Zinc-Modified Titanate Nanotubes as Radiosensitizers for Glioblastoma: Enhancing Radiotherapy Efficacy and Monte Carlo Simulations.

Radiotherapy (RT) is the established noninvasive treatment for glioblastoma (GBM), a highly aggressive malignancy. However, its effectiveness in improving patient survival remains limited due to the radioresistant nature of GBM. Metal-based nanostructures have emerged as promising strategies to enhance RT efficacy. Among them, titanate nanotubes (TNTs) have gained significant attention due to their biocompatibility and cost-effectiveness. This study aimed to synthesize zinc-modified TNTs (ZnTNT) from sodium TNTs (NaTNT), in addition to characterizing the formed nanostructures and evaluating their radiosensitization effects in GBM cells (U87 and U251). Hydrothermal synthesis was employed to fabricate the TNTs, which were characterized using various techniques, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy, scanning-transmission mode, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and zeta potential analysis. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in healthy (Vero) and GBM (U87 and U251) cells by the MTT assay, while the internalization of TNTs was observed through TEM imaging and ICP-MS. The radiosensitivity of ZnTNT and NaTNT combined with 5 Gy was evaluated using clonogenic assays. Monte Carlo simulations using the MCNP6.2 code were performed to determine the deposited dose in the culture medium for RT scenarios involving TNT clusters and cells. The results demonstrated differences in the dose deposition values between the scenarios with and without TNTs. The study revealed that ZnTNT interfered with clonogenic integrity, suggesting its potential as a powerful tool for GBM treatment.

Luminescence characterization of BioGlass undoped and doped with europium and silver ions.

The objective of this study was to investigate the properties of BioGlass, with and without doping with europium and silver, with a specific focus on its potential application in thermoluminescent (TL) and optically stimulated luminescent (OSL) dosimetry. The structural and optical characteristics of the samples were also analyzed using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical absorption (OA), and fluorescence spectroscopy (FL). An XRD analysis confirmed the amorphous phase of the BioGlass. OA and FL spectra were obtained at room temperature, and characteristic bands of dopant ions were observed which confirmed the incorporation of the Eu3+ ions and silver nanoparticles Ag(NP) ion into the BioGlass. The OSL decay curves exhibited a characteristic exponential behavior, with a notable presence of fast and medium decay components; this suggests that the charge traps within the BioGlass samples possess a high photoionization cross section when exposed to blue LEDs, which are commonly used as the light source in OSL readers. Different TL glow peaks with varying shapes of the glow curve were observed when the dopant, the co-dopant, and the concentration of silver were altered in the samples. The TL kinetic parameters were determined, such as the order value, activation energy, and frequency factor, and the OSL parameters for the compound were also analyzed, including an exponential fit to the curves. Based on these initial results, we conclude that BioGlass has the potential for use in radiation dosimetry.

Investigation of dosimetric properties of CaSO4:Mn phosphor prepared using slow evaporation route.

The objective of this work was to investigate the luminescent properties of CaSO4:Mn synthesized by slow evaporation route. The crystalline structure, morphology, thermal and optical properties of the phosphors were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence (PL) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Moreover, using thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) techniques, the dosimetric properties of the phosphors, such as emission spectra, glow curve reproducibility, dose-response linearity, fading of the luminescent signal, variation of the TL intensity with the heating rate, OSL decay curves, correlation between TL and OSL emissions and minimum detectable dose (MDD) were comprehensively investigated. For dosimetric analyses, the samples were irradiated with doses from 169 mGy to 10 Gy. The emission band fits with the characteristic line of the Mn2+ emission features, ascribed to 6A1→4T1 transition. CaSO4:Mn pellets present a TL glow curve with a single typical peak centered around 494 nm, an OSL decay curve with predominance of a fast decay component, and a MDD on the order of mGy. The luminescent signals showed to be linear and reproducible in the studied dose range. The trapping centers located between 0.83 eV and 1.07 eV were revealed for different heating rates in the TL study. The high TL sensitivity of CaSO4:Mn was proven when comparing with commercially available dosimeters. The luminescent signals exhibit a smaller fading than described in the literature for CaSO4:Mn produced by other methods.

Unlocking the effect of Li and Ce ions on the thermoluminescence and optically stimulated luminescence signals of the MgB4O7 compound.

Magnesium tetraborate (MgB4O7) is an example of a material that has attracted the attention of researchers in the field of ionising radiation dosimetry. Several challenges are present in order to achieve considerable advances in luminescence dosimetry. The incorporation of efficient dopants in the host matrix has been an experimentally useful but limited strategy. The lack of specific information about the introduced defects as well as their connection with the trapping and recombination processes associated with light emission may be quoted as challenging examples. Here, we demonstrate the influence of lithium incorporation on Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL)/Thermoluminescence (TL) signal modification/suppression of MgB4O7 by combining experimental and computational procedures. Li substitution into the Mg site leads to a signal suppression due to the probable quenching of the Fs and Fs+ centres in MgO and the formation of O''i, drastically reducing the possibility of MgO anti-Schottky defect formation in MgB4O7. When using Li-co-doped MgB4O7:Ce3+, the Li ions act as a charge balancer, facilitating the entry of Ce ions into the interstitial pores and making possible a positive synergistic effect on the luminescence and dosimetric properties. These findings provide new insights into designing more efficient dosimeters by tuning dopants.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SOLVENTS ON THE OPTICALLY STIMULATED LUMINESCENCE SIGNAL FROM MGB4O7:CE,LI-LOADED POLYMER FILMS.

The detailed dose analysis at the extremities remains a challenge, without affecting operators' mobility and their tactile sense. Using films loaded with optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) crystals have been studied in order to overcome some of these challenges in 2D dosimetry. In this work, we investigated flexible polymeric films loaded with MgB4O7:Ce,Li to acquire a better understanding of the dependence of the dosimetric signal characteristics on the production process and the influence of using different powder grain sizes. In film production, five different solvents were used: acetone-benzene, dichloromethane, chloroform, tetrahydrofuran and formic acid. Our results indicate that acetone-benzene is the solvent mixture that less influences the signal emitted by treated crystals, in comparison with the signal emitted by the pristine crystal powder. Conversely, by using formic acid, the crystalline structure of the sample was most severely modified, leading to a drastic reduction of the emitted OSL signal. We found that the extent of the grain surface in contact with the solvent in the process is important and should be taken into consideration when choosing the proper grain size to be used. Highlights  Polymeric films loaded with MgB4O7:Ce,Li crystals were produced using different solvents.Different effect on the OSL signal was found depending on the used solvent.Among the evaluated solvents, acetone-benzene was the one that less affected the OSL signal.

A new natural detector for irradiations with blue LED light source in photodynamic therapy measurements via UV-Vis spectroscopy.

Photodynamic therapy has been recently studied, bringing innovations regarding the reduction of exposure time to light by the patient. This work aimed to investigate the feasibility of using Coutarea hexandra (Jacq.) K. Schum (CHS) as a detector in photodynamic therapy measurements. For this, an irradiator containing a blue LED bulb lamp was utilized. The CHS samples were irradiated with ten doses from 0.60 up to 6.0 kJ/cm2, and six concentrations were prepared (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 mg/ml) for the CHS detector samples. After irradiation, the detector samples were evaluated using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The results showed the behavior of the CHS detector with doses and concentrations, its sensitivity, and its linearity was also evaluated both by Wavelength Method (WM) and the Kernel Principal Component Regression (KPCR) Statistical Method. The values obtained indicate that this method can be applied to the CHS sample detector. In conclusion, the CHS is a promising detector in the field of photodynamic therapy.

Assessment of scattered radiation from hand-held dental x-ray equipment using the Monte Carlo method.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the intensity and spatial distribution of the scattered radiation caused by the use of hand-held x-ray equipment in the zone occupied by the operator, using the Monte Carlo simulation for radiographic views of the upper and lower incisor teeth, and the consequent evaluation of the equivalent dose in the lens. In order to carry out this evaluation, the geometry of a typical dental facility with plaster walls containing the scattering object was used for the computational scenario implemented for the Monte Carlo method simulation. The PENELOPE code for Monte Carlo simulation of electron and photon transport was used with the radiation beam represented by a 60 kV spectrum, 1.5 mm Al and tungsten target. The simulations were carried out with typical parameters for workload and the number of radiographs/week. The results showed that the exposure levels varied significantly according to the angle of the x-ray beam and with the distance to the scattering object. It is concluded that the incorporation of hand-held equipment in dental radiology must be accompanied by the surveillance of occupational exposure levels and a review of the training structure of professionals in dental radiology regarding aspects of radiological protection and the particularities of using this type of equipment.

Evaluation of high-linearity bone radiation detectors exposed to gamma-rays via FTIR measurements.

In radiation physics, the study of new alternative dosimeters is of interest to the growing branch of dosimetric characterization for radiotherapy applications. The goal of this work was to expose bone samples to high doses and evaluate their linearity response to gamma rays. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry technique was employed as the evaluation technique, and based on the spectrophotometry absorbance profiles the linearity was assessed based on the following methods: Area Under the Curve (AUC), Wavenumber Method (WM), Partial Component Regression (PCR) and Partial Least-Square Regression (PLSR) methods. The bone samples were irradiated with absorbed doses of 10 Gy up to 500 Gy using a 60Co Gamma Cell-220 system. The results showed, for the calibration curves of the system, adequate linearity on all methods. In conclusion, the results indicate a good linear response and therefore an interesting potential radiation detector.

Mass energy absorption coefficients and energy responses of magnesium tetraborate dosimeters for 0.02 MeV to 20 MeV photons using Monte Carlo simulations.

Thermoluminescence dosimeters containing boron, such as magnesium tetraborate (MgB4O7), are of interest because of their very high sensitivity, near tissue-equivalent absorption coefficients, low cost, easy handling, and very large linearity range for absorbed dose. Another important parameter that should be considered when working with thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) is the mass energy absorption coefficient (µen/ρ), which is a close approximation to the energy available for production of chemical, biological and other effects associated with exposure to ionizing radiation, therefore important in estimating dose in medical and health physics. In this study the mass energy absorption coefficients and energy responses of undoped and some doped magnesium tetraborates were calculated by Monte Carlo N-particle transport code for a range of photon energies between 20 keV and 20 MeV. The calculated parameters for MgB4O7, MgB4O7:Dy and MgB4O7:Dy,Li were evaluated in comparison with standard TLDs as Al2O3:C and TLD-100 (LiF: Mg, Ti) and ICRU tissue data. The influence of the dopant concentration in the MgB4O7 matrix on the energy dependence of TLD was also investigated. The analyses indicated a good agreement between the simulations and theoretical calculations. The µen/ρ and energy dependence of the materials are higher in the low energy range (E < 100 keV), which is related to the high probability of interaction between radiation and matter due to photoelectric absorption. With regard to the influence of dysprosium concentration in the MgB4O7 matrix an increase in the energy dependence of MgB4O7 for higher concentrations of dopants was observed in the low energy range.

Monte Carlo modeling of a holder for irradiation of dosimeters in beta radiation beams.

A study of the influence of a dosimetric holder and its cover for the irradiation of the dosimeters in the Beta Secondary Standard BSS2 radiation fields is reported. The correction factors for attenuation or scattering were calculated taking into account the BSS2 beta source energy, as well as the detector source distance. The study and the determination of these factors were carried out using the Monte Carlo Method. The results of the correction factors showed that the absorption and scattering of the electrons depend greatly on the energy of beta radionuclides. The determined correction factors are in agreement with the international report ISO 6980.

Modelling the absorbed dose rate of the beta standard BSS2 147Pm source.

The dosimetric measurements of 147Pm beta radiation beams have limitations due to their low energy, low dose rate, great dispersion and attenuation in air or tissue. In this work, the Monte Carlo model was developed for a 147Pm absorbed dose rate determination. This model consists of an extrapolation chamber and a 147Pm beta radiation source. Moreover, the absorbed dose rate was determined by experimental measurements and the MCNP Monte Carlo code was used. The relative number of particles that crossed the radioactive source window and the particles that crossed the extrapolation chamber entrance window were determined. The source fluence spectrum was also determined. The results of the simulation and the experimental calculations are in agreement with the absorbed dose rate from the PTB calibration certificate. The results obtained are considered acceptable, and they agree within the uncertainties. The difference between the experimental result and that from the Monte Carlo model, compared to that from the calibration certificate, was only 0.8% in both cases.

Determination of correction factors in beta radiation beams using Monte Carlo method.

The absorbed dose rate is the main characterization quantity for beta radiation. The extrapolation chamber is considered the primary standard instrument. To determine absorbed dose rates in beta radiation beams, it is necessary to establish several correction factors. In this work, the correction factors for the backscatter due to the collecting electrode and to the guard ring, and the correction factor for Bremsstrahlung in beta secondary standard radiation beams are presented. For this purpose, the Monte Carlo method was applied. The results obtained are considered acceptable, and they agree within the uncertainties. The differences between the backscatter factors determined by the Monte Carlo method and those of the ISO standard were 0.6%, 0.9% and 2.04% for 90Sr/90Y, 85Kr and 147Pm sources respectively. The differences between the Bremsstrahlung factors determined by the Monte Carlo method and those of the ISO were 0.25%, 0.6% and 1% for 90Sr/90Y, 85Kr and 147Pm sources respectively.

Occupational exposures during abdominal fluoroscopically guided interventional procedures for different patient sizes - A Monte Carlo approach.

In this study we evaluated the occupational exposures during an abdominal fluoroscopically guided interventional radiology procedure. We investigated the relation between the Body Mass Index (BMI), of the patient, and the conversion coefficient values (CC) for a set of dosimetric quantities, used to assess the exposure risks of medical radiation workers. The study was performed using a set of male and female virtual anthropomorphic phantoms, of different body weights and sizes. In addition to these phantoms, a female and a male phantom, named FASH3 and MASH3 (reference virtual anthropomorphic phantoms), were also used to represent the medical radiation workers. The CC values, obtained as a function of the dose area product, were calculated for 87 exposure scenarios. In each exposure scenario, three phantoms, implemented in the MCNPX 2.7.0 code, were simultaneously used. These phantoms were utilized to represent a patient and medical radiation workers. The results showed that increasing the BMI of the patient, adjusted for each patient protocol, the CC values for medical radiation workers decrease. It is important to note that these results were obtained with fixed exposure parameters.

Determination of transmission factors in beta radiation beams.

In beta emitters, in order to evaluate the absorbed dose rate at different tissue depths, it is necessary to determine the transmission factors. In this work, the transmission factors determined in beta secondary standard radiation beams are presented. For this purpose, an extrapolation chamber was used. The results obtained were considered acceptable, and they are within the uncertainties in comparison with the values provided by the source calibration certificate. The maximum differences between the results obtained in this work and those from the calibration certificate were 3.3%, 3.8% and 5.9% for 90Sr/90Y, 85Kr and 147Pm sources respectively.

Variance reduction technique in a beta radiation beam using an extrapolation chamber.

This paper aims to show how the variance reduction technique "Geometry splitting/Russian roulette" improves the statistical error and reduces uncertainties in the determination of the absorbed dose rate in tissue using an extrapolation chamber for beta radiation. The results show that the use of this technique can increase the number of events in the chamber cavity leading to a closer approximation of simulation result with the physical problem. There was a good agreement among the experimental measurements, the certificate of manufacture and the simulation results of the absorbed dose rate values and uncertainties. The absorbed dose rate variation coefficient using the variance reduction technique "Geometry splitting/Russian roulette" was 2.85%.

Exposures in interventional radiology using Monte Carlo simulation coupled with virtual anthropomorphic phantoms.

In this work we investigated the way in which conversion coefficients from air kerma-area product for effective doses (CCE) and entrance skin doses (CCESD) in interventional radiology (IR) are affected by variations in the filtration, projection angle of the X-ray beam, lead curtain attached to the surgical table, and suspended shield lead glass in regular conditions of medical practice. Computer simulations were used to model an exposure scenario similar to a real IR room. The patient and the physician were represented by MASH virtual anthropomorphic phantoms, inserted in the MCNPX 2.7.0 radiation transport code. In all cases, the addition of copper filtration also increased the CCE and CCESD values. The highest CCE values were obtained for lateral, cranial and caudal projections. In these projections, the X-ray tube was located above the table, and more scattered radiation reached the middle and upper portions of the physician trunk, where most of the radiosensitive organs are located. Another important result of this study was to show that the physician's protection is 358% higher when the lead curtain and suspended shield lead glasses are used. The values of CCE and CCESD, presented in this study, are an important resource for calculation of effective doses and entrance skin doses in clinical practice.

Study of effective dose of various protocols in equipment cone beam CT.

This study has the purpose of assessing the radiation absorbed dose in organs/tissues and estimating the effective dose using five different models of Cone Beam Computed Tomography equipment using protocols with similar purpose. For this purpose, 26 thermoluminescent dosimeters were inserted in the position of the organs/tissues of a female anthropomorphic phantom. From the measurements the contribution of wT×HT in the organs and tissues the effective dose were calculated. The measurements have shown the effective dose values within the range 9.3-111.5µSv. The effective dose values by field of view (FOV) size are within the following ranges: 9.3-51.2µSv, 17.6-52.0µSv, and 43.1-111.5µSv for small/located, medium and large FOV respectively. Protocols with same purpose, carried out with different models of equipment, presented significant differences in the values of the equivalent and effective doses. From the point of view of radiological protection, it is not enough to have knowledge about the dimensions of the FOV and the purpose of the examination. It is necessary to assess the dose using the different models of the equipment and protocols available. In this context, this study provides useful information for this assessment.

Assessment of protocols in cone-beam CT with symmetric and asymmetric beams usingeffective dose and air kerma-area product.

This study aims to evaluate and compare protocols with similar purposes in a cone beam CT scanner using thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) and the air kerma-area product (PKA) as the kerma index. The measurements were performed on two protocols used to obtain an image of the maxilla-mandible using the equipment GENDEX GXCB 500: Protocol [GX1] extended diameter and asymmetric beam (14cm×8.5cm-maxilla/mandible) and protocol [GX2] symmetrical beam (8.5cm×8.5cm-maxillary/mandible). LiF dosimeters inserted into a female anthropomorphic phantom were used. For both protocols, the value of PKA was evaluated using a PTW Diamentor E2 meter and the multimeter Radcal Rapidose system. The results obtained for the effective dose/PKA were separated by protocol image. [GX1]: 44.5µSv/478mGycm(2); [GX2]: 54.8µSv/507mGycm(2). Although the ratio of the diameters (14cm/8.5cm)=1.65, the ratio of effective dose values (44.5µSv/54.8µSv)=0.81, that is, the effective dose of the protocol with extended diameter is 19% smaller. The PKA values reveal very similar results between the two protocols. For the cases where the scanner uses an asymmetric beam to obtain images with large diameters that cover the entire face, there are advantages from the point of view of reducing the exposure of patients when compared to the use of symmetrical beam and/or to FOV images with a smaller diameter.

Measuring output factors and beam profiles formed by multileaf collimators using Fricke gel dosimeter.

The accuracy and precision are necessary factors in radiotherapy, especially for measurements involving output factors and beam profiles; in this case multileaf collimators (MLCs) and dosimeter systems are not employed to obtain an adequate absorbed dose. In this work, output factors and beam profiles using multileaf collimators were obtained through the Fricke Xylenol Gel (FXG) dosimeter irradiated with 6 MV photon beams. From the results, FXG dosimetry demonstrated to be an adequate dosimetric tool for radiotherapy applications using MLC.

Calibration of the 90Sr+90Y ophthalmic and dermatological applicators with an extrapolation ionization minichamber.

(90)Sr+(90)Y clinical applicators are used for brachytherapy in Brazilian clinics even though they are not manufactured anymore. Such sources must be calibrated periodically, and one of the calibration methods in use is ionometry with extrapolation ionization chambers. (90)Sr+(90)Y clinical applicators were calibrated using an extrapolation minichamber developed at the Calibration Laboratory at IPEN. The obtained results agree satisfactorily with the data provided in calibration certificates of the sources.