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Gouda MM, Obeid A, Awad R, Badawi MS. Gamma-ray attenuation parameters of HDPE filled with different nano-size and Bulk WO3. Appl Radiat Isot 2023; 197:110790. [PMID: 37037134 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2023.110790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) was obtained through a compression molding technique, and incorporated with different filler weight fractions (0, 10, 15, 25, and 35%) of bulk WO3, and two different WO3 nanoparticle sizes (45 nm and 24 nm). The radiation attenuation ability of the new category of polymer composite HDPE/WO3 was evaluated using gamma-ray energies ranging from 59.53 up to 1332.5keV of four radioactive sources 241Am, 133Ba, 137Cs, and 60Co. The mass attenuation coefficients μm, the total molecular cross-section σmol, the effective atomic cross-section σatom, the total electronic cross-section σel, the effective atomic number Zeff, electron density Neff, the half value layer (HVL), the tenth value layer (TVL), and the relaxation length were investigated. The obtained results of the gamma-ray attenuation parameters exhibited an outstanding influence of the size and weight fraction of WO3 filler on the gamma-ray shielding ability of the HDPE composite. A significant improvement was detected at low gamma-ray energies. The HVL of the synthesized HDPE composites is compared with that of pure lead as a conventional shielding material. HDPE composite filled with the smaller size of WO3 nanoparticle shows good improvement in the attenuation parameters, which suggests promising applications in radiation protection and gamma-ray shielding.
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Caggiano M, Acerra A, Martina S, Galdi M, D’Ambrosio F. Infection Control in Dental Practice during the COVID-19 Pandemic: What Is Changed? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3903. [PMID: 36900914 PMCID: PMC10001281 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly changed our lives. Since the SARS-CoV-2 was discovered, many studies have been done on the transmission mode, its replication within humans, and its survival even in the outside environment and on inanimate surfaces. Undoubtedly, health care workers have faced the greatest risks because of their close contact with potentially infected patients. Of these, dental health care professionals are certainly among the most vulnerable categories, precisely because infection occurs with the airborne virus. The treatment of patients within the dental office has changed profoundly, respecting all preventive measures towards the patient and the practitioners themselves. The aim of this paper is to understand whether the protocols changed for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection among dentists remained even after the most acute phase of the pandemic. In particular, this study analyzed habits, protocols, preventive measures, and any costs incurred in the COVID-19 era for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection among dental workers and patients.
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Evaluating the X-ray-Shielding Performance of Graphene-Oxide-Coated Nanocomposite Fabric. MATERIALS 2022; 15:ma15041441. [PMID: 35207983 PMCID: PMC8875570 DOI: 10.3390/ma15041441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) during diagnostic medical procedures brings certain risks, especially when experiencing recurrent exposures. The fabrication of nano-based composites, doped with different nanoparticles, have been suggested as effective shielding materials to replace conventional lead-based ones in material sciences and nanotechnology. In this study, commercially available fabrics, used to produce scrubs and gowns for clinical staff, are modified utilizing graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles using a layer-by-layer (LBL) technique. GO was obtained from graphite through environmentally friendly technology by using a modified-improved Hummers' method without NaNO3. Lightweight, flexible, air- and water-permeable shielding materials are produced that are wearable in all-day clinical practice. The nanoparticles are kept to a minimum at 1 wt%; however, utilizing the LBL technique they are distributed evenly along the fibers of the fabrics to achieve as much shielding effect as possible. The evaluation of samples is accomplished by simulating real-time routine clinical procedures and the radiographic programs and devices used daily. The GO-coated nanocomposite fabrics demonstrated promising results for X-ray shielding.
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Li C, Lu Z, He M, Sui J, Lin T, Xie K, Sun J, Ni X. Augmented reality-guided positioning system for radiotherapy patients. J Appl Clin Med Phys 2022; 23:e13516. [PMID: 34985188 PMCID: PMC8906221 DOI: 10.1002/acm2.13516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In modern radiotherapy, error reduction in the patients’ daily setup error is important for achieving accuracy. In our study, we proposed a new approach for the development of an assist system for the radiotherapy position setup by using augmented reality (AR). We aimed to improve the accuracy of the position setup of patients undergoing radiotherapy and to evaluate the error of the position setup of patients who were diagnosed with head and neck cancer, and that of patients diagnosed with chest and abdomen cancer. We acquired the patient's simulation CT data for the three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the external surface and organs. The AR tracking software detected the calibration module and loaded the 3D virtual model. The calibration module was aligned with the Linac isocenter by using room lasers. And then aligned the virtual cube with the calibration module to complete the calibration of the 3D virtual model and Linac isocenter. Then, the patient position setup was carried out, and point cloud registration was performed between the patient and the 3D virtual model, such the patient's posture was consistent with the 3D virtual model. Twenty patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer and 20 patients diagnosed with chest and abdomen cancer in the supine position setup were analyzed for the residual errors of the conventional laser and AR‐guided position setup. Results show that for patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer, the difference between the two positioning methods was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). For patients diagnosed with chest and abdomen cancer, the residual errors of the two positioning methods in the superior and inferior direction and anterior and posterior direction were statistically significant (t = −5.80, −4.98, P < 0.05). The residual errors in the three rotation directions were statistically significant (t = −2.29 to −3.22, P < 0.05). The experimental results showed that the AR technology can effectively assist in the position setup of patients undergoing radiotherapy, significantly reduce the position setup errors in patients diagnosed with chest and abdomen cancer, and improve the accuracy of radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunying Li
- Department of Radiotherapy, Changzhou Second People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China.,Laboratory of Medical Physics Center, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangning District, Nanjing, China.,Changzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Physics, Changzhou, China
| | - Zhengda Lu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Changzhou Second People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China.,Laboratory of Medical Physics Center, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangning District, Nanjing, China.,Changzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Physics, Changzhou, China
| | - Mu He
- Department of Radiotherapy, Changzhou Second People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China.,Laboratory of Medical Physics Center, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangning District, Nanjing, China.,Changzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Physics, Changzhou, China
| | - Jianfeng Sui
- Department of Radiotherapy, Changzhou Second People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China.,Laboratory of Medical Physics Center, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangning District, Nanjing, China.,Changzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Physics, Changzhou, China
| | - Tao Lin
- Department of Radiotherapy, Changzhou Second People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China.,Laboratory of Medical Physics Center, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangning District, Nanjing, China.,Changzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Physics, Changzhou, China
| | - Kai Xie
- Department of Radiotherapy, Changzhou Second People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China.,Laboratory of Medical Physics Center, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangning District, Nanjing, China.,Changzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Physics, Changzhou, China
| | - Jiawei Sun
- Department of Radiotherapy, Changzhou Second People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China.,Laboratory of Medical Physics Center, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangning District, Nanjing, China.,Changzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Physics, Changzhou, China
| | - Xinye Ni
- Department of Radiotherapy, Changzhou Second People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China.,Laboratory of Medical Physics Center, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangning District, Nanjing, China.,Changzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Physics, Changzhou, China
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Morphometric Analysis of the Mandibular Canal, Anterior Loop, and Mental Foramen: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Evaluation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073365. [PMID: 33805123 PMCID: PMC8036832 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-based features of the mandibular canal, mental foramen, anterior loop, and accessory mental foramina with respect to age and sex. A total of 306 CBCT mandibular images were included in this retrospective study to measure the mandibular canal location and extension, the mental foramen position, the presence of the anterior loop, and the accessory mental foramina. The measurements were obtained in sagittal, coronal, and axial views. Descriptive statistics are presented. Sex-related differences, correlations, and comparisons were calculated using SPSS at 5% significance level. The mandibular canal was located more coronal and medial in male patients. The majority of cases had the mental foramen located just apical to the mandibular second premolar with a mean height of 2.94 mm and a mean length of 3.28 mm. Age affected the size of the mental foramen. The mental canal in all cases tended to show a coronal direction. Mesial extension of the anterior loop was found in 66.01% of the images while accessory mental foramina were detected in 2.6%. The complexity of the mandibular canal, mental foramen, anterior loop, and accessory mental foramina among Sudanese patients with respect to age and sex was confirmed.
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Effects of different nano size and bulk WO3 enriched by HDPE composites on attenuation of the X-ray narrow spectrum. NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY AND RADIATION PROTECTION 2021. [DOI: 10.2298/ntrp2104315o] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The X-rays of the narrow-spectrum N-series ranging from 40 kV to 150 kV were
used to determine the radiation attenuation ability of a new category of a
polymer composite fabricated for shielding purposes. High density
polyethylene was synthesized through a compression molding technique, and
incorporated with various filler amounts (10, 15, 25, and 35 wt.%) of bulk
micro-sized WO 3 (Sample A), two WO 3 nanoparticles 45 nm (Sample B), and 24
nm (Sample C). The WO 3 filler was identified and characterized using X-ray
diffraction and a transmission electron microscope. The mass distribution of
the chemical elements of the synthesized composites was determined by
energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The obtained results of the different
attenuation parameters revealed that the particle size and weight fraction
of WO particles have an outstanding effect on the X-ray shielding ability of
this composite. The 3 experimental measurements of the mass attenuation
coefficients were compared to the theoretical values tabulated in the NIST
databases XCOM and FFAST. The mass attenuation coefficient was increased
with the increment of WO 3 wt.% as well as with the decrease of the WO 3
particle size. This improvement in the attenuation parameters of the NP(C)
composite suggests their promising applications in radiation protection at
the diagnostic level.
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Comparison of Cone Beam Computed Tomography and Digital Radiography in Detecting Separated Endodontic Files and Strip Perforation. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10238726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The separation of endodontic files and strip perforation are among procedural intraoperative complications which may ultimately lead to the failure of root canal treatment. The aim of the present study was to compare the diagnostic potential of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and digital periapical radiographs in detecting separated rotary files and strip perforation in filled canals. Fifty human mandibular molars were selected for this study. The teeth were randomly divided into two groups based on endodontic errors (i.e., file separation and strip perforation). In each group, 25 of 50 mesial canals were randomly chosen for simulating the errors, while the other 25 canals were considered as the control group. In group one, a simulation of the separation of rotary files was performed using ProTaper F2 files. Strip perforation of the root canals in group two was achieved by number 2 and 3 Gates Glidden drills in the coronal third of the root canals. Digital periapical radiographs in two different horizontal angles and high-resolution CBCT scans were obtained from the teeth mounted on a dry human mandible with simulated soft tissue covering. Three experienced observers who were unaware of the study groups evaluated the digital periapical and CBCT image sets in two separate readings. Intraobserver and interobserver agreements, as well as accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV), were calculated and compared. Intraobserver and interobserver agreements ranged from poor to excellent and poor to good, respectively. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for digital radiography in detecting separated files were 0.950, 0.813, 0.957, 0.929, and 0.880, respectively. The same values for CBCT were 0.747, 0.667, 0.900, 0.833, and 0.783, respectively. For the diagnosis of strip perforation, these values were 0.855, 0.800, 0.909, 0.889, and 0.833 for periapical radiography and 0.955, 1.000, 0.920, 0.926, and 1.000 for CBCT. In conclusion, CBCT was superior for diagnosing strip perforation of the filled root canals, while digital periapical radiographs performed better in the detection of separated rotary files.
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