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We present the model we developed to reconstruct the CUORE radioactive background based on the analysis of an experimental exposure of 1038.4 kg yr. The data reconstruction relies on a simultaneous Bayesian fit applied to energy spectra over a broad energy range. The high granularity of the CUORE detector, together with the large exposure and extended stable operations, allow for an in-depth exploration of both spatial and time dependence of backgrounds. We achieve high sensitivity to both bulk and surface activities of the materials of the setup, detecting levels as low as 10 nBq kg-1 and 0.1 nBq cm-2, respectively. We compare the contamination levels we extract from the background model with prior radio-assay data, which informs future background risk mitigation strategies. The results of this background model play a crucial role in constructing the background budget for the CUPID experiment as it will exploit the same CUORE infrastructure.

Background: Patient outcomes were assessed 2 years after treatment with the Optilume BPH Catheter System, a minimally invasive surgical therapy for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)., Methods: One-hundred forty-eight adult males with symptomatic BPH were enrolled and randomized in a 2:1 fashion to Optilume BPH or Sham (100 Optilume BPH; 48 Sham). Long-term measures include International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), peak urinary flow rate (Qmax), Post-Void Residual Urine (PVR), quality of life measures and sexual function. Follow-up beyond one year was limited to those treated with Optilume BPH., Results: At 2 years, 67.5% (56/83 CI 56.3%, 77.4%) of participants in the Optilume BPH arm were symptomatic responders as defined by ≥30% improvement in IPSS without medical or surgical retreatment. IPSS significantly improved from 23.4 ± 5.5 (n = 100) to 11.0 ± 7.0 (n = 74). Qmax improved by 116.8.% (8.9 ± 2.2 (n = 97) to 19.0 ± 16.3 (n = 65)), while PVR showed a slight reduction (83.7 ± 70.3 (n = 99) to 65.9 ± 74.5 (n = 65)). Improvement in uroflowmetry measures was consistent across all prostate volumes. BPH-II improved from 7.0 ± 2.9 (n = 98) to 2.3 ± 2.5 at 1 year (n = 89) and remained consistent at 2.3 ± 2.9 at the 2-years (n = 74), representing a 53.9% improvement. IPSS QoL also improved from 4.6 ± 1.3 (n = 100) at baseline to 2.2 ± 1.5 (n = 74). The most common adverse events reported in the Optilume BPH arm were hematuria and urinary tract infection (UTI). No device and/or treatment related serious adverse events were reported occurring beyond 12 months post-procedure. There was no impact to sexual function., Conclusions: In the PINNACLE study, participants treated with the Optilume BPH Catheter System demonstrated continued and durable results at 2 years, affirming tolerability, safety, and the enduring effectiveness. The Optilume BPH Catheter System provides lasting results that are comparable to the more invasive therapies, while preserving the advantages with being a minimally invasive therapy., Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04131907., (© 2024. The Author(s).)