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Morphology evolves through modifications to growth and development, yet inferences about ontogeny of extinct organisms are often limited by small and fragmentary fossil samples. The remarkable circumstances and preservation of Homo naledi Berger et al., 2015 material from Rising Star Cave, South Africa allow unique insights into the prenatal period of growth and development. We focus here on what a nearly complete adult H. naledi hand skeleton can tell us about embryonic pattern formation. On the one hand, it has been proposed that the proportional lengths of phalanges within a digit are established by a reaction-diffusion mechanism that can be described mathematically by the "inhibitory cascade" model. On the other hand, the proportional lengths of the second and fourth digits are mediated by prenatal exposure to sex hormones, and may serve as a biomarker for social behavior. Viewed through the lens of development, the H. naledi hand suggests that a simple developmental shift could have facilitated the evolution of manual dexterity in early hominins. In addition, H. naledi presents the highest ratio of second to fourth digit of all known fossil hominins, which may reflect reduced aggression compared to other fossil Homo Linnaeus, 1758. The remarkable preservation of the H. naledi hand skeleton provides a unique view of life before birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the current reassessment of the phylogeny of Pandanales, revealing the peculiarities of fruit structure of representatives of the order, as well as determination of apomorphies and plesiomorphies of the families included in the order are of importance. With the aim to fill in gaps in the data on fruit structure and to determine principal trends of fruit morphogenesis in Pandanaceae, the present study focused on pericarp anatomy in the genus Freycinetia , fruits of which are traditionally referred to as berries. The present investigation confirmed the lack of a continuous sclerenchymatous zone in the pericarp of Freycinetia species, and the fruit is treated as a superior paracarpous berry of Nuphar type. Fusiform groups of longitudinally elongated sclereids are revealed in the mesocarp of Freycinetia palawanensis (incertae sedis) and F. graminifolia (section Solmsiella). Since this character is treated as specific for the subgenus Gaudichaudiella , the inclusion of these two studied species in this subgenus is proposed. The principal carpological plesiomorphies and apomorphies of the family are outlined, and two scenarios for fruit morphogenesis, from berries to 'drupaceous' fruits and vice versa, are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we describe an adult left first pollical (thumb) proximal phalanx (I2-104) from the Baume de Moula-Guercy (Ardèche, France) and we evaluate its taxonomic status. We first describe this bone in detail, taking into account its pathology, before comparing it, through multivariate analyses, with a diverse sample of recent and fossil humans. Based on metric and morphological comparisons, we show that this phalanx belongs to a Neandertal individual who suffered from osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis can have different origins, including overuse, degeneration, trauma and infection. Each of these possible etiologies is explored in our study. Although the cause is difficult to identify, the pathology in this individual may represent an inflammatory reaction caused by repeated and intense vibrations provoked by the high-frequency knapping of the left hand over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Historia y Politica: Ideas, Procesos y Movimientos Sociales is the property of Departamento De Historia del Pensamiento y de los Moviemientos Sociales y Politicos (Madrid) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Breakage of K-wires within the metacarpals and phalanges due to metal fatigue and overly aggressive joint movements are encountered occasionally. We established a simple and feasible technique for K-wire retrieval by overdrilling using a hypodermic needle. Level of evidence: IV [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article draws on Michael Walzer's just war theory to assess the conduct of the Lebanon War of 1982 (Operation Peace for Galilee) and argues that according to the underpinning principles of Walzer's theory, it was an unjust war. Sharon's war plans, codenamed "Grand Oranim," were designed to relieve the Lebanese Christian militias of their so-called Palestinian burden by driving the refugees into Jordan where they would presumably bring about a regime change and turn Jordan into a Palestinian state. My analysis focuses on the causes of this war, jus ad bellum, whether it was a war of self-defense, and the means that were employed in its conduct, its jus in bello. Likewise explored and analyzed here are the concepts of proportionality and the treatment of non-combatants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observations of the osteological features of malformations in lizards are currently limited. In examinations of ca. 1,300 Scincella specimens, one Scincella lateralis specimen and three S. boettgeri specimens were observed to have malformed digits, i.e., ectrodactyly. Each of these specimens had a malformation in only one limb. One S. lateralis specimen lacked digits I–III of manus, and three S. boettgeri specimens lacked digits I, II, or I and II of pedes. Micro-computed tomography scanning revealed that the phalanges and metacarpals of digits I–III were absent in the malformed S. lateralis specimen, whereas the malformed S. boettgeri specimens lacked all phalanges for externally absent toes but had five metatarsals, despite these being shorter in the absent toes than those in normal toes. Although malformed limbs have been reported previously in lizards, this is the first report based on osteological descriptions. Some genera of Scincidae include species that have undergone phylogenetic reduction of their digits. In such species, the developmental order of the phalanges and metacarpals/metatarsals is well-known from embryological studies. With reference to this developmental mechanism, we also discuss the assumed development of the malformed specimens observed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Report the epidemiological and lesion aspects of hand bone fractures in children. Patients and method: We did a retrospective and descriptive study over a 10-year period. This study involved 222 children under the age of 16 with 261 fracture cases. The parameters studied were frequency, age, sex, mechanism, circumstances of fracture, consultation time, data from standard physical examination and x-ray of the hand, and associated lesions. Results: Hand bone fractures accounted for 6.4% of all fractures in children in our service. The average age of the children was 8.5 years with a standard deviation of 4. There was a male predominance with a sex ratio of 2. Domestic accidents led the way with 44.3% of cases. They were followed by playful accidents with 33.94% of cases. Receiving heavy objects and falling with hand reception were the most common mechanisms. 62.8% of patients consulted within the first 24 hours. All fractures were in the metacarpals and phalanxes with 31% and 69% of cases, respectively. Head and diaphysis fractures each accounted for 28.1% of cases followed by cervical fractures with 27.8%. Non-displaced fractures accounted for 65% of cases. Associated lesions were found in 10 patients. Conclusion: Hand bone fractures are quite common. They often interest the big child in the decoy of a domestic or playful accident, by crushing the hand or falling with reception on the hand. Fractures of the phalanxes are the most common while those of carp are absent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The making of Falangist art was one of the projects that emerged almost at the same time as José Antonio Primo de Rivera's political party. Looking back over the cultural history of Falange, we follow the story of its failure, as evidenced in film production, and in particular in two fiction films, Rojo y negro (Carlos Arévalo, 1942) and Surcos (José Antonio Nieves Conde, 1951), both of which faced economic, political and diplomatic difficulties, all reflecting the unstable balances of power during the early years of the Franco dictatorship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hand fractures are one of the most common injuries sustained whilst playing cricket. Further research is required to inform future clinical management and risk-reduction strategies. This retrospective cohort study reviewed all cases of hand fractures in elite Australian cricket players over a three-year period. Data included specific activity when injury occurred, location of injury, management (non-surgical or surgical) and days to return to play. Seventy (17%, 95% CI 14-21 of players; 43 male, 27 female) players sustained 90 hand fractures. Seventy-three (81%, 95% CI 72-89) fractures occurred whilst fielding the ball. Eighty-four (93%, 95% CI 86-97) fractures occurred to the 'exterior' bones of the hand: distal phalanx, middle phalanx, first and fifth rays. Thirteen (14%, 95% CI 9-23) fractures were managed with surgical internal fixation, of which 11 were to the phalanges, most commonly at the proximal phalanx (n = 5, 36% of all proximal phalanx fractures) or fifth ray middle and proximal phalanges (n = 5, 42% of all fifth ray phalangeal fractures). Fractures requiring surgical management typically had longer time injured (median 33 days, IQR 27-41) than fractures managed non-surgically (median 6 days, IQR 0-21) (p = 0.001). Total time to return to full unrestricted play was similar between surgical (49 days, IQR 45-52) and non-surgical (32 days, IQR 15-45) management (p = 0.197). Hand fractures sustained by elite male and female Australian cricket players were found to display a pattern of occurring to the 'exterior' bones of the hand. The results of this study may inform clinical decision making with respect to non-surgical or surgical management and anticipated return to play times. Further effort is needed to address risk reduction strategies including gloves and skill proficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing the mobility of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) of a human foot is useful in clinical practice, but there are no standard methods of measurement. The present study developed a new instrumentation using Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor and load cell to quantify the first MTPJ quasi-stiffness in a clinical setting. This system is portable, lightweight, and allows quantification of quasi-stiffness over different ranges of motion in both loading and unloading directions. The laboratory setting validation results showed that FBG sensors could measure MTPJ angular displacement with reasonably good accuracy. The proposed system was successfully trialed in a hospital setting operated by a clinician on eight human subjects. Non-linear torque-angular displacement relationship was observed in both loading and unloading phases, with varying MTPJ quasi-stiffness in the early [loading 6.30 (2.62) Nmm/° unloading 8.46 (2.29) Nmm/°], middle [loading 7.13 (2.17) Nmm/°, unloading 11.11 (2.94) Nmm/°], and late [loading 24.54 (7.14) Nmm/°, unloading 14.50 (4.77) Nmm/°] ranges of motion. The new method for measuring the first MTPJ quasi-stiffness established in the present study serves as a reference and opens up opportunities for future clinical investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological characters underlie diverse intraspecific variation. Investigating this variation on an intra- and interspecific level can help to understand the evolution of traits, body parts and morphological diversification of species. Variation in vertebrae number played a major role in the evolution of urodeles, while other osteological characters are less well investigated. The emerging non-invasive technique of micro-computer tomography (mCT) facilitates studies on osteological anomalies in a comprehensive way. Herein, we examined the intraspecific variation of the vertebral column and phalanges in a terrestrial salamander, genus Salamandrina. The number of trunk vertebrae showed only low variation, but the number of caudo-sacral vertebrae deviated in 40% of individuals of the regular phenotype, whereas phalange counts deviated in 22.5% of the individuals from the modal count. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La dactylite sarcoïdosique est rare. Nous rapportons l'observation d'une patiente de 65 ans ayant consulté pour une tuméfaction indolore du 4ème doigt de la main gauche évoluant depuis 6 ans. La radiographie de la main (A) a montré une ostéolyse de la 1ère phalange du 4ème doigt avec rupture corticale sans réaction périostée. La radiographie du thorax (B) a révélé des adénopathies hilaires bilatérales avec un infiltrat interstitiel. Le bilan tuberculeux était négatif. La biopsie osseuse a montré à l'étude anatomopathologique des granulomes épithélioïdes et giganto-cellulaires sans nécrose caséeuse. Le diagnostic de dactylite sarcoïdosique était retenu. Les principaux diagnostics différentiels regroupent les étiologies infectieuses surtout la dactylite tuberculeuse, le chondrome, la dysplasie fibreuse de l'os et le kyste osseux essentiel, la goutte et l'hyperparathyroïdie primitive.

Le traitement des fractures instables des métacarpes et des phalanges reste un objet de controverse. Peu de séries ont été rapportées dans la littérature, rendant leur analyse difficile. Nous rapportons une étude rétrospective comportant 12 patients, opérés par cette technique, ayant eu des fractures déplacées des métacarpes ou des phalanges, sur une période de deux ans. Les résultats globaux ont été bons dans 75% des cas, moyenne dans 16,5% des cas et mauvais dans 8,5% des cas. La stabilité du montage par mini plaques des fractures instables des métacarpiens et des phalanges ont permis une mobilisation précoce des articulations de la main, évitant ainsi la raideur.

The historic city of Valladolid, in the plateau of Castile, carried out a particular experiment on the local administration, from the first months of the Spanish Civil War. This “nationalistic experiment” became a political and institutional example for many other cities controlled by the rebels. During the years of the war, due to its position in the rearguard, Valladolid will become an important nationalistic stronghold; not only as a base for military and logistical organization, but also as a place from which spreading the doctrine. Phalangists, militaries, CEDA party supporters, and many other traditional right-wing groups joined this unusual, but at the same time workable political force. However, the first confrontations would soon emerge, becoming the local politicians an unquestionable reflection of the big diversity there was in the National Movement. Nevertheless, during the war (and even after it finished) there was unanimity within the local council responsible for disciplinary actions and daily purges, which would put an end to any last republican resistance guiding the city to the “glorious” future of the New Spain.

Copyright of Pan African Medical Journal is the property of Pan African Medical Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A pterosaur wing phalange from the Kimmeridgian of Eathie (Ross and Cromarty) is identified as the first pterosaur to have been collected in Scotland. The specimen was acquired by the British Museum (Natural History) in 1888, but an old collector's label gives the date of collection as 1850. The handwriting matches that of Charles W. Peach (1800-1886), who later became better known for his fossil fish and plant collections, which still exist in the Natural History Museum, London, and other museums. Peach collected this pterosaur specimen during his first year of working in Scotland, and it was probably one of his earliest finds of north of the border. Pterosaur remains are exceptionally rare in Scotland and otherwise unknown from this particular site, so this newly recognised specimen is a significant addition to the Scottish fossil record. It is also among the earliest UK pterosaur finds, post-dating Mary Anning's discovery of Dimorphodon by just over two decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Metacarpal and phalangeal fractures of the long fingers are the result of trauma occurring under extremely varied circumstances. As a consequence, the clinical presentation varies greatly, with every bone and joint potentially being involved. Each step of their treatment is crucial, although the benign appearance of these injuries can lead to steps being missed: diagnostic phase with clinical examination and radiographs; therapeutic phase where the most suitable treatment is chosen, which combines mobilization of the digital chains as soon as possible and in every patient; follow-up phase with regular monitoring to detect any complications, especially secondary displacement, and verify that good progress is being made during rehabilitation. The goal of any fracture treatment is to preserve or restore the anatomy, with the emphasis here being on the stability and mobility of the digital chains. The potential progression towards serious functional sequelae (pain, instability or stiffness in hand) and the resulting significant socio-economic repercussions must be at the forefront of a surgeon's mind early on during the initial care of any finger or hand trauma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Résumé: Nous rapportons le cas d’une patiente de 66 ans qui a été hospitalisée pour une tuméfaction circonférentielle de la phalange moyenne du majeur, évoluant depuis un an. L’exérèse-biopsie de la phalange a permis de faire le diagnostic d’une tuberculose osseuse. À travers ce cas exceptionnel, les auteurs ont fait une revue de la littérature sur les aspects cliniques, radiologiques et évolutifs de la tuberculose osseuse digitale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé: La fracture du col de la phalange moyenne est inhabituelle. Afin de prévenir cal vicieux et raideur, un traitement chirurgical est habituellement recommandé. En raison de la localisation très distale de la fracture, l’ostéosynthèse en est difficile. Une réduction sanglante peut provoquer des dégâts supplémentaires aux tissus mous ainsi qu’à l’os, entraînant une raideur ou une nécrose condylienne. La masse représentée par une plaque et des vis peut interférer avec l’appareil extenseur, de même que l’embrochage, trans-articulaire ou en croix, peut endommager les surfaces articulaires ou les ligaments collatéraux. L’embrochage intramédullaire rapporté ici peut minimiser ces inconvénients. La technique est décrite et illustrée de deux cas à l’évolution favorable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This paper provides a detailed analysis of thorn lesions found in lower limb elements of a modern osteological collection of guanaco ( Lama guanicoe). Four types of lesions were recorded: (1) thorns visible on the bone surface, (2) bony reaction with relief, (3) small negative scars and (4) medium negative scars. The methods used to recognise, record and quantify these lesions are presented. As a result, 35 of the 36 individuals analyzed contained one or more types of lesions. The highest concentrations of lesions were recorded on the anterior view of the metacarpal shafts. All the age ranges were affected by lesions; however, individuals between the ages of 1 and 3 years were the most affected, whereas those between the ages of 0 and 1 year contained the least amount of lesions. To provide examples of how thorn lesions can be identified and used as a paleoenvironmental proxy in the fossil record, we analyzed two archaeological sites from different phytogeographic provinces: Bajo de la Quinta (Monte phytogeographic province) and Calera (Pampa phytogeographic province). Results found that 25% of the elements from the Bajo de la Quinta site contained lesions, whereas none of the elements from the Calera site showed evidence of lesions. When detectable in the fossil record, thorn lesions can provide an indirect approximation of the paleoenvironment. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Recent PIP fractures are challenging trauma in terms of diagnosis as well as treatment. It must be remembered that the final outcome will have a considerable impact on the global finger and hand function. Immediate mobilization and rehabilitation are mandatory, and may justify a surgical approach and fixation in selected cases. A good understanding of the fracture type is essential and relies in good part on precise, focused and standardized radiographs. Non-displaced fractures are generally treated conservatively. In the proximal phalanx, the orientation of the fracture line dictates the stability of the fracture. Thus non-displaced fractures can occasionnally be preventively stabilized, in order to allow early mobilization. Displaced fractures should always be anatomically reduced and surgically fixed. A temporary joint stabilization is optional. In the middle phalanx, one must consider palmar and dorsal fractures differently. Palmar fractures include a distal palmar plate avulsion. The degre of impaction will dictate the stability of the joint towards dorsal subluxation. Dorsal fractures include central slip avulsion of the extensor tendon. An antomical reduction and surgical fixation is mandatory to avoid a progressive boutonniere deformity. Prognosis of all the middle fractures is closely dependent on the degre of impaction. When direct osteosynthesis is not possible, distraction devices, bone graft or palmar plate reconstruction may be useful alternatives. In complex fractures, bone fixation and joint stabilization must be combined in order to prevent secondary displacement and joint instability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Historia Contemporanea is the property of Historia Contemporania and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The authors report a case of an Ewing sarcoma of the thumb. It is a rare localisation of this disease and it should not be unknown. Based on the literature, the appropriate treatment is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The multiple pinning technique has been reported by the authors as an effective method for the treatment of comminuted osteo-articular fractures of the digits. This procedure can be performed rapidly, offers good stability and thereby allows early post-operative physiotherapy. The aim of this type of management is to offer the patient recovery of thumb to digit pinch by restoring two functional joints (MCP, PIP) or at least one functional joint (MCP), particularly as far as the radial digits are concerned.Technique. – After performing reduction, very small diameter pins are introduced and the bone fragments are reconstructed like a puzzle. The very small calibre of the pins allows multiple pinning and simultaneously permits them to be easily orientated.The pins being multiple, and parallel or diverging are responsible for the stability of the construct. The ends of the pins are either bent over or more frequently, just cut flush with the surface of the bone. Comminuted fractures, even the most severe, respond very nicely to this management.Discussion. – The multiple pinning technique offers remarkable stability, allowing early post-operative physiotherapy. This technique is particularly effective when faced with the difficulties of treating open fractures of the metacarpals and phalanges. Moreover, this technique avoids performing an extensive skin incision. The stability of this multiple pinning technique could be related to the following factors: the shortness of the pins offering more rigidity and less flexibility, the proper fixation of the pins within the cortical bone, especially in the diaphysis and the large number of pins offering more strength. The disadvantage of this technique is the possibility of pin migration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although a commonly used technique, percutaneous pinning of phalangeal fractures is tricky because of the difficulties associated with getting the correction pin orientation when entering the medullary canal of one fragment from the outer cortex of the other fragment. This has led us to develop the “in-out-in” pinning technique. The principle consists of entering the medullary canal of one of the fragments directly from the fracture site. The pin is inserted and drilled outward through the outer cortex. The second pin is inserted in the same manner. The fragments are then aligned and the pins pushed forward in the medullary canal of the other fragment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Osteoid osteoma is a benign osseous tumor of unknown origin, which affects preferentially the long bones. The localization in the phalanx is unusual and difficult to diagnose. We present a case of a 13-year-old girl, presenting with a painful swelling of the first phalanx of the right middle finger of 5 months duration, not responding to anti-inflammatory drugs. The diagnosis of tuberculosis of the bones was suggested at first (tuberculosis is endemic in our country), but the biology and the bone biopsy did not confirm the diagnosis. The lesion was excised, and the histology confirmed the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma. Through our observation and after a review of the literature, we analyze the clinical and paraclinical appearance of this uncommon localization, the differential diagnosis, and finally the therapeutic possibilities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The authors reported a case of a secondary chondrosarcoma of the proximal phalanx of the fourth toe. This is a rare lesion in which radiological and histological findings are presented. A radical excison is the right way to minimize the risk of local recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]