Assessing radiation protection knowledge in diagnostic radiography in the Republic of Cyprus. A questionnaire survey.

INTRODUCTION: Radiation protection knowledge is essential for medical personnel in ensuring that the possible risks do not outweigh the benefits of diagnostic imaging. This study aimed to assess the radiation protection knowledge of radiographers in Cyprus. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among radiographers in Cyprus through the Cyprus Society of Registered Radiologic Technologists & Radiation Therapy Technologists. The study was a quantitative descriptive analysis, using a questionnaire with 22 multiple-choice questions. Analysis of the data was done using the statistical software Stata, by performing mean knowledge score comparisons by different participants' characteristics, using t-test and analysis of variance test. Statistical significance was assumed as a p-value < 0.05. RESULTS: The answers provided for each question indicate that some areas of radiation protection are less known compared to others, as there is quite a wide range of correct-to-incorrect ratios. The analysis based on participant characteristics in relation to overall radiation effects knowledge, identified important determinants, namely the workplace of the participant (p = 0.006), the type of work licence the participant held at the time of the questionnaire (p = 0.024), and the years of clinical experience of the participant (p = 0.021). CONCLUSION: The study showed that the levels of knowledge in radiation protection are of a very good standard. However, work is needed to clarify the specifics of dose limits and the national radiation protection legislation with regards to informing patients about the possible effects of ionising radiation. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The study results indicate the importance of educating radiographers about the requirements of national radiation protection legislation and how this new knowledge can be linked with practise.

Cerebellar granulocytic sarcoma in an infant with CD56+ acute monoblastic leukemia.

Granulocytic sarcoma (GS) is a form of extramedullary leukaemia (EML). The presence of the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) on the surface of the blasts, which is recognized by the CD56 monoclonal antibody, enhances their propensity for tissue penetration. GS within the central nervous system (CNS), in particular within the cerebellum, is extremely uncommon. We review the literature and describe an infant with isolated cerebellar GS relapse, which antedated a CD56+ acute monoblastic leukaemia bone marrow (BM) relapse.

Comparison of different approaches of interdental oral hygiene: interdental brushes versus dental floss.

The purpose of the present study was to compare in untreated patients suffering from moderate to severe periodontitis the efficacy of dental floss (DF) and interdental brushes (IDB) in the reduction of plaque, gingival inflammation, and probing depth in a 6-week period prior to subgingival debridement. Twenty-six patients (12 female, 14 male; mean age 37.4 years; range 27 to 72 years) were instructed to use DF for one side of the dentition and IDB for the other side as an adjunct to the daily toothbrushing for 6 weeks. Oral hygiene instructions for toothbrushing and the use of the two devices were given at baseline and at week 3. Measurements were carried out at baseline and at 6 weeks including plaque scores, probing depth, and 2 bleeding scores (periodontal pocket bleeding index and angulated bleeding index). With the IDB, the approximal plaque score at baseline of 3.09 reduced to 2.15 at 6 weeks and with DF from 3.10 to 2.47, respectively. IDB proved to remove significantly more plaque than DF. Baseline probing depth of 5.84 mm for IDB sites and 5.59 mm for DF sites was reduced to 5.01 mm at 6 weeks for both regimens. Analysis showed that the use of IDB resulted in a greater pocket reduction. Both bleeding indices were slightly reduced with IDB and DF, but no differences between devices were found. In relation to patient acceptance, more problems were observed with DF, and IDB were felt to be more efficacious. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that in combination with a manual toothbrush, the use of interdental brushes is more effective in removal of plaque and results in a larger reduction of probing depth than the use of dental floss. Although the differences were small, they indicate, in combination with patient preferences, that interdental brushes are to be considered preferable to floss for interdental plaque removal in patients suffering from moderate to severe periodontitis.