Assessment of Occupational Radiation Exposure for Radiotherapy Healthcare Workers at Kenyatta National Hospital Using Thermoluminescence Dosimeter LiF:Mg,Ti

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) is the largest public referral hospital with a comprehensive cancer treatment facility in East and Central Africa. Occupational radiation monitoring is a significant technique for demonstrating compliance of radiation regulatory limits. The objective of the study was to carry out assessment of occupational radiation exposure among radiotherapy personnel at KNH using thermoluminescence dosimeter, TLD. KNH staff were monitored using dosimeter type TLD-100 made of LiF:Mg,Ti, on monthly basis. The reader system used for analysis was Harshaw 8800. The measurement established the average monthly accumulated occupational personnel dose for KNH to be 0.21 mSv and 0.29 mSv for Hp (10) and Hp (0.07) respectively. The accumulated dose results were within the maximum acceptable dose of 1.67 mSv/month and 41.6 mSv/month for Hp (10) and Hp (0.07) respectively. The investigation results were higher than the acceptable public limit of 0.08 mSv/month. Moreover, incidences were noted where the fetus dose limit 0.42 was also exceeded. Evaluation of statistical dose exposure among doctors, nurses and radiographers’ measurement results were within ±0.02 mSv. The study established the average KNH occupational radiation exposure levels for both Hp (10) and Hp (0.07) were within the ICRU recommendation, validating radiation protection safe practice. Data analysis of healthcare workers did not indicate exposure trend biased to any healthcare profession. Hence radiation risk cut across all professional categories. It is recommended that Radiation Monitoring program be reviewed to include non-clinical staff who access the facility. Radiation reporting should not be limited to one facility, but reflect cases where workers are involved in multiple multiple jobs.

Enhanced Sensitivity and Stability in Gelatin-Based Fricke gel Dosimeters:Impact of Benzoic Acid on Low-Dose Radiation Measurements

Fricke gel dosimetry is a critical technique for accurate radiation dose measurement, leveraging the radiation-induced oxidation of ferrous to ferric ions within a hydrogel matrix. This study aimed to advance the field by preparing and evaluating seventy-one Fricke gel dosimeter(FGD) samples with varying chemical compositions, focusing on the incorporation of benzoic acid. Two gelatin-based samples demonstrated superior sensitivity, particularly for low-dose measurements. Our findings indicated that the sample without benzoic acid exhibited a 1.75 times higher sensitivity compared to the sample containing benzoic acid, with lower limits of detection at 0.04 Gy and 0.1 Gy, respectively. Stability tests revealed temperature-dependent responses, with better performance observed under refrigerated conditions. Reproducibility was confirmed through consistent calibration curves across multiple trials. Additionally, the dosimeters' responses varied with different radiation types, underscoring the need for specific calibrations. The study concludes that while benzoic acid slightly reduces sensitivity, it provides consistent responses across various radiation energies, suggesting its potential as a beneficial additive in diverse clinical scenarios. This research contributes to the ongoing optimization of FGDs for precise radiation dose assessment.

Dosimetric risk factors for radiation esophagitis in patients with breast cancer following regional nodal radiation

BACKGROUND Radiation esophagitis(RE)is one of the most common clinical symptoms of regional lymph node radiotherapy for breast cancer.However,there are fewer studies focusing on RE caused by hypofractionated radiotherapy(HFRT).AIM To analyze the clinical and dosimetric factors that contribute to the development of RE in patients with breast cancer treated with HFRT of regional lymph nodes.METHODS Between January and December 2022,we retrospectively analysed 64 patients with breast cancer who met our inclusion criteria underwent regional nodal intensity-modulated radiotherapy at a radiotherapy dose of 43.5 Gy/15F.RESULTS Of the 64 patients in this study,24(37.5%)did not develop RE,29(45.3%)developed grade 1 RE(G1RE),11(17.2%)developed grade 2 RE(G2RE),and none developed grade 3 RE or higher.Our univariable logistic regression analysis found G2RE to be significantly correlated with the maximum dose,mean dose,relative volume 20-40,and absolute volume(AV)20-40.Our stepwise linear regression analyses found AV30 and AV35 to be significantly associated with G2RE(P<0.001).The optimal threshold for AV30 was 2.39 mL[area under the curve(AUC):0.996;sensitivity:90.9%;specificity:91.1%].The optimal threshold for AV35 was 0.71 mL(AUC:0.932;sensitivity:90.9%;specificity:83.9%).CONCLUSION AV30 and AV35 were significantly associated with G2RE.The thresholds for AV30 and AV35 should be limited to 2.39 mL and 0.71 mL,respectively.

KCl:Eu^(2+) as a solar UV-C radiation dosimeter. Optically stimulated luminescence and thermoluminescence analyses

The KCI：Eu2＋ system response to UV-C was investigated by analyzing the optically stimulated luminescence （OSL） and ther- mo-luminescence （TL） signal produced by ultraviolet light exposure at room temperature. It was found that after UV-C irra.diation, OSL was produced on a wide band of visible wavelengths with decay time that varied by several orders of magnitude depending on the Eu2＋ aggregation state. In spite of the low intensity of solar UV-C reaching the Earth＇s surface in Madrid （40° N, 700 m a.s.1.）, it was possible to measure the UV-C radiation dose at 6：48 solar time by using the TL response of the KCI：Eu2＋ system and differentiate it from the ambient beta radiation dose.

Electron irradiation effects of radiochromic PCDA vesicle gel dosimeters

The gel dosimeter has the uniquely capacity in recording radiation dose distribution in three dimensions(3D), which has the specific advantages in dosimetry measurements where steep dose gradients exist. In this study, a novel radiochromic gel dosimeter was developed by dispersing nanovesicles self-assembled by 10,12-pentacosadiynoic acid(PCDA) into the tissue equivalence gel matrix. The characteristics of radiochromic PCDA vesicle gel dosimeters were evaluated. Results indicate that these radiochromic gel dosimeters have good linear response to 1.7 Me V electron beam irradiation in the dose range of 0.32–6.36 k Gy. In addition,the radiochromic gel dosimeters overcome the limitations of the existing gel dosimeters such as diffusion effect,post-radiation effect, and poor forming ability. Hence, the radiochromic PCDA vesicle gel dosimeters developed could be generally applied to 3D dose distribution measurement with optical readout.

Simulation of gamma minitype reference radiation for calibration of personal dosimeter

An investigation using Monte Carlo simulation on a minitype reference radiation(MRR) for the calibration of gamma personal dosimeters is reported. The distributions of dose rate and scattering gamma spectrum are the main simulation objects with the variable physical structures of MRR and the dosimeters as parameters that are to be calibrated. Further, the influences on the reference radiation caused by these parameters are analyzed in detail.This work provides a theoretical basis for better understanding of MRR used for calibration of gamma personal dosimeters. This analysis can help in the development of a calibration technology for such tools based on MRR.

Disposable Condenser Dosimeter Using a Skin-Insulated Mini-Substrate with a Silicon X-Ray Diode in Image-Guided Radiation Therapy

To measure integral doses in image-guided radiation therapy, we developed a disposable mini-substrate with a 1.0-μF condenser and a silicon X-ray diode (Si-XD). The Si-XD is a high-sensitivity photodiode selected for detecting X-rays. In the substrate with dimensions of 15 × 15 mm2, the initial charging voltage is 3.30 V, and the charging voltage is decreased by photocurrents flowing through the Si-XD during X-ray exposing. The condenser in the substrate is charged by a microcomputer dock, and the charging voltage is also measured using an analog to digital converter in the dock after exposing X-rays. The dock is connected to a personal computer through a USB cable, and integral doses are shown on the PC monitor. The doses were proportional to decreases in the charging voltage, and the calibrated doses corresponded well to those obtained using a readily available ionization chamber.

Toluidine Blue O-Gelatin Gel Dosimeter for Radiation Processing

In this study the spectrophotometric response of the Toluidine Blue O (TBO)-gelatin gel dosimeter irradiated with gamma rays was characterized. Preparation of dyed-gelatin gel takes place in neutral medium;to give eventually gel dosimeter has a sharp absorbance peak at 635 nm that bleaches quantitatively upon irradiation and the colour change can be measured with UV-VIS spectrophotometer. The useful dose range was 1 - 150 Gy. The radiation chemical yield (G-value) of gel dosimeter was calculated and found to increase by increasing concentration of dye. Post-irradiation storage on the response of gel is discussed. The dose response function, radiation sensitivity, and dependences of the response on environmental factors were studied.

Aqueous solution of basic fuchsin as food irradiation dosimeter

Dosimetric characterization of aqueous solution of basic fuchsin was studied spectrophotometrically for possible application in the low-dose food irradiation dosimetry. Absorption spectra of unirradiated and irradiated solu- tions were determined and the decrease in absorbance with the dose was noted down. Radiation-induced bleaching of the dye was measured at wavelengths of maximum absorption λmax (540nm) as well as 510nm and 460 nm. At all these wavelengths, the decrease in absorbance of the dosimeter was linear with respect to the absorbed dose from 50 Gy to 600 Gy. The stability of dosimetric solution during post-irradiation storage in the dark at room temperature showed that after initial bleaching during first ten to twenty days, the response was almost stable for about 34 days. The study on the effect of different light and temperature conditions also showed that the response gradually decreased during the storage period of 34 days, which shows that basic fuchsin dye is photosensitive as well as thermally sensitive.

The Influences of Inorganic Scintillator Optical Fiber Radiation Dosimeter in Some Conditions

In order to meet the increasing demands of modern radiotherapy, real time in-vivo dose measurement has recently attracted significant attention. A small, flexible optical fiber radiation dosimeter, with high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) that employs inorganic scintillator materials is presented. In this paper, some properties are investigated under special conditions, such as saturation properties when the intensity of the X-Ray is increased and the influence of the temperature of the environment. These properties are important to practical considerations if the sensor is to be successfully deployed in-vivo.

The Influences of an Embedded Structure Fiber-Optic Radiation Dosimeter in Different SSD and Beam Field Size

With a rapidly increasing demand and widespread use of radiotherapy treatment, the subject area of in-vivo real time dose rate dosimeters has become a significant area of study. An embedded structure fiber-optic radiation dosimeter has proved to be a promising candidate to fulfil this role because of its high SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) and excellent light conversion efficiency. In this paper, the properties of this kind of dosimeter with respect to different SSD (Source to Surface Distance) and beam field size in a clinical Linac are studied. The characteristics of the dosimeter were evaluated by the sensor’s output intensity response in these conditions.

Selective internal radiation therapy segmentectomy:A new minimally invasive curative option for primary liver malignancies?

Transarterial radioembolization or selective internal radiation therapy(SIRT)has emerged as a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of tumors.This percutaneous technique involves the local,intra-arterial delivery of radioactive microspheres directly into the tumor.Historically employed as a palliative measure for liver malignancies,SIRT has gained traction over the past decade as a potential curative option,mirroring the increasing role of radiation segmentectomy.The latest update of the BCLC hepatocellular carcinoma guidelines recognizes SIRT as an effective treatment modality comparable to other local ablative methods,particularly well-suited for patients where surgical resection or ablation is not feasible.Radiation segmentectomy is a more selective approach,aiming to deliver high-dose radiation to one to three specific hepatic segments,while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.Future research efforts in radiation segmentectomy should prioritize optimizing radiation dosimetry and refining the technique for super-selective administration of radiospheres within the designated hepatic segments.

Failure mechanism and infrared radiation characteristic of hard siltstone induced by stratification effect

The deformation in sedimentary rock induced by train loads has potential threat to the safe operation of tunnels. This study investigated the influence of stratification structure on the infrared radiation and temporal damage mechanism of hard siltstone. The uniaxial compression tests, coupled with acoustic emission(AE) and infrared radiation temperature(IRT) were conducted on siltstones with different stratification effects. The results revealed that the stratigraphic structure significantly affects the stress-strain response and strength degradation characteristics. The mechanical parameters exhibit anisotropy characteristics, and the stratification effect exhibits a negative correlation with the cracking stress and peak stress. The failure modes caused by the stratification effect show remarkable anisotropic features, including splitting failure(Ⅰ: 0°-22.50°, Ⅱ: 90°), composite failure(45°), and shearing failure(67.50°). The AE temporal sequences demonstrate a stepwise response characteristic to the loading stress level. The AE intensity indicates that the stress sensitivity of shearing failure and composite failure is generally greater than that of splitting failure. The IRT field has spatiotemporal migration and progressive dissimilation with stress loading and its dissimilation degree increases under higher stress levels. The stronger the stratification effect, the greater the dissimilation degree of the IRT field. The abnormal characteristic points of average infrared radiation temperature(AIRT) variance at local stress drop and peak stress can be used as early and late precursors to identify fracture instability. Theoretical analysis shows that the competitive relationship between compaction strengthening and fracturing damage intensifies the dissimilation of the infrared thermal field for an increasing stress level. The present study provides a theoretical reference for disaster warnings in hard sedimentary rock mass.

Simulation of the Ecosystem Productivity Responses to Aerosol Diffuse Radiation Fertilization Effects over the Pan-Arctic during 2001–19

The pan-Arctic is confronted with air pollution transported from lower latitudes.Observations have shown that aerosols help increase plant photosynthesis through the diffuse radiation fertilization effects(DRFEs).While such DRFEs have been explored at low to middle latitudes,the aerosol impacts on pan-Arctic ecosystems and the contributions by anthropogenic and natural emission sources remain less quantified.Here,we perform regional simulations at 0.2o×0.2ousing a well-validated vegetation model(Yale Interactive terrestrial Biosphere,YIBs)in combination with multi-source of observations to quantify the impacts of aerosol DRFEs on the net primary productivity(NPP)in the pan-Arctic during 2001-19.Results show that aerosol DRFEs increase pan-Arctic NPP by 2.19 Pg C(12.8%)yr^(-1)under clear-sky conditions,in which natural and anthropogenic sources contribute to 8.9% and 3.9%,respectively.Under all-sky conditions,such DRFEs are largely dampened by cloud to only 0.26 Pg C(1.24%)yr^(-1),with contributions of 0.65% by natural and 0.59% by anthropogenic species.Natural aerosols cause a positive NPP trend of 0.022% yr^(-1)following the increased fire activities in the pan-Arctic.In contrast,anthropogenic aerosols induce a negative trend of-0.01% yr^(-1)due to reduced emissions from the middle latitudes.Such trends in aerosol DRFEs show a turning point in the year of 2007 with more positive NPP trends by natural aerosols but negative NPP trends by anthropogenic aerosols thereafter.Though affected by modeling uncertainties,this study suggests a likely increasing impact of aerosols on terrestrial ecosystems in the pan-Arctic under global warming.

High-speed performance self-powered short wave ultraviolet radiation detectors based onκ(ε)-Ga_(2)O_(3)

High-speed solar-blind short wavelength ultraviolet radiation detectors based onκ(ε)-Ga_(2)O_(3)layers with Pt contacts were demonstrated and their properties were studied in detail.Theκ(ε)-Ga_(2)O_(3)layers were deposited by the halide vapor phase epitaxy on patterned GaN templates with sapphire substrates.The spectral dependencies of the photoelectric properties of struc-tures were analyzed in the wavelength interval 200-370 nm.The maximum photo to dark current ratio,responsivity,detectiv-ity and external quantum efficiency of structures were determined as:180.86 arb.un.,3.57 A/W,1.78×10^(12) Hz^(0.5)∙cm·W^(-1) and 2193.6%,respectively,at a wavelength of 200 nm and an applied voltage of 1 V.The enhancement of the photoresponse was caused by the decrease in the Schottky barrier at the Pt/κ(ε)-Ga_(2)O_(3)interface under ultraviolet exposure.The detectors demon-strated could functionalize in self-powered mode due to built-in electric field at the Pt/κ(ε)-Ga_(2)O_(3)interface.The responsivity and external quantum efficiency of the structures at a wavelength of 254 nm and zero applied voltage were 0.9 mA/W and 0.46%,respectively.The rise and decay times in self-powered mode did not exceed 100 ms.

Radiation segmentectomy for hepatic malignancies: Indications, devices,dosimetry, procedure, clinical outcomes, and toxicity of yttrium-90 microspheres

Radiation segmentectomy(RS) is a new approach to90 Y radioembolization that has been designed to increase the safety and efficacy of radioembolization in patients with unresectable hepatic malignancies. With this technique,high doses(>190 Gy) of radiation are delivered to the tumor through radioembolization performed in a segmental fashion, potentially increasing the radiation dose to the tumor while minimizing injury to the liver parenchyma. The aim of this review is to provide a summary of the indications, device choice, dosimetry, procedure, clinical outcomes, and toxicity of RS based on the clinical series currently available.

Unraveling the efficacy network: A network meta-analysis of adjuvant external beam radiation therapy methods after hepatectomy

BACKGROUND Primary liver cancer is a malignant tumor with a high recurrence rate that significantly affects patient prognosis.Postoperative adjuvant external radiation therapy(RT)has been shown to effectively prevent recurrence after liver cancer resection.However,there are multiple RT techniques available,and the differ-ential effects of these techniques in preventing postoperative liver cancer re-currence require further investigation.AIM To assess the advantages and disadvantages of various adjuvant external RT methods after liver resection based on overall survival(OS)and disease-free survival(DFS)and to determine the optimal strategy.METHODS This study involved network meta-analyses and followed the PRISMA guidelines.The data of qualified studies published before July 10,2023,were collected from PubMed,Embase,the Web of Science,and the Cochrane Library.We included relevant studies on postoperative external beam RT after liver resection that had OS and DFS as the primary endpoints.The magnitudes of the effects were determined using risk ratios with 95%confidential intervals.The results were analyzed using R software and STATA software.RESULTS A total of 12 studies,including 1265 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)after liver resection,were included in this study.There was no significant heterogeneity in the direct paired comparisons,and there were no significant differences in the inclusion or exclusion criteria,intervention measures,or outcome indicators,meeting the assumptions of heterogeneity and transitivity.OS analysis revealed that patients who underwent stereotactic body radiotherapy(SBRT)after resection had longer OS than those who underwent intensity modulated radiotherapy(IMRT)or 3-dimensional conformal RT(3D-CRT).DFS analysis revealed that patients who underwent 3D-CRT after resection had the longest DFS.Patients who underwent IMRT after resection had longer OS than those who underwent 3D-CRT and longer DFS than those who underwent SBRT.CONCLUSION HCC patients who undergo liver cancer resection must consider distinct advantages and disadvantages when choosing between SBRT and 3D-CRT.IMRT,a RT technique that is associated with longer OS than 3D-CRT and longer DFS than SBRT,may be a preferred option.

Radiation of a TM mode from an open end of a three-layer dielectric capillary

Modern trends in beam-driven radiation sources include the interaction of Cherenkov wakefields in open-ended circular waveguides with complicated dielectric linings, with a three-layer dielectric capillary recently proposed to reduce radiation divergence being a representative example [Opt. Lett. 45 5416(2020)]. We present a rigorous approach that allows for an analytical description of the electromagnetic processes that occur when the structure is excited by a single waveguide TM mode. In other words, the corresponding canonical waveguide diffraction problem is solved in a rigorous formulation. This is a continuation of our previous papers which considered simpler cases with a homogeneous or two-layer dielectric filling. Here we use the same analytical approach based on the Wiener–Hopf–Fock technique and deal with the more complicated case of a three-layer dielectric lining. Using the obtained rigorous solution, we discuss the possibility of manipulating the far-field radiation pattern using a third layer made of a low permittivity material.

Application of microdosimetry on biological physics for ionizing radiation

Stochastic characterization of radiation interaction is of importance to cell damage. Microdosimetry is to investi- gate the random structures of particle tracks in order to understand the dose-effect in cellular scales. In the review, we introduced the basic concepts of microdosimetry as well as the experimental methods （TEPC） and Monte Carlo simula- tions. Three basic biophysical models are interpreted and compared, including the target model, linear-quadratic model, and microdosimetric-kinetic model. The bottlenecks in the current microdosimetry research are also discussed, which need the interdisciplinary contributions from biology, physics, mathematics, computer science and electric engineering.

Dosimetric Comparison of Integral Radiation Dose: Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm and Acuros XB in Breast Radiotherapy

The impact of the difference between Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm (AAA) and Acuros XB (AXB) in breast radiotherapy is not clearly due to different uses and further research is required to explain this effect. The aim of this study is to investigate the contribution of calculation differences between AAA and AXB to the integral radiation dose (ID) on critical organs. Seven field intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plans were generated using with AAA and AXB algorithms for twenty patients with early stage left breast cancer after breast conserving surgery. Volumetric and dosimetric differences, as well as, the Dmean, V5, V20 doses of the left and right-sided lung, the Dmean, V10, V20, V30 doses of heart and the Dmean, V5, V10 doses of the contralateral breast were investigated. The mean dose (Dmean), V5, V20 doses of the left-sided lung, the Dmean, V5, V10 doses of right-sided lung, the Dmean, V10, V20, V30 doses of heart and the Dmean, V5, V10 doses of the contralateral breast were found to be significantly higher with AAA. In this research integral dose was also higher in the AAA recalculated plan and the AXB plan with the average dose as follows left lung 2%, heart 2%, contralateral breast 8%, contralateral lung 4% respectively. Our study revealed that the calculation differences between Acuros XB (AXB) and Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm (AAA) in breast radiotherapy caused serious differences on the stored integral doses on critical organs. In addition, AXB plans showed significantly dosimetric improvements in multiple dosimetric parameters.