Radiation Exposure Levels Research Articles

Intraoperative Staff Radiation Exposure During Aortic Endovascular Procedures

The risk of radiation exposure in the surgical operating room (OR) and/or catheterization laboratory is now well established. Complex endovascular procedures often require multiple approaches and different positioning of the staff members around the patient, potentially increasing the levels of radiations exposure. Our goal was to evaluate the levels of radiation exposure of the members of the staff during endovascular aortic procedures in order to propose radioprotection optimization. We included 41 aortic endovascular procedures out of 114 procedures performed between January 12, 2014, and August 31, 2015, including 24 standard endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR), 7 EVAR with iliac branch (EVARib), 8 complex fenestrated/branched EVAR (F/B EVAR), and 2 thoracic EVAR (TEVAR). Procedures were performed in an OR equipped with a carbon fiber table and a mobile fluoroscopy C-arm. We collected the usual dosimetry data given by the C-arm as well as the patient's peak skin dose (PSD). In all staff members, radiation exposure was measured with thermoluminescent chip dosimeters placed on both temples, on posterior sides of both hands, and on both lower legs. PSD levels were low for EVAR because 24 patients had values below the reading threshold. PSD significantly increased with more complex procedures. Main operator (MO) received the higher level of irradiation on whole body, hands, and ankles. Eye lenses irradiation was higher on both assistant operators (AOs). Other members received low levels of irradiation. We found a high ranges of radiation exposure with a high risk of exposure for the AO, mainly for F/B EVAR and EVARib. Even if all personal protections are used, staff positioning is a major point that must be considered. If MO is supposed to be the most exposed to X-rays, specific conditions of positioning of the AO may be at risk of exposure.

320 Intraoperative Angiography in Neurosurgery: Temporal Trend, Access Site, and Operative Indication Considerations From a Six-year Institutional Experience

INTRODUCTION: Historically, the transfemoral approach (TFA) has been the most common access site for cerebral intraoperative angiogram (IOA). However, in line with trends in cardiac interventional vascular access preferences, transradial approach (TRA) and transulnar approach (TUA) are gaining popularity due to favorable safety and patient satisfaction outcomes. METHODS: Between July 2016 and December 2022, 317 angiograms were included based on our case definition, comprising 59 TRA cases, 11 TUA cases, 243 TFA, and four transpopliteal cases. Fluoroscopy time, contrast dose, reference air kerma (RAK), and dose area products (DAP) per target vessel catheterized were the primary endpoints of interest. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to evaluate predictors of elevated contrast dose and radiation exposure metrics. RESULTS: Contrast dose per vessel catheterized was significantly lower in TRA/TUA cases versus TFA cases (p = 0.001), but radiation exposure metrics did not differ between access site groups. TRA/TUA versus TFA does not significantly predict elevated levels of radiation exposure or contrast dose. Aneurysm cases were associated with significantly lower odds of elevated radiation exposure for all radiation metrics (p < 0.05) whereas AVM cases had higher odds of elevated radiation exposure across all measures (p < 0.01). There was a significant relationship between case number and operative indication over the study period (p < 0.001) with a decrease in the proportion of cases for aneurysm treatment offset by increases in total cases for the management of AVF and AVM. CONCLUSIONS: TRA and TUA are safe and effective access site options for neurointerventional procedures and are increasingly employed. Cases using wrist access may be associated with a lower contrast dosing for patients.

Assessment of Radio-Frequency Radiation Exposure from Selected Mobile Base Stations in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The antennas from mobile base stations radiate non-ionizing radio frequency radiation into space. The human body can experience negative health effects from prolonged exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation. Because base station installations and telecommunication networks are growing, there is a growing need to address the health risks connected with exposure to telecommunication masts. Using the Electrosmog Meter Cornet Model, power density from many telecom masts owned by various network operators was measured in this investigation. At 10-meter intervals, the RF radiation in seven (7) settlements in Yenagoa town, located in the Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, was measured within radial distances of 100 meters. With a mean value of 4.0569mWm-2, the measured values vary from 0.650mWm-2 to 9.810mWm-2. Still, values evolved. Nevertheless, additional factors, such as adjacent electromagnetic sources' wave interference or reference base station interference, caused readings to fluctuate. It was discovered that the greatest power density level was 9.810 mWm-2, and it was measured 20 meters away from the base station at site MBS1. As per the International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and other regulatory authorities, the standard limit of 4.5Wm-2 for the 900 MHz system is not exceeded by the radiation exposure level, as the findings show. This shows that the exposure levels in these areas are low enough to not seriously jeopardize the health of those living in the research area.

Radiation exposure to the orthopedic surgeon-a dosimetric comparison of two mini C-arm fluoroscopy models: a pilot study.

Perform a cadaveric experimental pilot study to measure and compare potential radiation exposure to an orthopedic surgeon from 2 different-generation mini C-arm models during a simulated orthopedic surgery. 16 radiation dosimeters. Mock surgery setups were constructed with a canine cadaver thoracic limb and 2 different-generation mini C-arm models. Four radiation dosimeters were placed near the mini C-arm to mimic common locations of radiation exposure during image acquisition. One mini C-arm was placed in auto technique mode, and 100 static images were acquired. The dosimeters were replaced, and a 5-minute-long dynamic image was acquired. The same protocols were repeated for the second mini C-arm. The dosimetry badges were then submitted for radiation exposure quantification. All but 1 dosimeter had radiation exposure levels below the detectable limits of the dosimeter. The dosimeter closest to the primary x-ray beam of 1 mini C-arm during dynamic image acquisition had a reading of 1 mrem. Intraoperative radiation exposure from the mini C-arm is low, specifically to areas not protected by lead and in close proximity to the primary x-ray beam. That being said, surgeons should always practice the principles of ALARA (ie, as low as reasonably achievable) to minimize radiation exposure in the workplace.

The Small Pixel Effect in Ultra-High-Resolution Photon-Counting CT of the Lumbar Spine.

Image acquisition in ultra-high-resolution (UHR) scan mode does not impose a dose penalty in photon-counting CT (PCCT). This study aims to investigate the dose saving potential of using UHR instead of standard-resolution PCCT for lumbar spine imaging. Eight cadaveric specimens were examined with 7 dose levels (5-35 mGy) each in UHR (120 × 0.2 mm) and standard-resolution acquisition mode (144 × 0.4 mm) on a first-generation PCCT scanner. The UHR images were reconstructed with 3 dedicated bone kernels (Br68 [spatial frequency at 10% of the modulation transfer function 14.5 line pairs/cm], Br76 [21.0], and Br84 [27.9]), standard-resolution images with Br68 and Br76. Using automatic segmentation, contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were established for lumbar vertebrae and psoas muscle tissue. In addition, image quality was assessed subjectively by 19 independent readers (15 radiologists, 4 surgeons) using a browser-based forced choice comparison tool totaling 16,974 performed pairwise tests. Pearson's correlation coefficient ( r ) was used to analyze the relationship between CNR and subjective image quality rankings, and Kendall W was calculated to assess interrater agreement. Irrespective of radiation exposure level, CNR was higher in UHR datasets than in standard-resolution images postprocessed with the same reconstruction parameters. The use of sharper convolution kernels entailed lower CNR but higher subjective image quality depending on radiation dose. Subjective assessment revealed high interrater agreement ( W = 0.86; P < 0.001) with UHR images being preferred by readers in the majority of comparisons on each dose level. Substantial correlation was ascertained between CNR and the subjective image quality ranking (all r 's ≥ 0.95; P < 0.001). In PCCT of the lumbar spine, UHR mode's smaller pixel size facilitates a considerable CNR increase over standard-resolution imaging, which can either be used for dose reduction or higher spatial resolution depending on the selected convolution kernel.

Development of the occupational exposure during the production and application of radiopharmaceuticals in Germany

An increasing number of radiopharmaceuticals and proteins are available for diagnosing and treating various diseases. The demand for existing and newly developed pharmaceutical radionuclides and proteins is steadily increasing. The radiation exposure levels of workers in the radiopharmaceutical industry and nuclear medicine field are closely monitored, specifically their effective dose and equivalent dose, leading to the question, of whether the dawn of radiopharmaceuticals affects the occupational exposure level. This development is analyzed and evaluated with data from the German National Dose Register. Data shows that the effective dose in the work categories production and distribution of radioisotopes as well as nuclear medicine slightly decreased from 1997 to 2021. Over the same period, the hand equivalent dose in nuclear medicine increases steadily, with no discernible trend in production and distribution of radioisotopes. Over the past few decades, intentional efforts and measures have been taken to ensure radiation protection. Instruments for monitoring and dose reduction must be continuously applied. Given the low effective dose, the focus in future shall be on dose reduction following the as low as reasonably achievable principle. The development of the hand equivalent dose should be carefully observed in the upcoming years.

ОЦЕНКА РАДИАЦИОННОЙ ОБСТАНОВКИ ПРИ КРАТКОВРЕМЕННЫХ ПОЛЕТАХ НА ЛУНУ

Background: The issue of assessing the features of factors affecting the formation of radiation doses of astronauts while in orbit of the Moon and on its surface remains insufficiently studied, which is important for ensuring the anti-radiation safety of astronauts on lunar missions. Purpose: To analyze the factors influencing the formation of the radiation dose of astronauts at the stage of finding the spacecraft in orbit of the Moon and the lander on its surface. Material and methods: The features of the dose load levels on astronauts at the stages of the Moon’s orbit and on the Moon’s surface are analyzed and generalized, calculation methods are used taking into account the orbit of the spacecraft around the Moon, the anti-radiation properties of the materials of the lander and spacesuit and the time spent in them during a short-term lunar mission. Results: The total radiation doses of astronauts for 14 days, calculated according to dosimetric measurements during the years of low solar activity (2009 and 2018‒2019), are 19.5‒23.2 mSv for astronauts staying in a spacecraft in lunar orbit, and from 22,7 to 24,0 mSv for astronauts on the Lunar surface, depending on the mass thickness of the protection at the maximum permissible 250 mSv for 1 month. An increase in the mass thickness of the anti-radiation protection of the lander in the equivalent of aluminum from 1.5 to 3-5 g/cm2 and the lunar spacesuit in the equivalent of aluminum from 0.2 to 0.5‒1 g/cm2 will reduce the total radiation dose of astronauts no more than 1.3 times during a 14-day stay on the surface of the moon. The results indicate that in order to minimize the radiation doses that astronauts receive during a lunar mission, it is important to take into account the forecast of solar activity in order to optimize the launch time of the spacecraft in the «windows» with minimal levels of radiation exposure. Conclusion: When predicting radiation hazard levels for astronauts during a short-term lunar mission, it is necessary to assess the levels of exposure to cosmic ionizing radiation both in the orbit of the Moon, depending on the lunar trajectory of the spacecraft, and on the surface of the Moon, taking into account the time spent in the lunar module and in a spacesuit, as well as levels of solar activity. It is important to take into account the analyzed features of the formation of cosmonauts’ radiation doses while orbiting the Moon and on its surface when predicting the time limits of the lunar mission, anti-radiation protection of astronauts and their compliance with the regulatory limits of exposure.

Radiation Dose Does Not Affect the Predictive Value of Thyroid Biopsy for Diagnosing Papillary Thyroid Cancer in a Belarusian Cohort Exposed to Chernobyl Fallout

Introduction: The Chernobyl nuclear accident exposed residents of contaminated territories to substantial quantities of radioiodines and was followed by an increase in thyroid cancer, primarily papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), among exposed children and adolescents. Although thyroid biopsy is an essential component of screening programs following accidental exposure to radioiodines, it is unknown whether the predictive value of biopsy is affected by different levels of environmental exposure. Methods: A cohort of 11,732 Belarusians aged ≤18 years at the time of the Chernobyl accident with individual thyroid radiation dose estimates was screened at least once 11–22 years later. Paired cytologic conclusions and histopathologic diagnoses were possible for 258 thyroid nodules from 238 cohort members. Cytologic conclusions were divided into five reporting categories, with all follicular lesion aspirates combined into a single indeterminate category. Standard performance indicators, risk of malignancy (ROM), and odds ratios for a correct cytologic conclusion were calculated, both overall and according to quintile of thyroid radiation dose. Results: The arithmetic mean thyroid dose estimate for the study group was 1.73 Gy (range: 0.00–23.64 Gy). The final histopathologic diagnosis was cancer for 136 of 258 biopsies (52.7%; 135 papillary and 1 follicular). The overall ROM was 96.7% for cytologies definite for PTC, 83.7% for suspicious for PTC, 33.0% for indeterminate, 8.1% for benign, and 31.0% for non-diagnostic. The ROM showed little change according to level of radiation exposure. Overall, there was no association between thyroid radiation dose and the odds ratio for a correct cytologic conclusion (p = 0.24). When analyzed according to dose quintile, the odds ratio for a correct conclusion increased two-fold at 0.10–0.29 Gy compared to a dose of 0.00–0.09 Gy and decreased at doses of 0.3–24 Gy (p value for linear trend = 0.99). Conclusions: At radiation doses received by a cohort of young Belarusians exposed to radioiodines by the Chernobyl accident, the predictive value of thyroid biopsy for diagnosing PTC was not significantly affected by level of radiation exposure.

Evaluation of Procedure Doses and Staff Attitudes in Interventional Cardiology in Terms of Radiation Safety.

Ionizing radiation has long been used in the medical field. Catheter laboratories (cath labs) are recognized as areas where radiation exposure is notably high. This study aims to examine the levels of radiation exposure during various interventional procedures to raise awareness of this issue in Türkiye. This study evaluated the procedure radiation doses (n = 2804) in the cath labs of four public hospitals with distinct characteristics. Radiation dose evaluation was conducted using Cumulative Air Kerma (CAK). The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, independent T-test, and Pearson correlation coefficient were utilized to analyze the data. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Data were analyzed using IBM® Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS®) STATISTICS Version 26.0.0.0 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, New York, USA). The procedure radiation doses in the cath labs were documented. The findings are largely consistent with the literature. Notably, several outlier cases with extremely high radiation doses were identified [CAK (min-max) = 0.12 - 9.9 Gy]. Procedures such as chronic total occlusion (CTO) [Mean CAK: 3.8 (± 1.5) Gy] and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) [Mean CAK: 1.5 (± 1.4) Gy] were associated with high doses. Additionally, personnel attitudes toward radiation optimization in cath labs were found to be inadequate. The incidence of high radiation exposure during interventional procedures may be higher than expected in Türkiye. Further research is necessary to identify predictors and implement preventive measures to reduce these rates. For this purpose, establishing diagnostic radiation reference levels (DRLs) could help monitor national radiation levels.

Occupational exposure to radiation among health workers: Genome integrity and predictors of exposure

The current study aimed to investigate genomic instabilities in healthcare workers who may experience varying levels of radiation exposure through various radiological procedures. It also sought to determine if factors related to the work environment and dosimeter reading could effectively explain the observed genomic instabilities. Utilizing the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (CBMN) on peripheral blood lymphocytes, we assessed a spectrum of genomic aberrations, including nucleoplasmic bridge (NPB), nuclear budding (NBUD), micronucleus (MN) formation, and total DNA damage (TDD). The study uncovered a statistically significant increase in the occurrence of distinct DNA anomalies among radiology workers (with a significance level of P < 0.0001 for all measurements). Notably, parameters such as total working hours, average work duration, and time spent in projection radiography exhibited significant correlations with MN and TDD levels in these workers. The dosimeter readings demonstrated a positive correlation with the frequency of NPB and NBUD, indicating a substantial association between radiation exposure and these two genomic anomalies. Our multivariable models identified the time spent in projection radiography as a promising parameter for explaining the overall genomic instability observed in these professionals. Thus, while dosimeters alone may not fully explain elevated total DNA damage, intrinsic work environment factors hold potential in indicating exposure levels for these individuals, providing a complementary approach to monitoring.

Assessment of radiation exposure among pediatric patients referred for CT imaging at three government hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Due to the high sensitivity of their growing tissues to ionizing radiation, pediatric patients are at a greater risk of cancer development. This study aimed to evaluate the level of radiation exposure experienced by pediatric patients undergoing a common CT examination at the three government hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Structured formats were designed for data collection at three government hospitals, and then information about pediatric patients' demography, CT protocols, and CT systems was retrieved and recorded from March 2018 up to July 2018. CT dose indicators: CTDIvol (mGy) and DLP (mGy.cm) values for abdomen, chest, and head CT scans were recorded based on pediatric patients' age ⩽1, (1-5], (5-10], and (10-15] years old. The data were analyzed through SPSS version 25 software. Finally, the third quartile values of CTDIvol and DLP were determined and compared with other international DRLs. The third quartile values of radiation dose descriptors for abdomen, chest, and head CT scans, respectively, in terms of CTDIvol (mGy): 58, 10, 17, 51; 23, 23, 34, 51; 62, 41, 50, 51; and in terms of DLP (mGy.cm), 377, 314, 624, 664; 523, 571, 406, 739; 927, 806, 929, and 1197 corresponded to pediatric patients of age ⩽1, (1-5], (5-10], and (10-15] years old, respectively. There were significant differences in the radiation dosage of some CT examinations between the same age groups, indicating a need for dose optimization. Therefore, this study recommends the need for enhancing radiation safety, ensuring appropriate imaging practices, and prioritizing the well-being of pediatric patients who visit CT examinations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Dose-Dependent Effects of Radiation on Mitochondrial Morphology and Clonogenic Cell Survival in Human Microvascular Endothelial Cells.

To better understand radiation-induced organ dysfunction at both high and low doses, it is critical to understand how endothelial cells (ECs) respond to radiation. The impact of irradiation (IR) on ECs varies depending on the dose administered. High doses can directly damage ECs, leading to EC impairment. In contrast, the effects of low doses on ECs are subtle but more complex. Low doses in this study refer to radiation exposure levels that are below those that cause immediate and necrotic damage. Mitochondria are the primary cellular components affected by IR, and this study explored their role in determining the effect of radiation on microvascular endothelial cells. Human dermal microvascular ECs (HMEC-1) were exposed to varying IR doses ranging from 0.1 Gy to 8 Gy (~0.4 Gy/min) in the AFRRI 60-Cobalt facility. Results indicated that high doses led to a dose-dependent reduction in cell survival, which can be attributed to factors such as DNA damage, oxidative stress, cell senescence, and mitochondrial dysfunction. However, low doses induced a small but significant increase in cell survival, and this was achieved without detectable DNA damage, oxidative stress, cell senescence, or mitochondrial dysfunction in HMEC-1. Moreover, the mitochondrial morphology was assessed, revealing that all doses increased the percentage of elongated mitochondria, with low doses (0.25 Gy and 0.5 Gy) having a greater effect than high doses. However, only high doses caused an increase in mitochondrial fragmentation/swelling. The study further revealed that low doses induced mitochondrial elongation, likely via an increase in mitochondrial fusion protein 1 (Mfn1), while high doses caused mitochondrial fragmentation via a decrease in optic atrophy protein 1 (Opa1). In conclusion, the study suggests, for the first time, that changes in mitochondrial morphology are likely involved in the mechanism for the radiation dose-dependent effect on the survival of microvascular endothelial cells. This research, by delineating the specific mechanisms through which radiation affects endothelial cells, offers invaluable insights into the potential impact of radiation exposure on cardiovascular health.

Analysis of Radiation Exposure Level on Linen and Other Objects in Patient Rooms at Nuclear Medicine Installation

Analysis of radiation contamination levels has been carried out using an Atomtex surveymeter in the patient rooms after thyroid cancer ablation therapy, in the Nuclear Medicine Installation, Abdoel Wahab Sjahranie Hospital. This study aims to measure the level of radiation exposure based on the rate of radiation exposure and radiation contamination of objects in the patient rooms after ablation therapy, and to find out how long linen can be washed since the first measurement. Data collection was carried out once a week, on the same weekday, for five weeks for objects in the patient rooms by using the surveymeter at a fixed distances from the objects’ surfaces. Radiation contamination measurements for linen items were carried out for 3 d by aiming the surveymeter to container containing linen items from certain distances. Based on this study, the level of radiation exposure obtained is categorized as low because the value range is below 10 μSv/h. The radiation contamination for some objects are categorized as low-level exposure because the value is less than 3.7 Bq/cm2. Other objects tend to be in the moderate-level category because the value is more than 3.7 Bq/cm2 and less than 37 Bq/cm2. The values obtained refer to the standard issued by BATAN. It can be concluded that the patient rooms in the Nuclear Medicine Installation of Abdoel Wahab Sjahranie Hospital are safe.

Development of calculation tool for iodine 131 biodistribution depending on the aerosol particle distribution.

Radiation damage to tissues depends on radiation exposure levels. Therefore, we have studied accurate estimations of radiation exposure levels so far. Recently, we developed a tool that can calculate the respiratory tract deposition of radionuclides based on polydisperse particle size distribution. As a next step, there is a need for a new calculation tool for the biodistribution of radionuclides because a fraction of the radionuclides deposited in the respiratory tract is absorbed into the body. In this study, a calculation tool for iodine 131 biodistribution depending on aerosol size distribution was developed. The developed tool in this study is used with the former tool.

Novel biomarkers for acute radiation injury and countermeasures using large and small animal models and multi-omics approach.

Threats of radiological or nuclear disasters are of serious concern and a top priority for government agencies involved in domestic security and public health preparedness. There is a need for sensitive bioassays for biodosimetric assessments of radiation exposures originating from unanticipated nuclear/radiological events. The Food and Drug Administration Animal Rule approval pathway requires an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of radiation injury, drug efficacy and biomarkers for radiation medical countermeasure approval. Biomarkers can be helpful for extrapolating the efficacious countermeasure dose in animals to humans. We summarised here our studies to identify candidate biomarkers for the acute radiation injury using various omic platforms (metabolomics/lipidomics, proteomics, microbiome and transcriptomics/microRNA) using murine and non-human primate models conducted in our laboratory. Multi-omic platforms appear to be highly useful in assessing radiation exposure levels and for identifying biomarkers of radiation injury and countermeasure efficacy, which can expedite the regulatory approval of countermeasures.

Small Modular Reactors: Opportunities and Challenges as Emerging Nuclear Technologies for Power Production

Abstract Small modular reactors (SMRs) have gained international attention due to their modular design, small footprint, and cost advantages compared to conventional reactors. Multiple types of SMRs are under development globally, and regulatory agencies are working toward a comprehensive and harmonized regulatory framework for ensuring safety and environmental protection. However, several aspects related to SMRs require further investigation, including the behavior of nuclear fuel under high pressures and temperatures (1000 °C), radiation exposure levels during normal and accident conditions, management of different types and volumes of nuclear waste, and their safe storage and disposal. Additionally, the modular design and compact size of SMRs make them suitable for deployment in remote locations, including the Arctic region. However, before introducing SMR technology, a thorough study of Arctic soil is necessary, particularly in the context of changing climate. Probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) plays a vital role in evaluating the safety and reliability of nuclear power plants, specifically focusing on assessing cross-unit interactions in the case of multimodule SMRs. Furthermore, given the use of low-enriched uranium fuel and the potential for limited on-site personnel in remote locations, effective nuclear safeguards and material accountancy measures are crucial to prevent the diversion of nuclear materials. In this paper, an investigation is conducted to explore the advantages and challenges involved in the deployment of emerging SMR technologies for electricity generation and other applications.

Study on the characteristics of airborne gross alpha and gross beta activities in the vicinity of nuclear facilities

Continuous monitoring of radioactive substances over a prolonged duration can yield crucial insights into the levels of radiation exposure through inhalation, both in the vicinity of nuclear facilities and/or general environments. In this study, we evaluated long-term measurements (2012–2022) of gross alpha-beta activities in the air in the vicinity of nuclear facilities and reference site, distribution characteristics of temporal trends and spatial fluctuations, and factors affecting radioactivity levels. The average airborne gross-α (in mBq m−3) for on-site and off-site were 0.124 and 0.117, respectively, and the average airborne gross-β (in mBq m−3) measurements were 1.10 and 1.04, respectively. The activity ratio (AR) of gross-α and gross-β were calculated as a ratio of 0.12. The distribution characteristics of gross-α and gross-β activities in this study area are likely influenced by the meteorological factors and variations in airborne PM concentrations rather than the operation of the nuclear facility.

90Y Contamination in the Interventional Radiology Suite: VARSKIN Estimation of Skin and Eye Injury and Review of Mitigation Strategies.

Our objective was to demonstrate, through computer simulations, radiation exposure levels from a 90Y contamination event during radioembolization procedures to calculate the radiation doses from various contamination scenarios. We also provide reasonable safety protocols to prevent contamination and minimize radiation exposure during decontamination. Methods: Simulations were performed using the computer code VARSKIN+, version 1.0, to determine the amount of radiation exposure resulting from different contamination scenarios. Results: The annual radiation dose limit to the skin and the lens of the eye was exceeded within 23 s of exposure to a 44-MBq droplet. Double layers of surgical gloves and level 3 gowns provided some attenuation of radiation from 90Y contamination by reducing the dose rate by 39% and 44%, respectively. Two layers of surgical gloves offered the best ratio of radiation protection without compromising dexterity. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that radiation exposures during 90Y spills or contamination events can be considerable. Interventional radiology and nuclear medicine personnel must be mindful of the risks, follow strategies to prevent spills, and be familiar with recommended decontamination procedures for spills in the interventional radiology suite.

The genomic effects of radiation exposure: induction of cancers and genetic aberrations in mammalian cells

Radiation exposure can be a two-edged sword. On one hand, the deployment of radiotherapy is one of the most acceptable modalities for malignancy treatment, for the reason of its ability to kill cancer cells. Equally, one is scared of the exposure to man-made emissions in the form of nuclear disasters or related to any form of hilarious power generation during the war. It is rational to facilitate the body enduring small intensity of emissions without any marked side effects. However, there are countless detrimental side effects of being exposed to elevated levels of radiation. These harmful side effects form an underlying fear in the general public in understanding the actual mechanism and concrete remediation of radiation exposure. The present study investigates in detail the principles of radiation safety and how different types of radiation emissions affect the human body when exposed at different levels of their intensity. Furthermore, it is also conferred how cellular mutations are originated in different organs and body systems due to different levels of radiation exposure and also the potential of organisms to develop resistance (threshold limit) to counteract harmful effects of radiation.

Radiation exposure in pediatric patients with early onset scoliosis: A longitudinal single-center study

BackgroundThere is no consensus regarding the acceptable level of medical radiation exposure in patients with early-onset scoliosis. This study aimed to quantify radiation exposure in these patients and investigate factors associated with high exposure. MethodsPatients with early-onset scoliosis who received care for their spine deformity and other comorbidities in our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Cumulative radiation exposure and total number of imaging studies were recorded. Patients with ≥30 mSv exposure were classified as high exposure and analyzed to clarify factors associated with high exposure. ResultsThirty-five patients were included for analysis. The etiology of scoliosis was idiopathic in 8 patients, congenital in 7, syndromic in 8, and neuromuscular in 12. Fifteen patients underwent 19 spinal surgeries. The types of operation performed were definitive fusion (n = 12), vertebrectomy for hemivertebra (n = 2), growing rod (n = 1), lengthening (n = 3), and revision/partial implant removal (n = 1). The mean cumulative radiation dose was 22.3 mSv (range, 2.5–94.5 mSv). Spine radiography and computed tomography combined accounted for 15.0 mSv (range, 2.4–52.5 mSv, 67.3% of the mean cumulative dose). The mean radiation dose was significantly higher in patients who underwent spinal surgery than in those who did not (31.2 mSv vs. 15.6 mSv). The high-exposure group comprised 10 patients (1 idiopathic, 1 congenital, 5 syndromic, and 3 neuromuscular scoliosis) and 8 underwent 11 spinal operations. Among 8 patients who underwent spinal surgery, the cumulative radiation dose for spine was ≥30 mSv and spine computed tomography was performed an average of 4.0 times. ConclusionsNearly one-third of patients with early-onset scoliosis and half of patients who underwent spinal surgery had >30 mSv radiation exposure due to multiple computed tomography. Medical radiation exposure and associated cancer risk should be considered when treating these patients.