Simultaneous microbeam IBA and beam-induced luminescence analysis of strained doped silica fibre radiation dosimeters

We demonstrate that the simultaneous combination of ion beam analysis (IBA) and ion beam induced luminescence (IL) can reveal valuable information concerning the performance of strained doped silica fibre thermoluminescence microdosimeters. The micron scale spatial resolution and low detection limits of IBA allow the lateral distribution of dopant elements to be mapped and then correlated with the distribution of prompt radioluminescence. Measurement of the decay of the IL signal with dose provide information concerning the saturation of the subsequent TL signal at high doses. MeV ion beams can deposit relatively high energy in localized, well-quantified small volumes and so this method is valuable for studying high dose effects in TL dosimeters. We describe a simple modification of the target chamber microscope which enables sensitive low background light detection in two wavelength bands and present preliminary results from three types of germanium doped silica fibre dosimeter

Association of mutation and expression of the brother of the regulator of imprinted sites (BORIS) gene with breast cancer progression

INTRODUCTION: The BORIS, 11 zinc-finger transcription factors, is a member of the cancer-testis antigen (CTA) family. It is mapped to chromosome number 20q13.2 and this region is genetically linked to the early onset of breast cancer. The current study analyzed the correlation between BORIS mutations and the expression of the protein in breast cancer cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A population-based study including a total of 155 breast cancer tissue samples and an equal number of normal adjacent tissues from Indian female breast cancer patients was carried out. Mutations of the BORIS gene were detected by polymerase chain reaction-single standard confirmation polymorphisms (PCR-SSCP) and automated DNA sequencing and by immunohistochemistry for BORIS protein expression were performed. The observed findings were correlated with several clinicopathological parameters to find out the clinical relevance of associations. RESULTS: Of all the cases 16.12% (25/155) showed mutations in the BORIS gene. The observed mutations present on codon 329 are missense, leading to Val\u3e Ile (G\u3eA) change on exon 5 of the BORIS gene. A significant association was observed between mutations of the BORIS gene and some clinicopathological features like nodal status (p = 0.013), estrogen receptor (ER) expression (p = 0.008), progesterone receptor (PR) expression (p = 0.039), clinical stage (p = 0.010) and menopausal status (p = 0.023). The protein expression analysis showed 20.64% (32/155) samples showing low or no expression (+), 34.19% (53/155) with moderate expression (++), and 45.17% (70/155) showing high expression (+++) of BORIS protein. A significant association was observed between the expression of BORIS protein and clinicopathological features like clinical stage (p = 0.013), nodal status (p = 0.049), ER expression (p = 0.039), and PR expression (p = 0.027). When mutation and protein expression were correlated in combination with clinicopathological parameters a significant association was observed in the category of high (+++) level of BORIS protein expression (p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: The BORIS mutations and high protein expression occur frequently in carcinoma of the breast suggesting their association with the onset and progression of breast carcinoma. Further, the BORIS has the potential to be used as a biomarker

Investigation of silica-based TL media for diagnostic x-ray dosimetry

We focus on the development of Ge-doped silica thermoluminescent dosimeters with sensitivity superior to that of the LiF (Mg,Ti) phosphors popularly used in x-ray diagnostic imaging dosimetry, typically in the form of the product TLD-100. Of interest are Ge-doped silica telecommunication fibres (SMF) and tailor-made doped photonic crystal fibres (PCFc), the latter Ge-doped or also co-doped with boron. The PCFs are formed of capillaries that at high temperatures and under vacuum are made to collapse inwards (PCFc), the internal walls fusing and generating strain-related defects. To-date, the fabricated PCFc-Ge-B, PCFc-Ge and (SMF) have been observed to provide TL yields which weight-for-weight are some 15, 10 and 2 × that of TLD-100. In present study we test the linearity of TL yield for x-ray doses from 0.1- to 10 mGy, use being made of an x-ray tube operated at 80 kVp, a value typically selected in chest radiography. For a dose of 10 mGy, a study of energy dependence has been conducted using x-ray tube potentials of 80 kVp 100 kVp, and 120 kVp, with inherent filtration 0.9 mm Al measured at 75 kVp, and total filtration of 2.8 mm Al at 80 kVp

GeB flat fibre TL dosimeters for in-vivo measurements in radiosurgery

Noting an increase in demand for procedures involving clinical radiosurgery we seek to develop a high spatial resolution thermoluminescence dosimeter (TLD) to allow conduct of in vivo dose verification measurements. An associated need is for a dynamic dose range exceeding that of the well-established LiF (Mg,Ti) phosphor TLD-100, with in particular the latter being limited in performance at the elevated doses seen in radiotherapy. The work investigates the performance of a novel GeB co-doped Flat Fibre (GeB-FF) fabricated using the modified chemical vapour deposition (MCVD) process, the hollow capillary optical fibres (COF) produced from this being collapsed down into flat fibres (FF) to create strain-related defects. This process has already been demonstrated to increase the low dose sensitivity of optical fibres, notably at diagnostic x-ray potentials, with Minimum Detectable Dose (MDD) values of down to 0.1 μGy. The intent of present work, conducted as a component of a safety audit, part of the hospital periodic radiation protection quality assurance program, has been to examine and compare the performance of the two forms of TL dosimeter, GeB-FF and TLD-100, measuring scattered radiation resulting from cranial cavity radiosurgery procedures. The dosimeters were placed on the neck, chest and pelvis of 20 patients. Using both types of dosimeter, raw dose values at each site show general accord (±3 mGy at 1 σ), covering mean doses ranging from some 10 mGy to less than 1 mGy, representing doses of <1% to < 0.1% of prescribed dose at the treatment site. GeB-FF results uncorrected for energy response show absorbed doses greater than that using TLD-100, by factors of some 1.4, 1.2 and 1.5 for the pelvis, chest and neck respectively; energy corrections have been shown elsewhere to provide for much closer agreement

GeB flat fibre TL dosimeters for in-vivo measurements in radiosurgery

Noting an increase in demand for procedures involving clinical radiosurgery we seek to develop a high spatial resolution thermoluminescence dosimeter (TLD) to allow conduct of in vivo dose verification measurements. An associated need is for a dynamic dose range exceeding that of the well-established LiF (Mg,Ti) phosphor TLD-100, with in particular the latter being limited in performance at the elevated doses seen in radiotherapy. The work investigates the performance of a novel GeB co-doped Flat Fibre (GeB-FF) fabricated using the modified chemical vapour deposition (MCVD) process, the hollow capillary optical fibres (COF) produced from this being collapsed down into flat fibres (FF) to create strain-related defects. This process has already been demonstrated to increase the low dose sensitivity of optical fibres, notably at diagnostic x-ray potentials, with Minimum Detectable Dose (MDD) values of down to 0.1 μGy. The intent of present work, conducted as a component of a safety audit, part of the hospital periodic radiation protection quality assurance program, has been to examine and compare the performance of the two forms of TL dosimeter, GeB-FF and TLD-100, measuring scattered radiation resulting from cranial cavity radiosurgery procedures. The dosimeters were placed on the neck, chest and pelvis of 20 patients. Using both types of dosimeter, raw dose values at each site show general accord (±3 mGy at 1 σ), covering mean doses ranging from some 10 mGy to less than 1 mGy, representing doses of <1% to < 0.1% of prescribed dose at the treatment site. GeB-FF results uncorrected for energy response show absorbed doses greater than that using TLD-100, by factors of some 1.4, 1.2 and 1.5 for the pelvis, chest and neck respectively; energy corrections have been shown elsewhere to provide for much closer agreement

Thermoluminescence measurements of eye-lens dose in a multi-centre stereotactic radiosurgery audit

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), a non-invasive therapeutic technique, seeks delivery of elevated doses of ionizing radiation to precisely defined targets while at the same time preserving surrounding tissue viability. SRS was developed for treatment of various functional abnormalities, extending also to benign and malignant lesions (the latter sometimes referred to as stereotactic body radiation therapy, SBRT). Local tumour control for single and multiple brain metastases at low complication rates is one such outcome. Notable commercial SRS platforms include Gamma Knife and the linac-based systems, Novalis and Cyberknife. Such systems use imaging techniques that include computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in localizing SRS targets, down to a small fraction of one mm. With a wide range of platforms for delivery of SRS, greater investigation and standardization is called for. Present work concerns a multi-centre dosimetric audit (20 centres in all), investigating the range of SRS machines and techniques for a single brain metastasis using a series of small dimension detectors (1.55 mm and less) and an anthropomorphic head phantom. With the lens as one of the more radiosensitive tissues, the aim has been to determine the scattered radiation lens dose received during an SRS treatment, as well as the imaging dose received during planning-stage CT-scanning. Custom-designed holders were fabricated to carry three types of thermoluminescence dosimeters: Ge-doped silica fibres, silica glass beads and TLD-100, the latter as a reference dosimeter (being also of larger dimension than the silica-based dosimeters). For reproducible placement of the TLD holders, a bespoke 3D-printed goggle insert was produced for the head phantom. International guidance is to seek reduction in lens dose down to 0.5 Gy. Present results show lens dose values below 0.5 Gy, albeit sometimes to modest degree, there being need to continue to exercise associated due care in SRS planning and delivery

X-ray fluorescence analysis of Pb, Fe and Zn in kohl

Kohl, a facial salve used in ancient times as a symbol of affluence, now enjoys more widespread traditional followings, for cosmetic, religious and supposed medicinal purposes. Popularly used by women and men of all ages, particularly those of North African, Middle Eastern, Southern Asia, Japanese and Chinese origins, it is also known to be used on neonates and children from such populations. With small-scale producers of kohl possessing a growing awareness of the adverse market impact of products that contain (lead) Pb and other toxicity related elements, some claim their products to be Pb-free, offering an apparent change from the more traditional galena-based (lead sulphide) media. Among the published physiological effects of exposure to Pb is that it replaces Ca in bones and teeth, making them weak and fragile, other impacts including nephrotoxicity, also linked with increased Pb blood levels in studies in Oman, Canada, Saudi Arabia, India and Pakistan. Current study involves XRF analysis of Pb, Fe and Zn concentrations in 135 samples of kohl from nine randomly selected suppliers (15 samples of each brand being represented). In pursuit of this, use was made of an in-house assembled facility comprising compact high-performance components, the arrangement offering sufficient sensitivity for the purposes of present study. In most of the samples investigated in the present study observation has been made of concentrations of Pb at elevated levels, quantification of those levels also demonstrating a need to address self-attenuation by the Pb itself. Significant concentration of Fe have also been found in several of the samples. Keywords: X-ray florescence, Pb, Fe and Zn contamination, Koh

Characterisation of an isotropic neutron source: a comparison of conventional neutron detectors and micro-silica glass bead thermoluminescent detectors

As a result of their thermoluminescent response, low cost commercial glass beads have been demonstrated to offer potential use as radiation dosimeters, providing capability in sensing different types of ionising radiation. With a linear response over a large range of dose and spatial resolution that allows measurements down to the order of 1 mm, their performance renders them of interest in situations in which sensitivity, dynamic range, and fine spatial resolution are called for. In the present work, the suitability of glass beads for characterisation of an AmericiumBeryllium (241AmBe) neutron source has been assessed. Direct comparison has been made using conventional 3He and boron tri-fluoride neutron detectors as well as Monte Carlo simulation. Good agreement is obtained between the glass beads and gas detectors in terms of general reduction of count rate with distance. Furthermore, the glass beads demonstrate exceptional spatial resolution, leading to the observation of fine detail in the plot of dose versus distance from source. Fine resolution peaks arising in the measured plots, also present in simulations, are interesting features which based on our best knowledge have previously not been reported. The features are reproduced in both experiment and simulation but we do not have a firm reason for their origin. Of greater clarity is that the glass beads have considerable potential for use in high spatial resolution neutron field characterisation, subject to the availability of a suitable automated TLD reader

Characterisation of an isotropic neutron source: a comparison of conventional neutron detectors and micro-silica glass bead thermoluminescent detectors

As a result of their thermoluminescent response, low cost commercial glass beads have been demonstrated to offer potential use as radiation dosimeters, providing capability in sensing different types of ionising radiation. With a linear response over a large range of dose and spatial resolution that allows measurements down to the order of 1 mm, their performance renders them of interest in situations in which sensitivity, dynamic range, and fine spatial resolution are called for. In the present work, the suitability of glass beads for characterisation of an AmericiumBeryllium (241AmBe) neutron source has been assessed. Direct comparison has been made using conventional 3He and boron tri-fluoride neutron detectors as well as Monte Carlo simulation. Good agreement is obtained between the glass beads and gas detectors in terms of general reduction of count rate with distance. Furthermore, the glass beads demonstrate exceptional spatial resolution, leading to the observation of fine detail in the plot of dose versus distance from source. Fine resolution peaks arising in the measured plots, also present in simulations, are interesting features which based on our best knowledge have previously not been reported. The features are reproduced in both experiment and simulation but we do not have a firm reason for their origin. Of greater clarity is that the glass beads have considerable potential for use in high spatial resolution neutron field characterisation, subject to the availability of a suitable automated TLD reader

Prevalence and Correlates of Paternal Postpartum Depression in Saudi Arabia

Background and objective Literature concerning paternal postpartum depression (PPPD) is rare. However, PPPD is a highly relevant disorder and can have a detrimental effect on the well-being of the family. Paternal care is an essential factor for infants’ mental development, and PPPD has been clearly shown to influence infants’ psychopathology and behavior later in life. This preliminary study aimed to detect the prevalence of PPPD and the correlated demographic and socioeconomic factors in fathers to newborns at the King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted at KAUH in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between January 1, 2017 and June 25, 2018. We collected data telephonically through questionnaires based on previous studies. A PPPD cutoff score of >10 using a validated Arabic translation of the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale was used. We enrolled 150 fathers with a mean age of 36.61±7.72 years in the study. Results The results showed that more than a quarter (27.3%) of the participants suffered from PPPD. Factors that correlate with PPPD included a weak relationship with the partner/mother (p=0.001), trouble sleeping (p=0.010), lower self-esteem (p=0.012), family-related problems (p<0.0001), work-related problems (p=0.002), work–family conflict (p<0.0001), and perceived perinatal and postpartum stress (p=0.001 and <0.0001 respectively). Conclusions The results confirm that PPPD is prevalent among fathers in Jeddah. Screening for and treatment of PPPD in Saudi Arabia is currently lacking, and the prevalence of PPPD according to these findings indicates that these deficiencies urgently need to be addressed. Counselling and support for managing health, family, and work issues during and after pregnancy could contribute to preventing PPPD