385 research outputs found
CYCLOTRON SOLID TARGET ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES FOR EMERGING MEDICAL RADIONUCLIDE SUPPLY
No full textIl lavoro presentato in questa tesi è stato svolto in collaborazione tra l'Università di Padova e l'INFN-LNL (Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare – Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro) nell'ambito del progetto LARAMED (LAboratorio di RAdionuclidi per la MEDicine). L'obiettivo di LARAMED è la ricerca e sviluppo dell'intera catena di produzione di radionuclidi emergenti tramite ciclotrone per preparazione di radiofarmaci innovativi. Questo lavoro è focalizzato sulla prima fase tecnologica, ovvero la realizzazione di appropriati bersagli solidi sia per scopi di misure di sezioni d'urto nucleari (essenziali per ottimizzare i parametri di irraggiamento) sia per la produzione di radionuclidi per la preparazione radiofarmaceutica. A tal fine ho studiato e utilizzato due tecnologie innovative in questo campo, mirate a realizzare bersagli appropriati. In base alla specifica applicazione i bersagli richiedono spessori diversi. Utilizzando la tecnica HIgh energy VIbrational Powder Plating (HIVIPP) sono stati realizzati bersagli di 49Ti e 50Ti, sottili (550 μg/cm2) e uniformi, al fine di misurare le sezioni d'urto nucleari, per determinare la probabilità di produzione delle reazioni xxTi(p,x)47Sc. Con la tecnica Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) sono stati realizzati bersagli spessi (150-600 μm) di Y, Cr e ZnO, per la produzione dei radionuclidi 89Zr, 52Mn e 67Cu, rispettivamente. Entrambe le tecniche hanno il vantaggio di garantire un'elevata efficienza in termini di minime perdite del costoso materiale isotopicamente arricchito. È stato, inoltre, implementato un trattamento iniziale (criomacinazione) dei materiali isotopicamente arricchiti al fine di garantire l'uniformità di spessore richiesta. Per ottimizzare i protocolli (a partire dal trattamento dei materiali fino al bersaglio finale), sono state utilizzate le tipiche tecniche di analisi dei materiali (es. SEM, EDS, analisi dell'interfaccia metallurgica e Rutherford Backscattered Spectroscopy). Infine, la qualità dei target è stata verificata in un ambiente applicativo specifico, ovvero i ciclotroni presenti in un istituto di ricerca e in un ospedale. I risultati raggiunti confermano che le tecnologie sviluppate, grazie alla loro versatilità, possono essere utilizzate per la preparazione di bersagli per la fornitura di radionuclidi medicali.The work presented in this thesis was carried out in collaboration between the University of Padova and INFN-LNL (National Institute for Nuclear Physics – Legnaro National Laboratories) in the framework of the LARAMED (LAboratory of RAdionuclides for MEDicine) project. LARAMED goal is the research and development of the entire production chain for the cyclotron-based production of emerging radionuclides to produce innovative radiopharmaceuticals. This work is focused on the first technological step, the manufacturing of suitable solid targets for both nuclear
cross section measurements (essential to optimize the irradiation parameters) and high yield radionuclides production for the radiopharmaceutical preparation. To this purpose I have studied and used two innovative technologies in this field, aimed to appropriate targets. Based on the specific application the targets require different thickness. Thin (550 μg/cm2) and uniform 49Ti and 50Ti enriched targets were realized by using the HIgh energy VIbrational Powder Plating (HIVIPP) technique aimed at nuclear cross section measurements, to determine the production probability of the xxTi(p,x)47Sc reaction. Thick (150-600 μm) targets, i.e., Y, Cr and ZnO, were manufactured with the Spark Plasma Sintering technique for the high yield production of 89Zr, 52Mn and 67Cu,
respectively. Both techniques have the advantage of guaranteeing high efficiency in terms of minimal losses of the costly isotope-enriched material. A starting enriched materials treatment (cryomilling) was implemented to guarantee the thickness uniformity requested. To optimize the protocols (starting from the target materials treatment up to the final target manufactured), the typical material analysis techniques were used (i.e., SEM, EDS, metallurgical interface analysis and Rutherford Backscattered Spectroscopy). Finally, the quality of the targets were verified in
a real application environment, i.e., the cyclotrons in a research institute and in a hospital. Successful results were achieved, confirming that the technologies developed can be used for radionuclide supply thanks to their versatility
Sexual Counseling Improved Erectile Rehabilitation After Non-Nerve-Sparing Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy or Cystectomy—Results of a Randomized Prospective Study
No full textAim. The efficacy of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1)-intracavernous injection (ICI) therapy for erectile dysfunction (ED) after non-nerve-sparing (NNS) radical pelvic surgery depends on patient compliance. The purpose of this study was to verify the utility of sexual counseling in ICI in terms of treatment efficacy, compliance, and dropout rate.
Methods. In this prospective randomized study, 57 patients with ED after NNS radical prostatectomy or cystectomy were divided: 29 patients (group SC+) were treated with sexual counseling and PGE1-ICI therapy; the others 28 (group SC–) were treated with only ICI. At the start of the study all patients were administered the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire and ICI training test; follow-up (at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 months) was achieved by home Sildenafil test and ambulatory IIEF test; sexual counseling was provided only to group SC+.
Results. The mean IIEF score at the end of study was 26.5 (SC+) vs. 24.3 (SC–) (P < 0.05); eight patients (SC+, 27.5%) became responders to home Sildenafil vs. five (SC–, 17.8%) (P < 0.05); no dropout cases occurred (SC+) vs. eight (SC–, 28.5%) (P < 0.05). Moreover, we recorded best IIEF scores in group SC+ in sexual satisfaction (P < 0.05), sexual desire (P < 0.05), orgasmic function, and general satisfaction. Mean PGE1 doses were better in group SC+ (P < 0.05). ICI-oriented sexual counseling was utilized to motivate couples, to improve sexual intercourses, to correct mistakes in ICI administration. At the end of follow-up 21 patients (SC+) declared themselves satisfied vs. 12 (SC–).
Conclusions. ICI-oriented sexual counseling in ICI increased the efficacy of treatment, the compliance, and Sildenafil responders rate, decreased the dropout rate. Titta M, Tavolini IM, Dal Moro F, Cisternino A, and Bassi P. Sexual counseling improved erectile rehabilitation after non-nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy or cystectomy—results of a randomized prospective study
Recurrent abdominal pain and primary amenorrhea in an adolescent with plurimalformative syndrome
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