Smiles as signals of lower status in football players and fashion models: evidence that smiles are associated with lower dominance and lower prestige

Across four studies, the current paper demonstrates that smiles are associated with lower social status. Moreover, the association between smiles and lower status appears in the psychology of observers and generalizes across two forms of status: prestige and dominance. In the first study, faces of fashion models representing less prestigious apparel brands were found to be more similar to a canonical smile display than the faces of models representing more prestigious apparel brands. In a second study, after being experimentally primed with either high or low prestige fashion narratives, participants in the low prestige condition were more likely to perceive smiles in a series of photographs depicting smiling and non-smiling faces. A third study of football player photographs revealed that the faces of less dominant (smaller) football players were more similar to the canonical smile display than the faces of their physically larger counterparts. Using the same football player photographs, a fourth study found that smiling was a more reliable indicator of perceived status-relevant personality traits than perceptions of the football players' physical sizes inferred from the photographs.

Smiles as Signals of Lower Status in Football Players and Fashion Models: Evidence That Smiles are Associated with Lower Dominance and Lower Prestige

Across four studies, the current paper demonstrates that smiles are associated with lower social status. Moreover, the association between smiles and lower status appears in the psychology of observers and generalizes across two forms of status: prestige and dominance. In the first study, faces of fashion models representing less prestigious apparel brands were found to be more similar to a canonical smile display than the faces of models representing more prestigious apparel brands. In a second study, after being experimentally primed with either high or low prestige fashion narratives, participants in the low prestige condition were more likely to perceive smiles in a series of photographs depicting smiling and non-smiling faces. A third study of football player photographs revealed that the faces of less dominant (smaller) football players were more similar to the canonical smile display than the faces of their physically larger counterparts. Using the same football player photographs, a fourth study found that smiling was a more reliable indicator of perceived status-relevant personality traits than perceptions of the football players' physical sizes inferred from the photographs.

Use of an angiographic catheter in place of the Racz epidural catheter in the lysis of epidural space adhesions. A technical note

This technical note describes lysis of adhesions in the epidural space with the use of a 5F vascular catheter inserted on a 0.35-inch guide passed through the sacral foramen. Commonly employed in the administration of anesthetics, a vascular catheter can be advantageously used in place of the Racz epidural catheter, with a potential reduction in damage to the nerve structures of the sacral canal.

Treatment of a Symptomatic Epidural Gas Cyst Using an Angiographic 5F Catheter in the Epidural Space of the Spinal Cord through the Sacral Hiatus. A Case Report

An 85-year-old woman arrived at our institution because of left lumbar sciatica of about two years duration unrelieved by conventional oral pain therapy. A computed tomography scan obtained at the second visit showed an epidural gas cyst, with compression and dislocation of the left spinal nerve root L5. The common treatment of an epidural gas cyst is either a direct surgical approach or a CT-guided needle aspiration. We describe an alternative method to mechanical lysis of epidural gas cysts with the use of an 5F angiographic catheter inserted on a 0.035-inch guidewire. This procedure is less invasive than a surgical approach and safer than a CT-guided needle aspiration. Remission of symptoms was maintained at control visits at three and five months.

Rupture of a Left Internal Jugular Vein

A 60-year-old woman with neurofibromatosis type 1 presented with a nonpainful swelling in the left laterocervical region that had suddenly arisen after mild exertion the previous evening. Computed tomography with and without contrast enhancement revealed a rupture of the wall of the left internal jugular vein, with a diffuse subcutaneous hematoma. Postoperative histopathologic examination reported diffuse proliferation of plexiform neurofibromatous tissue within the vessel wall.

Catheterization via Caudal Puncture of the Epidural Space with a 5F Angiography Catheter and a Coaxial Steerable 0.038" Guidewire for Delivery of Drugs and Adhesiolysis

We describe a technique for epidural medication delivery with angiographic catheters and guidewires inserted via caudal puncture and advanced cephalad under fluoroscopic guidance in the treatment of painful spinal diseases.

METHODS

From November 2005 to September 2006 a total of 18 consecutive patients underwent adhesiolysis by an angiographic 5 French hockey-stick tip catheter and a coaxial 0.038" steerable guidewire inserted at the sacral hiatus and advanced cephalad under fluoroscopic guidance up to the site of adhesion. We obtained pain relief for more than three months in 61% of patients. There were no periprocedural/postprocedural complications. Our system of accessing the epidural space provides a safe means of delivering epidural medication, performing mechanical adhesiolysis and may be useful in the treatment of selected patients with painful spinal diseases.

Protected carotid stenting: the usefulness of filter protection devices

We report our experience in carotid artery stenting using a filter protection device. From July 2003 to September 2006 we treated 62 patients by internal carotid stenting using a filter protection device. Procedural success was achieved in 100% of cases. There were five periprocedural complications: one dissection of the internal carotid artery, two TIAs and two groin haematomas at the site of needle access. Neurological examination performed after the procedure and during the 30 days of follow-up did not reveal major neurological complications. Cerebral protection with a filter during carotid artery stenting seemed feasible and safe.

Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in sports-related muscle injuries

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography (US) in the diagnosis of traumatic muscle injuries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From June 2003 to June 2004, 81 football players with a history of traumatic muscle injuries to the lower limbs were examined. US was performed shortly after the trauma (from 6 to 72 h afterwards) and MRI within a maximum of 5 days.

RESULTS

MRI revealed 26 minor and 55 major traumas. MRI and US showed complete concordance in 71 patients (site, type and extent of injury). US produced ten false negative results, including six minor lesions and four major lesions. US had a sensitivity of 87.65% in the correct identification of muscle injuries; its sensitivity was 92.72% for major lesions and 76.92% for minor lesions, 57% for delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), 80% for lengthenings, 83% for contractures, 84% for strains, 87.5% for mild contusions and 100% for severe contusions.

CONCLUSIONS

US is the first-line technique for examination of muscle injuries. MRI is able to reveal lesions that may be missed at US and provide a more accurate assessment of site and extent of injury.

Short, medium and long term efficacy of epidurally injected anaesthetic-corticosteroid mixture in lumbocruralgia and lumbosciatalgia

We assessed the efficacy of an epidural sited anaesthetic-corticosteroid mixture with transforaminal or interlaminar/interspinous access, in subjects with chronic lumbocruralgia or lumbosciatalgia caused by discal pathology or degenerative foraminal stenosis. From September 2003 to June 2005, 84 patients were treated in the transforaminal region and 32 in epidural space through back access (interlaminar or interspinous) with 2 ml cortisone (megacort) and 2ml anaesthetic (naropine 7.5mg/ml). All 116 patients underwent a minimum of two and a maximum of three treatment sessions. The results were evaluated for a follow-up period of ten months by comparing the answers given by the patients with the Visual Analogic Score. This was done prior to and after every single injection and during the follow-up period. Out of 142 spaces treated, improvement of symptoms for a period varying from one to three months was recorded in 74 cases (52%), for a period of more than three months in 53 (37%) cases, while in the remaining 15 (11%) cases no sufficient regression of pain was reported. In many cases of chronic lumbago/lumbosciatalgia, the percutaneous injection of an anaesthetic-cortisone mixture can be useful in relieving or even killing pain for a period of more than three months. No major complication was reported.

Posterior acrylic surgical fixation of odontoid fractures

Fourteen cases of odontoid fractures had, as primary treatment, a posterior surgical fixation (C1 + C2 + C3 and occiput in some cases) by means of acrylate and stainless steel wires, without waiting for the unpredictable final results of external systems of stabilization. The youngest patient was 20 years old, the oldest 84 years old. No immediate or late neurological complications occurred (follow-up: one year to ten years). All the patients were mobilized early without external fixation. Union of the dens took place in eleven cases, and good stabilization in the remainder. Thirteen patients recovered, one improved. Posterior acrylic fixation is the treatment of choice in cases of odontoid fracture, particularly in elderly patients in whom a solid union rarely is obtained.

Antibiotic prophylaxis in neurosurgery. Study comparing two groups of patients with and without treatment

We present the results of a study comparing two groups of patients who underwent neurosurgical operations, one pretreated with Ampicillin (184) and the other not (193), in comparable time-spans. The results of this study argue for a beneficial action of Ampicillin prophylaxis on neurosurgical infections. A brief discussion of the appropriate literature is given.

Early posterior acrylic fixation of traumatic odontoid fractures

Nine cases of traumatic odontoid fractures had, as a primary treatment, a posterior surgical fixation (C1 + C2 + C3) by means of acrylate, without waiting for the unpredictable results of external systems of immobilisation. No immediate or late (follow-up: six months to seven yrs) neurological complications occurred. Solid union took place in all the cases but one. Two cases of wound infection were recorded. All the patients were actively mobilised on the second postoperative day without external immobilisation.

Calcified lumbar disc protrusion in an adolescent

The case of an adolescent operated on for a calcified lumbar disc protrusion is reported. The literature reviewed shows the rarity of this condition. Moreover, the comparison of our case with similar ones shows that it is extremely peculiar.

Traumatic dislocation of the cervical spine without neurological deficit. Eleven cases

The authors present 11 cases of traumatized patients without neurological deficit in spite of a gross dislocation of the cervical spine. In the effort of explaining this discrepancy various parameters have been taken into account. The vertebral canal has been noted to be abnormally wide in these cases (average 19.8 mm). The authors suggest that the great width of the vertebral canal has in some way prevented the spinal cord of these patients being damaged by the dislocation.

[Treatment of trigeminal neuralgia using controlled differential selective thermorhizotomy]

Personal experience in 35 cases of controlled, partial, selective thermorhizotomy of the trigeminus is referred to in a discussion of its indisputable advantages (abolition of pain, preservation of tactile sensibility, simple method) by comparison with other techniques, and its theoretical basis: selective lesion of the "delta" A and C fibres by exploiting the vulnerability gradient of the nerve fibres to heat.

[Clinical aspects of the prognosis of skull and brain injuries. A study of 108 cases]

An assessment is made of the extent to which age and the degree an seriousness of the initial neurological picture influenced prognosis in a series of 108 subjects with brain injuries treated in the Siena Hospital Intensive Care Unit between 1974 and 1977. Neurological disease was classified according to Posner and Plum. Mortality was 46.2%. In most cases, age tended to exacerbate the neurological syndrome from the outset. It also facilitated the appearance of respiratory sepsis, which aggravated the brian picture in its turn. Age differences, however, seemed to be of lesser prognostic value when the neurological syndrome was very serious from the beginning.

[Dexamethasone-21-phosphate in the treatment of cerebral edema. Evaluation of the effects on diuresis, natremia and natriuria]

An evaluation was made of variations in blood and urinary sodium following the administration of 24 mg/day desamethasone-21-phosphate for at least 9 days, starting from admission, as cerebral antioedemigenic therapy in 30 patients with nerve traumas. The changes observed were within normal limits. This absence of interference with the hydro-electrolyte balance is a strong point in favour of the use of the drug in the treatment of cerebral oedema. The exact mechanism of action of this type of glycocorticoid, however, is still unknown.

Iliac crest fracture after removal of two bone plugs for anterior cervical fusion. Case report

A case is reported in which the iliac crest fractured following removal of two bone plugs. The plugs had been removed for use in a double cervical vertebral body fusion operation by the method of Cloward.

Cranio-orbito-facial injuries: technical suggestions

Eight per cent of 387 acutely head-injured patients had concomitant orbitofacial injuries. Irrespective of the magnitude of brain injury, the main surgical goals in such cases treated were closure of CSF fistulas, maximizing recovery of eye movement, visual and masticatory function, and esthetic reconstruction. The strictly neurosurgical lesions should be dealt with at once because of the risk of intracranial infection. Antibiotic acrylic and antibiotic wax are valuable in such intervention. In most cases it is advantageous to treat lesions of the upper two thirds of the facial complex in the same operative session. For this reason neurosurgeons who do not have ready access to a maxillofacial specialist should be prepared to cope with the problems presented by orbitofacial injuries.

[Hydrocephalus and craniodiaphyseal dysplasia (author's transl)]

One case is reported of dilatation of the lateral ventricles in a patient suffering from craniodiaphyseal dysplasia, with follow up of one year. The pathogenic hypothesis personally proposed are: a) partial and intermittent compression of the aqueduct by a dolico-mega basilar artery; b) "cisternal hypofunction".

Congenital stenosis of lumbar spinal canal: comparison of results of surgical treatment for this and other causes of lumbar syndrome

The operative results in 37 consecutive patients suffering from developmental stenosis of the lumbar spinal canal, compared with those in spondylosis and disc herniations, are discussed. The diagnostic certainty of stenosis, suspected on the bases of clinical and radiographic data, is reached only at the operating table. To judge the usefulness of the operation we have considered not only the patients' verdicts, but also the improvements in neurological signs and the appearance of new deficits. Satisfactory results are around 80%, slightly less good with stenosis than with the other causes of lumbar syndrome. Radiographic study with contrast medium is mandatory. Dimer-X has been used with very clear radiographic findings and very few complications. Operating technique is also described: a wide laminectomy with facetectomy is advised. The great importance of early physiotherapy is emphasized.

Tabetic lumbar osteoarthropathy with cauda equina syndrome. Case report

The case is described of a 52 year old patient admitted for acauda equina compression syndrome (flaccid paraplegia of the lower limbs, bilateral lumbar and sciatic pains, urinary incontinence) of rapid onset and due to narrowing of the lumbar canal from tabetic arthropathy. These vertebral manifestations occur in a low percentage of tabetic arthropathies, which are relatively rare, and are not often accompanied by severe neurological disturbances. Decompressive laminectomy afforded rapid and lasting relief.

[Recording methods of intracranial pressure. (author's transl)]

The physiopathology of intracranial pressure and its measuring techniques are briefly discussed. Such measurements may be achieved: 1) At lumbar level (measurement of cerebrospinal fluid): the main limitations of this method are due to impossibility of long term recording and the danger of "cerebral erniation* in patients with increased ICP. 2) At cranial level with: a) ventricular catheter connected to a pressure transducer: its limitations are due to difficulties in entering small and/or displaced ventricules in case of cerebral edema or expanding lesion, danger of infections, and catheter obstruction amongst others. b) pressure transducer in the extradural space connected with external recorder by electric wires: its limitations are due to frequent lack of parallelism with the dural surface and the variability of correlations between extra and intradural pressure; c) subdural pressure transducer; these appear the most reliable both from the literature and from the Authors personal experience. The Authors stress the importance of ICP monitoring in head injuries and after intracranial surgery (mostly for an early detection of complications due to cerebral edema or hemorrhages).

[Subarachnoid haemorrhage from an ependymoma of the filum terminale. (author's transl)]

The case of a patient suffering from acute lumbosciatic pain, flaccid paraplegia, bladder retention and subarachnoid hemorrage, is reported. The patient underwent operation for a large ependymoma of the filum terminale. The author underlines the rare association of a spinal cord tumour and subarachnoid hemorrage and the opportunity of a routine mielo-radiculographic examination in case of lumbo-sciatic pain requiring surgical intervention: the patient, in fact, had been operated for "lumbar disc prolapse", in an orthopaedic department, four years before.

Cylindroma in the region of the gasserian ganglion. Case report

✓ A rare case of cylindroma of the region of the Gasserian ganglion is reported. Signs and symptoms simulated a trigeminal neurinoma. Total removal was attempted; however, even when it seems to have been feasible as in this case, it may not be so since what appears to be erosion of the base of the skull may in fact be infiltration.