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Background: Job burnout is defined as physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion due to persistent work stress, and it includes emotional exhaustion (EE), cynicism (CY), and reduced personal accomplishment (PA) and usually leads to symptoms of depression, lack of motivation, and decreased enthusiasm. Previous studies from different countries have suggested that job burnout, depression, and anxiety are a common work-related problems. This study aims to assess for job burnout, depression, and anxiety among radiation workers in order to investigate the effects of radiation exposure during work on the mental health. This comparative cross-sectional study was performed on 208 workers in the Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA) and the Egyptian Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority (ENRRA) at Cairo Governorate, Egypt. Study participants were divided into 2 groups: 1st group which included 104 workers among radiation field and 2nd group which included 104 workers and employees who do not often work among radiation field. Maslach Burnout Inventory Scale (MBI), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), and Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A) were used to assess for burnout, depression, and anxiety among study participants. Results: The prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, burnout, and among workers inside radiation field group were statistically significantly higher than those working outside radiation field group. Work type (WIRF) and number of working hours per week (> 40 h) were the significant risk factors for all the burnout, depression, and anxiety, while age (> 40–60 years old) was a significant predictor for depression, female gender was a significant predictor for anxiety, and both age (20–40 years old) and years of experience (≤ 10 years) were significant predictors for burnout among workers inside radiation field. Conclusions: Burnout, depression, and anxiety are common among workers inside radiation field with higher prevalence and severity than those working outside radiation field. Younger age, fewer years of experience, and more working hours per week are significantly associated risk factors for burnout among workers inside radiation field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Job burnout is defined as physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion due to persistent work stress, and it includes emotional exhaustion (EE), cynicism (CY), and reduced personal accomplishment (PA) and usually leads to symptoms of depression, lack of motivation, and decreased enthusiasm. Previous studies from different countries have suggested that job burnout, depression, and anxiety are a common work-related problems. This study aims to assess for job burnout, depression, and anxiety among radiation workers in order to investigate the effects of radiation exposure during work on the mental health. This comparative cross-sectional study was performed on 208 workers in the Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA) and the Egyptian Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority (ENRRA) at Cairo Governorate, Egypt. Study participants were divided into 2 groups: 1st group which included 104 workers among radiation field and 2nd group which included 104 workers and employees who do not often work among radiation field. Maslach Burnout Inventory Scale (MBI), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), and Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A) were used to assess for burnout, depression, and anxiety among study participants. Results The prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, burnout, and among workers inside radiation field group were statistically significantly higher than those working outside radiation field group. Work type (WIRF) and number of working hours per week (> 40 h) were the significant risk factors for all the burnout, depression, and anxiety, while age (> 40–60 years old) was a significant predictor for depression, female gender was a significant predictor for anxiety, and both age (20–40 years old) and years of experience (≤ 10 years) were significant predictors for burnout among workers inside radiation field. Conclusions Burnout, depression, and anxiety are common among workers inside radiation field with higher prevalence and severity than those working outside radiation field. Younger age, fewer years of experience, and more working hours per week are significantly associated risk factors for burnout among workers inside radiation field.

Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of radiation-induced cataracts and its correlation with radiation exposure dose and radiation protection equipment use among radiation workers of interventional cardiology.

Background: Industrial radiography uses gamma or X-ray radionuclide sources to investigate the safety of industrial materials. Industrial radiation workers receive the highest occupational radiation doses. Objective: The present study investigates the relationship between Bax and Bcl-2 gene expression variables in industrial radiation workers. Material and Methods: In this case-control study, data was collected using blood sampling from 40 workers, including two groups of non-radiation and radiation workers employed at the location. Expression levels of Bax and Bcl-2 genes were assessed in the laboratory. The environmental and absorbed doses of workers were measured using environmental and pen dosimeters. Results: Statistical analysis showed that the radiation group’s Bcl-2 gene expression level was significantly higher. Findings also demonstrated a correlation between Bcl-2 gene expression and the number of workdays. Also, the Bax gene expression did not show a significant change, and the expression ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 was insignificant in the two groups. Conclusion: Exposure to low doses of radiation could promote an adaptive response in cells by increasing Bcl-2 gene expression.

Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of radiation-induced cataracts and its correlation with radiation exposure dose and radiation protection equipment use among radiation workers of interventional cardiology. Methods This is a cross-sectional and retrospective case–control study. We included 180 subjects. The prevalence of radiation-induced cataracts was assessed using Scheimpflug analysis on the Pentacam-Oculus device. Individual cumulative radiation exposure dose and radiation protection equipment use were identified from questionnaires and personal dosimeters. Results The prevalence of radiation-induced cataracts was 16.7%. The median cumulative radiation dose was 0.8 (0.1–35.6) Gy. A positive correlation was found between cumulative radiation dose and lens density (R Spearman = 0.64). We found 83.9% of subjects used ceiling-suspended shields in 71 to 100% of their working period. However, most subjects (40.6%) did not wear protective eyewear. There was a statistically significant increasing risk of radiation-induced cataracts and unresponsive use of radiation protection equipment. Subjects using ceiling-suspended shield in only 31 to 50% of their working period increased their cataract risk by 10.8 times (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–111.49, p = 0.044). Meanwhile, subjects using protective eyewear in only 51 to 70% of their working period increased their cataract risk by 8.64 times (p = 0.001). Subjects who did not wear protective eyewear had an odd ratio of 164.3 (95% CI: 19.81–1363) compared to those who did. Conclusion Radiation-induced cataracts among radiation workers of interventional cardiology depended on the radiation exposure dose and the use of radiation protection equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Korean Radiation Workers Study (KRWS) cohort was established in 2022 to assess the risk of cancer and non-cancer diseases due to occupational radiation exposure. The cohort consists of 196,379 workers, with the majority being men and around 60% born before 1980. Data on cancer, non-cancer diseases, cause of death, and various confounders were obtained from national resources. The study aims to update radiation doses and disease status every 5-10 years and welcomes proposals for further data analyses. The study found that 3.1% of workers had been diagnosed with cancer, with thyroid cancer being the most prevalent type. The most common causes of death were malignant neoplasms, external causes, and circulatory diseases. The incidence of cancer and mortality was higher in men, except for thyroid cancer, which was more common in women. The cohort provided a total of 2.5 million person-years for cancer incidence and 2.8 million person-years for mortality. The Korean Radiation Workers Study (KRWS) is a large-scale national cohort study that aims to investigate the long-term health effects of radiation exposure in Korean workers. The cohort includes both retired and newly hired workers and is designed for long-term follow-up. The study collects comprehensive health information from national registries, ensuring accuracy and completeness of data. The cohort has strengths such as regular updates, availability of confounding factors, and monitoring of cancer incidence. However, limitations include a relatively small [Extracted from the article]

Background: Industrial radiography uses gamma or X-ray radionuclide sources to investigate the safety of industrial materials. Industrial radiation workers receive the highest occupational radiation doses. Objective: The present study investigates the relationship between Bax and Bcl-2 gene expression variables in industrial radiation workers. Material and Methods: In this case-control study, data was collected using blood sampling from 40 workers, including two groups of non-radiation and radiation workers employed at the location. Expression levels of Bax and Bcl-2 genes were assessed in the laboratory. The environmental and absorbed doses of workers were measured using environmental and pen dosimeters. Results: Statistical analysis showed that the radiation group's Bcl-2 gene expression level was significantly higher. Findings also demonstrated a correlation between Bcl-2 gene expression and the number of workdays. Also, the Bax gene expression did not show a significant change, and the expression ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 was insignificant in the two groups. Conclusion: Exposure to low doses of radiation could promote an adaptive response in cells by increasing Bcl-2 gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Cancer Institute from Chile possesses a wide variety of high-complexity equipment for cancer treatment and diagnosis that employs ionizing radiation with high and medium energy. Presently, the radiotherapy department is equipped with 5 clinical linear accelerators and one brachytherapy equipment, while the nuclear medicine department is equipped with a PET-CT, a single gamma camera, and a hospitalization room for betatherapy. A descriptive statistical analysis was conducted on the Personal Doses Equivalent Reports from medical radiation workers between 2019-2022. The analysis involved extracting Hp(10) and Hp(0.07) measurements from digital reports using the Python Pandas library, and a database was constructed. The annual set of data was selected for each department to describe their behavior concerning Hp(10) total since PD8 dosimeters had the highest circulation. Additionally, using the boxplot format for the Hp(10) and Hp(0.07) distributions, means, medians, minimums and maximums, interquartile ranges and outliers were analyzed. While Hp(10) measurements exhibited an increase, Hp(0.07) measurements remained constant or experienced a decrease. All reported measurements were less than international tolerances. Finally, this initial descriptive statistical analysis enables the radiation safety officers to evaluate the applicability of inferential statistical analysis with stronger evidence and in an objective manner.

Presidential Decree No. 138 of 2014 regulates Radiation Hazard Allowance for radiation workers who work as radiation workers in the health sector. This is because in carrying out their duties as radiation workers, they face direct patients and X-ray devices, and radiation workers have a higher risk of radiation impacts caused so that in carrying out their. This type of research is descriptive qualitative. Triangulation is carried out by confirming between data obtained from in-depth interviews (interview data) with data obtained from observations (observation data) and data obtained from studies/document studies with the number of informants interviewed 15 (fifteen) informants consisting of informants at the National Police of The Republic of Indonesia (POLRI) Hospital, informants at Ciawi Hospital and informants from the BNN Rehabilitation Center Clinic. Observation/observations, interviews, and documentation carry out this data collection. Purposive and snowball techniques were used to find informants in the study. The results of this study show that the implementation of the radiation hazard allowance policy for radiation workers at the National Police of The Republic of Indonesia (POLRI) Hospital currently needs to be paid because it is still waiting for the policy from the Chief of Police. The inhibiting factor is that radiation workers cannot choose benefits, as stated in Presidential Regulation 138 of 2014. Implementing the radiation hazard allowance policy at the BNN Rehabilitation Center Clinic was previously unpaid since Presidential Decree 48 of 1995. However, it began to be paid from 2014 to 2022 using Presidential Regulation number 138 of 2014 to 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hazard of exposure to ionizing radiation at low doses has been scientifically proven to be possible for cancer and noncancer diseases. International and national regulatory bodies have recommended dose limits for occupationally exposed workers to ionizing radiation and the general public. The objective of this study was to assess the radiation safety levels in monitor rooms of x-ray diagnostic radiology facilities. Sixty monitored rooms in twenty radio diagnostic centers were visited. Three tissue-equivalent thermoluminescent dosemeters (TLD-100 (LiF: Mg. Ti)) chips were placed in strategic places a few centimeters from the viewing glass in the monitored rooms for two weeks. The TLDs were analyzed using the RADOS RE 2000 TLD reader. Questionnaires were also distributed to ascertain compliance with the basic principles of radiation protection. The average personnel dose equivalents in the monitored rooms of conventional x-rays, mammography, computed tomography, and fluoroscopy were 0.33, 0.32, 0.28, and 0.34 mSv/year, respectively. The status of the radiation safety levels in the selected monitored rooms is satisfactory because the values obtained were below the international recommended dose limit of 50 mSv in a single year for occupationally exposed radiation workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Access to ionizing radiation has become widely available for diagnosis and treatment. The increased use of ionizing radiation has been associated with radiation exposure hazards for patients and radiation workers. Raising the level of radiation protection awareness is important to maintain the safety of healthcare settings. Methods: Online questionnaires were distributed to 755 healthcare workers and students at King Abdulaziz Medical City and King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire consisted of 14 multiple-choice questions divided into two sections (questions related to radiation protection and common radiologic examination doses). Results: In total, 443 participants completed the questionnaire, including 142 (32%) medical students, 107 (24%) radiology technologists, 105 (24%) radiography students, and 89 (20%) physicians. Of the participants, 245 (55%) were men. A total of 74 (84%) physicians and 51 (47%) radiology technologists had more than 5 years of experience. Eleven (12%) physicians and 44 (41%) radiology technologists had 1–4 years of experience, whereas the rest had less than 1 year of experience. Only 16% of participants attended training courses on a regular basis. However, 15% of the participants thought that they had excellent knowledge of radiation protection, whereas 18% admitted that they did not have sufficient knowledge. Sixty-two percent of the questions related to radiation protection awareness were answered correctly. Forty-five percent of the participants correctly answered questions related to doses from common radiologic examinations. Only 23% and 16% of participants were aware of the noncontrast chest CT and lumbar x-ray doses, respectively. Moreover, 35% and 24% of participants did not know that pelvic MRI and abdominal ultrasound do not contribute any radiation dose, respectively. Conclusion: The results showed a knowledge gap regarding radiation protection and dose levels; therefore, periodic refresher courses are recommended for healthcare workers in order to increase the level of awareness.

In April 2011, the International Commission on Radiological Protection recommended reducing the occupational equivalent dose limit for the lens. Such a new occupational lens dose limit has thus far been implemented in many countries, and there are extensive discussions toward its regulatory implementation in other countries. In Japan, discussions in the Japan Health Physics Society (JHPS) began in April 2013 and in Radiation Council in July 2017, and the new occupational lens dose limit was implemented into regulation in April 2021. To share our experience, we have published a series of papers summarizing situations in Japan: the first paper based on information available by early 2017, and the second paper by early 2019. This paper (our third paper of this series) aims to review updated information available by mid-2022, such as regarding regulatory implementation of the new occupational lens dose limit, recent discussions by relevant ministries based on the opinion from the council, establishment process of safety and health management systems, the JHPS guidelines on lens dose monitoring and radiation safety, voluntary countermeasures of the licensees, development of lens dose calibration method, and recent studies on exposure of the lens in nuclear workers and biological effect on the lens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article summarizes a number of presentations from a session on "Radiation and Circulatory Effects" held during the Radiation Research Society Online 67th Annual Meeting, October 3–6 2021. Different epidemiological cohorts were analyzed with various statistical means common in epidemiology. The cohorts included the one from the U.S. Million Person Study and the Canadian Fluoroscopy Cohort Study. In addition, one of the contributions in our article relies on results from analyses of the Japanese atomic bomb survivors, Russian emergency and recovery workers and cohorts of nuclear workers. The Canadian Fluoroscopy Cohort Study data were analyzed with a larger series of linear and nonlinear dose-response models in addition to the linear no-threshold (LNT) model. The talks in this symposium showed that low/moderate acute doses at low/moderate dose rates can be associated with an increased risk of CVD, although some of the epidemiological results for occupational cohorts are equivocal. The usually only limited availability of information on well-known risk factors for circulatory disease (e.g. smoking, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, physical activity) is an important limiting factor that may bias any observed association between radiation exposure and detrimental health outcome, especially at low doses. Additional follow-up and careful dosimetric and outcome assessment are necessary and more epidemiological and experimental research is required. Obtaining reliable information on other risk factors is especially important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) can cause dire health consequences even less than the dose limits. Previous biomonitoring studies have focused more on complete blood counts (CBCs), with non-coherent results. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between exposure to IR and cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) along with hematological parameters in Tabriz megacity's radiation workers. In this hospital-based study, blood samples were taken from 33 radiation workers (exposed group) and 34 non-radiation workers (control group) in 4 hospitals. Absorbed radiation dose was measured by a personal film badge dosimeter in radiation workers. The studied biomarkers and all of the selected covariates were measured and analyzed using adjusted multiple linear regression models. The exposed doses for all radiation workers were under the dose limits (overall mean = 1.18 mSv/year). However, there was a significant association between exposure to ionizing radiation and IL-6 (49.78 vs 36.17; t = 2.4; p = 0.02) and eosinophils (0.17 vs 0.14; t = 2.02; p = 0.049). The difference between the mean of the other biomarkers in radiation workers was not statistically significant compared to the control group. This study demonstrated that long-term exposure to ionizing radiation, even under the dose limits, is related to a significantly increased level of some blood biomarkers (Il-6 and eosinophil) that, in turn, can cause subsequent health effects such as cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gender imbalance in research output and academic rank in academic radiology is well-documented and long-standing. Less is known regarding this imbalance among pediatric radiologists. Objective: To characterize gender differences for academic rank and scholarly productivity of pediatric radiologists relative to adult radiologists. Materials and methods: During summer 2021, faculty data for the top 10 U.S. News & World Report ranked adult radiology programs and the top 12 largest pediatric hospital radiology departments were collected. Information regarding self-reported gender, age, years of practice and academic rank was accessed from institutional websites and public provider databases. The h-index and the number of publications were acquired via Scopus. Group comparisons were performed using Mann–Whitney and chi-square tests. Results: Three hundred and sixty-four (160 women) pediatric and 1,170 (468 women) adult radiologists were included. Compared to adult radiologists, there were significantly fewer pediatric radiologists in advanced ranks (associate or full professor) (P = 0.024), driven by differences between male (P = 0.033) but not female radiologists (P = 0.67). Among pediatric radiologists, there was no significant difference in years in practice (P = 0.29) between males and females. There also was no significant difference in academic rank by gender (P = 0.37), different from adult radiology where men outnumber women in advanced ranks (P < 0.001). Male pediatric radiologists displayed higher academic productivity (h-index: 9.0 vs. 7.0; P = 0.01 and number of publications: 31 vs. 18; P = 0.003) than their female colleagues. Conclusion: Academic pediatric radiology seems to have more equitable academic advancement than academic adult radiology. Despite similar time in the workforce, academic output among female pediatric radiologists lags that of their male colleagues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to protect the health of radiation workers, scientific management of radiation workplace protection is implemented, and occupational health risks of radiation workplaces in Gansu Province, China are identified and evaluated through monitoring. The basic situation of occupational health management of radiological workers in 1366 radiological diagnosis and treatment institutions was investigated, and 596 monitoring hospitals were selected for occupational health monitoring. Using a 2-IN∗2-in NaI (Tl) scintillation spectrometer and its supporting software, internal thyroid irradiation monitoring was performed. Fifty-one underground workers in a deep mine iron mine were selected to monitor the effect of high radon exposure. 11 (6%) monitored hospital interventional radiology staff detected lead outside the aprons between 5 mSv and 20 mSv during a single monitoring period; In nuclear medicine, radiation monitoring in the thyroid detected 3(15%) people with doses between 5 mSv and 20msv.The chromosome aberration rate and Detection rate of posterior pole subcapsular opacification of interventional radiation group and nuclear medicine group was higher than that of conventional radiation group, and the difference between interventional radiation group and conventional medicine group was statistically significant. Abnormal detection of tumor markers in serum after sustained radon exposure accounted for 39.2% of NSE(neuron-specific enolase), 22.5% of SCC(squamous cell carcinoma associated antigen), and 5.9% of CyFRA21-1(cytokeratin 19 fragment), respectively, chest low-dose CT showed plaque and stripe shadow in 21 cases (41.2%) and nodules in 16 cases (31.4%). Individual dose monitoring found that radiation workers engaged in interventional radiology were exposed to higher doses and had higher occupational risks. The results of occupational health examination show that there is a certain degree of radiation injury in interventional radiology and nuclear medicine workers. Nuclear medicine radiation monitoring results show that some workplaces have radioactive contamination. The radon exposure of deep mine miners has a higher occupational risk of lung cancer caused by high radon.The analysis of chromosome aberration is an important index of occupational health monitoring of radiation workers. • Dic + r can be used as a sensitive index of radiation injury in low-dose radiation workers. • A simple method for monitoring internal thyroid irradiation. • There is a certain degree of radiation injury in interventional radiology and nuclear medicine workers. • The radon exposure of deep mine miners has a higher occupational risk of lung cancer caused by high radon. • There is radioactive contamination in some workplaces of the nuclear medicine department. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A monitoring for radiological technologists and radiation workers must be implemented to ensure the radiation safety. Aims: The aim of our study was to measure the occupational radiation dose for medical workers from the Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Nuclear Medicine, Dental Services, Endoscopy, and Surgery at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Materials & Methods: This study was conducted at KAMC, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Across-sectional study and a suitably and structured questionnaire was adapted from the previous similar studies and monitored radiation doses designed in line with the study's objectives were collected among the different medical workers. A total of 223 medical radiation workers were involved in this study, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: It is noted that the diagnostic radiology department recorded the highest value of effective dose followed by cardiac catheterization laboratory and nuclear medicine and so on. The measured amount of effective dose for diagnostic radiology, cardiac catheterization laboratory, nuclear medicine, dental services, endoscopy, and surgery at KAMC was found to be 14.35, 5.23, 4.56, 3.88, 3.52, and 1.87 mSv, respectively. Conclusions: This study provide an evidence that the occupational radiation dose for all the monitored departments at KAMC are well below the international recommended dose limit (20 mSv). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of breast cancer etiology suggest evidence that night shift working and occupational exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) are defined risk factors for breast cancer development. There are few studies to clarify neuroendocrine and inflammatory status and the possible consequences particularly in occupational exposure. Aim of the study. Our aim was to associate the redox and inflammatory biomarkers with either nightshift working or occupational radiation exposure, and to compare their levels between the two groups at Alexandria University Hospitals, Alexandria, Egypt. We included 150 female nurses at Alexandria University Hospitals: 50 nightshift workers, 50 radiation workers, and 50 dayshift workers as a control group (neither work nightly nor radiation workers). In morning serum sample (7 am), we measured the concentrations of serum melatonin, Cortisol, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) by ELISA; malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels colorimetrically, and C-reactive protein (C-RP) levels by turbidimetric method. Nightshift workers had significantly lower levels of melatonin and TAC, and higher levels of serum inflammatory markers and cortisol, than day shift control group of workers. Workers occupationally exposed to IR had significantly higher levels of serum melatonin, MDA and inflammatory markers, lower levels of serum cortisol, and lower TAC than day shift workers. Occupational exposure to IR and working nightly alter circulating redox and inflammatory biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the diagnostic value of whole blood cell parameters logistic regression model for radiation injury on radiation workers by comparing the differences of whole blood cell parameters between occupational radiation injury population and occupational health examination population. Methods: In February 2023, 184 radiation workers who received occupational health examinations in our hospital and occurrenced chromosome aberration from July 2021 to July 2022 were retrospectively selected as the radiation injury group. And other 184 radiation workers encountered in the same period without chromosome aberration occurrence were selected as the control group. Collected whole blood cell parameters from two groups of research subjects, conducted comparative analysis, constructed a logistic regression model, and evaluated the diagnostic value of the logistic regression model for radiation injury on radiation workers by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and area under curve (AUC) . In addition, with the same standard, 60 radiation workers with chromosome aberration and 60 radiation workers without chromosome aberration from August 2022 to January 2023 were included in the validation queue to validate the logistic regression model. Results: Neu&#95;X, Neu&#95;Y, Neu&#95;Z, Lym&#95;X, Lym&#95;Y, Lym&#95;Z, Mon&#95;X, Mon&#95;Y, Mon&#95;Z, Micro, MCHC in the radiation injury group were significantly higher than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P <0.05) . And MCV and Macro in the radiation injury group were lower than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P <0.05) . Moreover, logistic regression analysis showed that Lym&#95;X, Lym&#95;Y, Lym&#95;Z, MCHC, Micro were all independent risk factors for diagnosing radiation injury on radiation workers ( OR =1.08、1.02、0.99、1.06、51.32, P <0.05) . ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the logistic regression model based by Lym&#95;X, Lym&#95;Y, Lym&#95;Z, MCHC and Micro in diagnosing radiation injury on radiation workers were 0.80, 85.9%, 65.8% and 75.9% respectively. The validation queue verified the logistic regression model and the AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the logistic regression model were 0.80, 81.7%, 71.7% and 76.7% respectively, the model fitted well. Conclusion: Radiation damage can cause changes in multiple whole blood cell parameters of radiation workers. The logistic regression model based by Lym&#95;X, Lym&#95;Y, Lym&#95;Z, MCHC and Micro showed good diagnosis ability and can be used for the screening of radiation injury on radiation workers.

Background: Periodic medical examinations of radiation workers are routinely conducted in many countries. Although low dose radiation (LDR) is not expected to cause a significant effect on blood count, the periodic examination usually includes reviewing the work history, general medical history, a physical examination and collecting a blood sample. Despite lymphocytes are the most sensitive cells to radiation, their counts do not show any significant change as long as the radiation level is less than a few hundreds of millisievert (mSv). In spite of this, in Iran, radiation workers, even those who work in diagnostic radiology departments, are regularly examined for blood count changes. Methods: After a detailed search in PubMed, ISI, Scopus, SID and Google Scholar, only 12 out of 650 articles matched our criteria. A review of these 12 reports was conducted. The full texts were fully reviewed by the authors. Results: The complete blood count (CBC) test has a very low efficacy in evaluation of the adverse health effects of ionizing radiation in radiation workers. Therefore, finding alternative methods with a higher efficacy is recommended. Conclusion: CBC tests cannot be introduced as valid markers of potential radiation effects in most occupational exposures. Given this consideration, in periodic tests of radiation workers, cytogenetic tests can be the gold-standard method. In particular, due to its relatively low cost and good sensitivity and specificity, the dicentric assay can be promising. Moreover, the simple and rapid evaluation of micronuclei by fast automated scoring systems can be a good alternative for current low efficacy CBC tests.

Background: Vascular injuries caused by irradiation include acute vasculitis with neutrophil invasion, endothelial cell (EC) swelling, capillary loss, and activation of coagulator mechanisms, along with local ischemia and fibrosis. The circulating endothelial cells (CECs), increase dramatically in diseases with vascular damage. Aim: The aim of this study is to provide data on the endothelial dysfunction due to occupational exposure to low dose ionizing radiation versus high dose exposure during radiotherapy (RT). Patients and Methods: This study included 100 subjects divided into three main groups: Group I: High dose exposure group: 50 breast cancer patients treated with post-operative radiotherapy. Group II: Low dose exposure group: 25 hospital radiation workers. Group III: 25 healthy volunteers' age and sex matched as control group who had never worked in radiation-related jobs. TM levels measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Circulating endothelial cells (CEC) enumerated in peripheral blood by flow cytometric analysis of their signature receptor CD146. Results: % CD146+ cells and plasma TM were significantly increased in radiation workers and after exposure to radiotherapy treatment in breast cancer patients. When comparing patients group with radiation workers group, we found significant elevation in plasma TM in radiation workers while insignificant difference was found in % CD146+ cells. Conclusion: CECs and plasma TM both are increased in radiation workers and patients treated with radiotherapy. They may constitute valuable markers of endothelial injury. Workers exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation may develop significant endothelial dysfunction predisposes them to cardiovascular complications namely thrombosis, mostly due to oxidative stress among other causes.

The genetic polymorphism of DNA repair gene plays some important role in regulating individual sensitivity to ionizing radiation, maintaining DNA integrity, and preventing cancer and DNA damage.XRCC1 as one of the members ofbase excision repair (BER) is involved in the repairement of oxidized bases and single-strand breaks DNA after exposure by ROS, including ionizing radiation. This study was aimed to examine the correlation between XRCC1 exon 6 gene polymorphism and MN frequency in radiation workers and their relation to age, gender, smoking status and years of exposure. This study involved 81 hospital radiation workers and 20 controls from several hospitals in Indonesia. Genotyping of XRCC1exon 6 gene polymorphism and MN assay were performed using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and Cytokinesis-Block Micronucleus assay (CBMN assay), respectively. The results indicated that MN frequency was significantly higherin the exposed workers than in the controls (15.38±7.72 versus 9±5.49; p = 0.001).Radiation workers with heterozygous alleles for XRCC1 polymorphisms showed a significantly higher MN frequency than controls with the same genotypes (17.5±8.36 versus 7.44±5.05; p = 0.002). The confounding factors, like gender and age, were significantly associated with increased MN frequency both in radiation workers and controls. Smoking status was significantly associated with MN frequency in the controls only, while years of exposure did not affect MN frequency either in radiation workers or controls. These results suggest that the genetic polymorphism of XRCC1 gene exon 6 with a mutant heterozygous/ CT variant demonstrated an association with the extent of DNA damage in the hospital radiation workers in this study. In the subsequent studies, it is necessary to examine the DNA repair genes polymorphism in populations with controlled non-genetic factors, such as lifestyles, environments, and exercises that affect the MN frequency as a biomarker of DNA damage.

The carcinogenic effects of low radiation doses have not been fully understood until now. Studies on individuals that are occupationally exposed to low radiation doses can help to address this question. This study assesses the micronucleus (MN) frequencies as indicator of DNA damage in radiation workers that are occupationally exposed to low radiation dose. The influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in XRCC3 gene on the frequency of micronuclei was also evaluated in this study. The effects of confounding factors of gender, age, and smoking status on MN frequencies was assessed in all samples. A total of 60 subjects consisting of 30 radiation workers from Center of Multipurpose Reactor (CMPR), National Nuclear Energy Agency (NNEA) of Indonesia, and 30 control samples were enrolled in this study. The results showed that the difference between MN frequency in radiation workers and in control samples was not statistically significant [0.019 vs. 0.021; p = 0.549]. Age and smoking status did not affect micronucleus frequencies in all samples (p = 0.723 and 0.828). Micronucleus frequencies in females were higher compared to males, even though the difference was not significant (p = 0.3). Radiation workers with variant alleles for XRCC3 olymorphism did not showed higher MN frequencies compared to the controls with the same genotypes. The small numbers of samples with XRCC3 variant alleles found in this study possibly contributed to the insignificant difference of MN frequencies between wild-type allele (Thr/Thr) and mutant alleles (Thr/Met or Met/Met). Further investigations using larger sample sizes and MN assay in combination with human pan-centromeric probe should be conducted to validate this study results. Other SNP in XRCC3 gene also should be evaluated to find out the association between SNP and MN frequencies.

Background Medical workers are the largest group of workers occupationally exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation (IR) worldwide. Aims This review presents all the cohorts of medical workers exposed in the world and summarizes cancer risks associated with radiation exposure in this population. Methods Epidemiological studies on health professionals exposed to IR published from 1975 to 2019 were reviewed. Strength of evidence was assessed according to the modified Royal College of General Practitioners three-star system. Results Among the 16 epidemiological studies focusing on cancers from 11 cohorts among medical staff exposed to radiation, higher risks of cancer were observed for pre-1950 exposure and for medical workers who performed fluoroscopically guided interventional procedures or radionuclides procedures compared to those who did not. However, strength of evidence supporting the associations remains moderate as several methodological limits including the lack of dosimetry data, lifestyle factors and recent updates may obscure the link between medical occupational exposure and cancer occurrence. Conclusions Excess risk of cancer is suspected for high and former exposures. The more highly exposed professions, i.e. interventional physicians and nuclear medicine workers, should be monitored carefully. Collaborative projects aiming to increase the quantity and quality of information of the studied populations would be a key point [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the ongoing structure of radiation oncology in Japan in terms of equipment, personnel, patient load and geographic distribution to identify and overcome any existing limitations. From December 2014 to July 2017, the Japanese Society for Radiation Oncology conducted a questionnaire based on the Japanese national structure survey of radiation oncology in 2013. Data were analyzed based on institutional stratification by the annual number of new patients treated with radiotherapy per institution. The estimated annual numbers of new and total (new plus repeat) patients treated with radiation were 216 000 and 257 000, respectively. Additionally, the estimated cancer incidence was 862 452 cases with ~25.0% of all newly diagnosed patients being treated with radiation. The types and numbers of treatment devices actually used included linear accelerator (LINAC; n  = 880), Gamma Knife (n  = 45), 60Co remote afterloading system (RALS; n  = 23) and 192Ir RALS (n  = 128). The LINAC system used dual-energy functions in 675 units, 3D conformal radiotherapy functions in 785 and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) functions in 494. There were 831 Japan Radiological Society/Japanese Society for Radiation Oncology-certified radiation oncologists, 1130.6 full-time equivalent (FTE) radiation oncologists, 2214.6 FTE radiotherapy technologists, 196.6 FTE medical physicists, 183.8 FTE radiotherapy quality managers and 856.7 FTE nurses. The frequency of IMRT use significantly increased during this time. In conclusion, the Japanese structure of radiation oncology has clearly improved in terms of equipment and utility although there was a shortage of personnel in 2013. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to clarify the motivations and timing of the decision to become radiation oncologists. Materials and methods: We conducted an online survey for new members of the Japanese Society for Radiation Oncology (JASTRO). Results: The response rate was 43.3%. Data of the 79 respondents who wanted to obtain a board-certification of JASTRO were analysed. We divided the respondents into two groups: Group A, those who entered a single radiation oncology department, and Group B, those who joined a radiology department in which the radiation oncology department and diagnostic radiology department were integrated. The most common period when respondents were most attracted to radiation oncology was "5th year of university" in Group A and "2nd year of junior residency" and "senior residency" in Group B. Furthermore, 79.5% of Group A and 40% of Group B chose periods before graduation from a university with a significant difference. The most common period when respondents made up their minds to become radiation oncologists was "2nd year of junior residency" in both groups. Internal medicine was the most common department to consider if they did not join the radiation oncology or radiology department. Conclusion: To increase the radiation oncologists, it is crucial to enhance clinical training in the fifth year of university for Group A and to continue an active approach to maintain interest in radiation oncology until the end of junior residency. In Group B facilities, it is desirable to provide undergraduates more opportunities to come in contact with radiation oncology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: People working in the hospital units such as Radiology and Nuclear Medicine are subject to higher doses of ionizing radiation than people working in other professions. We examined the association between DNA damage and ionizing radiation exposure in the personnel working in university hospital and considered different variables such as smoking, working years, gender, age. Material-Method: 48 radiation exposed personnel, aged between 20-50 years old, working in radiological units within the Süleyman Demirel University Research - Application Hospital and 51 individuals, aged between 18 and 57, who do not work in hospital, constitute our research group. Lymphocytes isolated from blood samples taken from the participants were evaluated with the comet method for DNA damage. Tail DNA percentage parameter, obtained through Open Comet program, was chosen to assess DNA damage and the results were evaluated by the One-Way Anova statistical test. Results: The results, obtained from statistical comparison of tail DNA percentage parameter, indicate that even the low dose radiation caused DNA damage and age, gender, smoking habits and working years did not show any significant differences except for dosimetry value. Increasing dosimetry value resulted in increased DNA damage. Conclusions: This work supports the previous results of biomonitoring of radiology workers chronically exposed to ionizing radiation. This means ionizing radiation is still an important DNA damaging agent despite many improvements such as exposed time reduction, working conditions and technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time-course study of individual dose equivalents of 2-deoxy-2-[F-18]fluoro-d-glucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) was conducted in different hospital workers, and the daily work duties were analyzed. For the measurements, a semiconductor dosimeter was used. The values at intervals of 1 min and 1 h, the monthly cumulative and daily cumulative doses, and trend graphs were acquired with dedicated software and displayed on the reader. The following radiation workers with duties involving maximum external exposure work were included: doctors making diagnoses (4.8 μSv/procedure), nurses removing injection needles (3.1 μSv/procedure), pharmacists performing quality control tests (2.9 μSv/procedure), nuclear medicine technologists assisting patient positioning (6.5 μSv/procedure), and cyclotron engineers performing daily checks (13.4 μSv/procedure). The results of analysis of daily work duties revealed the influencing factors of external exposure dose. To reduce the external exposure dose, investigators should shorten the patient's contact time with the 18F-FDG source or patient tracer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the results of occupational health examinations of radiation workers in Shaanxi Province, and to provide basis and reference for effectively conduct occupational health monitoring. Methods: From April 2016 to January 2022, a questionnaire survey was conducted to collect the basic information on occupational health examinations of qualified radiation workers in Shaanxi Province from 2016 to 2021. Based on the abnormal rate of occupational health among radiation workers, 1018 people were randomly selected using a cluster stratified sampling method to analyze the occupational health examination results of different positions, types of work, gender, length of service, and exposure doses. Results: The chromosomal aberration rates of peripheral blood lymphocytes among radiation workers in Shaanxi Province from 2016 to 2021 were 0.26% (10/3876), 0.77% (27/3512), 0.16% (16/10153), 0.09% (13/14769), 0.10% (13/13399), and 0.12% (20/16671), respectively. The abnormal rates of thyroid ultrasound examination were 32.33% (150/464), 24.46% (649/2653), 55.24% (786/1423), 32.89% (888/2700), 35.69% (1475/4133), and 42.51% (1993/4688), respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the abnormal rates among different years ( P <0.05). The abnormal rate of renal function examination in male radiation workers was higher than that in females ( P <0.05). Compared with non medical users, the abnormal rates of renal function, thyroid function, and blood routine examination in medical radiation workers were higher ( P <0.05), and the abnormal rates of renal function, thyroid function, and blood routine examination in medical applications were higher than those in radiation diagnosis, nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy ( P <0.05). The abnormal rates of electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, blood pressure, thyroid function, and blood routine increased with the length of service ( P <0.05). The abnormal rates of blood pressure, liver function, kidney function, thyroid function, and blood routine examination increased with the exposure dose ( P <0.05) . Conclusion: The occupational health status of radiation workers is not optimistic. Occupational health monitoring should be strengthened, especially interventional radiation diagnosis occupational health examination, as well as changes in the indicators of sensitive organs such as eye lens and thyroid, so as to ensure the health of radiation workers.

There is a pressing need to establish automated solutions for the rapid, high-throughput, and automatic detection of chromosome aberrations (CAs) in the occupational health surveillance of large-scale radiation workers. Here, we described and verified the accuracy of a new measurement system based on the automatic scanning and analysis of dicentric chromosomes (DICs). The effects of cell number on DIC detection by automatic scanning and analysis were studied, and the distribution of DIC values per cell was calculated. In total, 1088 cases were detected by automatic DIC scanning and analysis in 26 663 radiation workers, and 73 cases were further confirmed by a technician, including 5 cases in which radiation exposure lead to harmful medical consequences. Our approach reduces the workload by 96% and increases the speed of assessment approximately 7-fold. Overall, this study validates the utility of a novel rapid and high-throughput CA detection procedure as a means of occupational health surveillance of large-scale radiation workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Purpose of this study was to retrospectively review our experience of multidisciplinary clinic providing a joint approach by radiation oncologist and anesthetist for patients with cancer pain to evaluate the adequacy and the IMprovement in MAnagement (IM-MA study) of this symptom.Methods: A Team for Pain Management (TPM) represented by radiation oncologist and anesthetist weekly provided consultations to patient presenting cancer pain. TPM prospectively reported epidemiologic, symptomatic, and pharmacological data. TPM modified pain therapy and indicated antalgic radiotherapy. Patients were evaluated at baseline and after 4 weeks after intervention.Results: From November 2015 to April 2016, 65 patients were evaluated by TPM. At the baseline, 18 patients (27.7%) were undertreated (i.e., receiving inadequate pain management); furthermore, 27 patients (41.5%) despite receiving strong opioids had uncontrolled pain. After 4 weeks from intervention, undertreated patients were reduced to 1.53%. For those patients undergone to radiotherapy, response at 34 weeks was scored as follows: complete response 28.8%, partial response 46.7%, pain progression 0.95%, indeterminate response 23.8%.Conclusions: A multidisciplinary Team for Pain Management improved the clinical management, optimizing pain control and increasing adequacy of pharmacological management. The TPM intervention seems particularly worth for patients presenting specific features including BTcP, neuropathic pain, severe pain due to bone metastases, and any potential candidate to radiotherapy. Larger series and QoL questionnaires are required to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of ionizing radiation on 8-hydroxy-20-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in human peripheral blood was investigated. Blood samples were collected from 230 radiation workers and 8 patients who underwent radiotherapy for population study. Blood samples from 2 healthy individuals were irradiated with different X-ray doses for in vitro experiment, and levels of 8-OHdG in serum and cell culture supernatants were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Observations demonstrated the positive relationships between serum 8-OHdG level and radiation dose and working period were observed, and serum 8-OHdG levels were higher among interventional radiation workers than among other hospital radiation workers. In addition, 8-OHdG yields in supernatants increased, peaked at 3 Gy of radiation dose, and then decreased with further increases in radiation; the dose-response curve obtained fitted a polynomial function. By contrast, a similar trend was not found in radiotherapy patients. The present study suggests that 8-OHdG may be a useful biomarker reflecting oxidative damage among workers occupationally exposed to low-dose radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Timely assessment of cancer risk from current radiation exposure among medical radiation workers can contribute to the development of strategies to prevent excessive occupational radiation exposure. The purpose of the present study is to estimate the lifetime risk of cancers induced by occupational radiation exposure among medical radiation workers.Methods: Using estimated organ doses and the RadRAT risk assessment tool, the lifetime cancer risk was estimated among medical radiation workers who were enrolled in the Korean National Dose Registry from 1996 to 2011. Median doses were used for estimating the risk because of the skewed distribution of radiation doses. Realistic representative exposure scenarios in the study population based on sex, job start year, and occupational group were created for calculating the lifetime attributable risk (LAR) and lifetime fractional risk (LFR).Results: The mean estimated lifetime cancer risk from occupational radiation exposure varied significantly by sex and occupational group. The highest LAR was observed in male and female radiologic technologists who started work in 1991 (264.4/100,000 and 391.2/100,000, respectively). Female workers had a higher risk of radiation-related excess cancer, although they were exposed to lower radiation doses than male workers. The higher LAR among women was attributable primarily to excess breast and thyroid cancer risks. LARs among men were higher than women in most other cancer sites. With respect to organ sites, LAR of colon cancer (44.3/100,000) was the highest in male radiologic technologists, whereas LAR of thyroid cancer (222.0/100,000) was the highest in female radiologic technologists among workers who started radiologic practice in 1991. Thyroid and bladder cancers had the highest LFR among radiologic technologists.Conclusions: Our findings provide an assessment of the potential cancer risk from occupational radiation exposure among medical radiation workers, based on current knowledge about radiation risk. Although the radiation-related risk was small in most cases, it varied widely by sex and occupational group, and the risk would be underestimated due to the use of median, rather than mean, doses. Therefore, careful monitoring is necessary to optimize radiation doses and protect medical radiation workers from potential health risks, particularly female radiologic technologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the cellular, molecular, genetic and non-invasive functional biomarkers of occupational irradiation in workers exposed to a combination of external gamma-radiation and incorporation of transuranium elements. Results: A study was performed in 688 radiation workers of Shelter object conversion into a safe system with mean shift dose of external exposure of 26.06 mSv (range: 0.1–113.35) and risk of internal exposure with transuranium elements. Several biological parameters could serve as biomarkers of exposure at radiation doses below 100 mSv and even in 20–50 mSv interval. The parallel changes were shown in decline of brain electric activity, telomere length, differences in CCND1, CDKN1A, CDKN2A, VEGFA, TP53, DDB2 genes expression. An increase in counts of dicentrics, pair fragments and TCR-variant lymphocytes at doses over professional limits shows the need of biological dosimetry. The most sensitive markers include TCR-CD4+, γ-H2AX+ and CyclinD1+ cell counts. Implementation of flow cytometry approach for these markers enables quick obtaining of quantitative data. Confounding factors included respiratory function and smoking. The study of the radiation workers with the history of chronic exposure in radiation area during 3–5 years demonstrates changes of compensatory origin, i.e. absence of telomere shortening, increased number of NK-cells in combination with lower expression of intracellular γ-H2AX. Conclusion: This study confirms the presence of radiation-induced changes in gene regulation of cell proliferation, telomere function and apoptosis in radiation workers exposed to external and internal exposure at doses above professional limits and increase of compensatory changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: The use of imaging such as X-rays may have an important role in early diagnosis, staging, planning treatment and monitoring of patients during treatment. Radiology ward staff is at risk of low-dose occupational exposure. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the biological effects of low dose occupational exposure to ionizing radiation on blood cell indices of radiology ward staff employed in a governmental hospital in Tehran. Methods: In this case-control study, some blood parameters in 30 radiation workers(cases) and also30 persons who worked in other parts of the hospital were compared. Matching was done for confounding factors. The data was analyzed with software SPSS 20 (p0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the hematological parameters of radiation workers exposed to low doses of radiation may not predict the amount of radiation effects.

Background: There are evidences of association between occupational radiation exposure, cytogenetic alterations and the increase in cancer rates. It is known that the probability of carcinogenesis is greater in populations exposed to radiation, since ionizing radiation can raise the frequency of chromosomal aberration and spontaneous mutations. Objective: Our purpose was to assess the role of chromosomal aberrations and oxidative DNA adduct 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) as biomarkers of radiation injury in individuals occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation. Subjects: and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 60 radiation workers and 30 healthy volunteers age and sex matched as control group who had never worked in radiation-related jobs. Chromosomal aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes were assayed by conventional cytogenetic technique and serum levels of 8-OHdG was measured by enzyme linked immunossorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The incidence of all types of chromosomal aberrations was significantly higher in all exposed groups than in controls with the highest rate of chromosomal aberrations in the industrial radiographers. Serum 8-OHdG in all radiation workers was significantly higher than in control group. There was a significant higher values among industrial radiographers compared to diagnostic radiologists or radiotherapists. Significantly lower mean corpuscular volume (M.C.V) was found among radiation workers versus the controls reflecting erythrocyte microcytosis. Conclusions: Scoring of chromosome aberrations such as breaks, fragments and dicentrics is a reliable method to detect previous exposure to ionizing radiation. This type of monitoring may be used as a biological dosimeter instead of physical dosimetry.8-OHdG is a useful oxidative DNA marker among radiation workers and those exposed to environmental carcinogens.

This study aimed to develop effective methods for monitoring internal contamination among workers handling radioactive materials in various fields. A total of 160 workers from nuclear power plants, medical institutions, military units, and educational/research institutions were included in the study. The monitoring methods included urinalysis and whole-body counting (WBC) using a mobile radio bioassay laboratory (MRL). Gamma-emitting radionuclides were monitored using the MRL WBC system, and a separate pretreatment procedure was used for tritium measurement in urine samples. Gross beta-screening was performed using a liquid scintillation counting system. The results were evaluated on the basis of the established screening criteria and compared with the dose limits. Additionally, tritium concentrations in the bodies of workers in the vicinity of a heavy-water reactor was analysed to assess the association between tritium concentration and occupation. The results showed a wide distribution of tritium concentrations. Workers involved in fuel and maintenance tasks demonstrated the maximum exposure. Workers in medical facilities showed low levels of internal contamination, which was primarily related to tasks involving radioactive isotopes. Military personnel involved in equipment repair showed significant tritium contamination due to damage during repairs. Workers in educational and research institutions in general had low levels of internal contamination., (© 2023 Society for Radiological Protection. Published on behalf of SRP by IOP Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.)

This article summarises the information provided by two sources on applying internal dosimetry in an occupational setting. It describes the current ISO standards in internal dosimetry, which provide a basis for delivering monitoring and dose assessment for radiation workers under conditions where it can be judged that dose limits have not been exceeded. It also outlines the contents of the report on the Technical Recommendations for Monitoring Individuals for Occupational Intakes of Radionuclides, which builds on ICRP publications, the ISO standards, the EURADOS IDEAS Guidelines and other published documents to present a comprehensive account of the principles and practice of individual monitoring and internal dosimetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Radioactive isotopes are used in nuclear medicine for diagnostic as well as therapeutic purpose. The procedures adopted in nuclear medicine involve handling of unsealed radionuclides and may have direct contact of fingers with unshielded vials and syringes. It is the possibility of extremities contamination while handling unsealed radioactive sources due to which occupational workers gets unwanted radiation exposure. In this regard, a study was conducted in nuclear medicine department of AECH-NORI, Islamabad to evaluate the extremities exposure of radiation workers while performing different diagnostic and treatment procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the study period approximately 90-95% procedures were performed with "mTc, 5-6% by using 131l, 1% with 201TI and 0.25-0.5 % for MIBG. Eight radiation workers (seven nuclear medicine technologists and one radio pharmacist) participated in study and extremity doses were evaluated at Hp(0.07). TLD based ring dosimeters were used to measure the occupational exposure. RESULTS: The measured minimum, maximum and average doses were found 9.24 mSv/y, 90.0 mSv/y and 37.2 mSv/y for the technologists of nuclear medicine department. The minimum, maximum and average doses for radio pharmacist were found to be 95.52 mSv/y, 312.96 mSv/y and 204 mSv/y, respectively. CONCLUSION: All eight workers were right handed and found that right hand of six workers exposed more than the left hand. The measured results clearly show that the annual extremity doses of radiation workers are within the recommended limits (500 mSv/y).1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Main purpose of this progress report is to highlight the radiation safety measures and steps taken in a public sector hospital towards the implementation of radiation protection program in order to ensure safe radiation culture both for staff, patients and attendants and to comply with regulatory requirements lacking before in a high volume radiology department of Lady Reading hospital, Peshawar, (KPK), Pakistan. MATERIALS & METHOD: Qualitative, exploratory and descriptive analysis was carried out in the largest and oldest public sector hospital of Khyber Pakhtunkhawa (KPK) to highlight the radiation safety measures taken in order to implement the radiation protection program in developing safe culture toward radiation practice within radiology department of the hospital. The first step taken started with the induction of medical physicists hired one year back (Sept, 2016). Several radiation safety standards lacking were identified by the physicists, matters were discussed with higher authorities, immediate actions and measures were recommended and taken by hospital administration and achieved considerable success towards the implementations of safe radiation culture in accordance with regulatory requirements to ensure safe radiation practice within the department. RESULTS: After a period of one year with intensive planning, all the weak zones were identified and safety measures were taken and addressed accordingly. Radiation safety culture is emerging in its true sense according to regulatory standards and radiation protection program has been implemented in the radiology department of Lady Reading hospital. To ensure the enforcement of radiation protection progamme in its true spirit, daily safety rounds are being conducted by medical physicists observing various operational aspects of radiation protection program within the radiology department and technical training of radiation workers is being conducted to develop their skills regarding safe culture of radiation practice. CONCLUSION: Radiation protection program has been implemented through team effort of all stakeholders as per regulatory guidelines, safety standards are being followed regarding safety of radiation workers, doctors, patients and public in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Although many radiologists invoke the surgical classification of renal injury proposed by the American Association for Surgery in Trauma (AAST), there has been only limited work on the role of the AAST system as an imaging stratification. The aim was to determine the inter-rater reliability (IRR) amongst radiologists and urologists using the AAST system. Methods: A 1-year retrospective study of consecutive patients with computed tomography (CT) evidence of renal trauma managed at a Level 1 trauma center. Three radiologists and three urologists independently stratified the presentation CT findings according to the AAST renal trauma classification. Agreement between independent raters and mutually exclusive groups was determined utilizing weighted kappa coefficients. Results: One hundred and one patients were included. Individual inter-observer agreements ranged from 54/101 (53.4%) to 62/101 (61.4%), with corresponding weighted kappa values from 0.61 to 0.69, constituting substantial agreement. Urologists achieved intra-disciplinary agreement in 49 cases (48.5%) and radiologists in 36 cases (35.6%). Six-reader agreement was achieved in 24 cases (23.7%). The AAST grade I injuries had the highest level of agreement, overall. Conclusion: The finding of substantial IRR amongst radiologists and urologists utilizing the AAST system supports continued use of the broad parameters of the AAST system, with some modification in specific categories with lower agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study surveyed the knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding radiation safety of radiation managers and workers in fields of research and education in South Korea. A questionnaire based on the Haddon Matrix was prepared after expert consultation and administered on May 4, 2015. The investigation lasted 30 days and a total of 180 responses were analyzed. For statistical analysis, SPSS/WIN 15.0 was utilized to derive mean, standard deviation, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Additionally, t-test, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to determine the effect of knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding radiation safety. The knowledge and attitude level of radiation workers was higher than the behavior level. However, the knowledge, attitude, and behavior levels differed depending on the use of radiation sources and the users. There were statistically significant differences between material and physical environment factors in the behavior variable, and the level of safety managers' behaviors was higher than that of workers. Overall, radiation workers were positive about the need for radiation safety management and appropriate environment and education systems in order to ensure safety practices. As a result of the comparison between groups according to the use of radiation sources, the level of knowledge, attitude, and behavior were all different. Behavior levels were the lowest especially in the institutions that only used opened sources. The result of multiple linear regression analysis using the behavior of radiation workers as the dependent variable showed that the level of radiation safety management behavior was affected by knowledge levels of material and human factors. The Korean legal and education systems should be supplemented to enable them to use radiation sources efficiently and practice safety. Efforts must be made to optimize radiation safety culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Support and investment in increasing a research-active culture in clinical practice needs to be translated at the department and hospital levels as well as regional, state and national levels. We aimed to improve the research culture of our department, to enable more clinical staff to become more research competent and research active.Methods: We describe and discuss the appointment of a Director of Research and a Research Coordinator into our already-research-active department and the interactions at the research-clinical interface. By identifying barriers and instituting enablers which ameliorate their effect, we explore how a clinical department can utilize the resources already available with the goal of developing a more confident and competent clinician-researcher culture as measured by a range of research metrics.Results: We observed an improved research culture within our department. Our department's improved research culture was reflected by increased numbers of peer-reviewed publications (of 30%), research students/supervisions (of 60%) and engagement of external speakers. We also observed double the number of first-authored peer-reviewed articles and a growth in conference presentations, posters and speaker invitations/awards. In the majority of the research performance metrics tracked, there was a steady improvement noted over the four years monitored.Conclusions: By responding to the barriers of staff (such as time, expertise and ideas) with structural and personal enablers, as well as funded resources, it is possible to develop research capacity and confidence in a clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]