bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Label‐free high‐speed wide‐field imaging of single microtubules using interference reflection microscopy
Authors: MAHAMDEH MOHAMMED , SIMMERT STEVE , LUCHNIAK ANNA , SCHÄFFER ERIK , HOWARD JONATHON 
Published: July 2018

SummaryWhen studying microtubules in vitro, label free imaging of single microtubules is necessary when the quantity of purified tubulin is too low for efficient fluorescent labelling or there is concern that labelling will disrupt function. Commonly used techniques for observing unlabelled microtubules, such as video enhanced differential interference contrast, dark‐field and more recently laser‐based interferometric scattering microscopy, suffer from a number of drawbacks. The contrast of differential interference contrast images depends on the orientation of the microtubules, dark‐field is highly sensitive to impurities and optical misalignments. In addition, all of these techniques require costly optical components such as Nomarski prisms, dark‐field condensers, lasers and laser scanners. Here we show that single microtubules can be imaged at high speed and with high contrast using interference reflection microscopy without the aforementioned drawbacks. Interference reflection microscopy is simple to implement, requiring only the incorporation of a 50/50 mirror instead of a dichroic in a fluorescence microscope, and with appropriate microscope settings has a similar signal‐to‐noise ratio to differential interference contrast and fluorescence. We demonstrated the utility of interference reflection microscopy by high‐speed imaging and tracking of dynamic microtubules at 100 frames per second. In conclusion, the optical quality of interference reflection microscopy falls within the range of other microscope techniques, being inferior to some and superior to others, depending on the metric used and, with minimal microscope modification, can be used to study the dynamics of unlabelled microtubules.Lay descriptionThe cytoskeleton gives a cell its shape and plays a major role in its movement and division. It's also helps organise the content of cells and is the base for intracellular transport. Important components of the cytoskeleton are microtubules, which are hollow cylindrical beams (25 nm in diameter) that assemble from protein building blocks called tubulin. Deficiencies in microtubules are related to many diseases including cancer and Alzheimer. Given their important role, microtubules are heavily investigated in many laboratories. One way to study microtubules is to isolate them from cells and image them using light microscopy. Over the years a number of imaging techniques have been used. These techniques have a number of drawbacks which are addressed by ongoing efforts which this work is a part of. Here, we present a method based on light interference that produce high quality images of microtubules. The technique is cheap and easy to implement making it accessible to a wide base of researchers.
Perspectives in cosmetic dermatology: What is in front of the mirror?
Authors: Gherghina Andrei , Aristizabal Miguel , Bay Aguilera Shino , Skopit Stanley 
Published: July 2018

SummaryManaging patient expectations can be a difficult task and is one that cosmetic dermatologists frequently encounter. Misinformation and unrealistic expectations can oftentimes exist regarding cosmetic procedures and their results. These misconceptions can result in patient dissatisfaction and frustration on the physician's behalf. This case report underscores the importance of utilizing what is arguably the most basic and ancient tool in the office, the mirror. There are many different facets to the patient encounter and a variety of devices at the physician's disposal. Proper use of this valuable tool can improve communication, elucidate patient concerns, and reflect the focus on the patient. These can ultimately lead to improved procedure outcome and patient satisfaction.
Effects of menstrual pain on the academic performance and participation in sports and social activities in Turkish university students with primary dysmenorrhea: A case control study
Authors: Orhan Ceren , Çelenay Şeyda Toprak , Demirtürk Funda , Özgül Serap , Üzelpasacı Esra , Akbayrak Türkan 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAimThe primary aim of this study was to investigate the pain characteristics, academic performance and participation in sports and social activities among students with primary dysmenorrhea (PD) who have different pain intensities and to compare dysmenorrhea‐related life impact with pain‐free students.MethodsThe present study was conducted on 471 university students with and without PD. Based on Visual Analog Scale score, participants were categorized into four groups: no‐pain (n = 60), mild pain (n = 83), moderate pain (n = 165) and severe pain (n = 163). Data on the pain characteristics, impact of dysmenorrhea on university absence, class concentration, participation in sports and social activities were obtained and analyzed with the Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney U and chi‐square tests.ResultsUniversity absence, loss of class concentration and the impact on sports and social activities were higher in severe pain group than in no‐pain, mild and moderate pain groups (P < 0.001). There were statistically significant differences in the duration of pain, the pattern of pain and the day when maximum pain is perceived among mild, moderate and severe pain groups (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe results of the present study present that PD negatively influences academic performance and participation in sports and social activities. Furthermore, pain characteristics differed among the patients with mild, moderate and severe pain. There is a need for further studies that improve treatment options for PD in order to minimize the influence of pain on academic performance and social activities.
Effect of orthodontic force associated with cigarette smoke inhalation in healthy and diseased periodontium. A histometric and immunohistochemistry analysis in rats
Authors: Ferreira C. L. , Nunes C. M. M. , Bernardo D. V. , Pedroso J. F. , Longo M. , Santamaria M. , Santamaria M. P. , Jardini M. A. N. 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundThe aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of orthodontic forces in healthy or diseased periodontium of rats submitted/not submitted to cigarette smoke inhalation.Material and methodsFifty‐six male Wistar rats were allocated into two groups of conditions: smoking and non‐smoking. Each group was divided into the following subgroups: control (C), orthodontic tooth movement (OTM), ligature‐induced periodontitis (P) and P+OTM (POTM), with n = 14 each. Periodontitis was induced in the lower first molar by cotton ligature, and a 4 mm closed stainless steel spring was used for orthodontic movement. Animals were exposed to the smoke of 10 cigarettes for 8 minutes, 3 times a day for 60 days before P induction and OTM. Evaluation parameters were macroscopic analysis of dental movement, bone loss and bone density. In addition, the receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappaB (RANK) immunostaining and RANK ligand/osteoprotegerin ratio in the furcation region were assessed.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference between groups, ie, smoking and non‐smoking conditions (P = .338). Bone loss intragroup analysis between the P and POTM groups was not significant in smoking (P = 1) and non‐smoking (P = .5) conditions; both were different from OTM and C in each condition. Regarding bone density, POTM and P were significant to C (P < .05). The POTM group was significant to the P and C (P = .001) regarding dental movement. The RANK ligand/osteoprotegerin ratio in the non‐smoking condition was higher in P and POTM compared to C and OTM and to P and POTM in the smoking condition. RANK immunostaining was significant in the smoking condition for the P and POTM groups (P < .05).ConclusionWithin the limitations of the present study, it was concluded that cigarette smoke inhalation had no influence on the evaluated groups, even with the presence of low levels of nicotine, carbon monoxide and tar. The POTM groups did not present greater bone loss compared to P groups, thus periodontal disease is essential for bone loss.
Increased levels of substance P in patients taking beta‐blockers are linked with a protective effect on oropharyngeal dysphagia
Authors: Miarons M. , Tomsen N. , Nascimento W. , Espín À. , López‐Faixó D. , Clavé P. , Rofes L. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundWe have recently found a potential protective effect of beta‐blockers on oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). The action mechanism by which beta‐blockers could wield this protective effect is unknown, but the neurotransmitter substance P (SP) could play a key role. The aim of this study was to analyze serum and saliva SP levels in patients taking beta‐blockers (TBB), and to explore its relationship with OD.MethodsAdult (>50 year) patients TBB were randomly recruited from the primary care setting and 1:1 matched by age, sex, and Barthel Index (BI) with patients not taking beta‐blockers (NTBB). Serum and saliva samples were taken and analyzed for their SP levels using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Socio‐demographic and clinical variables were collected. Dysphagia was evaluated in all patients using the clinical volume‐viscosity swallow test (V‐VST).Key ResultsWe studied 28 patients TBB (64.96 ± 7.31 years, 57.1% women, BI 99.6 ± 1.31, carvedilol‐equivalent dose 24.11 ± 18.12 mg) and 28 patients NTBB (65.61 ± 6.43 years, 57.1% women, BI 99.6 ± 1.31). SP serum levels were significantly higher in patients TBB (260.68 ± 144.27 vs 175.46 ± 108.36 pg/mL, P = .009) as were SP saliva levels (170.34 ± 146.48 vs 102.73 ± 52.28 pg/mL, P < .001) compared with patients NTBB. The prevalence of OD was 32.1% in patients TBB and 67.9% in patients NTBB (P = .015). Moreover, patients with OD had significantly lower SP saliva levels in comparison with patients without clinical signs of OD (98.39 ± 43.25 vs 174.69 ± 147.21 pg/mL) P < .001.Conclusions & InferencesWe have found that serum and saliva SP levels are greater in patients TBB. This increase in SP levels could be the action mechanism by which beta‐blockers protect patients from OD.
Aphid infestation leads to plant part‐specific changes in phloem sap chemistry, which may indicate niche construction
Authors: Jakobs Ruth , Schweiger Rabea , Müller Caroline 
Published: July 2018

Summary

Phloem sap quality can differ between and within plants, and affect the performance of aphids. In turn, aphid infestation may change the chemical composition and nutritional value of phloem sap. However, the effects of different aphid species on the overall phloem sap composition of distinct parts within plant individuals in relation to aphid performance remain unclear.

To test the specificity of plant responses to aphids, we used two chemotypes of Tanacetum vulgare plants and placed the monophagous aphids Macrosiphoniella tanacetaria and Uroleucon tanaceti on different plant parts (stems close to the inflorescence, young and old leaves). Aphid population growth was determined and sugars, organic acids, amino acids and metabolic fingerprints of phloem exudates were analysed.

Macrosiphoniella tanacetaria performed best on stems, whereas U. tanaceti performed best on old leaves, indicating differences in niche conformance. Aphid infestation led to distinct changes in the phloem exudate composition of distinct metabolite classes, differing particularly between plant parts but less between chemotypes.

In summary, plant responses to aphids are highly specific for the chemotype, plant part, metabolite class and aphid species. These changes may indicate that aphids construct their own niche, optimizing the food quality on the plant parts they prefer.
Endoscopic treatment in biliary strictures after pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Czubkowski Piotr , Pertkiewicz Jan , Markiewicz‐Kijewska Małgorzata , Kaliciński Piotr , Rurarz Małgorzata , Jankowska Irena , Pawłowska Joanna 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackground and aimThe aim of the study was to assess efficacy and safety of endoscopic treatment in BS after pediatric LTx.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed data of patients with DDA who developed BS and underwent ERCP.ResultsOf 189 transplanted patients with DDA, strictures developed in 30 (16%). In this subgroup, the median age at LTx was 14.7 (1.5‐17.6) and follow‐up period was 3.9 (1.3‐11.3). ABS were in 76% and NABS in combination with ABS in 24% of patients. Overall, 95 ERCP sessions (3.0 per patient) were performed with successful outcome in 22 (73%) cases. Duration of treatment was 9.1 (1.8‐24.1) months. Five patients underwent surgical revision and three patients retransplantation (10%). Risk factors of endoscopy failure were HCV or HBV infection, prolonged CIT and treatment before 2007. The most common complications after ERCP were cholangitis (8.2%) and pancreatitis (4.2%). There were worse overall prognosis and higher risk of post–ERCP complications in NABS.ConclusionsERCP is safe and effective in the majority of patients with post‐transplant duct‐to‐duct BS, and it is currently recommended as the first‐line treatment.
Sperm kinematic characterization of alpaca (Vicugna pacos L.) during the reproductive season
Authors: Meza Aydee , Caldeira Carina , Valverde Anthony , Ordóñez César , Ampuero Enrique , Cucho Hernán , Soler Carles 
Published: July 2018

ContentsSemen analysis is a key factor when determining the fertility ability in males. South American camelids, and in particular the alpaca, have been studied very little when compared with other farm animals. The aim of this work was to perform the kinematic characterization of alpaca spermatozoa collected directly from the deferent duct by using CASA‐Mot (Computer Assisted Semen Analysis for Motility) technology. Samples were obtained every three days throughout the reproductive season during two periods and with a break of seven days in the middle. During both periods, the quality of the sample's motility and kinematics increased over the first two days and then subsequently decreased. This pattern was similar in all animals. It was concluded that the introduction of resting times can be useful to improve sperm quality for artificial insemination purposes in natural conditions.
Computed tomographic arthrography is a useful adjunct to survey computed tomography and arthroscopic evaluation of the canine shoulder joint
Authors: Eivers Caroline R. , Corzo‐Menéndez Nuria , Austwick Sarah H. , Thomson David G. , Gibson Sarah M. , Handel Ian , Schwarz Tobias 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe aim of this retrospective, methods comparison study was to assess the diagnostic utility of computed tomographic arthrography in the assessment of various intraarticular shoulder pathologies in dogs in comparison with survey computed tomography (CT), using arthroscopic examination as the reference standard. Computed tomography, computed tomographic arthrography, and arthroscopic findings of 46 scapulohumeral joints of dogs with forelimb lameness were reviewed retrospectively. Predefined sites were assessed for the presence or absence of disease. If a lesion was present, a prespecified pathology was designated. Computed tomographic arthrography was found to be a safe technique which provided a superior diagnostic efficacy relative to survey CT for the assessment of the biceps tendon and biceps tendon sheath (sensitivity 71%, specificity 75%, positive likelihood ratio 2.9, negative likelihood ratio 0.38) and humeral head cartilage (sensitivity 65%, specificity 97%, positive likelihood ratio 19, negative likelihood ratio 0.37). Computed tomography and computed tomographic arthrography provided additional diagnostic information to arthroscopy in regard to osteophytosis, subchondral defects, and joint mice. Computed tomographic arthrography alone was of limited diagnostic value for assessment of the medial and lateral glenohumeral ligaments (sensitivity 13% and 0%, specificity 1% and 78%, positive likelihood ratios unmeasurable and 0, negative likelihood ratios 0.88 and 1.29, respectively) and the subscapularis tendon (sensitivity 14%, specificity 98%, positive likelihood ratio 5.7, negative likelihood ratio 0.88). Computed tomographic arthrography is therefore a useful adjunct to survey CT and arthroscopic evaluation of the canine shoulder joint, however, is not a replacement for these techniques.
Gut microbiome analysis as a tool towards targeted non-invasive biomarkers for early hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ren Zhigang , Li Ang , Jiang Jianwen , Zhou Lin , Yu Zujiang , Lu Haifeng , Xie Haiyang , Chen Xiaolong , Shao Li , Zhang Ruiqing , Xu Shaoyan , Zhang Hua , Cui Guangying , Chen Xinhua , Sun Ranran , Wen Hao , Lerut Jan P , Kan Quancheng , Li Lanjuan , Zheng Shusen 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveTo characterise gut microbiome in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and evaluate the potential of microbiome as non-invasive biomarkers for HCC.DesignWe collected 486 faecal samples from East China, Central China and Northwest China prospectively and finally 419 samples completed Miseq sequencing. We characterised gut microbiome, identified microbial markers and constructed HCC classifier in 75 early HCC, 40 cirrhosis and 75 healthy controls. We validated the results in 56 controls, 30 early HCC and 45 advanced HCC. We further verified diagnosis potential in 18 HCC from Xinjiang and 80 HCC from Zhengzhou.ResultsFaecal microbial diversity was increased from cirrhosis to early HCC with cirrhosis. Phylum Actinobacteria was increased in early HCC versus cirrhosis. Correspondingly, 13 genera including Gemmiger and Parabacteroides were enriched in early HCC versus cirrhosis. Butyrate-producing genera were decreased, while genera producing-lipopolysaccharide were increased in early HCC versus controls. The optimal 30 microbial markers were identified through a fivefold cross-validation on a random forest model and achieved an area under the curve of 80.64% between 75 early HCC and 105 non-HCC samples. Notably, gut microbial markers validated strong diagnosis potential for early HCC and even advanced HCC. Importantly, microbial markers successfully achieved a cross-region validation of HCC from Northwest China and Central China.ConclusionsThis study is the first to characterise gut microbiome in patients with HCC and to report the successful diagnosis model establishment and cross-region validation of microbial markers for HCC. Gut microbiota-targeted biomarkers represent potential non-invasive tools for early diagnosis of HCC.
Burden of respiratory abnormalities in microwave popcorn and flavouring manufacturing workers
Authors: Fechter-Leggett Ethan D , White Sandra K , Fedan Kathleen B , Cox-Ganser Jean M , Cummings Kristin J 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesDiacetyl, a butter flavour compound used in food and flavouring production, is a respiratory toxin. We characterised the burden of respiratory abnormalities in workers at popcorn and flavouring manufacturing facilities that used diacetyl as evaluated through US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) health hazard evaluations.MethodsWe performed analyses describing the number and percentage of current and former workers from popcorn and flavouring manufacturing facilities where NIOSH administered a respiratory health questionnaire and spirometry testing who met case definitions of suspected flavouring-related lung disease. Case definitions were pathologist reported: lung biopsy pathology report stating supportive of/consistent with constrictive bronchiolitis or bronchiolitis obliterans; probable: obstructive/mixed spirometric pattern with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) <60% predicted; possible: obstructive/mixed spirometric pattern with FEV1≥60% or any spirometric restriction; symptoms only: normal spirometry plus exertional dyspnoea or usual cough.ResultsDuring 2000–2012, NIOSH collected questionnaire and spirometry data on 1407 workers (87.0% current, 13.0% former) at nine facilities in eight states. After applying case definitions, 4 (0.3%) were classified as pathologist reported, 48 (3.4%) as probable, 234 (16.6%) as possible and 404 (28.7%) as symptoms only. The remaining 717 (51.0%) workers had normal spirometry without exertional dyspnoea or usual cough. Seven of 11 workers with biopsies did not meet the pathologist-reported case definition, although four met probable and three met possible.ConclusionsThis approach demonstrates the substantial burden of respiratory abnormalities in these workers. A similar approach could quantify the burden of respiratory abnormalities in other industries that use diacetyl.
Physical work demands and psychosocial working conditions as predictors of musculoskeletal pain: a cohort study comparing self-reported and job exposure matrix measurements
Authors: Madsen Ida E H , Gupta Nidhi , Budtz-Jørgensen Esben , Bonde Jens Peter , Framke Elisabeth , Flachs Esben Meulengracht , Petersen Sesilje Bondo , Svane-Petersen Annemette Coop , Holtermann Andreas , Rugulies Reiner 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesDetermining exposure to occupational factors by workers’ job titles is extensively used in epidemiological research. However, the correspondence of findings regarding associations to health between job exposure matrices (JEMs) and individual-level exposure data is largely unknown. We set out to examine the prospective associations of physical work demands and psychosocial working conditions with musculoskeletal pain, comparing JEMs with individual-level self-reported exposures.MethodsWe analysed data of 8132 participants from the Work Environment and Health in Denmark cohort study. Using random intercept multilevel modelling, we constructed age-specific and sex-specific JEMs estimating predicted exposures in job groups. We analysed associations between working conditions (individual and JEM level) at baseline and musculoskeletal pain at follow-up using multilevel modelling stratified by sex, adjusting for age, education and baseline pain.ResultsAny consistent associations present in the individual-level analysis were also found in the JEM-level analysis. Higher pain levels at follow-up was seen for employees with higher baseline physical work demands, women exposed to violence and men with lower decision authority, whether measured at the individual or JEM level. Higher JEM-level quantitative demands were associated with less pain, but no association was seen at the individual level.ConclusionsWe found predominately comparable prospective associations between working conditions and pain, whether using JEMs or individual level exposures, with the exception of quantitative demands. The results suggest that, with few notable exceptions, findings obtained using JEMs may be comparable with those obtained when using self-reported exposures.