Positron emitting radionuclides are used to label different compounds, allowing the study of the major biological systems using PET (positron emission tomography) imaging. Although there are several radionuclides suited for PET imaging, routine clinical applications are still based on a restrict group constituted by ¹⁸F, ¹¹C, and, more recently, ⁶⁸Ga. However, with the enlarged availability of low-energy cyclotrons and technical improvements in radionuclide production, the use of unconventional radionuclides is progressively more common. Several examples of unconventional radionuclides for PET imaging are being suggested, and ⁴⁵Ti could be suggested as a model, due to its interesting properties such as its abundant positron emission (85%), reduced positron energy (β⁺ endpoint energy = 1040 keV), physical half-life of 3.09 h, and interesting chemical properties. This review aims to introduce the role of cyclotrons in the production of unconventional radionuclides for PET imaging while using ⁴⁵Ti as an example to explore the potential biomedical applications of those radionuclides in PET imaging.

Sustainable development is an approach that must be applied to all areas within healthcare, especially those in constant technological development, such as nuclear medicine. The aim of this study was to scope the literature to identify knowledge gaps in the sustainable development of the nuclear medicine field. The Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews was employed. A search strategy was conducted in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science in December 2024 using Mesh terms and keywords related to sustainability development and nuclear medicine. Three independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full text. Four authors performed the data extraction and analysis. A total of 36 studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority originated from Spain, and most were published in 2022 and 2023. Studies were categorised by procedure type: 33.3 % focused on therapy, 9.7 % on PET imaging, 33.3 % on diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and 18.1 % on SPECT imaging. They were also categorised by location to include research conducted in hospital settings (n = 23), non-hospital settings (n = 8), both (n = 4) or none (n = 1). Reviewed studies implemented sustainability measures across the sustainability pillars: environmental (n = 30), economic (n = 12), and social (n = 9) pillars. This scoping review has highlighted the growing interest in sustainability, within the nuclear medicine field. Findings indicate that there is a strong emphasis on reducing environmental impact, with efforts such as waste minimisation, implementation of alternative discharge methods, and radionuclide extraction systems gaining popularity; however, further evidence is needed to understand the economic and social impact of nuclear medicine procedures. The scoping review identified a range of strategies focused on mitigating the adverse impact on the environment and working towards efficient economic and social resources, to foster sustainable practices in nuclear medicine.

The FORCE initiative, funded by the EU, was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on radiography education. It offers a virtual learning environment (VLE) filled with clinical simulation scenarios targeting Diagnostic Imaging, Nuclear Medicine, and Radiotherapy. These scenarios are designed to provide open-access, simulation-based learning (SBL) resources that help radiography undergraduates engage in problem-based learning across relevant clinical knowledge and professional awareness. This study presents the results of an online survey aimed at evaluating the FORCE VLE and SBL resources to guide future development. The survey targeted academic and clinical staff in Radiography and student Radiographers. It was based on the Course Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) and modified to include topics relevant to online learning, using a five-point Likert Scale (LS). The questionnaire consisted of four sections: research information and consent; socio-demographic data; LS-based questions on case structure, content, interactivity, technical aspects, multimedia quality, and overall experience; and open-text responses. Of the 407 invited participants, 109 (27 %) responded, with 77 % being students and 23 % clinical or academic radiographers from 13 countries. English proficiency was reported by 76 % of respondents. The median LS was consistently 4 across all categories, indicating high satisfaction. Content analysis of 159 open-text comments revealed 139 positive opinions on the SBL resources. The FORCE VLE SBL resources were highly regarded for their interactivity, applicability, and support in consolidating knowledge and enhancing patient care. Suggestions for improvement were minor, mainly focusing on navigation and specific content preferences. Expanding the availability of online SBL cases could enhance Radiographer education and promote inclusivity across the field.