Radiation exposure of the pet owner during standardised X-ray diagnostic examinations of dogs and cats

In Germany pet owners are present during X-ray examinations of dogs and cats. Due to a change in the German X-ray Ordinance and the directive "Radiation Protection in Veterinary Medicine" it is necessary to determine the body dose of the pet owners.This study in the Clinic for Small Animals includes at least ten measurements for each of thirteen X-ray examinations of a dog and four of a cat. The equivalent doses of eye lens, thyroid, chest, hands, gonads, and lower leg were measured using TLD (LiF:Mg,Cu,P).The maximum value of 52 microSv was measured on the right hand.The 99 % -quantiles amount to 13 microSv for eye lens, 9 microSv for thyroid, 2.3 microSv for chest (under lead apron), 14 microSv for both hands, 2.1 microSv for gonads (under lead apron), and 2.0 microSv for lower leg. In every case the median and mean values at the seven measuring positions are lower than 2.5 microSv per radiograph. In view of the constant measured equivalent doses under the lead apron of less than 5 microSv for the trunk and gonads per X-ray examination the measurement of the personal dose of the pet owner during every X-ray examination of small animals is not justified. Alternatively, with reference to up-to-date measurements and the presented paper a certificate of exemption from the dose determination for pet owners could be applied for from the local authority.     

Dose measurement in small animal radiology: how intense is the influence of distance and position of the investigator in relation to the patient?

Radiation exposure of body parts of persons, needed to restrain small animal during the examination, varies depending on the distance and position in relation to the patient, the region investigated, and the exposure settings applied. The aim of the study was to quantify the effects of these factors on the ambient dose. The dosimeter was positioned with varying distance from the direct beam (from 30 to 150 cm) and on different level above the floor (55 cm, 85 cm, and 150 cm. The study consisted of two parts. In the first part a plastic water tank (thickness: 18 cm) was used as source of scatter radiation. Different exposure settings (77 kVp; 20 - 10 - 5 - 2.5 - 1.25 mAs) were applied. In the second part dose was measured during the examination of the abdomen of a large dog (thickness: 18 cm; 77 kVp, 20 mAs) and of the skull of a cat (thickness: 6 cm; 55 kVp, 20 mAs). At the level of the patient (85 cm above the floor) the dose decline relative to the distance followed a quadratic function. In the series "abdomen-dog" the mean dose values ranged from 51.6 microSv (30 cm distance) to 1.02 microSv (150 cm distance). The corresponding doses for the series "skull-cat" were 0.98 microSv and 0.02 microSv, respectively. Comparably lower doses were measured on the lines along the table, when non-irradiated parts of the body were located between the exposed patient volume and the dosimeter. At 150 cm above the floor higher doses were observed relative to the doses at the level of the table. The following conclusions can be drawn: (1.) Depending on the target volume the ambient dose varies in a wide range. (2.) An increase of the distance of only few centimetres is reducing exposure considerably. Therefore persons should make use of it whenever this is possible. (3.) Persons should stand on the short sides of the table while fixing the patient. (4.) Head and neck are relatively highly exposed. Methods to protect the thyroid gland and the eye lens are indicated. (5.) Since different exposure levels can be applied in digital radiography, the range of dose levels is rather wide. Therefore strict dose discipline (e.g. by use of exposure tables and dose indicators) is necessary to avoid continuing overexposure.     

Estimation of the occupational radiation exposure during radiographic studies of horses]

Radiography of horses in veterinary practice is done normally with quite simple equipment. Thereby radiation protection is easily neglected. In this investigation sources of mistakes are demonstrated. The possible exposure of staff is evaluated by dose measuring over a long period of time. It can be stated that following the most simple radiation protection there will never be a significant exposure of staff.     

RADIATION EXPOSURE DURING EQUINE RADIOGRAPHY

All personnel present in the X-ray examination room during equine radiography were monitored using low energy direct reading ionization chambers (pockets dosimeters) worn outside the lead apron at neck level. The individuals' task and dosimeter readings were recorded after each examination. Average doses ranged from 0 to 6 mrad per study. The greatest exposures were associated with radiography of the shoulder and averaged less than 4 mrad. The individual extending the horse's limb was at greatest risk although the individual holding the horse's halter and the one making the X-ray exposure received similar exposures.
A survey of the overhead tube assembly used for some of the X-ray examinations also was performed. Meter readings obtained indicated an asymetric dose distribution around the tube assembly, with the highest dose occurring on the side to which the exposure cord was attached.
Although the exposures observed were within acceptable limits for occupational workers, we have altered our protocol and no longer radiograph the equine shoulder unless the horse is anesthetized. Continued use of the pocket dosimeters and maintenance of a case record of radiation exposure appears to make the technologists more aware of radiation hazards.     

DEFINITIVE RADIATION THERAPY FOR INFILTRATIVE THYROID CARCINOMA IN DOGS

The medical records of eight dogs with histopathologically confirmed infiltrative thyroid carcinoma treated with external beam radiation were reviewed and a retrospective analysis of survival and local tumor control were performed. The dogs received a definitive radiotherapy protocol of 46.8-48 Gray. All dogs had a reduction in tumor size to a clinically undetectable level on follow up examinations. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated a median survival time of 24.5 months. Pulmonary metastasis was detected in three dogs and one of these dogs had concurrent bone metastasis. One dog had bone metastasis alone. Two dogs were alive at the censor. This study suggests that fractionated, definitive radiation therapy using multiple, moderate doses of radiation is an effective treatment for local control of invasive thyroid carcinoma in dogs.     

邵伯鸡屠宰性能测定及肌肉品质分析

利用90日龄的邵伯鸡商品代肉鸡进行屠宰性能测定和肌肉品质分析.结果显示,90日龄公母平均活重分别为1552.5克和1230.9克;屠宰率分别为89.71%和88.70%;半净膛率分别为83.31%和79.95%;全净膛率分别为71.36%和68.99%.邵伯鸡的胸肌和腿肌的pH值在宰后45分钟时,接近7,呈弱酸性.腿肌的肉色都较胸肌深(P＜0.05).胸肌嫩度显著地优于腿肌(P＜0.01),而在性别间胸腿肌的嫩度差异不显著(P＞0.05).在肌肉品质的化学性状方面,胸腿肌水分含量差异不显著(P＞0.05).胸腿肌的粗脂肪平均含量分别为1.95%和2.49%,胸肌显著低于腿肌(P＜0.01)并且在不同性别间表现为母鸡显著地高于公鸡(P＜0.01).胸腿肌的粗蛋白含量分别为25.6%和24.2%,差异都不显著(P＞0.05).腿肌干物质含量低于胸肌,灰份含量胸肌高于腿肌,但差异均不显著(P＞0.05).     

Occupational per-patient radiation dose from a conservative protocol for veterinary (18) F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography

The occupational external radiation dose to human medical personnel from positron emission tomography (PET) radiopharmaceuticals has been documented, but to date no corresponding veterinary staff dose data are available. Electronic personal dosimeters (EPDs) were used in this study to measure the per-patient external radiation doses to veterinary staff using a PET/CT (PET combined with computed tomography) protocol in which the patient radiopharmaceutical dose was injected after anesthetic induction. Radiation doses were recorded for the nuclear medicine technologists, the on-duty anesthesiology technologist, and an occasional observer from 19 veterinary (18) F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT studies. Patient mass range was 2.8 to 61.0 kg (22.3 kg mean) and injected activity averaged 6 MBq kg(-1) . The dose range received by nuclear medicine technologists per procedure was 0-30 μSv (9.1 μSv mean), by anesthetists 1-22 μSv (8.2 μSv mean), and by the observer 0-2 μSv (0.5 μSv mean). In both feline and canine studies, placement of the EPD on staff was a significant predictor of radiation dose. Additional significant predictors of staff radiation dose from canine studies included job position and injected activity. The per-patient occupational radiation doses to veterinary PET/CT technologists were slightly greater than those reported for human nuclear medicine PET/CT technologists, but were comparable to estimated radiation doses for nurses caring for nonambulatory human PET/CT patients. Efforts toward maintaining staff radiation doses as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) will be important as veterinary PET/CT caseload increases.     

Exposure to non‐ionizing electromagnetic radiation of public risk prevention instruments threatens the quality of spermatozoids

The use of artificial insemination in cattle breeding has evolved to global extent, and insemination doses are often shipped via air transport which requires strict radiation‐based examinations. For the determination of effect of non‐ionizing radiation (NIR), to which are beings frequently exposed due to protection of airport or cultural event security, freshly ejaculated and cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa were used as experimental model. Following radiation with hand‐held metal detector in various exposition times (0, 10 s, 15, 30 and 60 min—groups FR, FR10, FR15, FR30 and FR60) the spermatozoa underwent motility and DNA fragmentation analyses. Study on cryoconserved semen treated with NIR was performed in time intervals 0, 10 s, 1 and 5 min (insemination doses radiated before cryoconservation—CB, CB10, CB1, CB5; samples radiated after freezing—CA, CA10, CA1 and CA5). Fresh semen and insemination doses radiated after cryoconservation showed significantly lower total and progressive motility. No effect on motility parameters was detected in semen extended with cryopreservative medium and radiated prior to freezing. Surprisingly, NIR showed a potential to stimulate spermatozoa velocity; however, the effect was modulated throughout the post‐thawing incubation. Based on the DNA fragmentation assay, sperm DNA stayed intact. Present study underlines the potential harm of NIR, which is frequently used in everyday life, with overall adverse impact on human and animal reproduction. Current study also points out on interesting short‐term spermatozoa stimulation induced by NIR.     

Ophthalmic examination of the captive western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla).

This study examined the captive western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) eye as compared and contrasted with the human eye. Bilateral ophthalmic examinations of western lowland gorillas (n = 5) while under general anesthesia were performed opportunistically, including slit-lamp biomicroscopy, dilated fundus examination, cycloplegic retinoscopy, Schiotz tonometry, corneal diameter and thickness measurements, A-scan and B-scan ultrasonography, keratometry, and cultures of the eyelid margins and bulbar conjunctiva. Mean spherical equivalent refractive error by cycloplegic retinoscopy was +1.20 +/- 0.59 diopters. Mean intraocular pressure by Schiotz tonometry was 12.0 +/- 4.3 mm Hg. Mean optic nerve head cup to disc ratio was 0.42 +/- 0.11. Mean horizontal corneal diameter was 13.4 +/- 0.8 mm, and mean vertical cornea diameter was 12.7 +/- 0.8 mm. Mean central corneal thickness by ultrasound pachymetry was 489 +/- 52 microm. Mean axial length of the eye by A-scan was 22.75 +/- 0.71 mm. Mean lens thickness by A-scan was 4.23 +/- 0.34 mm. Mean anterior chamber depth by A-scan was 4.00 +/- 0.26 mm. Mean keratometry reading was 44.38 +/- 1.64 diopters. Eyelid margin and bulbar conjunctival cultures isolated Candida sp. (n = 5), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 4), Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 3), Staphylococcus saccharolyticus (n = 3), and Micrococcus sp. (n = 3). This study suggests important similarities between western lowland gorilla and human eyes. These similarities may allow diagnostics, techniques, and equipment for human eye surgery, such as those used for cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation, to be successfully utilized for gorillas.     

黄鳝性逆转过程中性腺形态学初步观察

试验通过对性逆转过程中雌、雄鳝以及雌雄间体鳝的性腺的形态学进行观察 ,结果显示 ,雌鳝性腺大部分含肉眼可见的卵粒 ,但各时期卵巢的卵粒大小不一。雌雄间性阶段黄鳝性腺肉眼仅见不同形态的卵粒 ,部分卵粒极少 ;组织切片既可观察到卵母细胞 ,还可发现结缔组织纵隔和在纵隔上形成的管状结构的早期精细管 ;而雄鳝阶段黄鳝性腺多呈乳白色带有黑色斑点 ,带有较多且大的黑色斑点性腺可能是卵母细胞退化凋亡痕迹 ,其切面中有较稀疏精母细胞 ,可能属早期的精巢 ;乳白色性腺中黑色斑点极少 ,精母细胞相对较密集 ,可能是成熟期的精巢。试验表明黄鳝“性逆转”在形态学上具有明显的阶段性特征     

Association between solar radiation and ocular squamous cell carcinoma in cattle

The association between ocular squamous cell tumors and various measures of solar radiation was evaluated for 2,775 contemporaneous Hereford cattle. The animals were from 34 herds located in 21 states in the United States and in one Canadian province. Examinations and photographs were made of the eyes of all cows and heifers in a herd; 33 herds were examined between June and August 1957 and 1 herd was examined in 1958. Solar radiation was measured by altitude and mean annual hours of sunshine applying to an individual herd, and global radiation, a cloudiness index, and elevation of nearby National Weather Service stations. All measures of solar radiation provided evidence of a significant association between increasing risks of developing cancer eye and increasing levels of radiation; adjustments were made for possible confounding effects of age and corneoscleral pigmentation. Associations were evident whether affliction was defined as the occurrence of any type of tumor (ie, plaque, papilloma, or carcinoma), or as the occurrence of only papilloma or carcinoma. Average ages of affected cattle also tended to be lower at high radiation levels than at low levels, further supporting the hypothesis that solar radiation has an important role in the development of this disease. In view of the heritability of eye pigmentation and its inhibitory effect on lesions, cancer eye may be controlled by selective breeding for increased pigmentation in and around the eye to afford protection against the harmful effects of incident UV radiation.     

Stratospheric ozone depletion and animal health.

There is an increasing concern over ozone depletion and its effects on the environment and human health. However, the increase in ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B) that would result from significant losses of ozone is also potentially harmful to animals. Any increase in disease in domestic species would not only have serious animal welfare implications but may also be economically important. The diseases which are likely to increase if ozone depletion continues include the squamous cell carcinomas of the exposed, non-pigmented areas of cats, cattle, sheep and horses. Uberreiter's syndrome in dogs is also associated with exposure to UV-B and may be expected to increase, as may the severity of conditions such as infectious keratoconjunctivitis (New Forest eye) in cattle. Aquaculture systems in which fish often have little or no protection by shading may also be at risk. Cataracts and skin lesions have been associated with the exposure of farmed fish to ultraviolet radiation and have resulted in significant losses.     

Traumatic phacocele in an American Miniature Horse

An 18‐year‐old American Miniature Horse mare was presented with a complaint of a scleral swelling affecting the right eye and a history of suspected trauma 6 weeks prior to evaluation. Clinical findings included severe blepharospasm, a bulbous swelling of the dorsotemporal bulbar conjunctiva, and phthisis bulbi. Ocular ultrasound was recommended but declined. Enucleation was elected for the blind, painful eye and was performed standing. Gross and histopathologic examinations of the globe were consistent with extrusion of the lens to the episcleral space, which is classified as a traumatic phacocele when associated with naturally occurring trauma. The location of lens entrapment suggested globe rupture occurred at the limbus, which is described as one of the weakest points of the equine globe. Subconjunctival dislocation of the lens and development of a traumatic phacocele should be considered as a differential diagnosis for horses presenting with subconjunctival masses, apparent aphakia, and historical trauma.     

巨型玫瑰冠鸡H-FABP、A-FABP基因表达的发育性变化及其肌内脂肪含量研究

为探讨心脏型脂肪酸结合蛋白（heart-type fatty acid-binding protein，H-FABP）和脂肪型脂肪酸结合蛋白（adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein，A-FABP）基因与巨型玫瑰冠鸡生长发育及肌内脂肪含量（IMF）的关系，研究H-FABP、A-FABP基因对巨型玫瑰冠鸡IMF含量和腹脂沉积的作用机制，本试验采集了巨型玫瑰冠鸡与良凤花鸡在不同周龄（2、4、6、8、10、12周龄）的腹脂、心肌、胸肌、腿肌组织样品共480份，采用实时荧光定量PCR对巨型玫瑰冠鸡与良凤花鸡不同生长阶段组织中H-FABP、A-FABP基因mRNA表达量进行了检测，并采用索氏浸提法测定了两种鸡12周龄的胸肌与腿肌的IMF含量。结果表明，巨型玫瑰冠鸡与良凤花鸡的H-FABP、A-FABP基因mRNA在腹脂、心肌、胸肌和腿肌组织中均有不同程度的表达，且两种鸡H-FABP基因mRNA在心肌组织中高度表达，在脂肪组织中表达量较低，在胸肌、腿肌组织中中度表达，而A-FABP基因相反，推测H-FABP基因主要在肌肉组织中表达，而A-FABP基因主要在脂肪组织中表达。良凤花鸡生长速度高于巨型玫瑰冠鸡；巨型玫瑰冠鸡的腹脂率均低于同性别的良凤花鸡，但胸肌、腿肌的IMF均高于同性别的良凤花鸡，表明巨型玫瑰冠鸡的肉品质优于良凤花鸡。本试验结果为巨型玫瑰冠鸡H-FABP、A-FABP基因分子选育奠定了基础。     

狗牙根辐射诱变后代外部性状变异分析

对1997-2002年经过辐射诱变得到的狗牙根诱变后代的6个坪用性状指标的统计分析结果表明,1)不同的辐射诱变剂量处理的后代间坪用性状有显著差异,尤其在节间直径和密度上,6 800 rads处理的后代节间都比9 000 rads处理的后代粗,而密度是前者低于后者,2种剂量处理都可以显著降低草层高度;2)不同辐射诱变代数的后代间存在着差异,原始种源进行多代的辐射诱变,可以使得叶片显著变窄,草层高度显著降低,节间变细变长; 3)同一材料在相同辐射剂量诱变处理后匍匐茎不同节之间也存在显著的差异.     

Radiation exposure to personnel during examination of limbs of horses with a portable hand-held fluoroscopic unit.

OBJECTIVES: To determine radiation exposure to personnel during fluoroscopic imaging of limbs of horses with a portable unit and to determine distance from the c-arm at which radioprotective clothing is not required. DESIGN: Repeated-measures cohort study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Part 1, 1 forelimb and 1 hind limb from each of 5 equine cadavers; parts 2 and 3, personnel involved during imaging of limbs of 5 and 9 horses, respectively. PROCEDURE: Radiation exposure rates were mapped around the suspended c-arm of a portable fluoroscopy unit during imaging of various joints of equine cadaver limbs. During similar examinations in live horses, exposure rates to the fluoroscopist and assistant were measured. Mean duration for fluoroscopy of various joints was determined by observing an experienced fluoroscopist. Exposure to fluoroscopists and assistants per examination and per annum was estimated. RESULTS: Radiation exposure rates were dependent on distance and direction relative to the c-arm and consistently highest on the tube side of the unit. Exposure was significantly greater than background amounts until approximately 4.7 m from the c-arm. During examination of live horses, exposure was highest to the fluoroscopist's hand nearest the tube. Typically, exposure to the fluoroscopist and assistant during carpal examination was 25 to 40 times greater than that for comparable radiographic examination. Annual exposure for fluoroscopists was more than twice the recommended maximum permissible dose. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Fluoroscopic imaging of limbs of horses represents a major source of radiation exposure. Annual maximum permissible doses of radiation will be rapidly exceeded if required radioprotective clothing is not worn.     

Sources of uncertainty in pharmacokinetic prediction

Assessment of the hazard associated with residues in food animals must be based on an accurate estimate of the residue levels present in the final food product, as well as animal toxicology studies to determine the potential untoward effects of these residues. Extrapolation of residue levels or toxic effects produced by the administration of a chemical in one species to predict residue levels or toxicology that may be produced by lower doses in the same species or by equivalent or lower doses in another species is associated inextricably with knowledge of the pharmacokinetics of the chemical. There are several factors that may influence the pharmacokinetics of xenobiotics which, if left unconsidered, may introduce uncertainty in the predictions of toxicity following any chemical exposure. Two of these factors are dose level and species differences. Because initial toxicity studies are designed to characterize the type of toxicity and to elucidate target organ effects the use of high doses is the accepted practice. However, because biotransformation and excretion of many chemicals are capacity-limited processes, extrapolation of toxicity to lower doses, without adequate pharmacokinetic information at those lower dose levels may result in overestimation of predicted toxicity. Furthermore, determination of tissue residue levels following administration of doses that saturate these processes may result in an overestimation of residues remaining following lower doses. Finally extrapolation of toxicity results across species may result in an over or underestimation of hazard without adequate information on the pharmacokinetics of the chemical in both species.     

Establishment of a canine lens epithelial cell line

Some immortalized lens epithelial cell lines have been established and are useful for molecular analysis. The establishment of additional cell lines must, however, enable a variety of in-vitro examinations. The objective of this study was to establish a new canine lens epithelial cell line by isolating CLC-1 cells from the lens tissue of a dog with cataracts. In CLC-1 cells, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) treatment significantly decreased gene expression of an epithelial marker and elevated that of mesenchymal markers; these characteristics are similar to those of a human lens epithelial cell line. Interestingly, CLC-1 cells exhibited lower expression of an epithelial marker and higher expression of mesenchymal markers than an anterior lens capsule. These results suggest that CLC-1 cells were derived from a cell population that was committed to epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cataract lens tissue. In conclusion, CLC-1 cells could be useful for analyzing molecular pathogenesis in canine cataracts.