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Context and background: Inventories of natural resources especially those of trees allow to make a systematic collection of information of existing trees in a given area. It therefore plays a crucial role in various fields such as forestry, ecological and climate change impact studies. As such, they have become valuable data sources for decision-making regarding the management of natural resources. This is where Drone technology has been able to prove its efficiency in terms of cost and time. Along with DEEP Learning algorithms especially CNNs, they have been able to exceed traditional approaches, in time, cost, and precision. Goal and objectives: This study explores the performance of two widely used algorithms for object detection. The comparison was conducted using two pre-trained CNN models commonly applied in UAV Remote Sensing: Ultralytics' YOLOV5- Large and SSD MobileNET V2 from the TensorFlow model zoo. Methodology: The proposed approach for this study involves five main steps; creating a database, retraining both models on this database, evaluating their performance, and finally comparing their performance. Results: With a learning and accuracy rate of 65% for YOLOV5-Large and 80% for MobileNET SSD V2, both models were able to detect olive and palm trees from UAV images. This work could have been more efficient, if the training dataset was larger and included more palm trees annotations. Overall, YOLOV5-l showed better performance in palm and olive tree detection from UAV images. Its training phase was faster, the detection of objects in the testing phase is also faster, compared to SSD MobileNET V2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In this study, the effect of palm kernel powder (PKP), a vegetable waste, on the quality parameters of bread and dough was investigated. For this purpose, farinograph and extensograph values of doughs made from PKP-flour (2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10%) mixed flours were investigated. Weight, volume, specific volume, crust color, inner color and firmness values were investigated in bread made from mixed flour. The results showed that the water absorption, development time, stability, resistance to extension and maximum resistance values of the dough increased with the increase in the amount of PKP. It also decreased in degree of softening, extensibility and energy levels. The change in softening degree and stability values were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). PKP additive caused a firmer structure in bread samples. It was observed that the weight, volume, specific volume, first-day hardness and third-day hardness values of the bread increased with the increase in PKP. L* and a* values of bread crust color and inner color decreased with the addition of PKP. The increase in PKP had a positive effect on bread quality by increasing dough stability and bread volume values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on Ozhukus being the palm leaf documents. Topics include palaeography being an important branch of Indian culture as the study of scripts not only enhances the knowledge of Indian culture but also provides a direct reading of the scriptures and a better understanding of history and culture; and Brahmic script being evolved from the Brahmi script in Tamil Nadu where Malayalam script having a direct descendant of Grantha.

Green roofs contribute to more sustainable cities, but current commercial substrates suffer from important limitations. If carefully selected, biochar could serve as a viable option for a more sustainable green roof substrate. We propose a protocol to select an optimal biochar for green roof substrate amendment. Coffee husks, medium-density fiberboard, palm date fronds, and a mixture of waste wood, tree bark, and olive stone kernels are selected as residues for biochar production to develop a selection protocol. The residues are pyrolyzed at 350, 450, 500, and 550 °C in a lab-scale reactor. A pyrolysis temperature of 450 °C is selected for upscaling and is based on biochar yield, pH, salinity, and elemental composition. From evaluating the biochar characteristics after upscaling, it can be concluded that the biochar's carbonization degree is mainly controlled by pyrolysis temperature, while yield, pH, and salinity are more dependent on the biomass properties. Ultimately, our procedure evaluates the presence of important contaminants, the biochar's water holding capacity, salinity, pH, and carbonization degree. To validate the developed protocol, plant coverage experiments on green roofs are performed, which are quantified using a novel digital image processing method, demonstrating its efficient use to facilitate future biochar selection in substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of drying temperature on drying characteristics of cooked and fermented palm nuts were determined. The samples were processed using two methods (cooking and fermentation). The rate of drying the samples was observed to increase with corresponding increase in temperature and drying time. It was duly observed that at 70C, Tenera sample (TS), Pisifera sample (PS) and Dura sample (DS) attained their constant drying rates at 720 mins, 600 mins, and 780 mins. At 80C TS, PS and DS drying rates falls to zero at 660mins, 600 mins and 720 mins, for 90C drying temperature, TS and PS had same constant drying rate at 540 mins, DS constant drying rate was found at 600mins. For 100C TS constant drying rates was observed at 480mins while PS and DS had same constant drying rate at 420mins respectively. The effective drying of the samples was observed to occur at falling rate across the varieties and processing methods. The lower temperature (70C) decreased the drying rates while the higher temperature increased the drying rates. The average drying time for cooked samples irrespective of sample varieties were 740 mins, 620 mins, 460 mins and 500 mins for temperature range of 70-100C respectively while for the fermented samples, the average drying time were 680 mins, 660 mins, 560 mins and 440 mins at temperature range of 70-100C respectively. The regression equations were found to give the best fit with highest coefficient of variation (R2) values. Mostly all the samples irrespective of processing methods exhibited quadratic regression equations. The cooked samples displayed better dry characteristics than fermented samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subcutaneous vascularization has become a new solution for identification management over the past few years. Systems based on dorsal hand veins are particularly promising for high-security settings. The dorsal hand vein recognition system comprises the following steps: acquiring images from the database and preprocessing them, locating the region of interest, and extracting and recognizing information from the dorsal hand vein pattern. This paper reviewed several techniques for obtaining the dorsal hand vein area and identifying a person. Therefore, this study just provides a comprehensive review of existing previous theories. This model aims to offer the improvement in the accuracy rate of the system that was shown in previous studies and to evaluate test samples and training samples for person identification using distance criteria or neural networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the major cause of stroke since approximately 25% of all strokes are of cardioembolic‐origin. The detection and diagnosis of AF are often challenging due to the asymptomatic and intermittent nature of AF. Hypothesis: A wearable electrocardiogram (ECG)‐device could increase the likelihood of AF detection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of a novel, consumer‐grade, single‐lead ECG recording device (Necklace‐ECG) for screening, identifying and diagnosing of AF both by a cardiologist and automated AF‐detection algorithms. Methods: A thirty‐second ECG was recorded with the Necklace‐ECG device from two positions; between the palms (palm) and between the palm and the chest (chest). Simultaneously registered 3‐lead ECGs (Holter) served as a golden standard for the final rhythm diagnosis. Two cardiologists interpreted independently in a blinded fashion the Necklace‐ECG recordings from 145 patients (66 AF and 79 sinus rhythm, SR). In addition, the Necklace‐ECG recordings were analyzed with an automatic AF detection algorithm. Results: Two cardiologists diagnosed the correct rhythm of the interpretable Necklace‐ECG with a mean sensitivity of 97.2% and 99.1% (palm and chest, respectively) and specificity of 100% and 98.5%. The automatic arrhythmia algorithm detected the correct rhythm with a sensitivity of 94.7% and 98.3% (palm and chest) and specificity of 100% of the interpretable measurements. Conclusions: The novel Necklace‐ECG device is able to detect AF with high sensitivity and specificity as evaluated both by cardiologists and an automated AF‐detection algorithm. Thus, the wearable Necklace‐ECG is a new, promising method for AF screening. Clinical trial registration: Study was registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov database (NCT03753139). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibre metal laminates (FML) were reinforced with flax and sugar palm fibres in different stacking sequences and exposed to freezing conditions. The effects on the mechanical properties were explored. Both the stacking sequence and freezing condition affected the mechanical properties. The FML with flax fibres showed the highest strength and modulus under tension and bending, while the FML with sugar palm fibres showed the lowest strength and modulus. The FML with flax fibres experienced a fibre bridging effect and showed promising behaviour for aircraft applications by sustaining nearly 40000 cycles of fatigue load. Decreases in the strength, modulus, and fatigue life occurred when the FML specimens were exposed to freezing conditions. Micrographs from the tensile fractured specimens indicated delamination, fibre splitting, fibre breakage, and fibre/matrix de-bonding as the failure pattern for the pristine and conditioned laminates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The great interest in the potential health benefits of tropical fruits is due to their high content of antioxidants and phytochemicals. Colombia ranks as the second country with the major biodiversity worldwide. B. guineensis (Arecaceae) is a palm that grows in Colombia and Central America. The purple-black fruits of this plant are rich in thermal-stable anthocyanins. M. indica L. (Anacardiaceae) is a great source of phenolic compounds. It has multiple functional properties including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic and anticarcinogenic activities. In this work, high-pressure extraction techniques: supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and enhanced solvent extraction (ESE), and two different fractionation techniques: i) cascade fractionation and ii) sequential fractionation were applied. Fractions were analyzed by means of their phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial activity against different bacterial strains: E. coli, P. mirabilis, S. Aurerus, S. enteritidis, E. aerogenes and P. aeruginosa. The sequential fractionation of B. guineensis pulp consisted in three steps: 1) supercritical CO2, 2) CO2 + 50% ethanol, and 3) CO2/EtOH/H2O (50:25:25). A red fraction rich in phenolic compounds, high antioxidant and antibacterial capacity (inhibition zone ~ 10 mm) was obtained in the last step. A cascade fractionation of M. indica leaves using CO2 + 50% H2O and three separators (S1, S2 and S3) was evaluated. Fractions obtained in S1 and S2 presented antioxidant capacity and antibacterial activity against P. mirabilis, and S2 also against S. Aureus and Salmonella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the case study of a 26 year old Chinese male C-130 flight engineer with no past medical history presented with weakness and numbness of his right palm, affecting his ability to ambulate and climb stairs.

In recent times, biometrics is the best alternative for the token-based and knowledge-based security systems. Out of the existing biometric modalities, the vascular biometric modalities are preferred for authenticating the person, because of its uniqueness among all individuals. This paper proposes a multimodal biometric system using vascular patterns of the hand such as finger vein and palm vein images. Initially, the input palm vein and finger vein images are pre-processed so as to make them suitable for further processing. Subsequently, the features from palm and finger vein images are extracted using a modified two-dimensional Gabor filter and a gradient-based techniques. These extracted features are matched using the Euclidean distance metric, and they are fused at the score level using fuzzy logic technique. The proposed technique is tested on the standard databases of finger vein and palm vein images. This method provides lower false acceptance rate, false rejection rate and high accuracy of 99.5% when compared with the existing techniques, indicating the effectiveness of the proposed system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe an 84-year-old man presenting with a solitary, well-circumscribed, chronic erosion of the sole. Histopathologic examination confirmed diagnosis of circumscribed palmoplantar hypokeratosis. Circumscribed palmoplantar hypokeratosis is a rare and benign condition of unknown etiology presenting as an erosion on the palms or soles. Although lesions are typically asymptomatic, the entity is important for dermatologists and providers in other specialties to recognize, especially considering a differential diagnosis that includes neoplasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of visualizing Pacinian corpuscles in the palm of the hand with high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS). In this prospective study, HRUS with a high-frequency probe (22 MHz) was used. The palms of two fresh cadaveric hands were screened for potential Pacinian corpuscles. Still ultrasound images and dynamic video sequences were obtained. In five regions with large amounts of suspected Pacinian corpuscles, tissue blocks were excised and histologically processed, and corresponding slices were compared with ultrasound images. Further, the transverse diameters of five Pacinian corpuscles, at the level of the metacarpal heads in the palm, were assessed on both sides (in total 100) in healthy volunteers. On ultrasound, Pacinian corpuscles presented as echolucent dots in the subcutis, adjacent to digital nerves and vessels and located 2-3 mm beneath the surface. On histologic sections, these echolucent dots corresponded to Pacinian corpuscles with respect to their position and topographic relationships. The mean transverse diameter for all volunteers was 1.40 ± 0.23 mm (range: 0.8-2.2 mm). This study confirms the ability to reliably visualize Pacinian corpuscles with HRUS, which contributes to our basic understanding of ultrasonographically visible subcutaneous structures and may enhance the diagnosis of pathologies related to Pacinian corpuscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a multibiometric system that fuses slap fingerprints, palm dorsal vein, and hand geometry for accurate person authentication is proposed. The proposed system simultaneously acquires slap images and infrared (IR) hand dorsal image from which slap fingerprints, palm dorsal veins, and IR hand geometry are extracted. Simultaneous acquisition reduces the acquisition time and helps to improve user acceptability. The slap segmentation is accomplished using the knowledge of the approximate finger location and hand type (either left or right) obtained from the simultaneously acquired IR hand dorsal image. Multibiometric fusion based on serial methodology has been proposed for consolidating the matching scores of slap fingerprints, palm dorsal vein, and IR hand geometry. It ensures better performance in terms of accuracy and time. Experimental results indicate that authentication using slap fingerprints can be improved by incorporating the knowledge from IR hand images. Further, it depicts that the fusion of slap fingerprint, palm dorsal vein, and IR hand geometry can help to achieve the best performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The superficial palmar branch (SPB) of the radial artery (RA) is an important blood vessel in plastic surgery procedures of the hand. It is used as the axial artery in a free flap used for finger reconstruction. The occurrence of this arterial branch is variable, as well as its diameter and course. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence and measure the external diameter of the SPB, as well as the external circumference of the RA. All results were analyzed with the intent to determine a possible correlation between RA and SPB size, as well as between SPB occurrence and the cadavers' sex and height. The study was conducted on both upper extremities of 60 cadavers (31 male and 29 female), of 35–55 years of age (average age was 46.5 years). A radial artery sample was taken at the level of the wrist, together with its superficial palmar branch. The samples were preserved in 4% formaldehyde for four weeks. After the fixation, the external circumference of the radial artery and the external diameter of the superficial palmar branch were measured with a Vernier caliper and an operating microscope. Bilateral SPB absence was the most common variant of SPB occurrence in our material. There was no linear correlation between the size of the RA and the SPB, nor was there any relationship between SPB occurrence and the cadavers' age and height. Also, the correlation between the cadavers' height and the size of both blood vessels was not linear. We conclude that the SPB diameter and occurrence are independent of the other factors described in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Botulinum toxin is a safe and effective therapy for palmar hyperhidrosis, but the associated pain from injections limits the usefulness of this method of treatment. Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetics (EMLA) cream versus ice application in alleviation of pain during botulinum toxin injections for palmar hyperhidrosis. Methods: In this prospective study, 23 patients underwent palm Botox injections to treat their excessive sweating. In each patient, EMLA cream was applied to one palm and ice was applied directly before the injections in the other palm. Pain was evaluated using a Visual Analog Scale. Results: Statistically, there was a significant difference in pain control between EMLA cream group and ice application group (p<0.05). The average pain score on the hands where EMLA cream was applied was 8.9 (SD=0.81), whereas it was 4.8 (±0.9) in the ice group. Conclusion: In this study, the successful use of ice application in reducing pain by 40% in comparison to EMLA cream during Botox toxin injection for palmar hyperhidrosis is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analyze the differences in the quality of chest compression between right and left palm compression using a manikin. This study was conducted in those who understood its purpose and consented to participate in it. The participants were divided into the left palm chest compression group (LPCG; N=42) and the right palm chest compression group (RPCG; N=40). The measurement was performed from May 15 to June 2, 2017. The analysis was performed using an SPSS for Windows program 12.0 Version. Both LPCG and RPCG showed good compression velocity (times/min) (p<.05). The number of times for chest compression was larger in LPCG (127.40) than in RPCG (98.22) (p<.01). Chest compression accuracy (%) was at a higher level in LPCG (81.57%) than in RPCG (65.92%) (p<.05). LPCG showed higher quality of chest compression than RPCG. However, it seemed that the quality was affected by attention and the shape of hands in measuring chest compression. It is necessary to apply left palm chest compression on the basis of the shape of hands, as suggested in the guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Illusions of the perception of distance between two touches on the skin have been described since the classic work of Weber in the 19th century. The perceptual mechanisms underlying such spatial distortions, however, remain poorly understood. One potential interpretation is that the representational space of touch is related to the true structure of the skin by a geometrically simple stretch. If distortions of tactile distance perception reflect a simple stretch of tactile space, perceived distance should vary predictably as a function of the orientation of the stimulus on the skin, showing a sinusoidal pattern. Here, we tested this prediction by obtained judgments of perceived tactile distance for pairs of touches aligned with eight orientations on the skin. Across four experiments, the results were highly consistent with this prediction, showing no apparent deviation from a model of simple stretch of tactile space. Similar results were apparent on both the dorsum and palm of the hand, as well as the forehead. These results show that spatial distortions of touch are well characterized by a geometrically simple stretch of tactile space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palmar fasciitis and polyarthritis (PFPA) is an uncommon disorder clinically characterized by rapidly developing bilateral arthritis of the hands and fasciitis of the palms. This cancer-associated syndrome, primarily linked to ovarian cancer, has also been associated with multiple different malignancies. PFPA symptoms usually precede the detection of ovarian cancer. In all patients from case series and single case reports described, ovarian cancer is already present at an advanced stage. Therefore, the authors aimed to present a case and systematically review available evidence on the association between PFPA and ovarian cancer, as gynecological oncologists. Awareness and recognition of PFPA may allow for earlier diagnosis and treatment of an occult ovarian cancer. The commitment of the attending gynecologists to become familiar with and identify rare diseases may lead to the detection at an early and curative stage and potentially life-saving therapeutic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Telangiectasias are permanent dilations of blood capillaries which appear in a variety of medical conditions. Cutaneous palmar telangiectasias have been postulated to be associated with smoking.Objective: To determine whether a significant correlation exists between palmar telangiectasias and smoking habits.Patients and Methods: A total of 124 volunteers participated in this observational study by allowing physical evaluation of their palms and by completing a questionnaire.Results: Palmar telangiectasias were found to be associated with current or past smoking. Neither age nor gender was found to be a co-contributor.Discussion: Palmar telangiectasias were found to constitute highly specific and sensitive markers for prolonged smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignocellulosic material is one of the most promising feedstock frequently investigated for the biochemicals and biofuels industries. Palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) are the abundant lignocellulosic residues from the palm oil/biodiesel industry, which require special disposal and utilisation. Therefore, the valorisation of EFB as a multi-product bio-refinery feedstock promises to be economically and environmentally attractive. However, it requires further investigation and feasibility assessment. This study conducts techno-economic and life-cycle assessments in Brazil of two EFB-based biorefinery scenarios producing fuel ethanol, heat and power, and C5 syrup (as feed for cattle). In terms of environmental impact, both scenarios show a significant reduction in climate change and fossil fuel depletion. Nevertheless, the economic prospects of the biorefinery scenarios and their benefits for toxicity and eutrophication are limited under the considered conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differential diagnosis of palmoplantar non-pustular psoriasis and chronic allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and the combination of these conditions, termed "eczema in psoriatico" (EIP), is difficult, especially in cases of isolated involvement. A blind re-evaluation of 63 archived formalin-fixed palmoplantar samples, previously diagnosed clinically as either psoriasis or chronic ACD, was performed. Samples were allocated to histopathological diagnoses of psoriasis, contact dermatitis or EIP. Immunohistological stainings were performed for better characterization. Immunochemistry of EIP revealed features that overlapped contemporarily with psoriasis (cytokeratin 17 (CK17), Ki67, interleukin (IL)-8, IL-17, IL-23) and with ACD (CD1a, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, MHC class II, epidermal T-cell subsets). Surprisingly, a significantly much higher number of dermal CD8+ T cells was found in EIP than in ACD and psoriasis. In conclusion, this study provides insight into the immunohistological differentiation of palmoplantar psoriasis, chronic ACD and EIP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper I examine the use of the 'rotated palms' gesture family among speakers of Syuba (Tibeto-Burman, Nepal), as recorded in a video corpus documenting this language. In this family of gestures one or both forearms are rotated to a supine ('palm up') position, each hand with thumb and forefinger extended and the other fingers, in varying degrees, flexed toward the palm. When used independently from speech this gesture tends to be performed in a relatively consistent manner, and is recognised as an interrogative gesture throughout India and Nepal. In this use it can be considered an emblem. When used with speech it shows more variation, but can still be used to indicate the interrogative nature of what is said, even when the speech may not indicate interrogativity in its linguistic construction. I analyse the form and function of this gesture in Syuba and argue that there are a number distinct functions relating to interrogativity. These can therefore be considered as a family of gestures. This research lays the groundwork for a better understanding of this common family of gestures across the South Asian area, and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Palmar hyperhidrosis (PH) is excessive sweating of the palms resulting from sympathetic overactivity, and patients who undergo endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) show reduced cardiac demand after 1 year and improved cerebral perfusion within 2-4 weeks. However, the long-term risks of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) following ETS remain unclear. Methods: We searched the Longitudinal National Health Insurance Database in Taiwan and identified PH patients (International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnostic code 708.8) from the outpatient database and patients who underwent ETS (procedure code 05.29) from the inpatient database between 2000 and 2010; furthermore, we excluded patients younger than 18 years of age or older than 65 years of age. We defined MACE as stroke (diagnostic codes 430-437), myocardial infarction (diagnostic code 410), or death. Patients followed until the first cardiac event or December 31, 2010. Risk factors were identified using a multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: The incidence of MACE was significantly lower in patients with ETS (0.76%) than without (1.67%). In PH patients, ETS significantly reduced the risk of MACE (adjusted hazard ratio 0.473; 95% confidence interval 0.277-0.808). Conclusion: PH patients who underwent ETS showed a reduced risk of MACE over a long-term follow-up period. This result could provide support for patients with PH who are considering undergoing ETS because of its additional cardiovascular benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: The purpose of the study is to determine whether the clinical profile of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has been same over the years with the help of routine and comparative electrodiagnostic tests. Methods: A prospective study of 100 patients with suspected CTS was conducted without controls. Three provocative maneuvers were performed. Routine and comparison nerve conduction tests were performed, i.e., second lumbrical interossei motor latency difference (2 LIMLD), digit 4 median-ulnar sensory latency difference (D4MUSLD), palm wrist distal sensory latency difference (PWDSLD), and digit 1 median-radial sensory latency difference (D1MRSLD). Data entry, analysis, and statistical evaluation were done using International Business Machines Corporation Statistical Package for the Social Sciences statistics package (IBM, SPSS). Results: A total of 195 hands of 100 patients met the criteria for CTS. Forty-three percentage of patients were homemakers. Considering the rapidly changing communication technology, we observed 84% patients had aggravation of symptoms with continuous long-term daily mobile phone use (>30 min per session per day). We noted positive Tinel's sign in only 25%. Phalen's sign was positive in 53 right hands with mean duration of 11.49s (standard deviation [SD] ± 2.54 s) and was positive in 26 left hands with mean being 10.4 s (SD ± 1.91 s). The mean motor distal latency of median was 4.67 ms (SD ± 1.71 ms) and mean sensory distal latency of median was 3.24 ms (SD ± 1 ms). On internal comparison testing, mean difference in 2 LIMLD was 0.7 ± 0.3 ms, in D4MUSLD was 0.81 ± 0.32, in PWDSLD was 0.71 ± 0.20, and in D1MRSLD was 0.76 ± 0.32. Conclusion: Further analysis of clinical profile needs to be done, and new risk or provoking factors should be analyzed in patients with CTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Association of palmoplantar pustulosis ( PPP) with metabolic and autoimmune diseases has been reported in mostly small case series or anecdotal cases. Objective To assess health-related quality of life and prevalence of comorbidities in a large cohort of PPP patients. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study on patients with either active or past PPP. Disease severity was measured by the Palmoplantar Pustulosis Area and Severity Index (pp PASI). Quality of life was assessed by the Dermatology Life Quality Index ( DLQI). Comorbidities were evaluated by medical history, blood examination, stool testing for Helicobacter pylori antigen and screening tools for depression and psoriatic arthritis. Results A total of 102 patients (87 women, 15 men) with a mean age of 52.6 ± 14.1 years were evaluated. The mean DLQI was 7 ± 6. Comorbidities were frequent and consisted of hypercholesterolaemia (38%), hypertension (32%), obesity (27%), metabolic syndrome (26%), depression (24%), diabetes (19%), autoimmune thyroiditis (16%) and psoriatic arthritis (16%). Conclusion Patients with PPP have an impaired quality of life and a broad range of comorbidities. Contrary to other reports, our investigation failed to show an association between PPP and coeliac disease or H. pylori infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spastic thumb deformity in cerebral palsy significantly impedes hand function. Flexion-adduction forces across the first ray is the result from imbalance between intrinsic and extrinsic muscles. Multiples surgeries have been devised for the treatment of this condition such as contracture release and by tendon transfers for balancing the muscles forces. We report the results of a less demanding surgical technique, intended to avoid hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal joint previously described in other series. Methods: Five patients with cerebral palsy who underwent a surgical correction for their thumb-in-palm deformity between January 2013 and August 2014 were included. All patients were assessed postoperatively with a minimum follow up of six months. Three criteria were chosen to evaluate functional ability: capacity to perform pinch, volitional muscle control and usefulness of the hand in daily life activities. Results: Patients who had surgery for spastic thumb deformity were reviewed. The thumb was maintained out of the palm in all patients. Three patients were able to perform correct pinch, achieved volitional muscle control and a more functional hand. One patient had limitation to achieve one of the evaluated daily life activities and one patient lacked active thumb movement for pinch, motor control and achieved no daily life activities. No postoperative complications were recorded. Conclusions: We present a less challenging technique that should be taken into account for the treatment of thumb-in-palm deformity. Appearance and functional improvement can be achieved with this surgical procedure avoiding disadvantages of secondary deformities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Erythema palmare hereditarium ( EPH), also known as Lane's disease, is a rare, benign condition presenting as persistent erythema involving the palms. EPH can appear at birth or later in life and usually in at least two members of the same family, although a sporadic case has been reported. Methods We report five cases of EPH and offer a review of the current literature. The first and second cases are twin boys presenting with erythema mainly on the thenar and hypothenar eminences and on the phalanges that appeared 8 months after birth. The third case is a girl with congenital palmar erythema and two other capillary malformations. The fourth case is a 58-year-old woman with palmar erythema that appeared after pregnancy. Her 32-year-old daughter had presented with the same palm redness since birth. Results A review of the literature shows that women are affected almost three times more than men. Dermoscopic evaluation showed red structureless areas with arborizing vessels, mainly running parallel along follicular openings. Conclusion EPH should be considered in all patients presenting with palmar erythema, especially in familial long-lasting forms. It can be congenital or acquired, but the pathogenetic mechanism is unclear. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first dermatoscopic study of EPH and the largest case series reported in the literature, involving two families and one sporadic case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims The underground saxophone stem systems produced by seedlings of certain palm species show peculiar growth patterns and distinctive morphologies, although little information is available concerning their development and function. We studied the ontogenesis of the saxophone stem in Acrocomia aculeata, an important neotropical oleaginous palm, and sought to experimentally define its function. Methods Morpho-anatomical evaluations were performed during 240 d on seedlings using traditional methodologies. The tuberous region of the structure was submitted to histochemical tests and evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. The aerial portions of 130 1- to 3-year-old greenhouse plants were removed and their continuous growth capacity was evaluated after 30 d. Severed saxophone stems were also stored at room temperature (average 25 °C) for up to 90 d and then cultured for 60 d to evaluate root and shoot emission. Key Results The development of the saxophone stem is distinct from other underground systems previously described, and involves three processes: growth and curvature of the cotyledonary petiole, expansion and curvature of the hypocotyl, and expansion of the plumule internodes. The tuberous region stores water and starch, as well as lesser amounts of mucilage and oil. Growth of the aerial portion occurred in 84 % of the separated saxophone stems and in 53 % of the stems held in storage. Conclusions The saxophone stem represents an important adaptation of A. aculeata to anthropogenically impacted and/or dry environments by promoting the burial of both the shoot meristem and storage reserves, which allows the continuous growth of aerial organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palmoplantar pustulosis is characterized by a chronic eruption of sterile pustules on palms and soles. The disease affects mainly women in the sixth and seventh decade of life. Some authors consider palmoplantar pustulosis a separate entity, whereas others consider it a condition in the spectrum of psoriasis. Aim of this study was to summarize the most recent data about PPP which aimed at establishing the nosological position of palmoplantar pustulosis. A systematic search of published literature was carried out. General characteristics of patients with PPP in different populations were present. We reviewed histological, immunological and genetic studies, as well as treatment options for PPP. PPP presents with clinical features, which are not present in psoriasis; however, the common coexistence of psoriasis vulgaris and/or positive family history for psoriasis indicates at least a close relationship between PPP and psoriasis. At present, there are not sufficient data to exclude PPP from psoriasis group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a method based on spherical trigonometry for computing all joint angles of the spherical metamorphic palm. The spherical palm is segmented into spherical triangles which are then solved and combined to fully solve the palm configuration. Further, singularity analysis is investigated with the analysis of each spherical triangle the palm is decomposed. Singularity-avoidance-based design criteria are then presented. Finally, point clouds are generated that represent the joint space of the palm as well as the workspace of the hand with the advantage of an articulated palm is shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lethal yellowing ( LY) disease and LY-type syndromes affecting several palm species are associated with 16Sr IV phytoplasmas in the Americas. In Mexico, palms of the species Roystonea regia and the native Acrocomia mexicana were found to exhibit LY-type symptoms, including leaf decay, starting with mature leaves, necrosis and atrophy of inflorescences. DNA extracts obtained from these palms could be amplified by nested- PCR using phytoplasma-universal primer pair P1/P7 followed by LY-group-specific primer pair LY16Sr/ LY16Sf. Blast analysis of the sequences obtained revealed an identity of 100% for R. regia and 99.27% for A. mexicana with 16Sr IV-A strain associated with LY in Florida, USA (Acc. ). Computer-simulated RFLP analysis showed that the patterns for the phytoplasma DNA of the two palm species were highly similar to that for 16Sr IV subgroup A strain. A neighbour-joining tree was constructed, and the sequences of the two palm species clustered in the same clade of group 16Sr IV subgroup A. The results therefore support that LY-type syndromes observed in palms of R. regia and A. mexicana in the Yucatan region of Mexico are associated with 16Sr IV subgroup A phytoplasmas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Segmental amputation of the digits and hand has been described as a contraindication for replantation because of poor results. We report the results of replantation for a patient who experienced multi-segment amputation of the hand. A 39-year-old man presented six hours after an accident, while using a straw cutter, that caused a multi-segment amputation of the entire palm and digits. The replantation surgery took 18 hours. We observed the patient gain satisfactory function of the hand. For replantation of a multisegment amputation, connecting as many blood vessels as possible without tension is most important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the case of a 45-year-old Chinese man with bilateral reddish, palmoplantar hyperkeratotic lesions on his hands and feet. Topics covered include the results of his physical examination, the diagnosis of Nagashima-type palmoplantar keratosis (PPK) with underlying SERPINB7 mutation and the distribution of SERPINB7 in the stratum granulosum.

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Olmsted syndrome ( OS) is a rare disease, characterized by symmetrical, sharply defined, hyperkeratotic, mutilating plaques on the palms and soles, which are associated with periorificial keratotic plaques. Other clinical manifestations of OS include diffuse alopecia, leucokeratosis of the oral mucosa, onychodystrophy, hyperkeratotic linear streaks, follicular hyperkeratosis and constriction of the digits. A recent study identified de novo mutations in the gene for transient receptor potential vanilloid 3 ( TRPV3), causing constitutive activation of the TRPV3 channel, as a cause of OS. We report familial inheritance of OS in a family from Mongolia, which was caused by a previously undescribed G573V point mutation in TRPV3. To date, mutations in the G573 residue of TRPV3 have been reported in seven cases of OS: G573S in five cases, and G573C and G573A mutations in one case each. We present a Mongolian familial case of G573V point mutation in TRPV3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epidermal inclusion cysts are among the most frequently encountered excised lesions. However, large cystic lesions with palm location are a rare event with very few cases reported in the literature. We present the case of a 68-year old male patient with a history of slow growing subcutaneous, large-sized (6.5/2.5cm) tumor in the right palm. The mass has intimate contact with the flexor tendons of the 4th and 5th fingers and with the common neurovascular pedicles, but no neurological symptoms were noted. The cystic lesion was excised together with its entire capsule and the histopathological examination established the diagnosis of epidermal inclusion cyst. The outcome was favorable with complete recovery. We emphasize the rarity of epidermal inclusion cyst in the palm and that the surgeon should be aware that even in the absence of a traumatic event or proven infection with human papillomavirus a diagnosis of palm epidermal inclusion cyst must be taken into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a routine cadaveric dissection, we came across an anatomical variation at the level of the right forearm of a 77-year-old Caucasian male cadaver. Proximal to the superior border of the flexor retinaculum, we observed the median nerve giving a separate branch. It was the third common palmar digital nerve running distally from the ulnar side of the median nerve and coursing through the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle. In the distal part of the palm, it was divided into two proper palmar digital nerves for the adjacent sides of middle and ring fingers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Dermoscopy is a non-invasive technique allowing rapid and magnified in vivo observation of the skin. The anatomical structure of acral volar skin results in unique dermoscopic features in this location. Objective To describe and analyze the characteristic dermoscopic features of various kinds of acral pigmented lesions and emphasize the diagnostic value of the dermoscope in early melanoma at this anatomic site in a sample of Egyptians. Patients and methods This study included 200 patients with 224 acral pigmented lesions. Dermoscopic examination was done to evaluate different dermoscopic patterns of these lesions. Clinically and dermoscopically suspicious lesions for malignancy were selected for more evaluation by histopathological examination by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Results The most frequent dermoscopic pattern was the parallel furrow pattern, (66.1%), followed by the lattice-like (8.9%), homogeneous (7.6%), fibrillar (6.3%), non-typical (5.4%), and then parallel ridge (2.2%). The least commonly reported patterns in our cases were the reticular and globular patterns (1.8% each). There was one case of acral lentiginous melanoma of the palm with a multicomponent dermoscopic pattern. Conclusion The recognition of different dermoscopic patterns is essential for diagnosis of various types of acral pigmented lesions. In addition, dermoscopy is useful in discriminating between acral nevi and early acral melanoma and narrows down the number of biopsies needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a study which investigated the properties of mutant SLURP1 proteins. Researchers compared the properties of eight SLURP1 missense mutations identified in patients with mal de Meleda, a palmoplantar keratoderma. They revealed that SLURP-P82S yielded monomers in reduced amounts. A brief review of previous related literature is included.

The relative DNA shedding propensity of palmar and finger surfaces has not previously been examined. In the study presented here, palm and fingermarks of six volunteers were analysed for DNA recovery, after deposition at a pressure of approximately 4900 Pa onto glass plates or slides, respectively. The marks were swabbed; DNA extracted using a modified Chelex® method, and then quantified using qPCR, followed by genotype analysis. To assess the availability of DNA-containing material on the skin surface, DNA was analysed by directly swabbing the palm and fingerprint areas of the skin. A further set of palm and fingermarks was subjected to microscopic examination. The results demonstrated that the quantity of DNA shed from the palmar surface is significantly less than from two fingers. Single donor DNA profiles were obtained from deposited fingermarks by applying a low copy number protocol (32 cycles). DNA retrieved from palm and fingers may be degraded, as suggested by reduced peak intensity and allelic dropout amongst the larger STR loci. These findings suggest that, owing to the low levels of DNA deposition, when palmar marks are found at crime scenes, every effort should be made to recover friction ridge detail to use as an identification metric, with collection for DNA analysis performed afterwards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Collegium Antropologicum is the property of Croatian Anthropological Society 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 article presents some fingerprints featured in the Back to Basics or Questionable Unusual Interesting Pattern (QUIP) section of the "Journal of Forensic Identification (JFI)" between 1985 and 2015. They include an impression that appears to be a double loop whorl at a glance, a fingerprint classified as a central pocket loop-type whorl and referenced to a double loop, and a pattern from the interdigital area of a left palmar impression dubbed as the wise-cracking girl with a black eye.

This paper proposes an efficient multi-modal authentication system which makes use of palm-dorsa vein pattern. There are four levels of fusion in the system and they are multi-algorithm fusion, data fusion, feature fusion and score fusion. Multi-algorithm fusion is applied to extract genuine vein patterns from a vein image by using various vein extraction algorithms. All false vein patterns are eliminated from the extracted patterns through data fusion. Three types of features are obtained from each extracted vein pattern and they are shape features, minutiae and features obtained from hand boundary shape. Third level of fusion is at feature level to fuse minutiae and shape features. Finally, fused features and hand boundary shape features are matched to obtain matching scores which are fused at score level. The proposed system has been tested on the database acquired from 4120 images of 1030 subjects. It has achieved an accuracy of 100%. Experimental results reveal that it performs better than other existing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2-dimensional imaging system was constructed and applied in measurements of gaseous ethanol emissions from the human palm. This imaging system measures gaseous ethanol concentrations as intensities of chemiluminescence by luminol reaction induced by alcohol oxidase and luminol–hydrogen peroxide–horseradish peroxidase system. Conversions of ethanol distributions and concentrations to 2-dimensional chemiluminescence were conducted on an enzyme-immobilized mesh substrate in a dark box, which contained a luminol solution. In order to visualize ethanol emissions from human palm skin, we developed highly sensitive and selective imaging system for transpired gaseous ethanol at sub ppm-levels. Thus, a mixture of a high-purity luminol solution of luminol sodium salt HG solution instead of standard luminol solution and an enhancer of eosin Y solution was adapted to refine the chemiluminescent intensity of the imaging system, and improved the detection limit to 3 ppm gaseous ethanol. The highly sensitive imaging allows us to successfully visualize the emissions dynamics of transdermal gaseous ethanol. The intensity of each site on the palm shows the reflection of ethanol concentrations distributions corresponding to the amount of alcohol metabolized upon consumption. This imaging system is significant and useful for the assessment of ethanol measurement of the palmar skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]