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Vinjamuri S, Pant V, Bomanji JB, Marengo M, Zanial A, Dondi M, Paez D. Assessing nuclear medicine practices: a critical evaluation of QUANUM through a quality improvement perspective and its wider relevance. Nucl Med Commun 2024; 45:263-267. [PMID: 38247573 DOI: 10.1097/mnm.0000000000001815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Quality Management Audits in Nuclear Medicine (QUANUM) is an initiative conceived by the International Atomic Energy Agency to enhance global standards in Nuclear Medicine practices. Acknowledging the intricate regulatory frameworks and the necessity for multidisciplinary collaboration, QUANUM has gained global acceptance, demonstrating widespread implementation and positive impacts on patient care. This manuscript critically evaluates the QUANUM program through the lens of quality improvement (QI), by employing established and validated QI tools. Our analysis identifies areas of conformance, underscores key strengths inherent to QUANUM, and pinpoints further learning opportunities for continuous enhancement. Additionally, we assert that the insights derived from scrutinizing this global project within Nuclear Medicine, have valuable implications for departments aspiring for establishing good quality management systems, thereby contributing to the improvement of patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sobhan Vinjamuri
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool,
| | - Vineet Pant
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool,
| | - Jamshed B Bomanji
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, University College London, London, UK,
| | - Mario Marengo
- Azienda Ospedaliera S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy,
| | - Ahmadzaid Zanial
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, General Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and
| | - Maurizio Dondi
- Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Imaging Section, Division of Human Health; IAEA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Diana Paez
- Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Imaging Section, Division of Human Health; IAEA, Vienna, Austria
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Marengo M, Cicoria G, Infantino A, Vichi S, Zagni F, Mostacci D. State of the Art in Cyclotrons for Radionuclide Production in Biomedicine. NUCL SCI ENG 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/00295639.2022.2146433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Marengo
- University of Bologna, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Cicoria
- University Hospital “S.Orsola – Malpighi,” Department of Medical Physics, Bologna, Italy
| | - Angelo Infantino
- European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sara Vichi
- University Hospital “S.Orsola – Malpighi,” Department of Clinical Engineering, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Zagni
- University Hospital “S.Orsola – Malpighi,” Department of Medical Physics, Bologna, Italy
| | - Domiziano Mostacci
- University of Bologna, Department of Industrial Engineering, Bologna, Italy
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Marengo M, Infantino A. Assessment of emission data and transmission factors supporting radiation protection in the use of 225Ac. Phys Med 2022; 103:59-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Paez D, Marengo M, Bomanji J, Dondi M. Quality improvement initiative of the IAEA in nuclear medicine: a tool to assess staffing needs within the QUANUM framework. Nucl Med Commun 2022; 43:967-969. [PMID: 35582856 PMCID: PMC9371058 DOI: 10.1097/mnm.0000000000001584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Paez
- Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Imaging Section, Division of Human Health, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Application, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mario Marengo
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Jamshed Bomanji
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - Maurizio Dondi
- Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Imaging Section, Division of Human Health, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Application, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
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Abstract
Medical radiation accidents and unintended events may lead to accidental or unintended medical exposure of patients and exposure of staff or the public. Most unintended exposures in nuclear medicine will lead to a small increase in risk; nevertheless, these require investigation and a clinical and dosimetric assessment. Nuclear medicine staff are exposed to radiation emitted directly by radiopharmaceuticals and by patients after administration of radiopharmaceuticals. This is particularly relevant in PET, due to the penetrating 511 keV γ-rays. Dose constraints should be set for planning the exposure of individuals. Staff body doses of 1-25 µSv/GBq are reported for PET imaging, the largest component being from the injection. The preparation and administration of radiopharmaceuticals can lead to high doses to the hands, challenging dose limits for radionuclides such as 90Y and even 18F. The risks of contamination can be minimized by basic precautions, such as carrying out manipulations in purpose-built facilities, wearing protective clothing, especially gloves, and removing contaminated gloves or any skin contamination as quickly as possible. Airborne contamination is a potential problem when handling radioisotopes of iodine or administering radioaerosols. Manipulating radiopharmaceuticals in laminar air flow cabinets, and appropriate premises ventilation are necessary to improve safety levels. Ensuring patient safety and minimizing the risk of incidents require efficient overall quality management. Critical aspects include: the booking process, particularly if qualified medical supervision is not present; administration of radiopharmaceuticals to patients, with the risk of misadministration or extravasation; management of patients' data and images by information technology systems, considering the possibility of misalignment between patient personal data and clinical information. Prevention of possible mistakes in patient identification or in the management of patients with similar names requires particular attention. Appropriate management of pregnant or breast-feeding patients is another important aspect of radiation safety. In radiopharmacy activities, strict quality assurance should be implemented at all operational levels, in addition to adherence to national and international regulations and guidelines. This includes not only administrative aspects, like checking the request/prescription, patient's data and the details of the requested procedure, but also quantitative tests according to national/international pharmacopoeias, and measuring the dispensed activity with a calibrated activity meter prior to administration. In therapy with radionuclides, skin tissue reactions can occur following extravasation, which can result in localized doses of tens of Grays. Other relevant incidents include confusion of products for patients administered at the same time or malfunction of administration devices. Furthermore, errors in internal radiation dosimetry calculations for treatment planning may lead to under or over-treatment. According to literature, proper instructions are fundamental to keep effective dose to caregivers and family members after patient discharge below the Dose constraints. The IAEA Basic Safety Standards require measures to minimize the likelihood of any unintended or accidental medical exposures and reporting any radiation incident. The relative complexity of nuclear medicine practice presents many possibilities for errors. It is therefore important that all activities are performed according to well established procedures, and that all actions are supported by regular quality assurance/QC procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Marengo
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Italy.
| | - Colin J Martin
- Department of Clinical Physics and Bioengineering, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Sietske Rubow
- Nuclear Medicine Division, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Terez Sera
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zayda Amador
- Radiation Protection Department, Centre of Isotopes, Havana, Cuba
| | - Leonel Torres
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Centre of Isotopes, Havana, Cuba
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BALDOVINO S, Filiberti O, Gianoglio B, Maffei S, Manes M, Marengo M, Martina G, Rossi N, Claudio S, Salomone M, Tognarelli G, Viglino G, Amoroso A, Vanzino S, Manganaro M. POS-509 ANALYSIS AND MONITORING OF THE SPREAD OF SARS-COV-2 INFECTION AMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS OF NEPHROLOGY-DIALYSIS UNITS IN PIEDMONT AND VALLE D'AOSTA. Kidney Int Rep 2021. [PMCID: PMC8049724 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2021.03.537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Vichi S, Infantino A, Zagni F, Cicoria G, Braccini S, Mostacci D, Marengo M. Activation studies for the decommissioning of PET cyclotron bunkers by means of Monte Carlo simulations. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2020.108966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Palmerini T, Barozzi C, Tomasi L, Riva DD, Marengo M, Cicoria G, Bruno AG, Bacchi-Reggiani ML, Naldi M, Bartolini M, Fanti S, Galiè N, Stone GW. In vitro thrombogenicity of drug-eluting and bare metal stents. Thromb Res 2020; 185:43-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2019.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Martin CJ, Marengo M, Vassileva J, Giammarile F, Poli GL, Marks P. Guidance on prevention of unintended and accidental radiation exposures in nuclear medicine. J Radiol Prot 2019; 39:665-695. [PMID: 30991380 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/ab19d8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear medicine (NM) procedures for diagnosis and treatment of disease are performed routinely in hospitals throughout the world. These involve preparation and administration to patients of pharmaceuticals labelled with radioactive material. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Health Organisation highlighted the need for improvement in prevention of medical radiation incidents and accidents in the Bonn Call-for-Action in 2012. An IAEA Technical Meeting was held on prevention of unintended exposures and accidents in NM in 2018 to address the issue. Exposures can take place at any time when radioactive material is being produced and used, and the risk continues after procedures have been completed. Thus there is potential for staff or members of the general public to be exposed, as well as patients. This paper sets out guidelines for incident prevention based on presentations and discussions at the meeting, and review of reports from the literature. It deals with potential incidents in in-house radionuclide production, radiopharmaceutical preparation, administration to patients, and following a procedure, as well as aspects in management of radioactive materials. Special attention has been paid to therapeutic procedures, as these have the potential to cause more harm to patients from erroneous administrations, including tissue reactions from extravasation of radiopharmaceutical, and could lead to significant contamination events. Administration of NM therapy is generally contraindicated in pregnancy. Identification of any patient who may be pregnant is crucial and it might be necessary to verify this with a pregnancy test for patients within the age band considered to be fertile. Inclusion of NM therapy incidents in the IAEA automated reporting system SAFRON is recommended. In summary, the paper aims to highlight errors that could occur during different phases of NM procedures in order to aid prevention of incidents. The value of periodic audit in evaluating systems in place on a regular basis is emphasised. Approaches to incident investigation and follow-up are described, and the need to ensure corrective action is taken to address any deficiencies stressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Martin
- Department of Clinical Physics and Bioengineering, University of Glasgow, Gartnavel Royal Hospital, G12 0XH, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Skliarova H, Cisternino S, Cicoria G, Marengo M, Carturan S, Martini P, Boschi A, Alvarez C, Palmieri V, Esposito J. TECHN-OSP: Molybdenum target preparation techniques for cyclotron-based technetium-99m production. Nucl Med Biol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/s0969-8051(19)30213-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Skliarova H, Cisternino S, Cazzola E, Gorgoni G, Cicoria G, Marengo M, Palmieri V. Use of magnetron sputtering technique for medical cyclotron solid target preparation. Nucl Med Biol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/s0969-8051(19)30276-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Boschi A, Ou L, Pasquali M, Giganti M, Rossi Alvarez C, Pupillo G, Skliarova H, Cisternino S, Duatti A, Esposito J, Martini P, Cicoria G, Marengo M, Uccelli L. A remotely controlled module for an in-hospital routine production of Tc-99m by medical cyclotrons. Nucl Med Biol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/s0969-8051(19)30318-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Skliarova H, Cisternino S, Cicoria G, Marengo M, Palmieri V. Innovative Target for Production of Technetium-99m by Biomedical Cyclotron. Molecules 2018; 24:E25. [PMID: 30577612 PMCID: PMC6337538 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Technetium-99m (99mTc) is the most used radionuclide worldwide in nuclear medicine for diagnostic imaging procedures. 99mTc is typically extracted from portable generators containing 99Mo, which is produced normally in nuclear reactors as a fission product of highly enriched Uranium material. Due to unexpected outages or planned and unplanned reactor shutdown, significant 99mTc shortages appeared as a problem since 2008 The alternative cyclotron-based approach through the 100Mo(p,2n)99mTc reaction is considered one of the most promising routes for direct 99mTc production in order to mitigate potential 99Mo shortages. The design and manufacturing of appropriate cyclotron targets for the production of significant amounts of a radiopharmaceutical for medical use is a technological challenge. In this work, a novel solid target preparation method was developed, including sputter deposition of a dense, adherent, and non-oxidized Mo target material onto a complex backing plate. The latter included either chemically resistant sapphire or synthetic diamond brazed in vacuum conditions to copper. The target thermo-mechanical stability tests were performed under 15.6 MeV proton energy and different beam intensities, up to the maximum provided by the available GE Healthcare (Chicago, IL, USA) PET trace medical cyclotron. The targets resisted proton beam currents up to 60 µA (corresponding to a heat power density of about 1 kW/cm²) without damage or Mo deposited layer delamination. The chemical stability of the proposed backing materials was proven by gamma-spectroscopy analysis of the solution obtained after the standard dissolution procedure of irradiated targets in H₂O₂.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Skliarova
- Legnaro National Laboratories, Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics (LNL-INFN), Viale dell’Università 2, 35020 Legnaro PD, Italy;
| | - Sara Cisternino
- Legnaro National Laboratories, Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics (LNL-INFN), Viale dell’Università 2, 35020 Legnaro PD, Italy;
| | - Gianfranco Cicoria
- Medical Physics Department, University Hospital “S. Orsola-Malpighi”, 40100 Bologna, Italy; (G.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Mario Marengo
- Medical Physics Department, University Hospital “S. Orsola-Malpighi”, 40100 Bologna, Italy; (G.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Vincenzo Palmieri
- Legnaro National Laboratories, Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics (LNL-INFN), Viale dell’Università 2, 35020 Legnaro PD, Italy;
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Zagni F, Lima G, Farina A, Castellucci P, Savoia F, Kirikova A, Wendler T, Fanti S, Marengo M. 361. A new therapy with 188Re for non-melanoma skin cancers. First experiences. Phys Med 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2018.04.369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Riga S, Cicoria G, Zagni F, Vichi S, Pancaldi D, Mora L, Marengo M. 311. Preliminary results of the production of Ga-68 with biomedical cyclotron by liquid target. Phys Med 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2018.04.320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Cicoria G, Cesarini F, Zagni F, Pancaldi D, Vichi S, Marengo M. 348. Characterization of 41Ar production in air at a PET cyclotron facility. Phys Med 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2018.04.356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Riga S, Cicoria G, Pancaldi D, Zagni F, Vichi S, Dassenno M, Mora L, Lodi F, Morigi MP, Marengo M. Production of Ga-68 with a General Electric PETtrace cyclotron by liquid target. Phys Med 2018; 55:116-126. [PMID: 30473059 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2018.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In recent years the use of 68Ga (t1/2 = 67.84 min, β+: 88.88%) for the labelling of different PET radiopharmaceuticals has significantly increased. This work aims to evaluate the feasibility of the production of 68Ga via the 68Zn(p,n)68Ga reaction by proton irradiation of an enriched zinc solution, using a biomedical cyclotron, in order to satisfy its increasing demand. METHODS Irradiations of 1.7 Msolution of 68Zn(NO3)2 in 0.2 N HNO3 were conducted with a GE PETtrace cyclotron using a slightly modified version of the liquid target used for the production of fluorine-18. The proton beam energy was degraded to 12 MeV, in order to minimize the production of 67Ga through the68Zn(p,2n)67Ga reaction. The product's activity was measured using a calibrated activity meter and a High Purity Germanium gamma-ray detector. RESULTS The saturation yield of68Ga amounts to (330 ± 20) MBq/µA, corresponding to a produced activity of68Ga at the EOB of (4.3 ± 0.3) GBq in a typical production run at 46 µA for 32 min. The radionuclidic purity of the68Ga in the final product, after the separation, is within the limits of the European Pharmacopoeia (>99.9%) up to 3 h after the EOB. Radiochemical separation up to a yield not lower than 75% was obtained using an automated purification module. The enriched material recovery efficiency resulted higher than 80-90%. CONCLUSIONS In summary, this approach provides clinically relevant amounts of68Ga by cyclotron irradiation of a liquid target, as a competitive alternative to the current production through the68Ge/68Ga generators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Riga
- Medical Physics Department, University Hospital, S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Gianfranco Cicoria
- Medical Physics Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Davide Pancaldi
- Medical Physics Department, University Hospital, S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Zagni
- Medical Physics Department, University Hospital, S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sara Vichi
- Nuclear Engineering Laboratory of Montecuccolino, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Dassenno
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Mora
- PET Radiopharmacy Unit, University Hospital S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Filippo Lodi
- PET Radiopharmacy Unit, University Hospital S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Morigi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mario Marengo
- Medical Physics Department, University Hospital, S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
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Uzunov NM, Melendez-Alafort L, Bello M, Cicoria G, Zagni F, De Nardo L, Selva A, Mou L, Rossi-Alvarez C, Pupillo G, Di Domenico G, Uccelli L, Boschi A, Groppi F, Salvini A, Taibi A, Duatti A, Martini P, Pasquali M, Loriggiola M, Marengo M, Strada L, Manenti S, Rosato A, Esposito J. Radioisotopic purity and imaging properties of cyclotron-produced 99mTc using direct 100Mo(p,2n) reaction. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 63:185021. [DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/aadc88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Martini P, Boschi A, Cicoria G, Zagni F, Corazza A, Uccelli L, Pasquali M, Pupillo G, Marengo M, Loriggiola M, Skliarova H, Mou L, Cisternino S, Carturan S, Melendez-Alafort L, Uzunov NM, Bello M, Alvarez CR, Esposito J, Duatti A. In-house cyclotron production of high-purity Tc-99m and Tc-99m radiopharmaceuticals. Appl Radiat Isot 2018; 139:325-331. [PMID: 29936404 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2018.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In the last years, the technology for producing the important medical radionuclide technetium-99m by cyclotrons has become sufficiently mature to justify its introduction as an alternative source of the starting precursor [99mTc][TcO4]- ubiquitously employed for the production of 99mTc-radiopharmaceuticals in hospitals. These technologies make use almost exclusively of the nuclear reaction 100Mo(p,2n)99mTc that allows direct production of Tc-99m. In this study, it is conjectured that this alternative production route will not replace the current supply chain based on the distribution of 99Mo/99mTc generators, but could become a convenient emergency source of Tc-99m only for in-house hospitals equipped with a conventional, low-energy, medical cyclotron. On this ground, an outline of the essential steps that should be implemented for setting up a hospital radiopharmacy aimed at the occasional production of Tc-99m by a small cyclotron is discussed. These include (1) target production, (2) irradiation conditions, (3) separation/purification procedures, (4) terminal sterilization, (5) quality control, and (6) Mo-100 recovery. To address these issues, a comprehensive technology for cyclotron-production of Tc-99m, developed at the Legnaro National Laboratories of the Italian National Institute of Nuclear Physics (LNL-INFN), will be used as a reference example.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Martini
- Legnaro Laboratories, Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), Legnaro, Padua, Italy; Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Boschi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | | | | | | | - Licia Uccelli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Micòl Pasquali
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gaia Pupillo
- Legnaro Laboratories, Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Loriggiola
- Legnaro Laboratories, Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Hanna Skliarova
- Legnaro Laboratories, Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Liliana Mou
- Legnaro Laboratories, Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Sara Cisternino
- Legnaro Laboratories, Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Sara Carturan
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Padua, Italy
| | | | - Nikolay M Uzunov
- Legnaro Laboratories, Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Michele Bello
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Carlos Rossi Alvarez
- Legnaro Laboratories, Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Juan Esposito
- Legnaro Laboratories, Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Adriano Duatti
- Legnaro Laboratories, Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), Legnaro, Padua, Italy; Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Dondi M, Paez D, Torres L, Marengo M, Delaloye AB, Solanki K, Van Zyl Ellmann A, Lobato EE, Miller RN, Giammarile F, Pascual T. Implementation of Quality Systems in Nuclear Medicine: Why It Matters. An Outcome Analysis (Quality Management Audits in Nuclear Medicine Part III). Semin Nucl Med 2018; 48:299-306. [DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Chiappiniello A, Zagni F, Infantino A, Vichi S, Cicoria G, Morigi MP, Marengo M. Modeling of a Cyclotron Target for the Production of 11C with Geant4. Curr Radiopharm 2018; 11:92-99. [PMID: 29651945 DOI: 10.2174/1874471011666180412170219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In medical cyclotron facilities, 11C is produced according to the 14N(p,α)11C reaction and widely employed in studies of prostate and brain cancers by Positron Emission Tomography. It is known from literature that the 11C-target assembly shows a reduction in efficiency during time, meaning a decrease of activity produced at the end of bombardment. This effect might depend on aspects which are still not completely known. OBJECTIVE Possible causes of the loss of performance of the 11C-target assembly were addressed by Monte Carlo simulations. METHODS Geant4 was used to model the 11C-target assembly of a GE PETtrace cyclotron. The physical and transport parameters to be used in the energy range of medical applications were extracted from literature data and 11C routine productions. The Monte Carlo assessment of 11C saturation yield was performed varying several parameters such as the proton energy and the angle of the target assembly with respect to the proton beam. RESULTS The estimated 11C saturation yield is in agreement with IAEA data at the energy of interest, while it is about 35% greater than the experimental value. A more comprehensive modeling of the target system, including thermodynamic effect, is required. The energy absorbed in the inner layer of the target chamber was up to 46.5 J/mm2 under typical irradiation conditions. CONCLUSION This study shows that Geant4 is potentially a useful tool to design and optimize targetry for PET radionuclide productions. Tests to choose the Geant4 physics libraries should be performed before using this tool with different energies and materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Chiappiniello
- Physics and Geology Department, University of Perugia, via Pascoli snc, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Federico Zagni
- Medical Physics Unit, University Hospital "S. Orsola-Malpighi", Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Angelo Infantino
- European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sara Vichi
- Industrial Engineering Department, Laboratory of Montecuccolino, University of Bologna, Via dei Colli 16, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Cicoria
- Medical Physics Unit, University Hospital "S. Orsola-Malpighi", Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Morigi
- Physics and Astronomy Department, University of Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat, 6/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mario Marengo
- Medical Physics Unit, University Hospital "S. Orsola-Malpighi", Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
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Ternengo S, Marengo M, El Idrissi O, Yepka J, Pasqualini V, Gobert S. Spatial variations in trace element concentrations of the sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus, a first reference study in the Mediterranean Sea. Mar Pollut Bull 2018; 129:293-298. [PMID: 29680551 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.02.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A study on Trace Elements (TE) from sea urchin gonads has been conducted in the western Mediterranean Sea. Contamination data were used to determine a Trace Method Pollution Index (TEPI). TE concentrations varied considerably depending on the location of the sampling stations. The results showed that five trace elements (Zn, Fe, As, Al, Cu) are ubiquitous. The geographical area considered (Corsica) represents an important range of environmental conditions and types of pressure that can be found in the western Mediterranean Sea. TEPI was used to classify the studied sites according to their degree of contamination and allowed reliable comparison of TE contamination between local and international sites. TE contamination of the western Mediterranean Sea displayed a north-to-south gradient, from the Italian coasts down through the insular Corsican coasts to the north African littoral. Due to the increasing environmental pressure on the Mediterranean Sea, a regular monitoring of TE levels in marine organisms is necessary to prevent any further environmental deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ternengo
- Université de Corse Pascal Paoli, UMR 6134 CNRS-UCPP Sciences pour l'Environnement, 20250 Corte, France; Université de Corse Pascal Paoli, UMS 3514 CNRS-UCPP Plateforme marine Stella Mare, 20620 Biguglia, France.
| | - M Marengo
- Université de Corse Pascal Paoli, UMR 6134 CNRS-UCPP Sciences pour l'Environnement, 20250 Corte, France; Université de Liège, Centre MARE, Focus, Laboratoire d'Océanologie, Sart-Tilman, B6c, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - O El Idrissi
- Université de Corse Pascal Paoli, UMR 6134 CNRS-UCPP Sciences pour l'Environnement, 20250 Corte, France; Université de Corse Pascal Paoli, UMS 3514 CNRS-UCPP Plateforme marine Stella Mare, 20620 Biguglia, France
| | - J Yepka
- Université de Liège, Centre MARE, Focus, Laboratoire d'Océanologie, Sart-Tilman, B6c, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - V Pasqualini
- Université de Corse Pascal Paoli, UMR 6134 CNRS-UCPP Sciences pour l'Environnement, 20250 Corte, France; Université de Corse Pascal Paoli, UMS 3514 CNRS-UCPP Plateforme marine Stella Mare, 20620 Biguglia, France
| | - S Gobert
- Université de Liège, Centre MARE, Focus, Laboratoire d'Océanologie, Sart-Tilman, B6c, 4000 Liège, Belgium; STAtion de REcherche Sous-marines et Océanographiques (STARESO), 20260 Calvi, France
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Dondi M, Torres L, Marengo M, Massardo T, Mishani E, Van Zyl Ellmann A, Solanki K, Bischof Delaloye A, Lobato EE, Miller RN, Felix BO, Paez D, Pascual T. Comprehensive Auditing in Nuclear Medicine Through the International Atomic Energy Agency Quality Management Audits in Nuclear Medicine Program. Part 2: Analysis of Results. Semin Nucl Med 2017; 47:687-693. [PMID: 28969767 DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The International Atomic Energy Agency has developed a program, named Quality Management Audits in Nuclear Medicine (QUANUM), to help its Member States to check the status of their nuclear medicine practices and their adherence to international reference standards, covering all aspects of nuclear medicine, including quality assurance/quality control of instrumentation, radiopharmacy (further subdivided into levels 1, 2, and 3, according to complexity of work), radiation safety, clinical applications, as well as managerial aspects. The QUANUM program is based on both internal and external audits and, with specifically developed Excel spreadsheets, it helps assess the level of conformance (LoC) to those previously defined quality standards. According to their level of implementation, the level of conformance to requested standards; 0 (absent) up to 4 (full conformance). Items scored 0, 1, and 2 are considered non-conformance; items scored 3 and 4 are considered conformance. To assess results of the audit missions performed worldwide over the last 8 years, a retrospective analysis has been run on reports from a total of 42 audit missions in 39 centers, three of which had been re-audited. The analysis of all audit reports has shown an overall LoC of 73.9 ± 8.3% (mean ± standard deviation), ranging between 56.6% and 87.9%. The highest LoC has been found in the area of clinical services (83.7% for imaging and 87.9% for therapy), whereas the lowest levels have been found for Radiopharmacy Level 2 (56.6%); Computer Systems and Data Handling (66.6%); and Evaluation of the Quality Management System (67.6%). Prioritization of non-conformances produced a total of 1687 recommendations in the final audit report. Depending on the impact on safety and daily clinical activities, they were further classified as critical (requiring immediate action; n = 276; 16% of the total); major (requiring action in relatively short time, typically from 3 to 6 months; n = 604; 36%); whereas the remaining 807 (48%) were classified as minor, that is, to be addressed whenever possible. The greatest proportion of recommendations has been found in the category "Managerial, Organization and Documentation" (26%); "Staff Radiation Protection and Safety" (17.3%); "Radiopharmaceuticals Preparation, Dispensing and Handling" (15.8%); and "Quality Assurance/Quality Control" and "Management of Equipment and Software" (11.4%). The lowest level of recommendations belongs to the item "Human Resources" (4%). The QUANUM program proved applicable to a wide variety of institutions, from small practices to larger centers with PET/CT and cyclotrons. Clinical services rendered to patients showed a good compliance with international standards, whereas issues related to radiation protection of both staff and patients will require a higher degree of attention. This is a relevant feedback for the International Atomic Energy Agency with regard to the effective translation of safety recommendations into routine practice. Training on drafting and application of standard operating procedures should also be considered a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Dondi
- Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Imaging Section, Division of Human Health, IAEA, Vienna, Austria.
| | | | - Mario Marengo
- Azienda Ospedaliera S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Eyal Mishani
- Cyclotron Unit/Nuclear Medicine Department, Hadassah University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | | | | | - Enrique Estrada Lobato
- Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Imaging Section, Division of Human Health, IAEA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rodolfo Nunez Miller
- Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Imaging Section, Division of Human Health, IAEA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barajas Ordonez Felix
- Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Imaging Section, Division of Human Health, IAEA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Diana Paez
- Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Imaging Section, Division of Human Health, IAEA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Pascual
- Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Imaging Section, Division of Human Health, IAEA, Vienna, Austria
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Dondi M, Torres L, Marengo M, Massardo T, Mishani E, Van Zyl Ellmann A, Solanki K, Bischof Delaloye A, Lobato EE, Miller RN, Paez D, Pascual T. Comprehensive Auditing in Nuclear Medicine Through the International Atomic Energy Agency Quality Management Audits in Nuclear Medicine (QUANUM) Program. Part 1: the QUANUM Program and Methodology. Semin Nucl Med 2017; 47:680-686. [DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2017.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Gobert S, Pasqualini V, Dijoux J, Lejeune P, Durieux EDH, Marengo M. Trace element concentrations in the apex predator swordfish (Xiphias gladius) from a Mediterranean fishery and risk assessment for consumers. Mar Pollut Bull 2017; 120:364-369. [PMID: 28521936 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Swordfish (Xiphias gladius L., 1758) is an apex predator, highly migratory meso-pelagic fish widely distributed in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean. As top predators, this fish may be the end reservoir of the bioaccumulation of trace elements in a food chain because they occupy higher trophic levels and are an important food source, causing them to be potentially hazardous to consume. This study aims to investigate the concentration of 18 trace elements of Swordfish, caught in the Mediterranean Sea and to discuss human exposure risks. The mean element levels in the fish muscles were clearly below the maximum allowable concentrations established by International food safety regulations. The data suggested that the risk is minor and acceptable for human health. The findings of this study amplify the scarce database on contaminants available, especially new data on "emerging elements", for this species from the Mediterranean Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Gobert
- Université de Liège, Centre MARE, Laboratoire d'Océanologie, Sart-Tilman, B6c, 4000 Liège, Belgique
| | - V Pasqualini
- Université de Corse Pascal Paoli, UMR 6134 CNRS-UCPP Sciences pour l'Environnement, 20250 Corte, France; Université de Corse Pascal Paoli, UMS 3514 CNRS-UCPP Plateforme marine Stella Mare, 20620 Biguglia, France
| | - J Dijoux
- Université de Corse Pascal Paoli, UMR 6134 CNRS-UCPP Sciences pour l'Environnement, 20250 Corte, France
| | - P Lejeune
- Station de Recherche Sous-marines et Océanographiques (STARESO), 20260 Calvi, France
| | - E D H Durieux
- Université de Corse Pascal Paoli, UMR 6134 CNRS-UCPP Sciences pour l'Environnement, 20250 Corte, France; Université de Corse Pascal Paoli, UMS 3514 CNRS-UCPP Plateforme marine Stella Mare, 20620 Biguglia, France
| | - M Marengo
- Université de Liège, Centre MARE, Laboratoire d'Océanologie, Sart-Tilman, B6c, 4000 Liège, Belgique; Université de Corse Pascal Paoli, UMR 6134 CNRS-UCPP Sciences pour l'Environnement, 20250 Corte, France.
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Infantino A, Cicoria G, Lucconi G, Pancaldi D, Vichi S, Zagni F, Mostacci D, Marengo M. Radiation Protection Studies for Medical Particle Accelerators using Fluka Monte Carlo Code. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2017; 173:185-191. [PMID: 27886990 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncw302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Radiation protection (RP) in the use of medical cyclotrons involves many aspects both in the routine use and for the decommissioning of a site. Guidelines for site planning and installation, as well as for RP assessment, are given in international documents; however, the latter typically offer analytic methods of calculation of shielding and materials activation, in approximate or idealised geometry set-ups. The availability of Monte Carlo (MC) codes with accurate up-to-date libraries for transport and interaction of neutrons and charged particles at energies below 250 MeV, together with the continuously increasing power of modern computers, makes the systematic use of simulations with realistic geometries possible, yielding equipment and site-specific evaluation of the source terms, shielding requirements and all quantities relevant to RP at the same time. In this work, the well-known FLUKA MC code was used to simulate different aspects of RP in the use of biomedical accelerators, particularly for the production of medical radioisotopes. In the context of the Young Professionals Award, held at the IRPA 14 conference, only a part of the complete work is presented. In particular, the simulation of the GE PETtrace cyclotron (16.5 MeV) installed at S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital evaluated the effective dose distribution around the equipment; the effective number of neutrons produced per incident proton and their spectral distribution; the activation of the structure of the cyclotron and the vault walls; the activation of the ambient air, in particular the production of 41Ar. The simulations were validated, in terms of physical and transport parameters to be used at the energy range of interest, through an extensive measurement campaign of the neutron environmental dose equivalent using a rem-counter and TLD dosemeters. The validated model was then used in the design and the licensing request of a new Positron Emission Tomography facility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Infantino
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Laboratory of Montecuccolino, University of Bologna, Via dei Colli 16, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Cicoria
- Medical Physics Department, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Lucconi
- Medical Physics Department, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Pancaldi
- Medical Physics Department, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Sara Vichi
- Medical Physics Department, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Zagni
- Medical Physics Department, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Domiziano Mostacci
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Laboratory of Montecuccolino, University of Bologna, Via dei Colli 16, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Mario Marengo
- Medical Physics Department, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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Infantino A, Cicoria G, Lucconi G, Pancaldi D, Vichi S, Zagni F, Mostacci D, Marengo M. Assessment of the neutron dose field around a biomedical cyclotron: FLUKA simulation and experimental measurements. Phys Med 2016; 32:1602-1608. [PMID: 27919623 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2016.11.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In the planning of a new cyclotron facility, an accurate knowledge of the radiation field around the accelerator is fundamental for the design of shielding, the protection of workers, the general public and the environment. Monte Carlo simulations can be very useful in this process, and their use is constantly increasing. However, few data have been published so far as regards the proper validation of Monte Carlo simulation against experimental measurements, particularly in the energy range of biomedical cyclotrons. In this work a detailed model of an existing installation of a GE PETtrace 16.5MeV cyclotron was developed using FLUKA. An extensive measurement campaign of the neutron ambient dose equivalent H∗(10) in marked positions around the cyclotron was conducted using a neutron rem-counter probe and CR39 neutron detectors. Data from a previous measurement campaign performed by our group using TLDs were also re-evaluated. The FLUKA model was then validated by comparing the results of high-statistics simulations with experimental data. In 10 out of 12 measurement locations, FLUKA simulations were in agreement within uncertainties with all the three different sets of experimental data; in the remaining 2 positions, the agreement was with 2/3 of the measurements. Our work allows to quantitatively validate our FLUKA simulation setup and confirms that Monte Carlo technique can produce accurate results in the energy range of biomedical cyclotrons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Infantino
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Laboratory of Montecuccolino, University of Bologna, Via dei Colli 16, 40136 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Gianfranco Cicoria
- Medical Physics Department, University Hospital "S. Orsola-Malpighi", Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Lucconi
- Medical Physics Department, University Hospital "S. Orsola-Malpighi", Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Pancaldi
- Medical Physics Department, University Hospital "S. Orsola-Malpighi", Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Sara Vichi
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Laboratory of Montecuccolino, University of Bologna, Via dei Colli 16, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Zagni
- Medical Physics Department, University Hospital "S. Orsola-Malpighi", Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Domiziano Mostacci
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Laboratory of Montecuccolino, University of Bologna, Via dei Colli 16, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Mario Marengo
- Medical Physics Department, University Hospital "S. Orsola-Malpighi", Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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Stanganelli I, Medri M, Tavaniello B, Marengo M, Mazzoni L, Salfi NC, Zannetti G. Presurgical assessment of a melanoma during pregnancy based on dermoscopy and confocal laser microscopy. GIORN ITAL DERMAT V 2016; 151:445-446. [PMID: 27348323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ignazio Stanganelli
- Skin Cancer Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST), IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy -
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Zagni F, Cesarini F, Lucconi G, Cicoria G, Pancaldi D, Infantino A, Vichi S, Marengo M. The concept of minimum detectable activity of radionuclide activity meters and their suitability for routine quality control of radiopharmaceuticals. An experimental study. Appl Radiat Isot 2016; 113:22-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2016.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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30
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Baudouin M, Marengo M, Pere A, Culioli JM, Santoni MC, Marchand B, Durieux EDH. Comparison of otolith and scale readings for age and growth estimation of common dentex Dentex dentex. J Fish Biol 2016; 88:760-766. [PMID: 26563912 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.12816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Three methods of age estimation were compared for Dentex dentex. Based on sectioned otoliths, scales appeared to be relevant only up to 5 years and whole otoliths up to 12 years. The maximum estimated age was 36 years, which constitutes to date the oldest age reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Baudouin
- University of Corsica Pasquale Paoli, UMR 6134 CNRS-UCPP Sciences pour l'Environnement, 20250 Corte, France
- University of Corsica Pasquale Paoli, UMS 3514 CNRS-UCPP Plateforme marine Stella Mare, 20620 Biguglia, France
| | - M Marengo
- University of Corsica Pasquale Paoli, UMR 6134 CNRS-UCPP Sciences pour l'Environnement, 20250 Corte, France
- University of Corsica Pasquale Paoli, UMS 3514 CNRS-UCPP Plateforme marine Stella Mare, 20620 Biguglia, France
| | - A Pere
- Station de Recherches Sous-marines et Océanographiques (STARESO), 20260 Calvi, France
| | - J-M Culioli
- Réserve Naturelle des Bouches de Bonifacio, Office de l'Environnement de la Corse, 20169 Bonifacio, France
| | - M-C Santoni
- Réserve Naturelle des Bouches de Bonifacio, Office de l'Environnement de la Corse, 20169 Bonifacio, France
| | - B Marchand
- University of Corsica Pasquale Paoli, UMR 6134 CNRS-UCPP Sciences pour l'Environnement, 20250 Corte, France
- University of Corsica Pasquale Paoli, UMS 3514 CNRS-UCPP Plateforme marine Stella Mare, 20620 Biguglia, France
| | - E D H Durieux
- University of Corsica Pasquale Paoli, UMR 6134 CNRS-UCPP Sciences pour l'Environnement, 20250 Corte, France
- University of Corsica Pasquale Paoli, UMS 3514 CNRS-UCPP Plateforme marine Stella Mare, 20620 Biguglia, France
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Zagni F, Evandri A, Cicoria G, Infantino A, Vichi S, Morigi M, Marengo M. Accurate Monte Carlo modeling of an activity meter using FLUKA. Phys Med 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2016.01.396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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32
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Lucconi G, Bentefour E, Deepak S, Weaver K, Moteabbed M, Romani F, Compagnone G, Marengo M, Lu H. validation of a method for in-vivo proton range verification in the treatment of pediatric medulloblastoma. Phys Med 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2016.01.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Infantino A, Marengo M, Baschetti S, Cicoria G, Longo Vaschetto V, Lucconi G, Massucci P, Vichi S, Zagni F, Mostacci D. Accurate Monte Carlo modeling of cyclotrons for optimization of shielding and activation calculations in the biomedical field. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2015.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Zagni F, Cicoria G, Lucconi G, Infantino A, Lodi F, Marengo M. Monte Carlo modeling provides accurate calibration factors for radionuclide activity meters. Appl Radiat Isot 2014; 94:158-165. [PMID: 25195174 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2014.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Accurate determination of calibration factors for radionuclide activity meters is crucial for quantitative studies and in the optimization step of radiation protection, as these detectors are widespread in radiopharmacy and nuclear medicine facilities. In this work we developed the Monte Carlo model of a widely used activity meter, using the Geant4 simulation toolkit. More precisely the "PENELOPE" EM physics models were employed. The model was validated by means of several certified sources, traceable to primary activity standards, and other sources locally standardized with spectrometry measurements, plus other experimental tests. Great care was taken in order to accurately reproduce the geometrical details of the gas chamber and the activity sources, each of which is different in shape and enclosed in a unique container. Both relative calibration factors and ionization current obtained with simulations were compared against experimental measurements; further tests were carried out, such as the comparison of the relative response of the chamber for a source placed at different positions. The results showed a satisfactory level of accuracy in the energy range of interest, with the discrepancies lower than 4% for all the tested parameters. This shows that an accurate Monte Carlo modeling of this type of detector is feasible using the low-energy physics models embedded in Geant4. The obtained Monte Carlo model establishes a powerful tool for first instance determination of new calibration factors for non-standard radionuclides, for custom containers, when a reference source is not available. Moreover, the model provides an experimental setup for further research and optimization with regards to materials and geometrical details of the measuring setup, such as the ionization chamber itself or the containers configuration.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Zagni
- Medical Physics Department, University Hospital "S. Orsola-Malpighi", Bologna, Italy; Postgraduate School in Medical Physics, Catholic University of Rome, Italy
| | - G Cicoria
- Medical Physics Department, University Hospital "S. Orsola-Malpighi", Bologna, Italy
| | - G Lucconi
- Medical Physics Department, University Hospital "S. Orsola-Malpighi", Bologna, Italy; Postgraduate School in Medical Physics, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Infantino
- Nuclear Engeneering Laboratory of Montecuccolino, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - F Lodi
- PET Radiopharmacy Unit, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Marengo
- Medical Physics Department, University Hospital "S. Orsola-Malpighi", Bologna, Italy
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Stanganelli I, Medri M, Tavaniello B, Marengo M, Mazzoni L, Salfi NC, Zannetti G. Pre-surgical assessment of a melanoma during pregnancy based on dermoscopy and confocal laser microscopy. GIORN ITAL DERMAT V 2014:R23Y9999N00A140034. [PMID: 25077887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- I Stanganelli
- Skin Cancer Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo studio e la cura dei tumori (IRST),IRCCS, Meldola, Italy -
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Belosi F, Cicoria G, Lodi F, Malizia C, Fanti S, Boschi S, Marengo M. Generator breakthrough and radionuclidic purification in automated synthesis of 68Ga-DOTANOC. Curr Radiopharm 2014; 6:72-7. [PMID: 23808765 DOI: 10.2174/1874471011306020002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Revised: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
68Ga labeled radiopharmaceuticals, like 68Ga-DOATNOC and other similar peptides, are gaining relevance in PET-CT, thanks to relatively easy local generator production, that do not requires an installed cyclotron. However, generator produced 68Ga is typically of suboptimal purity, mainly due to the breakthrough of the parent radionuclide 68Ge. Modern automated synthesis modules adopt both fractionation methods and purification methods in order to get rid of 68Ge breakthrough. Purification methods are mainly based on based on cationic prepurification even if anionic purification has been adopted as well. This work studies the efficacy of cationic prepurification using commercial STRATA-X-C, as well as distribution of the 68Ge contaminant during all steps of the synthesis of labeled peptides. Generator waste, STRATA-X-C purification cartridge, synthesis waste and the final product are quantitatively analyzed by means of high resolution gamma ray spectrometry. Our results show that current method of purification is highly effective; initial 68Ge breakthrough of the order of 1 kBq is decreased by a factor greater than 100, with removal of about 61% of the contaminant 68Ge in the first purification passage; this allow an efficient labeling, since removal of the remaining impurity happens during chelation in the reactor vessel. In conclusion, the synthesis with modular automated system resulted to reliably produce 68Ga-DOTANOC, with limited if any user intervention. 68Ge content in the final formulation results lower than 2x10(-7)%, avoiding unjustified patient irradiation due to radionuclidic impurities and satisfying quality prerequisites for radiopharmaceutical preparations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Belosi
- Medical Physics Department, University Hospital S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
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Lo Meo S, Cicoria G, Campanella F, Mattozzi M, Panebianco AS, Marengo M. Radiation dose around a PET scanner installation: comparison of Monte Carlo simulations, analytical calculations and experimental results. Phys Med 2014; 30:448-53. [PMID: 24440536 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2013.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Monte Carlo study of radiation transmission around areas surrounding a PET room. METHODS An extended population of patients administered with (18)F-FDG for PET-CT investigations was studied, collecting air kerma rate and gamma ray spectra measurements at a reference distance. An MC model of the diagnostic room was developed, including the scanner and walls with variable material and thickness. MC simulations were carried out with the widely used code GEANT4. RESULTS The model was validated by comparing simulated radiation dose values and gamma ray spectra produced by a volumetric source with experimental measurements; ambient doses in the surrounding areas were assessed for different combinations of wall materials and shielding and compared with analytical calculations, based on the AAPM Report 108. In the range 1.5-3.0 times of the product between the linear attenuation coefficient and thickness of an absorber (μ x), it was observed that the effectiveness of different combinations of shielding is roughly equivalent. An extensive tabulation of results is given in the text. CONCLUSIONS The validation tests performed showed a satisfactory agreement between the simulated and expected results. The simulated dose rates incident on, and transmitted by the walls in our model of PET scanner room, are generally in good agreement with analytical estimates performed using the AAPM Publication No. 108 method. This provides an independent confirmation of AAPM's approach. Even in this specific field of application, GEANT4 proved to be a relevant and accurate tool for dosimetry estimates, shielding evaluation and for general radiation protection use.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lo Meo
- ENEA, Via Martiri di Monte Sole 4, I-40129 Bologna, Italy.
| | - G Cicoria
- Medical Physics Department, Malpighi - S. Orsola University Hospital, Via Massarenti 9, I-40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - F Campanella
- Ionizing Radiation Laboratory, National Institution for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL), Via Fontana Candida 1, I-00040 Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy
| | - M Mattozzi
- Ionizing Radiation Laboratory, National Institution for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL), Via Fontana Candida 1, I-00040 Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy
| | - A S Panebianco
- Ionizing Radiation Laboratory, National Institution for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL), Via Fontana Candida 1, I-00040 Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy
| | - M Marengo
- Medical Physics Department, Malpighi - S. Orsola University Hospital, Via Massarenti 9, I-40138 Bologna, Italy
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Zagni F, Cesarini F, Lucconi G, Cicoria G, Pancaldi D, Infantino A, Vichi S, Marengo M. Experimental determination of minimum detectable activity for radionuclide activity meters. Phys Med 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2014.07.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Bernagozzi I, Antonini C, Villa F, Marengo M. Fabricating superhydrophobic aluminum: An optimized one-step wet synthesis using fluoroalkyl silane. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2013.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Antonini C, Villa F, Bernagozzi I, Amirfazli A, Marengo M. Drop rebound after impact: the role of the receding contact angle. Langmuir 2013; 29:16045-16050. [PMID: 24028086 DOI: 10.1021/la4012372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Data from the literature suggest that the rebound of a drop from a surface can be achieved when the wettability is low, i.e., when contact angles, measured at the triple line (solid-liquid-air), are high. However, no clear criterion exists to predict when a drop will rebound from a surface and which is the key wetting parameter to govern drop rebound (e.g., the "equilibrium" contact angle, θeq, the advancing and the receding contact angles, θA and θR, respectively, the contact angle hysteresis, Δθ, or any combination of these parameters). To clarify the conditions for drop rebound, we conducted experimental tests on different dry solid surfaces with variable wettability, from hydrophobic to superhydrophobic surfaces, with advancing contact angles 108° < θA < 169° and receding contact angles 89° < θR < 161°. It was found that the receding contact angle is the key wetting parameter that influences drop rebound, along with surface hydrophobicity: for the investigated impact conditions (drop diameter 2.4 < D0 < 2.6 mm, impact speed 0.8 < V < 4.1 m/s, Weber number 25 < We < 585), rebound was observed only on surfaces with receding contact angles higher than 100°. Also, the drop rebound time decreased by increasing the receding contact angle. It was also shown that in general care must be taken when using statically defined wetting parameters (such as advancing and receding contact angles) to predict the dynamic behavior of a liquid on a solid surface because the dynamics of the phenomenon may affect surface wetting close to the impact point (e.g., as a result of the transition from the Cassie-Baxter to Wenzel state in the case of the so-called superhydrophobic surfaces) and thus affect the drop rebound.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Antonini
- Department of Engineering, University of Bergamo , Viale Marconi 5, 24044 Dalmine (BG), Italy
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Antonini C, Bernagozzi I, Jung S, Poulikakos D, Marengo M. Water drops dancing on ice: how sublimation leads to drop rebound. Phys Rev Lett 2013; 111:014501. [PMID: 23863003 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.111.014501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2012] [Revised: 04/06/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Drop rebound is a spectacular event that appears after impact on hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surfaces but can also be induced through the so-called Leidenfrost effect. Here we demonstrate that drop rebound can also originate from another physical phenomenon, the solid substrate sublimation. Through drop impact experiments on a superhydrophobic surface, a hot plate, and solid carbon dioxide (commonly known as dry ice), we compare drop rebound based on three different physical mechanisms, which apparently share nothing in common (superhydrophobicity, evaporation, and sublimation), but lead to the same rebound phenomenon in an extremely wide temperature range, from 300 °C down to even below -79 °C. The formation and unprecedented visualization of an air vortex ring around an impacting drop are also reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Antonini
- Department of Engineering, University of Bergamo, Viale Marconi 5, 24044 Dalmine (BG), Italy
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Boschi S, Lodi F, Malizia C, Cicoria G, Marengo M. Automation synthesis modules review. Appl Radiat Isot 2013; 76:38-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2012.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2012] [Revised: 07/18/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Zagni F, D'Ambrosio D, Spinelli AE, Cicoria G, Fanti S, Marengo M. Accurate modeling of a DOI capable small animal PET scanner using GATE. Appl Radiat Isot 2013; 75:105-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2013.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 02/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Lopci E, D'Ambrosio D, Nanni C, Chiti A, Pession A, Marengo M, Fanti S. Feasibility of Carbidopa Premedication in Pediatric Patients: A Pilot Study. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2012; 27:729-33. [DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2012.1202.271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Egesta Lopci
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, IRCCS Humanitas (Rozzano), Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela D'Ambrosio
- Department of Medical Physiscs, University Hospital S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cristina Nanni
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Arturo Chiti
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, IRCCS Humanitas (Rozzano), Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Pession
- Department of Pediatric Onco-Hematology, University Hospital S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mario Marengo
- Department of Medical Physiscs, University Hospital S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Fanti
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Spinelli AE, Marengo M, Calandrino R, Sbarbati A, Boschi F. Optical imaging of radioisotopes: a novel multimodal approach to molecular imaging. Q J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2012; 56:280-290. [PMID: 22695338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In this review there will be presented an overview of the literature about the recent developments on radiotracers imaging using optical methods and their applications. We will begin with a short summary regarding the discovery of Cerenkov radiation (CR) and then focus on the early developments and experimental validation of planar Cerenkov luminescence imaging. A significant improvement in Cerenkov luminescence imaging was given by the development of tomographic methods in order to obtain in vivo whole body 3D images of Cerenkov sources. An interesting and original application discussed in this review is the use of CR as the excitation source of quantum dots and fluorophores. We will also present some recent experimental results on in vivo radio luminescence imaging of alpha and gamma emitters. All these results make optical radioisotopes imaging an interesting cost-effective tool for the screening of new probes for both imaging and therapeutic applications. Other interesting aspects are the uses of Cerenkov radiation for radiotherapy and for radiopharmaceuticals synthesis applications. We will conclude by summarising the most important results and the future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Spinelli
- Medical Physics Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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Abstract
Experimental investigation of pool boiling is conducted in stationary conditions over very smooth bronze surfaces covered by a very thin layer of gold presenting various surface treatments to isolate the role of wettability. We show that even with surfaces presenting mean roughness amplitudes below 10 nm the role of surface topography is of importance. The study shows also that wettability alone can trigger the boiling and that the boiling position on the surface can be controlled by chemical grafting using for instance alkanethiol. Moreover, boiling curves, that is, heat flux versus the surface superheat (which is the difference between the solid surface temperature and the liquid saturation temperature), are recorded and enabled to quantify, for this case, the significant reduction of the superheat at the onset of incipient boiling due to wettability.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Bourdon
- Laboratoire de Physique des Surfaces et des Interfaces, Université de Mons, Parc Initialis, Av. Copernic, 1, B-7000 Mons, Belgium
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Terranova N, Testoni R, Cicoria G, Mostacci D, Marengo M. Assessment of internal contamination hazard and fast monitoring for workers involved in maintenance operations on PET cyclotrons. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2011; 144:468-472. [PMID: 21051437 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncq327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
With the ever-increasing number of cyclotron installations, and therefore of the maintenance personnel involved, the possibility of swift, 'yes or no' screening for internal contamination becomes a prized asset. The present work presents one such procedure, evolved from an approximate whole body counting technique in widespread use in emergency situations. A detailed analysis of possible pathways for contamination leads to pinpointing the nuclides of interest. Different calibration methods are applied, showing moderate variation among them. The minimum detectable activity of order 1000 Bq is determined. The method proves sensitive enough to exclude significant contamination, or to identify its presence instantly 'on site' to prompt further in-depth investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Terranova
- Department of Energy, Nuclear and Environmental Control Engineering, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Abstract
Abstract
The radionuclide 89Zr (T
1/2=78.4ߙh) is particularly attractive for in vivo assessment of biochemical proesses characterized by biological half times in the order of several hours. In the present study we assessed the feasibility of 89Zr production via the 89Y(p,n)89Zr reaction. Irradiation tests were performed using a 16.5ߙMeV GE-PETtrace cyclotron. High purity (>99.9%) yttrium metallic foils (0.15ߙmm) were irradiated in a solid target station developed in our Institution. The literature cross section data of all the nuclear reactions possible in the energy range of interest were carefully studied to optimize the irradiation parameters. The irradiated target was dissolved in 1ߙN HCl and the activity of the sample was measured in a CRC-15 PET dose calibrator, setting different values for the calibration factor. The sample activity was then measured usin g a calibrated HPGe gamma ray detector. A comparison of the activity measurements allowed the evaluation of the calibration factor for the Capintec CRC-15 PET; for a 3ߙml syringe geometry, it was found 739±60. Saturation yields of 89Zr were found to be 1150±110ߙMBq/μA for a single 0.15ߙmm thick disc irradiation (E
p=12.6→11.2ߙMeV) and 2400±220ߙMBq/μA for irradiation of two discs of total thickness 0.3ߙmm (E
p=12.6→9.5MeV). Total produced activities in the range of 200–400ߙMBq (according to target thickness) were repeatedly and safely obtained by 60ߙmin bombardments at 20ߙμA. Analysis of gamma ray spectra of all the samples showed a very high radionuclidic purity (>99.9995%).
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Ciarmatori
- University Hospital S.Orsola-Malpighi, Medical Physics Dept., Bologna, Italien
| | | | - D. Pancaldi
- University Hospital S.Orsola-Malpighi, Medical Physics Dept., Bologna, Italien
| | - A. Infantino
- University Hospital S.Orsola-Malpighi, Medical Physics Dept., Bologna, Italien
| | - S. Boschi
- University Hospital S.Orsola-Malpighi, Nuclear Medicine Dept., Bologna, Italien
| | - S. Fanti
- University Hospital S.Orsola-Malpighi, Nuclear Medicine Dept., Bologna, Italien
| | - M. Marengo
- University Hospital S.Orsola-Malpighi, Medical Physics Dept., Bologna, Italien
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Infantino A, Cicoria G, Pancaldi D, Ciarmatori A, Boschi S, Fanti S, Marengo M, Mostacci D. Prediction of (89)Zr production using the Monte Carlo code FLUKA. Appl Radiat Isot 2010; 69:1134-7. [PMID: 21146416 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2010.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2010] [Revised: 11/27/2010] [Accepted: 11/28/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The widely used Monte Carlo simulation code FLUKA has been utilized to prototype a solid target for the production of (89)Zr by irradiation of a metallic (89)Y target foil in a 16.5MeV proton biomedical cyclotron, through the reaction (89)Y(p, n)(89)Zr. Simulations were performed with and without an Al energy degrader. In the setup of the geometry of the target, state of the art support tools, like SimpleGeo, were used for accurate, detailed modeling. The results permitted a quick assessment of all possible radionuclidic contaminants and confirmed that the use of an energy degrader avoids production of the most important impurity, (88)Zr. The estimated value for the activity produced in one hour of irradiation at 20μA is 384 ± 42MBq; this is encouraging, indicating possible production of clinically significant amounts of activity with the relatively simple target setup adopted. Initial experimental tests gave results in excellent agreement with simulations, confirming the usefulness and accuracy of FLUKA as a tool for the design and optimization of targets for the production of PET radionuclides.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Infantino
- University of Bologna, Montecuccolino Laboratory, via dei Colli 16, I-40136 Bologna, Italy
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Boschi F, Calderan L, D'Ambrosio D, Marengo M, Fenzi A, Calandrino R, Sbarbati A, Spinelli AE. In vivo ¹⁸F-FDG tumour uptake measurements in small animals using Cerenkov radiation. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2010; 38:120-7. [PMID: 20882278 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-010-1630-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2010] [Accepted: 09/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE 2-[(18)F]Fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ((18)F-FDG) is a widely used PET radiotracer for the in vivo diagnosis of several diseases such as tumours. The positrons emitted by (18)F-FDG, travelling into tissues faster than the speed of light in the same medium, are responsible for Cerenkov radiation (CR) emission which is prevalently in the visible range. The purpose of this study is to show that CR escaping from tumour tissues of small living animals injected with (18)F-FDG can be detected with optical imaging (OI) techniques using a commercial optical instrument equipped with charge-coupled detectors (CCD). METHODS The theory behind the Cerenkov light emission and the source depth measurements using CR is first presented. Mice injected with (18)F-FDG or saline solution underwent dynamic OI acquisition and a comparison between images was performed. Multispectral analysis of the radiation was used to estimate the depth of the source of Cerenkov light. Small animal PET images were also acquired in order to compare the (18)F-FDG bio-distribution measured using OI and PET scanner. RESULTS Cerenkov in vivo whole-body images of tumour-bearing mice and the measurements of the emission spectrum (560-660 nm range) are presented. Brain, kidneys and tumour were identified as a source of visible light in the animal body: the tissue time-activity curves reflected the physiological accumulation of (18)F-FDG in these organs. The identification is confirmed by the comparison between CR and (18)F-FDG images. CONCLUSION These results will allow the use of conventional OI devices for the in vivo study of glucose metabolism in cancer and the assessment, for example, of anti-cancer drugs. Moreover, this demonstrates that (18)F-FDG can be employed as it is a bimodal tracer for PET and OI techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Boschi
- Department of Morphological-Biomedical Sciences, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie N. 8, Verona, Italy.
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