Use of Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) in Preservation of Fruit Juices

This study shows the bactericidal effect of Electromagnetic Field on fruit juice microbes. Short shelf-life period of fruit juice caused by spoilage organisms has limiting factor for its economy value. The Eighteen microorganisms isolated from both fresh and spoilt fruit samples (Pineapple and Apple), and identified during the study include, twelve (12) bacteria and Six (6) fungi, out of which only the bacterial isolates were exposed to electromagnetic field of 0mG, 500mG, and 5000mG for thirty minutes. The bacteria species were Leuconostoc mesentroides, Bacillus species, Lactobacillus brevis, Microbacterium species, Clostridium species, Bacillus cereus, Acetobacter aceti, and Staphylococcus aureus. The Gram negative bacteria isolates were Erwinia carotovora, Erwinia ananas, and Proteus species. Exposure of the isolates to an electromagnetic field of 0mG, 500mG and 5000mG showed a decrease in some electromagnetic field magnitude. This study shows reduction in growth range among most bacterial species tested at 500mG electromagnetic radiation exposure, but the growth of many of these bacterial species were triggered at 5000mG electromagnetic radiation exposure. This may mean an initiation of: adaptation mechanism, growth mechanism in some microorganism, and sugar content of the fruit juice from which they are being isolated. The exposure of the bacteria to electromagnetic field elicited detectable responses therefore depends on the adaptation mechanism of each bacteria and sugar content of the fruit from which it is being isolated from. Thus, future research can be done to optimize the limits specified for target microbes that are strength and frequency of this EMF in diseases control.

The combination of intraoperative CT navigation and C-arm fluoroscopy for INFIX and percutaneous TITS screw placement in the treatment of pelvic ring injury: technical note

Background The subcutaneous screw rod system, commonly known as the internal pelvic fixator (INFIX), is useful in managing unstable pelvic ring fractures. Conventional INFIX and transiliac–transsacral (TITS) screw techniques are performed using C-arm fluoroscopy. There have been problems with medical exposure and screw insertion accuracy with these techniques. This work describes new INFIX and TITS techniques using intraoperative computed tomography (CT) navigation and C-arm fluoroscopy for pelvic ring fracture. Methods A typical case is presented in this study. An 86-year-old woman suffered from an unstable pelvic ring fracture due to a fall from a height. INFIX and TITS screw fixation with intraoperative CT navigation were selected to optimize surgical invasiveness and proper implant placement. Results The patient was placed in a supine position on a Jackson table. An intraoperative CT navigation was imaged, and screws were inserted under the navigation. Postoperative X-rays and CT confirmed that the screw was inserted correctly. This technique was less invasive to the patient and had little radiation exposure to the surgeon. Rehabilitation of walking practice was started early after the surgery, and she was able to walk with the assistance of a walker by the time of transfer. Conclusions The technique employed in our case study has the cumulative advantages of safety, accuracy, and reduced radiation exposure, together with the inherent advantages of functional outcomes of previously reported INFIX and TITS screw techniques. Further experience with this approach will refine this technique to overcome its limitations and facilitate its wider use.

Fiber Optic RealShape (FORS) Technology for Endovascular Navigation in Severe Tortuous Vessels

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the use of a wire and catheters embedded with optical fiber (Fiber Optic RealShape [FORS]) to catheterize tortuous target vessels avoiding radiation. Technique: A virtual biplane vies was simulated coupling traditional x-ray system, preoperative CT scan, and FORS system to treat an isolated hypogastric aneurysm. Despite the complex anatomy, catheterization of all target vessels was possible in 12 minutes with 19 seconds of fluoroscopy time (Radiation Exposure 3.8 mGy×cm2). A minimal invasive endovascular exclusion of the aneurysm was achieved through selective coil-embolization of the iliolumbar artery and implantation of balloon expandable covered stents, thus preserving the perfusion of the superior gluteal artery. Conclusion: FORS guidance allowed catheterization of a target vessel with challenging anatomy with a low radiation exposure.

Radiation Protection in Interventional Radiology

There has been a rapid development in the field of interventional radiology over recent years, and this has led to a rapid increase in the number of interventional radiology procedures being performed. There is, however, a growing concern regarding radiation exposure to the patients and the operators during these procedures. In this article, we review the basics of radiation exposure, radiation protection techniques, radiation protection tools available to interventional radiologists, and radiation protection during pregnancy.

Circular frames without x-ray – lessons learned regarding radiation exposure during tibial deformity correction from Low & Middle Income Countries?

Circular frames are a successful way of treating difficult fractures and non-unions. At our institution (CSC) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, our method differs from developed healthcare systems in that we do not use x-ray to site the frames. A retrospective cohort study was performed between CSC and a UK LRS unit. Demographics, diagnosis, frame type, pre- and post-op deformity, proximal and distal construct alignment comparative to the tibia, and time to union or failure. 70 patients in total were identified and were randomly selected from a hospital in UK. Demographics & deformity were similar and failed to reach significant difference on testing: union rate 70% v. 82%, time to union 9.8 v. 8.5 months, and radiation exposure mean 0 v. 74 cGy/cm2 (range 6.4–326.7). These are startlingly homogenous results considering the differing resources available. We believe that ring fixators are a viable treatment method in austere environments where image intensifiers are unavailable, and demand no unnecessary radiation exposure.

Application of a tungsten apron for occupational radiation exposure in nursing care of children with neuroblastoma during 131I-meta-iodo-benzyl-guanidine therapy

The use of effective shielding materials against radiation is important among medical staff in nuclear medicine. Hence, the current study investigated the shielding effects of a commercially available tungsten apron using gamma ray measuring instruments. Further, the occupational radiation exposure of nurses during 131I-meta-iodo-benzyl-guanidine (131I-MIBG) therapy for children with high-risk neuroblastoma was evaluated. Attachable tungsten shields in commercial tungsten aprons were set on a surface-ray source with 131I, which emit gamma rays. The mean shielding rate value was 0.1 ± 0.006 for 131I. The shielding effects of tungsten and lead aprons were evaluated using a scintillation detector. The shielding effect rates of lead and tungsten aprons against 131I was 6.3% ± 0.3% and 42.1% ± 0.2% at 50 cm; 6.1% ± 0.5% and 43.3% ± 0.3% at 1 m; and 6.4% ± 0.9% and 42.6% ± 0.6% at 2 m, respectively. Next, we assessed the occupational radiation exposure during 131I-MIBG therapy (administration dose: 666 MBq/kg, median age: 4 years). The total occupational radiation exposure dose per patient care per 131I-MIBG therapy session among nurses was 0.12 ± 0.07 mSv. The average daily radiation exposure dose per patient care among nurses was 0.03 ± 0.03 mSv. Tungsten aprons had efficient shielding effects against gamma rays and would be beneficial to reduce radiation exposures per patient care per 131I-MIBG therapy session.

Multiple Trauma in Pregnant Women: Injury Assessment, Fetal Radiation Exposure and Mortality. A Multicentre Observational Study.

Purpose: Fetal radiation exposure in pregnant women with trauma is a concern. The purpose of this study was to evaluate fetal radiation exposure with regard to the type of injury assessment performed.Methods: It is a multicentre observational study. The cohort study included all pregnant women suspected of severe traumatic injury in the participating centres of a national trauma research network. The primary outcome was the cumulative radiation dose (mGy) received by the fetus with respect to the type of injury assessment initiated by the physician in charge of the pregnant patient. Secondary outcomes were maternal and fetal morbi-mortality, the incidence of haemorrhagic shock and the physicians’ imaging assessment with consideration of their medical specialty.Results: Fifty-four pregnant women were admitted for potential major trauma between September 2011 and December 2019 in the 21 participating centres. The median gestational age was 22 weeks [12-30]. Seventy-eight percent of women (n=42) underwent WBCT. The remaining patients underwent radiographs, ultrasound or selective CT scans based on clinical examination. The median fetal radiation doses were 38 mGy [23-63] and 0 mGy [0-1]. Maternal mortality (5.6%) was lower than fetal mortality (16.7%). Two women (out of 3 maternal deaths) and 7 fetuses (out of 9 fetal deaths) died within the first 24 hours following trauma.Conclusion: Immediate WBCT for initial injury assessment in pregnant women with trauma was associated with a fetal radiation dose below the 100 mGy threshold. Among the selected population with either a stable status with a moderate and nonthreatening injury pattern or isolated penetrating trauma, a selective strategy seemed safe.