Verification of the anatomy and newly discovered histology of the G-spot complex

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology 2014;121
Early View (Online Version of Record published before inclusion in an issue)
Article first published online: 19 MAR 2014
DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.12707

A Ostrzenski [1], P Krajewski [2], P Ganjei-Azar [3], AJ Wasiutynski [4], MN Scheinberg [5], S Tarka [2] and M Fudalej [2]

1 Institute of Gynecology Inc., 7001 Central Avenue, St Petersburg, FL 33710, USA
2 The Department of Forensic Medicine, Warsaw Medical University, Warsaw, Poland
3 The Department of Pathology, University of Miami, FL, USA
4 The Department of Pathomorphology, Warsaw Medical University, Warsaw, Poland
5 Center for Cosmetic & Reconstructive Gynecology, Deerfield Beach, FL, USA

Objectives

To expand the anatomical investigations of the G-spot and to assess the G-spot's characteristic histological and immunohistochemical features.

Design

An observational study.

Setting

International multicentre.

Population

Eight consecutive fresh human female cadavers.

Methods

Anterior vaginal wall dissections were executed and G-spot microdissections were performed. All specimens were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E). The tissues of two women were selected at random for immunohistochemical staining.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome measure was to document the anatomy of the G-spot. The secondary outcome measures were to identify the histology of the G-spot and to determine whether histological samples stained with H&E are sufficient to identify the G-spot.

Results

The anatomical existence of the G-spot was identified in all women and was in a diagonal plane. In seven (87.5%) and one (12.5%) of the women the G-spot complex was found on the left or right side, respectively. The G-spot was intimately fused with vessels, creating a complex. A large tangled vein-like vascular structure resembled an arteriovenous malformation and there were a few smaller feeding arteries. A band-like structure protruded from the tail of the G-spot. The size of the G-spot varied. Histologically, the G-spot was determined as a neurovascular complex structure. The neural component contained abundant peripheral nerve bundles and a nerve ganglion. The vascular component comprised large vein-like vessels and smaller feeding arteries. Circular and longitudinal muscles covered the G-complex.

Conclusion

The anatomy of the G-spot complex was confirmed. The histology of the G-spot presents as neurovascular tissues with a nerve ganglion. H&E staining is sufficient for the identification of the G-spot complex.

This study was presented during the plenary session at the XX FIGO World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Rome, Italy, October 2012

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1471-0528.12707/abstract

Ear Recognition Based on Gabor Features and KFDA

The Scientific World Journal
Volume 2014 (2014), Article ID 702076, 12 pages
Published 17 March 2014
http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/702076

Li Yuan [1,2] and Zhichun Mu [1]

[1] School of Automation and Electrical Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
[2] Visualization and Intelligent Systems Laboratory, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92507, USA

Abstract

We propose an ear recognition system based on 2D ear images which includes three stages: ear enrollment, feature extraction, and ear recognition. Ear enrollment includes ear detection and ear normalization. The ear detection approach based on improved Adaboost algorithm detects the ear part under complex background using two steps: offline cascaded classifier training and online ear detection. Then Active Shape Model is applied to segment the ear part and normalize all the ear images to the same size. For its eminent characteristics in spatial local feature extraction and orientation selection, Gabor filter based ear feature extraction is presented in this paper. Kernel Fisher Discriminant Analysis (KFDA) is then applied for dimension reduction of the high-dimensional Gabor features. Finally distance based classifier is applied for ear recognition. Experimental results of ear recognition on two datasets (USTB and UND datasets) and the performance of the ear authentication system show the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Introduction

The research on ear recognition has been drawing more and more attention in recent five years [1–4]. Based on the research of the “Iannarelli system” [5], the structure of the ear is fairly stable and robust to changes in facial expressions or aging. Ear biometrics is noncontacting and so it can be applied for human identification at a distance, making it a helpful supplement to facial recognition. An ear recognition system based on 2D images is composed of the following stages: ear enrollment, feature extraction, and ear recognition/authentication. The stage of ear enrollment includes automatic ear detection and ear normalization.

[...]

Acknowledgments

This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant no. 61300075 and Fundamental Research Funds for China Central Universities under Grant no. FRF-SD-12-017A.

http://www.hindawi.com/journals/tswj/2014/702076/

Sexual Activity After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Motion Capture Study

The Journal of Arthroplasty
Volume 29, Issue 3, Pages 640-647, March 2014
doi:10.1016/j.arth.2013.07.043

Caecilia Charbonnier, PhD [a], Sylvain Chagué, MS [a], Matteo Ponzoni, MS [b], Massimiliano Bernardoni, MS [b], Pierre Hoffmeyer, MD [c], Panayiotis Christofilopoulos, MD [c]

[a] Medical Research Department, Artanim Foundation, Geneva, Switzerland
[b] Medacta International SA, Lugano, Switzerland
[c] Department of Surgery, Orthopedics and Trauma Service, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

Abstract

Relative risk of impingement and joint instability during sexual activities after total hip arthroplasty (THA) has never been objectively investigated. Hip range of motion necessary to perform sexual positions is unknown. A motion capture study with two volunteers was performed. 12 common sexual positions were captured and relevant hip joint kinematics calculated. The recorded data were applied to prosthetic hip 3D models to evaluate impingement and joint instability during motion. To explore the effect of acetabular component positioning, nine acetabular cup positions were tested. Four sexual positions for women requiring intensive flexion (> 95°) caused prosthetic impingements (associated with posterior instability) at 6 cup positions. Bony impingements (associated with anterior instability) occurred during one sexual position for men requiring high degree of external rotation (> 40°) combined with extension and adduction at all cup positions. This study hence indicates that some sexual positions could be potentially at risk after THA, particularly for women.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0883540313005615

http://www.arthroplastyjournal.org/article/S0883-5403%2813%2900561-5/abstract

Development of the external genitalia: Perspectives from the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta)

Differentiation. 2014 pii: S0301-4681(13)00087-X
doi: 10.1016/j.diff.2013.12.003
Available online 28 February 2014
[Epub ahead of print]

Gerald R. Cunha [a,b], Gail Risbridger [b], Hong Wang [b], Ned J. Place [c], Mel Grumbach [d], Tristan J. Cunha [a], Mary Weldele [e], Al J. Conley [f], Dale Barcellos [g], Sanjana Agarwal [g], Argun Bhargava [g], Christine Drea [h], Geoffrey L. Hammond [i], Penti Siiteri [j], Elizabeth M. Coscia [k], Michael J. McPhaul [l], Laurence S. Baskin [a], Stephen E. Glickman [e]

[a] Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, 400 Parnassus Avenue, Box A610, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
[b] Department of Anatomy & Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton Campus, Building 76 Level 3, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC, Australia
[c] Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States
[d] Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, Box 0434, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
[e] Departments of Psychology and Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
[f] Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States
[g] Monte Vista High School, Cupertino, CA 95014, United States
[h] Departments of Evolutionary Anthropology and Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
[i] Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
[j] Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California San Francisco, 400 Parnassus Avenue, Box A610, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
[k] Salesian High School, Richmond, CA 94804, United States
[l] University of Texas Southwestern, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390-8857 and Quest Diagnostics, Endocrine Division, 33608 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, United States

Abstract

This review/research paper summarizes data on development of the external genitalia of the spotted hyena, a fascinating mammal noted for extreme masculinization of the female external genitalia. The female spotted hyena is the only extant mammal that mates and gives birth through a pendulous penis-like clitoris. Our studies indicate that early formation of the phallus in both males and females is independent of androgens; indeed the phallus forms before the fetal testes or ovaries are capable of synthesizing androgens. Likewise, pre- and postnatal growth in length of the penis and clitoris is minimally affected by “androgen status”. Nonetheless, several internal morphologies, as well as external surface features of the phallus, are androgen-dependent and thus account for dimorphism between the penis and clitoris. Finally, estrogens play a critical role in penile and clitoral development, specifying the position of the urethral orifice, determining elasticity of the urethral meatus, and facilitating epithelial–epithelial fusion events required for proper formation of the distal urethra/urogenital sinus and prepuce. Accordingly, prenatal inhibition of estrogen synthesis via administration of letrozole (an aromatase inhibitor) leads to malformations of the glans as well as the prepuce (hypospadias). The effects of prenatal androgens, anti-androgens and impaired estrogen synthesis correlated with the tissue expression of androgen and estrogen receptors.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030146811300087X

The Plunging Tip: Illusion and Reality

Aesthetic Surgery Journal
January 2014 vol. 34 no. 1 45-55
doi: 10.1177/1090820X13515482

Aaron M. Kosins, MD, MBA, Val Lambros, MD, Rollin K. Daniel, MD

Dr Kosins is a Volunteer Clinical Assistant Professor WOS and Dr Daniel is a Clinical Professor, University of California, Irvine Medical Center, 1441 Avocado Dr, Suite 308, Newport Beach, CA 92660, USA
Dr Kosins and Dr Daniel are in private practice in Newport Beach, California
Dr Lambros is a plastic surgeon in private practice in Newport Beach, California

Background:

The plunging tip is defined as a nasal deformity where the nasal tip descends or “plunges” during smiling.

Objective:

The authors prospectively measure a series of 25 patients with a focus on the anatomic changes of the nose before and after the patient smiles.

Methods:

Twenty-five women who presented for cosmetic primary rhinoplasty and complained of a plunging tip were included in the study. Three angles were measured on lateral view (tip angle, nasolabial angle, and columella inclination angle), along with changes in tip, subnasale, and alar crease. The Simon tip rotation angle (STRA) measured tip position in relation to the static tragus. The alar rim angle measured the angle of the alar rim at the nostril. Changes in static and smiling positions were compared.

Results:

Tip, nasolabial, and the columella inclination angles decreased between static and smiling positions by 10.9, 11.8, and 11.9 degrees, respectively. Tip position dropped by 0.9 mm, while the subnasale and alar crease junction elevated by 1.3 and 3.7 mm, respectively. The STRA, an angle independent of alar base movement, decreased by less than 1 degree. The alar rim angle increased by 9.9 degrees.

Conclusions:

Our data demonstrate that the nasal tip changes its position less than 1 mm with a full smile. The concept of a “plunging tip” is an optical illusion. In reality, the alar crease and subnasale elevate and the alar rim straightens, while the tip position changes minimally. Objectively, the tip moves less than 1 mm and less than 1 degree using the STRA.

http://aes.sagepub.com/content/34/1/45.abstract

Reducing pathogen transmission in a hospital setting. Handshake verses fist bump: a pilot study

Journal of Hospital Infection
Volume 85, Issue 4, December 2013, Pages 321–323
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2013.08.010

P.A. Ghareeb [a], T. Bourlai [b], W. Dutton [a], W.T. McClellan [a]

[a] Department of Surgery, West Virginia University, School of Medicine, 1085 Van Voorhis Rd #350, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
[b] West Virginia University, Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, Morgantown, WV, USA

Summary

Handshaking is a known vector for bacterial transmission between individuals. Handwashing has become a major initiative throughout healthcare systems to reduce transmission rates, but as many as 80% of individuals retain some disease-causing bacteria after washing. The fist bump is an alternative to the handshake that has become popular. We have determined that implementing the fist bump in the healthcare setting may further reduce bacterial transmission between healthcare providers by reducing contact time and total surface area exposed when compared with the standard handshake.

Keywords

Fist bump; Hand hygiene; Handshake; Nosocomial infection

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195670113003186

Testicular Augmentation Using Chin Implants

The Journal of Sexual Medicine
Volume 10, Issue 10, pages 2582–2585, October 2013
Issue published online: 7 Oct 2013
DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2012.02963.x

Fernando Ugarte y Romano MD [1] and Adolfo González Serrano GP [2]

1 Department of Urology, Hospital Ángeles del Pedregal, México, México
2 Department of Sexology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México 10700, México

Introduction

Disturbances in testicular integrity have the potential to cause severe concerns about masculinity, body image, and sexual function. Testicular volume replacement surgery with prosthesis has been known about since 1941, although esthetic procedures for testicular augmentation have not been satisfactory.

Aim

To describe an unprecedented testicular augmentation surgical technique that is specially focused on preserving testicular function and providing a favorable esthetic outcome.

Methods

We present a case of a 45-year-old man with body dysmorphic disorder. Surgical treatment using a new technique by placing a chin implant on the testicle was offered and accepted.

Results

Good symmetry between both testicles was achieved. No complications were reported. One month after the procedure, the patient started a satisfactory sex life. Functional monitoring was normal during the year after the procedure.

Conclusions

This technique is unprecedented in literature, it represents a safe and effective therapeutic alternative; nevertheless, more experience in performing this procedure is needed.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2012.02963.x/abstract

Apparatus and method for wearing replica cauliflower ears

United States Patent Application
Publication number US20130326793 A1
December 12, 2013

Canadian Patents Database
Patent Application: CA 2812333
Open to Public Inspection: 2013-10-06

Andrew James Bingley, Walter David McCrindle, Christopher Brian Prickett

Fergus, CA

Abstract

There is disclosed an apparatus and method for wearing replica “cauliflower” ears which are molded from the actual cauliflower ears of athletes contact sports including mixed martial arts (MMA), wrestling, rugby, boxing and others. In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises support means adapted to support left and right replica cauliflower ears on a wearer's head. A fastening means is adapted to fasten the left and right replica cauliflower ears, respectively, to the support means. The left and right replica cauliflower ears are modeled from a mold of an athlete's cauliflower ears, and suitably resized and shaped to be worn over the ears of the wearer. In another embodiment, the supporting means comprises a flexible head band, and the left and right replica cauliflower ears are fastened to the left and right arms, respectively, of the head band, and wherein the left and right arms am configured to at least partially wrap around a wearer's head.

BACKGROUND

In mixed martial arts (MMA), wrestling, rugby, boxing and other contact sports, athletes may sustain injuries which may become scarred when the injuries heal. More particularly, athletes in contact sports such as MMK wrestling, rugby and boxing may sustain injuries to the ears resulting in hematoma auris, perichondrial hematoma, or traumatic auricular hematoma, more commonly known as “cauliflower” ears. These cauliflower ears are often unique and distinctive for each athlete, and are often considered by the athletes and their fans to be badges of honor.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for wearing replica “cauliflower” ears which are modeled from the ears of an athlete in MMA, wrestling, or other contact sports.

http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&d=PG01&p=1&u=/netahtml/PTO/srchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=20130326793.PGNR.

http://brevets-patents.ic.gc.ca/opic-cipo/cpd/eng/patent/2812333/summary.html

Lemonade from Lemons: The Taphonomic Effect of Lawn Mowers on Skeletal Remains

Journal of Forensic Sciences
Volume 58, Issue 5, pages 1273–1278, September 2013
Issue published online: 4 Sep 2013

DC Martin M.A., Gretchen R. Dabbs Ph.D. and Lindsey G. Roberts B.S.

Department of Anthropology
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
1000 Faner Drive
Mail Code 4502
Carbondale, IL 62901

Abstract

This study provides a descriptive analysis of the taphonomic changes produced by passing over skeletonized remains (n = 4, Sus scrofa) with three common lawn mowers. Two skeletons were mowed over with a riding lawn mower set at multiple blade heights (10.16, 7.62, 5.08 cm) and one each with a rotary mower (9.53, 6.35 cm) and a mulching mower (6.35 cm). Results show that different types of common lawn mowers will produce different patterns of bone dispersal and fragmentation rates. Overall, skeletal elements projecting upward from the surface frequently exhibited a sheared morphology characterized by a smooth, flat, cut surface (7.0–7.6% of elements). The push mowers yielded a higher frequency of undamaged bone than the riding mower (54.8–61.2% vs. 17.7%), and the riding mower created more catastrophic damage to skeletal elements. Additionally, each mower produced a distinct dispersal pattern of skeletal fragments. The dispersal patterns have been identified as “bull's-eye” (riding), circular (mulching), and discontinuous rectangle (rotary).

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1556-4029.12177/abstract

Foot Orgasm Syndrome: A Case Report in a Woman

The Journal of Sexual Medicine
Volume 10, Issue 8, pages 1926–1934, August 2013

Marcel D. Waldinger MD, PhD, FECSM [1,2,3,*], Govert J. de Lint PT [4], Ad P.G. van Gils MD, PhD [5], Farhad Masir MD [6], Egbert Lakke MD, PhD [7], Ruben S. van Coevorden MD [8] and Dave H. Schweitzer MD, PhD [9]

[1] Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of BetaSciences, Utrecht University, Universiteitslaan 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
[2] Private Practice, Amstelveen, The Netherlands
[3] Department of Neurosexology, HagaZiekenhuis, Den Haag, The Netherlands
[4] Department of Physiotherapy, HagaZiekenhuis, Den Haag, The Netherlands
[5] Department of Radiology, HagaZiekenhuis, Den Haag, The Netherlands
[6] Department of Anesthesiology, HagaZiekenhuis, Den Haag, The Netherlands
[7] Department of Anatomy, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
[8] Medisch Centrum Buitenveldert, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
[9] Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Reinier de Graaf Groep of Hospitals, Delft-Voorburg, The Netherlands

Introduction

Spontaneous orgasm triggered from inside the foot has so far not been reported in medical literature.

Aims

The study aims to report orgasmic feelings in the left foot of a woman.

Methods

A woman presented with complaints of undesired orgasmic sensations originating in her left foot. In-depth interview, physical examination, sensory testing, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI-scan), electromyography (EMG), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and blockade of the left S1 dorsal root ganglion were performed.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcomes are description of this clinical syndrome, results of TENS application, and S1 dorsal root ganglion blockade.

Results

Subtle attenuation of sensory amplitudes of the left suralis, and the left medial and lateral plantar nerve tracts was found at EMG. MRI-scan disclosed no foot abnormalities. TENS at the left metatarso-phalangeal joint-III of the left foot elicited an instant orgasmic sensation that radiated from plantar toward the vagina. TENS applied to the left side of the vagina elicited an orgasm that radiated to the left foot. Diagnostic blockade of the left S1 dorsal root ganglion with 0.8 mL bupivacaine 0.25 mg attenuated the frequency and intensity of orgasmic sensation in the left foot with 50% and 80%, respectively. Additional therapeutic blockade of the same ganglion with 0.8 mL bupivacaine 0.50 mg combined with pulsed radiofrequency treatment resulted in a complete disappearance of the foot-induced orgasmic sensations.

Conclusion

Foot orgasm syndrome (FOS) is descibed in a woman. Blockade of the left S1 dorsal root ganglion alleviated FOS. It is hypothesized that FOS, occurring 1.5 years after an intensive care emergency, was caused by partial nerve regeneration (axonotmesis), after which afferent (C-fiber) information from a small reinnervated skin area of the left foot and afferent somatic and autonomous (visceral) information from the vagina on at least S1 spinal level is misinterpreted by the brain as being solely information originating from the vagina.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsm.12217/abstract

Generation of tooth-like structures from integration-free human urine induced pluripotent stem cells

Cell Regeneration 2013, 2:6
Published: 30 July 2013
doi:10.1186/2045-9769-2-6

Jinglei Cai [1], Yanmei Zhang [1], Pengfei Liu [1,2], Shubin Chen [1], Xuan Wu [1,2], Yuhua Sun [3], Ang Li [4], Ke Huang [1], Rongping Luo [1], Lihui Wang [1], Ying Liu [1,5], Ting Zhou [1], Shicheng Wei [3,6], Guangjin Pan [1] and Duanqing Pei [1]

1 CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 190 Kai Yuan Avenue, Science Park, Guangzhou 510530, P.R.China

2 Department of Regeneration Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical, Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China

3 Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Studies, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China

4 Biodynamic Optical Imaging Center (BIOPIC), Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China

5 The Shenzhen Key Lab of Gene and Antibody Therapy, Center for Biotech & Biomedicine and Division of Life Sciences, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, P.R. China

6 Center for Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China

Background

Tooth is vital not only for a good smile, but also good health. Yet, we lose tooth regularly due to accidents or diseases. An ideal solution to this problem is to regenerate tooth with patients’ own cells. Here we describe the generation of tooth-like structures from integration-free human urine induced pluripotent stem cells (ifhU-iPSCs).

Results

We first differentiated ifhU-iPSCs to epithelial sheets, which were then recombined with E14.5 mouse dental mesenchymes. Tooth-like structures were recovered from these recombinants in 3 weeks with success rate up to 30% for 8 different iPSC lines, comparable to H1 hESC. We further detected that ifhU-iPSC derived epithelial sheets differentiated into enamel-secreting ameloblasts in the tooth-like structures, possessing physical properties such as elastic modulus and hardness found in the regular human tooth.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that ifhU-iPSCs can be used to regenerate patient specific dental tissues or even tooth for further drug screening or regenerative therapies.

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

http://www.cellregenerationjournal.com/content/2/1/6

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186%2F2045-9769-2-6

Observational cadaveric study of emergency bystander cricothyroidotomy with a ballpoint pen by untrained junior doctors and medical students

Emerg Med J. 2013 Apr;30(4):308-11
doi: 10.1136/emermed-2012-201317
Epub 2012 May 5

Andrew Neill [1], Philip Anderson [2]

[1] Anatomy Department, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
[2] Foundation Year 2 Doctor, Northern Ireland Deanery, UK

Correspondence to Dr A Neill, Level 1, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College, Pearse St, Dublin 2, Ireland

Contributors
AN conceived the study, performed most of the dissection and drafted the manuscript. PA aided with the dissection and compiled the results.

Objective

Apart from case reports and anecdotes, there are no published studies on the feasibility of using non-medical devices for emergency bystander cricothyroidotomy. This study evaluated the ability of non-trained junior doctors and medical students to place an emergency cricothyroidotomy on an embalmed cadaver using only a blade and a ballpoint pen.

Methods

Participants were junior doctors with no prior experience of surgical airways and second year medical students at the end of their head and neck anatomy course. Nine participants were asked to place an emergency cricothyroidotomy in an undissected embalmed cadaver using only a No 26 scalpel and a dismantled ballpoint pen (Papermate Flexigrip Ultra, external diameter 8.9 mm; internal diameter 7.0 mm). Times were recorded and direct visualisation by dissection was used to assess placement and complications.

Results

Nine participants performed a total of 14 separate cricothyroidtomies on separate cadavers. Landmarks were palpable by researchers in 10 of the 14 cadavers. Eight of 14 (57%) procedures were deemed successful. No major vascular injury occurred. Injuries to the thyroid and cricoid cartilages were common; four of 14 (29%) of these injuries were fractures.

Conclusions

In embalmed cadavers, inexperienced junior doctors and medical students with no prior training were able to place a successful cricothyroidotomy slightly more than half the time. It suggests that surgical cricothyroidotomy with a ballpoint pen and blade is a feasible option in extremis. It is unknown whether junior doctors from other specialties, such as emergency medicine, would perform better.

http://emj.bmj.com/content/30/4/308.abstract

Significant changes in the skin microbiome mediated by the sport of roller derby

PeerJ 1:e53
2013-03-12
http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.53

James F. Meadow [​1], Ashley C. Bateman [1], Keith M. Herkert [1,2], Timothy K. O’Connor [1,3], Jessica L. Green [1,4]

[1] Biology and the Built Environment Center, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
[2] Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
[3] Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
[4] Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, NM, USA

Abstract

Diverse bacterial communities live on and in human skin. These complex communities vary by skin location on the body, over time, between individuals, and between geographic regions. Culture-based studies have shown that human to human and human to surface contact mediates the dispersal of pathogens, yet little is currently known about the drivers of bacterial community assembly patterns on human skin. We hypothesized that participation in a sport involving skin to skin contact would result in detectable shifts in skin bacterial community composition. We conducted a study during a flat track roller derby tournament, and found that teammates shared distinct skin microbial communities before and after playing against another team, but that opposing teams’ bacterial communities converged during the course of a roller derby bout. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that the human skin microbiome shifts in composition during activities involving human to human contact, and that contact sports provide an ideal setting in which to evaluate dispersal of microorganisms between people.

https://peerj.com/articles/53/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3628844/

First report of family infestation with pubic louse (Pthirus pubis; Insecta: Anoplura: Pthiridae) in Iran – a case report

Tropical Biomedicine 30(1): 152–154 (Mar 2013)

Dehghani, R. [1], Limoee, M. [2] and Ahaki, A.R. [3]

[1] Environment Health Department College of Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, I.R.
Iran
[2] Dept. of Public Health and Research Center for Environmental Epidemiology, Kermanshah University of
Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, I.R. Iran
[3] Dept. of Environment Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, I.R. Iran

Abstract

The sucking lice including the head, body and pubic louse infest humans and so they are of high hygienic importance. Pubic lice are transmitted during sexual contact in adults. Thus, infestation of children with pubis louse is very rare. A case of infestation with pubic louse (Pthirus pubis) in a family in Kashan was seen. On examination of family members, the parasites were collected and observed under the light microscope. Infestation of eyelashes with P. pubis lice was confirmed. Since this parasite can be observed on the skin, infestation with this louse has always been one of the concerns of human communities. Pthiriasis has frequently been reported in many parts of the world; however, there are few reports on this infestation in Iran, especially familial infestation with this louse. Hence, this article could be the first report on the familial infestation with P. pubis in Iran and it can be suggested that infestation with pubic lice occurs in sporadic form in all over the country.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23665721

Considerations on a Gentleman’s Posterior

Fashion Theory: The Journal of Dress, Body & Culture
Volume 16, Number 2, June 2012 , pp. 211-234(24)
Publication date: June 1, 2012
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2752/175174112X13274987924131

Cole, Shaun

Abstract

In discussing J.C. Leyendecker’s 1911 painting Man on a Bag used to advertise S.T. Cooper and Sons’ Kenosha Klosed Krotch union suit, Richard Martin noted that the positioning of the male figure had to be careful to avoid raising concerns about anal anxiety, reflecting Freudian theories of sexual development. For this new revolutionary back opening for men’s underwear it was essential to depict a rear view of the male figure wearing the garment. However, as Martin noted, there was a certain discomfort around the idea of considering the male rear end. The association of sodomy and homosexuality led to this insecurity about the display of the male posterior. Men’s behinds have, however, periodically been put on display throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries through changing fashions and this article will address key moments when male fashion has concentrated and highlighted the male behind such as the adoption of shrink-to-fit blue jeans by teenagers in the 1950s and close-fitting Italian-style trousers worn beneath “bum freezer” jackets that revealed a shapely male behind. It will also consider the depiction of the male behind in underwear advertising and the use of padded underwear to enhance this “asset,” and conclude with a reflection on the mass adoption of the hip-hop-inspired low-slung jean.

http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bloomsbury/jdbc/2012/00000016/00000002/art00005

Increased photon emission from the head while imagining light in the dark is correlated with changes in electroencephalographic power: Support for Bókkon's biophoton hypothesis

Neuroscience Letters
Volume 513, Issue 2, 4 April 2012, Pages 151–154
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neulet.2012.02.021

B.T. Dotta [a,c], K.S. Saroka [a,b], M.A. Persinger [a,b,c]

[a] Behavioural Neuroscience Program, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada P3E 2C6
[b] Human Studies Program, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada P3E 2C6
[c] Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada P3E 2C6

Abstract

Bókkon's hypothesis that photons released from chemical processes within the brain produce biophysical pictures during visual imagery has been supported experimentally. In the present study measurements by a photomultiplier tube also demonstrated significant increases in ultraweak photon emissions (UPEs) or biophotons equivalent to about 5 × 10−11 W/m2 from the right sides of volunteer's heads when they imagined light in a very dark environment compared to when they did not. Simultaneous variations in regional quantitative electroencephalographic spectral power (μV2/Hz) and total energy in the range of ∼10−12 J from concurrent biophoton emissions were strongly correlated (r = 0.95). The calculated energy was equivalent to that associated with action potentials from about 107 cerebral cortical neurons. We suggest these results support Bókkon's hypothesis that specific visual imagery is strongly correlated with ultraweak photon emission coupled to brain activity.

Highlights

► Cerebral photon emission increases with imagery.
► EEG power time-coupled to cerebral photon emissions.
► Power densities of EEG and brain photons match.
► Thinking is coupled to cerebral light emission.
► Imagery photon density increase is ∼10–11 W/m2.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030439401200208X

Auditory stimulation of opera music induced prolongation of murine cardiac allograft survival and maintained generation of regulatory CD4+CD25+ cells

Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery
March 23 2012, 7:26
doi:10.1186/1749-8090-7-26

Masateru Uchiyama [1,2,3], Xiangyuan Jin [2,4], Qi Zhang [2], Toshihito Hirai [5], Atsushi Amano [1], Hisashi Bashuda [3] and Masanori Niimi [2]   

[1] Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Juntendo University Hospital, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
[2] Department of Surgery, Teikyo University, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan
[3] Department of Immunology, Juntendo University Hospital, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
[4] Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, The 4th Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 37 Yiyuan Street, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
[5] Department of Urology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawata-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan

BACKGROUND:

Interactions between the immune response and brain functions such as olfactory, auditory, and visual sensations are likely. This study investigated the effect of sounds on alloimmune responses in a murine model of cardiac allograft transplantation.

METHODS:

Naïve CBA mice (H2k) underwent transplantation of a C57BL/6 (B6, H2b) heart and were exposed to one of three types of music--opera (La Traviata), classical (Mozart), and New Age (Enya)--or one of six different single sound frequencies, for 7 days. Additionally, we prepared two groups of CBA recipients with tympanic membrane perforation exposed to opera for 7 days and CBA recipients exposed to opera for 7 days before transplantation (pre-treatment). An adoptive transfer study was performed to determine whether regulatory cells were generated in allograft recipients. Immunohistochemical, cell-proliferation, cytokine, and flow cytometry assessments were also performed.

RESULTS:

CBA recipients of a B6 cardiac graft that were exposed to opera music and Mozart had significantly prolonged allograft survival (median survival times [MSTs], 26.5 and 20 days, respectively), whereas those exposed to a single sound frequency (100, 500, 1000, 5000, 10,000, or 20,000 Hz) or Enya did not (MSTs, 7.5, 8, 9, 8, 7.5, 8.5 and 11 days, respectively). Untreated, CBA mice with tympanic membrane perforations and CBA recipients exposed to opera for 7 days before transplantation (pre-treatment) rejected B6 cardiac grafts acutely (MSTs, 7, 8 and 8 days, respectively). Adoptive transfer of whole splenocytes, CD4+ cells, or CD4+CD25+ cells from opera-exposed primary allograft recipients resulted in significantly prolonged allograft survival in naive secondary recipients (MSTs, 36, 68, and > 100 days, respectively). Proliferation of splenocytes, interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon (IFN)-γ production was suppressed in opera-exposed mice, and production of IL-4 and IL-10 from opera-exposed transplant recipients increased compared to that from splenocytes of untreated recipients. Flow cytometry studies showed an increased CD4+CD25+ Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3)+ cell population in splenocytes from those mice.

CONCLUSION:

Our findings indicate that exposure to opera music, such as La traviata, could affect such aspects of the peripheral immune response as generation of regulatory CD4+CD25+ cells and up-regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines, resulting in prolonged allograft survival.

http://www.cardiothoracicsurgery.org/content/7/1/26

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186%2F1749-8090-7-26/fulltext.html

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3338095/

Devices, systems and methods using magnetic force systems affecting the tongue or hyoid muscles in the upper airway

United States Patent 8,020,560
Issue Dt: 09/20/2011

Inventors
Joe Paraschac, Ryan P. Boucher, Edward M. Gillis, Octavian Iancea, Andrew W. Kramer, Brian K. McCollum, Scott A. McGill, Lionel M. Nelson, Andres D. Tomas

Assignee   
Apneon, Inc.
20813 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Suite 100
Cupertino, California 95014

Original Assignee
Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Groenewoudseweg 1
5621 BA Eindhoven
Netherlands

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for resisting posterior movement of the tongue during sleep, thereby keeping an airway open. The systems and methods employ a first structure that can be placed either in or on a tongue within an oral cavity and/or in a region of hyoid muscle. The first structure includes a ferromagnetic material. The systems and methods employ a second structure that can be placed either in or on external tissue outside the oral cavity and/or in or on external tissue outside the oral cavity in a desired relationship with the first structure. The second structure includes a magnetic material that magnetically interacts with the ferromagnetic material by attracting the ferromagnetic material, thereby resisting posterior movement of the tongue.

http://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/biblio?CC=US&NR=8020560B2&KC=B2&FT=D

http://assignments.uspto.gov/assignments/q?db=pat&pat=8020560

Traumatic brain injuries in illustrated literature: experience from a series of over 700 head injuries in the Asterix comic books

Acta Neurochirurgica
June 2011, Volume 153, Issue 6, pp 1351-1355

Marcel A. Kamp, Philipp Slotty, Sevgi Sarikaya-Seiwert, Hans-Jakob Steiger, Daniel Hänggi

Department for Neurosurgery, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany

Background

The goal of the present study was to analyze the epidemiology and specific risk factors of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the Asterix illustrated comic books. Among the illustrated literature, TBI is a predominating injury pattern.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of TBI in all 34 Asterix comic books was performed by examining the initial neurological status and signs of TBI. Clinical data were correlated to information regarding the trauma mechanism, the sociocultural background of victims and offenders, and the circumstances of the traumata, to identify specific risk factors.

Results

Seven hundred and four TBIs were identified. The majority of persons involved were adult and male. The major cause of trauma was assault (98.8%). Traumata were classified to be severe in over 50% (GCS 3–8). Different neurological deficits and signs of basal skull fractures were identified. Although over half of head-injury victims had a severe initial impairment of consciousness, no case of death or permanent neurological deficit was found. The largest group of head-injured characters was constituted by Romans (63.9%), while Gauls caused nearly 90% of the TBIs. A helmet had been worn by 70.5% of victims but had been lost in the vast majority of cases (87.7%). In 83% of cases, TBIs were caused under the influence of a doping agent called “the magic potion”.

Conclusions

Although over half of patients had an initially severe impairment of consciousness after TBI, no permanent deficit could be found. Roman nationality, hypoglossal paresis, lost helmet, and ingestion of the magic potion were significantly correlated with severe initial impairment of consciousness (p ≤ 0.05).

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00701-011-0993-6

Identification of student comprehension using forehead wrinkles

2011 International Conference on Computer, Communication and Electrical Technology (ICCCET)
Tamilnadu, 18-19 March 2011
Page(s): 66 - 70

Professor Dr. M.Mohamed Sathik, M.Sc., M.Phil., M.B.A., M.Tech., M.S., Ph.D. and Dr. G.Sofia M.C.A, M.Phil., (Ph.D)

Dept. of Comput. Sci.
Sadakathullah Appa Coll.
Tirunelveli
India

Facial Expression plays a vital role in the identification of Emotions and comprehension level of the students in the virtual classrooms. Expressions that signal emotions include muscle movements such as raising the eyebrows, wrinkling the brow (the forehead or eyebrow), rolling the eyes or curling the lip. Here, we propose an efficient method for identifying the expressions of the students to recognize their comprehension from the facial expressions in static images containing the frontal view of the human face. Our goal is to categorize the facial expressions of the students in the given image into two basic emotional expression states - comprehensible, incomprehensible. One of the key action units in the face to expose expression is forehead. In this paper, Facial expressions are identified from the wrinkles of the forehead. Our method consists of three steps, Forehead detection, Wrinkle extraction and Emotion recognition. The proposed method is tested on the images from YALE and JAFFE Face databases.

http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/articleDetails.jsp?arnumber=5762440