The distribution of the radiological characteristics of the natural radioisotopes 40 K, 232Th, and 226Ra in the Upper Cretaceous-Lower Paleogene sedimentary rock samples collected from Wadi Queih area, Red Sea, Egypt, was measured using gamma-ray spectrometer with an NaI(Tl) detector. The sedimentary sequence under study was divided into four groups (A, B, C, D) according to the lithological variations and dominant rock type. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40 K were 309.11 ± 15.49, 336.91 ± 16.62 and 887.58 ± 44.38 Bq/kg for group (A); 240.95 ± 12.06, 396.49 ± 19.83 and 570.49 ± 31.93 Bq/kg for group (B); 260.21 ± 13.03, 333.49 ± 16.68 and 568.54 ± 28.43 Bq/kg for group (C); and 238.56 ± 11.93, 369.62 ± 18.75 and 633.32 ± 32.74 Bq/kg for group (D), respectively. For 226Ra, 232Th, and 40 K, the average activity concentrations in each of the four groups are higher than the UNSCEAR worldwide average values of 35, 30 and 400 Bq/kg, respectively. The radiological hazard parameters that were used to evaluate the radiation hazards associated with the rock samples, the calculated values of these indices exceed internationally recommended limits in several cases, indicating a non-negligible radiological risk in some rock units, particularly phosphate-rich and cherty lithologies. These findings highlight the need for radiological safety assessments in regions where such rocks are used in construction or agriculture. Given the radiological threat to residents and the need for radiation protection precautions, the collected data offer a useful future database for estimating the impact of radioactive contamination in the studied area as well as in locations where the rocks are used as building materials or in agricultural reclamations. The results also offer baseline reference values that can support future environmental monitoring, land-use planning, and radiation protection policy.
Background/Objectives: The F3 peptide, a tumor-homing peptide known to bind cell-surface nucleolin, is frequently employed as a targeting vector in cancer research. However, the impact of the modification site on its cellular binding properties has not been investigated yet. In this work, we aimed to design an improved F3-based radioconjugate by identifying the optimal conjugation site and establishing a protocol for its biological evaluation in vitro. To achieve this, we compared F3 peptide derivatives modified at their N- or C-termini with DOTA for complexation of indium-111 (111In) for SPECT or Auger electron therapy or a fluorophore (FITC) for optical imaging. Methods: N-and C-terminal DOTA-modified F3 peptides were radiolabeled with indium-111 and compared for their in vitro stability in different physiologically relevant media. Suitable nucleolin-positive cell lines for further in vitro studies were identified by confocal microscopy of a FITC-labeled F3 peptide derivative. The radioconjugates were then investigated on MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer) and PC-3 (prostate cancer) cells for nucleolin-specific cell binding and uptake, and several parameters of the in vitro assays were varied to establish a suitable protocol. Results: In general, in vitro assays with F3 peptide conjugates are challenging, as the outcome depends on a number of experimental parameters, leading, in some cases, to varying results. In particular, the presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ had a decisive impact on the results, likely because the metal ions compete with the binding of F3 conjugates to nucleolin. The C-terminal modified, 111In-labeled F3 radioconjugate performed better than the N-terminal modified analog. While several parameters of the in vitro experiments were optimized, the overall cell uptake in vitro of radioactivity was still low (<2% of applied radioactivity). Conclusions: A standardized in vitro protocol for evaluating F3 peptide conjugates on cancer cells was established, revealing that the C-terminus is the preferred site for modification. Because the cellular uptake of the radiotracer was shown to likely not be sufficient for radiotracer development, further studies on the optimization of the F3 peptide conjugates, including structural modifications, are required.
This study investigates temporal and spatial variation in 137Cs activity concentrations in Swedish wild boar between 2011 and 2024 to assess long-term ecological impacts of radiocaesium of anthropogenic origin. Data from a total of 5844 meat samples collected across 39 municipalities in six counties were analysed. Average ground deposition of 137Cs in these municipalities in 1986 ranged from 1.84 to 51.55 kBq m-2. The average 137Cs concentration in wild boar meat was 1679 Bq kg-1, with 27.5% of samples exceeding the sales limit of 1500 Bq kg-1. Seasonal variation in 137Cs activity concentrations in wild boar meat was evident, with levels peaking in winter and early spring and declining nearly fivefold in late summer and early autumn, across all locations. On average, younger boars (≤1 year) exhibited 25% higher concentrations than older individuals, with the greatest differences observed in winter and no differences in autumn. No sex-specific differences in concentrations were detected. A weak but statistically significant correlation was observed between meat radioactivity and average ground deposition across all counties, with a slightly weaker correlation in Gävleborg and Uppsala. Overall, 137Cs deposition remained the primary factor explaining the observed levels of meat contamination. A twofold increase in 137Cs deposition resulted in an almost proportional increase in 137Cs activity concentrations in wild boar meat, whereas the 137Cs transfer factor (Tag) remained largely unchanged. The geometric mean Tag for wild boar was 0.052 m2 kg-1, while the effective half-life (Teff) of 137Cs varied widely among municipalities (2-3 to >30 years); no Teff could be estimated for the study area as a whole due to the absence of a consistent decline in 137Cs activity concentrations.
Severe putamen dopamine depletion in Parkinson disease (PD) has been attributed to nigrostriatal denervation; however, there are also functional abnormalities in extant terminals (the "sick-but-not-dead" phenomenon). Rates of intra-neuronal processes of synthesis, storage, and metabolism of dopamine complexly influence releasable dopamine stores but have not yet been systematically estimated. Post-mortem empirical data were available about putamen tissue contents of 7 reactants, including the autotoxic dopamine metabolite 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL). We constructed kinetic models depicting reactions related to putamen dopamine content, the simplest model consisting of 7 reactions and the most complete model 18 reactions among 10 intra-neuronal reactants. We used the post-mortem data, in vivo results of 18 F-DOPA positron emission tomography (PET), and the models to estimate rates of the intra-neuronal processes and rank their contributions to control-PD differences. There was about a 98% decrease in putamen tissue dopamine in PD. The concentration ratio of DOPAL/DA was about 9 times control. Applying the simplest kinetic model, vesicular sequestration was estimated to be decreased by 98.5% (0.073 vs. 4.91 nmol/min). About 3-fold greater in vivo "washout" of putamen 18 F-DOPA-derived radioactivity compared to controls also indicated attenuated vesicular storage in PD. According to the complete model, control-PD differences in intra-neuronal reaction rates were, in descending order, vesicular uptake ≈ vesicular leakage > exocytotic release ≈ neuronal reuptake > L-aromatic-amino-acid decarboxylase activity ≈ tyrosine hydroxylase activity > other reactions. Empirical post-mortem and in vivo data and application of kinetic models provide convergent quantitative evidence for a substantial vesicular storage defect in residual dopaminergic terminals in PD, a potential target for disease-modifying treatment or prevention strategies. None. We estimated rates of reactions involved with synthesis, storage, release, reuptake, and metabolism of dopamine in the putamen in Parkinson disease and found that the main intra-neuronal functional abnormality separating Parkinson disease from controls was attenuated vesicular sequestration, implicating decreased vesicular uptake via the vesicular monoamine transporter and increased vesicular leakiness as key determinants of putamen dopamine deficiency in PD.
Long-term monitoring after the Fukushima Daiichi accident have shown that 137Cs concentrations in freshwater fish do not always decrease exponentially; they level off at relatively high values more than a decade after the fallout. In forested headwater streams, insectivorous salmonids are closely associated with forest-derived prey species. Because 137Cs is redistributed among forest compartments and declines at different rates over time, the compartments and pathways that control long-term contamination in fish remain unclear. We quantified temporal changes in 137Cs across forest-stream compartments, including masu salmon (Oncorhynchus masou) and white-spotted charr (Salvelinus leucomaenis), in two contaminated reaches of the Ota River, Fukushima, from 2018 to 2025 (7-14 years post-accident). Leaf, litter, periphyton, and dissolved 137Cs generally declined, with effective half-lives of 2-7 years. In contrast, masu salmon showed no clear decline, whereas white-spotted charr decreased slowly, with a half-life of 7-13 years. Terrestrial insects showed no consistent decline, and exhibited highly variable 137Cs concentrations among the feeding groups, reflecting uptake from heterogeneously contaminated forest compartments. Correlation network analysis indicated that masu salmon was more strongly coupled to terrestrial insects than to white-spotted charr, suggesting that terrestrial insects are a key pathway for continued exposure to forest-derived 137Cs. These results indicate that 137Cs stored in near-surface forest soils remains a persistent source for terrestrial fish prey. Our findings highlight the striking persistence of 137Cs in masu salmon, raise concerns for fishery recovery, and suggest pathways sustaining this contamination. Clarification of these pathways will provide a basis for more accurate long-term predictions.
Crystalline rock massif of the Yeniseiskiy site (Krasnoyarsk region) is considered for the disposal of radioactive waste in the Russian Federation. In this study the resistance of different types of rocks located at target depths in the site of geological disposal facility (gneisses, dolerites, and carbonatized fissure filling) to dissolution by groundwater was simulated by short-term stage-by-stage treatment with 18 % HCl solution and aqua regia. The impact of dissolution on isolation properties was also investigated. A high sorption capacity to Cs(I) and Eu(III) which chemical behavior is similar to Am (III) and Pu (III) of gneiss, dolerite, and fissure filling samples was established. During the studies of sorption properties, it was found that the greatest influence on the retention of Cs by gneiss and dolerite have the specific surface area (SSA) value. This effect is most pronounced for gneiss due to the increased available surface area of mica minerals biotite and muscovite. The retention effect of the fissure filling material is mainly determined by the content of mixed-layer illite-smectite clay minerals and chlorite. It was found that the greatest influence on the retention of europium by gneiss and mineral fissure filling is the content of chlorite in the samples. The obtained results reflect the resistance of the host rock of the Yeniseiskiy site to the most aggressive acid environments, which allows assessing the stability of their isolation properties for a long-term perspective.
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with radioactive seed implantation has emerged as an effective locoregional strategy for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, evidence supporting the use of this combined approach in patients with multitumor HCC remains limited. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of TACE in combination with radioactive seed implantation for multitumor HCC. This retrospective study analyzed consecutive patients with multitumor HCC who underwent TACE with or without radioactive seed implantation at our institutions between January 2022 and December 2024. Clinical data, therapeutic responses, long-term outcomes, and treatment-related adverse events were collected and compared between the 2 cohorts. A total of 120 individuals were enrolled, of whom 59 were treated with TACE alone, and 61 with TACE combined with radioactive seed implantation. The 2 groups were comparable in terms of demographics and clinical characteristics at baseline. As compared with TACE monotherapy, the combined treatment group demonstrated better total response rate (49.2% vs 30.5%; P = 0.04), objective response rate (83.6% vs 61%; P = 0.01), progression-free survival (PFS; 14 vs 11 mo; P = 0.001), and overall survival (OS; 24 vs 20 mo; P = 0.02). The multivariable analysis showed that the combined treatment was independently predictive of better PFS and OS. Adverse event incidence was comparable between the groups. In comparison with TACE alone, TACE combined with radioactive seed implantation significantly enhances treatment efficacy without compromising safety in patients with multitumor HCC.
Alkyne complexes are known for transition metals across the d-block with exception of the radioelement technetium despite considerable synthetic efforts. DFT calculations suggest that this is not inherent to the transition metal but a consequence of the overall ligand sphere. The arsenic-based tolane ligand 1,2-bis(2-(diisopropylarsaneyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)ethyne (Li Pr) forces a coordination of the central alkyne moiety onto the metal through ligand design. The stable, crystalline Tc(III) and Tc(V) alkyne complexes mer-[TcIIICl3(κ4-As,CC,As-Li Pr)], mer-[TcVNX2(κ4-As,CC,As-Li Pr)] (X = Cl, Br) and cis,trans,mer-[TcVN(CN)Cl(κ4-As, CC, As-Li Pr)] alongside their rhenium homologs mer-[ReVCl3(κ4-As,CC,As-Li Pr)] and mer-[ReVNCl2(κ4-As,CC,As-Li Pr)] have been prepared and fully characterized. According to spectroscopic and DFT analyses, the technetium complexes represent robust, classical 2e- alkyne complexes, while a different situation was found for mer-[ReVCl3(κ4-As,CC,As-Li Pr)] with a formally oxidized metal ion and reduced 4e- donor ligand. This has general implications for π-ligand coordination in group 7 and potentially for neighboring elements. Successful translation to the medicinally relevant nuclear isomer 99mTc proves the viability of alkyne donors as building blocks for stable chelation of technetium at the tracer level.
Radioactive cesium-rich microparticles (CsMPs) released from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) in 2011 pose a persistent environmental concern, yet their initial atmospheric dispersion has remained poorly constrained. Here we quantify CsMP abundance and radioactive fraction (RF) in 100 surface soil samples collected across Fukushima Prefecture in July 2011 and integrate the results with WSPEEDI atmospheric simulations. CsMP abundance ranged from 0 to 52.3 particles g⁻¹ (dry weight), with RF values of 0-61.85%. The combined analysis identifies a major CsMP formation and release event at ∼03:00 JST on 15th March 2011, producing a plume strongly enriched in CsMPs. Plumes released after 00:00 JST on 16th March contained no detectable CsMPs, indicating that particle formation had ceased by that time. The widespread distribution of CsMPs across Fukushima is therefore attributed primarily to this single plume. Directional variations in CsMP abundance reflect temporal changes in plume composition, with peak concentrations of ∼2070 particles m⁻³ toward the southwest and ∼4700 particles m⁻³ toward the northwest. These findings constrain CsMP formation mechanisms and improve reconstruction of radiological dispersion relevant to the long-term environmental risk assessment of nuclear power plants.
The understanding regarding the role of orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting the prognosis of radioactive iodine-131 (I-131) therapy for patients with inactive Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the application of MRI quantitative measurements of orbital structures in radioactive I-131 therapy for inactive GO. This retrospective study included 41 patients (82 eyes) diagnosed with GO at Anhui Medical University Affiliated Fuyang Hospital and Anhui Medical University First Affiliated Hospital from January 2022 to October 2025 as the GO group, and 32 patients (64 eyes) with Graves' disease (GD) who were matched with the GO group in terms of gender and age were selected as the GD group. All patients were treated with radioactive I-131 using the calculated dose method. MRI conventional images and readout segmentation of long variable echo-trains diffusion-weighted imaging (RESOLVE DWI) were performed before and after I-131 treatment, as well as the thyroid technetium (99mTcO4-) imaging using single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT), and a correlation analysis was conducted between the changes in orbital MRI parameters and thyroid weight in GO patients. All eyeball parameters are taken as the average of the two eyes. Before radioactive I-131 treatment, there were statistically significant differences in the average values of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the lacrimal gland and the long diameter of the transverse lacrimal gland between the GO group and the GD group (p ≤ 0.01). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the coronal lacrimal gland parameters of MRI and the thyroid parameters of SPECT/CT (p > 0.01). There was a statistically significant difference in the MRI orbital parameters (lacrimal gland protrusion [13.65 ± 1.47 vs. 12.02 ± 1.25], the long diameter [17.21 ± 2.29 vs. 16.03 ± 228], and area [93.05 ± 15.66 vs. 84.68 ± 14.76] of the lacrimal gland in the cross-section; longitudinal diameter [17.99 ± 2.71 vs. 17.67 ± 2.61] and area [109.81 ± 20.52 vs. 104.50 ± 19.03] of the lacrimal gland in the coronal plane) between the GO group before and after radioactive I-131 treatment (all p < 0.001). In addition, thyroid weight (53.53 ± 27.28 vs. 48.22 ± 23.65, p < 0.001), thyroid area (28.08 ± 10.25 vs. 24.89 ± 8.74, p < 0.001), and thyroid technetium uptake (17.82 ± 11.34 vs. 15.14 ± 9.57, p < 0.001) measured by SPECT/CT were also decreased. The change values of lacrimal gland protrusion (r = 0.600), the mean ADC (r = 0.766), the long diameter (r = 0.748), and area (r = 0.678) of the transverse lacrimal gland and the long diameter (r = 0.683) and area (r = 0.560) of the coronal lacrimal gland in the GO group before and after radioactive I-131 treatment were positively correlated with the change values of thyroid weight (all p < 0.05). In patients with GO, lacrimal gland protrusion, MRI lacrimal gland length and area, and mean lacrimal gland ADC value may be reliable imaging indicators for evaluating the I-131 treatment.
IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a chronic fibro-inflammatory condition that can mimic malignancy due to its tumorous lesions. Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), a low-grade B cell lymphoma, may occasionally arise in the context of chronic immune stimulation. The synchronous occurrence of IgG4-RD and MZL is rare and diagnostically challenging. We report the case of a 39-year-old male with right hemiplegia and aphasia, initially suspected to have a meningioma based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Histopathology following surgical resection revealed features consistent with IgG4-RD. Subsequently, [ 18 F]-FDG PET/CT ([ 18 F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography) demonstrated a metabolically inactive extra-axial supratentorial lesion, as well as a hypermetabolic triangular consolidation in the left lower lung lobe. Lung biopsy confirmed bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue MZL. Immunohistochemistry supported the dual diagnosis. Complementary 99mTc-iFAP SPECT/CT (single photon emission computed tomography/CT) demonstrated focal uptake in the central nervous system lesion but not in the pulmonary lesion. Multimodal image fusion with brain MRI facilitated precise anatomical and functional correlation. The coexistence of IgG4-RD and MZL raises important considerations regarding shared immunopathogenic mechanisms. Dual molecular imaging with FDG and FAPI (fibroblast activating protein inhibitor)-based radiotracers proved essential in discriminating between inflammatory and neoplastic components of disease, enabling accurate diagnosis and guiding appropriate management. This case highlights the value of [ 18 F]-FDG PET/CT and 99mTc-iFAP SPECT/CT in the evaluation of complex systemic diseases. fibroblast activation protein-targeted imaging may play a key role in the diagnostic workup of IgG4-RD and in distinguishing it from coexisting lymphoproliferative disorders.
American Thyroid Association (ATA) argues that the prevalence of malignancy of the indeterminate nodules may vary substantially among regions, and states that it is crucial to know the prevalence of malignancy within each indeterminate cytological category at one's institution. Our aim is to draw attention to the malignancy rates of indeterminate nodules that cannot be underestimated in an endemic region and raise awareness to differences across different populations. Between March-2021 and June-2024, 13,531 fine needle aspirations were performed on thyroid nodules in a single institution. Of these 2121 nodules were classified as indeterminate (Bethesda III-IV) and 242 patients underwent surgery. Demographic characteristics, nodule size, risk of malignancy, tumor types and subtypes were evaluated. The necessity of radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy and consequent completion thyroidectomy was investigated. Of the 242 patients 123 (50.8%) underwent lobectomy and 119 (49.2%) underwent total thyroidectomy. In total, 115 (47.5%) of 242 patients resulted in malignancy (186 patients were Bethesda-III and 82 (44.1%) of them were malignant; 56 were Bethesda-IV and 33 (58.9%) of them were malignant). Incidental carcinoma was detected in a different focus other than the indeterminate nodule in 17 patients. RAI therapy was indicated in 39 patients (33.9%) primarily based on the ATA guideline, and 24 (20.8%) patients who initially underwent lobectomy required completion thyroidectomy. Risk of malignancy in indeterminate thyroid nodules varies endemically. Each region should know their own risk and each patient's treatment should be tailored accordingly. In this way, under-overtreatment and related morbidities will be prevented.
Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping commonly involves presurgical administration of a radioactive colloid and intraoperative injection of a blue dye near the tumor. Combining gamma scintigraphy and visual inspection could reduce false-negative rates. This study introduces novel imaging agents-radioactive nanoliposomes (NLs) encapsulating patent blue dye-for lymph node scintigraphy. PEGylated (PEG-NLs) and non-PEGylated (non-PEG-NLs) NLs were prepared using the thin-film hydration method with patent blue dye and labeled with 99mTc-hexamethylpropylene-amine-oxime (99mTc-HMPAO). Lymphatic drainage of the radiolabeled liposomes was assessed in BALB/c mice following subcutaneous footpad injections. Planar imaging was performed at 0.5 and 1 hour postinjection. The mean diameter, zeta potential, and polydispersity index of the PEG-NLs were 130.7 ± 0.348 nm (n = 3), -22.4 ± 0.54 mV, and 0.118 ± 0.12, respectively. These values for the non-PEG-NLs were 120.46 ± 0.506 nm (n = 3), 7.5 ± 0.65 mV, and 0.055 ± 0.009, respectively. 99mTc-HMPAO-PEG-NLs had a significantly higher lymph node uptake at earlier times after injection (28.27 ± 5.22% ID/g at 1 hour and 16.65 ± 4.23% ID/g at 2 hours), which was followed by fast washout at 4 hours postinjection and showed fast migration of PEGylated NLs through lymphatic system. 99mTc-HMPAO-non-PEG-NLs had an increased lymph node accumulation through entire time after injection (11.95 ± 0.8% ID/g, 22.95 ± 4.56% ID/g, 29.71 ± 2.16% ID/g at 1, 2, and 4 hours, respectively). Encapsulation efficiency of patent blue dye was determined to be 1.26 ± 0.1%. 99mTc-HMPAO PEG-NLs and non-PEG-NLs containing Paten Blue dye are promising agents for SLN mapping, offering distinct advantages in uptake kinetics and retention for lymphatic imaging and visual detection.
Radioactive microspheres play an important role in deciphering flow dynamics and micro mixing in multiphase chemical process reactors through a technique known as computer assisted radioactive particle tracking (CARPT). In the present study, radioactive microsphere of yttrium-88 having size 500-1500 μm have been prepared for their potential application in CARPT. The yttrium-88 radioactive microsphere (YRM) have been prepared in two steps. First the inactive glass microparticles containing strontium termed strontium glass microspheres (SMSs) were prepared by melt-quench combined with microwave method. Subsequently, in the second step, the SMSs were irradiated with 12 Mev proton beam from an accelerator to produce YRM. The SMSs were characterized with UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRF, TG-DSC, XRD, SEM and EDX for analysis of the nature of bonding, physical properties, surface morphology and elemental composition. The activity on a single YRM was measured to be 10.54 - 20.33 MBq, which is adequate for its application for the CARPT.
Inorganic pollutants released into aquatic habitats by human activity, such as metals and radionuclides, present a serious threat to biodiversity and ecosystem health. Various biomonitoring efforts were established to track their release and environmental concentrations, including sampling of bioindicator species, which can accumulate these pollutants and facilitate their detection. Dragonflies (order Odonata) are considered valuable bioindicator organisms due to their relative longevity and predatory lifestyle, and have been used to assess environmental concentrations of a wide variety of pollutants. However, there is a lack of systematic effort to determine which elements are likely to be accumulated in dragonfly tissue from surrounding water, and how the concentrations of accumulated materials correlate to their environmental concentrations. In this review, studies that used dragonflies as bioindicators for metals and radionuclides in aquatic environments were analyzed, and bioaccumulation factors for each element were calculated. The highest bioaccumulation factors were obtained for U and Cs, elements with the highest numbers of bioaccumulation studies were Hg and Cu, and Se was the most consistently accumulated element in analyzed studies. The results have shown that dragonflies are suitable bioindicator organisms for a variety of different radioactive and non-radioactive elements, and calculated bioaccumulation factors provide a link between their presence in dragonfly tissue and the environmental concentrations in their habitats.
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus (IVCTT) remains a major clinical challenge. Venous outflow obstruction from the thrombus can precipitate severe lower-extremity edema and secondary deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Current guidelines do not recommend routine placement of inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) in this setting because progressive tumor thrombus may increase the risk of filter migration and can worsen thrombosis. Here, we report a 52-year-old man with right RCC and a level II IVCTT (Mayo classification) complicated by extensive iliofemoral DVT. He was treated using a combined interventional strategy that included endoluminal brachytherapy with long iodine-125 (^125I) seed strands, catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT), and renal artery embolization (RAE). After treatment, inferior vena cava outflow improved markedly, and swelling of the lower limbs and scrotum resolved. Follow-up imaging demonstrated substantial regression of the tumor thrombus and a reduced renal tumor burden. To overcome the limitations of inadequate intraluminal dose coverage and the technical difficulty of safely implanting seeds directly within a mobile tumor thrombus, we used two self-designed long ^125I seed strands that were securely anchored at the jugular venous access region to deliver continuous, localized irradiation to the IVCTT. CDT and RAE were applied to further reduce thrombus and tumor volume and were associated with a favorable clinical response in this patient. The patient remained alive without disease progression for more than 39 months from diagnosis. This case illustrates the potential role of a multimodal interventional approach for simultaneous control of IVCTT and venous thrombosis and highlights the feasibility of endoluminal brachytherapy using radioactive seed strands as a strategy to manage complex RCC with IVCTT.
Psychosis is a rare but recognized neuropsychiatric complication of hyperthyroidism, most commonly associated with Graves' disease. Although anxiety and mood disturbances are more frequent, acute psychosis has been reported in approximately 1% of cases. We report the case of a 30-year-old man with a 1-year history of Graves' disease who developed acute psychotic symptoms, including hallucinations and disorganized behavior. Laboratory findings revealed severe thyrotoxicosis with a suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone and markedly elevated free T4. Thyroid scintigraphy using technetium-99m pertechnetate demonstrated diffuse increased uptake consistent with toxic diffuse goiter. The patient with severe thyrotoxicosis was initially managed with methimazole, propranolol, and psychiatric medications. Although the scheduled 1-week follow-up was missed, he returned at 4 weeks while continuing his prescribed therapy. At that visit, repeat thyroid function tests were obtained and psychiatric care was maintained. Subsequently, radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy at a fixed dose of 370 MBq (10 mCi) was administered after a short withdrawal of antithyroid drugs. One month posttreatment, both thyroid function and psychiatric symptoms improved significantly, allowing for discontinuation of antipsychotics. At 3 months, he became hypothyroid and was started on levothyroxine replacement. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing patients with coexisting psychiatric conditions. Psychosis secondary to hyperthyroidism may mimic primary psychiatric disorders, potentially delaying diagnosis. Stabilizing psychiatric symptoms prior to definitive therapy and ensuring close psychiatric follow-up are essential to achieving optimal clinical outcomes. Radioiodine remains a safe and effective treatment for Graves' disease, even in patients with neuropsychiatric complications. The psychotic symptoms in this case are caused by hyperthyroidism. RAI therapy can effectively and safely treat hyperthyroidism in Graves' disease patients with secondary psychosis.
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of storage duration on the accumulation of long-lived beta-emitting radionuclides of the radon decay chain, namely 210Pb and 210Bi, in consumer products from Kazakhstan, including buckwheat grain, tea, and tobacco products. Samples with storage periods ranging from 3 months to 6 years were analyzed using beta spectrometry. It has been established that the activity concentration of 210Pb in food products increases over time: from 1.16 ± 0.24 to 14.2 ± 2.9 Bq/kg in buckwheat over 4.5 years, and from 3.12 ± 0.64 to 8.74 ± 1.81 Bq/kg in tea over 4 years. In contrast, tobacco shows a pronounced decrease in 210Pb activity (by 76% over 6 years) against the background of high 210Bi activity, indicating a disruption of radioactive equilibrium. The measured activity concentrations in food products were several orders of magnitude below national hygienic standards. Based on consumption data, the annual effective dose was estimated: for long-stored buckwheat, it may reach up to 21% of the average global dose from natural radionuclides in food, whereas for tobacco products, the additional inhalation dose ranged from 1.83 to 7.61 μSv/year. The results highlight the importance of considering storage duration in the radiological risk assessment of dry food products and demonstrate the need for separate dosimetric approaches for tobacco products due to their fundamentally different radionuclide behavior.
Radium, a naturally occurring radioactive element, has been historically recognized for its medical and industrial applications. However, with the advent of synthetic radioactive iso-topes, radium's prominence declined, and the former radium sealed sources were relegated to radioactive waste. Recent developments include the potential of radium to be used as target in a nuclear reaction to produce a radioisotope used in nuclear medicine. This has prompted the retrieval of radium sources from radioactive waste storage facilities and renewed attention on radium recovery from mining/milling residues. This review explores radium's historical significance, chemical properties, and isotopic characteristics while addressing contemporary challenges in radium extraction and applications. Particular focus is given to radium recovery techniques from residues of uranium, thorium, and rare earth element processing, emphasizing their environmental implications and regulatory considerations. The analysis highlights advancements in radium separation methods, such as ion exchange, co-precipitation, and chromatographic techniques, as well as emerging technologies aimed at optimizing recovery while mitigating environmental risks posed by mining and milling waste. By consolidating current knowledge, this study underscores the dual importance of radium recovery in resource sustainability and environmental stewardship.
The second most common cause of lung cancer after smoking is radon which is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. Although the levels of radon have been recorded in some parts of Iran, the general health effect of radon remains unclear. A systematic review that was conducted in this study determined the level of indoor radon in Iranian provinces and approximated the burden of lung cancer as a result of this exposure using an accepted risk assessment model. An extensive search in both national and international databases revealed that 263 records were found, 45 of which were included in the study based on the PRISMA guidelines. The data were taken out of 60 cities in 18 provinces organized into nine geographic zones. Systematic evaluation was done on key modifying factors which included season, building materials, floor level, ventilation, and building age. Data on radon exposure were augmented with provincial lung cancer disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study. The uncertainty in exposure and the exposure-response coefficient was also taken into consideration using Monte Carlo simulations. The radon-attributable lung cancer morbidity was estimated to be approximately 19,400 DALYs/year, which was equivalent to the population attributable fraction (PAF) of 10.6 (95 % CI: 8.1-13.3 %). The provincial PAFs were between 0.9 % and 44.3 % with the greatest burden observed in Tehran, Mazandaran and Khorasan-e-Razavi. In some regions, radon was responsible for more than 25 % (95 % CI: 20.1-31.2 %) of the lung cancer burden. These findings point to the existence of serious regional differences and the necessity of the immediate attention to radon monitoring, mitigation, and Governmental policies to prevent cancers and improve the safety of buildings in Iran.