Average Dose Research Articles

Evaluating the environmental effects of open dumps and waste farming: A case study

Dhapa, the landfill situated in Kolkata, is a very active site for municipal dumping. A humongous amount of municipal solid waste is added in this dump daily and the nearby farmlands produce a significant yield for the local population. The current study seeks to examine the environmental associated with leachate migration due to open dumping of unsorted solid waste in Dhapa, Kolkata, India. Also, the second goal of the study is to assess the risk to public health associated with the consumption of agricultural products possibly contaminated with heavy metals through soil and groundwater. The seasonal soil and groundwater sample, and samples of products grown near the landfill were collected around the periphery of Dhapa. The presence of heavy metals in the samples was determined using classical methods in a specialized laboratory. The soil and groundwater results compared to FAO/WHO, and BIS/WHO was found that toxic metal Cd, Cr, Zn, Pb & Hg were present in high concentrations. For the vegetables grown at the site fields, multiple samples were collected as multiple different vegetables are grown around the year, it was found that mainly Cd, Cr, Zn, Pb and Hg exceeding Indian permissible standards of consumptions many fold. Finally by the use of multiple indices like Average Daily Dose (ADD) & Chronic Daily Intake (CDI) along with Hazard Quotient (HQ) it was found that carcinogenic risk, on human health, was highest in the ground water and vegetables. The current study fills the gap associated with the scientific substantiation of actively developing environmental hazards at the regional level.

Analysis of Radiation Dose Rate and Evaluation of Whole Body Scan SPECT/CT Images in Thyroid Carcinoma Radioablation Patients Using Radioisotope 131I

The incidence rate of thyroid carcinoma shows an increasing trend from year to year. One method for treating thyroid carcinoma is radioablation therapy using 131I. The use of 131I must be carried out in accordance with radiation safety regulations to avoid undesirable radiation dose rates. Therefore, research was conducted to analyze the radiation dose rate emitted by patients, obtain the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the emitted dose rate, and evaluate whole body scan images of Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT/CT) of thyroid carcinoma radioablation patients. The research was carried out by measuring the patient's radiation dose rate using a surveymeter. The sample used was 53 patients who met the inclusion criteria and were not included in the exclusion criteria. The patient is isolated until it is safe to leave the hospital, then the therapy is evaluated by means of a whole body scan using SPECT/CT. Region of Interest (ROI) was carried out on the thyroid, stomach, liver, large intestine and bladder. On the third day the patient's dose rate value was below 70 μSv/h so that the patient could go home safely in accordance with radiation protection regulations. The average dose rate value for obese patients was higher compared to patients with low, normal and excess BMI. The high organ radiation count value for whole body SPECT/CT scan patients is caused by several factors such as the absorption of 131I by organs and the buildup of radioisotopes in organs.

A PHITS based-computational model of a TRIGA-fueled subcritical reactor for gamma dose mapping

Since 1988, the Philippines lacked local access to a nuclear facility, creating a significant void in this field of study for Filipinos. However, after a hiatus of 34 years, this gap was addressed with the recent authorization granted to Philippine Research Reactor 1 (PRR-1) Subcritical Assembly for Training, Education, and Research (SATER), allowing it to resume operations. In this work, a PHITS-based computational model was developed for the recently commissioned PRR-1 SATER. The model utilized a simplified model of the Training, Research, Isotope, General Atomics (TRIGA) fuel that releases photons with 0.6617 MeV energy from the Cs-137 fission product in the fuel. Compared to previous works on photon transport mapping, which utilized average source definition, this study employed individually defined fuel intensities and compared them with the averaged source definition for the fuel. The two fuel source definitions showed noticeable differences inside the reactor tank which is relevant for mixed-field irradiation applications of a research reactor. However, defining the fuel rods by their average strength is sufficient for radiation protection purposes. Simulations were also performed for fuel source definitions based on the average and ±1 standard deviation of the gamma intensity. Gamma doses received by cylindrical phantoms positioned at 0.5 m from the surface of the reactor tank for 500 h were found to be 1 % of the radiation dose limits per year and 4 % of the average dose limit for 5 years as stipulated by the Code of Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) Regulations. Loss of water accident was also analyzed based on a conservative exposure time of 500 h. This resulted in a dose value that is only 45.5 % of the dose identified as the emergency turnback guidance of the IAEA. Lastly, PHITS calculated values of gamma doses were found to agree well, with 0.98 ratio, when compared with gamma doses measured at specified locations in the reactor. Results of this study confirm the inherent safety of the PRR-1 SATER in terms of radiological shielding for Cs-137 photons.

Human Biodistribution and Radiation Dosimetry of the Targeting Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1-Positive Tumors Tracer [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FGFR1-Peptide.

Objective: [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FGFR1-peptide is a novel positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1). This study aimed to evaluate the safety, biodistribution, radiation dosimetry, and imaging potential of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FGFR1-peptide. Methods: The FGFR1-targeting peptide DOTA-(PEG2)-KAEWKSLGEEAWHSK was synthesized by manual solid-phase peptide synthesis and high-performance liquid chromatography purification, and labeled with 68Ga with DOTA as chelating agent. We recruited 14 participants and calculated the radiation dose of 4 of these pathologically confirmed nontumor subjects using OLINDA/EXM 2.2.0 software. At the same time, the imaging potential in 10 of these lung cancer patients was evaluated. Results: The biodistribution of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FGFR1-peptide in 4 subjects showed the highest uptake in the bladder and kidney. Dosimetry analysis indicated that the bladder wall received the highest effective dose (3.73E-02 mSv/MBq), followed by the lungs (2.36E-03 mSv/MBq) and red bone marrow (2.09E-03 mSv/MBq). No normal organs were found to have excess specific absorbed doses. The average systemic effective dose was 4.97E-02 mSv/MBq. The primary and metastatic tumor lesions were clearly visible on PET/computed tomography (CT) images in 10 patients. Conclusion: Our results indicate that [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FGFR1-peptide has a good dosimetry profile and can be used safely in humans, and it has significant potential value for clinical PET/CT imaging.

Assessment of radiation dose due to 210Po in water and food samples of Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, India.

Groundwater is in direct contact with the soil and rocks that dissolve many compounds and minerals including uranium and its daughter products. 210Po is one of the decay products of 238U series that cause internal radiation dose in humans when consumed in the form of water and food, including sea food. Therefore, activities of 210Po have been studied in ground and surface water, and in food samples that are commonly used in Chamarajanagar region of Karnataka, India. The average 210Po concentration in bore well water samples and surface water samples are 3.21 and 1.85 mBq L-1, respectively. In raw rice and wheat, the average values of 210Po are 96 and 41 mBq kg-1, respectively. In millets and pulses, the average activity of 210Po is 157 and 79 mBq kg-1, respectively. Among food items, the highest activity of 1.3kBqkg-1 is observed in marine crabs and the lowest activity of 2.6 mBq kg-1 is found in milk samples. The average ingestion dose due to 210Po in ground and surface water are 2.8 and 1.62μSv y-1, respectively. The ingestion dose due to various food samples to the population is also calculated. Total ingestion dose due to 210Po to pure vegetarian population and general population are 38.09 and 590.80μSv y-1, respectively. The concentration of 210Po in water samples and food samples of this region are in a comparable range with the world and Indian average values and lies well below the recommended guideline level.

Markers of allergy and immunoregulation in children under conditions of aerogenic exposure to aluminum

Introduction. The study of sensitization under conditions of aerogenic exposure to aluminum is relevant for preventing the formation of the risk of disorders of the immunological health in the child population. Materials and methods. Preschool three hundred fifty three children living in Eastern Siberia were examined. Observation group included 199 children living in the zone exposed to emissions from non-ferrous metallurgy enterprises, comparison group – 154 children living in a “conditionally clean” area. In the observation area, the average daily dose of aerogenic exposure to aluminum was 0.292 ∙ 10–3 mg/(kg ∙ day), in the comparison area – 0.0376 ∙ 10–3mg/(kg ∙ day). The work used sanitary-hygienic, chemical-analytical, enzyme-linked immunosorbent and allergosorbent research methods. Results. In children living under conditions of aluminum exposure, a twofold excess of aluminum content was identified in biological environments relative to the comparison group (p = 0.001), hyperproduction of IgG to aluminum, CD19+ and CD3+CD8+ lymphocytes (1.6 times), and NKT lymphocytes (2 times) and CD11a+ lymphocytes 1.4 times (p=0.001) was noted, which reflects an imbalance of immunoregulation and the formation of autoallergy. A significant relationship was established between hyperproduction of total IgE and IgG to aluminum (OR=2.29–5.98; 95% CI 1.76–9.52), (RR=1.93–2.66; 95% CI: 1.41–3.54) Limitations of the study. Limited sample size. Conclusion. As markers of allergy and imbalance of immunoregulation in children under conditions of aerogenic exposure to aluminum and with its increased content in biological media, it is necessary to recommend IgG to aluminum as a marker of sensitivity, as well as CD11a+, reflecting the likelihood of developing a risk of developing immunological disadaptation and autosensitization (OR = 2.29–5.98), (RR=1.93–2.66).

Dietary exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons-contaminated Talinum Triangulare grown along polluted river.

The research aims to evaluate the source, dispersion, and human health risk assessment of PAH-contaminated Talinum Triangulare grown along the polluted Ikpoba River. The freeze-dried vegetables were sonicated with dichloromethane for an hour and then concentrated using a rotary evaporator. The extract was purified using a glass column with anhydrous Na2SO4 and silica gel and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The distribution of the contaminants showed that Pyrene < Benzo(a)anthracene ≤ Fluorene < Phenathrene ≤ Naphthalene ≤ Acenaphthene < Anthracene ≤ Acenaphthylene, while Pyrene < Benzo(a)anthracene < Fluorene < Phenathrene < Acenaphthalene ≤ Naphthalene < Anthracene < Acenaphthylene in wet and dry periods, respectively. The average ∑8 PAHs was 0.85mg/kg and 0.75mg/kg in wet and dry periods, respectively, and showed a decrease of 17.64% from wet to dry periods. The daily average dose revealed that the infant male and the adult female consumed the least and highest doses of T. Triangulare (TT), respectively. Furthermore, the hazard quotient and hazard index were < 1 for all the target groups, with adult females having higher values in both seasons. However, the incremental life cancer risk of the target group was between potential and high-potential cancer risk, with adolescent males and adult females more prone to low and high cancer risk, respectively. The isomer ratio and multivariate statistics revealed the sources of the PAH-contaminated TT to be more from pyrolysis.

Radiation exposure and screening yield by digital breast tomosynthesis compared to mammography: results of the TOSYMA Trialbreast density related.

The randomized TOmosynthesis plus SYnthesized MAmmography (TOSYMA) screening trial has shown that digital breast tomosynthesis plus synthesized mammography (DBT + SM) is superior to digital mammography (DM) in invasive breast cancer detection varying with breast density. On the other hand, the overall average glandular dose (AGD) of DBT is higher than that of DM. Comparing the DBT + SM and DM trial arm, we analyzed here the mean AGD and their determinants per breast density category and related them to the respective invasive cancer detection rates (iCDR). TOSYMA screened 99,689 women aged 50 to 69 years. Compression force, resulting breast thickness, the calculated AGD obtained from each mammography device, and previously published iCDR were used for comparisons across breast density categories in the two trial arms. There were 196,622 exposures of 49,227 women (DBT + SM) and 197,037 exposures of 49,132 women (DM) available for analyses. Mean breast thicknesses declined from breast density category A (fatty) to D (extremely dense) in both trial arms. However, while the mean AGD in the DBT + SM arm declined concomitantly from category A (2.41 mGy) to D (1.89 mGy), it remained almost unchanged in the DM arm (1.46 and 1.51 mGy, respectively). In relative terms, the AGD elevation in the DBT + SM arm (64.4% (A), by 44.5% (B), 27.8% (C), and 26.0% (D)) was lowest in dense breasts where, however, the highest iCDR were observed. Women with dense breasts may specifically benefit from DBT + SM screening as high cancer detection is achieved with only moderate AGD elevations. TOSYMA suggests a favorable constellation for screening with digital breast tomosynthesis plus synthesized mammography (DBT + SM) in dense breasts when weighing average glandular dose elevation against raised invasive breast cancer detection rates. There is potential for density-, i.e., risk-adapted population-wide breast cancer screening with DBT + SM. Breast thickness declines with visually increasing density in digital mammography (DM) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). Average glandular doses of DBT decrease with increasing density; digital mammography shows lower andmore constant values. With the smallest average glandular dose differencein dense breasts, DBT plus SM had thehighest difference in invasive breast cancer detection rates.

Novel elastomeric spiropyran-doped poly(dimethylsiloxane) optical waveguide for UV sensing

Novel poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) doped with two different spiropyran derivatives (SP) were investigated as potential candidates for the preparation of elastomeric waveguides with UV-dependent optical properties. First, free-standing films were prepared and evaluated with respect to their photochromic response to UV irradiation. Kinetics, reversibility as well as photofatigue and refractive index of the SP-doped PDMS samples were assessed. Second, SP-doped PDMS waveguides were fabricated and tested as UV sensors by monitoring changes in the transmitted optical power of a visible laser (633 nm). UV sensing was successfully demonstrated by doping PDMS using one spiropyran derivative whose propagation loss was measured as 1.04 dB/cm at 633 nm, and sensitivity estimated at 115% change in transmitted optical power per unit change in UV dose. The decay and recovery time constants were measured at 42 and 107 s, respectively, with an average UV saturation dose of 0.4 J/cm2. The prepared waveguides exhibited a reversible and consistent response even under bending. The sensor parameters can be tailored by varying the waveguide length up to 21 cm, and are affected by white light and temperatures up to 70 ℃. This work is relevant to elastomeric optics, smart optical materials, and polymer optical waveguide sensors.Graphical

A comparison of ultrasound volume navigation, O-arm navigation, and X-ray guidance for screw placement in minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: a randomized controlled trial.

To compare the differences between Ultrasound Volume Navigation (UVN), O-arm Navigation, and conventional X-ray fluoroscopy-guided screw placement in Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (MIS-TLIF) surgeries. A total of 90 patients who underwent MIS-TLIF due to lumbar disc herniation from January 2022 to January 2023 were randomly assigned to the UVN group, O-arm group, and X-ray group. UVN, O-arm navigation, and X-ray guidance were used for screw placement in the respective groups, while the remaining surgical procedures followed routine MIS-TLIF protocols. Intraoperative data including average single screw placement time, total radiation dose, and average effective radiation dose per screw were recorded and calculated. On the 10th day after surgery, postoperative X-ray and CT examinations were conducted to assess screw placement accuracy and facet joint violation. There were no significant differences in general characteristics among the three groups, ensuring comparability. Firstly, the average single screw placement time in the O-arm group was significantly shorter than that in the UVN group and X-ray group (P<0.05). Secondly, in terms of total radiation dose during surgery, for single-level MIS-TLIF, the O-arm group had a significantly higher radiation dose compared to the UVN group and X-ray group (P<0.05). However, for multi-level MIS-TLIF, the X-ray group had a significantly higher radiation dose than the O-arm group and UVN group (P<0.05). In terms of average single screw radiation dose, the O-arm group and X-ray group were similar (P>0.05), while the UVN group was significantly lower than the other two groups (P<0.05). Furthermore, no significant differences were found in screw placement assessment grades among the three groups (P>0.05). However, in terms of facet joint violation rate, the UVN group (10.3%) and O-arm group (10.7%) showed no significant difference (P>0.05), while the X-ray group (26.7%) was significantly higher than both groups (P<0.05). Moreover, in the UVN group, there were significant correlations between average single screw placement time and placement grade with BMI index (r = 0.637, P<0.05; r = 0.504, P<0.05), while no similar significant correlations were found in the O-arm and X-ray groups. UVN-guided screw placement in MIS-TLIF surgeries demonstrates comparable efficiency, visualization, and accuracy to O-arm navigation, while significantly reducing radiation exposure compared to both O-arm navigation and X-ray guidance. However, UVN may be influenced by factors like obesity, limiting its application.

Adult intravenous sedation in general dental practice: indication, effectiveness and patient experiences.

Background Conscious sedation is an option in primary dental care for anxious patients or those undergoing extensive procedures. The objective of this retrospective service evaluation was to study the range of treatments delivered during sedation with intravenous midazolam, together with patient-reported experience measures.Methods Data from 100 consecutive patients treated under sedation at a single private dental practice were evaluated retrospectively. All patients were asked questions about their experience of sedation during a post-operative follow-up phone call.Results Over half of patients were treated under sedation due to anxiety. The mean dose of midazolam was 7.8 mg and the average treatment time was 1 hour 25 minutes. Of note, the average dose for the most extensive procedure - implant immediate full arch loading - was 11.7 mg; however, this equated to an average dose of 4.5 mg per hour. One patient needed supplemental oxygen; flumazenil was never required. Additionally, 91% of patients felt they had enough sedation, and 50% could remember the events of treatment.Conclusion With the British National Formulary recommending a maximum dose of 7.5 mg midazolam, this study demonstrates that this dose can be safely exceeded in dental treatment; therefore, a dose that accounts for the length of the procedure is a more valid approach. Moreover, patients undergoing a variety of dental treatments were satisfied with the amount of intravenous sedation received and age is not an absolute limit for sedating older people.

Analysis of dose distribution around a computed tomography scanner in terms of exposure to scattered ionizing radiation of caregivers of pediatric patients.

During computed tomography (CT), a large amount of ionizing radiation is emitted to ensure high quality of the obtained radiological image. This study measured the dose distribution around the CT scanner and the exposure of people staying near the CT scanner during the examination. The measurements used an anthropomorphic phantom to assess human exposure to ionizing radiation. The probability of inducing leukemia and other cancers as a result of absorbing doses recorded around the CT device was also calculated. The highest exposure to scattered radiation in the proximity of the CT scanner is recorded at the gantry of the tomograph, i.e., 55.7 μGy, and the lowest, below lower detection limit of 6 μGy at the end of the diagnostic table. The whole-body detector placed on the anthropomorphic phantom located at the diagnostic table right next to the CT gantry recorded 59.5 μSv and at the end of the table 1.5 μSv. The average doses to the lenses in these locations were: 32.1 μSv and 2.9 μSv, respectively. The probability of induction of leukemia or other types of cancer is low, but the need for people to stay in the examination room during a CT examination should be limited to the necessary minimum. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(3):326-34.

Conservative assessment of external radiation dose for staff in the event of radionuclide flaw detection

The article proposes a new approach to assessing the effective doses of flaw detectorists performing flaw detection using portable radionuclide flaw detectors (gamma flaw detectors). The existing approach to assessing effective doses, based on the use of one individual dosimeter placed on work clothes in the chest area, is inadequate for the actual working conditions of exposure of flaw detectorists. Gamma flaw detectors contain a closed man-made source of ionizing radiation in their head, therefore, even in the non-working position, such flaw detectors pose a radiation hazard. When transporting and preparing gamma flaw detectors for work, the flaw detector operator is in close proximity to the radiation source. The irradiation geometry changing during the technological cycle when working with portable gamma flaw detectors at certain stages creates a sharply uneven irradiation of the flaw detectorist’s body. Therefore, after assessing the stages of the technological cycle, an option was proposed for a more conservative assessment of effective doses – to change the location of the individual dosimeter on the working clothes of the flaw detectorist, moving the individual dosimeter to the abdominal area. An anonymous study was carried out with the participation of 15 flaw detectorists; three individual dosimeters were displayed on their working clothes: two of them were experimental and were placed in the chest and abdomen; the third (a control dosimeter) was exposed for the quarter on the chest as part of constant individual dosimetric monitoring. In controlled anonymous measurements, the average effective dose, estimated from the readings of dosimeters exposed in the chest area, was equal to 0,95 mSv (median – 0,92 mSv, maximum value – 1,27 mSv). These values were compared with values obtained using dosimeters that were exposed to the abdomen, and the differences were significant (the average effective dose was 1,24 mSv (median – 1,22 mSv, maximum value – 1,78 mSv).

Analysis of data on levels of public exposure to natural sources of radiation in the Ivanovo region

The paper presents the results of analysis of the Ivanovo Regional databank of radiation doses to the pub-lic from exposure to natural and technologically enhanced radiation background for 2008–2022. Despite the fact that the average individual annual effective dose of public exposure due to natural sources of radiation in the Ivanovo region calculated for the whole 15-year period (4.63 mSv/year) does not qualify as increased (i.e. does not exceed the level of 5 mSv/year), in some years of the period under review the average dose repeatedly exceeded this level, reaching 7.50 mSv/year. The analysis of the structure of the doses of public exposure due to natural sources of radiation in the Ivanovo region showed that the contribution of the dose from internal exposure to radon, thoron and progenies according to measurement results from 2008–2022 ranged from 65.98 to 81.47%. The paper provides examples of buildings of different types in settlements of the Ivanovo region, in which the indoor radon isotopes equilibrium equivalent concentrations are more than 1.5 times higher than the established action level for existing dwellings and public buildings (200 Bq/m3). Despite the significant amount of measurement data in the Regional databank, it is necessary to obtain additional information on the indoor radon levels in existing wooden and other low-rise dwellings and public buildings in the most radon-prone areas of the region. For this purpose, a radon survey is planned for 2024-2026 in the cities of Ivanovo and Kohma, Privolzhsky, Gavrilovo-Posadsky, Teykovsky and Zavolzhsky districts of the Ivanovo region within the framework of a joint project of Saint-Petersburg Research Institute of Radiation Hygiene after Professor P.V. Ramzaev, the Directorate of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing in the Ivanovo region, and the Center of Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Ivanovo region.

Real-time analgesic efficacy and factors determining drug requirements of combined spinal-epidural analgesia for labor: a prospective cohort study

PurposeCombined spinal-epidural analgesia (CSEA) is effective but not sufficient for labor pain. This study was conducted to assess the real-time analgesic efficacy, side effects of anesthetic drug dosage, and maternal satisfaction in labor to provide reference for the optimization of labor analgesia.MethodsThis was a prospective, cohort, single-center study that included 3020 women who received CSEA for labor analgesia. The visual analogue scale (VAS) for labor pain, real-time anesthetic drug dosage, side effects, adverse labor outcomes, factors influencing average drug dosage, and maternal satisfaction with CSEA were assessed.ResultsOverall, the VAS labor pain score was lowest at the first hour after the anesthesia was given. After 4 h for primiparas and 3 h for multiparas, the VAS score was greater than 3 but the anesthetic drug dosage did not reach the maximum allowed dosage at the same time. The average anesthetic drug dosage was positively correlated with fever, urinary retention, uterine atony, prolonged active phase, prolonged second stage, assisted vaginal delivery, and postpartum hemorrhage. The average anesthetic drug dosage was the highest in women ≤ 20 years old, those with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 24.9 kg/m2, and those with a primary or secondary education level.ConclusionAppropriate age guidance and emphasis on education of labor analgesia, weight management during pregnancy, and real-time anesthetic dosage adjustment during labor based on VAS pain score may have positive effects on the satisfaction of labor analgesia.Clinical trial number and registryClinicaltrials.gov (ChiCTR2100051809).

Radiometric and petrographic characterization of El-Yatima granite: Evaluating radiological risks and mineralogical features

The current investigation aims to assess the potential of El-Yatima granitic pluton as a decorative stone by examining its natural radioactivity and mineralogical elements. Specifically, the study aims to determine the concentrations of radionuclides 40K, 232Th, and 226Ra, perform petrographic analyses, and evaluate the associated radiological risks to determine the safety and usability of the granite in construction and decoration, as well as to assess the potential of these granitic rocks as a safe and effective decorative stone for various applications. It has a 12 km2 surface area of 812 m above sea level. It is situated in the Eastern Central Desert. Its hypidiomorphic texture, medium-to-coarse grain size, and predominant composition of K-feldspars, quartz, and plagioclase are observed, along with minute amounts of muscovite and biotite. By employing NaI (Tl) gamma-ray spectroscopy, the natural radionuclide concentrations of 40K, 232Th, and 226Ra in El-Yatima granitic rocks were ascertained. Additionally, radiological concerns were identified for the materials that were examined. The average concentrations of radionuclides 40K, 232Th, and 226Ra are 178 Bqkg−1, 44 Bqkg−1, and 41 Bqkg−1, respectively. The following are the computed values: 117 Bqkg−1, 0.43, 0.32, 53 nGyh−1, average radium equivalent (Raeq), hazard indices (Hin and Hex) and dose rate (D), respectively. When compared to levels typically indicated, it was discovered that its values were within the worldwide standard. The study's findings could be a starting point for radiometric data for upcoming surveillance and epidemiological research.

Effects of baroreflex activation therapy on cardiac function and morphology.

Arterial hypertension (aHTN) plays a fundamental role in the pathogenesis and prognosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The risk of heart failure increases with therapy-resistant arterial hypertension (trHTN), defined as inadequate blood pressure (BP) control ≥140/90mmHg despite taking ≥3 antihypertensive medications including a diuretic. This study investigates the effects of the BP lowering baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) on cardiac function and morphology in patients with trHTN with and without HFpEF. Sixty-four consecutive patients who had been diagnosed with trHTN and received BAT implantation between 2012 and 2016 were prospectively observed. Office BP, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic data were collected before and after BAT implantation. Mean patients' age was 59.1years, 46.9% were male, and mean body mass index (BMI) was 33.2kg/m2. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 38.8%, atrial fibrillation was 12.2%, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage ≥3 was 40.8%. Twenty-eight patients had trHTN with HFpEF, and 21 patients had trHTN without HFpEF. Patients with HFpEF were significantly older (64.7 vs. 51.6years, P<0.0001), had a lower BMI (30.0 vs. 37.2kg/m2, P<0.0001), and suffered more often from CKD-stage ≥3 (64 vs. 20%, P=0.0032). After BAT implantation, mean office BP dropped in patients with and without HFpEF (from 169±5/86±4 to 143±4/77±3mmHg [P=0.0019 for systolic BP and 0.0403 for diastolic BP] and from 170±5/95±4 to 149±6/88±5mmHg [P=0.0019 for systolic BP and 0.0763 for diastolic BP]), while a significant reduction of the intake of calcium-antagonists, α2-agonists and direct vasodilators, as well as a decrease in average dosage of ACE-inhibitors and α2-agonists could be seen. Within the study population, a decrease in heart rate from 74 ± 2 to 67 ± 2 min-1 (P=0.0062) and lengthening of QRS-time from 96±3 to 106±4ms (P=0.0027) and QTc-duration from 422±5 to 432±5ms (P=0.0184) were detectable. The PQ duration was virtually unchanged. In patients without HF, no significant changes of echocardiographic parameters could be seen. In patients with HFpEF, posterior wall diameter decreased significantly from 14.0±0.5 to 12.7±0.3mm (P=0.0125), left ventricular mass (LVM) declined from 278.1±15.8 to 243.9±13.4g (P=0.0203), and e' lateral increased from 8.2±0.4 to 9.0±0.4cm/s (P=0.0471). BAT reduced systolic and diastolic BP and was associated with morphological and functional improvement of HFpEF.

Optimized high-dose granulocyte transfusions for the treatment of infections in neutropenic patients: A single-center retrospective analysis.

Granulocyte transfusions for patients with prolonged neutropenia and severe infections has been a controversial practice. Previous studies suggest a benefit of high-dose granulocyte transfusions (≥0.6 × 109/kg), although, until recently, the consistent production of high-dose units has been challenging. Here, we present our experience and results utilizing high-dose granulocyte transfusions at a large, tertiary academic medical center for the treatment of infections in adult, neutropenic patients. A retrospective chart review (2018-2021) was conducted for all patients who received high-dose granulocyte transfusions from donors stimulated with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and dexamethasone. Gathered parameters included patient demographics, clinical history, infection status, dose, clinical outcomes, pre- and post-absolute neutrophil count (ANC), and transfusion times including time between granulocyte collection, administration, and posttransfusion ANC count. Gathered parameters were summarized using descriptive statistics, outcomes were assessed utilizing Kaplan-Meier curves/log-rank/regression testing. Totally 28 adult, neutropenic patients refractory to antimicrobial agents and/or G-CSF received a total of 173 granulocyte concentrates. Median ANC increased from 0.7 × 109/L pre-transfusion to 1.6 × 109/L posttransfusion. The mean granulocyte yield was 77.4 × 109 resulting in an average dose per kilogram of 0.90 × 109 ± 0.30 × 109 granulocytes. Composite day 42 survival and microbial response was 42.9% (n = 12/28) without significant adverse reactions. Here, we demonstrate the successful and safe implementation of high-dose granulocyte transfusions for neutropenic patients. Given the rapid and consistent production, distribution, and improved granulocyte quality, further investigations to determine the clinical efficacy of G-CSF primed granulocyte transfusions is now possible.

Comparison of different concentrations of ropivacaine in epidural anesthesia for percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThis study investigated the optimal concentration of ropivacaine epidural anesthesia for clinical use in percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) by comparing the effects of different concentrations.MethodsSeventy patients scheduled for their first PTED procedure were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomized to receive ropivacaine at varying concentrations (0.3% or 0.4%). Primary outcome measures included the numeric rating scale (NRS) and hip extension level (HEL). Secondary outcome measures included intraoperative fentanyl dosage and postoperative complications.ResultsOne patient withdrew due to severe postoperative complications. The remaining 69 patients were allocated to the 0.3% (n = 34) and 0.4% (n = 35) groups, respectively. Baseline characteristics showed no significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). The NRS score was significantly lower in the 0.4% group than in the 0.3% group (P < 0.01), whereas the HEL score was significantly higher (P < 0.001). The average fentanyl dose in the 0.4% group was significantly lower than that in the 0.3% group (P < 0.01). Postoperative complications occurred in five and two patients in the 0.3% and 0.4% groups, respectively.ConclusionAlthough 0.4% ropivacaine (20 mL) impacts muscle strength, it does not impede PTED surgery. Given its effective analgesic properties and few postoperative complications, 0.4% ropivacaine can be considered a preferred dose for PTED.Trial registrationThis study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (Registration number: ChiCTR2200060364; Registration Date: 29/5/2022) and on chictr.org.cn (https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=171002).

Conversion from the frequency of chromosome translocations in T-lymphocytes to the bone marrow dose in the long-term period after internal 89,90 Sr exposure

Cytogenetic Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization studies, that allow assessing the frequency of stable chromosome aberrations in circulating T lymphocytes, are commonly used in retrospective dosimetry in cases of uniform whole-body exposure. In the event of 89,90Sr exposure, interpretation of cytogenetic data is challenging, especially if blood sampling occurs long after the start of exposure. The weighted average dose to T-lymphocytes at the time of donor blood sampling in the long-term period after exposure to 89,90Sr does not coincide with the red bone marrow dose. Previously, we developed a model that allows us to estimate the weighted average doses to T-lymphocytes upon 89,90Sr ingress into the body of people belonging to various age groups. In this study, the modeling results were used to estimate the conversion factors from the frequency of translocations to the red bone marrow dose, which is important for assessing radiobiological effects associated with hematological diseases. The objective of our study is to estimate numerically the conversion factors (Brbm) from the dose to lymphocytes to the dose to red bone marrow for various scenarios of 89,90Sr ingestion depending on age, sex, and time after the start of exposure. The following scenarios are considered: single, uniform chronic for six months, uniform chronic for 1-5 years, non-uniform intake for 5 years (simulates the dynamics of intake in the Techa riverside settlements in 1950-1954). As a result, it has been found that the Brbm values significantly depend on the age at the time of 89,90Sr intake. The older the person is at the start of exposure, the more the cytogenetic dose differs (it is significantly lower) from the dose to the red bone marrow. We can say that the cytogenetic dose corresponds to the red bone marrow dose only in newborns and infants. This is due to the age-related dynamics of T-cell populations. Sex does not have a significant effect on Brbm. The effect of the 89,90Sr intake duration on Brbm is the most pronounced for 15-year-old adolescents. For them, the difference in Brbm values for a single and chronic 5-year ingress reaches 13%. Non-uniform intake of 90Sr over several years does not have a significant effect on Brbm and can be modelled by a uniform intake of the same duration.