bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imaging adult C. elegans live using light‐sheet microscopy
Authors: VAN KRUGTEN J. , TARIS K.‐K.H. , PETERMAN ERWIN J.G. 
Published: September 2020

SummaryLive observation of biological phenomena in the context of living organisms can provide important insights in the mechanisms of these phenomena. However, the spatially complex and dynamic physiology of multicellular organisms can be a challenging environment to make observations with fluorescence microscopy. Due to the illumination of out‐of‐focus planes, confocal and particularly widefield fluorescence microscopy suffer from low signal‐to‐background ratio (SBR), photo toxicity and bleaching of fluorescent probes. In light‐sheet microscopy (LSM), solely the focal plane of the detection objective is illuminated, minimising out‐of‐focus fluorescence and photobleaching, thereby enhancing SBR, allowing for low laser intensities and longer acquisition periods. Here we present a straightforward light‐sheet microscope with a 1.0‐NA detection objective and a fast sample‐positioning stage that allows for four degrees of freedom. By imaging the sensory cilia and nervous system of living young adult C. elegans, we demonstrate that the instrument is well suited for relatively fast, volumetric imaging of larger (hundreds of micrometres cubed) living samples. These experiments demonstrate that such an instrument provides a valuable addition to commonly used widefield and confocal fluorescence microscopes.Lay descriptionIn fluorescence microscopy, sharp images can only be obtained when the light obtained from the section of the image that is in focus is not overwhelmed by light emerging from elsewhere. In this paper, we present a light‐sheet fluorescence microscope, based on the OpenSPIM initiative, with a magnification of 90× and a sensitive sample positioning stage that allows for fast controlled linear movement and rotation. In a light‐sheet microscope (LSM), the sample is illuminated from the side, compared to the direction of detection, limiting illumination only to the part of the sample that is imaged in the focal plane (general resources: Wikipedia or MicroscopyU). This does not only limit background noise, but also reduces damage to the sample due to phototoxicity. This makes a LSM particularly suitable for imaging living samples at high resolution, in three dimensions, over long periods of time.Our instrument was specifically designed for imaging adult C. elegans nematodes. We show here how the instrument compares to a standard epifluorescence microscope, imaging neuronal structures in the animals. The instrument proved well suited for fast volumetric imaging of larger cellular structures such as C. elegans neuronal cell bodies. Our experiments show that the instrument provides a valuable addition to widefield and confocal fluorescence microscopes commonly used to image adult C. elegans.
Efficacy and tolerability of chemical peeling as a single agent for melasma in dark‐skinned patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of comparative trials
Authors: Dorgham Nevine A. , Hegazy Rehab A. , Sharobim Amin K. , Dorgham Dina A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundChemical peelings are used on a wide scale in cosmetic field including melasma treatment. They often provide clinicians with flexibility in tailoring treatments according to patient needs and satisfaction.ObjectiveTo evaluate safety and efficacy of chemical peeling as single agents in melasma management in patients with darker skin types.MethodsWe included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective studies that assessed efficacy and safety of chemical peeling as single agents for facial melasma. An online bibliographic search was conducted, and data were extracted from the included studies.ResultsTen RCTs and three prospective comparative studies (No. of patients = 478) were included. The overall effect estimate favored Glycolic acid (GA) over trichloroacetic acid peel in terms of melasma activity and severity index (MASI) (mean difference [MD] −1.89, 95% CI [−3.26, −0.52], P = .007). On the other hand, the overall effect estimates did not favor GA over tretinoin (MD 0.53, 95% CI [−0.46, 1.52], P = .3), vitamin C iontophoresis (MD 1.50, 95% CI [−0.50, 3.50], P = .14), and amino fruit acid (MD 0.39, 95% CI [−0.64, 1.42], P = .46) in terms of MASI. The overall effect estimates favored trichloroacetic acid peel (MD −5.30, 95% CI [−6.41, −4.19], P < .001) and Jessner's solution (MD −3.20, 95% CI [−5.35, −1.05], P = .004) over topical hydroquinone in terms of MASI.ConclusionIn conclusion, chemical peelings are effective as single agents for management of melasma in patients with darker skin types, with the use of topicals as maintenance treatment.
Newer injection points for facial contouring with hyaluronic acid filler—Case Report
Authors: Ballani Indu , Sarkar Rashmi 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundHyaluronic fillers have been used for filling in folds and contour the face according to global aesthetic standards to achieve a smooth ogee curve on the face. But sometimes these result in a bulkier look to the face thus preventing more people from opting for these procedures. Although M.D codes have now been given to guide the injecting physicians for various points of injections on the face, they need to be used judiciously and tailored to individuals, using the lateral points of the face first.AimsPatients still come to physicians to get the midface and nasolabial folds corrected but a proper aesthetic evaluation is essential and it was observed that targeting the peripheral points of the face leads to better tightening of the face and a slimmer look for the patient. A case was injected on peripheral points including some newer points not mentioned in the M.D codes. These points are on the forehead along the hairline and the mastoid process. Safety and efficacy of injecting on these particular points were evaluated.Methods2‐ml hyaluronic acid syringes (20 mg conc) were used to give bolus injections on the peripheral points of the face, including a new point on mastoid process and peripheral points on forehead.ResultsA good aesthetic outcome was achieved resulting in slimming of face with patient satisfaction and without any complications.ConclusionA good nonsurgical contouring of a young face can be achieved with 2 ml hyaluronic acid injection when the correct points are injected.
The caring experience and supportive care needs of male partners for women with gynaecologic cancer: A qualitative literature review
Authors: Ge Xiaoling , Tong Huanhuan , Song Yongxia , He Hongye , Li Shuwen , Hong Jingfang , Wang Wenru 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo systematically review male partners’ caring experience and supportive care needs when caring for women with gynaecologic cancer.MethodsThe PRISMA guidelines were used to conduct this systematic review. We performed a comprehensive literature search in nine databases and qualitative studies published in English or Chinese from inception to January 2020. The included papers were appraised, using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program tool for qualitative research. An inductive thematic analysis method was adopted to synthesise major findings to construct core concepts and themes.ResultsEight studies were included in this review, and four overarching themes emerged the following: the negative experience of disease, the need for supportive care to cope, adapting to a new life and post‐traumatic growth.ConclusionsThis study shows that male partners had both negative and positive experiences in the caring process, and they could adjust themselves to some extent. Their perceived supportive care needs were often neglected.Relevance to clinical practiceMale partners of women with gynaecologic cancer are an under‐recognised group. The couple‐oriented or family‐oriented supportive care programmes should be implemented to meet the supportive care needs of male partners to enhance their health and well‐being.
Assessment of Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Volumetric MRI Correlates of Clinical Disability in Multiple Sclerosis: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Pérez Carlos A. , Salehbeiki Alireza , Zhu Liang , Wolinsky Jerry S. , Lincoln John A. 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEAlthough global and regional brain volume has been established as a relevant measure to define and predict multiple sclerosis (MS) severity, characterization of specific trends by race/ethnicity is currently lacking. We aim to (1) characterize racial disparities in disability‐specific patterns of brain MRI volumetric measures between Hispanic and Caucasian individuals with MS and (2) explore the relevance of these measures as predictors of clinical disability progression.METHODSBrain MRI scans from 94 Hispanic and 94 age‐ and gender‐matched Caucasian MS patients were analyzed using automatic and manual segmentation techniques. Select global and regional volume measures were correlated to Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores at baseline and subsequent follow‐up visits.RESULTSHispanic patients had a higher baseline median EDSS score (interquartile range [IQR], 2.0; [1.0‐3.5]) compared to Caucasians (median [IQR], 1.0 [.0‐2.0]) and an increased risk of requiring ambulatory assistance (hazard ratio [HR], 9.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.8‐32.5). Normalized thalamic volume was moderately associated with EDSS scores (rs = −.42, P < .001 in Hispanics; rs = −.32, P = .002 in Caucasians) and was the best predictor of sustained disability worsening in both racial groups in a time‐to‐event analysis.CONCLUSIONSThe confounding impact of race on quantitative brain volume measures may affect the interpretation of outcome measures in MS clinical trials.
NeoSTRESS: Study of Transfer and Retrieval Environmental StressorS upon neonates via a smartphone application – Sound
Authors: Gilmour Deborah , Duong Khoi M , Gilmour Ian J , Davies Mark W 
Published: September 2020

AimThis study aimed to measure sound exposure during neonatal retrieval, determine whether this varied with mode of transport, and compare noise exposure to recommended levels in neonatal intensive care units. We also aimed to assess the acceptability of using a smartphone application to measure sound. Setting: Neonatal retrieval service in Brisbane, Australia.MethodsThe Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite application was installed on a Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone and calibrated for sound measurement. Data were collected during outbound, non‐patient legs of 45 retrievals – 25 road, 11 fixed wing aircraft and 9 rotary aircraft journeys. Data were saved to cloud storage, then analysed using PostgreSQL database.ResultsThe median sound level was 83 dB (interquartile range 66–91; range 27–≥97 dB). Continuous equivalent sound (Leq) was 90 dB across all journeys. Rotary transport was loudest (Leq 94 dB). Fixed wing (Leq 89 dB) and road (Leq 87 dB) journeys also resulted in significant sound exposure. Sound exceeded recommended levels (45 dB) for 99% of all journey time, regardless of the mode of transport.ConclusionsNeonates encounter harmful sound levels during retrieval – louder than recommended levels for 99% of all retrieval time. Sounds levels were highest in rotary aircraft transport compared to fixed wing or road transport. It is feasible to use a calibrated smartphone application instead of a sound metre.
Facilitating educational experiences in a paediatric handover: A qualitative case study
Authors: Ooi Aaron , Bradley Stephen , Mukherjee Shuvayon , Stafford Kerry , Henning Marcus A 
Published: September 2020

AimHandovers have been established as a valuable educational tool; nevertheless, a paucity of literature exists evaluating contributors to the educational experience. Our study aimed to investigate participants' educational experiences based on a paediatric handover, and the facilitators and barriers towards teaching and learning during this process.MethodsA case study was conducted using semi‐structured interviews. Data were collected exploring participants' perspectives of their educational experiences within a handover. An inductive, thematic content analysis was performed to identify key themes, assisted by nVivo software.ResultsFour key themes contributing to the educational experience within a handover were identified related to the organisation of a handover, team dynamics, teaching and learning moments and tensions between the clinical tasks and education. A model is proposed aimed at optimising education within this context.ConclusionsOur study identified contributing factors towards the educational experiences at handovers and provides strategies to optimise these.
Foster and kinship carer survey: Accessing health services for children in out‐of‐home care
Authors: McLean Karen , Hiscock Harriet , Scott Dorothy , Goldfeld Sharon 
Published: September 2020

AimTo explore the experiences of Victorian foster and kinship carers in accessing health services for children in their care and to quantify the frequency of potential barriers to health care.MethodsOn‐line survey co‐designed with the Foster Care Association of Victoria measuring carer‐reported health service engagement by a child/young person in their care, ease of service access, time to receiving Medicare number and out‐of‐pocket health‐related costs. A total of 239 foster and 51 kinship carers were recruited through email and social media by carer support agencies.ResultsIn total, 90% of children/young people had engaged with a general practitioner. Most had engaged with dental (75%), paediatric (72%), optometry (61%) and audiology (54%) services. Mental health services were most likely to be needed but not yet received. Neither carer education nor socio‐economic status was associated with likelihood of service engagement. Carers reported that it was hardest to get appointments with mental health and paediatric services.Twenty‐seven percent had waited to see a health service because of delays in carers receiving their Medicare number. Sixty percent of carers had paid out‐of‐pocket for health services; 78% of these had not been reimbursed.ConclusionVictorian foster and kinship carers report high health service use for children and young people in their care. Mental health services were the hardest to access with the largest gap between identified need and service use. Timely access to Medicare numbers and financial support are barriers to access that could be addressed. The development of integrated paediatric health care and clinicians co‐located with child protection could also assist.
Nutritional implications of feeding free‐living birds in public urban areas
Authors: Burt Sara A. , Vos Cornelis J. , Buijs Jan A. , Corbee Ronald J. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSupplementary feeding can affect populations of birds. It reduces energy spent on foraging and reduces the risk of starvation, but it also increases the risk of disease transmission and predation. Supplementary feeding may reduce species richness if some species are better able to exploit supplementary food resources than others. Feeding may also artificially inflate the carrying capacity of the ecosystem, leading to bird nuisance in the form of droppings and noise. The aim of this study was to characterise and quantify the risk factors and consequences of feeding free‐living birds in public areas in the western part of the city of Amsterdam. In seven study areas, the following data were collected: bird population size and species composition, feeding events, and the type and amount of supplementary food offered. Estimations were made of the nutritional energy provided and the number of birds that could be supported by the food offered. Members of the public who fed the birds were invited to complete a questionnaire on various aspects of feeding. Results showed that supplementary feeding attracts juvenile gulls and feral pigeons, which could in the long‐term affect biodiversity. Bread was the main category of supplementary food being offered (estimated to be 67% of the total amount of food). The majority of respondents fed birds so as not to waste bread and meal leftovers. In six of the seven areas studied, an overabundance of nutritional energy was calculated. We conclude that the current type and extent of supplementary feeding in the city of Amsterdam is nutritionally unbalanced and affects species diversity at a local level. The overabundance is undesirable for reasons of both animal health, because it can lead to malnutrition, and public health, because surplus food attracts rats and may also have a negative effect on water quality.
Ultrasonographic assessment of abdominal aortic elasticity in hypertensive dogs
Authors: Corda Andrea , Corda Francesca , Caivano Domenico , Saderi Laura , Sotgiu Giovanni , Mollica Alessandra , Birettoni Francesco , Porciello Francesco , Pinna Parpaglia Maria Luisa 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundSystemic hypertension (SH) is a persistent and pathological increase in arterial blood pressure (BP). Chronic SH leads to an increase in aortic (Ao) stiffness, and measuring Ao elasticity is useful for estimating Ao stiffness in humans. Currently, no literature in veterinary medicine describes noninvasive assessment of abdominal Ao elasticity in dogs with SH.ObjectiveCompare ultrasonographic‐derived abdominal Ao strain (AoSt) between hypertensive (HT) and normotensive (NT) dogs.AnimalsFifty privately‐owned dogs with clinical signs, conditions, or both potentially associated with SH.MethodsProspective observational case‐control study. Aortic stiffness was estimated by calculating AoSt as follows: AoSt = ([AoDs − AoDd]/AoDd) × 100, where AoDs and AoDd are the Ao diameter in systole and in diastole, respectively. Aortic stiffness was calculated from 2 different Ao transverse sections, the first caudal to the left renal artery (K_AoSt), and the second cranial to the external iliac arteries (I_AoSt).ResultsThirty‐two dogs were included in the HT group and 18 in the NT group. Both K_AoSt and I_AoSt in HT dogs were significantly lower (P < .05) than in NT dogs (7.4 ± SD 3.6) vs 10.3 (±3.8) and 5.7 (interquartile range [IQR], 3.9‐7.5) vs 8.1 (IQR, 7‐10.3), respectively. Only K_AoSt was significantly influenced by age.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceUltrasonographic Ao elasticity assessment was feasible to compare HT and NT dogs. Results indicated that K_AoSt and I_AoSt indices can be used to assess SH‐related Ao stiffness, especially when indirect BP measurements are inconsistent or inaccurate. Additional studies to assess the AoSt in healthy dogs of various ages are needed.
Sex ratios in blue whales from conception onward: effects of space, time, and body size
Authors: Branch Trevor A. , Monnahan Cole C. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractDeviations from equal sex ratios in mammals can reveal insights into sex‐specific growth, survival, movements, and behavior. We assessed blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) sex ratios based on 21,542 fetal and 311,901 whaling records, finding that males were slightly but significantly more common than females (51.3% fetal, 52.1% postnatal). Antarctic catches shifted from 52.4% male before 1951 to 48.0% male thereafter, even though larger females were preferentially targeted by whalers and should have declined. The southernmost land stations caught more males than those in southern Africa, and at land stations, sex ratios shifted subtly over the course of a year. Pelagic catches demonstrated spatial structure in sex ratios, including more males being caught in the Ross Sea. In utero, the smallest females were often misidentified as males, and there was some evidence for higher prenatal male mortality. Once born, medium‐sized blue whales within each region were more often male, while the longest were nearly all female; explained entirely by females growing faster and reaching longer sizes. Overall, though, sex ratios are remarkably close to equality across time, space, and length; with any deviations best explained by faster female growth and size‐selective whaling.
Necrosome‐positive granulovacuolar degeneration is associated with TDP‐43 pathological lesions in the hippocampus of ALS/FTLD cases
Authors: Van Schoor E. , Koper M. J. , Ospitalieri S. , Dedeene L. , Tomé S. O. , Vandenberghe R. , Brenner D. , Otto M. , Weishaupt J. , Ludolph A. C. , Van Damme P. , Van Den Bosch L. , Thal D. R. 
Published: September 2020

AimGranulovacuolar degeneration (GVD) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) involves the necrosome, which is a protein complex consisting of phosphorylated receptor‐interacting protein kinase 1 (pRIPK1), pRIPK3 and phosphorylated mixed lineage kinase domain‐like protein (pMLKL). Necrosome‐positive GVD was associated with neuron loss in AD. GVD was recently linked to the C9ORF72 mutation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration with transactive response DNA‐binding protein (TDP‐43) pathology (FTLD‐TDP). Therefore, we investigated whether GVD in cases of the ALS‐FTLD‐TDP spectrum (ALS/FTLD) shows a similar involvement of the necrosome as in AD, and whether it correlates with diagnosis, presence of protein aggregates and cell death in ALS/FTLD.MethodsWe analysed the presence and distribution of the necrosome in post‐mortem brain and spinal cord of ALS and FTLD‐TDP patients (n = 30) with and without the C9ORF72 mutation, and controls (n = 22). We investigated the association of the necrosome with diagnosis, the presence of pathological protein aggregates and neuronal loss.ResultsNecrosome‐positive GVD was primarily observed in hippocampal regions of ALS/FTLD cases and was associated with hippocampal TDP‐43 inclusions as the main predictor of the pMLKL‐GVD stage, as well as with the Braak stage of neurofibrillary tangle pathology. The central cortex and spinal cord, showing motor neuron loss in ALS, were devoid of any accumulation of pRIPK1, pRIPK3 or pMLKL.ConclusionsOur findings suggest a role for hippocampal TDP‐43 pathology as a contributor to necrosome‐positive GVD in ALS/FTLD. The absence of necroptosis‐related proteins in motor neurons in ALS argues against a role for necroptosis in ALS‐related motor neuron death.
Current calcium fortification experiences: a review
Authors: Palacios Cristina , Hofmeyr G. Justus , Cormick Gabriela , Garcia‐Casal Maria Nieves , Peña‐Rosas Juan Pablo , Betrán Ana Pilar 
Published: September 2020

AbstractLow dietary calcium is very common in many populations, contributing to nutritional rickets/osteomalacia in children/adults and increasing the risk of several health problems. Calcium is a nutrient of concern as the recommended nutrient requirements are difficult to meet in the absence of dairy products. The provision of culturally acceptable calcium‐fortified foods may improve calcium intake when it is a feasible and cost‐effective strategy in a particular setting. This landscape review was conducted in 2019 and describes current calcium fortification efforts and lessons learned from these experiences. Worldwide, the United Kingdom is the only country where calcium fortification of wheat flour is mandatory. It is estimated that this fortified staple ingredient contributes to 13–14% of calcium intake of the British population. Other items voluntary fortified with calcium include maize flour, rice, and water. Current calcium fortification programs may lack qualified personnel/training, clear guidelines on implementation, regulation, monitoring/evaluation, and functional indicators. Also, the cost of calcium premix is high and the target groups may be hard to reach. There is a lack of rigorous evaluation, particularly in settings with multiple micronutrient programs implemented simultaneously, with low quality of the evidence. Further research is needed to assess the impact of calcium fortification programs.