Research Article
Assessment of Natural Radioactivity in Cements (Local and Imported) in Mali
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, September 2024
Pages:
37-42
Received:
17 July 2024
Accepted:
14 August 2024
Published:
30 August 2024
Abstract: Background: In this article, the radioactivity concentrations of U-238, Th-232 and K-40 (NORM) and radiological hazard parameters in different types of cements commonly used in Mali and available on the Malian market have been analyzed. The obtained values of NORM concentrations and radiological hazards in seven (07) cements samples will permit to the AMARAP to estimate the exposure (gamma rays) from the buildings and dwellings made by these cements. It will permit also to determine any over exposure (determinist effects which are an immediate tissue reaction due to the high exposition of ionizing radiation) and minimize as well the associated risk due to low doses (stochastic effects). Materials and Methods: The health impact due to the exposure of radionuclides from these cements was evaluated by the determination of specific activity of radionuclides U-238, Th-232 and K-40 using gamma spectrometry analysis. The radiological hazards such as Absorbed Dose Rate (Ḋ) Annual Effective Dose (Ė) Internal and External Dose indexes (Hin and Hex) were evaluated in these cements samples. Results: The range of specific activities for U-238 vary from 21.77 ± 1.50 to 145.31 ± 7.70 Bq/kg, for Th-232 from 8.85 ± 0.52 to 73.56 ± 3.82 Bq/kg and for K-40 from 104.27 ± 5.63 to 351.97 ± 18.08 Bq/kg. The peak of U-238 wasn’t detected only in one (01) sample (CIM04). The highest value of specific activity was reported in sample CIM07 (DANGOTE). The values of radiological hazard such as Ḋ, Ė, Hin and Hex from this work were within the dose criteria limits given by international organizations (ICRP and UNSCEAR) and national standards. Conclusion: This study shows the analyzed cements do not pose any significant source of radiation hazard and are safe for use in the construction of dwellings even if the risk (stochastic effect) associated with low dose exists. Special attention and more analyzes must be done on them for more protection of public health.
Abstract: Background: In this article, the radioactivity concentrations of U-238, Th-232 and K-40 (NORM) and radiological hazard parameters in different types of cements commonly used in Mali and available on the Malian market have been analyzed. The obtained values of NORM concentrations and radiological hazards in seven (07) cements samples will permit to ...
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Research Article
Comparative Study of Two Thoracic External Beam Radiotherapy Regimen 30Gy in 10 Fractions Versus 20Gy in 5 Fractions for Palliation of Symptoms in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, September 2024
Pages:
43-55
Received:
27 October 2024
Accepted:
12 November 2024
Published:
28 November 2024
Abstract: Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) frequently manifests with symptoms from the primary tumor within the chest, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, and hemoptysis. Thoracic palliative radiotherapy is a viable option for alleviating symptoms in these patients, who typically have a poor prognosis and are not candidates for curative treatment. Given their limited survival, a shorter treatment period that achieves adequate palliation is often preferred. Hypofractionated thoracic radiotherapy may meet this criterion. This quasi-experimental study, conducted at the Department of Radiotherapy, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital from January to December 2020, aimed to compare the response and acute toxicity of two thoracic external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) regimens—30 Gy in 10 fractions versus 20 Gy in 5 fractions—in the palliation of symptoms in NSCLC patients. Seventy-two diagnosed NSCLC patients with chest tumor-related symptoms (cough, dyspnea, hemoptysis, chest pain) unsuitable for radical treatment were enrolled and allocated into two groups by a non-randomized technique. Arm-A received 30 Gy in 10 fractions, while Arm-B received 20 Gy in 5 fractions. Patients were assessed before radiotherapy, at the end of treatment, and at 4 and 8 weeks post-treatment. The study found that both Arm-A and Arm-B showed highly significant improvement in all symptoms compared to pre-treatment status (p < 0.001), with no significant difference between the two arms (p > 0.05). In Arm-A, 22.22% of patients achieved complete symptomatic response and 44.44% showed improvement, while in Arm-B, 19.44% of patients achieved complete symptomatic response and 50% showed improvement. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two arms regarding clinical symptomatic response (p > 0.05) or treatment-related toxicities (p > 0.05), all of which were manageable. In conclusion, both treatment regimens were equally effective in symptom palliation and had comparable toxicity profiles, supporting the use of either regimen depending on patient needs and resource availability.
Abstract: Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) frequently manifests with symptoms from the primary tumor within the chest, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, and hemoptysis. Thoracic palliative radiotherapy is a viable option for alleviating symptoms in these patients, who typically have a poor prognosis and are not candidates for cu...
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