Health physics最新文献

{"title":"Radioactivity in Bottled Drinking Water from Greater Dhaka City and Concomitant Ingestion Doses to Consumers.","authors":"Shikha Pervin, Joyanto Kumar Modok, Mayeen Uddin Khandaker, Selina Yeasmin, Rubina Rahman","doi":"10.1097/HP.0000000000002179","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/HP.0000000000002179","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K radionuclides were determined in various brands of bottled drinking water commonly available in the local markets of Greater Dhaka City; additionally, the annual effective dose following the ingestion pathway was assessed. Radioactivity of 226Ra in the bottled water (purified, mineral, and drinking) samples varied from 0.61 ± 0.27 Bq L-1 to 10.64 ± 1.34 Bq L-1 with a mean value of 4.73 ± 1.02 Bq L-1. For 232Th, the concentration ranged between 0.35 ± 0.27 Bq L-1 and 5.71 ± 3.37 Bq L-1 with a mean of 2.97 ± 1.61 Bq L-1; for 40K, it ranged from 3.48 ± 2.92 Bq L-1 to 93.58 ± 26.74 Bq L-1 with a mean of 36.31 ± 10.63 Bq L-1. Purified bottled water exhibited the highest activity concentrations of 226Ra and 40K, whereas drinking water showed the highest 232Th concentration compared to purified and mineral bottled water samples. Infants received higher annual ingestion doses compared to children and adults. The average value of the threshold consumption rate remained below the limit. The 226Ra shows statistical significance, whereas 232Th and 40K are the opposite; 226Ra shows greater heterogeneity.</p>","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148307959","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of Radiation Dose and Protection Practices in Neonatal Radiography in NICUs.","authors":"Nada Alomairy, Renad Ageely, Nuha Alsharif, Safiah Haddadi, Rimas Sahili, Badriah Sharahili, Tahani Aqrabi, Mohammad Alhaj","doi":"10.1097/HP.0000000000002166","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/HP.0000000000002166","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Neonatal radiography is essential in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) for diagnosing and monitoring critical conditions. However, the use of ionizing radiation in fragile neonates - particularly in repeated chest and abdominal x rays - raises concerns about cumulative radiation exposure and its potential long-term health effects. This study aimed to quantitatively assess the entrance surface dose (ESD) received by neonates during chest and abdominal radiography in two NICUs in Saudi Arabia and to compare with the international diagnostic reference levels (DRLs). A prospective, quantitative study of 100 neonates (50 in each hospital) on clinically justified chest and abdominal radiographs with mobile digital x-ray units was conducted. ESD was estimated from technical exposure parameters [tube voltage (kVp), milliampere-seconds (mAs), and focus-to-skin distance (FSD)] using the NRPB-recommended method. Correlation analyses and multiple linear regression were conducted to find the dose variation predictors. The average ESD was 0.48 ± 0.18 mGy in Hospital A and 0.49 ± 0.08 mGy in Hospital B with no statistically significant difference between the two hospitals. These results are well over ~5-10 times the international neonatal DRLs. ESD was significantly correlated with mAs (r=0.67) and patient thickness (r=0.76), and with kVp (r=0.54) in a moderate level of association; however, kVp and mAs were only weakly correlated (r=0.11). Regression analysis showed that patient thickness, mAs, and kVp were significant independent predictors of ESD (adjusted R2 = 0.65, p < 0.001). Neonatal radiation doses were found to be significantly elevated compared with the international reference levels, highlighting the need for immediate optimization. Dose reduction techniques like protocol standardization, elevated kVp at low mAs setting, beam collimation, and filtration must be used. These findings provide baseline data for establishing regional neonatal DRLs in Saudi Arabia and support future optimization studies using anthropomorphic phantoms.</p>","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148308006","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fatty Acid Binding Proteins for Improved Prediction and Monitoring of Radiation- induced Gastrointestinal Injury.","authors":"Suchitra Sharma, Aliza Rehan, Ajaswrata Dutta","doi":"10.1097/HP.0000000000002177","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/HP.0000000000002177","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Early detection and effective monitoring of gastrointestinal injury are needed for efficient medical management of the radiation-exposed victims. This study evaluated fatty acid-binding proteins (FABP1, FABP2, and FABP6) in combination to accurately predict and monitor radiation-induced gastrointestinal injury in C57Bl/6 mice. The response of FABPs was checked upon exposure to a range (2.5 Gy-20 Gy) of gamma radiation doses and their availability in serum from 2 h to 7 d. These alterations were correlated with structural changes in the intestine and the expression of genes encoding tight junction proteins, Zona occludens-1 and Occludin. Tissue-specific expression was also checked. FABP2 expression was found abundant and specific to the intestine, where it co-localized with FABP1 and FABP6. An increase in serum FABPs was noted in a dose- and time-specific manner, which correlated with radiation-mediated intestinal injury and downregulation of Zona occludens-1 and Occludin. FABP1, FABP2, and FABP6 were found to be upregulated at 9 Gy and above and were available in serum within 24 h of exposure. FABP1 and FABP2 were detected in serum between 24 h and 72 h, whereas FABP6 had a prolonged time window (24 h to 5 d). In serum, FABP1, FABP2, and FABP6 peaked at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, respectively, suggesting that the three FABPs in combination can detect GI injury as early as 24 h. These proteins displayed reliable specificity based on ROC curve construction. Together, FABP1, FABP2, and FABP6 could detect and assess the progression of radiation-induced gastrointestinal injury rapidly, which may facilitate in managing exposed individuals following radiological emergencies.</p>","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148307999","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Radiological Analysis of 137Cs and 90Sr in Wine and Cider from the Fukushima Prefecture.","authors":"Maelle Coupannec, Thomas E Johnson, Kenji Nanba, Ralf Sudowe","doi":"10.1097/HP.0000000000002182","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/HP.0000000000002182","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident in 2011 released substantial amounts of radiocesium (137Cs, 134Cs) and smaller amounts of radiostrontium (90Sr) into the environment. Despite extensive remediation, consumer hesitancy to consume agricultural products from the region persists. This study presents a radioanalytical assessment for a selection of wines and ciders produced in the Fukushima Prefecture. Measurements of 137Cs and 90Sr were performed to allow comparison with national and international food safety regulations and to support efforts aimed at revitalizing local agriculture and public confidence. Results indicate that radionuclide levels in all tested beverages were well below applicable regulatory limits, indicating a correspondingly low potential radiological risk associated with their consumption.</p>","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148264219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analysis of Contrast-enhanced CT Radiation Dose in Children.","authors":"Fang Wang, Jinping Sheng, Guoyong Zhang, Liwen Ma, Zhiwei Zuo, Rui Jiang","doi":"10.1097/HP.0000000000002147","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/HP.0000000000002147","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Reducing radiation exposure in pediatric imaging is a key focus globally, and it is necessary to establish diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) in children. This study assesses typical radiation dose values from contrast-enhanced CT examinations of children to provide a reference for internal quality control. A retrospective analysis was conducted on contrast-enhanced CT data from 330 pediatric patients at our hospital between January 2020 and December 2024. Patients were categorized into four age groups: 0-4 y, >4-10 y, >10-14 y, and >14-18 y. Basic patient information, CT scan parameters, total computed tomography volume dose index (CTDIvol), and dose-length product (DLP) were collected. Differences in total CTDIvol, DLP, and effective dose among different age groups were analyzed and compared with DRL values from domestic and international studies. The effective dose values for head CTA, neck, chest, coronary artery, liver, kidney, and abdomen were 54.48, 21.46, 7.76, 8.58, 14,74, 7.27, and 17.96 mSv, respectively. No significant differences across different age groups were observed in total CTDIvol and DLP for head angiography, neck, chest, and coronary artery scans (CTDIvol: χ2=4.31, 4.77, 0.48, 7.50; DLP: χ2=4.85, 2.03, 2.38, 4.17 P>0.05). However, significant differences were found in total CTDIvol and DLP for liver, kidney and abdominal scans among different age groups (CTDIvol: χ2=2.19, 8.86, 11.26; DLP: χ2=3.76, 7.71, 10.07; P<0.05). This study revealed the radiation dose for some regions does not show significant differences among different ages in CT enhanced scans, and the CTDIvol values for some ages exceeded international DRL standards, indicating a need for optimization of contrast-enhanced CT scanning protocols in children in our hospital.</p>","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148224517","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of Operating Room Staff Compliance with Radiation Safety Measures in Morocco: A Cross-sectional Study.","authors":"A Housni, K Amazian, A Labzour","doi":"10.1097/HP.0000000000002180","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/HP.0000000000002180","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this study was to assess the level of compliance of operating room personnel with radiation protection and safety measures against ionizing radiation. A cross-sectional study was conducted among operating room staff in three Moroccan hospitals equipped with a fluoroscopy system. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire addressing practices, knowledge, and attitudes related to radiation protection. Among participants, 78% considered wearing a personal dosimeter during image-guided procedures as necessary, yet only 16% reported actually using one. None of the respondents indicated receiving monthly or annual dosimetric reports. Regarding protective measures, 45% used only a lead apron, 25% relied on distance as a means of protection, and only 6% used both a lead apron and a thyroid shield. Concerning knowledge, 75% were unaware that distance is the most effective means of reducing exposure to ionizing radiation; 33% considered the lead apron as the main protective tool, while 42% had no idea. Finally, only 22% of respondents were familiar with the three fundamental principles of radiation protection (justification, optimization, limitation), and 17% mentioned two of them, mainly justification and optimization. This study highlights a low level of adherence to radiation protection measures among operating room staff, reflecting a lack of awareness and training. Strengthening education programs and standardizing protective practices are essential to enhance occupational safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148224504","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhanced Radiation Monitoring for Radiopharmacists: Quantification of Extremity Doses and Optimal Dosimeter Placement During 131I Dispensing.","authors":"Noorfatin Aida Baharul Amin, Fatin Nadhirah A Halim, Amir Firdaus Abdul Aziz, Ahmad Lufti Amir Soid, Ahmad Muizz Mohamud Lufti, Mohamad Taufik Yusof, Dhalisa Hussin, Mohd Fadzil Ain, Fadzilah Hamzah, Rafidah Zainon","doi":"10.1097/HP.0000000000002151","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/HP.0000000000002151","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Occupational radiation protection remains a fundamental concern in nuclear medicine practice, particularly when handling unsealed radiopharmaceuticals such as iodine-131 (131I). Personnel involved in dispensing are at elevated risk of significant extremity exposure, especially to the fingers, due to close contact with high-activity sources. This study was conducted to quantify extremity doses among radiopharmacists during routine 131I dispensing procedures and to determine the most suitable placement of dosimeters for accurate dose monitoring. Optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters were strategically placed at multiple anatomical sites on the fingers of three radiopharmacists to capture site-specific variations in dose distribution. Results demonstrated that the highest recorded dose per dispensing procedure was 2.386 ± 0.223 mSv, with the index and thumb fingers, particularly on the non-dominant hand, receiving the greatest exposure. This finding reflects the hand positioning typically adopted during manipulation of 131I vials and syringes. Considerable variability in dose patterns between individuals highlights the importance of standardized dosimeter positioning. Regression analysis was applied to estimate fingertip doses from base measurements, but a nonlinear relationship was identified, limiting predictive accuracy. Overall, the study underscores the limitations of current monitoring practices and support the recommendation of finger base dosimetry, standardized protocols, and optimization strategies such as automation and bilateral hand monitoring to improve radiation protection for nuclear medicine professionals.</p>","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148204672","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Estimation of Organ and Effective Doses in Diagnostic Radiography Using ESAK Metrics and Monte Carlo Conversion Factors.","authors":"Muhammad Nuruddeen Abdulkareem, Muhammad Mudassir Usman, Ibrahim Olanrewaju Abiodun, Abdullahi Muhammad, Ahmad Alhassan, Mohammed Shettima Nur, Andrew Adamu, Saldip Butfa Ponfa","doi":"10.1097/HP.0000000000002178","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/HP.0000000000002178","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study assessed organ and effective doses in routine diagnostic radiography by combining measured entrance surface air kerma (ESAK) values with Monte Carlo-derived conversion coefficients. A total of 50 adult patients who underwent chest, abdominal, skull, and pelvic x rays at the Federal Teaching Hospital Jos were included. ESAK values were measured using a calibrated solid-state detector, and corresponding organ and effective doses were calculated using conversion factors derived from PCXMC simulations and International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) guidelines. Effective doses ranged from low values for chest PA projections to higher doses for pelvic examinations, all within internationally accepted diagnostic reference levels (DRLs). The findings emphasize that while doses remain within safe thresholds, ongoing optimization of exposure parameters and adherence to ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principles are necessary to balance diagnostic benefit with radiation detriment.</p>","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148204677","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From Knowledge Gaps to Trust: Investigating Public Views on Low-dose Radiation.","authors":"Lekhnath Ghimire, Charisse Vitto, Tanushree Das, Edward Waller, Nicholas Priest, Margot Hurlbert","doi":"10.1097/HP.0000000000002159","DOIUrl":"10.1097/HP.0000000000002159","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study presents a qualitative analysis of eight focus groups conducted in November 2024 to examine public perceptions, misconceptions, and informational needs related to low-dose radiation (LDR). Participants from diverse backgrounds discussed trust in science, perceived risk, personal experience, media influence, and expert communication. Initial uncertainty and skepticism were common, with many conflating LDR with high-dose exposure and nuclear accidents. Conflicting media portrayals, limited educational resources, and distrust of industry-funded research compounded this uncertainty. Trust in scientific authority was conditional: participants valued academic and government-backed research but were cautious of findings influenced by politics or corporations. Canadian studies were generally perceived as more credible than US research due to differences in regulatory and accountability frameworks. Risk perception was not static; expert presentations clarified the natural presence of radiation and its medical and environmental applications, leading to shifts in understanding in some groups, though skepticism persisted in others. Personal experiences, such as undergoing radiation therapy, and media representations shaped interpretations of risk. Across all groups, participants emphasized the need for transparent, emotionally resonant, and audience-specific communication. Recommendations included using trained science communicators, leveraging multimedia tools and social media platforms, and providing public health resources such as radon test kits and more precise risk-benefit explanations. Findings suggest that knowledge, experience, media, and institutional trust influence the public's understanding of LDR. Targeted, empathetic communication, combined with transparency in research, can foster a more informed public discourse. These insights have implications for public health communication, policymaking, and strategies to engage audiences on complex scientific topics (e.g., LDR) in a skeptical, media-saturated environment.</p>","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148156355","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pilot Study Soliciting Expert Opinion for Developing a Pre-incident Public Education Campaign for Radiological/Nuclear Emergencies.","authors":"Zayneb Moflehi, Mark L Maiello","doi":"10.1097/HP.0000000000002160","DOIUrl":"10.1097/HP.0000000000002160","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>What are the best practices for instructing the public pre-incident about how to respond to a radiological or nuclear emergency? A pilot study of six experts who had studied these and allied communication strategies agreed to be interviewed to supply recommendations for a low-budget, pre-incident public education initiative. The results are summarized in this paper. Focusing the messaging on Millennials because they are the largest age demographic, adept with social media and spreading content, is likely to be the most efficient means of dispersing content. Success is also associated with the method chosen to deliver the content (e.g., using trusted spokespersons from agencies like local health and fire departments). Live forums also have advantages. They allow questions to be asked and answered in real time and better support underserved communities with less social media access. Working in collaboration with community leaders or other trusted influencers to overcome language, trust and socioeconomic barriers is also an advantage. Although the sampling size was small (6), these results are encouraging: major strategy disagreements were not encountered.</p>","PeriodicalId":12976,"journal":{"name":"Health physics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148156346","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}