BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Digital Holographic Microscopy provides a new kind of quantitative image data about live cells' in vitro activities. Apart from non-invasive and staining-free imaging, it offers topological weighting of cell mass. This led us to develop a particular tool for assessing cell mass dynamics. METHODS: Programming language Python and a training set of time-lapse images of adherent HT-1080 cells derived from human fibrosarcoma taken with dry objective 40x/0.95 at 30-second intervals were used to create the Analytical Image Differencing (AID) method. RESULTS: The AID makes the best of these new data by evaluating the difference between the chosen two quantitative phase images from the time-lapse series. The contribution of the method is demonstrated on hiQPI (Holographic Incoherent-light-source Quantitative Phase Imaging) image data taken with a Q-phase microscope. The analysis outputs are graphical and complemented with numerical data. To underscore the significance of the Analytical Image Differencing (AID) method, an initial pilot experiment was conducted to show the available analyses of sequential overlapping images capturing the movement of cancer cells. Notably, besides defining changes in areas used by the cell (newly or steadily occupied or better abandoned) it is an introduction to the zero-line concept, which denotes spots of tranquility among continuously moving surroundings. CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of zero-line length has emerged as a novel biomarker for characterizing cell mass transfer. The sensitivity of phase change measurements is demonstrated. The noise quality of input images obtained with incoherent (hiQPI) and coherent (QPI) methods is compared. The resulting effect on the AID method output is also shown. The findings of this study introduce a novel approach to evaluating cellular behavior in vitro. The concept emerged as a particularly noteworthy outcome. Collectively, these results highlight the substantial potential of AID in advancing the field of cancer cells biology, particularly.

• Keywords
• Biophysics, Cancer cell migration, Digital holographic microscopy, Image processing, Live cell imaging, Non-invasive, Quantitative phase imaging, Staining-free imaging,
• MeSH
• Algorithms MeSH
• Time-Lapse Imaging MeSH
• Fibrosarcoma pathology   MeSH
• Holography methods   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Microscopy MeSH
• Cell Line, Tumor MeSH
• Image Processing, Computer-Assisted MeSH
• Cell Movement * MeSH
• Programming Languages MeSH
• Software MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Congression of all chromosomes on the equatorial plane is in mitosis required for metaphase-anaphase transition, and for successful segregation of sister chromatids during anaphase. In contrast to somatic cells, mouse oocytes, which are undergoing the first meiotic division, are capable to undergo metaphase-anaphase transition without congression of all chromosomes. Consequently, oocytes exhibit an increased frequency of chromosome segregation errors, which might lead to aneuploidy. In various experimental conditions, for example, during gene function studies, or during evaluation of the effects of pharmaceutical inhibitors, it might be beneficial to assess chromosome congression in live oocytes. In this chapter, we describe all steps necessary for performing such experiments, including isolation of mouse oocytes, microinjection-free labeling of chromosomes and spindle, the time-lapse recording of chromosome division during meiosis I, using confocal live cell microscopy, and also steps necessary for data analysis.

• Keywords
• Chromosome congression, Chromosomes, Live imaging, Metaphase, Oocyte, Spindle,
• MeSH
• Spindle Apparatus metabolism   MeSH
• Time-Lapse Imaging MeSH
• Microscopy, Confocal MeSH
• Meiosis MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Oocytes * cytology   metabolism   MeSH
• Chromosome Segregation * MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Mice MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the reliability and educational value of vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) hysterectomy videos on YouTube and their suitability for training surgeons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: On June 12, 2024, YouTube was searched using the keywords "vNOTES hysterectomy," "TVNOTES hysterectomy," "transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic hysterectomy," "vNOTES," and "vaginal notes hysterectomy." A total of 73 videos met the inclusion criteria. Viewer engagement metrics, such as time since upload, number of views, likes, dislikes, comments, and video duration were recorded. Ratios such as a view ratio, a like ratio, and Video Power Index (VPI) were calculated. The videos were categorized by the modified Global Quality Scale (GQS) and evaluated based on a scoring system derived from a standardized 10-step vNOTES hysterectomy procedure, with scores ranging from 0 to 15. RESULTS: Out of 73 videos, 40 (53.8%) were categorized as poor quality, 13 (17.8%) as moderate, and 20 (27.4%) as good. No significant differences were found between groups in terms of time since upload, views, dislikes, comments, or a like ratio. However, videos in the good-quality group had a significantly higher number of likes and VPI scores. Critical elements such as patient preparation and positioning, setup of the operation room, circumcision of the cervix, and vault closure were inadequately addressed in lower-quality videos. Videos with a didactic voice had significantly more views, likes, and comments than those with music or no sound. No significant correlations were found between video length and engagement metrics. CONCLUSION: The majority of vNOTES hysterectomy videos (53.8%) on YouTube lack comprehensive educational content, with only a small fraction deemed appropriate for surgical training. The interest rates of the viewers may not be correlated with the usefulness rates of the videos. Surgeons and organizations should focus on producing high-quality, peer-reviewed instructional videos to improve the educational value of YouTube as a resource.

• Keywords
• Hysterectomy, YouTube, educational technology, natural orifice endoscopic surgery,
• MeSH
• Video Recording * standards   MeSH
• Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery * education   MeSH
• Hysterectomy, Vaginal * education   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Social Media * MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

This paper describes a compact video-ophthalmoscope (VO) designed for capturing retinal video sequences of the optic nerve head (ONH) under flicker light stimulation. The device uses an OLED display and a fiber optic-coupled LED light source, enabling high-frame-rate video at low illumination intensity (12 μW/cm2). Retinal responses were recorded in 10 healthy subjects during flicker light exposure with a pupil irradiance of 2 μW/cm2. Following 20 s of stimulation, all subjects displayed changes in retinal reflectance and pulsation attenuation, linked to blood flow and volume variations. These findings suggest that increased blood volume leads to decreased retinal reflectance. Temporal analysis confirmed the ability to capture flicker-induced retinal reflectance changes, indicating its potential for spatial and temporal analysis. Overall, this device offers a portable approach for investigating dynamic retinal responses to light stimuli, which can aid the diagnosis of retinal diseases like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, or neurodegenerative diseases affecting retinal blood circulation.

• Keywords
• blood volume, fundus reflectance, light flickering, neurovascular coupling, optic nerve head, video‐ophthalmoscopy,
• MeSH
• Video Recording * instrumentation   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Ophthalmoscopes * MeSH
• Retina * radiation effects   physiology   MeSH
• Photic Stimulation * MeSH
• Light * MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

This study develops a novel automated method for measuring continuous dynamics of dog facial behavior based on video-based tracking of 46 facial landmarks grounded in the Dog Facial Action Coding System. This method is applied for comparing the facial behavior of ( n 1 = 7 ) brachycephalic (Boston Terrier) and ( n 2 = 7 ) normocephalic (Jack Russel Terrier) dogs in four different contexts, eliciting various inner states: positive (play and called by name) and negative (separation and stranger). Having objectively quantified facial dynamics in brachycephalic and normocephalic dogs, we have found that brachycephalic dogs exhibited consistently lower facial dynamics across all four tested contexts and facial regions (eyes, mouth, and ears) compared to normocephalic dogs. They further demonstrated relatively higher dynamics in positive play and negative stranger conditions than in the other two conditions. In contrast, normocephalic dogs showed elevated dynamics exclusively in the positive play condition, with significantly reduced dynamics in the negative stranger condition. These findings highlight distinct patterns of facial expressivity between the two morphological groups, suggesting decreased facial expression in brachycephalic dogs and demonstrating our method's value in providing novel insights into canine communication.

• Keywords
• Artificial intelligence, Automated behavior analysis, Brachycephaly, Dog emotion, Facial dynamics, Facial expressions, Facial landmarks, Machine learning,
• MeSH
• Video Recording MeSH
• Behavior, Animal * physiology   MeSH
• Craniosynostoses * veterinary   physiopathology   MeSH
• Dog Diseases * MeSH
• Face * anatomy & histology   MeSH
• Dogs MeSH
• Facial Expression * MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Male MeSH
• Dogs MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

OBJECTIVES: To assess the ability, as well as factors affecting the ability, of ultrasound examiners with different levels of ultrasound experience to detect correctly infiltration of ovarian cancer in predefined anatomical locations, and to evaluate the inter-rater agreement regarding the presence or absence of cancer infiltration, using preacquired ultrasound videoclips obtained in a selected patient sample with a high prevalence of cancer spread. METHODS: This study forms part of the Imaging Study in Advanced ovArian Cancer multicenter observational study (NCT03808792). Ultrasound videoclips showing assessment of infiltration of ovarian cancer were obtained by the principal investigator (an ultrasound expert, who did not participate in rating) at 19 predefined anatomical sites in the abdomen and pelvis, including five sites that, if infiltrated, would indicate tumor non-resectability. For each site, there were 10 videoclips showing cancer infiltration and 10 showing no cancer infiltration. The reference standard was either findings at surgery with histological confirmation or response to chemotherapy. For statistical analysis, the 19 sites were grouped into four anatomical regions: pelvis, middle abdomen, upper abdomen and lymph nodes. The videoclips were assessed by raters comprising both senior gynecologists (mainly self-trained expert ultrasound examiners who perform preoperative ultrasound assessment of ovarian cancer spread almost daily) and gynecologists who had undergone a minimum of 6 months' supervised training in the preoperative ultrasound assessment of ovarian cancer spread in a gynecological oncology center. The raters were classified as highly experienced or less experienced based on annual individual caseload and the number of years that they had been performing ultrasound evaluation of ovarian cancer spread. Raters were aware that for each site there would be 10 videoclips with and 10 without cancer infiltration. Each rater independently classified every videoclip as showing or not showing cancer infiltration and rated the image quality (on a scale from 0 to 10) and their diagnostic confidence (on a scale from 0 to 10). A generalized linear mixed model with random effects was used to estimate which factors (including level of experience, image quality, diagnostic confidence and anatomical region) affected the likelihood of a correct classification of cancer infiltration. We assessed the observed percentage of videoclips classified correctly, the expected percentage of videoclips classified correctly based on the generalized linear mixed model and inter-rater agreement (reliability) in classifying anatomical sites as being infiltrated by cancer. RESULTS: Twenty-five raters participated in the study, of whom 13 were highly experienced and 12 were less experienced. The observed percentage of correct classification of cancer infiltration ranged from 70% to 100% depending on rater and anatomical site, and the median percentage of correct classification for the 25 raters ranged from 90% to 100%. The probability of correct classification of all 380 videoclips ranged from 0.956 to 0.975 and was not affected by the rater's level of ultrasound experience. The likelihood of correct classification increased with increased image quality and diagnostic confidence and was affected by anatomical region. It was highest for sites in the pelvis, second highest for those in the middle abdomen, third highest for lymph nodes and lowest for sites in the upper abdomen. The inter-rater agreement of all 25 raters regarding the presence of cancer infiltration ranged from substantial (Fleiss kappa, 0.68 (95% CI, 0.66-0.71)) to very good (Fleiss kappa, 0.99 (95% CI, 0.97-1.00)) depending on the anatomical site. It was lowest for sites in the upper abdomen (Fleiss kappa, 0.68 (95% CI, 0.66-0.71) to 0.97 (95% CI, 0.94-0.99)) and highest for sites in the pelvis (Fleiss kappa, 0.94 (95% CI, 0.92-0.97) to 0.99 (95% CI, 0.97-1.00)). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound examiners with different levels of ultrasound experience can classify correctly predefined anatomical sites as being infiltrated or not infiltrated by ovarian cancer based on video recordings obtained by an experienced ultrasound examiner, and the inter-rater agreement is substantial. The likelihood of correct classification as well as the inter-rater agreement is highest for sites in the pelvis and lowest for sites in the upper abdomen. However, owing to the study design, our results regarding diagnostic accuracy and inter-rater agreement are likely to be overoptimistic. © 2025 The Author(s). Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

• Keywords
• diagnostic imaging, education, gynecology, inter‐rater agreement, ovarian cancer, reliability, staging, training, ultrasound, video recordings,
• MeSH
• Video Recording MeSH
• Abdomen diagnostic imaging   pathology   MeSH
• Neoplasm Invasiveness diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Clinical Competence * MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Ovarian Neoplasms * diagnostic imaging   pathology   MeSH
• Observer Variation MeSH
• Pelvis diagnostic imaging   pathology   MeSH
• Prevalence MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Ultrasonography methods   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Multicenter Study MeSH
• Observational Study MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

OBJECTIVES: Current research affirms that sufficiently high knowledge about epilepsy is crucial for reducing stigmatization and improving the quality of life for people with epilepsy. While educational interventions targeting older children, adolescents, and adults are relatively common, there is a notable lack of approaches suitable for preschool children. Building on our previous research, which focused on educational interventions using a game and a story, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two video-based interventions, Campi the Seahorse and Adventure While Fishing, in children aged 5-6 years with no prior knowledge about epilepsy. METHODS: A total of 199 children participated in two intervention studies. Knowledge about epilepsy was assessed through interviews using an 11-item test that had been successfully employed in our previous intervention studies, demonstrating satisfactory internal consistency and construct validity. The level of knowledge was evaluated immediately after each intervention and one month later. Additionally, satisfaction with the intervention and its potential impact on epilepsy-related stigma were measured using a smiley-face scale. RESULTS: The Adventure While Fishing intervention demonstrated notable effectiveness compared to our previously developed intervention using an educational story. Its impact was also significant when compared to the level of knowledge observed in children aged 9-11 years with no prior exposure to epilepsy-related interventions. In contrast, the outcomes of the Campi the Seahorse intervention were significantly poorer across all comparisons, likely due to its insufficient coverage of key aspects of the topic. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that the Adventure While Fishing intervention was an effective approach to establishing basic knowledge about epilepsy within the targeted age group. In contrast, the Campi the Seahorse intervention would require further extension and/or modification to achieve sufficient effectiveness for this purpose.

• Keywords
• Educational video, Intervention, Knowledge about epilepsy, Preschool,
• MeSH
• Video Recording * MeSH
• Child MeSH
• Epilepsy * psychology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Child, Preschool MeSH
• Patient Education as Topic * methods   MeSH
• Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice * MeSH
• Check Tag
• Child MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Child, Preschool MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Female crested gibbons (genus Nomascus) perform conspicuous sequences of twitching movements involving the rump and extremities. However, these dances have attracted little scientific attention and their structure and meaning remain largely obscure. Here we analyse close-range video recordings of captive crested gibbons, extracting descriptions of dance in four species (N. annamensis, N. gabriellae, N. leucogenys and N. siki). In addition, we report results from a survey amongst relevant professionals clarifying behavioural contexts of dance in captive and wild crested gibbons. Our results demonstrate that dances in Nomascus represent a common and intentional form of visual communication restricted to sexually mature females. Whilst primarily used as a proceptive signal to solicit copulation, dances occur in a wide range of contexts related to arousal and/or frustration in captivity. A linguistically informed view of this sequential behaviour demonstrates that movement within dances is organized in groups and follows an isochronous rhythm - patterns not described for visual displays in other non-human primates. We argue that applying the concept of dance to gibbons allows us to expand our understanding of communication in non-human primates and to develop hypotheses on the rules and regularities characterising it. We propose that crested gibbon dances likely evolved from less elaborate rhythmic proceptive signals, similar to those found in siamangs. Although dance displays in humans and crested gibbons share a number of key characteristics, they cannot be assumed to be homologous. Nevertheless, gibbon dances represent a striking model behaviour to investigate the use of complex gestural signals in hominoid primates.

• Keywords
• Dance syntax, Isochrony, Primate communication, Small apes, Super linguistics,
• MeSH
• Video Recording MeSH
• Hylobates * physiology   MeSH
• Animal Communication * MeSH
• Movement MeSH
• Dancing * MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Female MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

To permit the collection of quantitative data on start, turn and clean swimming performances in any swimming pool, the aims of the present study were to (1) validate a mobile in-field performance analysis system (PAS) against the Kistler starting block equipped with force plates and synchronized to a 2D camera system (KiSwim, Kistler, Winterthur, Switzerland), (2) assess the PAS's interrater reliability and (3) provide percentiles as reference values for elite junior and adult swimmers. Members of the Swiss junior and adult national swimming teams including medalists at Olympic Games, World and European Championships volunteered for the present study (n = 47; age: 17 ± 4 [range: 13-29] years; World Aquatics Points: 747 ± 100 [range: 527-994]). All start and turn trials were video-recorded and analyzed using two methods: PAS and KiSwim. The PAS involves one fixed view camera recording overwater start footage and a sport action camera that is moved underwater along the side of the pool perpendicular to the swimming lane on a 1.55 m long monostand. From a total of 25 parameters determined with the PAS, 16 are also measurable with the KiSwim, of which 7 parameters showed satisfactory validity (r = 0.95-1.00, p < 0.001, %-difference < 1%). Interrater reliability was determined for all 25 parameters of the PAS and reliability was accepted for 21 of those start, turn and swimming parameters (ICC = 0.78-1.00). The percentiles for all valid and reliable parameters provide reference values for assessment of start, turn and swimming performance for junior and adult national team swimmers. The in-field PAS provides a mobile method to assess start, turn and clean swimming performance with high validity and reliability. The analysis template and manual included in the present article aid the practical application of the PAS in research and development projects as well as academic works.

• Keywords
• competitive swimming, elite athlete, junior, youth,
• MeSH
• Video Recording methods   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Swimming * physiology   MeSH
• Reproducibility of Results MeSH
• Athletic Performance * physiology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Digital and mechatronic methods, paired with artificial intelligence and machine learning, are transformative technologies in behavioral science and biology. The central element of the most important pollinator species-honey bees-is the colony's queen. Because honey bee self-regulation is complex and studying queens in their natural colony context is difficult, the behavioral strategies of these organisms have not been widely studied. We created an autonomous robotic observation and behavioral analysis system aimed at continuous observation of the queen and her interactions with worker bees and comb cells, generating behavioral datasets of exceptional length and quality. Key behavioral metrics of the queen and her social embedding within the colony were gathered using our robotic system. Data were collected continuously for 24 hours a day over a period of 30 days, demonstrating our system's capability to extract key behavioral metrics at microscopic, mesoscopic, and macroscopic system levels. Additionally, interactions among the queen, worker bees, and brood were observed and quantified. Long-term continuous observations performed by the robot yielded large amounts of high-definition video data that are beyond the observation capabilities of humans or stationary cameras. Our robotic system can enable a deeper understanding of the innermost mechanisms of honey bees' swarm-intelligent self-regulation. Moreover, it offers the possibility to study other social insect colonies, biocoenoses, and ecosystems in an automated manner. Social insects are keystone species in all terrestrial ecosystems; thus, developing a better understanding of their behaviors will be invaluable for the protection and even the restoration of our fragile ecosystems globally.

• MeSH
• Video Recording MeSH
• Behavior, Animal * MeSH
• Equipment Design MeSH
• Robotics * instrumentation   MeSH
• Social Behavior * MeSH
• Machine Learning MeSH
• Artificial Intelligence MeSH
• Bees physiology   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Female MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH