Study of CP-violating asymmetries in B0-->pi(+)pi(-) decays

We present a measurement of CP-violating asymmetries in B0-->pi(+)pi(-) decays based on a 41.8 fb(-1) data sample collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. We fully reconstruct one neutral B meson as a B0-->pi(+)pi(-) CP eigenstate and identify the flavor of the accompanying B meson from its decay products. From the asymmetry in the distribution of the time intervals between the two B meson decay points, we obtain the CP-violating asymmetry parameters S(pipi)=-1.21(+0.38)(-0.27)(stat)+0.16-0.13(syst) and A(pipi)=+0.94(+0.25)(-0.31)(stat)+/-0.09(syst).

Persistence of immune responses to altered and native myelin antigens in patients with multiple sclerosis treated with altered peptide ligand

Altered peptide ligands (APLs) can modulate responses of T cells to native peptide antigens implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. An APL of the putative target antigen myelin basic protein (MBP) peptide 83-99 has been used in abbreviated clinical trials in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Our objective was to assess the long-term persistence, and characteristics, of the APL-induced immune response in such patients. We measured the ex vivo proliferative frequency to the APL and native MBP, the cross-reactivity, and the cytokine production by these lines. We found that a 4- to 16-week course of APL therapy could induce a persistent (2-4.5 year) increase in the frequency of T cells responsive to both the APL and the native MBP in a select number of patients. These T cells produced high levels of IL-5, contrasting with the pretreatment observation that the responses to either antigen were IFNgamma (Th1) dominant. Our results indicate that APL therapy can induce persistent Th2-directed immune deviation. Understanding the impact of such APL-induced immune responses on MS disease activity will require additional clinical trials that incorporate careful monitoring of both clinical and immunological parameters.

Health development experience in North and South Korea

The purpose of this study is to compare the difference in health status between South Koreans and North Koreans and to identify factors responsible for the remarkable improvements in the health status of South Koreans. In order to examine the causes of the difference in health level, the health indices and their determinants of two Koreas were analyzed in time order. As of the year 2000, the average life expectancy at birth is 71.0 years for men and 78.6 years for women in South Korea, which is longer than that of North Korea by 8.1 for men and 11.2 for women. Infant mortality rate in 1998 was 9.0 per 1,000 live births in South Korea and 54.0 in North Korea. Since being liberated from Japanese ruling in 1945, South Korea has achieved remarkable economic growth under democracy and a market economy system. On the other hand, North Korea has maintained a socialistic system. North Korea has suffered from economic crisis since the 1990s. From this point it could be said that economic status is the major factor for the differences in health level between the two Koreas. Economic status not only directly influences health level but also indirectly affects it through influences on nutrition, hygiene, health resources, and other intervening factors. The South Korean government has concentrated its limited resources on public health activities such as tuberculosis control, family planning (FP), and maternal and child health (MCH) programmes whereas the private sector has taken charge of constructing the health delivery system including health facilities and human resources. In order to solve the problem, which might occur in the private-oriented medical care system, the South Korean government has introduced the national health insurance programme and enforced regulation policies. Many developing countries which are suffering from poverty and disease, can learn from the experience of Korea that had suffered from similar problems up to the early 1970s.

Assessing public understanding of the policy of separating dispensing and prescribing in Korea: a survey of college students

We investigated the level of public understanding of the 'separation of dispensing and prescribing' health policy in Korea and its associated factors. A questionnaire survey was conducted upon 700 college students at four months after the introduction of the policy. The understanding level was measured using four question items describing the goal and motivation of the policy, and ten items describing its operational rules. For each item, respondents were asked to mark whether the description was true or false. While the goal and motivation of the policy was relatively well informed (mean understanding score: 69.58 out of 100), people did not have a good understanding of the operational details of the policy (mean score: 32.52). The results of regression analyses showed that personal interest and agreement with the need of the policy were the most significant factors affecting the understanding level (p < 0.01). It is concluded that, for other public policies in the future, policy makers in Korea need to develop more effective media communication strategies to effectively inform the public of the practical details of the policy.

Effect of glycolic acid on UVB-induced skin damage and inflammation in guinea pigs

OBJECTIVES

Recently the use of glycolic-acid-containing cosmetics has received increased public interest in their supposed ability to reduce wrinkles, roughness, age spots and other skin damage. However, the safety of such products when used excessively or chronically, especially by photosensitive people, is being questioned. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of glycolic acid alone or in combination with UVB on skin damage and inflammatory response.

METHOD

Guinea pigs were treated with glycolic acid (from 1 to 7 mg/cm(2)) alone or in combination with UVB (0.4 or 3 J/cm(2)) for 14 days. Skin damage was evaluated by scoring the skin irritation value by the method of Draize and by histopathological observations. Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) expression and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) production were also assessed.

RESULTS

Glycolic acid caused an increase in the level of skin damage in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Lower doses (1 and 3 mg/cm(2)) of glycolic acid mostly caused erythema and eschar, and these consequently formed scales, whereas higher doses (5 and 7 mg/cm(2)) of glycolic acid caused redness, edema and necrotic ulceration. Glycolic acid also increased the thickness of the epidermal layer, reduced the organization of the stratum corneum and eventually destroyed some parts of the epidermal layer at 7 mg/cm(2). UVB (0.4 and 3 J/cm(2)) caused redness and edema as well as reduced the integrity of the stratum corneum. Glycolic acid enhanced the UVB-induced skin damage. The magnitude of the damage caused by combined UVB and glycolic acid treatment was much greater than that caused by glycolic acid or UVB alone. Moreover, partial destruction of the epidermal layer was observed in skin treated with 3 J/cm(2) UVB and 3 mg/cm(2) glycolic acid. However, glycolic acid did not change the basal and UVB-induced PGE(2) production and COX-2 protein expression.

CONCLUSION

These results show that glycolic acid causes skin damage in a dose- and time-dependent manner and that it enhances UVB-induced skin damage without accompanying PGE(2) production or COX-2 protein expression. Therefore, caution should be exercised by those using glycolic acid on a chronic basis or excessively. Moreover, those with photosensitive skins and those more exposed to the sun should be particularly careful.

Multifocal primary CNS T cell lymphoma of the spinal cord

The majority of primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSL) are of B cell origin, and those of T cell origin are a distinct rarity. Furthermore, spinal cord involvement of T cell PCNSL is extremely rare and only a small number of cases have been reported. The authors report a case of multifocal T cell PCNSL mainly involving the intramedullary (IM) portion ofthe spinal cord in a 57-year-old woman. Neurological examination showed right leg weakness and hypesthesia below the T10 level. Magnetic resonance images revealed multiple well enhancing masses in the IM portion ofthe cervical and thoracic spinal cord and the cerebellum. Cytological examination of the cerebrospinal fluid revealed no malignant cells. As the mass at the C7 level was the largest among multiple masses, open biopsy was performed at that level. Histopathological examination confirmed malignant peripheral T cell lymphoma, unspecified (PTCL-U), small- and medium-sized cell type. Clinical and laboratory investigations failed to reveal any evidence of lymphomatous deposits elsewhere in the body. After biopsy, the patient received cranio-spinal irradiation, which included the whole brain and the spinal neuraxis. The clinical course, pathological findings and treatments are discussed and a review of the literature included.

Observation of chi(c2) production in B meson decay

We report the first observation of chi(c2) production in B meson decays. We find an inclusive B-->chi(c2)X branching fraction of (1.80(+0.23)(-0.28)+/-0.26) x 10(-3). The data set, collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) collider, consists of 31.9 x 10(6) BB events. We also present branching fractions and momentum spectra for both chi(c1) and chi(c2) production.

Bone-protecting effect of safflower seeds in ovariectomized rats

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seeds have long been clinically used in Korea to promote bone formation and prevent osteoporosis. However, the beneficial effect has not been scientifically evaluated. Thus, in the present study we investigated whether phytoestrogen rich safflower seeds reduce bone loss in ovariectomized rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to bilateral ovariectomy or sham surgery. One week after the operation, ovariectomized rats were either fed a diet containing defatted safflower seeds or injected with 17b-estradiol (E2) for 4 weeks. As expected, ovariectomy resulted in a dramatic reduction in trabecular bone mass of the proximal tibia, increase in deposition of marrow fat, and in uterine atrophy. E2 treatment almost completely prevented bone loss as well as marrow adiposity, as examined by scanning electron microscopy and histomorphometry. Safflower seeds partially prevented ovariectomy-induced bone loss and slightly reduced marrow adiposity. Safflower seeds, in contrast to E2, exerted very weak uterotrophic action. In an attempt to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, effect of polyphenolic compounds extracted from safflower seeds on proliferation of osteoblast-like cells was also assessed in vitro. The mixed polyphenolic compounds stimulated growth of ROS 17/2.8 osteoblast-like cells in a dose-dependent manner (5-100 mg/ml), as potently as E2 and genistein. The present data provide the first direct in vivo evidence that safflower seeds have a protecting effect on bone loss caused by estrogen deficiency, without substantial effect on the uterus. The beneficial effect of safflower seeds may be mediated, at least in part, by the stimulating effect of polyphenolic compounds on proliferation of osteoblasts.

Centrality dependence of pi(+/-), K(+/-), p, and (-)p production from sqrt[s(NN)] = 130 GeV Au + Au collisions at RHIC

Identified pi(+/-), K(+/-), p, and (-)p transverse momentum spectra at midrapidity in sqrt[s(NN)] = 130 GeV Au+Au collisions were measured by the PHENIX experiment at RHIC as a function of collision centrality. Average transverse momenta increase with the number of participating nucleons in a similar way for all particle species. Within errors, all midrapidity particle yields per participant are found to be increasing with the number of participating nucleons. There is an indication that K(+/-), p, and (-)p yields per participant increase faster than the pi(+/-) yields. In central collisions at high transverse momenta (p(T) > or =2 GeV/c), (-)p and p yields are comparable to the pi(+/-) yields.

Transverse-mass dependence of two-pion correlations in Au+Au collisions at square root[s(NN)] = 130 GeV

Two-pion correlations in square root[s(NN)] = 130 GeV Au+Au collisions at RHIC have been measured over a broad range of pair transverse momentum k(T) by the PHENIX experiment at RHIC. The k(T) dependent transverse radii are similar to results from heavy-ion collisions at square root[s(NN)] = 4.1, 4.9, and 17.3 GeV, whereas the longitudinal radius increases monotonically with beam energy. The ratio of the outwards to sidewards transverse radii (R(out)/R(side)) is consistent with unity and independent of k(T).

Measurement of single electrons and implications for charm production in Au+Au collisions at square root[s(NN)] = 130 GeV

Transverse momentum spectra of electrons from Au+Au collisions at square root[s(NN)] = 130 GeV have been measured at midrapidity by the PHENIX experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. The spectra show an excess above the background from photon conversions and light hadron decays. The electron signal is consistent with that expected from semileptonic decays of charm. The yield of the electron signal dN(e)/dy for p(T) > 0.8 GeV/c is 0.025+/-0.004(stat)+/-0.010(syst) in central collisions, and the corresponding charm cross section is 380+/-60(stat)+/-200(syst) microb per binary nucleon-nucleon collision.

Observation of B(+/-) --> p(-)pK(+/-)

We report the observation of the decay mode B(+/-) --> p(-)pK(+/-)based on an analysis of 29.4 fb(-1) of data collected by the Belle detector at KEKB. This is the first example of a b-->s transition with baryons in the final state. The p(-)p mass spectrum in this decay is inconsistent with phase space and is peaked at low mass. The branching fraction for this decay is measured to be B(B+/--->p(-)pK+/-) = [4.3(+1.1)(-0.9)(stat)+/-0.5(syst)]x 10(-6). We also report upper limits for the decays B(0)-->p(-)pK(S) and B(+/-)-->p(-)p pi(+/-).

Effect of virological response on post-treatment durability of lamivudine-induced HBeAg seroconversion

Lamivudine-induced HBeAg seroconversion may not be durable in Korean patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. It is unknown whether virological response during lamivudine treatment affects the post-treatment outcome. We retrospectively analysed 124 consecutive HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients treated with lamivudine. Lamivudine was given at a dose of 100 mg per day. HBV DNA levels in sera obtained before and during therapy were measured by the Digene Hybrid Capture II assay and Digene Ultrasensitive Hybrid Capture II assay, respectively. HBeAg seroconversion was achieved in 42 of the 124 patients (33.8%) treated with lamivudine. Mean duration of treatment in HBeAg seroconverters was 12.86 +/- 4.44 months. During the follow-up period, the cumulative relapse rates at 3 months and 6 months post-treatment in 42 patients with HBeAg seroconversion were 40.5% and 57.4%, respectively. Among 31 seroconverted patients whose sera were available at the second month of treatment, HBV DNA remained at > 4.7 x 103 genomes/mL in 15 patients and decreased to < 4.7 x 103 genomes/mL in the remaining 16 patients. HBV DNA levels at the second month of treatment was not related with relapse after discontinuation of treatment (66.7% vs. 43.8%, P= 0.2). At the time of HBeAg seroconversion, HBV DNA remained at > 4.7 x 103 genomes/mL in five patients and decreased to < 4.7 x 103 genomes/mL in the remaining 37 patients. Relapse rates were increased in patients who remained at > 4.7 x 103 genomes/mL compared with patients with HBV DNA levels < 4.7 x 103 genomes/mL (100% vs. 51.4%, P < 0.001). Thus, monitoring of serum HBV DNA at the time of HBeAg seroconversion may be helpful for predicting relapse in patients with lamivudine-induced HBeAg seroconversion.

Diagnostic value of serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 in growth hormone disorders in adults

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the diagnostic value of serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) measurements in adult patients with acromegaly and GH deficiency (GHD).

METHODS

Serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels were measured in 39 active acromegalic patients, 34 adult patients with GHD and 150 healthy adults. Disease activity in patients with acromegaly was confirmed by nadir GH levels during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Among patients with acromegaly, 15 had not been treated previously and 24 had been treated but not cured. GHD in adults was diagnosed by an insulin tolerance test (ITT). Among patients with GHD, 15 were aged 20-40 years (9 men and 6 women) and 19 were aged over 40 years (9 men and 10 women). One hundred and fifty healthy subjects were recruited as a control group. To compare the individual serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels of patients with the results of the gold standard, we calculated age- and sex-corrected standard deviation scores (SDS) for individual IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels. The sensitivities of serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 measurements for the disease diagnosis were analyzed using the mean +/- 2 SD of the values of healthy control subjects as a diagnostic cutoff, defining 95% specificity.

RESULTS

The mean IGF-I and IGFBP-3 SDS levels were significantly higher in active acromegalic patients, both untreated and treated but not cured, than in the control subjects (p < 0.05). The sensitivities of serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 measurements for the diagnosis of acromegaly were 97.4 and 81.8%, respectively. In untreated patients with acromegaly, the sensitivities of serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 measurements for the diagnosis of disease were 100 and 100%, while these were 95.8 and 72.7% in treated patients with acromegaly. In adult patients with GHD, the mean IGF-I and IGFBP-3 SDS were significantly lower than those of the control subjects (IGF-I, -2.2 +/- 0.8 vs. 0.0 +/- 1.0 SDS, p < 0.0001); IGFBP-3, -1.7 +/- 1.2 vs. 0.0 +/- 1.0 SDS, p < 0.0001), but there was a considerable overlap between GHD in adults and the controls. In all patients with GHD, the sensitivities of serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 measurements were 64.7 and 52.9%, respectively. In the group of women aged 20-40 years, the sensitivity of IGF-I measurement for the diagnosis of GHD was 100%, although the number of patients was only 6.

CONCLUSION

Both serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 measurements are comparable to an oral glucose tolerance test in patients with untreated acromegaly, but in acromegalic patients that have undergone surgery and/or radiotherapy, serum IGF-I is more valuable for determining disease activity than serum IGFBP-3. Serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 measurements are not valuable for the diagnosis of GHD in adults, but in women aged 20-40 years serum IGF-I measurement appears to be useful in the diagnosis of GHD.

Precise measurement of B meson lifetimes with hadronic decay final states

The lifetimes of the B(0) and B- mesons are extracted from 29.1 fb(-1) of data collected with the Belle detector at the KEK B factory. A fit to the decay length differences of neutral and charged B meson pairs, measured in events where one of the B mesons is fully reconstructed in several hadronic modes, yields tau(B(0)) = 1.554+/-0.030(stat)+/-0.019(syst) ps, tau(B-) = 1.695+/-0.026(stat)+/-0.015(syst) ps, and tau(B-)/tau(B(0)) = 1.091+/-0.023(stat)+/-0.014(syst).

Measurement of the lifetime difference in D0 meson decays

We report a measurement of the D0-D macro(0) mixing parameter y(CP) using 23.4 fb(-1) of data collected near the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at KEKB. y(CP) is measured from the lifetime difference of D0 mesons decaying into the K(-)pi(+) state and the CP-even eigenstate K(-)K(+). We find y(CP) = (-0.5+/-1.0(+0.7)(-0.8))x10(-2), where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic, corresponding to a 95% confidence interval -0.030<y(CP)<0.020.

Prostaglandin D2 inhibits fibroblast migration

Fibroblasts play an important role in the repair and remodelling processes following injury. Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) is a potent mediator in inflammatory processes. In this study, the effect of the PGD2 on human foetal lung fibroblasts (HFL-1) chemotaxis induced by human plasma fibronectin (HFn) was investigated using the blindwell chamber technique. PGD2 inhibited HFL-1 chemotaxis to HFn (20 microg x mL(-1)) by 20.8 +/- 3.8% (p<0.05). Checkerboard analysis of HFn-directed migration confirmed that PGD2 inhibited both chemotaxis and chemokinesis. The effect of PGD2 was concentration-dependent and the inhibitory effect diminished with time. The PGD2 receptor (DP) agonist BW245C (500 nM) had a similar effect, inhibiting chemotaxis to 39.4 +/- 6.3%. The inhibitory effects of both PGD2 and BW245C on HFL-1 chemotaxis were blocked by the DP receptor antagonist AH6809 (2 microM). The inhibitory effect of PGD2 on fibroblast chemotaxis was also blocked by the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKA) inhibitor, KT5720, suggesting a DP receptor-initiated, cAMP-dependent effect mediated by PKA. Prostaglandin D2 appears to inhibit fibroblast chemotaxis, perhaps by modulating the rate of fibroblast migration. Such an effect may contribute to regulation of the wound healing response following injury in asthma patients.

Measurements of the cross section for e(+)e(-) --> hadrons at center-of-mass energies from 2 to 5 GeV

We report values of R = sigma(e(+)e(-)-->hadrons)/sigma(e(+)e(-)-->mu(+)mu(-)) for 85 center-of-mass energies between 2 and 5 GeV measured with the upgraded Beijing Spectrometer at the Beijing Electron-Positron Collider.

Enhancement of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3)-induced differentiation of human leukaemia HL-60 cells into monocytes by parthenolide via inhibition of NF-kappa B activity

1. Transcription factors such as NF-kappa B provide powerful targets for drugs to use in the treatment of cancer. In this report parthenolide (PT), a sesquiterpene lactone of herbal remedies such as feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) with NF-kappa B inhibitory activity, markedly increased the degree of human leukaemia HL-60 cell differentiation when simultaneously combined with 5 nM 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)). PT by itself did not induce HL-60 cell differentiation. 2. Cytofluorometric analysis indicated that PT stimulated 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)-induced differentiation of HL-60 cells predominantly into monocytes. 3. Pretreatment of HL-60 cells with PT before the 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) addition also potentiated the 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)-induced HL-60 cell differentiation in both a dose- and a time-dependent manner, in which the enhanced levels of cell differentiation closely correlated with the inhibitory levels of NF-kappa B binding activity by PT. 4. In contrast, santonin, a sesquiterpene lactone without an inhibitory activity of NF-kappa B binding to the kappa B sites, did not enhance the 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)-induced HL-60 cell differentiation. 5. In transfection experiments, PT enhanced 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)-induced VDRE-dependent promoter activity. Furthermore, PT restored 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)-induced VDRE-dependent promoter activity inhibited by TNF-alpha, an activator of NF-kappa B signalling pathway. 6. These results indicate that PT strongly potentiates the 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)-induced HL-60 cell differentiation into monocytes via the inhibition of NF-kappa B activity and provide evidence that inhibition of NF-kappa B activation can be a pre-requisite to the efficient entry of promyelocytic leukaemia cells into a differentiation pathway.

The inflammation hypothesis of aging: molecular modulation by calorie restriction

Current evidence strongly indicates that reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are widely implicated in the inflammatory process. However, mechanistic information is not readily available on the extent to which ROS/RNS contributes to the proinflammatory states of the aging process. The involvement of the underlying inflammation during the aging process and the molecular delineation of anti-inflammatory action of calorie restriction (CR) is described. Age-related upregulations of NF-kappaB, IL-beta, IL-6, TNFalpha, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible NO synthase are all attenuated by CR. The suppression of the NF-kappaB activation was accomplished by blocking the dissociation of inhibitory IkappaBalpha and IkappaBbeta by CR. These findings provide underlying molecular insights into the anti-inflammatory action of CR in relation to the aging process. Based on these and other available data, it is suggested that the "Inflammation Hypothesis of Aging" supports the molecular basis of the inflammatory process as a plausible cause of the aging process.

Production of prompt charmonia in e(+)e(-) annihilation at square root of s approximately equals 0.6 GeV

The production of prompt J/psi, psi(2S), chi(c1), and chi(c2) is studied using a 32.4 fb(-1) data sample collected with the Belle detector at Upsilon(4S) and at 60 MeV below the resonance. The yield of prompt J/psi mesons in the Upsilon(4S) sample is compatible with that of continuum production; we set an upper limit B(Upsilon(4S)-->J/psiX) < 1.9 x 10(-4) at the 95% confidence level, and find sigma(e(+)e(-)-->J/psiX) = 1.47 plus/minus 0.10 plus/minus 0.13 pb. The cross sections for prompt psi(2S) and direct J/psi are measured. The J/psi momentum spectrum, production angle distribution, and polarization are studied.

Observation of the color-suppressed decay B( 0)-->D(0)pi(0)

We report the first observation of color-suppressed B( 0)-->D(0)pi(0), D(*0)pi(0), D0eta, and D0omega decays, and evidence for B( 0)-->D(*0)eta and D(*0)omega. The branching fractions are B(B( 0)-->D0pi(0)) = (3.1 +/- 0.4 +/- 0.5)x10(-4), B(B( 0) -->D(*0)pi(0)) = (2.7(+0.8+0.5)(-0.7-0.6))x10(-4), B(B( 0) --> D0eta) = (1.4(+0.5)(-0.4) +/- 0.3)x10(-4), B(B( 0) --> D0omega) = (1.8 +/- 0.5(+0.4)(-0.3))x10(-4), and we set 90% confidence level upper limits of B(B( 0) --> D(*0)eta)<4.6 x 10(-4) and B(B( 0)-->D(*0)omega)<7.9 x 10(-4). The analysis is based on a data sample of 21.3 fb(-1) collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance by the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) collider.

Emerging patterns of the cervical cutaneous nerves in Asians

Numerous reports exist upon clinical viewpoints of the four cervical cutaneous nerves. Unfortunately, a detailed description of the cervical cutaneous nerves has not yet been published. For this reason, administering effective anaesthesia to a particular nerve branch is difficult. The aim of this study was to clarify the anatomical knowledge about the emerging patterns of the cervical cutaneous nerves in the superficial neck using 35 Korean cadavers (22 male, 13 female). Four cervical cutaneous nerve branches penetrating the fascia of the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) were classified into seven types based on the locations of their nerve emergence. Among these, the separated type (L-G-T-S) was the most frequent (50%). followed by the L-G x T-S type (20.3%), in which the great auricular nerve (G) and the transverse cervical nerve (T) emerged at the same level on the posterior SCM border.