bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the anatomy of the ilio‐inguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block
Authors: van Schoor Albert‐Neels , Bosman Marius C. , Bosenberg Adrian T. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryBackgroundThe ilio‐inguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block (INB) is one of the most common peripheral nerve block techniques in pediatric anesthesia, which is largely due to the introduction of ultrasound (US) guidance. Despite the benefits of US guidance, the absence of an US machine should not deter the provider from performing INB, considering that many institutions, especially in developing countries, cannot afford to provide ultrasound machines in their anesthesiology departments. The aim of this study was to revisit the anatomical position of the ilio‐inguinal and iliohypogastric nerves in relation to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), in a large sample of neonatal cadavers, and compare the results with a similar group in a previously published US‐guided study.MethodsWith Ethics Committee approval, the ilio‐inguinal and iliohypogastric nerves were carefully dissected in 54 neonatal cadavers.ResultsIn the total sample, the ilio‐inguinal nerve was found to be 2.2 ± 1.2 mm from the ASIS, on a line connecting the ASIS to the umbilicus. The iliohypogastric nerve was on average 3.8 ± 1.3 mm from the ASIS. For the entire sample, the optimal needle insertion site was 3.00 mm from the ASIS. Although there is a strong correlation between the needle insertion point and the weight of the neonate, this will only ‘fit’ for 60% of the population.ConclusionThe linear regression formula; needle insertion distance (mm) = 0.6 × weight + 1.8 can be used as a guideline for the position of the ilio‐inguinal and iliohypogastric nerves.
Hemodynamic instability during prone spine surgery in a patient with merosin‐deficient congenital muscular dystrophy
Authors: Jimenez Nathalia , Song Kit , Lynn Anne M. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryTrans‐esophageal echocardiography (TEE) and/or central venous pressure (CVP) monitoring are important in the anesthetic management of spine fusion of pediatric patients with severe muscular weakness. This case highlights an unusual situation of apparent acute right ventricular mechanical obstruction after prone positioning and its prompt recognition with CVP monitoring. The anesthetic management of a patient with congenital muscular dystrophy, an uncommon neuromuscular disorder, is presented. Good communication and planning between the anesthesiology and surgical teams allowed completion of the procedure using a lateral approach.
Increased expression of phospholipase Dα1 in guard cells decreases water loss with improved seed production under drought in Brassica napus
Authors: Lu Shaoping , Bahn Sung C. , Qu Gang , Qin Haiying , Hong Yue , Xu Qingpeng , Zhou Yongming , Hong Yueyun , Wang Xuemin 
Published: December 2012

SummaryThe activation of phospholipase Dα1 (PLDα1) produces lipid messenger phosphatidic acid and promotes stomatal closure in Arabidopsis. To explore the use of the PLDα1‐mediated signalling towards decreasing water loss in crop plants, we introduced Arabidopsis PLDα1 under the control of a guard cell–specific promoter AtKatIpro into two canola (Brassica napus) cultivars. Multiple AtKatIpro::PLDα1 lines in each cultivar displayed decreased water loss and improved biomass accumulation under hyperosmotic stress conditions, including drought and high salinity. Moreover, AtKatIpro::PLDα1 plants produced more seeds than did WT plants in fields under drought. The results indicate that the guard cell–specific expression of PLDα1 has the potential to improve crop yield by enhancing drought tolerance.
Openness, Efficiency and Technology: An Industry Assessment
Authors: Christopoulos Dimitris , McAdam Peter 
Published: January 2013

AbstractMost trade and macroeconomic models imply positive impacts on the economy from greater openness. And a key factor linking openness and progress is the efficiency with which resources are used. Empirically, however, the efficiency impacts of trade have been ambiguous. Using a stochastic frontier analysis, we examine the impact of openness on technical (in)efficiency for a sample of OECD economies. Unlike the bulk of related studies, we work at the industry level. Given recent debates, we additionally examine whether Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) expenditures impact openness and efficiency. We establish the elasticity of openness with respect to (in)efficiency; TFP and Scale Economies; and Technical Inefficiency across countries and sectors. Both openness and ICT usage have robustly positive impacts on efficiency. Our results shed light on the impact of, spillovers between, and heterogeneity across countries and industries from, increasing openness interacted with the use of advanced technologies.
Comparison of two in vivo measurements for skin surface topography
Authors: Kottner Jan , Schario Marianne , Bartels Natalie Garcia , Pantchechnikova Ellina , Hillmann Kathrin , Blume‐Peytavi Ulrike 
Published: December 2012

Background/purposeNon‐contact methods for quantifying skin surface topography in vivo are common in skin research. The surface evaluation of living skin (SELS) and the phaseshift rapid in vivo measurement of skin (PRIMOS) are two approaches to measure skin surface roughness and wrinkling via optical methods. The aim of this study was to compare the reliability and interrelatedness of the parameters obtained by both technologies.MethodsThree repeated measurements were conducted on four skin areas (from distal to proximal) on the volar forearm skin in 12 healthy young subjects with two different instruments using the SELS and PRIMOS methods. Subjects mean age was 32.9 (SD 7.2) years. Skin phototypes were II (n = 7), III (n = 4), and IV (n = 1). The SELS parameters, smoothness (SEsm), roughness (SEr), scaliness (SEsc), and wrinkles (SEw), and a range of DIN/ISO surface roughness parameters were obtained. Intraclass correlation coefficients to estimate the reliabilities and correlation coefficients for estimating strengths and directions of relationships were applied.ResultsValues of obtained parameters were very well comparable across the four skin areas. Reliability of the four SELS parameters was very high ranging between 0.95 and 1.00. Reliability coefficients for the roughness parameters varied between 0.35 and 1.00, whereas half of all PRIMOS estimates showed measurement errors less than 20%. SELS and the PRIMOS roughness parameters were largely unrelated.ConclusionBoth measurement technologies provide reliable estimates indicating that skin surface measures of the volar forearm in young adults can differentiate between skin areas of different persons or different treatments in clinical studies. Skin surface topography of the volar forearm is comparable from distal to proximal assuring baseline comparability after randomization in clinical trials. SELS and PRIMOS roughness parameters of the volar forearm are not comparable and contain different types of information.
Assessing skin pigmentation in epidemiological studies: The reliability of measurements under different conditions
Authors: Uter W. , Benz M. , Mayr A. , Gefeller O. , Pfahlberg A. 
Published: December 2012

Background/purposeDifferent devices are used for the non‐invasive measurement of (constitutive) skin pigmentation in (epidemiological) studies. Reproducibility of measurements with the Chromameter (CM, model CR 300, Minolta, Osaka) and the Reflectometer (RM, Courage & Khazaka, Cologne) has not yet been examined in detail and was addressed in a set of four experiments and studies respectively.MethodsRegarding the CM, the Y value of the Yxy CIE 1931 colour system was utilized, representing lightness in this colour space, while the RM measured reflectance at 660 nm with a small bandwidth of 20 nm. Both devices measure reflectance on a scale from 0 to 100%, however, in different wavelength ranges. Between 3 and 20 repetitions were performed on standard grey scales and different sets of human volunteers, including RM measurements in a large epidemiological field study.ResultsWhile the coefficient of variation (V) increases and the intraclass correlation coefficient decreases from controlled laboratory to field conditions, reproducibility remained in a range considered acceptable, if adequate study conditions were maintained. In a direct comparison on human skin, V of the RM was significantly smaller than that of the CM.ConclusionBoth devices can be used confidently in field studies; however, based on considerations of skin optics and in view of slightly lesser variability, the RM may be preferable.
Acute skin barrier disruption with repeated tape stripping: an in vivo model for damage skin barrier
Authors: Gao Yanrui , Wang Xuemin , Chen Shuangyu , Li Shuyuan , Liu Xiaoping 
Published: December 2012

PurposeTo establish a model of standardized acute barrier disruption, investigate the response of normal human to repeated tape stripping, and analyze the change of damaged skin with non‐invasive examination techniques for skin, such as TEWL and squamometry.MethodsRepeated tape stripping with corneofix was applied on three different anatomical sites; the measurement of TEWL was performed on the baseline and after every 5 strips. Then, the samples of corneofix were analyzed using Visioscan® VC98 and squamometry.ResultsThe parameter of TEWL and cohesion score show stable change trend. TEWL increased with frequency of stripping and were significantly higher compared with that of baseline on three sites. The results of staining of corneofix showed that the intercorneocyte cohesion is increased with the number of strips, and the more the number of strips, the more the fixation of dye per cell.ConclusionThe changes in the skin barrier function of different sites were different after it accepted physical stimulation, the process of damaging skin barrier could be divided into three stages based on the △TEWL. In addition, through stripping the skin of an adult, the in vivo model of damaged skin barrier could be setup.
Subjective facial skin type, based on the sebum related symptoms, can reflect the objective casual sebum level in acne patients
Authors: Choi C. W. , Choi J. W. , Youn S. W. 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundThe relationship between the subjective skin type and the casual sebum level was not fully clarified.ObjectivesTo investigate the characteristics of subjective skin type and to find the relationship between the subjective skin types and the skin type‐related symptoms, casual sebum level, along with the objective skin type.MethodsSeven hundred and nine patients, clinically diagnosed with acne, were included. The questionnaire and the casual sebum level measurement were performed. The determining symptoms of each subjective skin type were investigated. The 95% confidence interval of casual sebum level of each subjective skin type was calculated.ResultsThe most frequent subjective skin type was the combination type. The dryness, tightness, and oiliness can be conclusive symptoms in determining the subjective skin type. The mean and the 95% confidence interval of the casual sebum level was highest in the oily skin type, followed by the combination, normal, and dry skin type.ConclusionWe found that the subjective skin type was determined by the skin type‐related symptoms. The 95% confidence intervals of the casual sebum level of each subjective skin type were established. Based on the skin type‐related symptoms, the casual sebum level of acne patients can be estimated.
Two‐point scoring method for the evaluation of pattern hair loss by phototrichogram using a headband and a tapeline
Authors: Lee Si‐Hyung , Kang Jin‐Soo , Jeon In Kyung , Lee Hye Sun , Cho Sung Bin 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundA phototrichogram scalp measurement method using a headband and a tapeline was introduced as a non‐invasive and economical measuring technique.ObjectiveTo evaluate the reliability and reproducibility of the two‐point scoring method by phototrichogram using a headband and a tapeline.MethodsThe scalp hair of seven volunteers were measured in triplicate at the ‘P’ and ‘V’ points by three dermatologists. To calculate the degree of disease progression, we used a two‐point (‘P’ point and ‘V’ point) scoring method. Statistical analyses for the evaluation of inter‐ and intra‐investigator reliability and variability were performed.ResultsOverall intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of intra‐investigator reliability demonstrated ICCs with excellent agreement for all parameters, including the number and thickness of hair at the ‘P’ and ‘V’ points, as well as calculated degree of disease progression. ICCs of inter‐investigator reliability demonstrated ICCs with excellent agreement in all parameters, except mean hair thickness at the ‘P’ point. Overall intra‐investigator variability demonstrated coefficients of variation (CVs) ranging from 2.6% to 9.8%, whereas inter‐investigator variability demonstrated CVs ranging from 2.9% to 6.3%.ConclusionWe suggest that a two‐point scoring using our method is a non‐invasive and economical measurement technique with high reliability and reproducibility.
High resolution diagnosis of common nevi by multiphoton laser tomography and fluorescence lifetime imaging
Authors: Arginelli Federica , Manfredini Marco , Bassoli Sara , Dunsby Christopher , French Paul , König Karsten , Magnoni Cristina , Ponti Giovanni , Talbot Clifford , Seidenari Stefania 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundMultiphoton Laser Tomography (MPT) has developed as a non‐invasive tool that allows real‐time observation of the skin with subcellular resolution. MPT is readily combined with time resolved detectors to achieve fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM). The aim of our study was to identify morphologic MPT/FLIM descriptors of melanocytic nevi, referring to cellular and architectural features.MethodsIn the preliminary study, MPT/FLIM images referring to 16 ex vivo nevi were simultaneously evaluated by 3 observers for the identification of morphologic descriptors characteristic of melanocytic nevi. Proposed descriptors were discussed and the parameters referring to epidermal keratinocytes, epidermal melanocytes, dermo‐epidermal junction, papillary dermis and overall architecture were selected. In the main study, the presence/absence of the specified criteria were blindly evaluated on a test set, comprising 102 ex vivo samples (51 melanocytic nevi, 51 miscellaneous skin lesions) by 2 observers.ResultsTwelve descriptors were identified: “short‐lifetime cells in the stratum corneum”, “melanin‐containing keratinocytes”, “dendritic cells”, “small short‐lifetime cells” in the upper and lower layers”, “edged papillae”, “non‐edged papillae”, “junctional nests of short‐lifetime cells”, “dermal cell clusters”, “short‐lifetime cells in the papilla”, “monomorphic and regular histoarchitecture”, “architectural disarray”.ConclusionIdentified descriptors for benign melanocytic lesions proved sensitive and specific, enabling the differentiation between melanocytic nevi and non‐melanocytic lesions.
Genetic Variation among Panton-Valentine Leukocidin-Encoding Bacteriophages in Staphylococcus aureus Clonal Complex 30 Strains
Authors: Chen Liang , Chavda Kalyan D. , Solanki Mihir , Mediavilla José R. , Mathema Barun , Schlievert Patrick M. , Kreiswirth Barry N. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

Clonal complex 30 (CC30), one of the major
Staphylococcus aureus
lineages, has caused extensive hospital-acquired and community-acquired infections worldwide. Recent comparative genomics studies have demonstrated that three CC30 clones—phage type 80/81, Southwest Pacific (SWP), and contemporary EMRSA-16 associated (Con) strains—shared a recent common ancestor more than 100 years ago. Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL), a bacteriophage encoded toxin that has been epidemiologically linked with community-associated methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(CA-MRSA), has frequently been identified in CC30 clones, although the
pvl
gene variation and distribution of PVL-encoding phages are poorly understood. We determined here the distribution of PVL phages, PVL gene sequences, and chromosomal phage insertion sites in 52
S. aureus
CC30 PVL-harboring isolates, collected from four continents over a 75-year period. Our results indicate that PVL phages with icosahedral heads, including Φ108PVL and ΦPVL, were mainly associated with phage 80/81 strains, whereas phages with elongated heads were predominantly found in SWP (ΦSa2958 and ΦTCH60) and Con (ΦSa2USA) strains. Nine single-nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in the
lukSF-PV
gene, with six isolates harboring the R variant that has been previously associated with CA-MRSA strains. Interestingly, all six R variant strains belonged to the same Con CC30 clone and carried a ΦSa2USA-like phage. Similar chromosomal phage insertion sites were also identified in all 52 PVL-harboring CC30 strains. These analyses provide important insights into the microepidemiology of PVL-harboring CC30 strains, while the discovery of ΦSa2USA-associated R variant strains sheds further light on the evolution of PVL-positive CA-MRSA.
Genetically Altering the Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Hepatitis B Virus Capsid Assembly Has Profound Effects on Virus Replication in Cell Culture
Authors: Tan Zhenning , Maguire Megan L. , Loeb Daniel D. , Zlotnick Adam 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
Capsid (core) assembly is essential for hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication. We hypothesize that assembly kinetics and stability are tuned for optimal viral replication, not maximal assembly. Assembly effectors (AEfs) are small molecules proposed to disrupt this balance by inappropriately enhancing core assembly. Guided by the structure of an AEf-bound core, we designed a structural mimic of AEf-bound core protein, the V124W mutant. In biochemical studies, the V124W mutant recapitulated the effects of AEfs, with fast assembly kinetics and a strong protein-protein association energy. Also, the mutant was resistant to exogenous AEfs. In cell culture, the V124W mutant behaved like a potent AEf: expression of HBV carrying the V124W mutant was defective for genome replication. Critically, the V124W mutant interfered with replication of wild-type HBV in a dose-dependent manner, mimicking AEf activity. In addition, the V124W mutant was shown to adopt a more compact conformation than that of the wild type, confirming the allosteric regulation in capsid assembly. These studies show that the heteroaryldihydropyrimidine (HAP) binding pocket is a promiscuous target for inducing assembly. Suppression of viral replication by the V124W mutant suggests that mutations that fill the HAP site are not a path for HBV to escape from AEfs.
Asymptotic Behavior of Bifurcation Curve for Sine‐Gordon‐Type Differential Equation
Authors: Shibata Tetsutaro 
Published: December 2012

We consider the nonlinear eigenvalue problems for the equation −u″(t) + sin u(t) = λu(t), u(t) > 0, t ∈ I = :(0, 1), u(0) = u(1) = 0, where λ > 0 is a parameter. It is known that for a given ξ > 0, there exists a unique solution pair with . We establish the precise asymptotic formulas for bifurcation curve λ(ξ) as ξ → ∞ and ξ → 0 to see how the oscillation property of sin u has effect on the behavior of λ(ξ). We also establish the precise asymptotic formula for bifurcation curve λ(α)   to show the difference between λ(ξ)	and λ(α).
The ICD for Primary Prevention in Patients With Inherited Cardiac Diseases
Authors: Olde Nordkamp Louise R.A. , Wilde Arthur A.M. , Tijssen Jan G.P. , Knops Reinoud E. , van Dessel Pascal F.H.M. , de Groot Joris R. 
Published: December 2012

Background—
Indications for prophylactic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy in patients with inherited cardiac diseases stem from observational studies and are uncertain. This study evaluates the efficacy and harm rate of ICD implantations for primary prevention compared with secondary prevention in inherited cardiac diseases.

Methods and Results—

Between January 1, 1993, and April 1, 2011, 354 patients with inherited cardiac diseases were treated with ICDs. Incidence rates of appropriate shocks in primary prevention patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were 4.2 to 6.7/100 patient-years, whereas the risk for appropriate shocks in primary prevention patients with Brugada syndrome, long QT syndrome, or carrying the
DPP6
haplotype approached zero. Conversely, in secondary prevention patients there was a considerably higher incidence rate of appropriate shocks. None of the indications for primary prevention were associated with appropriate shock therapy. One hundred twenty-three patients (35%) experienced ICD-related adverse events.

Conclusions—
For Brugada syndrome, long QT syndrome, and DPP6 the efficacy of an ICD for primary prevention contrasts with the amount of harm, and factors that formed the indication for ICD implantation do not relate to the occurrence of appropriate shocks. The higher appropriate discharge rates in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy compared with primary electric diseases might result from a more advanced risk stratification scheme in these inherited cardiomyopathies.
High Prevalence of Catecholamine-facilitated Focal Ventricular Tachycardia in Patients With Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia/Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Philips Binu , Madhavan Srinivasa , James Cynthia , Tichnell Crystal , Murray Brittney , Needleman Matthew , Bhonsale Aditya , Nazarian Saman , Laurita Kenneth R. , Calkins Hugh , Tandri Harikrishna 
Published: December 2012

Background—
Exercise-related ventricular tachycardia (VT) and high burden of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are common in arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy. We hypothesized that VT in arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy shows a high degree of association with the PVC at baseline.

Methods and Results—
The study population included 16 consecutive arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy patients with recurrent VT who underwent catheter ablation. Median age of the patients was 27 years (range, 18–66) and 50% were men. All patients had frequent ectopy at baseline with a median PVC count of 7275 (range, 1353–19 084). During EP study, a total of 27 VTs were induced, of which 16 (59%) occurred during high-dose isoproterenol infusion. VT morphology was identical to the baseline PVCs in all the VTs induced during high-dose isoproterenol infusion. Focal ablation at the site of earliest activation and 12/12 pace map of the PVC eliminated the VT in all cases. Target site for focal ablation localized to scar border. Cumulative freedom from VT after ablation was 85.2% and 74.5% at 1 and 2 years, respectively, which was associated with a reduction in PVC count.

Conclusions—
We report a high degree of association between PVCs at baseline and the VTs induced during catecholamine infusion. These VTs originated from the border region of scar most commonly in the right ventricular outflow tract and right ventricle basal regions. These findings highlight the importance of catecholamine challenge and PVC mapping, which can in turn facilitate ablation of the VT in arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy.