Classification system for primary care provider eConsults about medications for older adults with frailty.

BACKGROUND: Providing primary care for people with frailty can be challenging due to an increased risk of adverse outcomes and use of potentially inappropriate medications which may exacerbate characteristics of frailty. eConsult is a service where primary care providers can receive timely specialist advice for their patients through a secure web-based application. We aimed to develop a classification system to characterize medication-focused eConsult questions for older adults with frailty and assess its usability. METHODS: A classification system was developed and refined over three cycles of improvement through a cross-sectional study of 35 cases categorized as medication-focused from cases submitted in 2019 for patients aged 65 or older with frailty through the Champlain BASE eConsult service (Ontario, Canada). The final classification system was then applied to each case. RESULTS: The classification system contains 5 sections: (1) case descriptives; (2) intent and type of question; (3) medication recommendations and additional information in the response; (4) medication classification; and (5) potentially inappropriate medications. Among the 35 medication-focused cases, the most common specialties consulted were endocrinology (9 cases, 26%) and cardiology (5 cases, 14%). Medication histories were available for 29 cases (83%). Many patients were prescribed potentially inappropriate medications based on explicit tools (AGS Beers Criteria®, STOPPFall, Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale, ThinkCascades) yet few consults inquired about these medications. CONCLUSION: A classification system to describe medication-related eConsult cases for patients experiencing frailty was developed and applied to 35 eConsult cases. It can be applied to more cases to identify professional development opportunities and enhancements for eConsult services.

A subgroup of light-driven sodium pumps with an additional Schiff base counterion.

Light-driven sodium pumps (NaRs) are unique ion-transporting microbial rhodopsins. The major group of NaRs is characterized by an NDQ motif and has two aspartic acid residues in the central region essential for sodium transport. Here we identify a subgroup of the NDQ rhodopsins bearing an additional glutamic acid residue in the close vicinity to the retinal Schiff base. We thoroughly characterize a member of this subgroup, namely the protein ErNaR from Erythrobacter sp. HL-111 and show that the additional glutamic acid results in almost complete loss of pH sensitivity for sodium-pumping activity, which is in contrast to previously studied NaRs. ErNaR is capable of transporting sodium efficiently even at acidic pH levels. X-ray crystallography and single particle cryo-electron microscopy reveal that the additional glutamic acid residue mediates the connection between the other two Schiff base counterions and strongly interacts with the aspartic acid of the characteristic NDQ motif. Hence, it reduces its pKa. Our findings shed light on a subgroup of NaRs and might serve as a basis for their rational optimization for optogenetics.

Reduced Handgrip Strength Is Associated with 1 Year-Mortality in Brazilian Frail Nonagenarians and Centenarians.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between handgrip strength and mortality in Brazilian frail nonagenarians and centenarians. Eighty-one oldest old were included (mean age [SD]: 94.2 [3.8] years). Data on strength was assessed by handgrip strength. Mortality rate of the participants was evaluated at 1-year follow-up after the functional assessment. A logistic regression analysis was used to assess differences in categories of handgrip strength between groups regarding the mortality rate. Forty-six participants (56.8%) had reduced handgrip strength. After 1 year, there were 16 deaths. Those older adults with a low handgrip strength had higher prevalence (28.3% vs. 8.6%) and increased risk of mortality than those with preserved handgrip strength (Odds ratio=4.4, confidence interval 95% 1.1, 18.4) (p=0.042). Reduced handgrip strength is associated with higher mortality rate at 1-year follow-up in Brazilian frail nonagenarians and centenarians.

Realization of the absorbed dose to water for 70 kV electronic brachytherapy sources for surface applications.

Objective.The purpose of this work is to establish a primary standard for the absorbed dose to water for surface applications with 70 kV electronic brachytherapy sources and thereby to investigate several reference conditions with respect to applicability in metrology institutes, calibration labs and clinics.Approach.A primary standard for the absorbed dose to water for LDR-Seeds (ipFAC) was utilized. For this, the method of evaluation was modified to account for the different geometries in interstitial and surface brachytherapy and for the different energy distributions of the radiation fields, respectively. The correction factors required to determine the absorbed dose to water were evaluated using Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. MC-calculations were also used to estimate the uncertainties of this method.Main results.It could be shown that determining the absorbed dose to water in 1 cm depth below the surface of a water phantomDw(1 cm) is feasible with the ipFAC. Thereby the method to determineDw(1 cm) when the source is placed at 50 cm distance and the beam is collimated turns out to be more robust to variations in the directional emittance of the source than placing the source applicator assembly directly on the phantom.Significance.The first method features significantly lower uncertainties, 1.4% compared to 3.7% (both fork= 2), for the second one. However, a calibration based on a transfer chamber calibrated with the second method is more practical and easier to implement in clinical routine.

Ethical and societal aspects of radiological protection for offspring and next generations.

PURPOSE: Over the last decade or so, ethical and societal aspects of radiological protection have received increasing attention. This is also reflected in the publications of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). The current paper aims at identifying relevant ethical and societal topics which should receive attention in the context of radiological protection for offspring and next generations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present a non-comprehensive review of the subject, based on presentation made at an ICRP workshop in Budapest in 2022. We first discuss the ethical values promoted by ICRP, and the application of these values in cases of (potential) pre-conceptual and prenatal radiation exposures. We then consider experience gained after the Fukushima accident indicating particular societal concerns about the health effects of such exposures. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Beneficence/non-maleficence, prudence, justice and dignity, the "core values" of the system of radiological protection have special roles to play when heritable and/or in utero effects are to be considered. Prudence, in particular, must be taken account of in view of the fact that solid scientific data in humans are largely lacking in this area, and it is necessary to rely on insights from animal experiments as well as theoretical considerations. As regards societal considerations, the perception of risk among (potentially) affected populations needs to be taken seriously. Accountability, transparency, and inclusivity, the "procedural values" promoted by ICRP for the practical implementation of the system of radiological protection play a central role in overcoming skepticism and creating trust. Stakeholder involvement should emphasize cooperation and dialogue, which allows for the joint evaluation of an exposure situation by experts and affected people.

Vancouver call for action to strengthen expertise in radiological protection worldwide.

Ionising radiation has been used for over a century for peaceful purposes, revolutionising health care and promoting well-being through its application in industry, science, and medicine. For almost as long, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has promoted understanding of health and environmental risks of ionising radiation and developed a protection system that enables the safe use of ionising radiation in justified and beneficial practices, providing protection from all sources of radiation. However, we are concerned that a shortage of investment in training, education, research, and infrastructure seen in many sectors and countries may compromise society's ability to properly manage radiation risks, leading to unjustified exposure to or unwarranted fear of radiation, impacting the physical, mental, and social well-being of our peoples. This could unduly limit the potential for research and development in new radiation technologies (healthcare, energy, and the environment) for beneficial purposes. ICRP therefore calls for action to strengthen expertise in radiological protection worldwide through: (1) National governments and funding agencies strengthening resources for radiological protection research allocated by governments and international organisations, (2) National research laboratories and other institutions launching and sustaining long-term research programmes, (3) Universities developing undergraduate and graduate university programmes and making students aware of job opportunities in radiation-related fields, (4) Using plain language when interacting with the public and decision makers about radiological protection, and (5) Fostering general awareness of proper uses of radiation and radiological protection through education and training of information multipliers. The draft call was discussed with international organisations in formal relations with ICRP in October 2022 at the European Radiation Protection Week in Estoril, Portugal, and the final call announced at the 6th International Symposium on the System of Radiological Protection of ICRP in November 2022 in Vancouver, Canada.

Prevalence of bacterial burden on macroscopic contaminants of orthopaedic surgical instruments following sterilization.

BACKGROUND: Macroscopic contamination of orthopaedic instruments with particulates, including cortical bone and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement, that have previously undergone pre-operative sterilization is frequently encountered peri- or intraoperatively, calling into question the sterility of such instruments. AIM: To determine if macroscopic contaminants of orthopaedic surgical instrumentation maintain a bacterial burden following sterile processing, and to determine the most commonly contaminated instruments and the most common contaminants. METHODS: Macroscopic contaminants in orthopaedic instrument trays were collected prospectively at a single tertiary referral centre over a 6-month period from August 2021 to May 2022. When identified, these specimens were swabbed and plated on sheep blood agar. All specimens were incubated at 37 °C for 14 days, and inspected visually for colony formation. When bacterial colony formation was identified, samples were sent for species identification. RESULTS: In total, 33 contaminants were tested, and only one contaminant was found to be growing bacterial colonies (Corynebacterium sp.). The items most commonly found to have macroscopic contamination were surgical trays (N=9) and cannulated drills (N=7). The identifiable contaminants were bone (N=10), PMMA bone cement (N=4) and hair (N=4). Eleven macroscopic contaminants were not identifiable. CONCLUSION: This study found that 97% of macroscopic orthopaedic surgical instrument contaminants that underwent sterile processing did not possess a bacterial burden. Contaminants discovered during a procedure are likely to be sterile, and do not pose a substantially increased risk of infection to a patient.

Summary of the 2021 ICRP workshop on the future of radiological protection.

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has embarked on a process to review and revise the current System of Radiological Protection ('the System'). To stimulate discussion, the ICRP published two open-access articles: one on aspects of the System that might require review, and another on research that might improve the scientific foundation of the System. Building on these articles, the ICRP organized a Workshop on the Future of Radiological Protection as an opportunity to engage in the review and revision of the System. This digital workshop took place from 14 October-3 November 2021 and included 20 live-streamed and 43 on-demand presentations. Approximately 1500 individuals from 100 countries participated. Based on the subjects covered by the presentations, this summary is organized into four broad areas: the scientific basis, concepts and application of the System; and the role of the ICRP. Some of the key topics that emerged included the following: classification of radiation-induced effects; adverse outcome pathway methodologies; better understanding of the dose-response relationship; holistic and reasonable approaches to optimization of protection; radiological protection of the environment; ethical basis of the System; clarity, consistency and communication of the System; application of the System in medicine and application of the principles of justification and optimization of protection.

Perspectives on tolerability and reasonableness.

Judgements on tolerability and reasonableness are central to the optimisation of protection. There are currently several international developments regarding these key considerations which will contribute to the review and evolution of the system of radiological protection. The IRPA15 International Congress brought together the principal issues currently under discussion, and the outcome of these discussions is presented.

A Fay-Herriot Model for Estimating Subjective Cognitive Decline among Military Veterans.

BACKGROUND: Although studies have examined the geographic distribution of dementia among the general population in order to develop geographically targeted interventions, no studies have examined the geographic distribution of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) among military veterans specifically. OBJECTIVES: To map the geographic distribution of subjective cognitive decline from 2011-2019 in the United States among military veterans. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: United States. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals reporting previous service in the United States Armed Forces. MEASUREMENTS: Using 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data, which is last year for which geocoded SCD data is publicly available, we estimated the survey-weighted county-level prevalence of veteran SCD for counties with >30 veterans (43 counties in 7 states). We then developed a Fay-Herriot small area estimation linear model using auxiliary data from the Census, with county-level veteran-specific covariates including % >65 years old, % female, % college educated, and median income. Following model validation, we created beta-weighted predictions of veteran SCD for all USA counties for 2011-2019 using relevant time-specific Census auxiliary data. We provide choropleth maps of our predictions. RESULTS: Results of our model on 43 counties showed that county-level rates of SCD were significantly associated with all auxiliary variables except annual income (F = 1.49, df = 4, 38). Direct survey-weighted rates were correlated with model-predicted rates in 43 counties (Pearson r = 0.32). Regarding predicted rates for the entire USA, the average county-level prevalence rate of veteran SCD in 2011 was 13.83% (SD = 7.35), but 29.13% in 2019 (SD = 14.71) - although variation in these rates were evident across counties. CONCLUSIONS: SCD has increased since 2011 among veterans. Veterans Affairs hospitals should implement plans that include cognitive assessments, referral to resources, and monitoring patient progress, especially in rural areas.

Future technological developments in proton therapy - A predicted technological breakthrough.

In the current spectrum of cancer treatments, despite high costs, a lack of robust evidence based on clinical outcomes or technical and radiobiological uncertainties, particle therapy and in particular proton therapy (PT) is rapidly growing. Despite proton therapy being more than fifty years old (first proposed by Wilson in 1946) and more than 220,000 patients having been treated with in 2020, many technological challenges remain and numerous new technical developments that must be integrated into existing systems. This article presents an overview of on-going technical developments and innovations that we felt were most important today, as well as those that have the potential to significantly shape the future of proton therapy. Indeed, efforts have been done continuously to improve the efficiency of a PT system, in terms of cost, technology and delivery technics, and a number of different developments pursued in the accelerator field will first be presented. Significant developments are also underway in terms of transport and spatial resolution achievable with pencil beam scanning, or conformation of the dose to the target: we will therefore discuss beam focusing and collimation issues which are important parameters for the development of these techniques, as well as proton arc therapy. State of the art and alternative approaches to adaptive PT and the future of adaptive PT will finally be reviewed. Through these overviews, we will finally see how advances in these different areas will allow the potential for robust dose shaping in proton therapy to be maximised, probably foreshadowing a future era of maturity for the PT technique.

International collaboration for blood safety: The French-African experience.

Blood safety is a non-negotiable issue worldwide, specifies the World Health Organization (WHO). Africa is both an entity and a multiplicity of situations within and cross-borders. Indeed, most African countries have recent borders and political organizations, after gaining independence in the 60's. Many such countries have maintained various types of links and cooperation programs with former European countries of influence, e.g. France and Belgium among others, which is the case for several countries from the francophone Central and West Africa. Besides, borders do not delineate ethnic groups as many of them migrate, with spread North to South and East to West across several countries, each having representations, ethnologically speaking. Transfusion is an essential supportive healthcare that requires medicine, technicity and logistics. Cooperation can be provided to Francophone Africa though at the expense of recruiting donors upon criteria that do not completely overlap with e.g. those put forward in France and other high-income countries, despite WHO claims for the universal model of Voluntary Non-Remunerated Blood Donation system. Next, the patient profile in intertropical Africa-of which the various francophone African countries-stringently differs from the profile now seen in France, with its younger (but strongly social network-connected) populations and the importance of anemia of all causes but frequently infectious in nature. The frequency of antigens defining blood groups also significantly differs from that in France and the rest of Europa. Last, the carriage of blood transmissible infectious pathogens in sick but also apparently healthy populations seriously complicates the build up of suitable blood component inventory. In the present review, we discuss the universality of blood donation, the specificities of inter-continent cooperation and report on experiences of such cooperation. The French Blood Establishment EFS has taken over earlier initiatives of regional blood services and provides technology and scientific transfer and support to many countries for several decades; the National Institute for Blood transfusion, an education and research institute, has set up collaborative research in several domains but mostly in the domain of blood transmissible infections. We next also present a theoretical view of support named ALEASE, that can be pursued, based on collaborative experiences carried out in the Mediterranean Northern and Eastern areas. ALEASE promotes benchmark between participants. If there is general agreement that cooperation between economically wealthy countries and low-income, developing, countries in the domain of blood and blood transfusion safety, promotion of blood donation, blood component manufacturing, transfusion technology, hemovigilance, etc., tools to achieve this goal can be periodically reviewed based on specific needs for countries and professionals. That also comprise of adapted, sometimes specific, education programs.

NAA is a Marker of Disability in Secondary-Progressive MS: A Proton MR Spectroscopic Imaging Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The secondary progressive phase of multiple sclerosis is characterised by disability progression due to processes that lead to neurodegeneration. Surrogate markers such as those derived from MRI are beneficial in understanding the pathophysiology that drives disease progression and its relationship to clinical disability. We undertook a 1H-MRS imaging study in a large secondary progressive MS (SPMS) cohort, to examine whether metabolic markers of brain injury are associated with measures of disability, both physical and cognitive. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of individuals with secondary-progressive MS was performed in 119 participants. They underwent 1H-MR spectroscopy to obtain estimated concentrations and ratios to total Cr for total NAA, mIns, Glx, and total Cho in normal-appearing WM and GM. Clinical outcome measures chosen were the following: Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test, Symbol Digit Modalities Test, Nine-Hole Peg Test, Timed 25-foot Walk Test, and the Expanded Disability Status Scale. The relationship between these neurometabolites and clinical disability measures was initially examined using Spearman rank correlations. Significant associations were then further analyzed in multiple regression models adjusting for age, sex, disease duration, T2 lesion load, normalized brain volume, and occurrence of relapses in 2 years preceding study entry. RESULTS: Significant associations, which were then confirmed by multiple linear regression, were found in normal-appearing WM for total NAA (tNAA)/total Cr (tCr) and the Nine-Hole Peg Test (ρ = 0.23; 95% CI, 0.06-0.40); tNAA and tNAA/tCr and the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (ρ = 0.21; 95% CI, 0.03-0.38) (ρ = 0.19; 95% CI, 0.01-0.36); mIns/tCr and the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test, (ρ = -0.23; 95% CI, -0.39 to -0.05); and in GM for tCho and the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (ρ = -0.24; 95% CI, -0.40 to -0.06). No other GM or normal-appearing WM relationships were found with any metabolite, with associations found during initial correlation testing losing significance after multiple linear regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that metabolic markers of neuroaxonal integrity and astrogliosis in normal-appearing WM and membrane turnover in GM may act as markers of disability in secondary-progressive MS.

Stress Impairs Intentional Memory Control through Altered Theta Oscillations in Lateral Parietal Cortex.

Accumulating evidence suggests that forgetting is not necessarily a passive process but that we can, to some extent, actively control what we remember and what we forget. Although this intentional control of memory has potentially far-reaching implications, the factors that influence our capacity to intentionally control our memory are largely unknown. Here, we tested whether acute stress may disrupt the intentional control of memory and, if so, through which neural mechanism. We exposed healthy men and women to a stress (n = 27) or control (n = 26) procedure before they aimed repeatedly to retrieve some previously learned cue-target pairs and to actively suppress others. While control participants showed reduced memory for suppressed compared with baseline pairs in a subsequent memory test, this suppression-induced forgetting was completely abolished after stress. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG), we show that the reduced ability to suppress memories after stress is associated with altered theta activity in the inferior temporal cortex when the control process (retrieval or suppression) is triggered and in the lateral parietal cortex when control is exerted, with the latter being directly correlated with the stress hormone cortisol. Moreover, the suppression-induced forgetting was linked to altered connectivity between the hippocampus and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (PFC), which in turn was negatively correlated to stress-induced cortisol increases. These findings provide novel insights into conditions under which our capacity to actively control our memory breaks down and may have considerable implications for stress-related psychopathologies, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), that are characterized by unwanted memories of distressing events.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT It is typically assumed that forgetting is a passive process that can hardly be controlled. There is, however, evidence that we may actively control, to some extent, what we remember and what we forget. This intentional memory control has considerable implications for mental disorders in which patients suffer from unwanted (e.g., traumatic) memories. Here, we demonstrate that the capacity to intentionally control our memory breaks down after stress. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG), we show that this stress-induced memory control deficit is linked to altered activity in the lateral parietal cortex and the connectivity between the hippocampus and right prefrontal cortex (PFC). These findings provide novel insights into conditions under which memory control fails and are highly relevant in the context of stress-related psychopathologies.

Cav2.3 R-type calcium channels: from its discovery to pathogenic de novo CACNA1E variants: a historical perspective.

So-called pharmacoresistant (R-type) voltage-gated Ca2+ channels are structurally only partially characterized. Most of them are encoded by the CACNA1E gene and are expressed as different Cav2.3 splice variants (variant Cav2.3a to Cav2.3e or f) as the ion conducting subunit. So far, no inherited disease is known for the CACNA1E gene but recently spontaneous mutations leading to early death were identified, which will be brought into focus. In addition, a short historical overview may highlight the development to understand that upregulation during aging, easier activation by spontaneous mutations or lack of bioavailable inorganic cations (Zn2+ and Cu2+) may lead to similar pathologies caused by cellular overexcitation.

Free-running cardiac magnetic resonance fingerprinting: Joint T1/T2 map and Cine imaging.

PURPOSE: To develop and evaluate a novel non-ECG triggered 2D magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) sequence allowing for simultaneous myocardial T1 and T2 mapping and cardiac Cine imaging. METHODS: Cardiac MRF (cMRF) has been recently proposed to provide joint T1/T2 myocardial mapping by triggering the acquisition to mid-diastole and relying on a subject-dependent dictionary of MR signal evolutions to generate the maps. In this work, we propose a novel "free-running" (non-ECG triggered) cMRF framework for simultaneous myocardial T1 and T2 mapping and cardiac Cine imaging in a single scan. Free-running cMRF is based on a transient state bSSFP acquisition with tiny golden angle radial readouts, varying flip angle and multiple adiabatic inversion pulses. The acquired data is retrospectively gated into several cardiac phases, which are reconstructed with an approach that combines parallel imaging, low rank modelling and patch-based high-order tensor regularization. Free-running cMRF was evaluated in a standardized phantom and ten healthy subjects. Comparison with reference spin-echo, MOLLI, SASHA, T2-GRASE and Cine was performed. RESULTS: T1 and T2 values obtained with the proposed approach were in good agreement with reference phantom values (ICC(A,1) > 0.99). Reported values for myocardium septum T1 were 1043 ± 48 ms, 1150 ± 100 ms and 1160 ± 79 ms for MOLLI, SASHA and free-running cMRF respectively and for T2 of 51.7 ± 4.1 ms and 44.6 ± 4.1 ms for T2-GRASE and free-running cMRF respectively. Good agreement was observed between free-running cMRF and conventional Cine 2D ejection fraction (bias = -0.83%). CONCLUSION: The proposed free-running cardiac MRF approach allows for simultaneous assessment of myocardial T1 and T2 and Cine imaging in a single scan.

The diversity and evolution of odorant receptors in beetles (Coleoptera).

The insect odorant receptors (ORs) are amongst the largest gene families in insect genomes and the primary means by which insects recognize volatile compounds. The evolution of ORs is thus instrumental in explaining the chemical ecology of insects and as a model of evolutionary biology. However, although ORs have been described from numerous insect species, their analysis within and amongst the insect orders has been hindered by a combination of limited genomic information and a tendency of the OR family toward rapid divergence, gain, and loss. We addressed these issues in the insect order Coleoptera through a targeted genomic annotation effort that included 1181 ORs from one species of the sister order Strepsiptera and 10 species representing the four coleopteran suborders. The numbers of ORs in each species varied from hundreds to fewer than 10, but coleopteran ORs could nevertheless be represented within a scheme of nine monophyletic subfamilies. We observed many radiations and losses of genes amongst OR subfamilies, and the diversity of ORs appeared to parallel the host breadth of the study species. However, some small lineages of ORs persisted amongst many coleopteran families, suggesting receptors of key function that underlie the olfactory ecology of beetles.

Applying science to pressing conservation needs for penguins.

More than half of the world's 18 penguin species are declining. We, the Steering Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission Penguin Specialist Group, determined that the penguin species in most critical need of conservation action are African penguin (Spheniscus demersus), Galápagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus), and Yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes). Due to small or rapidly declining populations, these species require immediate scientific collaboration and policy intervention. We also used a pairwise-ranking approach to prioritize research and conservation needs for all penguins. Among the 12 cross-taxa research areas we identified, we ranked quantifying population trends, estimating demographic rates, forecasting environmental patterns of change, and improving the knowledge of fisheries interactions as the highest priorities. The highest ranked conservation needs were to enhance marine spatial planning, improve stakeholder engagement, and develop disaster-management and species-specific action plans. We concurred that, to improve the translation of science into effective conservation for penguins, the scientific community and funding bodies must recognize the importance of and support long-term research; research on and conservation of penguins must expand its focus to include the nonbreeding season and juvenile stage; marine reserves must be designed at ecologically appropriate spatial and temporal scales; and communication between scientists and decision makers must be improved with the help of individual scientists and interdisciplinary working groups.

Aplicación de Ciencia en las Necesidades de Conservación Urgentes para los Pingüinos. Resumen Más de la mitad de las 18 especies de pingüinos del mundo están disminuyendo. Nosotros, el Comité Directivo de la Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza, Grupo de Especialistas en Pingüinos, determinamos que las especies de pingüinos con necesidades críticas de conservación son el pingüino africano (Spheniscus demersus), el pingüino de las Galápagos (Spheniscus mendiculus) y el pingüino de ojos amarillos (Megadyptes antipodes). Debido a que sus poblaciones son pequeñas o están declinando rápidamente, estos pingüinos requieren colaboración científica e intervención política inmediatas. También utilizamos un método de clasificación por pares para priorizar las necesidades de investigación y conservación para todas las especies de pingüinos. Entre las 12 áreas de investigación que identificamos, las más prioritarias fueron: cuantificación de las tendencias poblacionales, estimación de las tasas demográficas, predicción de las patrones de cambio ambiental y mejora del conocimiento de las interacciones con pesquerías. Las mayores necesidades de conservación fueron: optimizar la planificación marina espacial, mejorar la colaboración de las partes interesadas y desarrollar planes de manejo de desastres y de acción para cada especie. Coincidimos en que, para mejorar la traducción de la ciencia en la conservación efectiva de los pingüinos, la comunidad científica y los organismos financiadores deben reconocer la importancia de la investigación a largo plazo y apoyarla; la investigación sobre pingüinos y su conservación debe expandir su enfoque para incluir la época no reproductiva y la etapa juvenil; las reservas marinas deben ser diseñadas a escalas espaciotemporales ecológicamente apropiadas; y la comunicación entre científicos y tomadores de decisiones debe mejorar con la ayuda de científicos individuales y grupos de trabajo interdisciplinario.

Spatial fractionation of the dose in proton therapy: Proton minibeam radiation therapy.

In radiation therapy, a renewed interest is emerging for the study of spatially fractionated irradiation. In this article, a few applications using spatial fractionation of the dose will be discussed with a focus on proton minibeam radiation therapy. Examples of calculated dose (1D profiles and 2D dose distributions) and biological evidence obtained so far will be presented for various spatially fractionated techniques GRID, micro- and minibeam radiation therapy. Recent results demonstrating that proton minibeam radiation therapy leads to an increase in normal tissues sparing will be discussed, which opens the door to a dose escalation in the tumour and a possibly efficient treatment of very radioresistant tumours.