Topic Editors

Dr. Marco D'Arienzo
Health and Medical Sciences and Medical Physics Department, Saint Camillus International University, ASL Roma 6, Rome, Italy
Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy

Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation: Advances in Healthcare, Environmental Safety and Occupational Radiation Protection

Abstract submission deadline
closed (31 August 2024)
Manuscript submission deadline
closed (31 October 2024)
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7325

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent decades have seen a dramatic acceleration in the development and adoption of new technologies using both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.

Non-ionizing radiation is commonly used in healthcare applications such as laser surgery, endoscopy, UV light therapies, as well as magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, mobile telecommunication technologies transmit and receive electromagnetic fields that allow communication to occur. In particular, the scientific community has become increasingly interested in the exposure caused by 5G infrastructures over the past few years.

The use of ionizing radiation in healthcare has grown worldwide. The major advances of ionizing radiation in healthcare have led to groundbreaking innovations and improved patient care. In particular, radiation therapy has witnessed remarkable advances over the years, significantly transforming cancer treatment. As technology continues to advance, radiation therapy will likely play an increasingly central role in the comprehensive approach to cancer care, offering hope and improved prospects for patients worldwide.

Ionizing radiations also find applications in pharmacology, contributing to drug development and quality control. Radiolabeling techniques help researchers trace drug distribution and metabolism in vivo, facilitating a deeper understanding of pharmacokinetics. Furthermore, radiations are employed in sterilization processes to ensure the safety and sterility of medical devices and pharmaceutical products, safeguarding patient health.

Ultimately, the potential for CBRNe events (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive) to cause significant harm to human health and the environment is a critical concern for governments, emergency responders, and the public alike.  Radiological risks in CBRN events arise primarily from the malevolent use of a radiation source or unauthorized/accidental release of radioactive materials, such as those used in medical, industrial, or nuclear applications. As radiological risks continue to evolve, continuous research, innovation, and vigilance remain essential in countering CBRNe events effectively.

The purpose of this Topic is to bring together state-of-the-art achievements, developments, and advances on all aspects of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation and serve as a platform for colleagues to exchange novel ideas in this area.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). We encourage authors to submit original research articles and reviews on (but not limited to) the following topics:

  • Medical applications of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation;
  • Recent developments in the use of radiation in healthcare;
  • Ionizing radiation in pharmacology;
  • Radiation, health effects and protective measures;
  • Radiation dosimetry;
  • Radiation protection;
  • Advances in radiation oncology;
  • Recent advances in molecular radiotherapy;
  • Biological effects of radiation;
  • Radiological and nuclear safety;
  • CBRNe threats;
  • Radiological hazards in CBRNe events;
  • Medical radiation countermeasures for nuclear and radiological emergencies;
  • Non-Ionizing radiation safety;
  • Non-ionizing radiation in healthcare;
  • Environmental radioactivity;
  • Radon in the environment;
  • Cosmic radiation and cosmogenic radionuclides.

In this Topic, we are looking for submissions mainly dealing with recent advances and developments in the application of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.

Dr. Marco D'Arienzo
Dr. Andrea Malizia
Dr. Gian Marco Contessa
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • ionizing radiation
  • non-ionizing radiation
  • radiation dosimetry
  • radiation protection
  • environmental radioactivity
  • radiation therapy
  • radiation safety
  • cancer radiotherapy
  • radiobiology
  • radiological threats

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Cancers
cancers
4.5 8.0 2009 16.3 Days CHF 2900
Diagnostics
diagnostics
3.0 4.7 2011 20.5 Days CHF 2600
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
ijms
4.9 8.1 2000 18.1 Days CHF 2900
Radiation
radiation
- - 2021 24.1 Days CHF 1000
Safety
safety
1.8 3.2 2015 27.3 Days CHF 1800
Healthcare
healthcare
2.4 3.5 2013 20.5 Days CHF 2700

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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11 pages, 4760 KiB  
Article
Balancing Performance and Portability: A Study on CsI(Tl) Crystal Sizes for Real-Time Gamma-Ray Spectrum and Dose Monitoring
by Nikolaos Voulgaris, Hikari Nishimura, Shingo Tamaki, Sachie Kusaka and Isao Murata
Radiation 2024, 4(3), 213-223; https://doi.org/10.3390/radiation4030016 - 3 Jul 2024
Viewed by 782
Abstract
Current radiation dosimeters sometimes face accuracy limitations or provide only cumulative doses over long periods. To contribute to this area, we developed a portable monitor that measures the energy spectrum and dose of gamma rays in real time. To achieve this, we used [...] Read more.
Current radiation dosimeters sometimes face accuracy limitations or provide only cumulative doses over long periods. To contribute to this area, we developed a portable monitor that measures the energy spectrum and dose of gamma rays in real time. To achieve this, we used an improved sequential Bayesian estimation algorithm. The dose rate was then derived from the energy spectrum by applying a flux-to-dose conversion coefficient. The monitor consists mainly of a CsI(Tl) scintillator and a multi-pixel photon counter (MPPC). In developing this device, we focused on striking a balance between measurement accuracy, ease of use, and portability. As an essential aspect of the research, we investigated the influence of the CsI(Tl) crystal size on the performance of the monitor to determine an optimal size. This was accomplished by calculating the detection efficiency and energy resolution through experimental measurements using standard gamma-ray sources and simulations using MCNP5. Within the scope of the research, detector response functions were created for each crystal size for an energy range of 10 keV to 3 MeV. Considering an optimal balance of detection efficiency and energy resolution alongside a compact size suitable for portable applications, the crystal measuring 2.6 × 2.6 × 1.3 cm3 was deemed preferable. Full article
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13 pages, 549 KiB  
Systematic Review
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy as a Curative Treatment for De Novo Mucosal Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: A Feasible Alternative Option for Fragile Patients with Small Lesion: A Systematic Review
by Primož Strojan, Marko Kokalj, Gaber Plavc, Sweet Ping Ng, Sandra Nuyts, Carlos M. Chiesa-Estomba, Avraham Eisbruch, Remco de Bree, James C. H. Chow, Antti A. Mäkitie, Fernando Lopez, Nabil F. Saba and Alfio Ferlito
Cancers 2024, 16(11), 2096; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16112096 - 31 May 2024
Viewed by 787
Abstract
Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is characterized by a high dose per fraction, well-defined small targets, superior dose conformity, and a steep off-target dose gradient. A literature search was conducted to examine the experience with SBRT as a curative treatment for newly diagnosed mucosal [...] Read more.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is characterized by a high dose per fraction, well-defined small targets, superior dose conformity, and a steep off-target dose gradient. A literature search was conducted to examine the experience with SBRT as a curative treatment for newly diagnosed mucosal carcinoma of the head and neck (MCHN). Four retrospective case series and one prospective phase I clinical trial published between 2012 and 2020 described 124 patients. SBRT was mainly performed in older patients with different tumor sites. The median size of the planning target volumes ranged from 5.3 to 41 cm3. Different approaches were used to create margins. In two studies, limited elective nodal irradiation was performed. The equivalent doses used were 60–83.33 Gy delivered in five fractions. Considerable heterogeneity was observed in the radiation dose specification. The incidence of grade ≥3 late toxicity was 0–8.3%, with local and regional control ranging from 73% to 100%. Improved or stable quality of life after SBRT was reported in two studies. Curative-intent SBRT for de novo MCHN appears to be an effective and relatively safe treatment for small tumor targets, preferably without concomitant elective tissue irradiation. Standardization of SBRT practice and well-designed prospective clinical trials are needed to better define the role of SBRT in this setting. Full article
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17 pages, 7787 KiB  
Article
Flexible Cotton Fabric-Based Ionizing Radiation Dosimeter for 2D Dose Distribution Measurements over a Wide Dose Range at High Dose Rates
by Marek Kozicki, Elżbieta Sąsiadek-Andrzejczak, Radosław Wach and Piotr Maras
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(5), 2916; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25052916 - 2 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1412
Abstract
This work presents an ecological, flexible 2D radiochromic dosimeter for measuring ionizing radiation in the kilogray dose range. Cotton woven fabric made of cellulose was volume-modified with nitrotetrazolium blue chloride as a radiation-sensitive compound. Its features include a color change during exposure from [...] Read more.
This work presents an ecological, flexible 2D radiochromic dosimeter for measuring ionizing radiation in the kilogray dose range. Cotton woven fabric made of cellulose was volume-modified with nitrotetrazolium blue chloride as a radiation-sensitive compound. Its features include a color change during exposure from yellowish to purple-brown and flexibility that allows it to adapt to various shapes. It was found that (i) the dose response is up to ~80 kGy, (ii) it is independent of the dose rate for 1.1–73.1 kGy/min, (iii) it can be measured in 2D using a flatbed scanner, (iv) the acquired images can be filtered using a mean filter, which improves its dose resolution, (v) the dose resolution is −0.07 to −0.4 kGy for ~0.6 to ~75.7 kGy for filtered images, and (vi) two linear dose subranges can be distinguished: ~0.6 to ~7.6 kGy and ~9.9 to ~62.0 kGy. The dosimeter combined with flatbed scanner reading and data processing using dedicated software packages constitutes a comprehensive system for measuring dose distributions for objects with complex shapes. Full article
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13 pages, 1439 KiB  
Article
Proton Treatment Suppresses Exosome Production in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
by Ameet A. Chimote, Maria A. Lehn, Jay Bhati, Anthony E. Mascia, Mathieu Sertorio, Michael A. Lamba, Dan Ionascu, Alice L. Tang, Scott M. Langevin, Marat V. Khodoun, Trisha M. Wise-Draper and Laura Conforti
Cancers 2024, 16(5), 1008; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16051008 - 29 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1989
Abstract
Proton therapy (PT) is emerging as an effective and less toxic alternative to conventional X-ray-based photon therapy (XRT) for patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) owing to its clustered dose deposition dosimetric characteristics. For optimal efficacy, cancer therapies, including [...] Read more.
Proton therapy (PT) is emerging as an effective and less toxic alternative to conventional X-ray-based photon therapy (XRT) for patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) owing to its clustered dose deposition dosimetric characteristics. For optimal efficacy, cancer therapies, including PT, must elicit a robust anti-tumor response by effector and cytotoxic immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). While tumor-derived exosomes contribute to immune cell suppression in the TME, information on the effects of PT on exosomes and anti-tumor immune responses in HNSCC is not known. In this study, we generated primary HNSCC cells from tumors resected from HNSCC patients, irradiated them with 5 Gy PT or XRT, and isolated exosomes from cell culture supernatants. HNSCC cells exposed to PT produced 75% fewer exosomes than XRT- and non-irradiated HNSCC cells. This effect persisted in proton-irradiated cells for up to five days. Furthermore, we observed that exosomes from proton-irradiated cells were identical in morphology and immunosuppressive effects (suppression of IFN-γ release by peripheral blood mononuclear cells) to those of photon-irradiated cells. Our results suggest that PT limits the suppressive effect of exosomes on cancer immune surveillance by reducing the production of exosomes that can inhibit immune cell function. Full article
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