Resonant laser ionization and mass separation of Ac.

[Formula: see text]Ac is a radio-isotope that can be linked to biological vector molecules to treat certain distributed cancers using targeted alpha therapy. However, developing [Formula: see text]Ac-labelled radiopharmaceuticals remains a challenge due to the supply shortage of pure [Formula: see text]Ac itself. Several techniques to obtain pure [Formula: see text]Ac are being investigated, amongst which is the high-energy proton spallation of thorium or uranium combined with resonant laser ionization and mass separation.

Efficient Production of High Specific Activity Thulium-167 at Paul Scherrer Institute and CERN-MEDICIS.

Thulium-167 is a promising radionuclide for nuclear medicine applications with potential use for both diagnosis and therapy ("theragnostics") in disseminated tumor cells and small metastases, due to suitable gamma-line as well as conversion/Auger electron energies. However, adequate delivery methods are yet to be developed and accompanying radiobiological effects to be investigated, demanding the availability of Tm in appropriate activities and quality. We report herein on the production of radionuclidically pure Tm from proton-irradiated natural erbium oxide targets at a cyclotron and subsequent ion beam mass separation at the CERN-MEDICIS facility, with a particular focus on the process efficiency.

Mesh Versus Patch Repair for Epigastric and Umbilical Hernia (MORPHEUS Trial); One-Year Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Design: This trial is a randomized controlled, patient-blinded, multicentre, superiority trial.

Methods: All patients ≥18 years with a single, symptomatic and primary umbilical or epigastric hernia (<2 fingers) qualified for participation in the study. Flat polypropylene mesh repair was compared to patch repair (PROCEED Ventral Patch) (PVP).

A modified Chevrel technique for ventral hernia repair: long-term results of a single centre cohort.

Purpose: To evaluate the short- and long-term results after a modified Chevrel technique for midline incisional hernia repair, regarding surgical technique, hospital stay, wound complications, recurrence rate, and postoperative quality of life. These results will be compared to the literature derived reference values regarding the original and modified Chevrel techniques.

Methods: In this large retrospective, single surgeon, single centre cohort all modified Chevrel hernia repairs between 2000 and 2012 were identified.

A European curriculum for nurses working in haemophilia.

Introduction: Currently, there is no consensus on education required to develop haemophilia nursing. The aim was to develop a curriculum for haemophilia nurses that could be used as a resource in Europe. This could form a basis for continuous professional development and used in the preparation of specialized educational programmes.

Mesh Or Patch for Hernia on Epigastric and Umbilical Sites (MORPHEUS trial): study protocol for a multi-centre patient blinded randomized controlled trial.

Background: Evidence is accumulating that, similar to other ventral hernias, umbilical and epigastric hernias must be mesh repaired. The difficulties involved in mesh placement and in mesh-related complications could be the reason many small abdominal hernias are still primary closed. In laparoscopic repair, a mesh is placed intraperitoneally, while the most common procedure is open surgery is pre-peritoneal mesh placement.

A consecutive series of 235 epigastric hernias.

Background: Epigastric herniation is a common, though not always symptomatic condition. It is likely, that in accordance to the tension-free principles for other hernias, epigastric hernia repair should be mesh based.

Methods: Patients from two large hospitals were investigated retrospectively if they were operated on an epigastric hernia for the past 6 years.

Hand muscle atrophy and digital ischemia as an unusual presentation of an occluded aberrant right subclavian artery: Endovascular or open approach?

Introduction: An aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) or lusorian artery is one of the most common variations of the aortic arch. Although usually without symptoms, some ARSA's occasionally become symptomatic.

Presentation Of Case: A 51-year old woman presented with a painful right middle finger.

Removable and repositionable covered metal self-expandable stents for leaks after upper gastrointestinal surgery: experiences in a tertiary referral hospital.

Background: Anastomotic leakages are severe complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery with serious morbidity and mortality. Until recently, only abscess drainage was possible. Since 2007, removable and repositionable covered metal self-expandable stents (RReCoMSeS) have been used in our hospital to cover leaks.

Addition of biological therapies to palliative chemotherapy prolongs survival in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal origin.

Objectives: Combination chemotherapy regimens have shown promising results in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. However, only very few studies have studied the effect of palliative chemotherapy in peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) and no data are present incorporating biological therapies in the treatment of PC in colorectal cancer.

Methods: By means of merging with the regional Eindhoven Cancer Registry, all consecutive patients diagnosed with synchronous PC of colorectal origin since the year 2000 treated with palliative chemotherapy in our hospital were included.

C-reactive protein concentration is associated with prognosis in patients suffering from peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal origin.

Purpose: Only a limited number of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) of colorectal origin benefit from palliative chemotherapy. Identification of prognostic factors may aid in patient selection. The plasma concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) is increasingly recognized as prognostic factor in a variety of malignancies.

Ghrelin is suppressed by glucagon and does not mediate glucagon-related growth hormone release.

Background: Glucagon stimulation is routinely used as a provocative test to assess growth hormone (GH) sufficiency in pediatrics. Ghrelin also markedly stimulates GH secretion. Because glucagon stimulates the promoter of the ghrelin gene in vitro as well as ghrelin secretion by the perfused rat stomach, we sought to determine whether ghrelin mediates glucagon-induced GH secretion.