The purpose of this prospective study at 73 facilities in 18 countries in Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe was to investigate if the CT doses to adult patients in developing countries are higher than international standards. The dose assessment was performed in terms of weighted computed tomography dose index (CTDIw) and dose length product (DLP) for chest, chest (high resolution), lumbar spine, abdomen and pelvis CT examinations using standard methods. Except in one case, the mean CTDIw values were below diagnostic reference level (DRL) while for DLP, 17 % of situations were above DRLs. The resulting CT images were of adequate quality for diagnosis. The CTDIw and DLP data presented herein are largely similar to those from two recent national surveys. The study has shown a stronger need to create awareness and training of radiology personnel as well as monitoring of radiation doses in many developing countries so as to conform to the ALARA principle.

Periodontal disease is caused by dental plaque accumulation on teeth and adjacent structures. Indices have been formulated for its measurement considering the amount and intensity of dental plaque (DP) and dental calculus (C) on the surface of teeth through subjective visual evaluation. This study aims at assessing the computerized analysis method for measurement of DP and C areas on the teeth of dogs by comparing it with the visual evaluation in the oral cavity. Ten beagle dogs with similar characteristics and kept under the same management and diet were used. Evaluations of oral cavity occurred before surgical prophylaxis (performed under general inhalation anesthesia) and after seven days for DP and 28 days for C. The computerized C area evaluation showed to be statistically better than the visual evaluation before and after prophylaxis. It was concluded that the computerized evaluation is beneficial when compared to visual evaluation, providing greater precision in the area measurement.