EVALUATION OF RADIATION PROTECTION PRINCIPLES OBSERVANCE IN DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY CENTERS (WEST OF IRAN): CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

The aim of this study is to assess the evaluation of radiation protection principles observance in dental radiography centers and hazards. This cross-sectional study was designed to assess level of radiation protection principles in dentistry centers. The present cross-sectional study was conducted by enrolling 103 dentistry centers in Kermanshah province (west of Iran). Our finding illustrates 75.7% of the centers were equipped with an intraoral radiography. Although observance principles of radiation protection for patient at dentistry center were at appropriate level (97.3%), the observance of the protective principles was not adequate for the skilled workers in any center. The most commonly used protective measure was the observance of a distance from patient (97.3%) and the minimum protective measures such as the use of high-speed film (1.4%). According to results in this study, the knowledge and practice of radiation protection are not satisfactory.

Cats use hollow papillae to wick saliva into fur

The cat tongue is covered in sharp, rear-facing spines called papillae, the precise function of which is a mystery. In this combined experimental and theoretical study, we use high-speed film, grooming force measurements, and computed tomography (CT) scanning to elucidate the mechanism by which papillae are used to groom fur. We examine the tongues of six species of cats from domestic cat to lion, spanning 30-fold in body weight. The papillae of these cats each feature a hollow cavity at the tip that spontaneously wicks saliva from the mouth and then releases it onto hairs. The unique shape of the cat’s papillae may inspire ways to clean complex hairy surfaces. We demonstrate one such application with the tongue-inspired grooming (TIGR) brush, which incorporates 3D-printed cat papillae into a silicone substrate. The TIGR brush experiences lower grooming forces than a normal hairbrush and is easier to clean.

Establishing a quality assurance baseline for radiological protection of patients undergoing diagnostic radiology

Background. The wide use of ionising radiation in medical care has resulted in the largest man-made cause of radiation exposure. In recent years, diagnostic departments in Kenya have adapted the high-speed film/screen combination without well-established quality control, objective image quality criteria, and assessment of patient dose. The safety of patients in terms of justification and the as-low-as-reasonably-achievable (ALARA) principle is inadequate without quality assurance measures. Aim. This study assessed the level of film rejects, device performance, image quality and patient dose in 4 representative hospitals using high-speed film/screen combination. Results. The X-ray equipment quality control tests performance range was 67% to 90%, and 63% of the radiographs were of good diagnostic value. The measured prevalent chest examination entrance surface dose (ESD) showed levels above the international diagnostic reference levels (DRLs), while lumbar spine and pelvis examination was the largest source of radiation exposure to patients. Conclusion. The optimisation of patient protection can be achieved with optimally performing X-ray equipment, the application of good radiographic technique, and continuous assessment of radiographic image quality.