Consideration of hereditary effects in the radiological protection system: evolution and current status.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the methodology used to estimate radiation genetic risks and quantify the risk of hereditary effects as outlined in the ICRP Publication 103. It aims to highlight the historical background and development of the doubling dose method for estimating radiation-related genetic risks and its continued use in radiological protection frameworks. RESULTS: This article emphasizes the complexity associated with quantifying the risk of hereditary effects caused by radiation exposure and highlights the need for further clarification and explanation of the calculation method. As scientific knowledge in radiation sciences and human genetics continues to advance in relation to a number of factors including stability of disease frequency, selection pressures, and epigenetic changes, the characterization and quantification of genetic effects still remains a major issue for the radiological protection system of the International Commission on Radiological Protection. CONCLUSION: Further research and advancements in this field are crucial for enhancing our understanding and addressing the complexities involved in assessing and managing the risks associated with hereditary effects of radiation.

Automatic multimodal 2D/3D breast image registration using biomechanical FEM models and intensity-based optimization.

Due to their different physical origin, X-ray mammography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provide complementary diagnostic information. However, the correlation of their images is challenging due to differences in dimensionality, patient positioning and compression state of the breast. Our automated registration takes over part of the correlation task. The registration method is based on a biomechanical finite element model, which is used to simulate mammographic compression. The deformed MRI volume can be compared directly with the corresponding mammogram. The registration accuracy is determined by a number of patient-specific parameters. We optimize these parameters--e.g. breast rotation--using image similarity measures. The method was evaluated on 79 datasets from clinical routine. The mean target registration error was 13.2mm in a fully automated setting. On basis of our results, we conclude that a completely automated registration of volume images with 2D mammograms is feasible. The registration accuracy is within the clinically relevant range and thus beneficial for multimodal diagnosis.

The impact of the demographics of aging and the edentulous condition on dental care services.

Over the next 20 years, the number of people aged 65 years and older is expected to increase substantially in both Canada and the United States. Moreover, advances in dental treatment are resulting in reduced levels of the edentulous condition, such that there will be more people in need of various dental services. The purpose of this study was to determine what effect the increase in the overall population of the United States and Canada, and specific cohorts such as the senior citizen population, would have on the decrease in the levels of the edentulous condition. Through the use of population data obtained through Statistics Canada and the U.S. Census Bureau, it was determined that there will be 25.2% more Americans and 36.5% Canadians who are 65 years of age and over. Furthermore, an algorithm was developed using the United States national tooth loss data, which determined the percentage of people who would be edentulous at 75 years of age and older. The tooth retention rate improves with the younger age cohorts. The 50- to 54-year age group in the year 2000 will, on average, have 6.6 more teeth than the current elderly when they are 75 years of age and older. The percentage of the edentulous condition for the 75-plus age group will decrease by about 50% over the 35-year period from 1990 to 2025. The clinical significance of this trend means that there will be more people with more teeth in need of various dental treatments.

Quantification of Dehalospirillum multivorans in Mixed-Culture Biofilms with an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay.

A fast, highly selective and sensitive method to quantify specific biomasses in mixed-culture biofilms is described. It consists of detachment of a biofilm from its support material, resolution of the detached biofilm flocs in order to separate the enclosed cells and antigens, and quantification of specific biomass by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.