Effective Dose Values Research Articles

Estimation of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K activity from the Soil Samples of Ganderbal and Budgam Districts of Jammu and Kashmir, India

Abstract The study of radionuclides is very important in our daily life as these impose health implications to the general public. In present study the estimation of radionuclides in Ganderbal and Budgam districts of Kashmir Province using NaI(Tl) gamma-ray spectro-meter has been carried out. Radium, thorium, and potassium activity concentrations have been observed to range from 25±3 to 33±5 Bqkg−1, 3±2 to 11±3 Bqkg−1 and 415±63 to 601±80 Bqkg−1with average values of 29 Bqkg−1, 5 Bqkg−1 and 514 Bqkg−1, respectively. The radium equivalent activity (Raeq) for the soil samples has been evaluated and was found in the range of 107 to128 Bqkg−1 with the mean value of 116 Bqkg−1. It has been inferred that the radium equivalent activity (Raeq) lies in the permissible limits of 370 Bqkg−1 set by United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. Absorbed dose and annual effective dose (indoor and outdoor) values were found to vary from 34 to 43 nGyh−1, 0.17 to 0.21 mSv and 0.04 to 0.05 mSv, respectively. Also, hazard indices (external and internal) are calculated from the specific concentration of radium, thorium and potassium which are found less than unity as recommended by organization for economic cooperation and development (OECD). Therefore, it can be concluded that the present study area does not pose any health implication to the general public.

Ultra-Low-Dose Computed Tomography Chest for Screening of COVID-19 Patients: Assessment of Radiation Dose Reduction

Abstract Introduction: Chest computed tomography (CT) scans have a significant role in the identification and treatment of COVID-19 disease. In earlier studies, the introduction of chest CT has been a highly sensitive method in testing COVID-19 pneumonia. With a radiation dose comparable to a chest X-ray, ultra-low-dose CT has been promised to be a successful method for lowering radiation dose and motion artifact. Materials and Methods: The research was carried out at a tertiary care facility’s radiology department between August 1 and August 31, 2020. A sum of 109 individuals aged over 18 years old and been called for a noncontrast CT scan chest and received were included. Results: The minimum age was 18 and the maximum was 87, where 14.67% of them are between 21 and 40 years, 40.37% of them are between 41 and 60 years and 44.96% of them are between 61 and 87 years. Male’s mean age is 55.89 years and female’s mean age is 60.14 years. The overall mean age is 57.02 years and standard deviation is 13.49 years. The average body mass index was 26.51 ± 3.5 kg/m2. In the standard dose and ultra-low-dose groups, the mean effective dose values were 6.70 ± 0.85 and 0.33 ± 0.09 mSv, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusion: When identifying lung infiltrations among the patients admitted for elective or moderately urgent surgical or medical operations at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, ultra-low-dose chest CT is an effective method that exposes patients to less radiation than standard dose CT.

Patient Dose Estimation in Computed Tomography-Guided Biopsy Procedures.

This study establishes typical Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRL) values and assesses patient doses in computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy procedures. The Effective Dose (ED), Entrance Skin Dose (ESD), and Size-Specific Dose Estimate (SSDE) were calculated using the relevant literature-derived conversion factors. A retrospective analysis of 226 CT-guided biopsies across five categories (Iliac bone, liver, lung, mediastinum, and para-aortic lymph nodes) was conducted. Typical DRL values were computed as median distributions, following guidelines from the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) Publication 135. DRLs for helical mode CT acquisitions were set at 9.7 mGy for Iliac bone, 8.9 mGy for liver, 8.8 mGy for lung, 7.9 mGy for mediastinal mass, and 9 mGy for para-aortic lymph nodes biopsies. In contrast, DRLs for biopsy acquisitions were 7.3 mGy, 7.7 mGy, 5.6 mGy, 5.6 mGy, and 7.4 mGy, respectively. Median SSDE values varied from 7.6 mGy to 10 mGy for biopsy acquisitions and from 11.3 mGy to 12.6 mGy for helical scans. Median ED values ranged from 1.6 mSv to 5.7 mSv for biopsy scans and from 3.9 mSv to 9.3 mSv for helical scans. The study highlights the significance of using DRLs for optimizing CT-guided biopsy procedures, revealing notable variations in radiation exposure between helical scans covering entire anatomical regions and localized biopsy acquisitions.

Biologically effective dose (BED) value lower than 120Gy improve outcomes in lung SBRT.

Lung SBRT has a well-defined role in the treatment of patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer who are not surgical candidates or refuse surgery. Biologically effective dose (BED) of greater than or equal to 100Gy has been recommended. However, optimal fractionationremains unclear. Our objective was analyze patients treated with lung SBRT in our institution and evaluate outcomes according prescribed dose. One hundred nine patients with early non-small cell lung cancer and treated with lung SBRT were retrospectively analyzed. Differences between dose received, local control, and survival were evaluated. For comparison of BEDs, the prescribed dose for SBRT was stratified according to two groups: high (BED > 120Gy) and low (BED < 120Gy). A relationship between mortality and total dose (54.7Gy ± 4.8) was observed. Significantly worse survival was observed for patients with higher total doses (p < 0.003). It was found that patients receiving BED > 120 had increased mortality compared to patients receiving BED < 120 (p = 0.021). It was observed mean dose/fraction 12.6Gy/f was a protective factor and decreased the probability of death. Our data suggest that mean total dose lower 54 and a calculated BED < 120Gy is the optimal. Further prospective data are needed to confirm these results and determine the optimal dose fractionation scheme as a function of tumor size and location of volume.

X-ray scatter in projection radiography.

Projection radiography is the most common radiological modality, and radiation safety of it concerns both radiation workers and the public. We measured and generated a series of scattered radiation maps for projection radiography and estimated effective doses of the supporting person during exposure. Measured adult patient protocols included chest posterior-anterior, chest lateral, pelvis anterior-posterior (AP), abdomen AP and bedside chest AP. Maps concretise spatial distribution and the scattered radiation dose rates in different imaging protocols. Highest and lowest rates were measured in abdomen AP and bedside chest AP protocols, respectively. The effective dose of supporting person in abdomen AP examination at distance of 0.5m was 300nSv and in bedside supine chest AP examination at distance of 0.7m was 0.5nSv. The estimated annual effective dose of emergency unit radiographer was 0.11mSv. The obtained effective dose values are small compared to annual dose limits of radiation workers and the public.

Estimation of radiation dose due to thoron and progeny inhalation in high background natural radiation area of Odisha, India

Abstract Results of the preliminary measurements of indoor radon, thoron and progeny concentrations showed very high values of thoron concentrations in the eastern coastal region of Odisha, India. Therefore, measurements of thoron and its progeny concentrations were extended to a larger number of houses in this area for the assessment of the radiation dose received by the public. The measured values of thoron concentrations were used for the calculation of annual effective doses. The estimated values of the annual effective dose due to thoron exposure were observed in the range of 0.2–14.7 mSv. The estimated radiation doses responsible for thoron exposure were observed considerably high in the region. The results obtained are compared with those obtained in other studies performed so far in the study area and a review of different studies involving different measurement techniques is presented in the paper. The results of this study support the preliminary studies showing high values of thoron levels in the study area.

Evaluation of effective dose for gamma-rays of terrestrial gamma-ray flashes in aviation: spectral- and atmosphere-effects

Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes (TGFs) are intense and fast gamma-ray emissions, energy up to 100 MeV, generated within the Earth's atmosphere at altitudes below 20 km. Satellite observations indicate the TGFs are not a rare phenomenon, being produced on average at one per thunderstorm, yielding a global production rate of ≈35 TGFs/min within a latitude band of ±38°. Furthermore, the TGFs may coincide with the flight altitudes for several commercial aircraft routes, typically within the 10−14 km range, and thus cause passengers/crews unexpected exposure to large fluxes of high-energy ionizing radiation, namely for distances of the order of km.Herein, we introduce a novel approach based on a simple analytic/numeric methodology to estimate the TGFs gamma-ray emissions effective doses based on the differential fluence of photons at aircraft altitude and tabulated effective dose conversion coefficients versus the photon energy. For the first time, we examine the effective dose dependence on TGF's gamma-ray energy spectrum models found in literature and the atmosphere mass thickness crossed by the gamma-rays. Additionally, since the real irradiation geometry of the whole body in aircraft might be a combination of the several idealized geometries used in radiation protection, we considered beyond the typical anteroposterior (AP), the posteroanterior (PA), and the rotational (ROT) geometries as representative irradiation geometries in exposure to TGF gamma-ray's emissions.We calculated the effective dose versus the distance between the TGF site and the aircraft altitude (12.5 km) within the 0.1−5.0 km range and atmosphere mass thickness within the 3.3−213 g cm−2 range. Additionally, we calculated the average effective dose per fluence versus the atmosphere mass thickness crossed by the gamma-rays. At a distance of 1 km (34 g cm−2) and for the typical exponential cut-off power-law model (α = 1, EC = 7.3 MeV), the effective dose was within the 0.18−0.19 mSv range, being the respective average effective dose per fluence within the 10.8−11.6 pSv cm2 range. Moreover, for the variant of the exponential cut-off power-law model (α = 1, EC = 7.3 MeV, Emin = 1 MeV), the effective dose was within the 0.42−0.46 mSv range, being the respective average effective dose per fluence at 34 g cm−2 within the 12.7−13.6 pSv cm2 range.Generally, the data obtained agree with the scarce data found in the literature for similar conditions, evidencing the effect of the parameterization of the TGFs gamma-rays energy models, which may result in a 2- to 10-fold effective dose escalation. For the typical exponential cut-off power-law model (α = 1, EC = 7.3 MeV), the data obtained for an aircraft that passes through the vicinity of one TGF, with a distance of 1 km, points to an increase of the aircraft crew and passengers' doses of few tenths mSv over the cosmic radiation dose of few tens μSv along a typical flight of 6 h duration, representing ≈20% and ≈1% of the ICRP-2007 annual reference levels for passengers (1 mSv) and aircraft crew (20 mSv), respectively. More, with a distance of 0.5 km, the effective dose value is comparable with the annual dose for the aircraft crew due to the cosmic radiation for a typical yearly flight time of 500 h, representing ≈130% and ≈7% of the ICRP-2007 annual reference levels for passengers and aircraft crew, respectively.

Assessment and comparison of radiation dose and cancer risk in thoracic diagnostic and radiotherapy treatment planning CT scans

PurposeThis study intends to compare the radiation doses and cancer induction risks from thoracic diagnostic CT (DG-CT) and radiotherapy treatment planning CT (RP-CT) scans. Material and methodsA cross-sectional study on two groups of patients who underwent thoracic CT scans with RP-CT (n = 100) and DG-CT (n = 100) was conducted. The characteristics of the two groups, including age, weight, height, and body mass index were almost similar. To calculate organ and effective doses in a standard 70 kg phantom, the volume CT Dose Index (CTDIv) and dose-length product (DLP) were recorded and utilized with the ImPACT CT Patient Dosimetry Calculator. Patient-specific organ and effective doses were acquired by applying a weight-based correction factor. The lifetime attribute risk (LAR) of cancers was estimated according to the method proposed in Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR VII) which considers age and sex differences. ResultsThe mean ± standard deviation values of CTDIv, DLP, and effective dose were 12.19 ± 3.49 mGy, 568.68 ± 109.42 mGy cm, and 11.46 ± 2.07 mSv for RP-CT, respectively. For DG-CT, these values were 12.33 ± 3.37 mGy, 372.46 ± 99.57 mGy cm, and 7.65 ± 2.07 mSv, respectively. In males, the mean ± SD of cancer incidence risk of all cancers, all solid, and leukemia were 34.57 ± 18.91, 28.79 ± 16.74, 5.77 ± 2.28 per 100,000 individuals, respectively, for DG-CT. These values were 50.77 ± 14.53, 42.37 ± 12.81, and 9.09 ± 1.67 per 100,000 individuals, respectively, for RP-CT. In the female patients, the mean ± SD of cancer incidence risk of all cancers, all solid, and leukemia were 55.04 ± 31.64, 50.77 ± 14.53, 4.32 ± 1.26 per 100,000 individuals, respectively, for DG-CT. These values for RP-CT were 85.46 ± 30.10, 73.49 ± 26.12, and 6.97 ± 1.69 cancers per 100,000 individuals, respectively. ConclusionCancer incidence and mortality risks for RP-CT were higher than for DG-CT scans, highlighting the need for greater optimization of exposure parameters. For individuals, particularly young female patients, the advantages of CT imaging must be balanced against the risks of radiation.

Enhancing Giardicidal Activity and Aqueous Solubility through the Development of "RetroABZ", a Regioisomer of Albendazole: In Vitro, In Vivo, and In Silico Studies.

Parasitic diseases, including giardiasis caused by Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia), present a considerable global health burden. The limited effectiveness and adverse effects of current treatment options underscore the necessity for novel therapeutic compounds. In this study, we employed a rational design strategy to synthesize retroalbendazole (RetroABZ), aiming to address the limitations associated with albendazole, a commonly used drug for giardiasis treatment. RetroABZ exhibited enhanced in vitro activity against G. lamblia trophozoites, demonstrating nanomolar potency (IC50 = 83 nM), outperforming albendazole (189 nM). Moreover, our in vivo murine model of giardiasis displayed a strong correlation, supporting the efficacy of RetroABZ, which exhibited an eleven-fold increase in potency compared to albendazole, with median effective dose (ED50) values of 5 µg/kg and 55 µg/kg, respectively. A notable finding was RetroABZ's significantly improved water solubility (245.74 µg/mL), representing a 23-fold increase compared to albendazole, thereby offering potential opportunities for developing derivatives that effectively target invasive parasites. The molecular docking study revealed that RetroABZ displays an interaction profile with tubulin similar to albendazole, forming hydrogen bonds with Glu198 and Cys236 of the β-tubulin. Additionally, molecular dynamics studies demonstrated that RetroABZ has a greater number of hydrophobic interactions with the binding site in the β-tubulin, due to the orientation of the propylthio substituent. Consequently, RetroABZ exhibited a higher affinity compared to albendazole. Overall, our findings underscore RetroABZ's potential as a promising therapeutic candidate not only for giardiasis but also for other parasitic diseases.

Working conditions and values of average annual effective doses for nondestructive testing operators in the Russian Federation and abroad

The review presents description of the work and the main provisions on the working conditions for nondestructive testing operators from the standpoint of the system for ensuring radiation safety and radiation control. The values of the average annual effective doses of flaw detectorists in the Russian Federation and abroad are indicated. Official sources of information on doses in the Russian Federation and in the world, obtained from the results of individual dosimetric monitoring, were selected for presentation. The data of our own measurements were not included in this review. The difference in the name of the specialty of the studied group of personnel in Russian and English and the difference in the processing of primary measuring information in domestic and foreign sources of information are taken into account. The relevance of the need to resolve the issues of radiation safety and radiation monitoring of personnel involved in nondestructive testing is demonstrated, due to the fact that in the Russian Federation there are regulatory and methodological documents affecting the organization and conduct of individual dosimetric monitoring of personnel in the medical field and the nuclear industry, but they do not include personnel conducting nondestructive testing. Therefore, individual dosimetric control for nondestructive testing operators is carried out by accredited laboratories in accordance with the provisions of Methodical guidelines 2.6.1.3015-12.“Organization and management of individual dosimetry of medical staff”, i.e. without taking into account the exposure scenarios for personnel involved in nondestructive testing and the specifics of it work. The doses estimated in this way are included in the regional and federal databanks of personnel exposure doses. When entering dose values into data banks, there is no division of personnel into the personnel performing nondestructive testing in stationary and nonstationary conditions, therefore, the doses of personnel performing various types of nondestructive testing are averaged.

Estimation of Lifetime Attributable Risk (LAR) of Cancer Associated with Chest Computed Tomography Procedures in Children

Purpose: The danger of radiation at low doses continues linearly, and without a threshold, investigations concluded that although the risk of cancer from Computed Tomography (CT) scans is low, it is not zero.&#x0D; This study aims to determine the patient's radiation dose and estimate the Lifetime Attributable Risk (LAR) of cancer incidence for a single chest CT scan in children.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: We divided 1,105 children into four age groups: 0 years, 5 years, 10 years, and 15 years. Dosimetric data of chest CT scan were plugged in VirtualDoseCT software, and organ dose and effective dose were calculated. The cancer risk based on organ dose is estimated according to the BEIR VII report.&#x0D; Results: The highest dose in boys was related to lung (5.13 - 6.8 mSv) and heart (5.27-5.97 mSv), and in girls, lung (4.98 - 5.91 mSv), breast (4.24 - 5.21 mSv), and heart (4.9 - 5.71 mSv) had the highest dose. The highest LAR (per 100,000) was obtained for the breast in the age group of 0 years (61.01), followed by the breast for the age group of 5 years (46.16) and lung in the age group of 0 years (43.32) in girls.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study shows a better concept of radiation dose in the chest CT scan in children and how much effective dose and organ dose values increase the cancer risk.

A Review of Radon Concentration in Water Sources in Nigeria and its Impact

Given the characteristics of radon, people may unwittingly be exposed to radon through water ingestion. Research on radon concentration has increased over the years due to its negative impact on the body being the major causes of lung cancer. This study reviewed twenty (20) journal publications on radon concentration in water sources (such as well, boreholes, stream and taps) in Nigeria from year the 2016 to 2023. The type of sample, sample location, devices used, the range and mean values of radon concentration (RnC) and annual effective dose (AED) were considered. From the reviewed journals, the average values of RnC ranged from 1.9 Bq/L to 88.0 Bq L-1. When compared with WHO and US EPA recommended limits of 100 Bq L-1 and 11.1 Bq L-1 respectively, all reviewed journals recorded average values of RnC below 100 Bq L-1 and 75 % of the reviewed journals recorded average values of RnC above US EPA recommended limit of 11.1 Bq L-1. The mean AED reported is within the range of 0.02 mSv yr-1 and 92 mSv yr-1 with 30 % above the recommended limit of 0.1mSv yr-1. This result shows that the majority of the radon concentration in water sources in Nigeria reported may not pose any immediate health risk. However, there is a need for continuous monitoring and protective measures to be taken.

Penentuan Dosis Efektif Pada Abdo Pelvis dan Organ Kritis dari Hasil Penyinaran Computed Tomography Scanner (CT Scan)

Determination of the effective dose on the abdo pelvis and organs at risk has been carried out from the results of the CT Scan irradiation at Sanglah General Hospital.The study began by collecting secondary data from the results of an abdominal CT scan, namely the CTDIvol and DLP values. Then the data was grouped based on gender of 40 patients with an age range of 20-70 years. The value of the effective dose in the abdo pelvis is obtained by multiplying the DLP value and the conversion coefficient k. While the effective dose to organs at risk is obtained from the product of the CTDIvol and wt. The results of the effective dose in the abdo pelvis were obtained in the range of 4.596-6.738 mSv for male patients while for female patients it was 4.209-5.232 mSv. The results of the effective dose in the abdo pelvis are still at the threshold set by BAPETEN, which is 13.275 mSv, so the CT scan is still suitable for use. Average effective dose values for critical organs were 0.2882 mSv for the liver, 0.8646 mSv for the kidney, and 0.5764 mSv for the gonad. The highest dose was received by the gonads. This shows that the gonads are the organs that have the highest sensitivity in receiving radiation doses in the abdo pelvis

ASSESSMENT OF NATURAL RADIONUCLIDES IN SOIL SAMPLES FROM MICHIKA, ADAMAWA, STATE NIGERIA

Naturally occurring radionuclides in the environment constitute about 85% of public exposure to terrestrial gamma radiation. These radionuclides can be found in sands,clays, soils and rocks, and many ores and minerals, commodities, recycled residues, and other appliances used by humans. There is therefore the need to assess the occurrence of natural radionuclides in Soil Samples from Michika, Adamawa State Nigeria. Forty-six (46) soil samples were collected across different location in Michika, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Gamma ray spectroscopy was used for the analysis. The results obtained show that the mean activity concentration for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K are 81.27, 101.28 and 324.79 Bq/kg respectively. These values are higher than the control value of 35,30 and 35 Bq/kg for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K set by UNSCEAR. The absorbed dose rate (D) ranges from 60.77 to 248.65 nGy/h, which is above the maximum UNSCEAR accepted value of 59nGy/h. The values of total annual effective dose lie between 0.08 and 0.31 mSv y-1 with mean value of 0.14mSv y-1. Also, the mean values of Radium Equivalent Activity were 251.11 Bq/kg. Almost all the value of Raeq were below the maximum recommended value. The mean value of total cancer risk range from 3.28E-6 to 1.3E-5 with mean value of 5.93E-6. All the mean values were above the acceptable range. It can be concluded that the soil is radiologically unsafe for human and animal use. Continuous radiological monitoring of the soil is recommended to safeguard the health of the populace.

Evaluation of Saxifraga stolonifera phenolic extracts as a potential antivenom against Deinagkistrodon acutus venom: In vitro and in vivo studies

In the snake-infested mountainous regions of China, Saxifraga stolonifera [L.] Meeb is widely utilized as an immediate remedy for venomous snake bites. However, the scientific understanding of S. stolonifera's efficacy in snakebite treatment remains limited and requires further investigation. The aim of this study was to assess the inhibitory effects of Saxifraga stolonifera phenolic extracts (SSPE) on Deinagkistrodon acutus venom (DAV) and explore the potential of S. stolonifera as a valuable candidate for antivenom development. We employed our previously optimized extraction conditions to obtain SSPE. In vitro experiments utilizing diverse models were conducted to assess the inhibitory effects of the extracted phenolic compounds on DAV, specifically targeting phospholipase A2 (PLA2), proteolytic, fibrinolytic, and hyaluronidase enzymes. Furthermore, in vivo investigations were conducted to evaluate the inhibitory potential of the extracted compounds against DAV-induced hemorrhagic and edematogenic activity. To elucidate the chemical composition of the phenolic extracts, Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) analysis was performed. Our in vitro inhibition study showed that S. stolonifera was able to inhibit the activities of PLA2 enzyme, proteolytic enzyme, hyaluronidase and fibrinogenolytic. The median effective dose (ED50) values of SSPE for inhibiting PLA2 enzyme, proteolytic enzyme and hyaluronidase activities were 0.115 mg/mL, 0.026 mg/mL and 0.238 mg/mL, respectively. The DAV-induced hemorrhagic and edematogenic effects of the SSPE were also successfully inhibited in vivo, and the high SSPE concentration was able to completely inhibit the hemorrhage and edema. It is noteworthy that the mice suffered no harm from the high SSPE concentration. The composition analysis showed that the phenolic substances contained in SSPE are gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid, rutin, kaempferol-3-O-ɑ-L-rhamnoside, kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, quercetin and kaempferol. This study provides scientific validation of the inhibitory efficacy of S. stolonifera as an emergency treatment for venomous snake bites, offering a theoretical foundation for future drug development strategies targeting snakebite.

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of novel pleuromutilin aryl acrylate derivatives as promising broad-spectrum antibiotics especially for combatting multi-drug resistant gram-negative bacteria

The emergence of drug-resistant strains presents a grave challenge for traditional antibiotics, underscoring the exigency of exploring novel antibacterial drugs. To address this, the present study endeavors to design and synthesize a collection of pleuromutilin aromatic acrylate derivatives, guided by combination principles. The antibacterial activity and structure-activity relationship of these derivatives were evaluated, and most of the derivatives displayed moderate to excellent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria. Among these derivatives, 5g exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity, with MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) values ranging from 1–32 μg/mL, and a MIC value against clinically isolated drug-resistant strains of 4–64 μg/mL. Additionally, 5g exhibited negligible cytotoxicity, superior anti-mycoplasma activity, and a greater propensity to perturb bacterial cell membranes. Notably, the administration of 5g resulted in an increased survival rate of MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)-infected mice, with an ED50 (median effective dose) value of 9.04 mg/kg. These results indicated the potential of 5g to be further developed as an antibacterial drug for the clinical treatment of drug-resistant bacterial infections.

Patient Radiation Doses Assessment at Diagnostic X-rays Department of King Khalid hospital (KKH)-Majmaah.

The study was conducted on patients who received diagnostic X-rays in King Khalid Hospital (KKH), Majmaah. The study included the seven most frequently performed investigations, which were carried out on over 1504 patients using digital radiography equipment. The X-ray tube's output and exposure parameters were used to calculate the effective dose (ED) and patient entry surface air kerma (ESAK). Additionally, based on these results, conversion coefficients were determined. This study also examined the 75th percentile distributions of ESAK and KAP. The findings of this research were compared with the findings of other researchers throughout the country and the world. The study presents the uncertainty U values, as well as the mean ESAK, KAP, and ED values. The results of the ESAK, KAP, and ED values were 0.12-5.74 mGy, 0.9-1.84 Gy cm2, and 0.01-0.23 mSv, respectively. As a result, the dosages were much lower than those previously published for the European DRL, national standards, and other studies. The study concludes that during dose surveys, the importance of detecting and comprehending radiation doses, as well as the proper technique for taking the finest photos possible, can be emphasized to patients in order to assist them in avoiding radioactive particles and radiation exposure.

Measurement of Radon Concentration in Drink and Well Water Samples for Selected Regions in Baghdad City

The concentration of radon gas in the samples for drinking water and wells in the same place from selected homes in which wells were built in the Hay-al-Bayaa region of Baghdad was measured, by using a CR-39 nuclear track detector. It turns out that the maximum value of the concentration of radon in drinking water was 3.83 Bq/L, and the lowest was 2.30 Bq/L. As for the estimation of radon gas concentration in well water samples, the highest value was 5.6 Bq/L, while the lowest one was 3.1 Bq/L. In order to assess the committed effective dose received by the public due to the inhalation of radon gas. The highest value of the annual effective dose in drinking water was recorded in Al-Bayaa region, which is equal to 14.30 μSv/y, while the minimum was recorded at 8.40 μSv/y. As it turns out, the annual effective dose in well water samples was 20.4 μSv/y, while the lower one was 11.57 μSv/y. All values for the radon concentration and the annual effective dose in the drinking and well water samples were below the World Health Organization's recommended levels. The results showed that drinking water and wells were free of radioactive contamination in the studied area.

Seasonal effects on hydrochemistry, microbial diversity, and human health risks in radon-contaminated groundwater areas

Groundwater is an important human resource. Daejeon in South Korea faces severe water quality issues, including radon, uranium, and fluoride pollution, all of which pose health risks to humans. With climate change, threats to potable water, such as heavy rain and typhoons, have become common. Therefore, examining the seasonal effects on groundwater quality and resultant health risks is important for understanding the mechanisms of different hydroclimatological conditions to enable the implementation of sustainable management plans in radon-contaminated groundwater areas. However, this issue has not yet been studied. To bridge this gap, in this study, major ions and microbial community structures were employed and groundwater quality index (GWQI) were calculated with hazard index based on limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) to investigate the hydrochemical characterization and to assess pollution levels. The results showed that the rainy season had distinct hydrochemical characteristics with high correlations between radon and fluoride, and most groundwater samples collected after the typhoon had characteristics similar to those collected during the dry season, owing to the flow path. Furthermore, the microbial diversity and hazard quotient (HQ) values of fluoride revealed that pollution worsened during the dry season. All of the calculated effective dose values of radon exceeded the threshold limit set by the WHO, despite the low GWQI. Infants and children were particularly susceptible to radon-contaminated groundwater. The statistical results of self-organizing map (SOM) suggested that radon analysis was sufficient for public health intervention in the rainy season; however, in the dry season, combined analyses of radon, fluoride, and microbial diversity played important roles in health risk assessment. Our study presents a comprehensive understanding of radon-contaminated groundwater characteristics under seasonal effects and can serve as a reference for other similar zones to provide significant insights into the effective management of radon contamination.

Third generation dual-source CT coronary angiography with high-pitch spiral mode versus prospectively-gated sequential mode: comparison of radiation exposure and image quality

Objectives: To compare high-pitch spiral (HPS) and prospectively-gated step-and-shoot (SAS) coronary CT angiography (CCTA) using third generation dual-source CT regarding objective and subjective image quality parameters and radiation exposure. Methods: Eighty pairs of patients matched for gender, age, heart rate and BMI were enrolled in this retrospective study. High-pitch spiral and prospectively ECG-gated sequential CCTA were performed using third generation dual-source CT. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in the left ventricle were calculated for each group. Image quality were also scored using four-point scale. Student t-test was used to compare SNR, CNR and mean effective dose values (ED) and Wilcoxon test was used to compare image quality scores. Interrater aggreement were evaluated using Cohen’s kappa statistics. Results: Between-group differences in terms of age, gender, BMI, heart rate, and Agatston score were statistically not significant. Mean SNR and CNR was higher in prospective SAS protocol (16.5 ± 6.2 vs. 14.7 ± 4.9, p = 0.047 and 13.0 ± 5.2 vs. 11.2 ± 4.3, p = 0.02). Image quality scores showed no significant difference between two scan protocols (p &amp;gt; 0.05). Regarding radiation exposure, CT dose index (CTDIvol), dose length product (DLP) and ED was significantly lower for high-pitch group (p &amp;lt; 0.0001). Conclusions: HPS CCTA using DSCT enables &amp;gt; 70% dose reduction while maintaining the image quality compared to prospectively ECG-gated SAS protocol. Therefore, HPS CCTA protocol can be preferred in patients appropriate for prospective ECG-triggered protocol.