Bandersnatch, ovvero sulla possibilità di altri futuri. Distopie e linee di fuga al tempo del realismo capitalista ricerca

This paper demonstrates that Bandersnatch (2018), an episode of the Black Mirror series, reflects the current condition of the subjectivities in the participative society of ‘capitalist realism’ (Fisher 2018). Additionally, the proposed study aims to shed light on the underlying idea of subversion or resistance promoted by Charlie Brooker, the screenwriter of the TV series. Since the film blends fiction and fact, we will firstly discuss how the episode has been constructed by Brooker and David Slade (the film director) focusing on references to past events. Secondly, we will argue that interactivity can be seen as a metaphor for the actual paradigm of participative politics. Then, we will discuss the connections between contemporary subjectivity (or, according to some scholars, ‘techné’) and the web (which is intended here as the connections between structure and human/non-human actors). Finally, we will present the idea of ‘retroactivism’, that is opening new possibilities of the imaginary (which is an essential element of the Bandersnatch episode). Additionally, we will discuss the idea of ‘capitalist realism’, that is the most coherent description of the actual society and the relevance of dystopia as a narrative that influences and shapes reality

Practical recommendations for the application of DE 59/2013

The changes introduced with Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom will require European Member States adapt their regulations, procedures and equipment to the new high standards of radiation safety. These new requirements will have an impact, in particular, on the radiology community (including medical physics experts) and on industry. Relevant changes include new definitions, a new dose limit for the eye lens, non-medical imaging exposures, procedures in asymptomatic individuals, the use and regular review of diagnostic reference levels (including interventional procedures), dosimetric information in imaging systems and its transfer to the examination report, new requirements on responsibilities, the registry and analysis of accidental or unintended exposure and population dose evaluation (based on age and gender distribution). Furthermore, the Directive emphasises the need for justification of medical exposure (including asymptomatic individuals), introduces requirements concerning patient information and strengthens those for recording and reporting doses from radiological procedures, the use of diagnostic reference levels, the availability of dose-indicating devices and the improved role and support of the medical physics experts in imaging

A simple and accurate dosimetry protocol to estimate activity for hyperthyroidism treatment

BACKGROUND: Aim of the study was to evaluate accuracy of different dosimetry protocols in estimating the required 131I activity to treat hyperthyroid patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty consecutive patients were analysed: twenty-eight Graves’ disease; twelve autonomous thyroid nodule (ATN). Maximum-uptake, effective half-time and residence-time were estimated from Radioiodine Uptake Test. Residence-time was estimated using a bi-compartmental model. For 131I activity calculation, algorithms laid down in European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM) guidelines, ICRP 53 approach and a mono-exponential formula (ME), were compared with OLINDA/EXM results. RESULTS: Based on EANM guidelines, activities to be administered were 3% higher in Graves’ disease (p = 0.001) and 3% higher in ATN (p = 0.046). Calculated activities using ICRP 53 approach were significantly lower compared to OLINDA/EXM: 33% in Graves’ disease; 17% in ATN. Activities recommended by ME, were significantly higher: in Graves’ disease 20%; 42% in ATN. CONCLUSIONS: Only EANM algorithm predict quite well, compared to OLINDA/EXM, the required activity to treat hyperthyroid patients

Methods for preparation and administration of lutetium-177 oxodotreotide 3.7 GBq: proceedings from an Italian advisory board

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Liquid spherical shells are a non-equilibrium steady state of active droplets

Liquid-liquid phase separation yields spherical droplets that eventually coarsen to one large, stable droplet governed by the principle of minimal free energy. In chemically fueled phase separation, the formation of phase-separating molecules is coupled to a fuel-driven, non-equilibrium reaction cycle. It thus yields dissipative structures sustained by a continuous fuel conversion. Such dissipative structures are ubiquitous in biology but are poorly understood as they are governed by non-equilibrium thermodynamics. Here, we bridge the gap between passive, close-to-equilibrium, and active, dissipative structures with chemically fueled phase separation. We observe that spherical, active droplets can undergo a morphological transition into a liquid, spherical shell. We demonstrate that the mechanism is related to gradients of short-lived droplet material. We characterize how far out of equilibrium the spherical shell state is and the chemical power necessary to sustain it. Our work suggests alternative avenues for assembling complex stable morphologies, which might already be exploited to form membraneless organelles by cells

A multi-center output factor intercomparison to uncover systematic inaccuracies in small field dosimetry

Large uncertainties in output factor (OF) small fields dosimetry motivated multicentric studies. The focus of the study was the determination of the OFs, for different linacs and radiosurgery units, using new-generation detectors. Intercomparison studies between radiotherapy centers improved quality dosimetry practices. Results confirmed the effectiveness of the studies to uncover large systematic inaccuracies in small field dosimetry. Keywords: Multicentric studies, Small field dosimetry, Output factor

a simple and accurate dosimetry protocol to estimate activity for hyperthyroidism treatment

BACKGROUND: Aim of the study was to evaluate accuracy of different dosimetry protocols in estimating the required 131I activity to treat hyperthyroid patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty consecutive patients were analysed: twenty-eight Graves' disease; twelve autonomous thyroid nodule (ATN). Maximum-uptake, effective half-time and residence-time were estimated from Radioiodine Uptake Test. Residence-time was estimated using a bi-compartmental model. For 131I activity calculation, algorithms laid down in European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM) guidelines, ICRP 53 approach and a mono-exponential formula (ME), were compared with OLINDA/EXM results. RESULTS: Based on EANM guidelines, activities to be administered were 3% higher in Graves' disease (p = 0.001) and 3% higher in ATN (p = 0.046). Calculated activities using ICRP 53 approach were significantly lower compared to OLINDA/EXM: 33% in Graves' disease; 17% in ATN. Activities recommended by ME, were significantly higher: in Graves' disease 20%; 42% in ATN. CONCLUSIONS: Only EANM algorithm predict quite well, compared to OLINDA/EXM, the required activity to treat hyperthyroid patients

Renal progenitor cells revert LPS-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition by secreting CXCL6, SAA4, and BPIFA2 antiseptic peptides

Endothelial dysfunction is a hallmark of LPS-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Endothelial cells (ECs) acquired a fibroblast-like phenotype and contributed to myofibroblast generation through the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) process. Of note, human adult renal stem/progenitor cells (ARPCs) enhance the tubular regenerative mechanism during AKI but little is known about their effects on ECs. Following LPS exposure, ECs proliferated, decreased EC markers CD31 and vascular endothelial cadherin, and up-regulated myofibroblast markers, collagen I, and vimentin. The coculture with ARPCs normalized the EC proliferation rate and abrogated the LPS-induced EndMT. The gene expression analysis showed that most of the genes modulated in LPS-stimulated ARPCs belong to cell activation and defense response pathways. We showed that the ARPC-specific antifibrotic effect is exerted by the secretion of CXCL6, SAA4, and BPIFA2 produced after the anaphylatoxin stimulation. Next, we investigated the molecular signaling that underlies the ARPC protective mechanism and found that renal progenitors diverge from differentiated tubular cells and ECs in myeloid differentiation primary response 88-independent pathway activation. Finally, in a swine model of LPS-induced AKI, we observed that activated ARPCs secreted CXCL6, SAA4, and BPIFA2 as a defense response. These data open new perspectives on the treatment of both sepsis- and endotoxemia-induced AKI, suggesting an underestimated role of ARPCs in preventing endothelial dysfunction and novel strategies to protect the endothelial compartment and promote kidney repair.-Sallustio, F., Stasi, A., Curci, C., Divella, C., Picerno, A., Franzin, R., De Palma, G., Rutigliano, M., Lucarelli, G., Battaglia, M., Staffieri, F., Crovace, A., Pertosa, G. B., Castellano, G., Gallone, A., Gesualdo, L. Renal progenitor cells revert LPS-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition by secreting CXCL6, SAA4, and BPIFA2 antiseptic peptides