Non-lethal rapid biodiversity assessment

For several animal taxa, non-lethal techniques that do not rely on collecting individuals are routinely used to assess biodiversity (e.g. point counts in birds). Identification often relies on the ability of the observer, are subjected to errors, but populations are not impacted. Thus, multiple counting sessions (MCS) that allow using robust analyses (e.g. unbiased Chao richness estimate) are available. However, for most species (e.g. arthropods), trap systems must be set up. Killed individuals are collected and later accurately identified in the laboratory, but unbiased MCS become unavailable. Environmental DNA bar-coding provides an alternative, yet it requires important technical support and is not designed for MCS. Lethal rapid biodiversity assessments (RBA), derived from classical trap surveys and based on less accurate identifications (morphospecies are used), have been successfully developed to relax technical constraints. In this study, we combined non-lethal and RBA approaches to address logistical, analytical and ethical issues. We tested five versions of a protocol to visually survey the macro-fauna of hedgerows. A large number of individuals were directly identified in the field, mostly arthropods but also vertebrates. Identification error varied with taxonomic level and lineage, but remained low at the morphospecies level. Importantly, estimates tended to reach asymptotes, suggesting that local richness was appropriately appraised. Like any technique, non-lethal RBA (NL-RBA) present both advantages and weaknesses, and may improve the toolbox to survey biodiversity.     

Radiation techniques used in patients with breast cancer: Results of a survey in Spain

AimTo evaluate the resources and techniques used in the irradiation of patients with breast cancer after lumpectomy or mastectomy and the status of implementation of new techniques and therapeutic schedules in our country.BackgroundThe demand for cancer care has increased among the Spanish population, as long as cancer treatment innovations have proliferated. Radiation therapy in breast cancer has evolved exponentially in recent years with the implementation of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, intensity modulated radiotherapy, image guided radiotherapy and hypofractionation.Material and MethodsAn original survey questionnaire was sent to institutions participating in the SEOR-Mama group (GEORM). In total, the standards of practice in 969 patients with breast cancer after surgery were evaluated.ResultsThe response rate was 70% (28/40 centers). In 98.5% of cases 3D conformal treatment was used. All the institutions employed CT-based planning treatment. Boost was performed in 56.4% of patients: electrons in 59.8%, photons in 23.7% and HDR brachytherapy in 8.8%. Fractionation was standard in 93.1% of patients. Supine position was the most frequent. Only 3 centers used prone position. The common organs of risk delimited were: homolateral lung (80.8%) and heart (80.8%). In 84% histograms were used. An 80.8% of the centers used isocentric technique. In 62.5% asymmetric fields were employed. CTV was delimited in 46.2%, PTV in 65% and both in 38.5%. A 65% of the centers checked with portal films. IMRT and hypofractionation were used in 1% and in 5.5% respectively.ConclusionIn most of centers, 3D conformal treatment and CT-based planning treatment were used. IMRT and hypofractionation are currently poorly implemented in Spain.     

Land use and climate influences on waterbirds in the Prairie Potholes

Aim We examined the influences of regional climate and land‐use variables on mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), blue‐winged teal (Anas discors), ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) and pied‐billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) abundances to inform conservation planning in the Prairie Pothole Region of the United States. Location The US portion of Bird Conservation Region 11 (US‐BCR11, the Prairie Potholes), which encompasses six states within the United States: Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota and Iowa. Methods We used data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey (NABBS), the National Land Cover Data Set, and the National Climatic Data Center to model the effects of environmental variables on waterbird abundance. We evaluated land‐use covariates at three logarithmically related spatial scales (1000, 10,000 and 100,000 ha), and constructed hierarchical spatial count models a priori using information from published habitat associations. Model fitting was performed using a hierarchical modelling approach within a Bayesian framework. Results Models with the same variables expressed at different scales were often in the best model subset, indicating that the influence of spatial scale was small. Both land‐use and climate variables contributed strongly to predicting waterbird abundance in US‐BCR11. The strongest positive influences on waterbird abundance were the percentage of wetland area across all three spatial scales, herbaceous vegetation and precipitation variables. Other variables that we included in our models did not appear to influence waterbirds in this study. Main conclusions Understanding the relationships of waterbird abundance to climate and land use may allow us to make predictions of future distribution and abundance as environmental factors change. Additionally, results from this study can suggest locations where conservation and management efforts should be focused.     

Localization of electrical current flow across the chorionated unfertilized egg of the locust,Locusta migratoria.

Summary

Extracellular currents near the surface of the electrically excitable egg of Locusta migratoria have been studied through the combined use of the 2-dimensional vibrating probe and an intracellular microelectrode. Intracellular current injection increased extracellular current densities to levels readily detectable by the vibrating probe, and it has been possible to show that injected current traverses the egg in the posterior end containing the micropylar zone. Extracellular currents could not be detected during the rising, plateau or falling phases of the long duration (>100s) action potential in the egg. Increases in current density during the hyperpolarizing after potential which lasts for 6–10 min after termination of the action potential were also restricted to the posterior end of the egg. The results suggest that the primary region at which current traverses the chorionated egg is near or at the micropylar zone.     

An improved survey method for monitoring population trends of Golden‐winged Warblers and other patchily distributed birds

Conventional surveys designed to monitor common and widespread species may fail to adequately track population changes of rare or patchily distributed species that are often of high conservation concern. We evaluated the performance of a new monitoring approach that employs both a spatially balanced sampling design and a targeted survey protocol designed to estimate population trends of one such patchily distributed species, the Golden‐winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera), in the Appalachian Mountains Bird Conservation Region (BCR 28), USA. Our spatially balanced survey consisted of 105 sample quads (one‐quarter Delorme Atlas pages) across the current range of Golden‐winged Warblers within BCR 28, each with five sample points located in early successional habitat. From 2009 to 2013, collaborators visited each sample point once per year during the peak breeding season and conducted a 17‐min survey consisting of passive observation and playback of conspecific songs and mobbing vocalizations. We used multi‐season, single‐species occupancy models to estimate probability of quad occupancy, detection probability, and occupancy dynamics for Golden‐winged Warblers and closely related Blue‐winged Warblers (Vermivora cyanoptera). Our survey protocol resulted in high estimates of detection probability for Golden‐winged (92%) and Blue‐winged (79%) warblers, with 47% and 56% of quads estimated to be initially occupied, respectively. Derived population trend estimates (λ) indicated an average decline in population of 6% for Golden‐winged Warblers and 7% for Blue‐winged Warblers, resulting in estimated 21% and 22% declines, respectively, in quad occupancy after 5 yr. Our results demonstrate that coupling a spatially balanced survey design in appropriate habitat with a playback protocol to increase detection rates is a viable strategy for tracking populations of Golden‐winged Warblers in the Appalachian Mountains BCR. Similar survey methods should be considered for other rare, declining, or patchily distributed bird species that require targeted monitoring.     

West Nile Virus and California Breeding Bird Declines

Since it was first detected in 1999, West Nile virus (WNV) quickly spread, becoming the dominant vector-borne disease in North America. Sometimes fatal to humans, WNV is even more widespread among birds, with hundreds of species known to be susceptible to WNV infection in North America alone. However, despite considerable mortality and local declines observed in American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), there has been little evidence of a large regional association between WNV susceptibility and population declines of any species. Here we demonstrate a correlation between susceptibility to WNV measured by large-scale testing of dead birds and two indices of overall population change among bird species following the spread of WNV throughout California. This result was due primarily to declines in four species of Corvidae, including all species in this family except common ravens (Corvus corax). Our results support the hypothesis that susceptibility to WNV may have negative population consequences to most corvids on regional levels. They also provide confirmation that dead animal surveillance programs can provide important data indicating populations most likely to suffer detrimental impacts due to WNV.     

Monolithic Endocrown Vs. Hybrid Intraradicular Post/Core/Crown Restorations for Endodontically Treated Teeth; Cross-sectional Study

The gold standard for restoring Endodontically Treated Teeth (ETT) with successful clinical longevity requires having minimal invasive preparations and maximal tissue conservation. Many dentists still consider hybrid post/core/crown to be the first choice for restoring ETT. Endocrown is a viable alternative treatment modality to hybrid post/core/crown. This study aims to assess the proper judgment of dentists working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the use of monolithic endocrown versus hybrid post/core/crown for restoring ETT. The IRB of Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) Institutional Review Board reviewed this study. The questionnaire was validated and electronically distributed. The participants were pre-informed that their responses are completely anonymous and used for professional purposes only. The questionnaire surveyed dentists working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, about their preference for different ETT restorative modalities at various clinical scenarios. Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA and t-test. All P-values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. A total of 275 responses were collected; 61.45% were females and 38.55% males. 56% of them were general practitioners, while 16% were consultants. Prefabricated post/core was the most preferred technique among the participants (18.55%), followed by endocrown (12.36%), and lastly, cast post/core (8.73%). The amount of remaining tooth structure was the most influential in the treatment selection (30.18%), followed by the presence or absence of 1–2 mm ferrule (17.82%). Interocclusal space (12.36%) was the least influential factor. Endocrown recorded 63.27% as the most preferred line of treatment in case of insufficient inter-occlusal space. 40.36% preferred endocrown for patients with occlusal risk factors. The amount of the remaining tooth structure and the tooth position significantly affect the treatment options of the participants. Endocrown was the most preferred treatment modality for restoring ETT for patients with occlusal consideration.     

An Improved CARV Process for Bioethanol Production from a Mixture of Sugar Beet Mash and Potato Mash

A mixed mash of sugar beet roots and potato tubers with a sugar concentration of 23.7% w/v was used as a feedstock for bioethanol production. Enzymatic digestion successfully reduced the viscosity of the mixture, enabling subsequent heat pretreatment for liquefaction/sterilization. An energy-consuming thick juice preparation from sugar beet for concentration and sterilization was omitted in this new process.     

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTIONS IN PHARMACY PRACTICE IN GREAT BRITAIN

Pharmacists who refuse to provide certain services or treatment for reasons of conscience have been criticized for failing to fulfil their professional obligations. Currently, individual pharmacists in Great Britain can withhold services or treatment for moral or religious reasons, provided they refer the patient to an alternative source. The most high‐profile cases have concerned the refusal to supply emergency hormonal contraception, which will serve as an example in this article. I propose that the pharmacy profession's policy on conscientious objections should be altered slightly. Building on the work of Brock and Wicclair, I argue that conscientious refusals should be acceptable provided that the patient is informed of the service, the patient is redirected to an alternative source, the refusal does not cause an unreasonable burden to the patient, and the reasons for the refusal are based on the core values of the profession. Finally, I argue that a principled categorical refusal by an individual pharmacist is not morally permissible. I claim that, contrary to current practice, a pharmacist cannot legitimately claim universal exemption from providing a standard service, even if that service is available elsewhere.     

Implementation of automatic plan optimization in Italy: Status and perspectives

PurposeTo investigate and report on the diffusion and clinical use of automated radiotherapy planning systems in Italy and to assess the perspectives of the community of Italian medical physicists involved in radiotherapy on the use of these tools.Materials and MethodsA survey of medical physicists (one per Institute) of 175 radiotherapy centers in Italy was conducted between February 21st and April 1st, 2021. The information collected included the institute’s characteristics, plan activity, availability/use of automatic tools and related issues regarding satisfaction, criticisms, expectations, and perceived professional modifications. Responses were analysed, including the impact of a few variables such as the institute type and experience.Results125 of the centers (71%) answered the survey, with regional variability (range: 47%–100%); among these, 49% have a TPS with some automatic option. Clinical use of automatic planning is present in 33% of the centers, with 13% applying it in >50% of their plans.Among the 125 responding centres the most used systems are Pinnacle (16%), Raystation (9%) and Eclipse (4%). The majority of participants consider the use of automated techniques to be beneficial, while only 1% do not see any advantage; 83% of respondents see the possibility of enriching their professional role as a potential benefit, while 3% see potential threats.ConclusionsOur survey shows that 49% of the responding centres have an automatic planning solution although clinically used in only 33% of the cases. Most physicists consider the use of automated techniques to be beneficial and show a prevalently positive attitude.