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11 pages, 403 KB  
Article
General Characteristics of Papillary Thyroid Cancer Among Adolescents and Young Adults: A Single Large Center Experience
by Elabbass A. Abdelmahmuod, Mohamad Abufaied, Shehab F. Mohamed, Nada Elharabi, Ahmed Elmudathir Osman, Rafal Al-Shibly, Raghad Bataineh, Maab F. Elhaj, Dabia Al-Mohanadi, Mohammed Bashir and Tania Jaber
Endocrines 2026, 7(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/endocrines7010002 - 19 Jan 2026
Viewed by 405
Abstract
Background: Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) incidence is rising, particularly among Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA, 15–39 years). However, data on PTC characteristics in the AYA population, especially from the Middle East, remain limited. This study aims to describe the clinicopathological features of [...] Read more.
Background: Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) incidence is rising, particularly among Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA, 15–39 years). However, data on PTC characteristics in the AYA population, especially from the Middle East, remain limited. This study aims to describe the clinicopathological features of PTC in AYA patients treated at a large tertiary center in Qatar. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for AYA patients diagnosed with PTC between May 2015 and December 2020 at Hamad General Hospital, Qatar. Data on demographics, tumor characteristics, histopathology, staging, risk stratification, and treatment were extracted and analyzed. We stratified the cohort based on sex. Results: We studied 326 AYA patients (mean age 33.0 ± 5.2 years); the majority were females (72.7%) and were mostly of Asian origin (51.5%). Most patients underwent total thyroidectomy (77.6%), while 22.4% underwent partial thyroidectomy. Histologically, classic PTC was most common (83.38%), followed by the follicular variant (16.00%). Capsule invasion occurred in 21.04%, vascular invasion in 11.76%, and lymphatic invasion in 14.38%. Most patients were at low ATA risk (68.61%), with intermediate (20.06%) and high risk (11.33%) less common. Distant metastases were rare (0.3%), and 59.1% received Radioactive iodine (RAI). Compared to females, males had larger tumors (mean 2.65 cm vs. 2.01 cm, p = 0.0009), higher rates of vascular invasion (22.4% vs. 7.7%, p < 0.001), affected lymph nodes (mean 4.2 vs. 2.4, p = 0.0223), and ATA high-risk proportions (23.5% vs. 7.0%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study provides the first detailed characterization of PTC in AYA patients from Qatar. While confirming female predominance, males exhibited more aggressive features (larger tumors, higher LN involvement, and ATA risk). These findings emphasize the need to consider gender-specific differences in managing PTC within the AYA population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Thyroid Endocrinology)
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14 pages, 1088 KB  
Article
Combined Serum IL-6 and CYFRA 21-1 as Potential Biomarkers for Radon-Associated Lung Cancer Risk: A Pilot Study
by Narongchai Autsavapromporn, Aphidet Duangya, Pitchayaponne Klunklin, Imjai Chitapanarux, Chutima Kranrod, Churdsak Jaikang, Tawachai Monum and Shinji Tokonami
Biomedicines 2025, 13(9), 2145; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13092145 - 3 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1356
Abstract
Background: Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is increasingly recognized as a major risk factor for lung cancer (LC), especially among non-smokers. The objective of this study was to identify serum biomarkers for the early detection of LC in individuals at high [...] Read more.
Background: Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is increasingly recognized as a major risk factor for lung cancer (LC), especially among non-smokers. The objective of this study was to identify serum biomarkers for the early detection of LC in individuals at high risk due to prolonged residential radon exposure in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and to assess whether the use of single or combined biomarkers improves the sensitivity and specificity of detection. Methods: A total of 15 LC patients and 30 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. The HC group was further stratified into two subgroups: low radon (LR, n = 15) and high radon (HR, n = 15) exposure. All participants were non-smokers or former smokers. Serum levels of cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA 21-1), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha), and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO-1) were measured using the Milliplex® Kit on a Luminex® Multiplexing Instrument (MAGPIX® System). Results: Serum CEA, IL-6 and IL-8 levels were significantly higher in LC patients compared to the HC group (p < 0.05). Among analyzed biomarkers, only IL-8 was significantly elevated in LC patients compared to the HR group (p = 0.04). Notably, CYFRA 21-1 was the only biomarker that significantly differed between LR and HR groups (p = 0.004). The diagnostic potential of these biomarkers was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Individually, IL-6 showed the highest discriminative ability for differentiating LC patients from both HC and HR groups, with high specificity but moderate sensitivity. Combining IL-6 and IL-8 improved specificity and increased the area under the ROC curve (AUC), though it did not enhance sensitivity for distinguishing LC from HC. For distinguishing LC from HR individuals, IL-6 and CYFRA 21-1 exhibited strong diagnostic performance. Their combination significantly improved diagnostic accuracy, yielding the highest AUC, sensitivity, and specificity. In contrast, CEA, IL-8, TGF-alpha, and IDO-1 demonstrated limited diagnostic utility. Conclusions: Based on the available literature, this is the first study to evaluate the combined use of IL-6 and CYFRA 21-1 as potential biomarkers for LC screening in individuals with high residential radon exposure. Our findings highlight their utility, particularly in combination, for improving diagnostic accuracy in this high-risk population. Full article
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11 pages, 1430 KB  
Article
Determination of Trace 55Fe and 63Ni in Steel Samples via Liquid Scintillation Counting
by Giada Gandolfo, Maria Letizia Cozzella, Tiziana Guarcini and Giuseppe Augusto Marzo
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8264; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158264 - 25 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1092
Abstract
In the decommissioning of nuclear facilities, activated steel often contains radionuclides such as 55Fe and 63Ni, which are categorized as hard-to-measure due to their emission of only low-energy beta particles or X-rays. In samples exhibiting very low radioactivity, close to background [...] Read more.
In the decommissioning of nuclear facilities, activated steel often contains radionuclides such as 55Fe and 63Ni, which are categorized as hard-to-measure due to their emission of only low-energy beta particles or X-rays. In samples exhibiting very low radioactivity, close to background levels, a large quantity of steel must undergo extensive physical and chemical processing to achieve the Minimum Detectable Activity Concentration (MDC) necessary for clearance, recycling, or reuse. Italian regulations set particularly stringent clearance levels for these radionuclides (1 Bq/g for both 55Fe and 63Ni), significantly lower than those specified in the EU Directive 2013/59 (1000 Bq/g for 55Fe and 100 Bq/g for 63Ni). Additionally, Italian authorities may enforce even stricter limits depending on specific circumstances. The analytical challenge is compounded by the presence of large amounts of non-radioactive Fe and Ni, which can cause color quenching, further extending analysis times. This study presents a reliable and optimized method for the quantitative determination of 55Fe and 63Ni in steel samples with activity levels approaching regulatory thresholds. The methodology was specifically developed and applied to steel from the Frascati Tokamak Upgrade (FTU) facility, under decommissioning by ENEA. The optimization process demonstrated that achieving the required MDCs necessitates acquisition times of approximately 5 days for 55Fe and 6 h for 63Ni, ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory requirements and supporting efficient laboratory workflows. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radioactive Waste Treatment and Environment Recovery)
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10 pages, 899 KB  
Article
Clinical and Pathologic Characteristics of Cytologically Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules with Non-V600E BRAF Alterations
by Ryan Instrum, Christina E. Swartzwelder, Ronald A. Ghossein, Bin Xu, Babak Givi, Richard J. Wong, Brian R. Untch and Luc G. T. Morris
Cancers 2025, 17(5), 741; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17050741 - 22 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1643
Abstract
Background: Molecular assays serve as a potential risk stratification tool for cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules (ITNs). BRAF V600E mutations are nearly always associated with thyroid cancer. However, the malignancy risk for ITNs with other less common BRAF alterations is less well understood. In this [...] Read more.
Background: Molecular assays serve as a potential risk stratification tool for cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules (ITNs). BRAF V600E mutations are nearly always associated with thyroid cancer. However, the malignancy risk for ITNs with other less common BRAF alterations is less well understood. In this retrospective cohort study, we examine the risk of malignancy (ROM), histopathologic diagnoses, and clinical outcomes for non-V600E BRAF-altered ITNs. Methods: Genomic profiling data obtained from 1034 pre-operative fine-needle aspiration samples from 955 patients were reviewed. Nodules harboring BRAF V600E were excluded. Clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic data were analyzed retrospectively from BRAF-altered ITNs managed surgically at one comprehensive cancer center (2014–2024). Diagnoses were subdivided based on American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk categories. Results: Thirty-seven patients (3.9%) with non-V600E BRAF-altered ITNs were identified (isolated BRAF mutation: n = 29 [78.4%], BRAF + other mutation: n = 3 [8.1%], BRAF fusion: n = 4 [10.8%], BRAF-like gene expression: n = 1 [2.7%]). All BRAF mutations identified in the cohort were class II (RAS-independent, intermediate to high kinase activity). Nodules had a median pre-operative diameter of 1.8 cm (interquartile range [IQR] 1.4–2.5). Patients presented with nodal metastases in 2.7% (n = 1) of cases, and local invasion was not identified in any patients in the cohort. Approximately half of patients (54.1%) were initially treated with a partial thyroidectomy (lobectomy: n = 17 [45.9%], isthmusectomy: n = 3 [8.1%]), and the remaining patients underwent total thyroidectomy (n = 17 [45.9%]). Median post-operative follow-up was 28 months (IQR 17.8–45.5). ROM for BRAF alterations was 73% (95%CI 59–87%; ATA low risk: 64.9%/ATA int risk: 5.4%/ATA high risk: 2.7%). There were no high-risk cancers identified in patients with isolated BRAF mutation (benign: n = 10 [34.5%], ATA low risk: n = 19 [65.5%]), and the most common isolated mutation was K601E (n = 17, 45.9%) which had a 58.8% ROM (all ATA low risk). Patients with isolated BRAF mutations had a significantly lower rate of ATA intermediate or high risk pathology when compared to all other BRAF alterations (0% vs. 37.5%, p = 0.0072). Only three patients were treated with radioactive iodine post-operatively (8.1%), and no completion thyroidectomy procedures were performed in those who did not initially undergo total thyroidectomy. No patients in the cohort were found to have distant metastatic disease or recurrence, and there were no deaths during the follow-up interval. Conclusions: ITNs harboring non-V600E BRAF alterations were rare (3.9% of patients) and typically malignant (73%). Nearly all nodules were benign or ATA low-risk cancers. Only 8% of such nodules were ATA intermediate or high risk cancers. In ITNs with isolated non-V600E BRAF and no other genetic alterations, one-third were non-malignant, and all cancers were ATA low risk. In the appropriate clinical context, thyroid lobectomy or active surveillance can be considered for initial management of non-V600E BRAF-altered ITNs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition: Molecular Testing for Thyroid Nodules and Cancer)
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9 pages, 3534 KB  
Article
Radiolabeling and Preliminary In Vivo Evaluation of the Candidate CCR2 Targeting PET Radioligand [11C]AZD2423
by Kenneth Dahl, Peter Johnström, Miklós Tóth, Martin Bolin, Katarina Varnäs, Ryuji Nakao, Akihiro Takano, Yasir Khani Meynaq, Malken Bayrakdarian, Zsolt Cselényi, Christer Halldin, Lars Farde and Magnus Schou
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(2), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18020135 - 21 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1604
Abstract
Background: AZD2423 is a high-affinity and selective negative allosteric modulator of the chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2). This receptor plays important roles in the extravasation and transmigration of monocytes under inflammatory conditions. The aims of the current positron emission tomography (PET) study were [...] Read more.
Background: AZD2423 is a high-affinity and selective negative allosteric modulator of the chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2). This receptor plays important roles in the extravasation and transmigration of monocytes under inflammatory conditions. The aims of the current positron emission tomography (PET) study were as follows: (i) to develop an efficient synthetic method for labeling AZD2423 with carbon-11 (11C, t1/2 = 20.4 min) and (ii) to evaluate its potential to visualize CCR2 binding in the non-human primate (NHP) brain. Methods: [11C]AZD2423 was synthesized using a novel two-step, two-pot [11C]carbon monoxide carbonylation procedure. PET imaging studies in NHPs (n = 2) were conducted to assess its brain penetration and in vivo distribution. Results: Radiolabeling of [11C]AZD2423 was accomplished with good yield (7.4 ± 0.6%, n = 4) and high radiochemical purity (>99%) using [11C]carbon monoxide. Preliminary PET imaging in NHPs revealed low [11C]AZD2423 brain exposure under both baseline and pretreatment conditions (SUVpeak = 0.4, n = 2). However, high concentrations of radioactivity were observed in organs outside the brain at baseline, e.g., the thyroid gland (SUVpeak = 3.3, n = 2), parotid gland (SUVpeak = 3.4, n = 2), and submandibular gland (SUVpeak = 4.4, n = 2). This radioactivity was markedly reduced following pretreatment with AZD2423 (3.0 mg/kg), indicating specific binding of [11C]AZD2423 to CCR2 in vivo. The presence of specific CCR2 binding was further validated using two-tissue compartment modeling, which demonstrated a 59–63% reduction in the total volume of distribution values in the analyzed peripheral tissues. Conclusions: Altogether, [11C]AZD2423 shows potential as a PET radioligand for the in vivo visualization of CCR2 expression in tissues outside the brain and may also serve as a lead compound for the further development of a CCR2 PET radioligand suitable for brain imaging. Full article
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8 pages, 581 KB  
Guidelines
Approach to Hyperthyroidism
by Raisa Chowdhury, Sena Turkdogan, Jennifer A. Silver, Jessica Hier, Stuart Bursey, Danah Quttaineh, Mark Khoury and Lamiae Himdi
J. Otorhinolaryngol. Hear. Balance Med. 2024, 5(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/ohbm5020020 - 10 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 11960
Abstract
Background: Hyperthyroidism, characterized by excessive thyroid hormone production, presents in diverse clinical forms, including overt and subclinical disease. Accurate and timely diagnosis is critical to prevent complications such as cardiac dysfunction, osteoporosis, and thyroid storm. Objective: To provide a comprehensive review of the [...] Read more.
Background: Hyperthyroidism, characterized by excessive thyroid hormone production, presents in diverse clinical forms, including overt and subclinical disease. Accurate and timely diagnosis is critical to prevent complications such as cardiac dysfunction, osteoporosis, and thyroid storm. Objective: To provide a comprehensive review of the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and management strategies for hyperthyroidism, focusing on current practices, advancements, and challenges in treatment. Methods: This review synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed literature on the diagnosis and management of hyperthyroidism. Results: Thyroid function tests (TFTs) are the cornerstone of hyperthyroidism diagnosis, with suppressed TSH levels and elevated T3 and/or T4 levels confirming overt disease. Thyroid receptor antibodies (TRAb) are critical for diagnosing autoimmune hyperthyroidism and predicting relapse risk. Iodine scintigraphy is utilized in specific cases, such as suspected toxic adenoma or multinodular goiter. Management strategies include beta-blockers for symptomatic relief, though side effects such as bradycardia and fatigue may occur. Antithyroid medications, including methimazole and propylthiouracil, inhibit hormone synthesis, with remission more likely in patients with low TRAb levels and small goiters. Definitive treatments include radioactive iodine therapy (RAI), which effectively reduces thyroid activity but often results in hypothyroidism, and thyroidectomy, a surgical option for large goiters or malignancy, with potential complications like hypocalcemia and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Conclusions: The management of hyperthyroidism necessitates a personalized approach integrating diagnostic precision, emerging innovations, and patient-centered care. Full article
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20 pages, 9041 KB  
Article
Theranostic Potential of the iPSMA-Bombesin Radioligand in Patients with Metastatic Prostate Cancer: A Pilot Study
by Sofía González-Rueda, Osvaldo García-Pérez, Myrna Luna-Gutiérrez, Blanca Ocampo-García, Clara Santos-Cuevas, Gerardo Ramírez-Nava, Joel Vargas-Ahumada, Erika Azorín-Vega, Guillermina Ferro-Flores and Laura Meléndez-Alafort
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(11), 1358; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16111358 - 24 Oct 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3009
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Prostate cancer (PC) represents the second most diagnosed form of cancer in men on a global scale. Despite the theranostic efficacy of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) radioligands, there is a spectrum of PC disease in which PSMA expression is low or absent. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Prostate cancer (PC) represents the second most diagnosed form of cancer in men on a global scale. Despite the theranostic efficacy of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) radioligands, there is a spectrum of PC disease in which PSMA expression is low or absent. The gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR), also known as the bombesin type 2 receptor, has been identified as a target in both the early and advanced stages of PC. The objective of this study was to prepare and preclinically evaluate [99mTc]Tc-iPSMA-Bombesin ([99mTc]Tc-iPSMA-BN), estimate dosimetry in healthy subjects, and assess the diagnostic efficacy of the radiotracer in patients with metastatic PC, with the hypothesis of non-inferiority to one of the gold standards, [18F]-PSMA-1007. Moreover, the potential of [99mTc]Tc-iPSMA-BN as a theranostic pair with [177Lu]Lu-iPSMA-BN was investigated. Methods: [99mTc]Tc-iPSMA-BN was prepared under GMP conditions with radiochemical purities > 95%, showing specific recognition by PSMA and GRP receptors in prostate cancer cells and mice bearing PC tumors. Six healthy volunteers were enrolled, and [99mTc]Tc-iPSMA-BN SPECT/CT imaging (740 MBq) was performed to estimate the dosimetry. The pilot clinical study included seven mCRPC and four mCSPC patients with prior androgen deprivation therapy. All patients had a recent [18F]-PSMA-PET/CT scan and were enrolled in this prospective study on their own signed behalf. Volumetric lesion target-to-background ratios (TBRs) were obtained from PET/CT and SPECT/CT images. Results: [99mTc]Tc-iPSMA-BN effective radiation dose was 1.94 ± 0.39 mSv/740 MBq. A total of 178 lesions were detected via CT, 162 via [18F]-PSMA-1007 PET, and 155 via [99mTc]Tc-iPSMA-BN SPECT. Three patients with mCRPC had higher TBR values on SPECT than on PET. [99mTc]Tc-iPSMA-BN appears to have better lesion detection in patients with aggressive histologic transformation. Two-way ANOVA analysis revealed a significant difference in TBR values between patients with mCRPC and mCSPC (p < 0.05) but no difference between [18F]-PSMA-1007 and [99mTc]Tc-iPSMA-BN (p > 0.05). In one patient, [177Lu]Lu-iPSMA-BN showed a high correlation with [99mTc]Tc-iPSMA-BN for lesions that concentrated radioactivity. Conclusions: [99mTc]Tc-iPSMA-BN SPECT/CT is a promising alternative not only for diagnostic purposes but also for broadening the spectrum of PC patients who may benefit from radionuclide theranostics. The results justify the development of a clinical trial involving a significant number of patients with PC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Radiopharmaceuticals for Disease Diagnoses and Therapy)
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14 pages, 3276 KB  
Article
Comparative Uptake Patterns of Radioactive Iodine and [18F]-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in Metastatic Differentiated Thyroid Cancers
by Devan Diwanji, Emmanuel Carrodeguas, Youngho Seo, Hyunseok Kang, Myat Han Soe, Janet M. Chiang, Li Zhang, Chienying Liu, Spencer C. Behr and Robert R. Flavell
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(13), 3963; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13133963 - 6 Jul 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2328
Abstract
Background: Metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) represents a molecularly heterogeneous group of cancers with varying radioactive iodine (RAI) and [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake patterns potentially correlated with the degree of de-differentiation through the so-called “flip-flop” phenomenon. However, it is unknown if RAI [...] Read more.
Background: Metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) represents a molecularly heterogeneous group of cancers with varying radioactive iodine (RAI) and [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake patterns potentially correlated with the degree of de-differentiation through the so-called “flip-flop” phenomenon. However, it is unknown if RAI and FDG uptake patterns correlate with molecular status or metastatic site. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of metastatic DTC patients (n = 46) with radioactive 131-iodine whole body scan (WBS) and FDG-PET imaging between 2008 and 2022 was performed. The inclusion criteria included accessible FDG-PET and WBS studies within 1 year of each other. Studies were interpreted by two blinded radiologists for iodine or FDG uptake in extrathyroidal sites including lungs, lymph nodes, and bone. Cases were stratified by BRAF V600E mutation status, histology, and a combination of tumor genotype and histology. The data were analyzed by McNemar’s Chi-square test. Results: Lung metastasis FDG uptake was significantly more common than iodine uptake (WBS: 52%, FDG: 84%, p = 0.04), but no significant differences were found for lymph or bone metastases. Lung metastasis FDG uptake was significantly more prevalent in the papillary pattern sub-cohort (WBS: 37%, FDG: 89%, p = 0.02) than the follicular pattern sub-cohort (WBS: 75%, FDG: 75%, p = 1.00). Similarly, BRAF V600E+ tumors with lung metastases also demonstrated a preponderance of FDG uptake (WBS: 29%, FDG: 93%, p = 0.02) than BRAF V600E− tumors (WBS: 83%, FDG: 83%, p = 1.00) with lung metastases. Papillary histology featured higher FDG uptake in lung metastasis (WBS: 39%, FDG: 89%, p = 0.03) compared with follicular histology (WBS: 69%, FDG: 77%, p = 1.00). Patients with papillary pattern disease, BRAF V600E+ mutation, or papillary histology had reduced agreement between both modalities in uptake at all metastatic sites compared with those with follicular pattern disease, BRAF V600E− mutation, or follicular histology. Low agreement in lymph node uptake was observed in all patients irrespective of molecular status or histology. Conclusions: The pattern of FDG-PET and radioiodine uptake is dependent on molecular status and metastatic site, with those with papillary histology or BRAF V600E+ mutation featuring increased FDG uptake in distant metastasis. Further study with an expanded cohort may identify which patients may benefit from specific imaging modalities to recognize and surveil metastases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Oncology)
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15 pages, 3060 KB  
Review
Current Advances in Radioactive Iodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
by Fabio Volpe, Carmela Nappi, Emilia Zampella, Erica Di Donna, Simone Maurea, Alberto Cuocolo and Michele Klain
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(7), 3870-3884; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31070286 - 3 Jul 2024
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 11370
Abstract
Background: Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients have an outstanding overall long-term survival rate, and certain subsets of DTC patients have a very high likelihood of disease recurrence. Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy is a cornerstone in DTC management, but cancer cells can eventually develop [...] Read more.
Background: Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients have an outstanding overall long-term survival rate, and certain subsets of DTC patients have a very high likelihood of disease recurrence. Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy is a cornerstone in DTC management, but cancer cells can eventually develop resistance to RAI. Radioactive iodine-refractory DTC (RAIR-DTC) is a condition defined by ATA 2015 guidelines when DTC cannot concentrate RAI ab initio or loses RAI uptake ability after the initial therapy. The RAIR condition implies that RAI cannot reveal new met-astatic foci, so RAIR-DTC metabolic imaging needs new tracers. 18F-FDG PET/CT has been widely used and has demonstrated prognostic value, but 18F-FDG DTC avidity may remain low. Fibroblast activation protein inhibitors (FA-Pi)s, prostatic-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), and somatostatin receptor (SSTR) tracers have been proposed as theragnostic agents in experimental settings and Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptides in the diagnostic trial field. Multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors are relatively new drugs approved in RAIR-DTC therapy. Despite the promising targeted setting, they relate to frequent adverse-event onset. Sorafenib and trametinib have been included in re-differentiation protocols aimed at re-inducing RAI accumulation in DTC cells. Results appear promising, but not excellent. Conclusions: RAIR-DTC remains a challenging nosological entity. There are still controversies on RAIR-DTC definition and post-RAI therapy evaluation, with post-therapy whole-body scan (PT-WBS) the only validated criterion of response. The recent introduction of multiple diagnostic and therapeutic agents obliges physicians to pursue a multidisciplinary approach aiming to correct drug introduction and timing choice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Recent Advances in Anticancer Strategies)
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29 pages, 1163 KB  
Review
Taxonomic Diversity and Functional Traits of Soil Bacterial Communities under Radioactive Contamination: A Review
by Elena Belykh, Tatiana Maystrenko, Ilya Velegzhaninov, Marina Tavleeva, Elena Rasova and Anna Rybak
Microorganisms 2024, 12(4), 733; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040733 - 3 Apr 2024
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3443
Abstract
Studies investigating the taxonomic diversity and structure of soil bacteria in areas with enhanced radioactive backgrounds have been ongoing for three decades. An analysis of data published from 1996 to 2024 reveals changes in the taxonomic structure of radioactively contaminated soils compared to [...] Read more.
Studies investigating the taxonomic diversity and structure of soil bacteria in areas with enhanced radioactive backgrounds have been ongoing for three decades. An analysis of data published from 1996 to 2024 reveals changes in the taxonomic structure of radioactively contaminated soils compared to the reference, showing that these changes are not exclusively dependent on contamination rates or pollutant compositions. High levels of radioactive exposure from external irradiation and a high radionuclide content lead to a decrease in the alpha diversity of soil bacterial communities, both in laboratory settings and environmental conditions. The effects of low or moderate exposure are not consistently pronounced or unidirectional. Functional differences among taxonomic groups that dominate in contaminated soil indicate a variety of adaptation strategies. Bacteria identified as multiple-stress tolerant; exhibiting tolerance to metals and antibiotics; producing antioxidant enzymes, low-molecular antioxidants, and radioprotectors; participating in redox reactions; and possessing thermophilic characteristics play a significant role. Changes in the taxonomic and functional structure, resulting from increased soil radionuclide content, are influenced by the combined effects of ionizing radiation, the chemical toxicity of radionuclides and co-contaminants, as well as the physical and chemical properties of the soil and the initial bacterial community composition. Currently, the quantification of the differential contributions of these factors based on the existing published studies presents a challenge. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Microbiology)
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8 pages, 520 KB  
Communication
The Study of Radioactive Contaminations within the Production Processes of Metal Titanium for Low-Background Experiments
by Marina Zykova, Elena Voronina, Alexander Chepurnov, Mikhail Leder, Maria Kornilova, Alexey Tankeev, Sergey Vlasov, Alexander Chub, Albert Gangapshev, Ali Gezhaev, Dzhamilya Tekueva and Igor Avetisov
Materials 2024, 17(4), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17040832 - 9 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1884
Abstract
Ultra-low-radioactivity titanium alloys are promising materials for the manufacture of low-background detectors which are being developed for experiments in astroparticle physics and neutrino astrophysics. Structural titanium is manufactured on an industrial scale from titanium sponge. The ultra-low-background titanium sponge can be produced on [...] Read more.
Ultra-low-radioactivity titanium alloys are promising materials for the manufacture of low-background detectors which are being developed for experiments in astroparticle physics and neutrino astrophysics. Structural titanium is manufactured on an industrial scale from titanium sponge. The ultra-low-background titanium sponge can be produced on an industrial scale with a contamination level of less than 1 mBq/kg of uranium and thorium isotopes. The pathways of contaminants during the industrial production of structural titanium were analyzed. The measurements were carried out using two methods: inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and gamma spectroscopy using high-purity germanium detectors (HPGes). It was shown that the level of contamination with radioactive impurities does not increase during the remelting of titanium sponge and mechanical processing. We examined titanium alloy samples obtained at different stages of titanium production, namely an electrode compaction, a vacuum arc remelting with a consumable electrode, and a cold rolling of titanium sheets. We found out that all doped samples that were studied would be a source of uranium and thorium contamination in the final titanium alloys. It has been established that the only product allowed obtaining ultra-low-background titanium was the commercial VT1-00 alloy, which is manufactured without master alloys addition. The master alloys in the titanium production process were found cause U/Th contamination. Full article
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11 pages, 1330 KB  
Article
Purification of Lithium Carbonate from Radioactive Contaminants Using a MnO2-Based Inorganic Sorbent
by Olga Gileva, Pabitra Aryal, JunSeok Choe, Yena Kim, Yeongduk Kim, Eunkyung Lee, Moo Hyun Lee, Vitaly Milyutin, KeonAh Shin and Hyojin Yeon
Inorganics 2023, 11(10), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics11100410 - 16 Oct 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2871
Abstract
The possibility of deep radiochemical purification of Li2CO3 has been examined in the context of the purification program of the AMoRE collaboration. In this experiment, commercial Li2CO3 was converted into LiNO3. Co-precipitation with inorganic salt-based [...] Read more.
The possibility of deep radiochemical purification of Li2CO3 has been examined in the context of the purification program of the AMoRE collaboration. In this experiment, commercial Li2CO3 was converted into LiNO3. Co-precipitation with inorganic salt-based carriers followed by membrane filtration and sorption using MDM inorganic sorbent methods were tested for the removal of alkaline-earth and transition metals, potassium, magnesium, aluminum, uranium, thorium, and radium. The calcium molybdate-based carrier was the most efficient for removing Th, U, and K. Subsequently, the radium, calcium, and barium contamination was removed with MDM sorbent. After the impurities’ removal, the final Li2CO3 product was synthesized with NH4HCO3 sludge. The separation factors were derived by means of ICP-MS and HPGe analyses of the initial material and the intermediate and final products. The study showed the optimum conditions of co-precipitation and sorption to reach a high yield and radiopurity of lithium carbonate used for low-radioactive-background experiments. The developed method is an important step toward performing next-generation large-scale (1-ton) neutrino experiments using Li-containing detectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Inorganic Materials)
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6 pages, 790 KB  
Proceeding Paper
Machine Learning Methods for Super-Kamiokande Solar Neutrino Classification
by Alejandro Yankelevich
Phys. Sci. Forum 2023, 8(1), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/psf2023008042 - 18 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1708
Abstract
Super-Kamiokande (SK) has observed 8B solar neutrino recoil electrons at kinetic energies as low as 3.49 MeV to study neutrino flavor conversion within the sun. At SK-observable energies, these conversions are dominated by the Mikheyev–Smirnov–Wolfenstein (MSW) effect. An “upturn” in the electron [...] Read more.
Super-Kamiokande (SK) has observed 8B solar neutrino recoil electrons at kinetic energies as low as 3.49 MeV to study neutrino flavor conversion within the sun. At SK-observable energies, these conversions are dominated by the Mikheyev–Smirnov–Wolfenstein (MSW) effect. An “upturn” in the electron neutrino survival probability in which vacuum neutrino oscillations become dominant is predicted to occur at lower energies, but radioactive background increases exponentially with decreasing energy. New machine learning approaches, including convolutional neural networks trained on photomultiplier tube data and boosted decision trees trained on reconstructed variables, provide substantial background reduction in the 2.49–3.49 MeV energy region such that the statistical extraction of solar neutrino interactions becomes feasible. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 23rd International Workshop on Neutrinos from Accelerators)
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5 pages, 710 KB  
Proceeding Paper
Calibration Strategy for the JUNO Experiment
by Davide Basilico
Phys. Sci. Forum 2023, 8(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/psf2023008031 - 1 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1541
Abstract
Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) is a 20 kton liquid scintillator-based neutrino experiment, being built in the Guangdong province in Southern China. JUNO will act as a multipurpose observatory for neutrinos produced by artificial and natural sources. The detector calibration is a crucial [...] Read more.
Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) is a 20 kton liquid scintillator-based neutrino experiment, being built in the Guangdong province in Southern China. JUNO will act as a multipurpose observatory for neutrinos produced by artificial and natural sources. The detector calibration is a crucial and challenging tile for the success of the JUNO rich physics programme; its strategy is based on the periodical deployment of radioactive sources within the liquid scintillator. The hardware design consists of several independent and low-background subsystems able to deploy the sources in multiple positions, to optimize the energy resolution and to provide a detailed assessment of the detector energy response. By exploiting this comprehensive calibration program, along with a dual calorimetry technique based on two independent photosensor systems, the JUNO central detector will be able to achieve a better than 1% energy linearity and a 3% effective energy resolution, which are crucial requirements for the neutrino mass ordering determination. In the following, the JUNO calibration strategy and requirements, along with the system hardware design and the simulation results, will be outlined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 23rd International Workshop on Neutrinos from Accelerators)
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15 pages, 1725 KB  
Proceeding Paper
CEνNS Experiment Proposal at CSNS
by Chenguang Su, Qian Liu and Tianjiao Liang
Phys. Sci. Forum 2023, 8(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/psf2023008019 - 24 Jul 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1639
Abstract
The detection and cross-section measurement of Coherent Elastic Neutrino–Nucleus Scattering (CEvNS) are vital for particle physics, astrophysics, and nuclear physics. Therefore, a new CEvNS detection experiment is proposed in China. Undoped CsI crystals, each coupled with two Photon Multiplier Tubes (PMTs), will be [...] Read more.
The detection and cross-section measurement of Coherent Elastic Neutrino–Nucleus Scattering (CEvNS) are vital for particle physics, astrophysics, and nuclear physics. Therefore, a new CEvNS detection experiment is proposed in China. Undoped CsI crystals, each coupled with two Photon Multiplier Tubes (PMTs), will be cooled down to 77 K and placed at the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) to detect the CEvNS signals produced by neutrinos from stopped pion decays occurring within the Tungsten target of CSNS. Owing to the extremely high light yield of pure CsI at 77 K, even though it only has a neutrino flux 60% weaker than the COHERENT experiment, the detectable signal event rate is still expected to be 0.074/day/kg (0.053/day/kg for COHERENT). Low-radioactivity materials and devices will be used to construct the detector, and strong shielding will be applied to reduce the radioactive and neutron background. Dual-PMT readout should be able to reject PMT dark count background. Using all the strategies mentioned above, we hope to reach a 5.1σ signal detection significance within six months of data collection with four 3 kg CsI. This paper will discuss the experiment’s design, as well as the estimation of the signal, various kinds of background, and expected signal sensitivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 23rd International Workshop on Neutrinos from Accelerators)
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