bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment of Epidermal Nevi
Authors: RATZ JOHN LOUIS , BAILIN PHILIP L. , WHEELAND RONALD G.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Techniques and results of CO2 laser vaporization of epidermal nevi in 15 patients over a 5‐year period is presented. This procedure provides an alternative and effective surgical method for the successful removal of such lesions.
Postsurgical Acrylic Ear Splints for Keloids
Authors: PIERCE HAROLD E.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. It is generally acknowledged that earlobe keloids are best surgically resected and repaired while attempting to leave a residual skeletal cartilaginous soft‐tissue framework, oftentimes composed of keloidal tissue itself. Whether grafts, flaps, or primary incision and closure are performed, the success of each procedure may require the adjuvant use of pressure to the involved ear‐lobes for at least a year. Where gross deformity has existed, the use of an “oyster splint” seems to act as a pressure remolding device.
A Simple and Accurate Cryosurgical Tool for the Treatment of Benign Skin Lesions: The “Hard Tail” Dip‐Stick
Authors: SIMON CLAUDE A.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Although widely used, cryosurgery with liquid nitrogen still has its difficulties. Too often, large swabs, sprayers, and cryoprobes damage surrounding skin. Small swabs are inadequate because of their limited “reservoir” capacity. This article describes a new tool, namely the “hard tail” dip‐stick, which has been devised in an attempt to avoid these inadequacies.
A New Technique for Laser Treatment of Cutaneous Tumors
Authors: FLEMING MATTHEW G. , BRODY NEIL
Published: June 2013

Abstract. The CO2 laser was used to treat three patients with discrete, cutaneous tumors. For each patient, we established the relationship between the width of the lesions and their maximum thickness, and between pulse energy and the depth of the resultant crater. Optimal parameters for therapy were established from these results.
Reinforcement of Surgical Adhesive Strips
Authors: MIKHAIL GEORGE R. , SELAK LINDA , SALO SUE
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Surgical adhesive strips are often used for closure of some wounds or to minimize tension on sutures after closures. The package insert of the type most commonly used (Steri‐Strip), indicates that the application of compound tincture of benzoin, U.S.P. (CTB) increases strip adhesion. The increase in adhesive power by CTB was compared with a preparation containing gum mastic (Mastisol). The study clearly demonstrated that the latter preparation provided a markedly more adhesive strength than that obtained with CTB
Adjunctive Liposurgical Debulking and Flap Dissection in Neck Reconstruction
Authors: FIELD LAWRENCE M.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Closing the defect resulting from excision of a 50 × 55 mm malignant lesion on the posterior aspect of the lateral neck was accomplished by mobilization of the entire submental and submandibular neck skin utilizing liposuction surgery dissecting techniques. This is the first reported case using this relatively atraumatic surgical modality to dissect redundant skin for use in flap reconstruction.
Surgical Gem: Staple and Double‐Staple Method of Tissue Orientation in Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Authors: LARSON PAUL O.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Mohs micrographic surgery has been used with a high degree of success to remove neoplasms of the skin. This method relies on thin‐layer excision, orienting, mapping, and microscopic examination of tissue specimens, followed by reexcision of outlying extensions of tumor until a tumor‐free plane is reached. Accurate and precise orienting and mapping of tissue are critical in order to attain high cure rates. The orienting, mapping, and reexcision of tissue of large or complicated tumors can be more rapidly and accurately accomplished by using metal staples.
Mohs Surgery Report: An Approach to Cutaneous Surgical Defects of Forehead and Eyebrow Following Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Authors: WHITAKER DUANE C. , BIRKBY CRAIG S.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Elective excisions of the forehead are relatively easy to plan because of the prominence of horizontal skin folds and vertical glabellar furrows. However, the variety of defects in that region which result from Mohs micro‐graphic surgery for cutaneous tumors frequently present reconstructive challenges. Principles applicable to this anatomic region and illustrative cases are presented and discussed.
Argon Laser Treatment of Angiokeratomas
Authors: HOBBS EDMUND R. , RATZ JOHN LOUIS
Published: June 2013

Abstract. The argon laser, used in either a pulsed or continuous fashion, is highly effective for treatment of angiokeratomas. Local anesthesia is usually not required. Because energy deposition is well localized, wounds heal rapidly with excellent cosmetic results.
Phenol Cauterization of Nail Matrix Remnants
Authors: FRUMKIN AZRIEL
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Incomplete destruction of the nail matrix may result in partial recurrence of the nail. This occurs most frequently at the lateral ends of the proximal nail fold. A procedure that provides permanent, satisfactory results consists of careful dissection of the recurrent nail fragments followed by local phenol cauterization.
The Dynamics of Flap Movement: Effect of Pivotal Restraint on Flap Rotation and Transposition
Authors: DZUBOW LEONARD M.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Flaps that rotate or transpose around a cutaneous pedicle are restrained by the tethering effect of that base of tissue. Flap design that fails to adjust for this force may eventuate in unwanted degrees of tension and/or surrounding tissue displacement. This concept is discussed and illustrated for the rotation, rhombic, and bilobed flap.
Risk Factors for the Development of Malignant Melanoma—I: Review of Case‐Control Studies
Authors: EVANS ROBIN D. , KOPF ALFRED W. , LEW ROBERT A. , RIGEL DARRELL S. , BART ROBERT S. , FRIEDMAN ROBERT J. , RIVERS JASON K.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Data concerning risk factors for the development of cutaneous malignant melanoma (MM) were abstracted from published case‐control studies. Relative risks (more appropriately “odds ratios”) and 95% confidence intervals were quoted or calculated for each risk factor in each study. Those risk factors that were reported to be significant in over half of the studies include: phenotypic factors (blue eyes, blond or red hair, light complexion, freckles, sun sensitivity, and inability to tan); personal history of non‐melanoma cutaneous cancer or precancer; higher socioeconomic status; increased numbers of nevocytic nevi; and bursts of sun exposure. Further study is needed on family history and personal history of MM; these were not found to be significant risk factors in over half the reviewed case‐control studies. This review leaves out other undoubtedly important risk factors such as dysplastic nevus syndrome and race, which need investigation by the case‐control method. Determination of risk factors allows the identification of that subset of the population most at risk for the development of MM. Given the continued increase in the incidence of MM, these data can help to focus preventive measures on the more susceptible subgroups of the population.
Blood Vessel Coagulation for Incisional Surgery
Authors: SEBBEN JACK E.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Blood vessel electrocoagulation allows the cutaneous surgeon rapid and reliable bleeder control for incisional wounds. The following article discusses the various instruments and techniques used for blood vessel electrocoagulation.
Micropigmentation for the Treatment of Vitiligo
Authors: HALDER REBAT M. , PHAM HOANG N. , BREADON JONITH Y. , JOHNSON BEVERLY A.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. A technique of permanent dermal micropigmentation using a nonallergenic iron oxide pigment to cover recalcitrant areas of vitiligo is described. The areas included in this study were the distal digits, the lips, hands, wrists, axillae, elbows, hairline, perioral area, and lower legs. The immediate postmicropigmentation results invariably showed dramatic aesthetic improvements. There was a moderate degree of fading in the majority of cases, most of which occurred within the first six weeks. The pigment that remained usually persisted with minimal to no further fading. Short‐ and long‐term complications, which were few, mild, and resolved fully, are discussed. No allergic reactions to the pigment or koebnerization of the vitiligo have been noted.
A New Scalpel Handle for the Cutaneous Surgeon
Authors: SIEGEL DANIEL M.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. A newly designed scalpel handle that bridges the gap between a standard #3 and a Beaver handle is presented.
Electrosurgical Treatment of Etretinate‐Resistant Darier's Disease
Authors: TOOMBS ELLA L. , PECK GARY L.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Two patients with symptomatic, etretinateresistant, intertriginous Darier's disease were successfully treated with deep split‐thickness skin excision using an electrosurgical unit. Healing was rapid and recurrence of disease has been minimal. The use of electrosurgery appears superior to other surgical techniques because, with the ease of hemostasis, the surgeon can more easily control the depth of excision and treat intertriginous creases.
LASERS: The Treatment of Zoon's Balanitis with the Carbon Dioxide Laser
Authors: BALDWIN HILARY E. , GERONEMUS ROY G.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Zoon's balanitis, or plasma cell balanitis, is a chronic erosive process of the uncircumcised penis. The lesions are often refractory to conservative topical and surgical therapy and frequently require circumcision as a curative measure. This case report describes the first reported successful use of the carbon dioxide laser in the defocused mode to vaporize the chronic penile erosions of Zoon's balanitis.
Pearly Penile Papules: Treatment with the Carbon Dioxide Laser
Authors: MAGID MORGAN , GARDEN JEROME M.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Pearly penile papules are frequently occurring lesions located over the corona and sulcus of the penis. They are asymptomatic and are considered to be acral angiofibromas. Some individuals, disturbed by their presence, request removal of the lesions. Even after patients are assured of the benign nature of the process and its relatively high incidence, prominent lesional involvement may still cause significant psychological distress. Two patients with pearly penile papules have been successfully treated with the carbon dioxide laser. A review of the literature and description of treated cases are presented.
Anesthesia for Outpatient Dermatologic Cosmetic Surgery: Midazolam–Low‐Dosage Ketamine Anesthesia
Authors: SCARBOROUGH DWIGHT A. , BISACCIA EMIL , SWENSEN RICHARD D.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Cardiovascular, respiratory, CNS, and post‐operative effects of using low‐dose ketamine and midazolam combined with local anesthesia during 40 outpatient cosmetic procedures are reviewed. This method of anesthesia is safe, effective, and well‐tolerated by patients.
Back to work: The making and unmaking of the English working class
Authors: Lawrence Jon
Published: June 2013

On its 50th anniversary, Jon Lawrence looks back at EP Tompson's classic The Making of the English Working Class and asks what potential there is today for a ‘new politics for working people’ that doesn't fall into the trap of trying to remake working‐class politics.
Brain Structural Change and Gait Decline: A Longitudinal Population‐Based Study
Authors: Callisaya Michele L. , Beare Richard , Phan Thanh G. , Blizzard Leigh , Thrift Amanda G. , Chen Jian , Srikanth Velandai K.
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To investigate longitudinal associations between changes in brain structure and gait decline.

Design

Longitudinal.

Setting

Population‐based Tasmanian Study of Cognition and Gait.

Participants

Two hundred twenty‐five individuals aged 60 to 86 (mean age 71.4 ± 6.8) randomly selected from the electoral roll with baseline and follow‐up data.

Measurements

Volumes of gray matter, white matter, hippocampi, and white matter lesions (WML) were estimated using automated segmentation from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Gait variables were measured using a computerized walkway. Linear regression was used to estimate the association between change in brain MRI measures and change in gait. Time between measurements, age, sex, BMI, education level, total intracranial volume, baseline infarcts, and medical history were used as baseline covariates.

Results

Mean follow‐up was 30.6 months. White matter atrophy was associated with a decline in gait speed (P = .001), step length (P = .005), and cadence (P = .001). WML progression was associated with a decline in gait speed (P = .04), and its association with decline in step length was stronger with greater baseline age (P for interaction = .04). Hippocampal atrophy was associated with a decline in gait speed (P = .006) and step length (P = .001). Total gray matter atrophy was associated with decline in cadence in those with cerebral infarcts (P for interaction = .02).

Conclusion

These are the first longitudinal data demonstrating the relative contributions of brain atrophy and WML progression to gait decline in older people. Effect modification according to age and infarcts suggests a contribution of reduced physiological and brain reserve. Interventions targeting brain health may be important in preventing mobility decline in older people.
How to study multilingualism of the past: Investigating traditional contact situations in Daghestan
Authors: Dobrushina Nina
Published: June 2013

Reconstructing contact situations for an unwritten language is a challenging task, as the sociolinguistic past of such speech communities is very rarely documented. The paper describes research in which a method of retrospective family interviews is applied, where respondents’ recollections about recent multilingual past and, in particular, about the language repertoires of their elder relatives, are converted into quantitative data. It is a case study of three neighboring villages in the mountains of Daghestan, each of which has its own first language. It is shown that the multilingual pattern in the cluster is now shifting from the knowledge of neighbor languages towards Russian – an external lingua franca which is not native to any of the communicants.
Paradoxical oncogenesis: are all BRAF inhibitors equal?
Authors: Menzies Alexander M. , Kefford Richard F. , Long Georgina V.
Published: June 2013

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a concerning toxicity with BRAF inhibitors in the treatment for melanoma. While the two drugs shown to improve survival, vemurafenib, and dabrafenib, have similar efficacy, the reported rates of cSCC are quite different. Drawing upon preclinical and clinical trial data, this article discusses the potential factors behind the different cSCC incidences reported with the two BRAF inhibitors and provides a strategic approach to understand this issue further.
Rheumatic silent carditis: Echocardiographic diagnosis and prognosis of long‐term follow up
Authors: Pekpak Esra , Atalay Semra , Karadeniz Cem , Demir Fikri , Tutar Ercan , Uçar Tayfun
Published: June 2013

Background

Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease continue to be an important public health problem in developing countries. Doppler echocardiography is now widely used for early detection and recurrence of clinical evident carditis (CC) and silent (subclinical) carditis (SC). The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of SC and to compare clinical and echocardiographic features of CC and SC.

Methods

A total of 156 consecutive patients diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever were included in the study. The patients without clinical evidence but with echocardiographic findings of carditis were diagnosed as having SC.

Results

Acute rheumatic fever was diagnosed in 156 patients, and 103 of these (66%) had carditis. The prevalence of SC was 28.2% among these 103 patients. Seventy‐four of the patients with carditis were followed up for >1 year, and 20 of those had SC. Valvular regurgitation disappeared completely in 18.5% and improved in 45.5% of the CC patients. The recovery and improvement rates in the SC group were 15% and 30%, respectively.

Conclusion

It is suggested that Doppler echocardiography be performed in all patients with suspected acute rheumatic fever for early detection of SC. Echocardiography should be used as a diagnostic criterion in order not to miss a diagnosis of SC.
Neural correlates of impaired volitional action control in schizophrenia patients
Authors: Bender Julia , Reuter Benedikt , Möllers David , Kaufmann Christian , Gallinat Jürgen , Kathmann Norbert
Published: June 2013

Slowed initiation of volitional but not visually guided saccades indicates impaired volitional action control in schizophrenia patients (SZ). The present study aimed at identifying neural correlates of this specific deficit. Fourteen SZ and 13 healthy control participants (HC) underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while performing volitional and visually guided saccades. SZ showed increased latencies in volitional but not in visually guided saccades. Brain activation during volitional saccades compared to visually guided saccades was increased in SZ compared to HC in several areas: the supplementary eye fields, suggesting inefficient production of volitional saccades; the prefrontal cortex, pointing to altered top down control on complex eye movements; and the left middle temporal area, suggesting changes in early sensory and attention processing during the volitional control of saccades in SZ.
Evaluation of a point‐of‐care coagulation analyzer (Abaxis VSPro) for identification of coagulopathies in dogs
Authors: Dixon‐Jimenez Amy C. , Brainard Benjamin M. , Cathcart Curtis J. , Koenig Amie
Published: June 2013

Objective

To evaluate the ability of the Abaxis VSPro, a point‐of‐care analyzer that measures prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), to identify dogs with coagulopathies caused by administration of anticoagulants.

Setting

Veterinary teaching hospital.

Animals

Six healthy adult dogs that are part of a preexisting research colony. One dog was not included in the warfarin portion of the study.

Measurements and Main Results

Unfractionated heparin (UFH, 50 U/kg IV once then 300 U/kg SQ q 8 h) was administered to prolong aPTT. Citrated whole blood was used for PT and aPTT analyses with the VSPro and were run in duplicate. The VSPro results were compared to PT and aPTT measured in plasma with a standard benchtop coagulometer (AMAX Destiny). A washout period of at least 24 hours followed. Once dogs had normal PT and aPTT values, warfarin was administered (0.25–0.30 mg/kg PO) once then (0.15 mg/kg PO) as needed up to every 12 hours to prolong PT values. Seventy separate samples were evaluated for PT and 73 samples for aPTT. Pearson correlation coefficients (PCC) for replicate VSPro measures of PT and aPTT were 0.941 and 0.891, respectively (P < 0.001). The PCC between VSPro and AMAX was 0.578 for PT and of 0.865 for PTT (P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated a maximum sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of coagulopathy (by AMAX) at VSPro PT value of 21.6 seconds (sensitivity 72%, specificity 86%) and a maximum sensitivity and specificity at VSPro aPTT of 105.3 seconds (sensitivity 93%, specificity 89%). The positive predictive value for PT and aPTT were 84% and 89%, respectively.

Conclusions

The Abaxis VSPro showed acceptable correlation with clinical laboratory tests, and is a useful POC device for identification of animals with abnormalities in PT or aPTT.
Medical Device Innovators and the 510(k) Regulatory Pathway: Implications of a Survey-Based Assessment of Industry Experience—Part 2: Medical Device Ecosystem and Policy
Authors: Pietzsch Jan B. , Zanchi Marta G. , Linehan John H.
Published: June 2013

The FDA 510(k) clearance process is the most common regulatory pathway for medical devices. Since 2010, it has been at the forefront of regulatory policy discussion, with a multitude of stakeholders involved in a substantive exchange of ideas about the need and opportunities for improving the process and its implementation. This article is the second in a two-part series reporting the findings of a questionnaire-based assessment of recent industry experience with the 510(k) process. While the first article focused on findings directly relating to the medical device innovation process, this article reports more broadly on the findings and implications of interest to the medical community and policymakers. We discuss results in five key areas, ranging from the current performance of the 510(k) regulatory process to proposed changes and suggested performance metrics, and place identified challenges in perspective with ongoing and forthcoming FDA actions. Through the survey we also report on current trends in the amount of clinical evidence required by FDA for 510(k) devices and on the interactions between sponsors and the agency during various phases of clinical testing. The results suggest that significant opportunities exist for both industry and FDA to further improve the 510(k) process and the effectiveness of its implementation. Continued collection of process performance data can contribute to prioritizing suggested policy changes, and gauging their effects in a timely manner.
The Radiative Boundary Design of a Hexagonal Furnace Filled With Gray and Nongray Participating Gases
Authors: Moghadassian B. , Kowsary F. , Mosavati M.
Published: June 2013

The inverse radiative boundary design problem in a hexagonal furnace is numerically investigated. The aim of this study is to find the strength of heaters in a two-dimensional (2D) enclosure to produce the desired temperature and heat flux distribution on the design surface. Conjugate gradients method is chosen to perform the iterative search procedure for obtaining the optimal solution. The medium is considered participating and both gray and nongray cases are studied. FTn finite volume method (FVM) with nonorthogonal grid is employed to solve the radiative transfer equation in the furnace. In nongray cases, the medium is filled with combustive gas products. To predict nongray behavior properly, the SLW model is used. In problems with gray medium, the effects of wall emissivity, absorption coefficient, and scattering albedo are studied. For nongray problems, the effects of gas concentration and temperature of single species and gas mixtures are analyzed. In all cases, heater power can be estimated precisely and as the results show, estimated heat flux on the design surface is very close to the desired value. For this reason, the maximum root mean square error is less than 1.6%.
Computer-Aided 4D Modeling of Hydrolytic Degradation in Micropatterned Bioresorbable Membranes
Authors: Ozbolat Ibrahim T. , Marchany Michelle , Gardella Joseph A. , Koc Bahattin
Published: June 2013

Real-time degradation studies of bioresorbable polymers can take weeks, months, and even years to conduct. For this reason, developing and validating mathematical models that describe and predict degradation can provide a means to accelerate the development of materials and devices for controlled drug release. This study aims to develop and experimentally validate a computer-aided model that simulates the hydrolytic degradation kinetics of bioresorbable polymeric micropatterned membranes for tissue engineering applications. Specifically, the model applies to circumstances that are conducive for the polymer to undergo surface erosion. The developed model provides a simulation tool enabling the prediction and visualization of the dynamic geometry of the degrading membrane. In order to validate the model, micropatterned polymeric membranes were hydrolytically degraded in vitro and the morphological changes were analyzed using optical microscopy. The model is then extended to predict spatiotemporal degradation kinetics of variational micropatterned architectures.
A Comparison of the Temperature Rise Generated in Bone by the Use of a Standard Oscillating Saw Blade and the “Precision” Saw Blade
Authors: Lustig Sebastien , Scholes Corey J. , Oussedik Sam , Tam Sam , Dabirrahmani Danè , Appleyard Richard , Parker David A.
Published: June 2013

Introduction. Osteonecrosis may be triggered by bone temperatures above 47 °C during routine orthopaedic bone cuts using power-driven saws with potentially negative impacts on bone healing. A new oscillating-tip saw blade design (Precision®; Stryker, Kalamazoo, USA) has been recently developed with a saw blade design that may influence the amount of heat generated. We have, therefore, sought to compare the bone temperature achieved using this new blade design with a standard oscillating saw during a standardized cutting task. Method. Six human cadaveric femora were obtained. Each femur was clamped and a distal femoral cutting jig was applied. An initial cut was performed to visualize the distal metaphyseal bone. The cutting block was then moved 2 mm proximal and a further cut performed, measuring the temperature of the bone with an infrared camera. This was repeated, moving the block 2 mm proximal with each cut, alternating between a standard oscillating saw blade (12 cuts) and the Precision® saw blade (12 cuts). The bone density at the level of each slice was established from a CT scan of each specimen which had been performed prior to the experiment. Results. The two blades did not differ with respect to the integrated mean temperature calculated for each cut (p = 0.89). The average peak temperatures were not significantly different between blades (p = 0.14). There was no significant difference between blades for peak heating rate (p = 0.7), although the area of bone heated above the 47 deg osteonecrotic threshold was significantly (p = 0.04) less for the standard saw blade. Conclusions. The Precision® blade may have advantages over standard oscillating blade, but reduced heat generation was not observed in this study. Indeed, the Precision® blade generated heat that exceeded the bony osteonecrosis threshold in a greater proportion of bone than the standard blade, questioning its use for osteotomy or uncemented knee arthroplasty. Further work should examine modifications to the blade design to better optimize the requirements of speed, accuracy and heat generation.
CATEGORICAL ASPECTS OF VIRTUALITY AND SELF-DISTRIBUTIVITY
Authors: LEBED VICTORIA
Published: June 2013

This paper revolves around two main results. First, we propose a "hom-set" type categorification of virtual braid groups and positive virtual braid monoids in terms of "locally" braided objects in a symmetric category (SC). This "double braiding" approach provides a rich source of representations, and offers a natural categorical interpretation for virtual racks and for the twisted Burau representation. Second, we define self-distributive (SD) structures in an arbitrary SC. SD structures are shown to produce braided objects in a SC. As for examples, we interpret the associativity and the Jacobi identity in a SC as generalized self-distributivity, thus endowing associative and Leibniz algebras with a (pre-)braiding. A homology theory of categorical SD structures is developed using the "braided" techniques from [Lebed, Homologies of algebraic structures via braidings and quantum shuffles, to appear in J. Algebra], generalizing rack, bar, Leibniz and other familiar complexes.
ARITHMETIC FUNCTIONS ON GAUSSIAN INTEGERS
Authors: STEINBERGER THOMAS , ZAHARESCU ALEXANDRU , ZAKI MOHAMMAD
Published: June 2013

In this paper we present a short study of the ring of complex-valued arithmetic functions defined on the ring of Gaussian integers. We investigate an absolute value and the corresponding metric structure on this ring.
H2O2INDUCES APOPTOSIS OF RABBIT CHONDROCYTES VIA BOTH THE EXTRINSIC AND THE CASPASE-INDEPENDENT INTRINSIC PATHWAYS
Authors: ZHUANG CAIPING , WANG XIAOPING , CHEN TONGSHENG
Published: June 2013

Osteoarthritis (OA), one of the most common joint diseases with unknown etiology, is characterized by the progressive destruction of articular cartilage and the apoptosis of chondrocytes. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of H2O2-mediated rabbit chondrocytes apoptosis. CCK-8 assay showed that H2O2treatment induced a remarkable reduction of cell viability, which was further verified by the remarkable phosphatidylserine externalization after H2O2treatment for 1 h, the typical characteristics of apoptosis. H2O2treatment induced a significant dysfunction of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), but did not induce casapse-9 activation, indicating that H2O2treatment induced caspase-independent intrinsic apoptosis that was further verified by the fact that silencing of AIF but not inhibiting caspase-9 potently prevented H2O2-induced apoptosis. H2O2treatment induced a significant increase of caspase-8 and -3 activation, and inhibition of caspase-8 or -3 significantly prevented H2O2-induced apoptosis, suggesting that the extrinsic pathway played an important role. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that H2O2induces apoptosis via both the casapse-8-mediated extrinsic and the caspase-independent intrinsic apoptosis pathways in rabbit chondrocytes.
The Vale House Flints Member, a flint-rich unit of the Burnham Chalk Formation of the Northern Province, East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, UK
Authors: Hildreth P. N.
Published: June 2013

Many flint bands represent significant correlation markers in the lithostratigraphy of the Chalk Group. In the Chalk Group of the English Northern Province (Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, north Norfolk), such bands can be traced with certainty from Flamborough Head in East Yorkshire southwards across the Humber estuary into south Lincolnshire; some have also been recognized in the Trunch Borehole in north Norfolk. Many have been formally named. A unit of flint-rich chalk containing bands with varied and distinctive features is described from the Burnham Chalk Formation (
Plesiocorys
(
Sternotaxis
)
plana
Zone) of North Lincolnshire and traced to other sites in Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire. Although very distinctive and a potentially mappable unit, no formal name has previously been attributed to it. It is here named the Vale House Flints Member.

Correlation with beds in north Norfolk, including the relevant section from the Trunch Borehole, and beyond is postulated. It appears that though conditions were different in widely separate areas and gave rise to regionally distinct lithostratigraphical sequences, some elements persist across Province boundaries and can be traced from one into another. In particular, the relationships between this flint-rich unit of the Northern Province and those of the Turonian Flint Maximum and the Chalk Rock Member of more southerly areas are discussed.
First Characterization of a New Method for Numerically Solving the Dirichlet Problem of the Two-Dimensional Electrical Impedance Equation
Authors: Ramirez-Tachiquin Marco Pedro , Robles Gonzalez Cesar Marco Antonio , Hernandez-Becerril Rogelio Adrian , Bucio Ramirez Ariana Guadalupe
Published: June 2013

Based upon the elements of the modern pseudoanalytic function theory, we analyze a new method for numerically solving the forward Dirichlet boundary value problem corresponding to the two-dimensional electrical impedance equation. The analysis is performed by introducing interpolating piecewise separable-variables conductivity functions in the unit circle. To warrant the effectiveness of the posed method, we consider several examples of conductivity functions, whose boundary conditions are exact solutions of the electrical impedance equation, performing a brief comparison with the finite element method. Finally, we discuss the possible contributions of these results to the field of the electrical impedance tomography.
LASSO-ing Potential Nuclear Receptor Agonists and Antagonists: A New Computational Method for Database Screening
Authors: Ekins Sean , Goldsmith Michael-R. , Simon Aniko , Zsoldos Zsolt , Ravitz Orr , Williams Antony J.
Published: June 2013

Nuclear receptors (NRs) are important biological macromolecular transcription factors that are implicated in multiple biological pathways and may interact with other xenobiotics that are endocrine disruptors present in the environment. Examples of important NRs include the androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptors (ER), and the pregnane X receptor (PXR). In this study we have utilized the Ligand Activity by Surface Similarity Order (LASSO) method, a ligand-based virtual screening strategy to derive structural (surface/shape) molecular features used to generate predictive models of biomolecular activity for AR, ER, and PXR. For PXR, twenty-five models were built using between 8 to 128 agonists and tested using 3000, 8000, and 24,000 drug-like decoys including PXR inactive compounds(N=228). Preliminary studies with AR and ER using LASSO suggested the utility of this approach with 2-fold enrichment factors at 20%. We found that models with 64–128 PXR actives provided enrichment factors of 10-fold (10% actives in the top 1% of compounds screened). The LASSO models for AR and ER have been deployed and are freely available online, and they represent a ligand-based prediction method for putative NR activity of compounds in this database.
Note on Relation between Double Laplace Transform and Double Differential Transform
Authors: Eltayeb Hassan
Published: June 2013

Double differential transform method has been employed to compute double Laplace transform. To illustrate the method, four examples of different forms have been prepared.
A More Accurate Half-Discrete Hilbert Inequality with a Nonhomogeneous Kernel
Authors: Huang Qiliang , Yang Bicheng
Published: June 2013

By using the way of weight functions and the idea of introducing parameters, a more accurate half-discrete Hilbert inequality with a nonhomogeneous kernel and a best constant factor is presented. We also consider its best extension with the parameters, the equivalent forms, and the operator expressions as well as some reverses.
On the Existence of the Solutions for Some Nonlinear Volterra Integral Equations
Authors: Özdemir İsmet , Çakan Ümit , İlhan Bekir
Published: June 2013

We present a theorem which gives sufficient conditions for existence of at least one solution for some nonlinear functional integral equations in the space of continuous functions on the interval[0,a]. To do this, we will use Darbo's fixed-point theorem associated with the measure of noncompactness. We give also an example satisfying the conditions of our main theorem but not satisfying the conditions described by Maleknejad et al. (2009).
Prevalence and Correlates of Discomfort and Acceptability of Acupuncture among Outpatients in Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion Departments: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Liu Baoyan , Xu Huanfang , Guo Shengnan , Wu Jiani , Liu Jia , Lim Min Yee , Liu Zhishun
Published: June 2013

Objective.This study aims to give a profile of discomfort and acceptability of acupuncture, including the prevalence and association with demographic and acupuncture-related factors.Methods.A cross-sectional study was conducted in Beijing, China. Outpatients of acupuncture and moxibustion departments were recruited using purposive sampling. 925 subjects were interviewed with an anonymous questionnaire. Multinomial and binary logistic regression were used to analyze factors affecting discomfort and acceptability of acupuncture.Results.The average VAS value of 925 subjects’ acupuncture discomfort was 2.66 ± 2.02, within the range of mild discomfort. Acupuncture was easily accepted by 81.1% of the subjects. Results of logistic regression were as follows: (1) subjects with a better knowledge of acupuncture, or a greater fear of pain or needles, experienced more “moderate to severe discomfort” and showed a decreased acupuncture acceptance (P<0.001orP<0.01); (2) Acupuncture with less discomfort or implemented by a more qualified doctor was easy to be accepted (P<0.001); (3) subjects aged 20–29 preferred to report “moderate to severe discomfort” while those aged 40–59 preferred to report “slight discomfort” (P<0.001).Conclusion.Acupuncture is an acceptable therapy with less discomfort, which can be greatly affected by fear of pain or needles, age, knowledge of acupuncture, and professional title of acupuncturist.
Circummandibular Wiring of Symphysis Fracture in a Five-Year-Old Child
Authors: Priya Vellore Krishna , Gadipelly Srinivas , Dutta Brahmananda , Reddy Vijay Bhaskar , Ram Sri , Parsa Arun
Published: June 2013

The treatment of pediatric maxillofacial fractures is unique due to the psychological, physiological, developmental, and anatomical characteristics of children.Method. This case report describes the management of symphysis fracture of mandible in a 5-year-old boy. The fracture was treated by acrylic splint with circummandibular wiring.Results. The splint was removed after 3 weeks. The patient had no complaints, and radiograph revealed a healed fracture.Conclusion. The clinical outcome in the present case indicates the management of mandibular fractures in pediatric patients using acrylic splint with circummandibular wiring.
Correlation of Active Contact Positions with the Electrophysiological and Anatomical Subdivisions of the Subthalamic Nucleus in Deep Brain Stimulation
Authors: Weise Lutz M. , Seifried Carola , Eibach Sebastian , Gasser Thomas , Roeper Jochen , Seifert Volker , Hilker Rüdiger
Published: June 2013

Background: The most effective contacts in subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation are reported to be dorsolateral, and suppression of synchronized oscillatory activity might be a mechanism of action. Objectives: To analyze the optimal contact position in regard to the anatomical and electrophysiological position and to determine whether oscillatory and bursty activity is more frequent around the active contact. Methods: In 21 patients, the clinically most effective contacts were analyzed according to their relative position to the anatomical and electrophysiological STN center, which was assessed by T2-weighted MRI and microrecording. In 12 out of 21 consecutive patients, autocorrelograms of the action potentials within the vicinity of the active contact were compared to the most ventromedial reference contact. Results: The isocenter of the anatomical and electrophysiological STN had a mean deviation of 0.8 mm (SD 1.45). Thirty-two out of 42 active contacts were found dorsal to the anatomical isocenter of the STN. None of the active contacts were ventral to the STN. Synchronized oscillatory or bursty activity was found in 67% of the patients within the vicinity of the active contact. In 64% of the patients, the ventromedial reference contact showed irregular activity. Conclusions: Synchronized activity in the autocorrelogram correlates with the most effective contact. The optimal localization of the finally stimulated contact is dorsal to the STN isocenter.
Fire Eater's Lung: Retrospective Analysis of 123 Cases Reported to a National Poison Center
Authors: Franzen Daniel , Kohler Malcolm , Degrandi Colette , Kullak-Ublick Gerd A. , Ceschi Alessandro
Published: June 2013

Background: Fire eater's lung (FEL) is a distinct form of acute chemical toxic pneumonitis, which is caused by aspiration of flammable petrochemical derivatives used by street performers for ‘fire eating'. The optimal management of this condition has not yet been determined. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate patient characteristics, clinical features, treatment, and outcome of FEL. Methods: A single-center retrospective review of consecutive cases of FEL in children and adults reported to a national poison center (the Swiss Toxicological Information Center) between 1995 and 2012. Results: 123 cases (83.7% males, mean age 21.9 years) were included. The most frequently reported symptom was cough (50.4%), followed by chest pain (45.5%), and fever (35.8%). Dyspnea was reported by 23.6%. Cough (p = 0.002) and chest pain (p = 0.02) were significantly more prevalent in subjects reporting to have aspirated the fuel compared to those who have swallowed it or who did not perceive poison exposure. A pulmonary infiltrate was detected in 83% of the cases in whom chest X-ray was performed. Overall, 22% were treated with an antibiotic agent for a mean duration of 10.4 days. Corticosteroids were administered in 4.9%. All showed complete recovery irrespective of the therapeutic management. Conclusion: The combination of intense pleuritic chest pain, cough, dyspnea, and fever, or any of these symptoms after ‘fire eating' or erroneous swallowing of a petroleum distillate should alert the clinician to the diagnosis of FEL. Early antibiotic treatment of severe cases seems justified, considering that clinical, laboratory, and radiologic findings of FEL are overlapping with bacterial superinfection.
One-Year Follow-Up of Dermoscopy Education on the Ability of Medical Students to Detect Skin Cancer
Authors: Chen L.L. , Liebman T.N. , Soriano R.P. , Dusza S.W. , Halpern A.C. , Marghoob A.A.
Published: June 2013

Background: Learning skin cancer detection skills is important, yet many medical schools lack a standardized skin cancer examination (SCE) curriculum. Objective: To determine medical students' skills in discriminating benign from malignant skin lesions on a 10-item image-based test one year after receiving a SCE intervention. Methods: Cohort 1 received SCE teaching only. Cohort 2 received SCE teaching with dermoscopy tutorial, and a dermatoscope. The same test was given to assess students post-intervention and one year later. Results: 43% (n = 145) and 38% (n = 143) of cohorts 1 and 2, respectively, participated one year later. Both cohorts improved or maintained their scores to correctly classify all lesions from post-intervention to one-year follow-up. After one year, cohort 2 maintained higher scores for successful identification of both benign and malignant lesions as compared to cohort 1. Conclusion: Medical students receiving a SCE intervention can improve their diagnostic skills after one year, especially with the aid of dermoscopy.
Retroperitoneal Bleeding after Cardiac Catheterization: A 7-Year Descriptive Single-Center Experience
Authors: Eisen Alon , Kornowski Ran , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Lev Eli , Vaknin-Assa Hana , Bental Tamir , Orvin Katia , Brosh David , Rechavia Eldad , Battler Alexander , Assali Abid
Published: June 2013

Background: Retroperitoneal bleeding (RPB) is an unusual but potentially fatal vascular complication occurring after cardiac catheterization (CC). Contemporary data of RPB in the era of dual antiplatelet therapy and vascular closure devices are lacking. Methods: We retrospectively examined all RPB cases that occurred after CC in the Rabin Medical Center between the years 2005 and 2011. Results: Of 26,487 patients who underwent CC, a total of 48 patients (mean age 60.9 ± 13.8 years, 52.1% female) with RPB were identified (0.18%). The indication for CC was acute coronary syndrome (43.7%), myocardial infarction (35.4%), stable angina pectoris (8.3%), hemodynamic studies for valvular heart disease (10.4%) and others (2.1%). Coronary intervention was performed in 34 patients (70.9%) and a vascular closure device (VCD) was used in 16 patients (33.3%). Seventy-seven percent of patients were treated with clopidogrel, 20.8% with glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors and 85.4% with anticoagulation during CC. Median time to diagnosis of bleeding was 9.0 h, while the median time to bleeding differed between patients with and without a VCD (12 vs. 5 h, respectively). The clinical presentation of RPB was hemorrhagic shock in 39.6% of patients and 50.0% required at least one blood transfusion. Patients were managed either with conservative treatment (79.2%), angiography stenting (14.6%) or vascular surgery (6.2%). A total of 3 patients died during hospitalization, of which RPB was the etiology in 2 (4.2%). Conclusions: RPB which is a rare complication of CC is associated with younger age and female gender, as compared to patients without RPB. Onset of bleeding can be delayed in patients with VCDs. With careful and early diagnosis, most patients with RPB after CC can be managed conservatively.
Aging-Dependent Reduction in Glyoxalase 1 Delays Wound Healing
Authors: Fleming Thomas H. , Theilen Till-Martin , Masania Jinit , Wunderle Marius , Karimi Jamshid , Vittas Spiros , Bernauer Rainer , Bierhaus Angelika , Rabbani Naila , Thornalley Paul J. , Kroll Jens , Tyedmers Jens , Nawrotzki Ralph , Herzig Stephan , Brownlee Michael , Nawroth Peter P.
Published: June 2013

Methylglyoxal (MG), the major dicarbonyl substrate of the enzyme glyoxalase 1 (GLO1), is a reactive metabolite formed via glycolytic flux. Decreased GLO1 activity in situ has been shown to result in an accumulation of MG and increased formation of advanced glycation endproducts, both of which can accumulate during physiological aging and at an accelerated rate in diabetes and other chronic degenerative diseases. To determine the physiological consequences which result from elevated MG levels and the role of MG and GLO1 in aging, wound healing in young (≤12 weeks) and old (≥52 weeks) wild-type mice was studied. Old mice were found to have a significantly slower rate of wound healing compared to young mice (74.9 ± 2.2 vs. 55.4 ± 1.5% wound closure at day 6; 26% decrease; p < 0.0001). This was associated with decreases in GLO1 transcription, expression and activity. The importance of GLO1 was confirmed in mice by inhibition of GLO1. Direct application of MG to the wounds of young mice, decreased wound healing by 24% compared to untreated mice, whereas application of BSA modified minimally by MG had no effect. Treatment of either young or old mice with aminoguanidine, a scavenger of free MG, significantly increased wound closure by 16% (66.8 ± 1.6 vs. 77.2 ± 3.1%; p < 0.05) and 64% (40.4 ± 7.9 vs. 66.4 ± 5.2%; p < 0.05), respectively, by day 6. As a result of the aminoguanidine treatment, the overall rate of wound healing in the old mice was restored to the level observed in the young mice. These findings were confirmed in vitro, as MG reduced migration and proliferation of fibroblasts derived from young and old, wild-type mice. The data demonstrate that the balance between MG and age-dependent GLO1 downregulation contributes to delayed wound healing in old mice.
Short- and Long-Term Phasing of Intraocular Pressure in Stable and Progressive Glaucoma
Authors: Fogagnolo Paolo , Orzalesi Nicola , Centofanti Marco , Oddone Francesco , Manni Gianluca , Rossetti Luca
Published: June 2013

Aims: To evaluate short- (ST) and long-term (LT) intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with stable (SG) and progressive glaucoma (PG). Materials and Methods: Fifty-two patients with treated glaucoma received a baseline 24-hour IOP curve and, every 6 months for 2 years, office-hour curve plus visual field test. Based on field changes, they were divided into 24 SG and 28 PG. ST and LT IOP mean, peak and fluctuation (standard deviation of measurements) were calculated. Parameters determining progression were evaluated by logistic regression. Results: At ST, SG and PG, respectively, had mean IOP of 16.8 ± 2.2 and 15.3 ± 1.8 mm Hg; peak of 19.7 ± 3.3, 17.4 ± 2.3 mm Hg; fluctuation of 2.3 ± 1.2, and 1.6 ± 0.6 mm Hg. LT parameters did not change in SG, whereas a significant increase of mean (+1.0 ± 1.5 mm Hg, p = 0.05), peak (2.0 ± 2.4 mm Hg, p = 0.0002), and fluctuation (0.5 ± 1.1 mm Hg, p = 0.008) occurred in PG. Mean, peak, and fluctuation were correlated, except mean and fluctuation in the long term. Association with progression was shown for change in mean IOP between ST and LT, and ST peak. Conclusions: SG and PG may show different IOP parameters when intensively measured at baseline and follow-up. Mean IOP change between ST and LT periods and ST peak were the parameters associated with progression.