PURPOSE HDR (60)Co system has recently been developed and utilized for brachytherapy in many countries outside of the U.S. as an alternative to (192)Ir. In addition, the AccuBoost(®) technique has been demonstrated to be a successful non-invasive image-guided breast brachytherapy treatment option. The goal of this project is to evaluate the possibility of utilizing the BEBIG HDR (60)Co system f...

OBJECTIVES Occupational exposure of organophosphorus pesticides, such as chlorpyrifos (CPF), in adolescents is of particular concern because of the potential vulnerability of the developing neurological system. The objectives of this study were to examine how neurological symptoms reported over the application season vary across time, whether these effects are reversible postapplication and if ...

PURPOSE To evaluate the clinical feasibility and safety of hepatic radiofrequency (RF) ablation using a multipolar RF system permitting the simultaneous use of up to six electrodes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten patients (3 female, 7 male, mean age 61) suffering from 29 hepatic metastases (range: 1 - 5) of different tumors were treated with a modified multipolar RF system (CelonLab Power, Celon M...

The purpose of this study was to compare the dosimetric properties of small field electron beams shaped by circular Cerrobend blocks and stainless steel tubular applicators. Percentage depth dose curves, beam profiles, and output factors of small-size circular fields from 2 to 5 cm diameter, obtained either by tubular applicators and Cerrobend blocks, were measured for 6, 10, and 15 MeV electro...

A number of heating sources are available for minimally invasive thermal therapy of tumours. The purpose of this work was to compare, theoretically, the heating characteristics of interstitial microwave, laser and ultrasound sources in three tissue sites: breast, brain and liver. Using a numerical method, the heating patterns, temperature profiles and expected volumes of thermal damage were cal...

Accounting for brachytherapy applicator attenuation is part of the recommendations from the recent report of AAPM Task Group 186. To do so, model based dose calculation algorithms require accurate modelling of the applicator geometry. This can be non-trivial in the case of irregularly shaped applicators such as the Fletcher Williamson gynaecological applicator or balloon applicators with possib...

PURPOSE Historically, treatment of malignant surface lesions has been achieved with linear accelerator based electron beams or superficial x-ray beams. Recent developments in the field of brachytherapy now allow for the treatment of surface lesions with specialized conical applicators placed directly on the lesion. Applicators are available for use with high dose rate (HDR)(192)Ir sources, as w...

Abstract Background Strict adherence to antiretroviral-based microbicide use is important for effective HIV prevention. We previously developed a composite measure of product adherence, protocol compliance, and semen exposure determining vaginal tenofovir (TFV) 1% gel applicators through biomarkers residual drug analyses. In this study, we tested the ability in vaginally used TFV from Phase III...

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an experimental therapy for the treatment of superficial cancer using laser light. In PDT a uniform light distribution is usually required for an optimal therapeutic effect. To irradiate part of the oral cavity uniformly for PDT, two prototype applicators were built, each for a different lower jaw. The applicators made use of the light transmitted through the wall ...

either a college degree in biological sciences or extensive related work experience. To become certified as applicators, technicians must pass an additional set of category exams. Depending on the State, applicators must attend additional classes every 1 to 6 years to be recertified. Applicators with several years of experience often become supervisors. To qualify as a pest control supervisor, ...