk of prolonged opioid use. Additionally, increased inpatient dosing postoperatively was strongly associated with a greater risk of chronic use (OR, 1.77 per 1 standard deviation increase in inpatient MMEs; p < 0.001). Among the 30% (151 of 507) of patients requiring prolonged postoperative opioids, each 1-MME increase in the initial outpatient prescription dose was associated with a 0.997-MME increase in quantity filled during the prolonged period (p < 0.001). Among the 14% (73 of 507) of patients requiring chronic opioids, every 1-MME increase in the initial outpatient dose was associated with a 1.678-MME increase in chronic opioid dosing (p = 0.008). Increased opioid dosing in the early postoperative period following total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is associated with an increased risk of extended opioid use. A dose-dependent relationship between initial outpatient dosing and greater future quantities consumed by those with prolonged usage and those with chronic usage was noted. This study suggests that providers should attempt to minimize inpatient and early outpatient opioid utilization following TJA. Multimodal pain management strategies may be employed to assist in achieving adequate pain control while minimizing opioid utilization. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Increased flexibility in methadone take-home scheduling during the COVID-19 pandemic: Should this practice be incorporated into routine clinical care?

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the state of emergency that the government of Spain declared, the rapid adaptation of health services is of paramount importance to preserve access to and continuity of service delivery. This research note underscores the importance of ensuring a sufficient quantity of methadone take-home doses for patients on methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) to maximize their adherence to government-imposed lockdown restrictions and social distancing measures designed to curtail the spread of SARS-CoV-2. We evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on take-home medication (number of days provided) in a methadone clinic in Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain). This work conveys that we should consider maintaining the take-home practices that we adopted in response to the pandemic, even after the pandemic has abated.

Comparison between fractionated dose with bolus dose in Spinal Anaesthesia for haemodynamic stability and duration of analgesia in patients undergoing elective Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS)

Background: Elective or emergency caesarean sections are routinely done under spinal anaesthesia (SA) with bolus dose of local anaesthetic drugs. Objective: To compared fractionated dose with bolus dose in SA for haemodynamic stability and duration of analgesia in patients undergoing elective lower segment caesarean section (LSCS).&#x0D; Methods: The present study was carried out in the Department of Anaesthesiology, Ad-din Akij Medical College Hospital, Khulna from January 2018 to December 2018 on sixty female patients (thirty in each group) of the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I–III, age from 18 to 40 years, height from 140 to 180 cm, singleton pregnancies scheduled for elective LSCS under SA. Patients with pre-existing diseases or pregnancy-induced hypertension, cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, any contraindication to SA, those weighing &lt;50 kg or &gt;110 kg and those taller than 180 cm or shorter than 140 cm and severely altered mental status, spine deformities or history of laminectomy were excluded from the study.&#x0D; Results: The mean duration of analgesia was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) between two groups. Mean pulse rate- after 5 min, after 10 min, after 15 min, after 30 min, after 45 min and after 60 min were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in group F than group B. Mean arterial pressure- before given study drug, after 0 min, after 5 min, after 10 min, after 15 min, after 30 min, after 45 min and after 60 min were not significantly (p&gt;0.05) between two group. 14 patients (46.7%) in group B and 5 patients (16.7%) in group F required vasopressor. The difference was significant (p&lt;0.05) between two groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: Separation process in which a certain quantity of a mixture dose of SA provides better haemodynamic stability and longer period of analgesia compare to bolus dose in patients undergoing elective caesarean section.&#x0D; Mediscope Vol. 7, No. 2: July 2020, Page 95-102

Study of the photodegradation of 2-chlorobenzoic acid by TiO2 and the effects of eutrophicated water on the reaction.

The photodegradation of 2-chlorobenzoic acid (2-CBA) in suspensions of TiO2 was examined under different operational parameters. The optimal condition could be obtained through the experiment, i.e. that the concentration of 2-CBA was 30 mg/L and the dosing quantity of TiO2 was 0.01 g under UV light in the case of pH 3.5. Above reaction process was in accordance with first order kinetics model. The influence on photocatalytic degradation caused by typical anions in eutrophicated water body such as NO3− and H2PO4− was explored in this work, which revealed that both two anions had inhibitory effect on the degradation process. In addition, alcohol was introduced into the process to identify the degradation mechanism of 2-CBA with TiO2, and the reaction route of 2-CBA could be predicted through the analysis on the intermediate.

Dosimetric properties of an environmental H*(10) dosemeter based on radiophotoluminescence of silver doped phosphate glass

The objective of this study was to investigate the energy and angle dependence of the RPL dosimetry system in use at the Paul Scherrer Institute (GBFJ-01 dosimeter, FGD 660 reader, and CDEC-Easy algorithm) for the operational dose quantity H*(10) and compare the results with the requirements from the Swiss dosimetry regulation. The energy response was determined for photon energies between 12 keV (N-15) and 1250 keV (60Co) and the angle response was determined for 65 keV (N-80) and 662 keV (137Cs). The data obtained in this study show that the RPL dosimeters satisfy the requirements of the Swiss dosimetry regulation for the energy dependence, but only partially satisfy the requirements for the angle dependence. For directional irradiations around ±90° the dosimeter response can deviate by more than the 20% allowed by the Swiss dosimetry regulation. If a more realistic testing scenario for the 90° irradiation is used, which includes full rotation of the dosimeter around its reference direction, the response is within 10% of the response at 0° irradiation. Full tests according to the IEC 62387 were not performed and, therefore, performance against this standard cannot be fully evaluated from this data. Nevertheless, the data indicate that the asymmetric dosimeter design would have difficulties satisfying the IEC 62387 standard for H*(10) for low energy photons and large angle irradiation, in spite of the allowance of full rotation for the 90° irradiations.

Radiological protection of the patient in veterinary medicine and the role of ICRP.

At the request of the Main Commission of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), Task Group 107 (TG107) was set up to consider the issue of radiological protection of the patient in veterinary medicine. TG107, who authored this article, brought together information relating to the use of diagnostic imaging and radiation oncology in veterinary medicine. A number of specific areas were identified that appeared to be appropriate for attention by ICRP. These included the use of dose quantities and units, the need for re-evaluation of stochastic and deterministic risks from ionising radiation in animals, and the growing use of imaging and therapeutic equipment for animals that is little different from that available to humans. TG107 unanimously recommended that it was both appropriate and timely for ICRP to consider and advise on these issues, and the Main Commission agreed. This paper summarises the findings of TG107.