Radiation And Environmental Biophysics[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Mechanistic trends and therapeutic targets in Radiation-Induced apoptosis: A bibliometric and translational mapping.
Chen X, Hu Y, Yu X … +2 more , Zhang Z, Yang P
Radiat Environ Biophys · 2026 Mar · PMID 41627433 · Full text
Apoptosis is a central mechanism by which ionizing radiation exerts both therapeutic and toxic biological effects. Despite its pivotal role in radiobiology, the evolving landscape of apoptosis-related radiation research...
Apoptosis is a central mechanism by which ionizing radiation exerts both therapeutic and toxic biological effects. Despite its pivotal role in radiobiology, the evolving landscape of apoptosis-related radiation research has yet to be systematically mapped from a translational perspective.We conducted a bibliometric and thematic analysis of 4,372 English-language publications (2015–2025) retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection using the search terms “radiation damage” and “apoptosis.” Co-authorship, keyword, and co-citation networks were visualized using VOSviewer and CiteSpace. Temporal bursts and clustering analysis were performed to identify mechanistic advances and emergent trends relevant to medicinal chemistry. Publications were additionally stratified by radiation modality (IR, UV and EMF).Annual publication volume increased by 15% from 2015 to 2025, with China emerging as the most prolific contributor. However, high-impact citations remained centered in North America and Europe. IR-related studies dominated overall output, while UV- and EMF-associated apoptosis research formed smaller but persistent niches. Research focus has shifted from oxidative stress and canonical DNA damage response pathways (ATM/ATR/PARP) to microenvironment mediated radiosensitivity and nano-enabled drug delivery. Citation-burst analysis highlights ongoing interest in tumor microenvironment modulation, extracellular vesicles, and nanoparticle radiosensitizers. Mechanistic hotspots include STING-mediated DNA sensing, ferroptosis driven mitochondrial destabilization, and DRP1/OPA1-regulated apoptotic commitment. Apoptosis-related radiation research is undergoing a mechanistic and translational shift, with growing relevance for drug discovery, radiosensitization, and biomarker-guided therapy. Cross-disciplinary collaboration and data integration are now critical to accelerating therapeutic innovation in precision radiotherapy.
Lessons learned on stakeholder engagement in radiation protection, and communication and dissemination of results from the radonorm project.
Železnik N, Horvat B, John W … +1 more , Schofield PN
Radiat Environ Biophys · 2026 Mar · PMID 41609834 · Full text
Effectively addressing radon and NORM exposure requires not just scientific progress but a strategic, transdisciplinary approach to transferring knowledge into practice through stakeholder engagement and policy integrati...
Effectively addressing radon and NORM exposure requires not just scientific progress but a strategic, transdisciplinary approach to transferring knowledge into practice through stakeholder engagement and policy integration. Therefore, to maximise the impact and sustainability of the radiation protection outputs created in the RadoNorm project, an integrated and participatory communication framework was designed. The framework enabled the flow of knowledge across scientific, policy, and public domains through the tailored outreach tools, while wide visibility was ensured through digital platforms, and meaningful public involvement through initiatives such as the Citizen Science Incubator and the European Radon Behavioural Atlas. The RadoNorm project also elevated engagement of stakeholders in the research process from end-users to contributors by shifting the paradigm from one-way dissemination to co-creation, leading to enhanced trust, relevance, and long-term usability of results. RadoNorm's replicable model for "how complex research can be translated into societal value", i.e., fostering inclusion, transparency, and ethically responsible science communication, should be an integral part of future projects. Namely, by full-scale incorporation of communication and engagement activities developed in the RadoNorm project, by ensuring that all data are openly available in repositories, like the STORE database, and by utilisation of the interdisciplinary teams that incorporate social and behavioural expertise, the usability and sustainability of the created results in any future projects are ensured.
Empowering communities: the impact of citizen science on radon measurement and mitigation.
Martell M, Perko T
Radiat Environ Biophys · 2026 Mar · PMID 41609833 · Full text
Radon exposure poses a significant public health risk, yet authorities often struggle to engage residents in high-risk areas to test and mitigate radon levels. Traditional top-down approaches have shown limited success i...
Radon exposure poses a significant public health risk, yet authorities often struggle to engage residents in high-risk areas to test and mitigate radon levels. Traditional top-down approaches have shown limited success in motivating citizen engagement in radon mitigation. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of citizen science (CS) approaches in enhancing radon measurement and mitigation efforts across Europe, with a focus on citizen engagement and impact of the RadoNorm CS incubator. To evaluate the impact of CS projects, a mixed-methods approach was used, including computer-assisted web interviews with 231 citizen scientists, interviews with seven researchers, and group discussions with ten CS coordinators. The CS evaluation method developed by Hoedoafia et al. (2024) has been used. The RadoNorm CS Incubator engaged over 800 citizens and 57 research organizations across the EU. Pilot CS projects related to radon in France, Hungary, Ireland, and Norway informed the design of an open call, resulting in the selection and funding of six CS projects related to radon in Italy, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. The results show that these projects employed diverse methodologies to address specific community needs and improve radon awareness, measurement and mitigation strategies. The study highlights the successful outcomes of these projects, including the development of new radon dosimeters, innovative mitigation techniques, increased public awareness, improved local policies, and expanded school curricula. The findings demonstrate the potential of CS to enhance public engagement, improve risk communication, address research and scientific gaps and contribute to more effective radon protection strategies.
Dose assessment based on the translocation frequency in T-lymphocytes: development and validation of biodosimetry system for Sr.
Tolstykh EI, Akhmadullina YR, Shishkina EA … +2 more , Zalyapin VI, Akleyev AV
Radiat Environ Biophys · 2026 Mar · PMID 41575547 · Publisher ↗
The objective of the study was to develop and validate a method (biodosimetry system) for estimating red bone marrow (RBM) doses from internal exposure to Sr and Sr using FISH-based biodosimetry in T-lymphocytes. The met...
The objective of the study was to develop and validate a method (biodosimetry system) for estimating red bone marrow (RBM) doses from internal exposure to Sr and Sr using FISH-based biodosimetry in T-lymphocytes. The method includes assessment of doses to T-lymphocytes and RBM using: data on chromosome translocation frequencies; a calibration curve data; a model of age-related dynamics and kinetics of T-cells; a biokinetic model for strontium; and a dosimetric model for Sr. Conversion factors from chromosome translocation frequencies to T-cell-doses and then to RBM-doses were estimated. The biodosimetry system was validated by comparing FISH-based doses and doses obtained from physical dosimetry for residents of Techa riverside settlements (205 persons; 221 blood samples; dose range according to physical dosimetry data from 0.04 to 4.8 Gy). The Techa River (Southern Urals, Russia) was contaminated with radioactive waste in the 1950s. In general, the validation confirms the biodosimetry system applicability. However, the method does better for group dose estimation and has large uncertainties for individual cases. The statistical distributions of "biodosimetric doses" are significantly wider than doses based on physical measurements. In all dose groups identified on the basis of physical dosimetry, there are donors with undetected radiation-induced translocations. The detection limit of individual dose assessments using FISH-based biodosimetry (about 0.5 Gy) is discussed.
Dosimetric results of whole body irradiation with MOSFET dose tracking to eliminate interfractional variations.
Erdoğan T, Eker İ, Öztürk D … +3 more , Tuğlu Ö, Düzenli Kar Y, Eroğlu N
Radiat Environ Biophys · 2026 Mar · PMID 41569450 · Full text
Total body irradiation (TBI) is an essential component of conditioning regimens prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), particularly in paediatric patients. However, achieving dose homogeneity throughout...
Total body irradiation (TBI) is an essential component of conditioning regimens prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), particularly in paediatric patients. However, achieving dose homogeneity throughout the treatment course remains a major challenge due to large treatment fields, tissue heterogeneity, and inter-fraction variations. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and impact on dose homogeneity of fraction-based adaptive dose modulation supported by dynamically adjusted rice bag compensators, based on real time metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) feedback, using in vivo dosimetry (IVD) in bilateral TBI. In this context, IVD measurements were performed using MOSFET detectors at the brain, neck, lung, umbilical, and pelvic regions during each treatment fraction in patients undergoing bilateral TBI. Based on these measurements, the thickness of the rice-bag compensators was dynamically adjusted between fractions. Calculated dose values were compared with MOSFET measured doses for each anatomical region. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between calculated and MOSFET-measured doses across all anatomical regions (p > 0.05), indicating a high level of agreement between planned and delivered doses. The highest dose differences were observed in the lung region (up to 106.9%), whereas the lowest differences were observed in the neck region (up to 100.8%). In conclusion, fraction-based IVD monitoring using MOSFET dosimetry enables adaptive dose modulation in bilateral TBI, reduces inter-fraction dosimetric uncertainties, and provides an effective quality assurance strategy to improve dose homogeneity and treatment safety, particularly in paediatric patients.
Age- and sex- specific dose coefficients to convert ingested Sr activity into cumulative dose in active marrow.
Shishkina EA, Tolstykh EI, Sharagin PA … +2 more , Smith MA, Napier BA
Radiat Environ Biophys · 2026 Mar · PMID 41546688 · Publisher ↗
Evaluation of active marrow (AM) dose of radiation and associated uncertainty from ingested bone-seeking 90Sr, which may chronically irradiate the AM during the lifetime after intake, is of utmost importance. Consequentl...
Evaluation of active marrow (AM) dose of radiation and associated uncertainty from ingested bone-seeking 90Sr, which may chronically irradiate the AM during the lifetime after intake, is of utmost importance. Consequently, the aim of the present study was to evaluate dose coefficients used to convert radionuclide intakes into dose to AM, which depend on sex, age at intake and time after intake. For this purpose, three tasks were solved. The first, dosimetric modeling was performed to obtain dose factors that convert 90Sr activity concentration in cortical and trabecular bones into the respective dose rates in AM. The second task combined the dosimetric and biokinetic models to obtain age and sex specific dose coefficients. The third task evaluated dose coefficients uncertainties. The first task was solved using the stochastic parametric skeleton dosimetry approach for generation of computational phantoms as well as Monte Carlo simulation of radiation transport. The second task was done assuming a single intake at birth, 1-year, 5- year, 10- year, 13-year, 15 and 24 (adults) years old using the original biokinetic model. Uncertainties were evaluated using Monte Carlo modeling. Skeleton-average dose factors (DFs) for 90Sr in trabecular bone vary in the range of 3.93 × 10− 11 – 5.45 × 10− 11 (Gy s− 1) per (Bq g− 1). Skeleton-average DFs for 90Sr in cortical bone vary in the range of 1.03 × 10− 11 − 2.39 × 10− 11 (Gy s− 1) per (Bq g− 1). Dose coefficients (DCs) (cumulated dose per unit of an intake) may differ by up to 46 times depending on the age at the time of intake and sex. 99% of the total absorbed dose accumulates during ≤ 50 yeas after a single 90Sr intake; 50 years of dose accumulation leads to 2 × 10− 7 Gy Bq− 1 for an adult male to 92 × 10− 7 Gy Bq− 1 for a newborn. The relative uncertainty for DCs are as follows: 50% for intake at age < 10 years old independent of sex; 45% for intake at age equal to 10 years independent of sex and 13 years old male; 40% for female of 13 years old as well as 15 years old and adults independent of sex. The obtained results are suitable for estimation of bone marrow dose accumulated more than two months after ingestion. The implication of age and sex specific DCs is significant to avoid underestimation of both reconstructed and predicted AM doses. In terms of absorbed dose reconstruction, the obtained results improve the accuracy of estimations of radiation risks in epidemiological studies of Urals population that resided on the contaminated territories.
Study on seasonal variation of indoor radon, thoron and their progeny in Thoubal District, Manipur, India.
Khangembam S, Mishra R, Sahoo BK … +1 more , Phanjoubam S
Radiat Environ Biophys · 2026 Mar · PMID 41533068 · Publisher ↗
The naturally occurring radioactive gases radon (222Rn), thoron (220Rn) and their decay products contribute approximately 50% of the ionizing radiation dose received by the human population. The present paper reports on...
The naturally occurring radioactive gases radon (222Rn), thoron (220Rn) and their decay products contribute approximately 50% of the ionizing radiation dose received by the human population. The present paper reports on a systematic approach to estimate the indoor radon, thoron and their progeny concentration along with the inhalation dose in the Thoubal district of Manipur, a north eastern state of India. Sixty dwellings of different types such as mud, concrete and semi pucca houses have been selected from 13 different villages of the district after conducting a preliminary survey of outdoor gamma exposure rate using a gamma survey meter. Pin hole-based twin cup dosimeters and deposition-based direct radon/thoron progeny sensors (DRPS/DTPS) were used for time integrated passive measurements of radon/thoron concentration and the progeny concentrations, respectively. The dosimeters were deployed in the selected houses during three different seasons comprising of four months viz., summer, winter and rainy season. The observed values were used to determine the total annual effective inhalation dose. Seasonal variation was observed in the measured parameters with winter season showing the highest radon and thoron concentrations. Variation was also observed in the different types of dwellings. This study is the first reporting the results of such measurements in this region and may serve as a foundation for further research and investigations.
Optimizing pelvic and lumbar treatment metastases using multiple isocenters with VMAT on the halcyon 2.0.
Bouchti KE, Erraoudi M, Nhila O … +4 more , Ghalmi ME, Talbi M, Fathi F, Chakir EM
Radiat Environ Biophys · 2026 Mar · PMID 41533067 · Publisher ↗
Bone metastases are a major clinical problem, mainly in breast and prostate cancers, which comprise the majority of cancer cases. With technological advances that improve precision and efficacy, radiotherapy is an essent...
Bone metastases are a major clinical problem, mainly in breast and prostate cancers, which comprise the majority of cancer cases. With technological advances that improve precision and efficacy, radiotherapy is an essential palliative solution. In this study, two radiotherapy planning techniques were evaluated, the longitudinal isocenter (LONI), and the three-isocenters (3ISO) that combine the lateral isocenters for pelvis and longitudinal isocenters for lumbar metastases, using the Halcyon2.0 machine with the volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) technique. Dosimetric parameters such as conformity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), (dose coverage (D), dose max (D, monitor units (MUs), and conformation number (CN) were analyzed. No significant difference in dose conformity between the two studied techniques was observed. However, remarkable results in terms of dose homogeneity were achieved in the application of the 3ISO modality, with an improvement of 42.8%. Additionally, D for 3ISO was 96.26% against 92.71% for LONI. Regarding CN, which considers both dose coverage and healthy tissue optimization, 3ISO technique resulted in an improvement of 12.3%. It is noted, however, that 3ISO requires more time and accurate patient positioning to guarantee optimal outcomes.
Proteomic profiling of mouse lungs after radon inhalation and lipopolysaccharide administration.
Naoe S, Tanaka A, Takenaka R … +4 more , Matoba F, Miyaji T, Yamaoka K, Kataoka T
Radiat Environ Biophys · 2026 Mar · PMID 41533066 · Publisher ↗
Radon therapy alleviates the symptoms of autoimmune diseases by enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Although radon inhalation normalizes serum cytokine concentrations modulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS...
Radon therapy alleviates the symptoms of autoimmune diseases by enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Although radon inhalation normalizes serum cytokine concentrations modulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration, it also increases pulmonary oxidative stress. Hence, its effects on lungs must be comprehensively evaluated; however, no study has reported the effects of short-term radon inhalation or the associated proteomic changes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the state of protein expression in the lungs after radon inhalation and LPS administration and identified biomarkers that could be particularly affected. We performed shotgun proteomics and multivariate analyses and evaluated myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. On examining the control, LPS-administration, and radon inhalation plus LPS-administered groups, the expression levels of cilia- and flagella-associated protein 61, segment polarity protein dishevelled homolog DVL-1, histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2 A, and heat shock protein beta-1 varied and were identified as characteristic indicators. However, radon inhalation did not suppress MPO activity indicating an absence of anti-inflammatory effect in the lungs. Thus, although the combination of short-term continuous radon pre-inhalation and LPS administration cannot yet be considered effective against lung inflammation, we identified four key indicators for assessing the associated effects. Despite not clarifying the biological significance of these proteins, our findings provide useful information for applying radon therapy in systemic inflammation.
Experimental evaluation of backscatter factors in paediatric head radiography using a novel in-house heterogeneous tissue-equivalent Phantom.
Sekkat H, Khallouqi A, Halimi A … +1 more , Rhazouani OE
Radiat Environ Biophys · 2026 Mar · PMID 41518416 · Publisher ↗
Paediatric patients are particularly sensitive to ionizing radiation, and accurate surface dose estimation is crucial in diagnostic X-ray imaging. Standard homogeneous phantoms inadequately reproduce tissue heterogeneity...
Paediatric patients are particularly sensitive to ionizing radiation, and accurate surface dose estimation is crucial in diagnostic X-ray imaging. Standard homogeneous phantoms inadequately reproduce tissue heterogeneity, leading to errors in backscatter evaluation. This study aimed to characterize backscatter factors (BSFs) in a heterogeneous, tissue-equivalent paediatric head phantom under conventional radiography conditions. An in-house epoxy-based heterogeneous phantom was fabricated with five inserts simulating bone, brain, cerebrospinal fluid, eye lens and air cavities. Entrance surface dose (ESD) and BSF measurements were performed using an ionization chamber and a Fujifilm digital X-ray system (40-150 kVp, field sizes: 10 × 10, 20 × 20, 25 × 25 cm²). Additional aluminium filtrations of 2.5 mm and 3.0 mm were applied to evaluate beam hardening effects. Measured ESD increased from 0.82 mGy at 40 kVp to 18.93 mGy at 150 kVp (no filtration, 25 × 25 cm²). Applying 3.0 mm Al filtration reduced ESD by up to 57% at 60 kVp. Experimental BSFs ranged from 1.1 to 2.1, increasing with tube potential and reaching a maximum under small field size and hardened beam (120 kVp, 10 × 10 cm², 3.0 mm Al), reflecting enhanced cumulative backscatter energy from heterogeneous tissue interfaces. Compared with IAEA TRS-457 reference data, the heterogeneous phantom yielded higher BSFs than PMMA or water for 10 × 10 cm² fields, demonstrating enhanced scatter from realistic tissue interfaces, while lower BSFs were observed for larger fields. The study confirms that homogeneous phantoms may underestimate paediatric backscatter under specific conditions, while heterogeneous phantoms provide more representative dosimetric references, improving BSF estimation and dose optimization.
A biokinetic model to assess radon uptake by the fetus during pregnancy.
Degenhardt ÄL, Spielmann V, Giussani A
Radiat Environ Biophys · 2026 Mar · PMID 41511551 · Full text
Epidemiological studies have shown a statistically significant increase in lung cancer risk from prolonged exposure to indoor radon. While current radiation protection efforts address the general population, including wo...
Epidemiological studies have shown a statistically significant increase in lung cancer risk from prolonged exposure to indoor radon. While current radiation protection efforts address the general population, including workers in radon-prone areas, pregnant individuals represent a vulnerable subgroup that requires specific consideration. Prenatal exposure to ionizing radiation, including radon and its progeny, raises concerns not only for maternal health but also for potential in-utero tissue reactions and/or cancer development in other life stages in the offspring. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive biokinetic model for radon to evaluate fetal uptake following maternal exposure through inhalation. The model was based on the latest ICRP age- and sex-specific biokinetic model for radon, adapted to include pregnancy-specific compartments such as the uterus, placenta, arterial and venous cord blood, and key fetal organs (lungs, brain, kidneys, thyroid, bone surface, liver, and adipose). Transfer rates were calculated using Fick's law of passive diffusion. Maternal and fetal physiological changes throughout pregnancy, including tissue masses and blood flows, were incorporated. Model simulations show that, despite radon gas being predominantly exhaled after inhalation, a fraction crosses the placenta, reaching fetal tissues-particularly those with higher fat content. Additionally, due to the chemical affinity of radon and fatty tissues, fetal adipose tissue receives a significant proportion of radon, resulting in the highest predicted uptake among fetal tissues. This biokinetic model provides an approach to estimate fetal uptake of radon from maternal exposures, supporting more accurate assessments for radiation protection of pregnant individuals and their developing fetuses.
Comparison of different quality factor models for space radiation protection.
Papadopoulos A, Kyriakou I, Santin G … +6 more , Nieminen P, Pang D, Li W, Daglis IA, Incerti S, Emfietzoglou D
Radiat Environ Biophys · 2026 Mar · PMID 41493540 · Publisher ↗
Space radiation is considered the biggest threat to astronauts’ health in long-duration space missions, where the main concern is the potential carcinogenic effects from the continuous exposure to Galactic Cosmic Rays (G...
Space radiation is considered the biggest threat to astronauts’ health in long-duration space missions, where the main concern is the potential carcinogenic effects from the continuous exposure to Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR). The quality factor ([Formula: see text]) of GCR presents the greatest uncertainty, complicating accurate risk assessment and the establishment of safe radiation exposure standards for astronauts in missions beyond low Earth orbit. This study uses a recently developed analytic microdosimetric model to calculate [Formula: see text] values for space radiation. The influence of different target sphere diameters is examined, and optimum values are suggested. The predictions of the new model are benchmarked against experimental animal and in vitro data for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] as well as against different versions of NASA’s model, and the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) Publication 60 recommendations. The comparisons involve quality factor values for individual ions ([Formula: see text]) over the 1 MeV/u to 1 GeV/u energy range, as well as dose-averaged quality factor values for GCR ([Formula: see text]) for three space radiation environments (free space, Moon and Martian surface) and different shielding conditions (aluminium, polyethylene, and regolith of 0–20 g/cm2). The results of the present model reveal strong variations of [Formula: see text] (up to a factor of ~ 6) and [Formula: see text] (up to a factor of ~ 4) depending on the sphere diameter, with the values of 100 and 1000 nm yielding better agreement with experimental data. Interestingly, the [Formula: see text] values calculated for a 1,000 nm sphere diameter align with NASA’s 2012 model and ICRP Publication 60 recommendations, whereas the [Formula: see text] values for the 100 nm sphere diameter agree better with NASA’s most recent 2022 model.
The revised German guideline on the monitoring for intakes of radionuclides.
Meisenberg O, Löscher S, van Appeldorn T … +10 more , Breustedt B, Froning M, Gehre D, Giussani A, Hänscheid H, Kratzel U, Michel R, Scholl C, Wanke C, Imig A
Radiat Environ Biophys · 2026 Mar · PMID 41410692 · Full text
In 2025, the guideline for the realisation of monitoring of occupational intakes of radionuclides (internal monitoring) in Germany was revised. For this purpose, an expert workgroup was mandated to consider the amended G...
In 2025, the guideline for the realisation of monitoring of occupational intakes of radionuclides (internal monitoring) in Germany was revised. For this purpose, an expert workgroup was mandated to consider the amended German radiation protection legislation, amended international standards and recommendations as well as other recent developments in the subject area. The methodology of the revised guideline for the calculation of the likely committed effective dose based on the handled activity and incorporation factors adapts international recommendations and standards. However, the definitions and values of the subfactors from which the incorporation factors are calculated deviate from international recommendations, for example the physical form safety factor considers the volume or mass of the handled radioactive material. For applications in nuclear medicine, specific incorporation factors based on recent literature are tabulated. Regarding the monitoring of persons of childbearing potential, an assessment of the equivalent dose for the uterus and if required a monthly monitoring are prescribed. Quality assurance of approved monitoring services is based optionally on accreditation or on audits by public authorities. For workplace monitoring, technical requirements, in particular quality-assurance procedures, are also specified. Regarding the dose assessment, a reference method and several individual methods are described, with the investigation threshold for changing to individual methods corresponding to an effective dose of 6 mSv during the calendar year. For the reference method, standard assumptions (inhalation, AMAD 5 μm for workplaces, 1 μm for emergency workers with environmental exposure) are applied.
Overview of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) in mineral processing industries and consideration of ionising radiation in life cycle assessment (LCA) - PART II. NORM impact assessment.
Popic JM, Dvorzhak A, Michalik B … +12 more , Venoso G, Ugolini R, Leonardi F, Trevisi R, Vanhoudt N, Kallio A, Real A, Escribano A, Pérez-Sánchez D, Nuccetelli C, Trotti F, Fevrier L
Radiat Environ Biophys · 2026 Mar · PMID 41400687 · Full text
This work provides an overview of issues related to naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) in mineral processing industries across European countries, including the production of phosphoric acid and phosphate f...
This work provides an overview of issues related to naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) in mineral processing industries across European countries, including the production of phosphoric acid and phosphate fertilisers, titanium dioxide (TiO₂), zircon and zirconium, and cement production industries. The study examines the impact of NORM from these industries on radiation exposure to workers, the public, and the environment. Relevant exposure scenarios are analysed, and effective radiation doses are evaluated. Potential treatments and final destinations of NORM residues are considered, with special attention to their possible valorisation and reuse. The aim of this work is to enhance overall knowledge of radiation protection in mineral processing industries, support the management of NORM-containing residues and waste, and assist regulatory decision-making. This is particularly important within the framework of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and the circular economy, which emphasizes optimal resource use, reduction of raw material extraction, waste minimization, and product life cycle extension. Current residues may be valorised as raw materials for future industrial applications. In such an economic strategy, the environmental impact of NORM and potential risks to the public can be significantly reduced—or even eliminated—at certain stages of the product life cycle. However, potential radiation exposure must always be considered. Therefore, further development of the LCA approach for NORM is important and requires substantial effort. An initial evaluation of the case of phosphoric acid production in the context of LCA is presented in this paper as an example of the broader development work needed in this area.
Efficacy and clinical use of novel high-resolution EPID-based 2D and 3D automated patient-specific quality assurance for SRS and SBRT patients.
Hajare R, Hoque T, Kaginelli S … +9 more , Rao A, Sahoo GC, Sahoo D, Kapri S, G ST, Vadgaonkar R, Miriyala R, Chiriki K, Mahantshetty U
Radiat Environ Biophys · 2026 Mar · PMID 41400686 · Full text
Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) treatments should be delivered with caution because any delivery error can have a severe radiobiological impact on the patient due to the hig...
Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) treatments should be delivered with caution because any delivery error can have a severe radiobiological impact on the patient due to the high dose per fraction used in such modalities. Therefore, a very high accuracy including a quality assurance program accompanying the entire treatment process is required. This study assessed the efficacy and clinical use of novel high-resolution 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional electronic portal imaging devices, an automated patient-specific quality assurance (PSQA) for SRS and SBRT patients. The dosimetric performance of these devices was evaluated by comparison with other detectors. Deliberate errors (errors of multi leave collimators (MLCs), gantry and collimator angle, and monitor unit (MU) changes) were introduced to assess the sensitivity of the devices. Twenty volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans from various tumour sites, constrained to field sizes below 7.7 cm × 7.7 cm, were analyzed. Point dose measurements showed mean dose differences of 0.1% ± 1.5% for ionization chambers and 0.94% ± 1.8% for EPID compared to treatment planning system (TPS) calculations. With 2%/2 mm, average Gamma Passing Rates (GPRs) were 98.6% (film), 99.0% (SRS MapCHECK®), 98.7% (PDIP), 99.5% (PerFRACTION™,2D), 99.8% (PerFRACTION™,3D), and 93.2% for ArcCHECK®. At stringent 2%/1 mm criteria, high-resolution systems maintained > 94% pass rates while ArcCHECK® dropped to 73.5%. EPID showed comparable GPRs to films and SRS MapCHECK®. EPID detected most errors except small MLC shifts and gantry angle errors. It is concluded that EPID dosimetry can perform SRS and SBRT PSQA without additional devices. Thus, it offers a cost-effective, high-resolution alternative comparable to dedicated devices, enhancing clinical efficiency, without compromising accuracy.
Direct radiation damage to human tooth under IMRT for head and neck cancer: physicochemical evidence supporting a non-salivary mechanism for radiation-related caries.
Tamahara T, Kouketsu A
Radiat Environ Biophys · 2026 Mar · PMID 41396278 · Full text
Radiation-related dental caries (RRC) is a rapidly progressing and treatment-resistant condition commonly observed after head and neck radiotherapy. It has traditionally been attributed to radiation-induced salivary glan...
Radiation-related dental caries (RRC) is a rapidly progressing and treatment-resistant condition commonly observed after head and neck radiotherapy. It has traditionally been attributed to radiation-induced salivary gland dysfunction; however, RRC often develops even when appropriate oral care is provided, including fluoride application and regular hygiene practices. This clinical inconsistency suggests that salivary dysfunction alone cannot fully explain the onset and severity of RRC. The direct physicochemical effects of radiation on the organic and inorganic components of dental hard tissues remain poorly understood. In this study, extracted human third molars were subjected to a clinical IMRT protocol, using either a single high dose (20 Gy × 1) or a fractionated regimen (2 Gy/day × 35, total 70 Gy). We then evaluated radiation-induced changes in tooth structure by measuring Vickers microhardness, acid resistance (calcium elution), collagen degradation (autofluorescence), and internal dentin pH. Radiation exposure significantly altered enamel hardness: it increased after 20 Gy but decreased following 70 Gy. Calcium release increased in crown enamel (70 Gy) and root dentin (20 Gy), while decreasing in crown dentin (20 Gy). Autofluorescence imaging showed a significant reduction in dentinal collagen after fractionated exposure. Both groups exhibited an alkaline shift in dentin pH, more pronounced in the single-dose group. These findings provide physicochemical evidence for a non-salivary mechanism contributing to RRC. To effectively prevent RRC, additional strategies to reduce direct radiation damage to dental tissues may be necessary alongside conventional salivary-focused approaches.
Spectral luminescence of fossil coral: A Multi-Analytical approach.
Almugren KS, Sabtu SN, Abdul Sani SF … +6 more , Nandagopal P, Syahirah A, Steven S, Shahira MNN, Siti Shafiqah AS, Bradley DA
Radiat Environ Biophys · 2026 Mar · PMID 41359025 · Publisher ↗
This study investigates the luminescence properties of calcite within coral skeletons collected from Pulau Redang, Malaysia, focusing on the effects of gamma irradiation. Using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy...
This study investigates the luminescence properties of calcite within coral skeletons collected from Pulau Redang, Malaysia, focusing on the effects of gamma irradiation. Using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman Spectroscopy, and luminescence measurements, we examined structural and compositional changes in corals subjected to varying doses of gamma radiation. Present results indicate significant lattice disorder and structural breakdown at higher radiation doses, evidenced by increased porosity and altered elemental composition. Despite these changes, specific luminescent properties persisted, suggesting a degree of adaptability in the coral calcite. Thermoluminescence (TL) and photoluminescence (PL) analyses revealed that gamma irradiation created new electron traps, maintaining luminescence despite structural disruptions. The study highlights potential risks to coral structural integrity due to radiation while also revealing an inherent resilience in luminescent properties. These findings provide valuable insights into the effects of environmental stressors on coral calcite, informing conservation strategies aimed at preserving coral reefs under changing conditions.
Fit for purpose: German contributions to the new ICRP recommendations.
Birschwilks M, Azimzadeh O, Scholz-Kreisel P … +16 more , Eidemüller M, Moertl S, Breustedt B, Li WB, Gruß M, Werner C, Steiner M, Gerstmann U, Woda C, Vogt J, Gering F, Winter KS, Mille EB, Giussani A, Akbarian GS, Pölzl-Viol C
Radiat Environ Biophys · 2026 Mar · PMID 41342920 · Full text
The current international radiation protection system is based on the International Commission on Radiological Protection's (ICRP) policy proposal, Publication 103, issued in 2007. Recently, the ICRP has announced its go...
The current international radiation protection system is based on the International Commission on Radiological Protection's (ICRP) policy proposal, Publication 103, issued in 2007. Recently, the ICRP has announced its goal to extend the discussion on radiation protection issues beyond the inner bodies, to engage the worldwide radiation protection community. A key step in this direction was the digital workshop "The Future of Radiological Protection" in October 2021 which initiated an in-depth international, scientific debate on the future design of the radiation protection systems. To contribute to this international debate, the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV (now BMUKN)) and the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) in Germany hosted a workshop in Munich in November 2024, bringing together national and international experts to assess and prioritise key topics relevant to the future of radiological protection from a German perspective. The primary aim of the Munich workshop was to exchange scientific and regulatory perspectives in Germany, particularly with regard to the ICRP's "Fit for Purpose" process. Critical topics such as the revision of the justification principle, the refinement of the key criteria for radiation-related risk assessment and impact assessment were central themes of the discussions. This article presents the most important topics and recommendations discussed related to radiation detriment, dose coefficients, societal aspects, non-human biota, impact assessment, radiological emergencies and malicious events as well as the justification and optimisation of medical radiation applications.
Radiation studies in the Southern Urals-winds of change.
Rühm W, Wojcik A, Friedl AA
Radiat Environ Biophys · 2025 Nov · PMID 41335209 · Full text
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Monte Carlo simulation of digestive and bladder positive contrast in pelvic CT scan examination: radiation dose and cancer risk assessment.
Tahiri M, Benameur Y, Azeddou M … +4 more , El Baydaoui R, Elkhatib A, Elamri N, Mkimel M
Radiat Environ Biophys · 2026 Mar · PMID 41335208 · Publisher ↗
This study aimed to evaluate the impact of digestive and bladder positive contrast agents (CA) on radiation dose and cancer risk during pelvic computed tomography (CT) scans using Monte Carlo simulation with the GATE pla...
This study aimed to evaluate the impact of digestive and bladder positive contrast agents (CA) on radiation dose and cancer risk during pelvic computed tomography (CT) scans using Monte Carlo simulation with the GATE platform and computational phantoms. The Siemens Emotion 16-slice CT scanner model was validated by comparing measured and simulated CTDIvol values using pelvic CT parameters. The densities and chemical compositions of CAs (Gastrografin® 30% and Utravist® 30%) were incorporated into the bladder and rectal cavities of Female Adult mesh (FASH) and Male Adult mesh (MASH) phantoms. Organ doses were simulated for scenarios using bladder CA (DU), digestive CA (DD), and both CAs (DDU). The dose enhancement factor (DEF) and lifetime attributable risk (LAR) were calculated using the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR) VII model, considering a reference age of 30 years.The highest effective dose was observed in females (4.83 mSv) compared to males (2.61 mSv). The small intestine (22.35 mGy) and uterus (27.64 mGy) recorded the highest absorbed doses. Positive CAs significantly reduced radiation dose and cancer risk, with the greatest reductions achieved when both CAs were applied (mean DEFDU,male = 0.68, mean DEFD,male = 0.75, DEFU,male = 0.90). Specific reductions were noted for Organs containing CA, including the bladder (DEFDU,male = 0.41, DEFDU,female = 0.55) and small intestine (DEFDU,male = 0.52, DEFDU,female = 0.53). Cancer risk reductions ranged from 8.84% to 38.86% in females and 5.24% to 33.65% in males, with reductions of 19.59% for the uterus, 29.20% for the ovaries, and 40.84% for the prostate.The shadowing effect of enhanced cavities demonstrated a significant reduction in radiation dose and cancer risk, highlighting potential applications of CAs in clinical practice to improve safety.
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