When economy meets ecology, is it truly conflicted? A dashboard approach to assess the sustainability performance of European tropical tuna purse seine fisheries.

The development of an ecosystem approach to fisheries management makes the assessment of the sustainability performance of fisheries a priority. This study examines European tropical tuna purse seine fleets as a case study, employing a multidisciplinary dashboard approach to evaluate historical and current sustainability performances. The aim is to enhance comprehension of the interconnected dimensions of sustainability and pinpoint management policy priorities. Using 18 indicators, we assessed the environmental, economic and social sustainability performances of European tropical tuna purse seine fleets, comparing them with other industrial tropical tuna fishing fleets in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The analysis also explored the temporal trend of sustainability performance for European tuna purse seiners from 2009 to 2019. Our results suggest that, compared with gillnetters and longliners, purse seiners and baitboats have a greater species-based selectivity, thereby catching fewer endangered, threatened or protected species, but a lower mature tuna catch rate, thus capturing more juveniles. We identify likely gaps in bycatch data reported by fishing on fish aggregating devices (FADs), due to results regarding selectivity and discard rates that appear inconsistent in the light of the scientific literature. The greater use of FADs, likely caused by the global tuna market, by purse seiner seems result in decreased ecological performances, as suggested by an increased carbon footprint per tonne landed. At the same time, it implies a better economic performance on the short-term, with higher net profit, energy efficiency (fuel consumed relative to monetary value created) and catch. For our case study, Ecology and Economy might seem to be in conflict for short-term perspective. However, consideration of the long-term impacts of FAD fishing and market incentives for fishing on free schools should lead purse seiner fleets to reduce drifting FAD fishing and promote more sustainable fishing practices.

Technical note: A simple method for patient-specific quality assurance for lateral targets on a 1.5 T MR-Linac.

The Elekta Unity magnetic resonance (MR) linac is limited to longitudinal couch motion and a sagittal-only laser, which restricts the ability to perform patient-specific quality assurance (PSQA) intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) measurements for very lateral targets. This work introduces a simple method to perform PSQA using the Sun Nuclear ArcCheck-MR phantom at left and right lateral positions without additional equipment or in-house construction. The proposed setup places the center of the phantom 1.3 cm vertical and 12.9 cm lateral to isocenter in either the left or right direction. Computed tomography (CT) scans are used to simulate the setup and create a QA plan template in the Monaco treatment planning system (TPS). The workflow is demonstrated for four patients, with an average axial distance from the center of the bore to the planning target volume (PTV) of 12.4 cm. Gamma pass rates were above 94% for all plans using global 3%/2 mm gamma criterion with a 10% threshold. Setup uncertainties are slightly larger for the proposed lateral setup compared to the centered setup on the Elekta platform (∼1 mm compared to ∼0.5 mm), but acceptable pass rates are achievable without optimizing shifts in the gamma analysis software. In general, adding the left and right lateral positions increases the axial area in the bore encompassed by the cylindrical measurement array by 147%, substantially increasing the flexibility of measurements for offset targets. Based on this work, we propose using the lateral QA setup if the closest distance to the PTV edge from isocenter is larger than the array radius (10.5 cm) or the percent of the PTV encompassed by the diode array would be increased with the lateral setup compared to the centered setup.

A Technique to Enable Efficient Adaptive Radiation Therapy: Automated Contouring of Prostate and Adjacent Organs.

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to investigate the use of a segmentation approach that could potentially improve the speed and reproducibility of contouring during magnetic resonance-guided adaptive radiation therapy. Methods and Materials: The segmentation algorithm was based on a hybrid deep neural network and graph optimization approach that also allows rapid user intervention (Deep layered optimal graph image segmentation of multiple objects and surfaces [LOGISMOS] + just enough interaction [JEI]). A total of 115 magnetic resonance-data sets were used for training and quantitative assessment. Expert segmentations were used as the independent standard for the prostate, seminal vesicles, bladder, rectum, and femoral heads for all 115 data sets. In addition, 3 independent radiation oncologists contoured the prostate, seminal vesicles, and rectum for a subset of patients such that the interobserver variability could be quantified. Consensus contours were then generated from these independent contours using a simultaneous truth and performance level estimation approach, and the deviation of Deep LOGISMOS + JEI contours to the consensus contours was evaluated and compared with the interobserver variability. Results: The absolute accuracy of Deep LOGISMOS + JEI generated contours was evaluated using median absolute surface-to-surface distance which ranged from a minimum of 0.20 mm for the bladder to a maximum of 0.93 mm for the prostate compared with the independent standard across all data sets. The median relative surface-to-surface distance was less than 0.17 mm for all organs, indicating that the Deep LOGISMOS + JEI algorithm did not exhibit a systematic under- or oversegmentation. Interobserver variability testing yielded a mean absolute surface-to-surface distance of 0.93, 1.04, and 0.81 mm for the prostate, seminal vesicles, and rectum, respectively. In comparison, the deviation of Deep LOGISMOS + JEI from consensus simultaneous truth and performance level estimation contours was 0.57, 0.64, and 0.55 mm for the same organs. On average, the Deep LOGISMOS algorithm took less than 26 seconds for contour segmentation. Conclusions: Deep LOGISMOS + JEI segmentation efficiently generated clinically acceptable prostate and normal tissue contours, potentially limiting the need for time intensive manual contouring with each fraction.

MRI-Guided High-Dose-Rate Gynecologic Brachytherapy Using an MR-Linac as an MR Simulator: A Single Institutional Experience.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to commission the use of a magnetic resonance linear accelerator (MR-linac; Unity) for imaging of gynecologic high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy. This included optimizing imaging protocols and workflow development. METHODS AND MATERIALS: T1-weighted and T2-weighted HDR imaging protocols were optimized on the Unity for HDR gynecologic imaging and treatment planning. Phantom measurements using these protocols were performed to determine geometric distortion and to assess reconstruction accuracy of the applicator compared with the ground truth computed tomography image. A treatment plan was created within the treatment planning system that was then delivered to a phantom. New workflows were developed which were tested with a full dry run with a healthy volunteer including patient transfer, anesthesia considerations, and data transfer. Validation of the workflow was completed on 1 patient who received imaging on both the Unity magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and on a dedicated 3 Tesla MRI simulator. RESULTS: Imaging analysis results were favorable with MR-linac images with a maximum distortion of 0.96 mm and a 1.36-mm over a 350-mm diameter spherical volume on the T1- and T2-weighted images, respectively, and the maximum effect of the applicator was 0.36 ppm of the main magnetic field. Reconstruction uncertainties of the Venezia applicator's tandem and 2 lunar-ovoids on the MR-linac images were within the 2-mm tolerance of the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements Report 89. Treatment planning and delivery was performed on the MR-HDR quality assurance phantom without issue. Dry run and healthy volunteer imaging showed adequate performance of both vital monitoring and HDR equipment. For the patient for which both the Unity MRI and 3 Tesla images were acquired, 95.78% and 95.80% of the high risk clinical target volume received 100% of the dose, respectively. Both plans were considered clinically acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: Unity MR-linac images were successfully used in gynecologic HDR brachytherapy treatment planning, and a usable workflow was established.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Iron Metabolism with T2* Mapping Predicts an Enhanced Clinical Response to Pharmacologic Ascorbate in Patients with GBM.

PURPOSE: Pharmacologic ascorbate (P-AscH-) is hypothesized to be an iron (Fe)-dependent tumor-specific adjuvant to chemoradiation in treating glioblastoma (GBM). This study determined the efficacy of combining P-AscH- with radiation and temozolomide in a phase II clinical trial while simultaneously investigating a mechanism-based, noninvasive biomarker in T2* mapping to predict GBM response to P-AscH- in humans. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The single-arm phase II clinical trial (NCT02344355) enrolled 55 subjects, with analysis performed 12 months following the completion of treatment. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method and compared across patient subgroups with log-rank tests. Forty-nine of 55 subjects were evaluated using T2*-based MRI to assess its utility as an Fe-dependent biomarker. RESULTS: Median OS was estimated to be 19.6 months [90% confidence interval (CI), 15.7-26.5 months], a statistically significant increase compared with historic control patients (14.6 months). Subjects with initial T2* relaxation < 50 ms were associated with a significant increase in PFS compared with T2*-high subjects (11.2 months vs. 5.7 months, P < 0.05) and a trend toward increased OS (26.5 months vs. 17.5 months). These results were validated in preclinical in vitro and in vivo model systems. CONCLUSIONS: P-AscH- combined with temozolomide and radiotherapy has the potential to significantly enhance GBM survival. T2*-based MRI assessment of tumor iron content is a prognostic biomarker for GBM clinical outcomes. See related commentary by Nabavizadeh and Bagley, p. 255.

Datasets for the environmental assessment of an apple value chain including fresh fruits, juice and applesauce from an organic low-input production farm.

Due to societal concerns, assess the environmental impacts, address the issues and provide labelling to the consumer are growing issues for the agri-food sector. In this context, provide datasets specific to alternative systems is crucial to be able to take into account the variability between systems then address their issues and label them appropriately. This data paper compiles all the data used to produce the life cycle assessment (LCA) environmental of an organic low-input apple value chain including the cultivation of apples at farm, the transformation of a part into juice and applesauce, the retail and the consumption stages. The raw data have mostly been obtained through interviews of the farmer and complemented by literature. They have been used to build a life cycle inventory (LCI), using Agribalyse 3.0 and Ecoinvent 3.8 as background databases. The dataset also compiles the life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) using the characterization method EF3.0. As discussed in an associated scientific paper, this dataset participates in filling two gaps: integrate the variability between systems in the discussion and link upstream (at farm) and downstream (transformation, retail, consuming) impacts. This is done by (1) covering the entire value chain from cradle to grave when most papers found in literature focusses on one stage (e.g. the cultivation of apples) and (2) applying LCA to a system that present specificities not well covered by LCA literature (e.g. low-input cultivation with no fertilization up to now).

Datasets on the nutritional and environmental (including biodiversity) characteristics of food products consumed in France.

Analysing the nutritional and environmental impacts of our current diets and promoting sustainable dietary shifts require quantified data on the characteristics of foods. We have jointly studied environmental and nutritional performances of more than 200 generic foods consumed in France, by combining and completing different databases. Several environmental issues calculated by Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) were selected, including impacts on biodiversity. This required to (1) model diets for given subpopulations; (2) adapt the LCA database of food products, Agribalyse 3.0, to link selected food and environmental inventories (3) compile characterization factors to assess impacts on biodiversity. Additionally, modifying Agribalyse 3.0 required to also modify the characterization method on Land Competition. This data paper compiles all the data used to obtain the results presented in the companion article entitled: Environmental trade-offs of fulfilling nutritionally adequacy with reduced animal protein share for French adult populations[1]; i.e. (i) the characterization methods used, (ii) the modifications made to Agribalyse 3.0 and (iii) the nutrient content and quantities consumed of generic foods (iv) the optimized quantities of simulated diets reaching nutrient recommendations with low share of animal-based proteins. It also comprises (iv) Life Cycle Impact Assessment for all Agribalyse 3.0 processes of food having a CIQUAL code (2,497 processes).

Intra-fraction motion of pelvic oligometastases and feasibility of PTV margin reduction using MRI guided adaptive radiotherapy.

Purpose: This study assesses the impact of intra-fraction motion and PTV margin size on target coverage for patients undergoing radiation treatment of pelvic oligometastases. Dosimetric sparing of the bowel as a function of the PTV margin is also evaluated. Materials and methods: Seven patients with pelvic oligometastases previously treated on our MR-linac (35 Gy in 5 fractions) were included in this study. Retrospective adaptive plans were created for each fraction on the daily MRI datasets using PTV margins of 5 mm, 3 mm, and 2 mm. Dosimetric constraint violations and GTV coverage were measured as a function of PTV margin size. The impact of intra-fraction motion on GTV coverage was assessed by tracking the GTV position on the cine MR images acquired during treatment delivery and creating an intra-fraction dose distribution for each IMRT beam. The intra-fraction dose was accumulated for each fraction to determine the total dose delivered to the target for each PTV size. Results: All OAR constraints were achieved in 85.7%, 94.3%, and 100.0% of fractions when using 5 mm, 3 mm, and 2 mm PTV margins while scaling to 95% PTV coverage. Compared to plans with a 5 mm PTV margin, there was a 27.4 ± 12.3% (4.0 ± 2.2 Gy) and an 18.5 ± 7.3% (2.7 ± 1.4 Gy) reduction in the bowel D0.5cc dose for 2 mm and 3 mm PTV margins, respectively. The target dose (GTV V35 Gy) was on average 100.0 ± 0.1% (99.6 - 100%), 99.6 ± 1.0% (97.2 - 100%), and 99.0 ± 1.4% (95.0 - 100%), among all fractions for the 5 mm, 3 mm, and 2 mm PTV margins on the adaptive plans when accounting for intra-fraction motion, respectively. Conclusion: A 2 mm PTV margin achieved a minimum of 95% GTV coverage while reducing the dose to the bowel for all patients.

Life cycle inventory and life cycle impact assessment datasets of PDO Feta production in Stymfalia region, Greece.

Considering and reducing the environmental impacts has become one of the main concerns of agri-food systems. More specifically, the agri-food sector is increasingly confronted to the necessity of quantifying environmental impacts, e.g., to eco-design their products or to inform the consumers. Literature shows a high variability in environmental impacts between existing systems, as for example between cheeses and the necessity of more case studies to validate statements. In this context, this data paper provides some data related to Feta production in Greece, based on 8 farms of a cooperative (7 sheep livestock and one goat livestock). Feta cheese is PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), composed solely of goat's milk and sheep's milk under specific percentages (at least 70% sheep). More specifically, the data paper displays all the data used to obtain environmental impacts (calculated by using life cycle assessment (LCA)) of the production of Feta, from cradle to consumer. It includes the - sheep and goat - milk productions, the transformation into cheese, the packaging and the transport to wholesalers, then stores and then consumers. The raw data have mostly been obtained through interviews and surveys with the cheese and milk producers and complemented by literature. Data were used to build a life cycle inventory (LCI). For the milk production, the LCI was modeled using MEANS InOut software. For the whole LCI, Agribalyse 3.0 and Ecoinvent 3.8 were used as background databases, with modifications to reflect Greek context. The dataset also compiles the life cycle impact assessment (LCIA). The characterization method used is method EF3.0. This dataset participates in filling two gaps: (1) providing data to represent the variability between Feta cheese production systems and (2) providing data linking impacts of farm, transformation, retail and transport in a value chain perspective. This is done by (1) enlarging the perimeter when most studies found in literature focus on one stage (e.g. the production of milk) and (2) applying LCA to data specific to a regional production (Stymfalia in Greece).

Simulating an intra-fraction adaptive workflow to enable PTV margin reduction in MRIgART volumetric modulated arc therapy for prostate SBRT.

Purpose: This study simulates a novel prostate SBRT intra-fraction re-optimization workflow in MRIgART to account for prostate intra-fraction motion and evaluates the dosimetric benefit of reducing PTV margins. Materials and methods: VMAT prostate SBRT treatment plans were created for 10 patients using two different PTV margins, one with a 5 mm margin except 3 mm posteriorly (standard) and another using uniform 2 mm margins (reduced). All plans were prescribed to 36.25 Gy in 5 fractions and adapted onto each daily MRI dataset. An intra-fraction adaptive workflow was simulated for the reduced margin group by synchronizing the radiation delivery with target position from cine MRI imaging. Intra-fraction delivered dose was reconstructed and prostate DVH metrics were evaluated under three conditions for the reduced margin plans: Without motion compensation (no-adapt), with a single adapt prior to treatment (ATP), and lastly for intra-fraction re-optimization during delivery (intra). Bladder and rectum DVH metrics were compared between the standard and reduced margin plans. Results: As expected, rectum V18 Gy was reduced by 4.4 ± 3.9%, D1cc was reduced by 12.2 ± 6.8% (3.4 ± 2.3 Gy), while bladder reductions were 7.8 ± 5.6% for V18 Gy, and 9.6 ± 7.3% (3.4 ± 2.5 Gy) for D1cc for the reduced margin reference plans compared to the standard PTV margin. For the intrafraction replanning approach, average intra-fraction optimization times were 40.0 ± 2.9 seconds, less than the time to deliver one of the four VMAT arcs (104.4 ± 9.3 seconds) used for treatment delivery. When accounting for intra-fraction motion, prostate V36.25 Gy was on average 96.5 ± 4.0%, 99.1 ± 1.3%, and 99.6 ± 0.4 for the non-adapt, ATP, and intra-adapt groups, respectively. The minimum dose received by the prostate was less than 95% of the prescription dose in 84%, 36%, and 10% of fractions, for the non-adapt, ATP, and intra-adapt groups, respectively. Conclusions: Intra-fraction re-optimization improves prostate coverage, specifically the minimum dose to the prostate, and enables PTV margin reduction and subsequent OAR sparing. Fast re-optimizations enable uninterrupted treatment delivery.

Initial clinical applications treating pediatric and adolescent patients using MR-guided radiotherapy.

Purpose: To demonstrate the clinical applications and feasibility of online adaptive magnetic resonance image guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) in the pediatric, adolescent and young adult (AYA) population. Methods: This is a retrospective case series of patients enrolled onto a prospective study. All pediatric (age < 18) and AYA patients (age< 30), treated on the Elekta Unity MR linear accelerator (MRL) from 2019 to 2021 were enrolled onto a prospective registry. Rationale for MRgRT included improved visualization of and alignment to the primary tumor, re-irradiation in a critical area, ability to use smaller margins, and need for daily adaptive replanning to minimize dose to adjacent critical structures. Step-and-shoot intensity-modulated radiation treatment (IMRT) plans were generated for all Unity patients with a dose grid of 3 mm and a statistical uncertainty of < 1% per plan. Results: A total of 15 pediatric and AYA patients have been treated with median age of 13 years (range: 6 mos - 27 yrs). Seven patients were <10 yo. The clinical applications of MRgRT included Wilms tumor with unresectable IVC thrombus (n=1), Ewing sarcoma (primary and metastatic, n=3), recurrent diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG, n=2), nasopharyngeal carcinoma (n=1), clival chordoma (n=1), primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the pancreas (n=1), recurrent gluteo-sacral germ cell tumor (n=1), C-spine ependymoma (n=1), and posterior fossa ependymoma (n=1). Two children required general anesthesia. One AYA patient could not complete the MRgRT course due to tumor-related pain exacerbated by longer treatment times. Two AYA patients experienced anxiety related to treatment on the MRL, one of which required daily Ativan. No patient experienced treatment interruptions or unexpected toxicity. Conclusion: MRgRT was well-tolerated by pediatric and AYA patients. There was no increased use of anesthesia outside of our usual practice. Dosimetric advantages were seen for patients with tumors in critical locations such as adjacent to or involving optic structures, stomach, kidney, bowel, and heart.

Bayesian inference in based-kernel regression: comparison of count data of condition factor of fish in pond systems.

The discrete kernel-based regression approach generally provides pointwise estimates of count data that do not account for uncertainty about both parameters and resulting estimates. This work aims to provide probabilistic kernel estimates of count regression function by using Bayesian approach and then allows for a readily quantification of uncertainty. Bayesian approach enables to incorporate prior knowledge of parameters used in discrete kernel-based regression. An application was proposed on count data of condition factor of fish (K) provided from an experimental project that analyzed various pond management strategies. The probabilistic distribution of estimates were contrasted by discrete kernels, as a support to theoretical results on the performance of kernels. More practically, Bayesian credibility intervals of K-estimates were evaluated to compare pond management strategies. Thus, similarities were found between performances of semi-intensive and coupled fishponds, with formulated feed, in comparison with extensive fishponds, without formulated feed. In particular, the fish development was less predictable in extensive fishpond, dependent on natural resources, than in the two other fishponds, supplied in formulated feed.

Clinical Implementational and Site-Specific Workflows for a 1.5T MR-Linac.

MR-guided adaptive radiotherapy (MRgART) provides opportunities to benefit patients through enhanced use of advanced imaging during treatment for many patients with various cancer treatment sites. This novel technology presents many new challenges which vary based on anatomic treatment location, technique, and potential changes of both tumor and normal tissue during treatment. When introducing new treatment sites, considerations regarding appropriate patient selection, treatment planning, immobilization, and plan-adaption criteria must be thoroughly explored to ensure adequate treatments are performed. This paper presents an institution's experience in developing a MRgART program for a 1.5T MR-linac for the first 234 patients. The paper suggests practical treatment workflows and considerations for treating with MRgART at different anatomical sites, including imaging guidelines, patient immobilization, adaptive workflows, and utilization of bolus.

Reducing MRI-guided radiotherapy planning and delivery times via efficient leaf sequencing and segment shape optimization algorithms.

Objective.Extended treatment session times are an operational limitation in magnetic resonance imaging guided adaptive radiotherapy (MRIgRT). In this study a novel leaf sequencing algorithm called optimal fluence levels (OFL) and an optimization algorithm called pseudo gradient descent (PGD) are evaluated with respect to plan quality, beam complexity, and the ability to reduce treatment session times on the Elekta Unity MRIgRT system.Approach.Ten total patients were evaluated on this Institutional Review Board approved study: three with prostate cancer, three with oligometastases, two with pancreatic cancer, and two with liver cancer. Plans were generated using the clinical Monaco Hyperion optimizer and leaf sequencer and then re-optimized using OFL and PGD (OFL + PGD) while holding all IMRT constraints and planning parameters constant. All plans were normalized to ensure 95% of the PTV received the prescription dose. A paired t-test was used to evaluate statistical significance.Main Results.Plan quality in terms of dosimetric OAR sparing was found to be equivalent between the OFL + PGD and conventional Monaco Hyperion optimizer plans. The OFL + PGD plans had a reduction in optimization time of 51.4% ± 5.0% (p = 0.002) and reduction in treatment delivery time of 10.6% ± 7.5% (p = 0.005). OFL + PGD generated plans had on average 13.2% ± 12.6% fewer multi-leaf collimator (MLC) segments (p = 0.009) and 0.1 ± 0.1 lower plan averaged beam modulation (PM) (p = 0.004) relative to the Monaco Hyperion plans.Significance.The OFL + PGD algorithms more quickly generate Unity treatment plans that are faster to deliver than with the conventional approach and without compromising dosimetric plan quality. This is likely due to a delivery complexity reduction enabled by OFL + PGD relative to the Monaco Hyperion plans.

Analysis of patient-specific quality assurance for Elekta Unity adaptive plans using statistical process control methodology.

The Elekta Unity MR-linac utilizes daily magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for online plan adaptation. In the Unity workflow, adapt to position (ATP) and adapt to shape (ATS) treatment planning options are available which represent a virtual shift or full re-plan with contour adjustments respectively. Both techniques generate a new intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment plan while the patient lies on the treatment table and thus adapted plans cannot be measured prior to treatment delivery. A statistical process control methodology was used to analyze 512 patient-specific IMRT QA measurements performed on the MR-compatible SunNuclear ArcCheck with a gamma criterion of 3%/2 mm using global normalization and a 10% low dose threshold. The lower control limit (LCL) was determined from 68 IMRT reference plan measurements, and a one-sided process capability ratio ( C p , l ) was used to assess the pass rates from 432 measured ATP and 80 measured ATS plans. Further analysis was performed to assess differences between SBRT or conventional fractionation pass rates and to determine whether there was any correlation between the pass rates and plan complexity. The LCL of the reference plans was determined to be a gamma pass rate of 0.958, and the C p , l of the measured ATP plans and measured ATS plans were determined to be 1.403 and 0.940 for ATP and ATS plans, respectively, while a C p , l of 0.902 and 1.383 was found for SBRT and conventional fractionations respectively. For plan complexity, no correlation was found between modulation degree and gamma pass rate, but a statistically significant correlation was observed between the beam-averaged aperture area and gamma pass rate. All adaptive plans passed the TG-218 guidelines, but the ATS and SBRT plans tended to have a smaller beam-averaged aperture area with slightly lower gamma pass rates.

When more is more: taking advantage of species diversity to move towards sustainable aquaculture.

Human population growth has increased demand for food products, which is expected to double in coming decades. Until recently, this demand has been met by expanding agricultural area and intensifying agrochemical-based monoculture of a few species. However, this development pathway has been criticised due to its negative impacts on the environment and other human activities. Therefore, new production practices are needed to meet human food requirements sustainably in the future. Herein, we assert that polyculture practices can ensure the transition of aquaculture towards sustainable development. We review traditional and recent polyculture practices (ponds, recirculated aquaculture systems, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, aquaponics, integrated agriculture-aquaculture) to highlight how they improve aquaculture through the coexistence and interactions of species. This overview highlights the importance of species compatibility (i.e. species that can live in the same farming environment without detrimental interactions) and complementarity (i.e. complementary use of available resources and/or commensalism/mutualism) to achieve efficient and ethical aquaculture. Overall, polyculture combines aspects of productivity, environmental protection, resource sharing, and animal welfare. However, several challenges must be addressed to facilitate polyculture development across the world. We developed a four-step conceptual framework for designing innovative polyculture systems. This framework highlights the importance of (i) using prospective approaches to consider which species to combine, (ii) performing integrated assessment of rearing environments to determine in which farming system a particular combination of species is the most relevant, (iii) developing new tools and strategies to facilitate polyculture system management, and (iv) implementing polyculture innovation for relevant stakeholders involved in aquaculture transitions.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of pharmacological ascorbate-induced iron redox state as a biomarker in subjects undergoing radio-chemotherapy.

Pharmacological ascorbate (P-AscH-) combined with standard of care (SOC) radiation and temozolomide is being evaluated in a phase 2 clinical trial (NCT02344355) in the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM). Previously published data demonstrated that paramagnetic iron (Fe3+) catalyzes ascorbate's oxidation to form diamagnetic iron (Fe2+). Because paramagnetic Fe3+ may influence relaxation times observed in MR imaging, quantitative MR imaging of P-AscH--induced changes in redox-active Fe was assessed as a biomarker for therapy response. Gel phantoms containing either Fe3+ or Fe2+ were imaged with T2* and quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM). Fifteen subjects receiving P-AscH- plus SOC underwent T2* and QSM imaging four weeks into treatment. Subjects were scanned: pre-P-AscH- infusion, post-P-AscH- infusion, and post-radiation (3-4 h between scans). Changes in T2* and QSM relaxation times in tumor and normal tissue were calculated and compared to changes in Fe3+ and Fe2+ gel phantoms. A GBM mouse model was used to study the relationship between the imaging findings and the labile iron pool. Phantoms containing Fe3+ demonstrated detectable changes in T2* and QSM relaxation times relative to Fe2+ phantoms. Compared to pre-P-AscH-, GBM T2* and QSM imaging were significantly changed post-P-AscH- infusion consistent with conversion of Fe3+ to Fe2+. No significant changes in T2* or QSM were observed in normal brain tissue. There was moderate concordance between T2* and QSM changes in both progression free survival and overall survival. The GBM mouse model showed similar results with P-AscH- inducing greater changes in tumor labile iron pools compared to the normal tissue. CONCLUSIONS: T2* and QSM MR-imaging responses are consistent with P-AscH- reducing Fe3+ to Fe2+, selectively in GBM tumor volumes and represent a potential biomarker of response. This study is the first application using MR imaging in humans to measure P-AscH--induced changes in redox-active iron.

Assessment of Gadobutrol Safety in Combination with Ionizing Radiation Using a Preclinical MRI-Guided Radiotherapy Model.

MR-linac technology enhances the precision of therapeutic radiation by clarifying the tumor-normal tissue interface and provides the potential for adaptive treatment planning. Accurate delineation of tumors on diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) frequently requires gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs). Despite generally being considered safe, previous literature suggests that GBCAs are capable of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). It is unclear if the risk for AKI is enhanced when GBCAs are administered concurrently with ionizing radiotherapy. During irradiation, gadolinium may be liberated from its chelator which may induce AKI. The goal of this work was to determine if radiation combined with GBCAs increased the incidence of AKI. Using a preclinical MRI-guided irradiation system, where MRI acquisitions and radiation delivery are performed in rapid succession, tumor-bearing mice with normal kidney function were injected with GBCA and treated with 2, 8 or 18 Gy irradiation. Renal function was assessed on days three and seven postirradiation to assess for AKI. No clinically relevant changes in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were observed in any combination of GBCA and radiation dose. From these data, we conclude that GBCA in combination with radiation does not increase the risk for AKI in mice. Additional investigation of multiple doses of GBCA administered concurrently with irradiation is warranted to evaluate the risk of chronic kidney injury.

Allocation factors for meat coproducts: Dataset to perform life cycle assessment at slaughterhouse.

The sharing of total environmental impacts between the different products of a multi-output system is crucial in Life Cycle Assessment. ISO standards recommend subdivision then substitution methods when possible. Sometimes, allocations rules are necessary. They consist of allocating the total impact to the different products in proportion to a value that characterize the products. They can be based on physical parameters (such as mass, protein, dry matter, etc.) or the economic value of coproducts can be used as a proxy. As they are based on various type of parameters, allocation rules can lead to significantly different environmental impact results. Then a consensus is difficult to reach between stakeholders as for example in meat sector. To make the debate going further, Chen et al. (2017) proposed a new allocation method based on biophysical parameters (Chen et al., 2017). Adapted from previous methods, they propose to allocate impacts in proportion to the energy needed for the growth, the maintenance and the activity of each tissue. The method has been judged as scientifically viable but also particularly difficult to apply due to the amount of necessary data and to the complexity of the calculation model. In a recent project, we developed a freeware to easily calculate biophysical allocation factors as well as mass and economic factors to allow a fair comparison: MeatPartTool. We also collected data to create a dataset of mass, economic and biophysical allocation factors for a large range of beef (132 individuals), calf (54 individuals) and lamb (14 individuals) at the slaughterhouse stage. This data paper provides both primary data and calculated allocation factors.

Stereotactic radiotherapy of appropriately selected meningiomas and metastatic brain tumor beds with gamma knife icon versus volumetric modulated arc therapy.

PURPOSE: To determine if the gamma knife icon (GKI) can provide superior stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) dose distributions for appropriately selected meningioma and post-resection brain tumor bed treatments to volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Appropriately selected targets were not proximal to great vessels, did not have sensitive soft tissue including organs-at-risk (OARs) within the planning target volume (PTV), and did not have concave tumors containing excessive normal brain tissue. Four of fourteen candidate meningioma patients and six of six candidate patients with brain tumor cavities were considered for this treatment planning comparison study. PTVs were generated for GKI and VMAT by adding 1 mm and 3 mm margins, respectively, to the GTVs. Identical PTV V100% -values were obtained for the GKI and VMAT plans for each patient. Meningioma and tumor bed prescription doses were 52.7-54.0 in 1.7-1.8 Gy fractions and 25 Gy in 5 Gy fractions, respectively. GKI dose rate was 3.735 Gy/min for 16 mm collimators. RESULTS: PTV radical dose homogeneity index was 3.03 ± 0.35 for GKI and 1.27 ± 0.19 for VMAT. Normal brain D1% , D5% , and D10% were lower for GKI than VMAT by 45.8 ± 10.9%, 38.9 ± 11.5%, and 35.4 ± 16.5% respectively. All OARs considered received lower maximum doses for GKI than VMAT. GKI and VMAT treatment times for meningioma plans were 12.1 ± 4.13 min and 6.2 ± 0.32 min, respectively, and, for tumor cavities, were 18.1 ± 5.1 min and 11.0 ± 0.56 min, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Appropriately selected meningioma and brain tumor bed patients may benefit from GKI-based SRT due to the decreased normal brain and OAR doses relative to VMAT enabled by smaller margins. Care must be taken in meningioma patient selection for SRT with the GKI, even if they are clinically appropriate for VMAT.