The use of Al2O3:C-based optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters (OSLDs) in diagnostic X-ray is a challenge because of their energy dependence (ED) and variability of element sensitivity factors (ESFs). This study aims to develop a method to determine ED and ESFs of Landauer nanoDot™ OSLDs for clinical X-ray and investigate the uncertainties associated with ESF and ED correction factors. An area of 2 × 2 cm2 at the central axis of the X-ray field was used to establish the ESFs. A total of 80 OSLDs were categorized into "controlled" (n = 40) and "less-controlled" groups (n = 40). The ESFs of the OSLDs were determined using an 80 kVp X-ray beam quality in free-air geometry. The OSLDs were cross-calibrated with an ion chamber to establish the average calibration coefficient and ESFs. The OSLDs were then irradiated at tube potentials ranging from 50 to 150 kVp to determine their ED. The uniformity of the X-ray field was ± 1.5% at 100 cm source-to-surface distance. The batch homogeneities of user-defined ESFs were 2.4% and 8.7% for controlled and less-controlled OSLDs, respectively. The ED of OSLDs ranged from 1.125 to 0.812 as tube potential increased from 50 kVp to 150 kVp. The total uncertainty of OSLDs, without ED correction, could be as high as 16%. After applying ESF and ED correction, the total uncertainties were reduced to 6.3% in controlled OLSDs and 11.6% in less-controlled ones. OSLDs corrected with user-defined ESF and ED can reduce the uncertainty of dose measurements in diagnostic X-rays, particularly in managing less-controlled OSLDs.
Polyhydramnios is defined as an increase in the amount of amniotic fluid during pregnancy. This article presents the case of a 35-year-old G4P3 lady at 28 weeks of gestation with suboptimised gestational diabetes Mellitus (GDM). Routine transabdominal ultrasound showed the presence of polyhydramnios, initially thought to be due to suboptimal glucose control. Further evaluation revealed a congenital diaphragmatic hernia with multiple soft markers. Identifying the underlying causes of polyhydramnios can be challenging in primary care settings, which can be attributed to various factors. Although primary care medical officers may not be required to perform detailed scans, they have a crucial role in identifying gross foetal abnormalities. This study highlights the potential for missed diagnoses in primary care settings and the importance of comprehensive prenatal assessments to ensure early detection and appropriate management of polyhydramnios-related conditions in women with GDM.
We report a case of Ancylostoma ceylanicum infection detected by endoscopy. It was diagnosed and confirmed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. The patient is a 58-year-old Malaysian woman who lives in a rural area, where uncontrolled populations of stray and semidomesticated dogs live in close proximity with humans.
Human anisakiasis is a zoonosis acquired by eating raw or undercooked infected seafood. Herein, we report a case of acute dysentery caused by anisakiasis in a 64-year-old man in Malaysia. A colonoscopy was performed and a nematode larva was found penetrating the mucosa of the ascending colon. Bleeding was observed at the site of penetration. Y-shaped lateral epidermal cords were seen from the cross section of the worm, which is a prominent feature of Anisakis larva. Molecular analysis using polymerase chain reaction of cytochrome oxidase 2 (cox2) gene confirmed the specimen to be larva of Anisakis simplex.