-
Environment International Jun 2024To inform radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure guidelines the World Health Organization (WHO) is bringing together evidence on RF-EMF in relation to...
BACKGROUND
To inform radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure guidelines the World Health Organization (WHO) is bringing together evidence on RF-EMF in relation to health outcomes prioritised for evaluation by experts in this field. Given this, a network of topic experts and methodologists have conducted a series of systematic reviews collecting, assessing, and synthesising data of relevance to these guidelines. Here we present a systematic review of the effect of RF-EMF exposure on adverse pregnancy outcomes in human observational studies which follows the WHO handbook for guideline development and the COSTER conduct guidelines.
METHODS
We conducted a broad, sensitive search for potentially relevant records within the following bibliographic databases: MEDLINE; Embase; and the EMF Portal. Grey literature searches were also conducted through relevant databases (including OpenGrey), organisational websites and via consultation of RF-EMF experts. We included quantitative human observational studies on the effect of RF-EMF exposure in adults' preconception or pregnant women on pre-term birth, small for gestational age (SGA; associated with intrauterine growth restriction), miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight (LBW) and congenital anomalies. In blinded duplicate, titles and abstracts then full texts were screened against eligibility criteria. A third reviewer gave input when consensus was not reached. Citation chaining of included studies was completed. Two reviewers' data extracted and assessed included studies for risk of bias using the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) tool. Random effects meta-analyses of the highest versus the lowest exposures and dose-response meta-analysis were conducted as appropriate and plausible. Two reviewers assessed the certainty in each body of evidence using the OHAT GRADE tool.
RESULTS
We identified 18 studies in this review; eight were general public studies (with the general public as the population of interest) and 10 were occupational studies (with the population of interest specific workers/workforces). General public studies. From pairwise meta-analyses of general public studies, the evidence is very uncertain about the effects of RF-EMF from mobile phone exposure on preterm birth risk (relative risk (RR) 1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.97-1.34, 95% prediction interval (PI): 0.83-1.57; 4 studies), LBW (RR 1.14, 95% CI: 0.96-1.36, 95% PI: 0.84-1.57; 4 studies) or SGA (RR 1.13, 95% CI: 1.02-1.24, 95% PI: 0.99-1.28; 2 studies) due to very low-certainty evidence. It was not feasible to meta-analyse studies reporting on the effect of RF-EMF from mobile phone exposure on congenital anomalies or miscarriage risk. The reported effects from the studies assessing these outcomes varied and the studies were at some risk of bias. No studies of the general public assessed the impact of RF-EMF exposure on stillbirth. Occupational studies. In occupational studies, based on dose-response meta-analyses, the evidence is very uncertain about the effects of RF-EMF amongst female physiotherapists using shortwave diathermy on miscarriage due to very low-certainty evidence (OR 1.02 95% CI 0.94-1.1; 2 studies). Amongst offspring of female physiotherapists using shortwave diathermy, the evidence is very uncertain about the effects of RF-EMF on the risk of congenital malformations due to very low-certainty evidence (OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.85 to 2.32; 2 studies). From pairwise meta-analyses, the evidence is very uncertain about the effects of RF-EMF on the risk of miscarriage (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.18; very low-certainty evidence), pre-term births (RR 1.19, 95% CI 0.32 to 4.37; 3 studies; very low-certainty evidence), and low birth weight (RR 2.90, 95% CI: 0.69 to 12.23; 3 studies; very low-certainty evidence). Results for stillbirth and SGA could not be pooled in meta-analyses. The results from the studies reporting these outcomes were inconsistent and the studies were at some risk of bias.
DISCUSSION
Most of the evidence identified in this review was from general public studies assessing localised RF-EMF exposure from mobile phone use on female reproductive outcomes. In occupational settings, each study was of heterogenous whole-body RF-EMF exposure from radar, short or microwave diathermy, surveillance and welding equipment and its effect on female reproductive outcomes. Overall, the body of evidence is very uncertain about the effect of RF-EMF exposure on female reproductive outcomes. Further prospective studies conducted with greater rigour (particularly improved accuracy of exposure measurement and using appropriate statistical methods) are required to identify any potential effects of RF-EMF exposure on female reproductive outcomes of interest.
PubMed: 38880062
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108816 -
Environment International Jun 2024The World Health Organization (WHO) is bringing together evidence on radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure in relation to health outcomes, previously...
BACKGROUND
The World Health Organization (WHO) is bringing together evidence on radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure in relation to health outcomes, previously identified as priorities for research and evaluation by experts in the field, to inform exposure guidelines. A suite of systematic reviews have been undertaken by a network of topic experts and methodologists to collect, assess and synthesise data relevant to these guidelines. Following the WHO handbook for guideline development and the COSTER conduct guidelines, we systematically reviewed the evidence on the potential effects of RF-EMF exposure on male fertility in human observational studies.
METHODS
We conducted a broad and sensitive search for potentially relevant records within the following bibliographic databases: MEDLINE; Embase; Web of Science and EMF Portal. We also conducted searches of grey literature through relevant databases including OpenGrey, and organisational websites and consulted RF-EMF experts. We hand searched reference lists of included study records and for citations of these studies. We included quantitative human observational studies on the effect of RF-EMF exposure in adult male participants on infertility: sperm concentration; sperm morphology; sperm total motility; sperm progressive motility; total sperm count; and time to pregnancy. Titles and abstracts followed by full texts were screened in blinded duplicate against pre-set eligibility criteria with consensus input from a third reviewer as required. Data extraction from included studies was completed by two reviewers, as was risk of bias assessment using the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) tool. We conducted a dose-response meta-analysis as possible and appropriate. Certainty of the evidence was assessed by two reviewers using the OHAT GRADE tool with input from a third reviewer as required.
RESULTS
We identified nine studies in this review; seven were general public studies (with the general public as the population of interest) and two were occupational studies (with specific workers/workforces as the population of interest). General public studies. Duration of phone use: The evidence is very uncertain surrounding the effects of RF-EMF on sperm concentration (10/6 mL) (MD (mean difference) per hour of daily phone use 1.6 10/mL, 95 % CI -1.7 to 4.9; 3 studies), sperm morphology (MD 0.15 percentage points of deviation of normal forms per hour, 95 % CI -0.21 to 0.51; 3 studies), sperm progressive motility (MD -0.46 percentage points per hour, 95 % CI -1.04 to 0.13; 2 studies) and total sperm count (MD per hour -0.44 10/ejaculate, 95 % CI -2.59 to 1.7; 2 studies) due to very low-certainty evidence. Four additional studies reported on the effect of mobile phone use on sperm motility but were unsuitable for pooling; only one of these studies identified a statistically significant effect. All four studies were at risk of exposure characterisation and selection bias; two of confounding, selective reporting and attrition bias; three of outcome assessment bias and one used an inappropriate statistical method. Position of phone: There may be no or little effect of carrying a mobile phone in the front pocket on sperm concentration, total count, morphology, progressive motility or on time to pregnancy. Of three studies reporting on the effect of mobile phone location on sperm total motility and, or, total motile count, one showed a statistically significant effect. All three studies were at risk of exposure characterisation and selection bias; two of confounding, selective reporting and attrition bias; three of outcome assessment bias and one used inappropriate statistical method. RF-EMF Source: One study indicates there may be little or no effect of computer or other electric device use on sperm concentration, total motility or total count. This study is at probably high risk of exposure characterisation bias and outcome assessment bias. Occupational studies. With only two studies of occupational exposure to RF-EMF and heterogeneity in the population and exposure source (technicians exposed to microwaves or seamen exposed to radar equipment), it was not plausible to statistically pool findings. One study was at probably or definitely high risk of bias across all domains, the other across domains for exposure characterisation bias, outcome assessment bias and confounding.
DISCUSSION
The majority of evidence identified was assessing localised RF-EMF exposure from mobile phone use on male fertility with few studies assessing the impact of phone position. Overall, the evidence identified is very uncertain about the effect of RF-EMF exposure from mobile phones on sperm outcomes. One study assessed the impact of other RF-EMF sources on male fertility amongst the general public and two studies assessed the impact of RF-EMF exposure in occupational cohorts from different sources (radar or microwave) on male fertility. Further prospective studies conducted with greater rigour (in particular, improved accuracy of exposure measurement and appropriate statistical method use) would build the existing evidence base and are required to have greater certainty in any potential effects of RF-EMF on male reproductive outcomes. Prospero Registration: CRD42021265401 (SR3A).
PubMed: 38880061
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108817 -
Biomedical Engineering Online Jun 2024Accurate segmentation of multiple organs in the head, neck, chest, and abdomen from medical images is an essential step in computer-aided diagnosis, surgical navigation,... (Review)
Review
Accurate segmentation of multiple organs in the head, neck, chest, and abdomen from medical images is an essential step in computer-aided diagnosis, surgical navigation, and radiation therapy. In the past few years, with a data-driven feature extraction approach and end-to-end training, automatic deep learning-based multi-organ segmentation methods have far outperformed traditional methods and become a new research topic. This review systematically summarizes the latest research in this field. We searched Google Scholar for papers published from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2023, using keywords "multi-organ segmentation" and "deep learning", resulting in 327 papers. We followed the PRISMA guidelines for paper selection, and 195 studies were deemed to be within the scope of this review. We summarized the two main aspects involved in multi-organ segmentation: datasets and methods. Regarding datasets, we provided an overview of existing public datasets and conducted an in-depth analysis. Concerning methods, we categorized existing approaches into three major classes: fully supervised, weakly supervised and semi-supervised, based on whether they require complete label information. We summarized the achievements of these methods in terms of segmentation accuracy. In the discussion and conclusion section, we outlined and summarized the current trends in multi-organ segmentation.
Topics: Deep Learning; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Automation
PubMed: 38851691
DOI: 10.1186/s12938-024-01238-8 -
The Journal of Surgical Research Jun 2024Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) is the transplantation of multiple tissue types as a solution for devastating injuries. Despite the highly encouraging... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) is the transplantation of multiple tissue types as a solution for devastating injuries. Despite the highly encouraging functional outcomes of VCA, the consequences of long-term immunosuppression remain the main obstacle in its application. In this review, we provide researchers and surgeons with a summary of the latest advances in the field of cell-based therapies for VCA tolerance.
METHODS
Four electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature , and Web of Science. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis as the basis of our organization.
RESULTS
Hematopoietic stem cells prolonged VCA survival. A combination of immature dendritic cells and tacrolimus was superior to tacrolimus alone. T cell Ig domain and mucin domain modified mature dendritic cells increased VCA tolerance. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells prolonged survival of VCAs. A combination of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 immunoglobulin, and antilymphocyte serum significantly improved VCA tolerance. Ex-vivo allotransplant perfusion with recipient's bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells increased VCA survival. Recipient's adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and systemic immunosuppression prolonged VCA survival more than any of those agents alone. Additionally, a combination of peripheral blood mononuclear cells shortly incubated in mitomycin and cyclosporine significantly improved VCA survival. Finally, a combination of donor recipient chimeric cells, anti-αβ-T cell receptor (TCR), and cyclosporine significantly prolonged VCA tolerance.
CONCLUSIONS
Evidence from animal studies shows that cell-based therapies can prolong survival of VCAs. However, there remain many obstacles for these therapies, and they require rigorous clinical research given the rarity of the subjects and the complexity of the therapies. The major limitations of cell-based therapies include the need for conditioning with immunosuppressive drugs and radiation, causing significant toxicity. Safety concerns also persist as most research is on animal models. While completely replacing traditional immunosuppression with cell-based methods is unlikely soon, these therapies could reduce the need for high doses of immunosuppressants and improve VCA tolerance.
PubMed: 38851085
DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2024.04.079 -
Cureus May 2024Novel hybrid approaches for chest wall irradiation show promising outcomes regarding target coverage and sparing organs at risk (OARs). In this systematic review, we... (Review)
Review
Hybrid Treatment Planning for Chest Wall Irradiation Utilizing Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy (3DCRT), Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT): A Systematic Review.
Novel hybrid approaches for chest wall irradiation show promising outcomes regarding target coverage and sparing organs at risk (OARs). In this systematic review, we compared hybrid volumetric modulated arc therapy (H-VMAT) or hybrid intensity-modulated radiotherapy (H-IMRT) techniques with non-hybrid techniques, such as three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT), field-in-field (FIF), intensity-modulated arc therapy (IMRT), and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), for breast cancer patients with mastectomy. Our focus was the plan quality and dose distribution to the OARs. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist, we performed a systematic review and quality appraisal of primary studies evaluating hybrid therapy to the chest wall and the OARs. An extensive online search of PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted using appropriate keywords. The dose to the OARs (lung, heart, and contralateral breast), planning target volume (PTV), homogeneity index (HI), and conformity index (CI) were extracted. The data were then tabulated and compared for the outcomes between modalities among the studies. Nine studies that met the search criteria were selected to evaluate the PTV coverage and dosimetric results of hybrid and non-hybrid techniques. In terms of 95% PTV coverage, among nine reviewed studies, the largest difference between the two techniques was between VMAT (47.6 Gy) and H-VMAT (48.4 Gy); for the conformity index, the largest difference was noted between 3DCRT (0.58) and H-VMAT (0.79). In both cases, differences were statistically significant ( < 0.005). Two studies showed dose homogeneity improvement within the treatment target in H-VMAT (0.15 and 0.07) compared with 3DCRT (0.41 and 0.12), with a value of <0.001. Two studies did not report on the homogeneity index, and three others observed no statistical difference. Regarding OARs, in the comparison of H-VMAT and VMAT, the largest significant change was in the volume receiving 5 Gy (V) of the ipsilateral lung and the V of the contralateral lung. For the ipsilateral lung, V was 90.7% with VMAT versus 51.45% with H-VMAT. For the contralateral lung, V was 54.9% with VMAT versus 50.5% with H-VMAT. In six studies, the mean dose of the contralateral breast was lower in hybrid techniques than in single modalities: VMAT (4.2%, 6.0%, 1.9%, 7.1%, 4.57%) versus H-VMAT (1.4%, 3.4%, 1.8%, 3.5%, 2.34%) and IMRT (9.1%) versus H-IMRT (4.69%). Although most studies did not report on monitor units and treatment time, those that included them showed that hybrids had lower monitor units and shorter treatment times. Hybrid techniques in radiotherapy, such as combining two modalities, can indeed facilitate lower doses to OARs for patients with a high risk of toxicities. Prospective clinical studies are needed to determine the outcomes of breast cancer treated with hybrid techniques.
PubMed: 38832195
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59583 -
Environment International Jun 2024We aimed to assess evidence of long-term effects of exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) on indicators of cognition, including domains of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
We aimed to assess evidence of long-term effects of exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) on indicators of cognition, including domains of learning and memory, executive function, complex attention, language, perceptual motor ability and social cognition, and of an exposure-response relationship between RF-EMF and cognition.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo and the EMF-Portal on September 30, 2022 without limiting by date or language of publication. We included cohort or case-control studies that evaluated the effects of RF exposure on cognitive function in one or more of the cognitive domains. Studies were rated for risk of bias using the OHAT tool and synthesised using fixed effects meta-analysis. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach and considered modification by OHAT for assessing evidence of exposures.
RESULTS
We included 5 studies that reported analyses of data from 4 cohorts with 4639 participants consisting of 2808 adults and 1831 children across three countries (Australia, Singapore and Switzerland) conducted between 2006 and 2017. The main source of RF-EMF exposure was mobile (cell) phone use measured as calls per week or minutes per day. For mobile phone use in children, two studies (615 participants) that compared an increase in mobile phone use to a decrease or no change were included in meta-analyses. Learning and memory. There was little effect on accuracy (mean difference, MD -0.03; 95% CI -0.07 to 0.02) or response time (MD -0.01; 95% CI -0.04 to 0.02) on the one-back memory task; and accuracy (MD -0.02; 95%CI -0.04 to 0.00) or response time (MD -0.01; 95%CI -0.04 to 0.03) on the one card learning task (low certainty evidence for all outcomes). Executive function. There was little to no effect on the Stroop test for the time ratio ((B-A)/A) response (MD 0.02; 95% CI -0.01 to 0.04, very low certainty) or the time ratio ((D-C)/C) response (MD 0.00; 95% CI -0.06 to 0.05, very low certainty), with both tests measuring susceptibility to interference effects. Complex attention. There was little to no effect on detection task accuracy (MD 0.02; 95% CI -0.04 to 0.08), or response time (MD 0.02;95% CI 0.01 to 0.03), and little to no effect on identification task accuracy (MD 0.00; 95% CI -0.04 to 0.05) or response time (MD 0.00;95% CI -0.01 to 0.02) (low certainty evidence for all outcomes). No other cognitive domains were investigated in children. A single study among elderly people provided very low certainty evidence that more frequent mobile phone use may have little to no effect on the odds of a decline in global cognitive function (odds ratio, OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.42 to 1.58, 649 participants) or a decline in executive function (OR 1.07; 95% CI 0.37 to 3.05, 146 participants), and may lead to a small, probably unimportant, reduction in the odds of a decline in complex attention (OR 0.67;95%CI 0.27 to 1.68, 159 participants) and a decline in learning and memory (OR 0.75; 95% CI 0.29 to 1.99, 159 participants). An exposure-response relationship was not identified for any of the cognitive outcomes.
DISCUSSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis found only a few studies that provided very low to low certainty evidence of little to no association between RF-EMF exposure and learning and memory, executive function and complex attention. None of the studies among children reported on global cognitive function or other domains of cognition. Only one study reported a lack of an effect for all domains in elderly persons but this was of very low certainty evidence. Further studies are needed to address all types of populations, exposures and cognitive outcomes, particularly studies investigating environmental and occupational exposure in adults. Future studies also need to address uncertainties in the assessment of exposure and standardise testing of specific domains of cognitive function to enable synthesis across studies and increase the certainty of the evidence.
OTHER
This review was partially funded by the WHO radioprotection programme and prospectively registered on PROSPERO CRD42021257548.
Topics: Humans; Cognition; Radio Waves; Electromagnetic Fields; Observational Studies as Topic; Child; Cell Phone; Environmental Exposure; Adult; Memory
PubMed: 38821015
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108779 -
Biomolecules & Biomedicine May 2024The effectiveness of removing lymph nodes before initial treatment in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer is still debated. This article presents a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The effectiveness of removing lymph nodes before initial treatment in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer is still debated. This article presents a meta-analysis that systematically evaluates the impact of this approach on oncological outcomes. A systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, Science Direct, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (up to December 2023) was performed to obtain relevant studies. The findings were combined using fixed-effects models to address potential differences. Combined risk ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Egger's test was used to assess publication bias. Out of 1025 screened articles, four studies (involving 838 women) met the inclusion criteria. The results showed that lymph node dissection before initial treatment did not affect overall survival (OS) in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer compared to concurrent radiotherapy (HR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.91-1.36, P = 0.30). It also did not increase the incidence of postoperative complications or cause delays in radiotherapy. In particular, removing larger lymph nodes (>2cm) aided in defining the radiation field and decreasing radiotherapy-related complications. The surgical technique also had some impact on postoperative complications. In summary, in order to obtain the best therapeutic outcomes, personalized plans should be developed for each patient, accounting for their individual circumstances to achieve precise treatment and enhance their quality of life.
PubMed: 38814195
DOI: 10.17305/bb.2024.10591 -
Abdominal Radiology (New York) May 2024This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of DECT techniques, acquisition workflows, and post-processing methods. By doing so, we aim to elucidate the...
PURPOSE
This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of DECT techniques, acquisition workflows, and post-processing methods. By doing so, we aim to elucidate the advantages and disadvantages of DECT compared to conventional single-energy CT imaging.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted on MEDLINE/EMBASE for DECT studies in liver imaging published between 1980 and 2024. Information regarding study design and endpoints, patient characteristics, DECT technical parameters, radiation dose, iodinated contrast agent (ICA) administration and postprocessing methods were extracted. Technical parameters, including DECT phase, field of view, pitch, collimation, rotation time, arterial phase timing (from injection), and venous timing (from injection) from the included studies were reported, along with formal narrative synthesis of main DECT applications for liver imaging.
RESULTS
Out of the initially identified 234 articles, 153 met the inclusion criteria. Extensive variability in acquisition parameters was observed, except for tube voltage (80/140 kVp combination reported in 50% of articles) and ICA administration (1.5 mL/kg at 3-4 mL/s, reported in 91% of articles). Radiation dose information was provided in only 40% of articles (range: 6-80 mGy), and virtual non-contrast imaging (VNC) emerged as a common strategy to reduce the radiation dose. The primary application of DECT post-processed images was in detecting focal liver lesions (47% of articles), with predominance of study focusing on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (27%). Furthermore, a significant proportion of the articles (16%) focused on enhancing DECT protocols, while 15% explored metastasis detection.
CONCLUSION
Our review recommends using 80/140 kVp tube voltage with 1.5 mL/kg ICA at 3-4 mL/s flow rate. Post-processing should include low keV-VMI for enhanced lesion detection, IMs for tumor iodine content evaluation, and VNC for dose reduction. However, heterogeneous literature hinders protocol standardization.
PubMed: 38811447
DOI: 10.1007/s00261-024-04380-y -
Indian Journal of Occupational and... 2024Today, mobile phones are one of the most common devices emitting electromagnetic radiation and are available to more than seven billion people in different age groups... (Review)
Review
Today, mobile phones are one of the most common devices emitting electromagnetic radiation and are available to more than seven billion people in different age groups around the world. The effects of electromagnetic radiation on biological systems have been studied for several years. In this systematic review to find relevant articles, international databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Cochrane were used since 2007-2022 by selecting appropriate keywords. The result revealed that exposure to cell phone radiation can lead to disturb in the metabolic activity of the cerebellum by increasing the migration of granulosa cells, decrease the water around the fetus in pregnant women, decrease in the number of blood plates, increasing levels of ALT and AST that they are the key biomarkers of liver damage, decrease of phagocytosis and induced apoptosis of neutrophils, changes at the level of glucose and even at the microscopic level of pancreas this may be a predisposing factor for diabetes, increment in tissue temperature in all depth of the brain tissue, EMF increase the volume, weight, and atresia follicles of the ovaries of the children, also it can cause oxidative stress, DNA fragmentation, etc. Mobile phone radiation is harmful and depends on its intensity, frequency, wave type, and exposure duration. It can cause different biological effects in humans. Due to the uncertainty of the results and mechanism of the effect of these waves, research in this field is still ongoing.
PubMed: 38783888
DOI: 10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_89_23 -
Applied Radiation and Isotopes :... Aug 2024This paper aimed to conduct a systematic review of 26 published articles from 13 different regions in the Republic of Yemen related to the study of natural radioactivity...
This paper aimed to conduct a systematic review of 26 published articles from 13 different regions in the Republic of Yemen related to the study of natural radioactivity (NORM) and enhanced artificial radioactivity (TENORM). The study relied on the analysis of various sample types, including air, groundwater, surface water, hot spring water, soil, sand, rocks, building materials, and oil field samples. It also analyzed the study areas, the types of detectors employed, and the study's timeframe. The analytical results raised significant concerns regarding the high levels of radioactivity observed in many of the studied regions. Moreover, some regions indicated the absence of any prior radiological study, despite apparent effects on the population and the environment, which suggest the presence of potential radionuclide concentration. Based on this study, it is strongly recommended that researchers conduct further radiological studies in regions previously studied over extended periods and in areas where no prior radiological studies have been conducted to assess potential radionuclide concentration.
PubMed: 38739998
DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2024.111343