Radiological Indices Research Articles

Survey of Natural Radioactivity of Soil and Rock Samples and their Radiological Implications to Human Health in Ugwuele Quarry Mining Site, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria

This work measured the activity concentration of natural radionuclides 238U, 232Th and 40K in soil and rock samples collected in Ugwuele mining site and it surrounding communities in Uturu, Abia state, Nigeria. Fifteen different samples collected were analyzed. A NaI (Tl) spectrometry detector system was adopted for this research. The results obtained were used to estimate the radiological implication of the quarry mining in the study area. The average gamma activity obtained for 238U, 232Th and 40K in soil were 53.39 ± 3.08, 76.79 ± 9.66 and 1061.02 ± 15.72 Bq/kg respectively and 55.09 ± 5.71, 90.96 ± 16.10 and 1281.78 ± 6.38 Bq/kg respectively for rock samples. The calculated radiological hazard indices from Absorbed dose rate, Annual effective dose, Radium equivalent, internal hazard index and External hazard index gave 120.25 nGy/h, 0.147 msv/yr, 247.5 Bq/kg, 0.833 and 0.687 respectively. The average dose rate was higher than the recommended limit. Therefore, soil and rock materials found in Ugwuele could increase the radiological hazards on miners and residents of the area due to long time cumulative exposure.

Activity concentration, transfer factor and radiological health risk assessment of natural radionuclides in soil and maize in oil producing areas in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria

The activity concentration (AC) of 238U, 232Th, 40K of soil and maize in oil producing areas has been studied. Also studied are the transfer factor (TF) from soil to maize and the radiological health risk associated with consumption of maize. The equipment used was the Sodium Iodide-Thallium (NaI(TI)) detector. The mean activity concentration (AC) (Bqkg-1) of 238U, 232Th, 40K in soil are 12.77±0.25, 41.36±0.70 and 458.61±8.04 while that of maize are 14.36±0.27, 19.23±0.46 and 425.25±7.87 respectively. Transfer factor (TF) from soil to maize of 238U, 232Th and 40K are 1.14, 0.50 and 0.94 correspondingly. Other useful results obtained in this research include the Radium Equivalent (Raeq), Absorbed Dose Rate (ADR), Annual Effective Dose (AED) and Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) as 74.59 Bq/kg, 37.14 nGy/h, 0.05 mSv/y and 0.16 respectively. The average values of soil activity concentration from the oil producing areas are within world permissible limits given by UNSCEAR (2000) as 420 Bqkg-1 for 40K, 33 Bqkg-1 for 238U and 45 Bqkg-1 for 232Th. However, 238U and 232Th from maize activity concentration are far higher than world permissible limits of 0.02 Bqkg-1 and 0.003 Bqkg-1 respectively. The mean value of the radiological hazard indices was below the WMPV given as 370 Bq/kg for Raeq, 59 nGy/h for ADR, 1 mSv/y for AED and 0.29×10-3 for ELCR. This clearly shows that radiation doses exposed to Akwa Ibomites through the consumption of maize cultivated in this area poses very little to no effect to their health as only about 16 out of every 100,000 persons may likely have cancer fatality in their time.

Novel radiologic indices for stem type decision in total hip arthroplasty in patients with metaphyseo-diaphyseal mismatched Dorr A proximal femur

BackgroundIn metaphyseo-diaphyseal (M-D) mismatched Dorr A femurs, it is difficult to achieve proper fixation with a type 1 stem. Proper interpretation of the geometry of the femur is integral at the preoperative stage in an M-D mismatched femur, but there has been a scarcity of studies on the radiologic indices. Therefore, we analyze the previous radiologic indices and suggest the novel ones for M-D mismatched femurs.MethodsOur study was a retrospective review of preoperative radiographs of patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty with the smallest type 1 stem or with type 3 C stem at a single institution from July 2014 to March 2022. A Type 3 C stem was used when the smallest type 1 stem failed to achieve metaphyseal fixation. One hundred twenty-six patients were categorized into two main groups. Canal-flare index, canal-calcar ratio, modified morphological cortical index, and two novel indices (lesser trochanter-to-distal ratio-α and -β [LDR-α and -β]) were assessed on preoperative pelvic radiographs.ResultsMultivariate and ROC analysis demonstrated that high LDR-β (Exp[B]: 485.51, CI: 36.67-6427.97, p < 0.001) was associated with a more mismatched tendency group and had clinically acceptable discriminatory power (AUC: 0.765, CI: 0.675–0.855, p < 0.001) between the two cohorts.ConclusionCorrect assessment of preoperative femoral morphology would be fundamental in the selection of a suitable stem. The ratio based on 3 cm below the lesser trochanter of the femur seemed crucial. We recommend evaluating the newly described radiological index preoperatively in M-D mismatched Dorr A femur for planning precisely and selecting a proper stem.

Radionuclide Analysis of Some Locally Consumed Herbal Plants Commonly Used in Katsina State, Nigeria

The need to investigate the presence of radionuclides in herbs is paramount as they have direct link to the soil which is the main source of terrestrial radionuclides and heavy metals. Ten (10) medicinal plants commonly sold and consumed in Katsina Urban, were studied using thallium activated sodium iodide detector gamma spectrometric set up to measure the natural radionuclides present in the samples. Potassium-40 (40K), Uranium-238 (238U), and Thorium-232 (232Th) were measured in all the samples. The activity concentration of K-40 ranged between 64.57 - 777.06 Bq/kg, U-238 ranged between 175.88 Bq/kg - 369.10 Bq/kg, while Th-232 ranged between 0.20 - 9.52 Bq/kg. The absorbed dose ranged between 108.02 nGy/h – 198.88 nGy/h while the annual effective dose due to the radionuclide’s intake ranged between 0.13 μSv/y – 0.24 μSv/y. The annual effective dose for K-40, U-238 and Th-232 was found to be lower than the limit set by United Nation Scientific Committee on Energy and Atomic Research of 0.48 mSv/y. The radiological hazard indices calculated ranged between 1.09 - 2.14 and 0.62- 1.5 for the internal and external hazard indices respectively. The results of our findings indicates that there is serious radiological risk in consuming these plants for medicinal purposes.

Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) concentration and health risk assessment of aerosols dust in Nicosia, North Cyprus

This study was carried out to evaluate the distribution of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) and radiological risk indexes in aerosol dust in Nicosia, Cyprus utilizing a high-resolution HPGe gamma-spectrometry. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in the selected aerosol dust samples ranged from 25.9–52.4, 21.7–46.3, to 471–1302 Bq kg−1, respectively. The average activity concentrations of 40K were found to be above the Earth's crust average. The internal and external hazard indexes are well below the acceptable limit in most dust samples. All investigated samples met the exemption dose limit of 0.3 mSv y−1.

Radiological Safety Assessment of Tailings Extracted from Kaolin Mining Sites in Katsina State

This research was carried out to sufficiently justify the recent increased awareness and concern for the potential hazards associated NORMs in the environment of the research around Kankara and Dutsin-ma Kaolin mining sites Katsina State; Nine (09) Kaolin samples were collected randomly from the mining sites for the study. The radioactivity analysis was done experimentally using NaI(TI) gamma spectrometer at Center for energy research and training, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. The health hazards were evaluated using numerous radiological, Statistical and USEPA models. The overall hazard index (HI) was found to be 1.496609 for children found in third sampling point of Yar-goje are; it is the only possibility of a children to be affected while 0.799486 for adults, this value was below the USEPA threshold limit for non-carcinogenic risks of 1.0 indicating that the exposed population ages are unlikely to experience any adverse non-carcinogenic risks. The radiological parameters obtained are 226Ra (238U), 232Th and 40K of a NORMs with activity concentration of is 100.889, 0.129 and 224.040 (Bqkg-1) in the soil samples, at the studied area. Absorbed frequency in air measured in nGy/h by one-meter directly above the crushed, was considered, since the forbidding radioactivity concentrations is obtained as 77.575 while the total annual effective dose (AED) in mSv/y had average value of 0.099 in soil. The values obtained for external and internal radiological hazard indices Hext and Hint are 0.471 and 0.741 in soil; which were lower than the UNSCEAR suggested boundary limit of unity. Lastly, the overall excess lifetime cancer menace owed to NORMs, stood as 5.63E-06 and 4.15E-06 for whole populations indicating that (a maximum of 6 people/1 million may be affected) for adults while (a maximum of 4 people /1 million may be affected) for children. These values were within the USEPA threshold of 1E-04.

Radiological landscape of natural resources and mining: Unveiling the environmental impact of naturally occurring radioactive materials in Ghana's mining areas

This study provides a general observation of the status of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) distribution in mining and industrial areas of Ghana in order to establish regional and national data on NORMs. The study includes data on radioactivity concentrations of U-238, Th-232, and K-40 in soils and for water concentrations of Ra-226, Th-228, and K-40 from various mining, oil, and gas communities, as well as water sources used for crop farming and farmlands. The average activity concentrations of U-238, Th-232, and K-40 in the soil samples were found to be 59 ± 16 Bq/kg, 48 ± 15 Bq/kg, and 286 ± 57 Bq/kg, respectively. The average concentration of Ra-226, Th-228, and K-40 in the water samples were found to be 1.62 ± 0.33 Bq/L, 2.08 ± 0.53 Bq/L, and 22.36 ± 3.44 Bq/L, respectively. The estimated average annual effective doses from external and internal exposure pathways in soil and water samples were 0.09 mSv/y and 0.54 mSv/y, respectively. The total annual effective dose resulting from both exposure pathways was calculated to be 0.63 mSv/y, which is below the 1 mSv/y dose limit recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) for controlling public radiation exposure. Based on the radiological hazard indices, the majority of the soil samples were found to be suitable as building materials as their respective indices were below the limits except for two sample locations and the sludge and scale samples. The average Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) value of the water samples was 1.6 times greater than the recommended value of 1.16 × 10−3, presenting a relatively higher risk to the public of developing cancer. No significant regional differences in the levels of radioactive elements. The regression models demonstrate strong interrelationships between the studied elements, with high R-squared values suggesting a predictable nature of one element’s concentration based on others.

Percutaneous monoplanar screws versus hybrid fixed axial and polyaxial screws in intermediate screw fixation for traumatic thoracolumbar burst fractures: a case-control study.

To compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of monoplanar screws (MSs) versus hybrid fixed axial and polyaxial screws (HSs) in percutaneous short-segment intermediate screw fixation (PSISF) for traumatic thoracolumbar burst fractures (TTBFs) in patients without neurologic impairment. A consecutive series of 100 patients with single-segment TTBFs and no neurologic impairment who underwent PSISF with 6 monoplanar screws (MS group) or correct were retrospectively enrolled. The demographic data, radiologic evaluation indicators, perioperative indicators and clinical assessment indicators were analysed between the MS group and HS group. The demographic data and perioperative indicators were not significantly different in the two groups (P > 0.05). The postoperative anterior vertebral height ratio (AVHR), kyphosis Cobb angle (KCA), vertebral wedge angle (VWA) and spinal canal encroachment rate (SCER) were significantly improved in both groups (*P < 0.05). The MS group obtained better correction than the HS group in terms of improvement in the AVHR, KCA and VWA after surgery (*P < 0.05). At the last follow-up, the MS group had less correction loss of AVHR, KCA and VWA (*P < 0.05). The MS group presented greater improvement in the SCER at the last follow-up (*P < 0.05). The visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score of all patients were significantly better postoperatively than those preoperatively (*P < 0.05), and the scores collected at each follow-up visit did not differ significantly between the two groups (P > 0.05). In the MS group, no internal fixation failure was observed during the follow-up period, but, in the HS group, two cases of internal fixation failure were observed at the last follow-up (one case of rod loosening and one case of screw breakage). Both MSs and HSs fixation are effective treatments for TTBFs and have comparable clinical outcomes. In contrast, MSs fixation can improve the correction effect, better improve the SCER, and further reduce correction loss as well as reduce the incidence of instrumentation failure. Therefore, MSs fixation might be a better option for treating TTBFs in patients without neurological deficits.

Investigating radiation profiles and conducting risk assessment for ecological and environmental components on Vaan and Koswari islands in the Tuticorin group of islands, India.

Natural radioactive concentration assessment was conducted on sediment, water, and biota obtained on Vaan and Koswari islands in the Tuticorin group of islands, Tamil Nadu, India. For biotic and abiotic components, radiation profiles such as gross alpha, beta, primordial radionuclide, polonium, and lead analyses were performed. The gross α and β range from BDL to 15.18 ± 1.7Bq/kg and 40.43 ± 4.9Bq/kg to 105.12 ± 11.7Bq/kg, respectively. Primordial radionuclides were analyzed using Nal(TI)-based scintillator with PC-MCA, and the concentrations ranged from 13.43 ± 3.3Bq/kg to 30.97 ± 9.6Bq/kg with a mean of 21.31 ± 2.7Bq/kg for 238U; for 232Th, the values ranged from 11.09 ± 2.6Bq/kg to 33.55 ± 9.5Bq/kg with an average value of 23.89 ± 3.7Bq/kg; and for 40K, the values are 93.33 ± 27.3Bq/kg to 219.91 ± 39.6Bq/kg with an average value of 148.27 ± 21.7Bq/kg. The present study values are lesser than the world average values. 210Po and 210Pb concentrations with an average value were determined to be 33.13Bq/L and 16.56Bq/L, 47.55Bq/L and 22.37Bq/L in the water sample, and 50.437Bq kg1 and 62.012Bq kg1, 46.99Bq/kg and 58.625Bq/kg in sediments of Vaan island and Koswari island. The concentrations of 210Po and 210Pb of Pogonias cromis were 19.27 ± 1.5Bq/kg and 8.27 ± 1.01Bq/kg, Belonidae 28.54 ± 2.4Bq/kg and 18.32 ± 2.3Bq/kg, Lepisosteidae 18.68 ± 1.4Bq/kg and 11.17 ± 1.8Bq/kg. The committed effective dosage was determined to be 35.74-54.61 µSv/y for 210Po and 25.39-56.25 µSv/y for 210Pb, in which the 210Pb value is lower; however, the 210Po value is higher than the global average value. The annual committed effective dosage as well as the radiological hazard indices were assessed and found to be much below the global average and the recommended limit, respectively. This research provides an extensive analysis of natural background radiation and establishes a baseline report on the radiological profile of biotic and abiotic factors in the Tuticorin group of islands, namely Vaan and Koswari, in Tamil Nadu, India.

Assessment of gamma absorbed doses and radiological risk indexes from soil radioactivity around the phosphate area in south Tunisia.

Human beings are constantly exposed to the radiations coming from the environment. This work assesses the radiological hazards of natural radioactivity in soil samples taken at four locations around the phosphate area in south Tunisia. Concentrations of primordial radionuclides were measured by gamma spectrometer using an HPGe detector. The overall mean values of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th concentrations were 264, 27 and 13Bqkg-1, respectively. From the radioactivity measurements, radiation hazard indices specified by the United Nation Scientific Committee on the Effect of Atomic Radiation such as radium equivalent activity (Raeq), absorbed dose rates ($ {\dot{\text D}} $) and annual effective dose (AED) to the population for outdoor environment were determined. The mean values for the abovementioned parameters were 64Bqkg-1, 33 nGy h-1 and 40μSv y-1, respectively.

Fractionation of environmental radioactivity in road dust from a megacity: external and internal health risks.

Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs: 232Th, 226Ra, 40K) can reach our respiratory system by breathing of road dust which can cause severe health risks. Targeting the pioneering consideration of health risks from the NORMs in road dust, this work reveals the radioactivity abundances of NORMs in road dust from a megacity (Dhaka) of a developing country (Bangladesh). Bulk chemical compositions of U, Th, and K obtained from neutron activation analysis were converted to the equivalent radioactivities. Radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in road dust ranged from 60-106, 110-159, and 488-709Bqkg-1 with an average of 84.4 ± 13.1, 126 ± 11, and 549 ± 48Bqkg-1, respectively. Estimated 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K radioactivities were, respectively, 1.7-3.0-, 3.7-5.3-, and 1.2-1.8-folds greater than the affiliated world average values. Mechanistic pathway of NORMs' enrichment and fractionation relative to the major origin (pedosphere) were evaluated concerning the water logging, relative solubility-controlled leaching and translocation, climatic conditions, and aerodynamic fractionations (dry and wet atmospheric depositions). Computation of customary radiological risk indices invokes health risks. Noticing the ingress of NOMR-holding dust into the human respiratory system along with the associated ionizing radiations, the computed radiological indices represent only the least probable health hazards. Nevertheless, in real situations, α-particles from the radioactive decay products of 232Th and 238U can create acute radiation damages of respiratory system. Policymakers should emphasize on limiting the dust particle evolution, and public awareness is required to alleviate the health risks.

Адресная реабилитация сельских населённых пунктов юго-запада Брянской области в отдалённый период после аварии на Чернобыльской АЭС

This study investigates the most efficient methods for mitigating radiation exposure to residents of rural settlements in five south-west districts of Bryansk Oblast, Russia. A database has been created utilizing modern decision support systems (ReSCA and GISDSS). It contains characteristics of 71 rural settlements, agricultural ecosystems, and forests in the most radioactively contaminated territories of Bryansk Oblast. The authors conducted an assessment to determine the radiological and economic effectiveness of seven technologies aimed at reducing both internal and external exposure for residents who were exposed to a total dose exceeding 1 mSv/year. A list of the most effective measures for each settlement was determined, taking into consideration radiological indicators, cost, and social acceptability of technologies. The application of ferrocene to cattle and the surface improvement of pasture lands in the settlement area have been identified as the most effective measures. The efficiency of radical improvement of hayfields and pastures has significantly decreased since the early 2000s due to the high implementation costs. It has been observed that in ten areas, implementing all efficient remediation technologies will not guarantee a decrease in the overall radiation exposure for the public to a level below 1 mSv/year. Simultaneously, the reduction factor for the total radiation dose experienced by residents in the most vulnerable settlements will be increased by 1.7-2.2 times. The results obtained are crucial for prioritizing further remediation of settlements in south-west Bryansk Oblast and restoring hem to normal living conditions in relation to radiation exposure.

RANGE OF MOTION AFTER BONE BLOCK PROCEDURES FOR SHOULDER INSTABILITY: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.

to determine the surgical indications for glenoid bone grafting associated with better postoperative ranges of motion. This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA. The included studies were subdivided according to the criteria used to indicate glenoid bone graft surgery: group for radiological indications only (Group R), group for radiological indications associated with clinical indications (Group R + C), and group for arthroscopic indications (Group A). The extracted and evaluated data were the range of motion of the shoulder. in the electronic search conducted in October 2022, 1567 articles were selected. After applying the inclusion criteria, 14 articles were selected for the systematic review. Regarding the ranges of motion, group A had the highest number of statistically positive results together with group R. Group A showed positive results in elevation parameters, loss of lateral rotation in adduction, and medial rotation in abduction. Group R showed positive results in lateral rotation in adduction and loss of lateral rotation in adduction. On the other hand, Group R + C was the one that presented the highest number of statistically negative results, in the following parameters: elevation, lateral rotation in abduction, loss of lateral rotation in adduction, and medial rotation in abduction. the subgroups presented variable results in the evaluated parameters; however, the groups with arthroscopic and radiological indications showed the highest number of positive results, with the latter group showing the best results regarding lateral rotation. Level of Evidence II, Systematic Reviews.

Navigating Breakthroughs: A Thorough Investigation of Vaccine Failure Rates and Clinical Outcomes in COVID-19 Breakthrough Scenarios

Introduction: Coronavirus was discovered in Wuhan, China, as the cause of an epidemic of potentially fatal unusual pneumonia (COVID-19). Aim/Objectives: To investigate the causes and prognostic variables of breakthrough COVID-19 infections in persons who have received all recommended vaccinations for COVID-19. Methods: The trial includes a variety of individuals, including Beijing-Sinopharm, Oxford-AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech, and others, who have finished receiving their second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The cohort consists of 42 individuals, with a mean age of 44.3 years and a preponderance of males (78.6%). The assessment of risk factors, which included cardiovascular problems, underlying disorders, and aging, revealed a complex knowledge of susceptibility. Of the vaccinations listed, PfizerBioNTech was responsible for the greatest number of breakthrough cases. 90.5% of the PCR viral RNA genes tested positive in the laboratory, with a D-dimer range of 510–11000 ng/ml. Variable levels of lung involvement were highlighted by radiological results, which are essential for determining the severity of the disease. The effect of breakthrough infections was highlighted by classifying most breakthrough cases (57.2%) as severe/critical. Results: The breakthrough infections happened in various age groups, with the 60–69 age group having the highest concentration. Nonetheless, the research indicates an 85.7% survival rate, highlighting the possibility of favorable results even in extreme situations. The distinctive features of the breakthrough instances in Babylon, Iraq, are shown through a comparison analysis with research conducted internationally. Conclusion: The study emphasizes how crucial it is to keep an eye on radiological and clinical indicators to completely understand the dynamics of breakthrough infections. A thorough understanding of the factors driving vaccine failure is provided, enabling future vaccination tactics and public health initiatives. These factors include vaccine-specific, patient-related, and demographic variables.

Clinical, laboratory and radiological indicators for lung cancer

Clinical, laboratory and radiological indicators for lung cancer

Clinical and morphological diagnostics of bening single focal lung lesions without necrotic changes

In recent decades, the problem of accidental detection by radiography or chest computer tomography of solitary focal formations smaller than 3 cm has become relevant. Although the primary task is to find out its benign or malignant nature as soon as possible, the clarification of the etiology of benign formations with non-neoplastic genesis retains an important clinical significance, in particular in cases of their infectious nature. The purpose of the study was to analyze the diagnostic significance of clinical and radiological data and morphological features of benign single focal lung lesions without necrotic changes, taking into account the final clinical diagnosis. The study group consisted of 42 patients with single benign focal lung lesions without necrosis. Among them there were 29 (69.0%) women and 13 (31.0%) men. Average age of the patients was (50.5±2.2) years. The total number of focal formations was 52. According to the number of focal formations, one patient was diagnosed with 1 formation in 34 cases, 2 formations in 6, and 3 formations in 2 cases. The dimensions of each of the formations did not exceed 30 mm. The most common diagnostic measures were direct biopsy at FBS, 10 (23.8%) cases; and transbronchial biopsy of lung under radiological control, 16 (38.1%) cases respectively. Among the operative interventions, lobe resection of the lung with a focus was mainly performed, in 16 (84.2%) cases. According to the results of the histological examination and taking into account the clinical and laboratory data, the following diagnoses were obtained, which corresponded to the final clinical diagnosis of the patients. A lung abscess was established in 4 (9.5%) cases; a chronic inflammatory process of a non-specific nature was diagnosed in 14 (33.3%) cases. Predominantly post-inflammatory changes and local pneumofibrosis were determined in 15 (35.7%) cases. Vascular malformation and pulmonary sarcoidosis were diagnosed once. In another 7 (16.7%) cases, the final clinical diagnosis was based on clinical and laboratory data and patient supervision - in 2 observations, the final diagnosis of chronic non-specific pulmonary disease was made; and in 5 cases, the nature of single focal pulmonary formations was not established. The most numerous subgroups were cases with a chronic nonspecific inflammatory process and with limited post-inflammatory changes (in total, they amounted to 69.0%), so the clinical and radiological indicators of these subgroups were analyzed more detail. Overall clinical data did not differ significantly between both subgroups. Females predominated in the group with post-inflammatory changes. The number of focal lesions in both lungs was equal; the upper lobes were more often affected. The average size of foci was significantly larger in patients with a chronic inflammatory process and was 22.2 mm compared to 16.3 mm in the subgroup with post-inflammatory changes (p&lt;0.05). Single foci with minimal destructive changes were observed only in the subgroup with a chronic inflammatory process. As a result of the research, such findings were obtained. Among benign single non-necrotized focal pulmonary lesions chronic non-specific inflammatory process and post-inflammatory fibrotic changes, including focal pneumofibrosis, predominate in etiology. In our study, they accounted for 69% of all cases. According to the main radiological indicators (localization, size, shape, characteristics of the internal contents) it is impossible correct determination of the benign nature of non-necrotized focal lung lesions in the vast majority of cases. Histological examination of tissue of focal lesions not only determines benign or malignant nature of the formations, but also, in the case of their benign nature, allows clarify their etiology in most cases (83.3%). Keywords: benign non-necrotized focal lung lesions, X-ray indicators, histological diagnostics.

Estimation of Serum Parathyroid Hormone Related Protein in the Assessment of Pubertal Growth Spurt in Skeletal Class II Malocclusion Subjects.

Introduction: Accurate measurement of skeletal maturity is critical to the optimal treatment timing of skeletal jaw discrepancies. Skeletal maturity can be assessed by several radiologic biologic indicators such as orthopantomograph, middle phalanx of third finger (MP3), hand-wrist radiograph and cervical vertebral maturation indicators (CVMI), but since they are highly subjective techniques to identify peak mandibular growth, a quest for a reliable non-radiologic biologic marker was deemed necessary. Parathyroid Hormone related Protein (PTHrP) was chosen to assess the skeletal maturity as its evidence was scarce in literature. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 80 skeletal Class II malocclusion subjects, males (n= 38), females (n=42), aged 11–18 years. The cervical stage of each subject was assessed with a lateral cephalogram. Two mL blood was obtained by venipuncture. Serum PTHrP was quantitatively assessed by ELISA-Sandwich principle using Elabscience, ELISA kit. Results: Mean PTHrP serum levels in males witnessed an increase in CS3 &amp; in females in CS2 followed by CS5, exhibiting a pubertal trend in males and a pre-pubertal trend in females. Mean PTHrP serum levels in the four intervals of cervical staging showed an increase in CS2 through to CS4 in males and in CS2-CS3 in females, showing an increase of this biomarker in the pre and pubertal stages in both the sexes. Conclusions: PTHrP mean serum levels was found to be increased in early rather than in the later stages of puberty in both males and females leading to the speculation that PTHrP could serve as a potential biomarker to assess the pubertal growth spurt.

EFFECTIVENESS OF THERAPEUTIC AND PROPHYLACTIC MEASURES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF GENERALISED PERIODONTITIS OF THE INITIAL AND FIRST DEGREE IN PATIENTS WITH ATHEROSCLEROSIS ACCORDING TO PARACLINICAL STUDIES

Summary. In recent years, scientists have been paying great attention to the relationship between dental and general somatic health, where, in particular, they express the opinion that periodontitis may play a role as an independent risk factor for the development of vascular atherosclerosis and its clinical manifestations (coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke).&#x0D; The aim of the study – to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed therapeutic and prophylactic measures in the management of generalized periodontitis of the initial I degree in patients with atherosclerosis according to paraclinical indices.&#x0D; Materials and Methods. The effectiveness of treatment of generalized periodontitis of the initial I degree was evaluated on the basis of the dynamics of hygienic and periodontal indices in 26 patients with atherosclerosis: 15 patients – the main group and 11 patients – the control group. To study the intensity and prevalence of the inflammatory process in the gums, we used a modified method of determining the papillary-marginal-alveolar index by C. Parma. The combined periodontal index proposed by Russel was used to determine the severity of dystrophic-inflammatory changes in periodontal tissues. The loss of epithelial attachment was determined by the method of G.F. Beloklitskaya. The degree of gingival bleeding was determined using the papillary bleeding index (PBI). To determine the degree and nature of bone resorption of the alveolar ridge, the radiological index (Rtg) according to Fush was used. The hygienic condition of the oral cavity was assessed by the Fedorova-Volodkina index. The statistical calculation of the results was performed using Statistica 8.0 (StatSoft, USA) and the statistical functions package of Microsoft Excel 2021.&#x0D; Results and Discussion. As a result of our studies, it was found that the use of the proposed therapeutic and prophylactic complex for the management of initial I-degree GP contributed to the improvement of the hygienic state of the oral cavity, which was confirmed by a decrease in the index by 47.58 % 6 months after treatment. Improvement in the clinical condition of periodontal tissues in patients of the main group was confirmed by a decrease in the index scores of the indices: PMA, PBI, HEC, p&lt;0,01, PI, p&lt;0,05, against the background of an increase in the Rtg index, p&lt;0,01, relative to the data before treatment. On the basis of the conducted studies, the effectiveness of the use of our proposed treatment and prevention complex, which included a set of individual hygiene measures, local and general pharmacotherapy, adapted for the successful management of initial I degree GP in patients with atherosclerosis, was proved, and was confirmed by the «stabilization» of the pathological process in 80,0% of the treated patients of the main group against 36,36% of the control group, in whom the treatment of initial I degree GP was carried out according to generally accepted methods. The state of periodontal tissues was objectified as «unchanged» in 20,0% of the main group and 36.36% of the treated control group. «Deterioration» of periodontal tissues was diagnosed only in 27,28 % of patients in the control group.&#x0D; Conclusions. Thus, the use of the proposed therapeutic and prophylactic complex for the management of generalized periodontitis of the initial I degree in patients with atherosclerosis contributed to the improvement of the clinical condition of periodontal soft tissues, which was confirmed by the positive dynamics of hygienic and periodontal indices and was characterized by the «stabilization» of the pathological process in 80,00±5,78 % of the treated patients of the main group against 36,36±7,24 % of the control group.

Estimation of radioactivity in soil and drinking water samples from Northern Gulbarga District of Karnataka.

The gamma activity of the radionuclides238U, 232Th and 40K were measured in surface soil samples collected from 40 villages of Aland, Afzalpur, Ganaghapur and Kamalapur talukas of Northern Gulbarga district, Karnataka. The gamma activity of natural radionuclides were measured using 4" × 4" NaI (Tl) scintillation detector, the spectrum was analysed using a PC based 1k MCA (winTMCA 32 scinti SPEC) and the 222Rn activity concentrations in drinking water were determined by the Emanometry method. The activity of 238U, 232Th and 40K was found to be in the range from 14.3±0.3 to 64.5±6.1, 15.4±0.2 to 95.0±4.1 and 21±06 to 323±09 Bqkg-1, respectively. Outdoor AED from 0.023 to 0.07 mSvy-1 and all the radiological hazards indices were well within the safe limit. The 222Rn activity in ground water is found to vary from 1.11 to 66.6 Bql-1. The total annual effective doses due to 222Rn inhalation and ingestion range from 3.02 to 181.81μSvy-1, respectively, with an average value of 77.18μSvy-1.

Assessment of radiological risk associated with thoron gas at primary schools in Al-Najaf city, Iraq

Children spend considerable time at home and school, so school is likely to be a second source of natural radionuclide exposure after home. This study evaluates the radiological risk associated with thoron gas in the air within the building of one hundred primary schools in Al-Najaf City, Iraq, using a CR-39 detector. The results of the average value of thoron concentration detector, the annual effective dose (AED), Excessive Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) × 10−3, and Lung Cancer Case (LCC) × 10−9 measured in the building of the schools were 7.47 ± 2.85 Bq/m3, 0.03 ± 0.01 mSv/y, 0.11 ± 0.04, and 0.54 ± 0.20, respectively. All the results of indoor thoron were below the global average limit. The results of the radiological survey due to thoron concentrations for studied primary schools suggest that the radionuclides and their radiological hazard indexes in all studied schools in AL Najaf city, Iraq, do not impose a health hazard.