Spatially fractionated radiation therapy: a critical review on current status of clinical and preclinical studies and knowledge gaps.

Spatially fractionated radiation therapy (SFRT) is a therapeutic approach with the potential to disrupt the classical paradigms of conventional radiation therapy. The high spatial dose modulation in SFRT activates distinct radiobiological mechanisms which lead to a remarkable increase in normal tissue tolerances. Several decades of clinical use and numerous preclinical experiments suggest that SFRT has the potential to increase the therapeutic index, especially in bulky and radioresistant tumors.

Cardiac magnetic resonance for prophylactic implantable-cardioverter defibrillator therapy international study: prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance-derived right ventricular parameters substudy.

Aims: Right ventricular systolic dysfunction (RVSD) is an important determinant of outcomes in heart failure (HF) cohorts. While the quantitative assessment of RV function is challenging using 2D-echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the gold standard with its high spatial resolution and precise anatomical definition. We sought to investigate the prognostic value of CMR-derived RV systolic function in a large cohort of HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Artificial gauge field switching using orbital angular momentum modes in optical waveguides.

The discovery of artificial gauge fields controlling the dynamics of uncharged particles that otherwise elude the influence of standard electromagnetic fields has revolutionised the field of quantum simulation. Hence, developing new techniques to induce these fields is essential to boost quantum simulation of photonic structures. Here, we experimentally demonstrate the generation of an artificial gauge field in a photonic lattice by modifying the topological charge of a light beam, overcoming the need to modify the geometry along the evolution or impose external fields.

New species of Paramoebidium (trichomycetes, Mesomycetozoea) from the Mediterranean, with comments about the amoeboid cells in Amoebidiales.

Paramoebidium, along with Amoebidium, constitute the order Amoebidiales, traditionally included in the ecological group trichomycetes and conventionally studied by mycologists, although they are phylogenetically embedded in the protist clade Mesomycetozoean (Ichthyosporea). The genus Paramoebidium has 13 accepted species, all associated with immature stages of aquatic insects. Three new species of Paramoebidium, P.

Biological signatures of asymptomatic extra- and intracranial atherosclerosis: the Barcelona-AsIA (Asymptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerosis) study.

Background And Purpose: Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) remains a challenge for stroke primary and secondary prevention. Molecular pathways involved in the development of ICAD from its asymptomatic stages are largely unknown. In our population-based study, we aimed to compare the risk factor and biomarker profiles associated with intracranial and extracranial asymptomatic cerebral atherosclerosis.

Hydrogen sulfide as a signaling molecule in the enteric nervous system.

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is produced by sulfate-reducing bacteria present in the colon. Recently, it has been demonstrated that mammals have enzymatic pathways to produce H₂S. As H₂S was added to the list of gaseous signaling molecules, the number of papers related to H₂S biology has increased exponentially.

Bird fancier's lung: a series of 86 patients.

Bird fancier's lung (BFL) is one of the most common types of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Nevertheless, the criteria for diagnosing this condition are not standardized. The current study is an in-depth investigation into the clinical characteristics of BFL in the largest series examined for this purpose by a single group, to our knowledge, taking into account the acute, subacute, or chronic clinical presentation.

Dietary polyunsaturated n-6 lipids effects on the growth and fatty acid composition of rat mammary tumors.

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a polyunsaturated n-6 high-fat diet on rat DMBA-induced breast cancer at different stages of the carcinogenesis and to investigate if changes in the tumor fatty acid composition are one of the mechanisms by which dietary lipids could exert their effects. 14 fatty acids were evaluated in 6 lipid fractions. The results firstly showed that this high-fat diet stimulated the malignant mammary tumor growth, mainly all in the promotion group.

Neurophysiology and assessment of welfare.

Concern for animal welfare is a major consideration in meat production and is based upon the belief that animals can suffer. Welfare may be considered in terms of the subjective experiences of animals; preference testing is often used in this approach. Neurophysiology has provided insight into the biological basis of emotions and into the mechanisms of learning and memory, which are important to interpret the results of preference tests.

Granulomatous dermatitis caused by Mycobacterium genavense in two psittacine birds.

Two cases of cutaneous mycobacteriosis in psittacine birds showing featherless, non-painful, non-pruritic nodules are described. Histopathological studies of skin biopsies from both cases demonstrated the presence of a diffuse granulomatous dermatitis with acid- fast organism s inside macrophages, which led to the diagnosis of cutaneous mycobacteriosis. In one case, generalization of the process to internal organs (intestinal and hepatic serosae) was observed.