Desde a descoberta dos raios X por Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen em 1895, a medicina vem fazendo uso da radiação ionizante para o tratamento de alguns cânceres. No entanto, para que os tratamentos se façam com maior precisão, há a necessidade de um controle de qualidade adequado, que é da responsabilidade do físico médico de um serviço de radioterapia. Do aprimoramento do dosímetro químico Fricke em 2000 [BERO et al, 2000], através da adição de alaranjado de xilenol e gelatina de origem animal 300 Bloom, alcançou-se um aumento da sensibilidade e estabilidade da substância química. Porém, o custo da importação da gelatina e de um espectrofotômetro para as medidas de absorção óptica na determinação da dose absorvida poderia dificultar a utilização desse dosímetro num serviço de radioterapia. O presente trabalho busca apresentar uma alternativa simples e barata para atender às situações apresentadas através da substituição da gelatina importada por uma nacional (atualmente em teste) constituindo o novo dosímetro FXGB, que permitiu uma caracterização prévia de feixes de fótons (1,25 MeV) e elétrons (5, 7 e 10 MeV), além da determinação de parâmetros físicos para elétrons como fator e perfil de campo e porcentagem de dose profunda. As medidas foram realizadas com um protótipo leitor portátil (RADIARE III) desenvolvido [FELIPE, 2001] e otimizado [ZAIAS, 2006] em nosso grupo de pesquisa. Dessas medidas foi comprovado que o novo dosímetro é adequado para ser utilizado em medidas de dose absorvida na radioterapia para fótons e elétrons. / Since the X rays discovery for Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen in 1895, the medicine started to use the ionizing radiation for some cancers treatments. However, to obtain higher precision in the treatments is necessary an adequate quality control, which is a medical physicist responsibility in the service. This work was developed to assist the medical physicist on the quality control through an simple, inexpensive and commercially accessible dosimetry. From the chemical dosimetry Fricke improvement in 2000 [BERO et al, 2000], through the orange xilenol and 300 Bloom gelatin addition, it was shown a sensibility and chemicalstability improvement. However, the high cost and difficulty to import the gelatin and necessity to utilize an spectrophotometer to determine the absorbed dose lead us to find another new gelatin adequate for the measurements. The new FXGB dosimeter was characterized for photons (1,25 MeV) and electrons (5, 7 and 10 MeV) and applied for some electrons beam physical determination as: field factor, field profile and depth dose percentage (PDD). From the obtained results, the FXGB dosimetric system (FXGB gel + prototype RADIARE III) show a promising option to assist the quality control in an radiotherapy service.

O gel radiocrômico Turnbull Blue (TBG) é sensível a raios gamma e x. Este composto tem sido utilizado em dosimetria de radiações ionizantes devido à sua capacidade de simular tecido biológico quando exposto à radiação de alta energia. Após sua irradiação, o TBG sofre uma mudança de cor: o aspecto amarelo torna-se azul devido à formação do corante Turnbull Blue. Essa alteração de cor produz uma larga banda de absorção na faixa espectral do visível, com pico localizado em 690 nm. A intensidade desta banda é proporcional à dose de radiação absorvida. Entretanto, o comportamento do TBG, quando exposto a radiações menos energéticas, como luz visível e ultravioleta, ainda não é conhecido. Considerando as recomendações de organizações internacionais sobre os riscos do uso de tais radiações, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo caracterizar a resposta do TBG, quando irradiado por diferentes fontes ultravioletas e visíveis, tais como lâmpadas fluorescentes, LEDs e um simulador solar. O tempo entre a exposição do gel e a leitura de sua resposta foi estudado, assim como a influência da utilização de fontes com diferentes irradiâncias e diferentes temperaturas de irradiação. Um espectrômetro, operando na faixa espectral de 350 nm a 900 nm, foi utilizado para mensurar a mudança de cor no gel. Os resultados mostraram que o gel possui diferentes sensibilidades de acordo com a faixa espectral entregue pela fonte: a radiação UVC produziu a alteração de cor mais intensa, seguida pela UVB, UVA e visível, respectivamente. A temperatura de irradiação e a irradiância da fonte tiveram influência considerável na mudança de cor do TBG. Os resultados mostraram que é possível usar o gel TBG como um dosímetro de radiação óptica, desde que fatores de correção relacionados à irradiância da fonte e temperatura de irradiação sejam levados em consideração. / The radiochromic gel Turnbull Blue (TBG) is sensitive to gamma and x-rays. This compound has been utilized in ionizing radiation dosimetry, since it acts as biological tissue simulator when exposed to high-energy radiation. Subsequently to its radiation, TBG shows a color shift: the original yellow aspect becomes blue due to the production of the colorant Turnbull Blue. Such chromic shift yields a broad absorption band in the visible spectral range, with a peak located at 690 nm. The intensity of this band is proportional to the absorbed radiation dose. However, the behavior of TBG when exposed to less energetic radiation, e.g. ultraviolet and visible light, remains unclear. Considering the recommendations of international organizations regarding the risks of using such type of radiation, this research aimed to characterize the TBG response when irradiated by different ultraviolet and visible sources as well as to determine its sensitivity to the radiation in the UV-Visible spectral range. Furthermore, this investigation evaluated the viability of TBG as an optical dosimeter. During this study, the gel was exposed to different non-ionizing radiation sources, such as fluorescent lamps, LEDs and a sun simulator. The time between the gel exposition and the measurement of its response was studied, as well as the influence of different source irradiances and temperatures of irradiation. A spectrometer operating on the 350-900 nm spectral range has measured the gel color shift. The results showed different sensitivities according to the spectral range delivered by the source: UVC has produced the most intense change in color, followed by UVB, UVA and visible, respectively. The temperature of irradiation and the irradiance provided by the sources have shown considerable influence on the color shift. The results showed that it is possible to use the TBG gel as optical radiation dosimeter. The use of correction factors for temperature of irradiation and irradiance of the source are mandatory.

Orientador: Adriano Fregonesi / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-26T20:23:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Borges_ClaudioFerreira_D.pdf: 1990683 bytes, checksum: 1a75e1725e18e65f74c600f93224b4bb (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / Resumo: Objetivo: Foi realizada uma pesquisa de âmbito nacional com urologistas brasileiros a fim de estudar seu comportamento frente à exposição à radiação e ao uso de equipamentos de proteção e monitoramento. Material e Métodos: Um questionário com 13 perguntas foi enviado por e-mail para urologistas brasileiros; as questões abordavam temas como características demográficas, a exposição à radiação, bem como a utilização de dispositivos de proteção e dosímetros. As razões pelas quais esses dispositivos não foram utilizados também foram investigadas. Resultados: Um total de 332 questionários foi preenchido completamente e analisado; a idade média dos entrevistados foi de 43,3 ± 10,8 anos. Aventais de chumbo e protetores de tireoide são utilizados em cada procedimento por 84,4% e 53,89% dos entrevistados, respectivamente. Óculos de proteção nunca são utilizados por 72,12% dos entrevistados. Urologistas mais velhos são mais propensos a não usar proteção adequada. Dos urologistas que responderam, 76,42% nunca usam dosímetros. Conclusão: Este estudo mostra uma utilização insatisfatória dos dispositivos de proteção contra radiação e dosímetros, revelando uma baixa adesão ao ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) entre urologistas brasileiros / Abstract: Purpose: We performed a nationwide survey of Brazilian urologists to study behaviors toward radiation exposure and the use of protective and monitoring equipment. Material and Methods: A 13-question e-mail questionnaire was sent to Brazilian urologists; the questions addressed demographic characteristics, radiation exposure, and the utilization of shielding devices and dosimeters. The reasons why these devices were not used were also investigated. Results: A total of 332 completed questionnaires were analyzed; the median age of the respondents was 43.3 ± 10.8 years. Lead aprons and thyroid protection are utilized in every procedure by 84.4% and 53.89% of respondents, respectively. Protective eyeglasses are never used by 72.12% of the respondents. Older urologists were more likely not to use adequate protection. Of the urologists who responded, 76.42% never use dosimeters. Conclusion: This study shows an unsatisfactory utilization of radiation-shielding devices and dosimeters, revealing a low compliance to the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle among Brazilian urologists / Doutorado / Fisiopatologia Cirúrgica / Doutor em Ciências

The diploma thesis deals with light dosimeters and modern printing and coating techniques for thin-film formation. The subject of experimental study is the optimization of photosensitive compositions for the preparation of disposable, printed and thin-film dosimeters for visible light. Sensitivity, reproducibility and irreversibility of their color change were optimized. Compositions were calibrated for desired light dose. Functional samples for gallery were fabricated and stability of functional samples were tested at high temperatures of storing.

This study presents various methods of measuring ozone and consolidates current state of knowledge in the field of disposable printed ozone dosimeters. The paper also identifies prospective dyes for preparation of ozone dosimeters available on the market. Information gathered from literature review was used to prepare dosimeters based on two different dyes. These were calibrated for screen printing technology and their sensitivity to ozone was optimized to achieve visual detectability. Prepared samples were observed and studied while being exposed to ozone. Then, long term mechanical and chemical properties of these were tested in order to identify appropriate conditions for storage.

This diploma thesis deals with ozone measurement methods, especially focusing on opto-chemical methods, when the color change of the sample is examined. Moreover it deals with dyes that are sensitive to ozone and their degradation kinetics. In the experimental part kinetics of dyes Orange I, Orange II and Indigo carmine is examined, These dyes are prepared in the form of ink of different composition. These inks are applied to diverse substrate materials by the material printing method, further by using a Baker film aplicator and in the end by the screen printing method. The properties of the samples are evaluated as well as factors affecting their degradation.

The subject of this theses is a preparation of chemical UV dosimeters working on diverse principles and their printing. Three UV dosimeters were prepared. The first one is based on a photocalalytic reaction of titanium dioxide with redox dyes. Two other dosimeters are based on a reaction of a photolabile substance able to produce an intermediate reacting with a dye. Prepared dosimeter compositions were coated using a material roll-to-roll printing machine on a corona-treated PET foil. Prepared dosimeter compositions were calibrated for desired exposition to UV radiation doses. Validity of a reciprocity law was verified.

In radiation therapy, gel dosimetry is used to measure radiation doses for treatment verification. Gel dosimeters have the ability to record dose information in three dimensions. The objective of this thesis was to fabricate a transparent cryogel radiochromic dosimeter with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as the gelling agent. A transparent dosimeter may be analyzed using an optical read out technique, which is desirable. PVA cryogels can be made transparent by adding dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Measurements of dose response were performed and various parameters were adjusted, including: numbers of freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs); concentrations of PVA; DMSO concentration. The measured absorption coefficient increased linearly with dose up to approximately 10 Gy. The sensitivity was increased for higher PVA concentrations, larger numbers of FTCs, and less DMSO. The resulting dosimeter was stable and showed no significant dose rate or photon energy dependence. The cryogels were later formed into 5 mm thick films and used as a tool for performing in vivo dosimetry. The dose response of the radiochromic bolus was characterized by irradiating it on a flat surface at different gantry angles. The dose measured in the bolus was approximately 0.80 of the dose measured by Gafchromic film at the skin surface, taking the obliquity into account. IMRT treatments were delivered to a RANDO phantom. The radiochromic bolus was used to measure skin surface dose in two dimensions at various locations. The 0.80 factor was used to calibrate the bolus, which was then compared to an accompanying film measurement. Good agreement was observed between the measurements (>95% gamma pass rate), suggesting the radiochromic bolus may be suitable for in vivo applications. The radiochromic bolus was then used to evaluate errors associated with the breath hold technique often used with left chest wall tangential irradiation. Treatment plan incorporating the radiochromic bolus was delivered at the planned position and shifted anterior-posteriorly (A/P) up to 5 mm. Large discrepancies from the planned two dimensional skin surface distribution were observed for shifts as small as 3 mm in the A/P direction. The study demonstrated that the cryogel was sensitive to small positioning uncertainties for chest wall irradiations, potentially allowing for the detection of clinically relevant errors. Other potential formulations of PVA-based radiochromic cryogels are discussed briefly as avenues to future research projects. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

No description available.

This research aims to develop a tissue-mimicking material and produce a 3D gelatin that has density of approximately a human lung, which is in the ranges of (0.25 – 0.35) g/cm3. Tissue equivalent models are important in order to study the radiation dose planned for patients. To achieve the desired density of a human tissue, different types of gelatin were whisked for 300 seconds using a typical hand mixer. The mechanical properties of the gelatin mixtures, standard and foamed, were evaluated by applying different forces. The mechanical properties for the gels were measured using an indentation technique, which showed that the gels act as elastic materials. The mechanical properties of the foams were also evaluated. Mixtures that contained 300 bloom gelatin, glycerol, and sorbitol, were whisked for 60, 180, 300 seconds to achieve different densities evaluated by CT imaging. The density of the180 - and 300 - seconds gelatin foams were found to be 0.33 ± 0.16 and 0.33  0.052 g/cm3, respectively, which is similar to the human lung density. Finally, FXO gel sheets and the FXO foam sheets were irradiated and the radiosensitivity quantified by measuring transmission using a spectrometer. The change in the attenuation coefficient was linear with dose. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)