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Radiation and Environmental Biophysics
Journal Prestige (SJR): 0.64  Citation Impact (citeScore): 2 Number of Followers: 3  Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles)ISSN (Print) 1432-2099 - ISSN (Online) 0301-634X Published by Springer-Verlag  [2468 journals]
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- (Re)integrating radioactive materials and waste into a global sustainable
development context-
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Abstract: Abstract The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, established in 2015, aim to achieve global sustainability by 2030 through the improvement of environmental, social, and economic parameters. However, unlike earlier concepts such as the Agenda 21 of 1992, the SDGs overlook radioactive waste management and related challenges of radiation itself. First, we investigate the historic consideration and unexplained disappearance of radioactive waste in earlier sustainability concepts. Then, we propose amending seven SDGs to address this gap. For SDGs 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land), new or revised indicators should monitor the release of hazardous materials. SDGs 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) require additional targets and indicators to integrate international cooperation and social implications of nuclear facilities' operation. Redefining “hazardous waste” in SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and “environmentally sound technologies” in SDG 17 is necessary to encompass radioactive waste. Implementing these changes demands statistical efforts, but the existing monitoring infrastructure, particularly in Europe and North America, can facilitate this. As 2030 approaches, it is crucial to reintroduce radioactive waste management into sustainability agendas, whether within the SDGs themselves or in a subsequent framework.
PubDate: 2024-08-09
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- Pilot screening of potential matrikines resulting from collagen breakages
through ionizing radiation-
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Abstract: Abstract Little is known regarding radiation-induced matrikines and the possible degradation of extracellular matrix following therapeutic irradiation. The goal of this study was to determine if irradiation can cut collagen proteins at specific sites, inducing potentially biologically active peptides against cartilage cells. Chondrocytes cultured as 3D models were evaluated for extracellular matrix production. Bystander molecules were analyzed in vitro in the conditioned medium of X-irradiated chondrocytes. Preferential breakage sites were analyzed in collagen polypeptide by mass spectrometry and resulting peptides were tested against chondrocytes. 3D models of chondrocytes displayed a light extracellular matrix able to maintain the structure. Irradiated and bystander chondrocytes showed a surprising radiation sensitivity at low doses, characteristic of the presence of bystander factors, particularly following 0.1 Gy. The glycine-proline peptidic bond was observed as a preferential cleavage site and a possible weakness of the collagen polypeptide after irradiation. From the 46 collagen peptides analyzed against chondrocytes culture, 20 peptides induced a reduction of viability and 5 peptides induced an increase of viability at the highest concentration between 0.1 and 1 µg/ml. We conclude that irradiation promoted a site-specific degradation of collagen. The potentially resulting peptides induce negative or positive regulations of chondrocyte growth. Taken together, these results suggest that ionizing radiation causes a degradation of cartilage proteins, leading to a functional unbalance of cartilage homeostasis after exposure, contributing to cartilage dysfunction.
PubDate: 2024-08-08
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- Administration of low dose intranasal ketamine exerts a neuroprotective
effect on whole brain irradiation injury model in wistar rats-
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Abstract: Abstract Exposure to ionizing radiation leads to oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, resulting in neurocognitive impairments. Adverse effects are also associated with glutamate-induced excitotoxicity due to alterations in the composition of glutamate receptors. Ketamine, which is a noncompetitive NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist, has been stated to exert an impact on glutamatergic receptors. This study aims to reveal the possible alleviating or preventive effects of ketamine, which maintains glutamate homeostasis and decreases neurodegeneration, in a radiation-induced neurotoxicity model. Twenty-one female Wistar Queryrats were included in the study and 14 of these underwent whole brain irradiation (IR) with a 20 Gray single dose. Animals were allocated into three groups. Group 1: Normal control; Group 2: Placebo / IR + Saline; Group 3: IR + Ketamine. Ketamine was administered in addition to IR to rats in Group 3. The one-way ANOVA statistical test was used to compare groups. The value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. When administered in addition to irradiation, ketamine treatment significantly increased scores in the three-chamber sociability test, open field test, and passive avoidance learning test. It also raised neuron counts in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions as well as in Purkinje cells, and enhanced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and tyrosine receptor kinase-B. Furthermore, ketamine administration resulted in decreased levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein, malondialdehyde, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, indicating a reduction in neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Ketamine exerted a significant protective impact on radiation-induced neurocognitive impairments and enhanced social-memory capacity by reducing neuronal loss, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Our findings suggest that ketamine is beneficial in the treatment or prevention of neurodegeneration via the regulation of the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway besides decreasing neuroinflammation and blocking NMDA receptors.
PubDate: 2024-07-27
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- Thyroid ultrasound findings in young and middle-aged adults living in the
region of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant-
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Abstract: Abstract Nearly forty years have passed since the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident, which resulted in childhood and adolescent thyroid cancers increasing due to internal exposure to iodine-131. Therefore, the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident, in 2011, raised serious anxiety about potential risks of thyroid cancers. Considering the causal relationship between thyroid cancer and the Chornobyl accident, radiation dose to the thyroid due to this accident should be considered carefully. In addition, a thorough investigation of any influence of ultrasound screening of the thyroid on the detection of thyroid diseases was still missing. Consequently, from 2019 to 2021, the frequency of abnormal thyroid findings from screening of residents in Zhytomyr, Ukraine, which was heavily contaminated by the accident, was evaluated in this study. For this, the same diagnostic classification of any thyroid ultrasound findings as those of the Fukushima Health Management Survey were used. This classification used the categories “A1” (no findings), “A2” (thyroid cysts less than 20 mm and/or thyroid nodules less than 5 mm), and “B” (thyroid cysts more than 20 mm and/or thyroid nodules more than 5 mm). 2,978 participants were analyzed. It was found that the frequency of “B” findings increased with age. This may be due to the observed increased incidence of not only malignant but also benign thyroid nodules. It may well be that such an increase will also be observed in Fukushima in the future. It is concluded that future thyroid examiners in Fukushima should be aware of findings specific to adults, such as chronic thyroiditis. For comparison, it will be necessary to perform longitudinal studies in the Japanese population not exposed to radiation from the Fukushima accident.
PubDate: 2024-07-20
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- Actinium-225 as an example for monitoring of internal exposure of
occupational intakes of radionuclides in face of new nuclear-medical
applications for short-lived alpha emitting particles-
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Abstract: Abstract Monitoring of internal exposure to short-lived alpha-emitting radionuclides such as actinium-225 (225Ac), which are becoming increasingly important in nuclear medicine, plays an important role in the radiation protection of occupationally exposed persons. After having tested gamma spectrometry, liquid scintillation counting and alpha spectrometry for monitoring of internal exposure, the focus of the present study was on solid phase extraction of 225Ac from urine in combination with alpha spectrometry. The development of the method was based on recent findings from the literature on this topic. The method was used in a pilot phase to monitor internal exposure of four workers who were directly or indirectly involved in the manufacture and/or use of 225Ac. The monitoring protocol allowed a relatively short 24-hour urine sample analysis with excellent recovery of the internal standard, but it did not allow for a detection limit of less than 1 mBq nor a sufficient yield of 225Ac. Based on these results it is concluded that an in vitro excretion analysis alone is not appropriate for monitoring internal exposure to 225Ac. Instead, different radiation monitoring techniques have to be combined to ensure the radiation protection of employees.
PubDate: 2024-07-20
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- Effective dose assessment due to inhalation of 222Rn, 220Rn, and their
progeny: highlighting the major contribution of thoron in a thoron-prone
area in Cameroon-
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Abstract: Abstract To assess public exposure to radon, thoron, and their progeny, measurements were conducted in 50 dwellings within the bauxite-rich area of Fongo-Tongo in western Cameroon. Passive integrating radon-thoron discriminative detectors (specifically RADUET) were employed for radon and thoron measurements. Additionally, concentrations of short-lived radon and thoron progeny were estimated using Direct Radon Progeny Sensors (DRPSs) and Direct Thoron Progeny Sensors (DTPSs) based on LR-115 detectors. The findings revealed indoor radon concentrations ranging from 31 to 123 Bq m−3 with a geometric mean (GM) of 62 Bq m−3, and indoor thoron concentrations ranging from 36 to 688 Bq m−3 with a GM of 242 Bq m−3. The Equilibrium Equivalent Radon Concentration (EERC) ranged from 3 to 86 Bq m−3 with a GM of 25 Bq m−3, while the Equilibrium Equivalent Thoron Concentration (EETC) ranged from 1.2 to 12.5 Bq m−3 with a GM of 7.6 Bq m−3. Notably, all dwellings recorded radon concentrations below 100 Bq m−3. Arithmetic means of radon and thoron equilibrium factors were calculated as 0.47 and 0.04, respectively. To assess annual effective doses from radon and thoron inhalation, equilibrium factors were used along with direct measurements of EERC and EETC. The differences observed in annual effective doses were 4.5% for radon and 42.5% for thoron. Furthermore, the contribution of thoron and its decay products to the annual effective dose from radon, thoron, and their progeny ranged from 12 to 94%, with an average contribution of 58%. Thus, this study found that the effective dose due to thoron inhalation in the study area exceeded that due to radon inhalation. It is concluded that, when evaluating radiation doses and health risks, it is crucial to consider both thoron and its progeny alongside radon and its progeny. This underscores the importance of considering direct measurements for accurately estimating radiation doses.
PubDate: 2024-07-20
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- Patient dose and associated exposure parameters in pelvic x-ray
examinations: dependence on radiographic system-
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Abstract: Abstract Technological differences between computed radiography (CR) and digital radiography (DR) systems can influence patient doses and exposure parameters in pelvic x-ray examinations. The presence of radiosensitive organs in the pelvic region underscores the need to optimize these parameters for both CR and DR systems. This prospective study aimed to compare the patient doses and exposure parameters for adult patients undergoing pelvic x-ray examinations using CR and DR systems, based on data from Sri Lanka. The study included data from 56 x-ray examinations, with 25 using CR and 31 using DR. Patient demographic characteristics and exposure parameters (kVp: kilovoltage peak, mAs: tube current-exposure time product) were recorded, and patient doses were measured in terms of the kerma-area product (PKA) using a PKA meter. Despite similar mean weight and body mass index (BMI), the CR systems showed significantly higher mean kVp (7.4%), mAs (16.4%), and PKA (29.7%) than the DR systems (CR - kVp: 73.2, mAs: 37.8, PKA: 2.29 Gy cm2; DR - kVp: 67.8, mAs: 31.6, PKA: 1.61 Gy cm2). The Mann-Whitney U test revealed statistically significant differences in PKA and kVp between the CR and DR systems (p < 0.05). Furthermore, even with lower patient weight and BMI, the mean mAs and PKA in this study were substantially higher than those reported in the literature for both CR and DR systems. These results suggest the need to optimize current mAs settings for the studied hospitals and introduce radiographic system-specific exposure parameters and reference dose levels for pelvic x-ray examinations in order to enhance patient protection.
PubDate: 2024-07-17
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- Quantitative stakeholder-driven assessment of radiation protection issues
via a PIANOFORTE online survey-
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Abstract: Abstract To enhance stakeholder engagement and foster the inclusion of interests of citizens in radiation protection research, a comprehensive online survey was developed within the framework of the European Partnership PIANOFORTE. This survey was performed in 2022 and presented an opportunity for a wide range of stakeholders to voice their opinions on research priorities in radiation protection for the foreseeable future. Simultaneously, it delved into pertinent issues surrounding general radiation protection. The PIANOFORTE e-survey was conducted in the English language, accommodating a diverse range of participants. Overall, 440 respondents provided their insights and feedback, representing a broad geographical reach encompassing 29 European countries, as well as Canada, China, Colombia, India, and the United States. To assess the outcomes, the Positive Matrix Factorization numerical model was applied, in addition to qualitative and quantitative assessment of individual responses, enabling the discernment of four distinct stakeholder groups with varying attitudes. While the questionnaire may not fully represent all stakeholders due to the limited respondent pool, it is noteworthy that approximately 70% of the participants were newcomers to comparable surveys, demonstrating a proactive attitude, a strong willingness to collaborate and the necessity to continuously engage with stakeholder groups. Among the individual respondents, distinct opinions emerged particularly regarding health effects of radiation exposure, medical use of radiation, radiation protection of workers and the public, as well as emergency and recovery preparedness and response. In cluster analysis, none of the identified groups had clear preferences concerning the prioritization of future radiation protection research topics.
PubDate: 2024-07-17
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- Reduction of detection limits in monitoring of internal exposures by a
combined evaluation of emissions and spectra-
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Abstract: Abstract Routine monitoring of internal exposures requires the detection of effective doses of at most 1 mSv per calendar year. For some radionuclides, this requirement cannot be satisfied by a conventional evaluation of the spectra that are gained in alpha or gamma spectrometry. However, since several measurements are conducted per calendar year on a regular basis, a combined evaluation of measurements, i.e. the evaluation of sum spectra, is possible. Additionally, radionuclides that feature several emissions of alpha or gamma radiation allow a combined evaluation of their emissions. Both methods can lead to significantly smaller detection limits as compared to a separate evaluation of spectra in many cases. However, the variation of parameters that influence the evaluation such as the measurement efficiency, abundance and chemical yield requires specific calculations and treatments of the spectra as well as a manipulation of the channel contents: In a combination of emissions, energy regions are summed and evaluated with a combined efficiency that is weighted by the abundances. In a combination of spectra, the channel contents must be scaled by the ratio of the calibration factors before the summation of the spectra. In the routine monitoring of short-lived radionuclides that feature a variety of emissions such as 225Ac, these combinations are particularly effective in reducing the detectable annual effective dose. For alpha spectrometry of 225Ac, both methods applied together can lead to a detectable effective dose of about 1 mSv per year as compared to a dose of about 90 mSv with a conventional separate evaluation.
PubDate: 2024-07-09
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- Stereotactic body radiation therapy for prostate cancer: a dosimetric
comparison of IMRT and VMAT using flattening filter and flattening
filter-free beams-
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Abstract: Abstract This retrospective study was performed to evaluate plan quality and treatment delivery parameters of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for prostate cancer. The study utilized different isocentric modulated techniques: intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) using 6 MV flattening filter (FF) and 10 MV flattening filter-free beams (FFF). Fifteen retrospective prostate cancer patients were selected for this study. Sixty plans were created with an SBRT-prescribed dose of 36.25 Gy delivered in five fractions. Planning target volume (PTV) coverage, plan quality indices, doses delivered to organs at risk (OARs), and treatment delivery parameters were compared for all plans. It turned out that VMAT plans, particularly those using the FFF beam, provided superior target conformality and a steeper dose gradient as compared to IMRT plans. Additionally, VMAT plans showed better OARs sparing compared to IMRT plans. However, IMRT plans delivered a lower maximum dose to the target than VMAT plans. Importantly, the VMAT plans resulted in reduced treatment delivery parameters, including beam on time (BOT), monitor unit (MU), and modulation factor (MF), compared to IMRT plans. Furthermore, a statistically significant difference was observed in BOT and mean body dose between FF and FFF beams, with FFF beams showing superior performance. Considering all results, VMAT using 10 MV (FFF) is suggested for treating prostate cancer patients with SBRT. This offers the fastest delivery in addition to maintaining the highest plan quality.
PubDate: 2024-07-06
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- Note on dose conversion for radon exposure
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Abstract: Abstract The epidemiological approach to converting radon exposure to effective dose is examined. Based on the definition of the effective dose, the dose conversion is obtained from the equivalence of lung-specific detriment associated with low-LET radiation and with radon exposure. This approach most reliably estimates effective dose per radon exposure on the basis of epidemiological data and implicitly includes the radiation weighting factor required to calculate the effective dose from radon exposure using the dosimetric approach, applying biokinetic and dosimetric models. Consistency between the results of the epidemiological and dosimetric approaches is achieved by using a radiation weighting factor of about 10 for alpha particles instead of the current ICRP value of 20. In contrast, the epidemiological approach implemented in ICRP 65, and referred to as dose conversion convention, was based on direct comparison of total radiation detriment with lung detriment from radon exposure. With the revision of radiation detriments in ICRP 103, this approach can be judged to overestimate the effective dose per radon exposure by about a factor of two because the tissue weighting factor for lung differs from the value of relative detriment to which it relates.
PubDate: 2024-06-17
DOI: 10.1007/s00411-024-01077-0
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- Home-made low-cost dosemeter for photon dose measurements in
radiobiological experiments and for education in the field of radiation
sciences-
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Abstract: Abstract Reliable dosimetry systems are crucial for radiobiological experiments either to quantify the biological consequences of ionizing radiation or to reproduce results by other laboratories. Also, they are essential for didactic purposes in the field of radiation research. Professional dosemeters are expensive and difficult to use in exposure facilities with closed exposure chambers. Consequently, a simple, inexpensive, battery-driven dosemeter was developed that can be easily built using readily available components. Measurements were performed to validate its readout with photons of different energy and dose rate and to demonstrate the applicability of the dosemeter. It turned out that the accuracy of the dose measurements using the developed dosemeter was better than 10%, which is satisfactory for radiobiological experiments. It is concluded that this dosemeter can be used both for determining the dose rates of an exposure facility and for educational purposes.
PubDate: 2024-06-07
DOI: 10.1007/s00411-024-01076-1
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- Radiation doses and diagnostic reference levels for common CT scans in
adults in Northwest region of Iran-
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Abstract: Abstract This study aims to estimate organ dose and cancer risks, establish region-specific diagnostic reference levels (DRLs), and determine achievable doses (ADs) for common CT procedures in adults in the northwest of Iran. Effective and organ doses were estimated using VirtualDoseCT software in a sample of 480 adult patients who underwent head, sinus, chest, and abdomen-pelvis (AP) CT scans. The guidelines provided by the BEIR VII report were utilized to estimate cancer risks. Effective and organ doses for specific procedures were determined, with the highest mean organ dose being observed in the brain during head CT examinations, with a value of 54.02 mGy. It was observed that the lungs in chest examinations and the colon in AP examinations had the highest risk of cancer, with rates of 30.72 and 21.37 per 100,000 persons, respectively. Higher cancer risk values were generally exhibited by females compared to males. The DRLs for common CT examinations were established as follows: Head CT (CTDIvol 41 mGy, DLP 760 mGy cm), Sinus CT (CTDIvol 16 mGy, DLP 261 mGy cm), Chest CT (CTDIvol 8 mGy, DLP 287 mGy cm), and AP CT (CTDIvol 9 mGy, DLP 508 mGy cm). Significant variations in dose distribution among facilities were identified, indicating the need for optimization. The study highlights the importance of minimizing radiation exposure to critical organs and promoting patient safety in CT examinations. The establishment of region-specific DRLs and ADs can help optimize radiation doses and reduce cancer risks for patients.
PubDate: 2024-06-05
DOI: 10.1007/s00411-024-01074-3
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- Model of age-dependent dynamics and biokinetics of T-cells as natural
biodosimeters-
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Abstract: Abstract Circulating T-lymphocytes are used as "natural biodosimeters" for estimating radiation doses, since the frequency of chromosomal aberrations induced in them is proportional to the accumulated dose. Moreover, stable chromosomal aberrations (translocations) are detected years and decades after exposure. Internal incorporation of radionuclides often leads to non-uniform exposure, which resulted in difficulties in the application of retrospective biodosimetry using T-lymphocytes. Some properties of T-lymphocytes complicate retrospective biodosimetry in this case: (1) the thymic production of T-cells depends significantly on age, the maximum is observed in early childhood; (2) the “lymphocyte-dosimeter” accumulates changes (translocations) while circulating through the body. The objective of this paper is to describe the technical characteristics of the model of age dynamics and T-cell biokinetics and approaches to assessing the dose to circulating lymphocytes under various exposure scenarios. The model allows to quantify the fractions of T-lymphocytes that were formed before and after exposure. The model takes into account the time fractions that circulating lymphocytes spend in various lymphoid organs. Age-related thymic involution was also considered. The model predicts that after internal exposure to 90Sr, the doses to T-lymphocytes can differ significantly from the doses to the bone marrow and other tissues. For uniform external γ-exposure, and for internal exposure due to non-bone -seeking radionuclides (for example, 144Ce), predicted doses to T-lymphocytes are very close to bone marrow doses. The model allows to quantify the correction factors for FISH-based doses to obtain doses to organs and tissues.
PubDate: 2024-06-03
DOI: 10.1007/s00411-024-01072-5
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- Modulated Arc Therapy for hippocampal-avoidance whole brain radiation
therapy: planning comparison with intensity modulated Radiation Therapy-
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Abstract: Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the modulated arc therapy (mARC) technique as a planning and treatment option for hippocampal sparing whole brain radiotherapy (HS-WBRT) following the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 0933 dosimetric criteria. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were selected retrospectively for 15 patients. Two types of plans were created for each patient, namely an intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and a mARC plan. IMRT and mARC plans were compared in terms of plan quality indices, absorbed dose to organs at risk (OARs), number of monitor units (MUs), and treatment time. All plans in both techniques were considered clinically acceptable for treatment. However, IMRT plans presented a higher conformity (p = 0.01) as well as a higher homogeneity as compared to mARC plans, but this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In terms of the preservation of the hippocampus, it was observed that the IMRT plans achieved significantly lower doses for both 100% of its volume and for its maximum dose (p < 0.001). The evaluation of the remaining OARs showed that the IMRT technique resulted in lower doses, and significant differences were observed for the following organs: left cochlea (p < 0.001), left eye (p < 0.001), right eye (p = 0.03), both lenses of the eye (p < 0.001), and right optic nerve (p = 0.02). Despite these differences, the absolute differences in all dosimetric parameters were low enough to bear any clinical relevance. A drastic (close to 65%) and significant (p < 0.001) decrease was observed in the number of MUs for the mARC plans. This resulted in a substantial decrease in treatment time (60.45%, p < 0.001). It is concluded that the mARC technique is a feasible planning and treatment solution for HS-WBRT that meets the RTOG 0933 criteria. The main advantage of using mARC over IMRT for HS-WBRT is the considerable reduction in MUs and treatment time.
PubDate: 2024-05-29
DOI: 10.1007/s00411-024-01075-2
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- Impact of flattening filter-free beams on remaining volume at risk in lung
cancer treatment-
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Abstract: Abstract Modern radiotherapy machines offer a new modality, like flattening filter-free beam (FFF), which is used especially in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to reduce treatment time. The remaining volume at risk (RVR) is known as undefined normal tissue, and assists in evaluating late effects such as carcinogenesis. This study aimed to compare the effects of flattening and un-flattened beams on RVR in lung cancer treated by conventional doses using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Twenty-three lung cancer patients with a prescribed dose of 60 Gy delivered in 30 fractions were selected retrospectively. Four treatment plans were generated for each case (VMAT FF, VMAT FFF, IMRT FF and IMRT FFF). Mean doses to RVR and volumes that received low doses (V15Gy, V10Gy and V5Gy) were introduced as RVR evaluation parameters. Variance percentage comparison between flattening filter (FF) and FFF for the RVR evaluation parameters gave 2.38, 1.10, 1.80 and 2.22 for VMAT, and 1.73, 1.18, 1.62 and 1.81 for IMRT. In contrast, VMAT and IMRT RVR evaluation parameters resulted in variance percentage differences of 10.29, 5.02, − 8.84 and − 4.82 for FF, and 11.18, 4.96, − 8.59 and − 4.48for FFF. It is concluded that in terms of RVR evaluation parameters, FFF is clinically beneficial compared to FF for RVR, due to the decrease in mean RVR dose and low-dose irradiated RVR volume. Furthermore, VMAT is preferred in the mean RVR dose and V15Gy, while IMRT is better in V10Gy and V5Gy for RVR.
PubDate: 2024-05-18
DOI: 10.1007/s00411-024-01073-4
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- Usability of sand samples in TL Radiation Dosimetry
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Abstract: Abstract This study investigated natural sand thermoluminescence (TL) response as a possible option for retrospective high-dose gamma dosimetry. The natural sand under investigation was collected from six locations with selection criteria for sampling sites covering the highest probability of exposure to unexpected radiation on the Egyptian coast. Dose-response, glow curve, chemical composition, linearity, and fading rate for different sand samples were studied. Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) analysis revealed differences in chemical composition among the various geological sites, leading to variations in TL glow curve intensity. Sand samples collected from Ras Sedr, Taba, Suez, and Enshas showed similar TL patterns, although with different TL intensities. Beach sands of Matrouh and North Coastal with a high calcite content did not show a clear linear response to the TL technique, in the dose range of 10 Gy up to 30 kGy. The results show that most sand samples are suitable as a radiation dosimeter at accidental levels of exposure. It is proposed here that for high-dose gamma dosimetry with doses ranging from 3 to 10 kGy, a single calibration factor might be enough for TL measurements using sand samples. However, proper calibration might allow dose assessment for doses even up to 30 kGy. Most of the investigated sand samples had nearly stable fading rates after seven days of storage. The Ras Sedr sands sample was the most reliable for retrospective dose reconstruction.
PubDate: 2024-05-06
DOI: 10.1007/s00411-024-01070-7
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- Minimum reporting standards about dosimetry of radiation sources used in
radiation research studies-
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Abstract: Abstract The necessity of precise dosimetry and its documentation in research is less obvious than in medicine and in radiological protection. However, in radiation research, results can only be validated if experiments were carried out with sufficient precision and described with sufficient details, especially information regarding dosimetry. In order to ensure this, an initiative was launched to establish reproducible dosimetry reporting parameters in published studies. Minimum standards for reporting radiation dosimetry information were developed and published in parallel in the International Journal of Radiation Biology and Radiation Research. As editors of Radiation and Environmental Biophysics, we support this initiative and reproduce the agreed minimum irradiation parameters that should be reported in publications on radiation biology submitted to our journal.
PubDate: 2024-05-01
DOI: 10.1007/s00411-024-01063-6
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- Comparative analysis of simultaneous integrated boost and sequential boost
radiotherapy in node-positive cervical cancer: dosimetric and
radiobiological considerations-
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Abstract: Abstract For locally advanced cervical cancer, the standard therapeutic approach involves concomitant chemoradiation therapy, supplemented by a brachytherapy boost. Moreover, an external beam radiotherapy (RT) boost should be considered for treating gross lymph node (LN) volumes. Two boost approaches exist with Volumetric Intensity Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT): Sequential (SEQ) and Simultaneous Integrated Boost (SIB). This study undertakes a comprehensive dosimetric and radiobiological comparison between these two boost strategies. The study encompassed ten patients who underwent RT for cervical cancer with node-positive disease. Two sets of treatment plans were generated for each patient: SIB-VMAT and SEQ-VMAT. Dosimetric as well as radiobiological parameters including tumour control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) were compared. Both techniques were analyzed for two different levels of LN involvement – only pelvic LNs and pelvic with para-aortic LNs. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 25.0. SIB-VMAT exhibited superior target coverage, yielding improved doses to the planning target volume (PTV) and gross tumour volume (GTV). Notably, SIB-VMAT plans displayed markedly superior dose conformity. While SEQ-VMAT displayed favorable organ sparing for femoral heads, SIB-VMAT appeared as the more efficient approach for mitigating bladder and bowel doses. TCP was significantly higher with SIB-VMAT, suggesting a higher likelihood of successful tumour control. Conversely, no statistically significant difference in NTCP was observed between the two techniques. This study’s findings underscore the advantages of SIB-VMAT over SEQ-VMAT in terms of improved target coverage, dose conformity, and tumour control probability. In particular, SIB-VMAT demonstrated potential benefits for cases involving para-aortic nodes. It is concluded that SIB-VMAT should be the preferred approach in all cases of locally advanced cervical cancer.
PubDate: 2024-05-01
DOI: 10.1007/s00411-024-01069-0
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- Impact of flight route changes on cosmic ray exposure: consequences of the
conflict between Ukraine and the Russian federation-
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Abstract: Abstract This work investigates the impact on cosmic ray exposures to aircrew due to changing flight routes operated in the context of the recent conflict between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. All analyses were done based on Paris—Tokyo and Tokyo—Paris flights taken as examples, and differences in radiation exposures were quantified by comparing the situation before and after the beginning of the conflict. Regarding space weather scenarios, a quiet solar period and an extreme solar event (ground level enhancement (GLE) 5) were considered in the study. Analyses showed that the new Paris—Tokyo flight route established after the beginning of the conflict results in a smaller radiation dose to aircrew than that operated before the conflict, particularly during solar events. In contrast, for Tokyo—Paris flights the new high-latitude route crossing the Atlantic Ocean and North America increases the dose significantly (+ 50% in the worst case). Although this analysis is limited only to flights connecting Paris and Tokyo, it allowed for an evaluation of the consequences of new routes (particularly polar ones) on ambient dose equivalent values.
PubDate: 2024-04-26
DOI: 10.1007/s00411-024-01066-3
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