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Introduction: Psoriasis in high-impact areas, including the scalp, nails, palms, and soles, can disproportionately impair patient quality of life. Here, we evaluate the 2-year efficacy of bimekizumab treatment in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in post hoc analyses of five phase 3/3b trials. Methods: High-impact area efficacy data were pooled through 2 years across five phase 3/3b trials: BE VIVID, BE READY, BE SURE, their ongoing open-label extension (OLE) BE BRIGHT, and BE RADIANT (including its double-blinded treatment period and the first year of its OLE). Complete clearance of psoriasis in high-impact areas is reported over 2 years using the scalp Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA), palmoplantar IGA, and modified Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (mNAPSI). Patients included in these analyses had baseline moderate to severe scalp or palmoplantar involvement (scalp or palmoplantar IGA score ≥ 3) or mNAPSI score > 10. Results: A total of 1107 patients were randomized to bimekizumab and entered the OLEs. Subsets of 821 patients had scalp IGA ≥ 3 at baseline, 377 had mNAPSI > 10, and 193 had palmoplantar IGA ≥ 3. Complete scalp clearance in patients with baseline scalp IGA ≥ 3 randomized to bimekizumab was achieved rapidly, with high responses sustained from first (86.4%) to second year (85.9%). Nail clearance responses in patients with baseline mNAPSI > 10 increased from 63.4% to 68.5% from first to second year. Palmoplantar clearance in patients with baseline palmoplantar IGA ≥ 3 was sustained from first (88.3%) to second year (89.8%). Similar trends were seen in the 374 patients who received bimekizumab 320 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W)/every 8 weeks (Q8W) initial/maintenance dosing. Conclusion: In these analyses pooled across 2 years, bimekizumab showed sustained efficacy in psoriasis in high-impact areas. Clinicaltrials.gov Trial Registration Numbers: NCT03370133, NCT03410992, NCT03412747, NCT03598790, NCT03536884. Plain Language Summary: Psoriasis in some body areas can have a bigger impact on the self-confidence and well-being of patients. These body areas, called high-impact areas, are often very visible or important for day-to-day activities. They include the scalp, fingernails, palms, and soles of the feet. People with psoriasis often find applying creams or ointments to these areas challenging. The treatment may also not be effective. Therefore, new medications that can clear psoriasis from these areas are needed by patients and physicians. Bimekizumab is a drug given by injection. We examined whether bimekizumab can clear psoriasis in high-impact areas over 2 years in five clinical trials. Psoriasis of the scalp, palms, and soles cleared quickly with bimekizumab. Most patients reported clear skin in these areas after 4 months, and skin remained clear for the rest of the 2-year period. After 2 years, 90% (18 in 20) of patients with psoriasis on their palms and soles saw it clear completely; 86% of patients (around 17 in 20) saw their scalp psoriasis completely cleared. Nail psoriasis took slightly longer to clear, because nails grow more slowly. Nevertheless, 63% of patients (around 13 in 20) had completely clear nails after 1 year and 69% of patients (around 14 in 20) had clear nails after 2 years. Bimekizumab can clear psoriasis in high-impact areas quickly, and this is maintained over the long-term. Bimekizumab can provide a lasting treatment option for areas of the body which are difficult to treat and have a big impact on patients' lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and is one of the leading causes of acute fever in Indonesia. Rash is a characteristic clinical sign of dengue fever, typically presenting as maculopapular erythema involving the entire body but rarely affecting the palms and soles. This report discusses a case of an uncomplicated dengue fever in a woman, diagnosed through serological testing, presenting with a rash exclusively on the palms and soles on the sixth day of fever. The patient reported swelling, redness, and severe itching on both palms and soles without any rash elsewhere on the body. The symptoms subsided after oral antihistamine treatment and resolved completely by the ninth day of fever. This finding is rare in dengue fever cases in Indonesia. This case highlights an important insight into the atypical clinical presentation of rashes in dengue fever, which can enhance physicians' understanding in diagnosing and managing patients with unusual manifestations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palmoplantar (PP) psoriasis is considered one of the most hard‐to‐treat areas with important impact on patients' quality of life, and few data are available about the efficacy of dimethylfumarate (DMF) on these areas. In our noninterventional multicentre retrospective cohort study of patients with PP psoriasis treated with DMF, effectiveness was evaluated as mean pp Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (ppPASI) reduction and as proportion of patients that reach ppPASI 75 at 4, 12, 24 and 48 weeks. The reduction in ppPASI was 23.5% at w4, 49.7% at w12, 69.1% at w24 and 81.1% at w48. pp Investigator's Global Assessment (ppIGA) 0/1 was reached by 5 patients (10.64%) at w4, 10 patients (23.8%) at w12, 11 patients (40.7%) at w24 and 12 patients (60%) at w48 confirming that DMF could represent an effective therapy in patients affected by PP psoriasis. Overall, the treatment was well tolerated although only 24 patients made it to 24 weeks of therapy and 28 patients completed the observation period at 48 weeks. None of the patients reported adverse events requiring discontinuation of the drug. However, this discontinuation rate is in line with clinical trials and real‐world evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palmoplantar psoriasis (PP) represents a localized type of disease. While controversy over its' classification exists, a hyperkeratotic type, a pustular type and palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) have been recognized. PP management is regularly supported by biologic agents. Our study aimed to review and synthesize available data regarding the efficacy of approved biologics for PP and PPP. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, CENTRAL, Scopus, and ClinicalTrilas.gov. Utilizing random-effects inverse-variance frequentist network meta-analyses (NMAs), we ranked interventions. The proportion of participants with cleared skin was the primary outcome. Fifty and 75% improvement in palmoplantar psoriasis area severity index (PPASI) were also explored (PPASI50, PPASI75). In total, 15 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exploring the efficacy of on-label adalimumab, bimekizumab, etanercept, guselkumab, infliximab, ixekizumab, secukinumab, and ustekinumab were included. Data for PP were synthesized. Every biologic agent examined, except from infliximab, outperformed placebo. On-label secukinumab exhibited the highest probability of inducing complete resolution. Ixekizumab and infliximab ranked best on inducing PPASI50 and PPASI75. Our review supports that guselkumab is effective for PPP. Secukinumab, ixekizumab and infliximab are effective for PP. Research is warranted to produce evidence about the efficacy of biologics in PP and PPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The involvement of palms and soles is variable among disease entities belonging to autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBD). We present our own clinical-laboratory experience concerning presentations of skin lesions on palms and soles in the pemphigus diseases group, pemphigoid diseases group, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), and lichen planus pemphigoides (LPP) and discuss the pertinent literature. Methods: Lesions on palms and soles were assessed retrospectively on the basis of just photographic archives from the beginning of 2014 to March 2023. We comparatively evaluated 462 Slavic patients with AIBD. Results: Palmoplantar involvement was observed in only 21 patients with AIBD (12 females and 9 males). There was no statistically significant difference between palmoplantar involvement in the pemphigus diseases group compared to the pemphigoid diseases group and no statistically significant difference between the pemphigus diseases group compared to the subepithelial AIBD. Discussion: Nevertheless, particularly in LPP and EBA, and occasionally in pemphigus diseases and pemphigoid diseases groups of AIBD, localization on palms and soles may be diagnostically important at the clinical level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionThe involvement of palms and soles is variable among disease entities belonging to autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBD). We present our own clinical-laboratory experience concerning presentations of skin lesions on palms and soles in the pemphigus diseases group, pemphigoid diseases group, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), and lichen planus pemphigoides (LPP) and discuss the pertinent literature.MethodsLesions on palms and soles were assessed retrospectively on the basis of just photographic archives from the beginning of 2014 to March 2023. We comparatively evaluated 462 Slavic patients with AIBD.ResultsPalmoplantar involvement was observed in only 21 patients with AIBD (12 females and 9 males). There was no statistically significant difference between palmoplantar involvement in the pemphigus diseases group compared to the pemphigoid diseases group and no statistically significant difference between the pemphigus diseases group compared to the subepithelial AIBD.DiscussionNevertheless, particularly in LPP and EBA, and occasionally in pemphigus diseases and pemphigoid diseases groups of AIBD, localization on palms and soles may be diagnostically important at the clinical level.

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.

Introduction: Differentiation between Chronic Hand Eczema (CHE) and Palmoplantar Psoriasis (PP) is a diagnostic challenge. Dermoscopy can helpto distinguish between the two conditions. Aim: To establish and compare the dermoscopic findings of the CHE and PP using DermLite DL4 dermoscope and to confirm the accuracy of the dermoscopic findings with the histopathological findings. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Navodaya Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Raichur, Karnataka, India, from January 2017 to June 2018. Fifty patients each of CHE (26 male and 24 female subjects) and PP (25 male and 25 female subjects) were included in the study. A detailed clinical history, cutaneous clinical and dermoscopic findings of each case were noted. A 4 mm punch biopsy was taken from 30 patients for histopathological analysis. The data was tabulated, analysed and tested for significance using the Chi-square test. Results: The mean age of the patients was 46±4 years. On dermoscopic examination, diffuse white scales in 45 (90%) patients, over a red background in 49 (98%) patients with regularly arranged dots and globules in 45 (90%) patients was seen in PP. Patchy yellow scales 46 (90%), yellow dots, globules and yellow to brown crusts against a yellow background was seen in all patients (100%) of CHE (p-value <0.001). Histopathological findings are in agreement with dermoscopic findings in 9/16 and 10/14 cases of CHE and PP respectively. Conclusion: Dermoscope is a useful non invasive clinical aid to differentiate between CHE and PP. The presence of diffuse white scales over a red background and regularly arranged vessels indicates PP, whereas the presence of patchily distributed yellow scales, yellow dots and globules; and yellow to brown crusts against a yellow background is more suggestive of CHE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Differentiation between Chronic Hand Eczema (CHE) and Palmoplantar Psoriasis (PP) is a diagnostic challenge. Dermoscopy can help to distinguish between the two conditions. Aim: To establish and compare the dermoscopic findings of the CHE and PP using DermLite DL4 dermoscope and to confirm the accuracy of the dermoscopic findings with the histopathological findings. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Navodaya Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Raichur, Karnataka, India, from January 2017 to June 2018. Fifty patients each of CHE (26 male and 24 female subjects) and PP (25 male and 25 female subjects) were included in the study. A detailed clinical history, cutaneous clinical and dermoscopic findings of each case were noted. A 4 mm punch biopsy was taken from 30 patients for histopathological analysis. The data was tabulated, analysed and tested for significance using the Chi-square test. Results: The mean age of the patients was 46±4 years. On dermoscopic examination, diffuse white scales in 45 (90%) patients, over a red background in 49 (98%) patients with regularly arranged dots and globules in 45 (90%) patients was seen in PP. Patchy yellow scales 46 (90%), yellow dots, globules and yellow to brown crusts against a yellow background was seen in all patients (100%) of CHE (p-value

Introduction: Information on the number of flatfish species and their depth distributions is scarce for the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Historical data is important to evaluate changes in ecosystems due to local, regional and global stressors. Objective: To provide information on the presence, depth distributions and lengths of flatfish species collected by trawl nets. Methods: Fish studies were conducted by trawling at four sites along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica by the survey vessels Skimmer (1979-1980), Nishin Maru (1987-1988) and Victor Hensen (1993-1994). The published lists of species were consulted, museum specimens were accessed, and an updated list of flatfish species assembled. Results: A total of 36 species were found over a depth range of 8-359 m. The family Paralichthyidae included 13 species followed by the Cynoglossidae with 12 species, Achiridae with six and Bothidae with five. Thirty-five species were collected at depths from 10-235 m in the Gulf of Nicoya and Golfo Dulce. Monolene asadeae was collected offshore at a depth range of 254-359 m. The Gulf of Nicoya estuary yielded 27 species during the Skimmer expedition over a depth range of 8-60 m, while 31 species were found during the V. Hensen survey at depths from 10-228 m. The V. Hensen survey in Golfo Dulce (20-235 m) collected 19 species, and 17 species in Coronado Bay (21-187 m). Off the Nicoya Peninsula (56-359 m) 13 species were collected by the Nishin Maru shrimp trawler. A total of 21 species (58%) were found at depths greater than 100 m which were probably exposed to low oxygen concentrations. During the V. Hensen survey Symphurus chabanaudi and S. elongatus were collected more frequently in the Gulf of Nicoya, while S. leei was collected more frequently in Golfo Dulce. Cluster analyses based on presence-absence data for the Gulf of Nicoya and Golfo Dulce revealed low station similarity indicating possible habitat partitioning among species. The size (Total length) of 33 species measured from both the Gulf of Nicoya and Golfo Dulce ranged from 8 cm (Syacium cf longidorsale, Trinectes xanthurus) to 50 cm (S. ovale). Only 12 species were found with lengths over 20 cm. Data on flatfish landings by the semi-industrial fishing fleet for the period 2000-2016 indicates that this group represents less than 1% of the total landings (shrimp and bycatch), with a minimum of 365 kg in 2001 and a maximum of 13 414 kg in 2013. Conclusions: The number of flatfish species of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica appears relatively high but comparable to the numbers found in other tropical regions. A reduced fishing impact on the populations together with this updated list of flatfish provide a good baseline for a new survey of fish populations. Both are important for a future updating of the trophic models available the Gulf of Nicoya and Golfo and their use as tools for better management of the ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Palmoplantar keratodermas (PPKs) are a group of disorders in which there is marked thickening of the skin of palms and soles. The keratodermas can be diffuse, focal, or punctuate type. Aims: The aim of this study was to study various types of PPKs, both hereditary and acquired in children up to 17 years of age. Methods: A randomized controlled prospective study of twenty patients of PPK was taken up for the study. A detailed history, general physical examination, cutaneous examination with special examination of the oral mucosa, teeth, and nails along with routine investigations were done in all the patients. Results: Most common causes of PPK were secondary to psoriasis and ichthyosis (25% each), followed by 15% cases secondary to pityriasis rubra pilaris. PPK due to pachyonychia congenita was seen in 5% patients and secondary to erythrokeratodermia variabilis in 5% patients. Monogenic PPKs including Vorners syndrome and Unna-Thost PPK were seen in 5% patients each and focal PPK seen in 15% patients. Conclusion: It is important to note the age of onset of the keratodermas, severity of disease process, and the histopathological findings before reaching a diagnosis of PPKs.

Hyperkeratosis presents as thickened skin. It can be congenital or acquired. Typically, it affects the palms and soles; the distribution of epidermal involvement is either diffuse, focal, or punctate. Microscopically, the pathologic signature of hyperkeratosis is marked orthokeratosis of the stratum corneum. Topical treatments provide the mainstay of therapy for hyperkeratosis. These include keratolytics (such as urea, salicylic acid, and lactic acid) and retinoids; physical debridement, topical corticosteroids, and phototherapy (using topical psoralen and ultraviolet A phototherapy) are other local therapeutic modalities. Selenium is a non-metallic essential element; its water-insoluble salt, selenium sulfide, is an active ingredient that is used (in either a foam, lotion, or shampoo) to treat not only seborrheic dermatitis but also tinea versicolor. Three individuals with hyperkeratosis involving their palms and/or soles are described; the hyperkeratosis was successful treated with topical selenium sulfide in either a 2.5% lotion/shampoo or a 2.75% foam. The response to topical selenium sulfide was not only rapid but also complete and sustained; none of the patients experienced any adverse events secondary to the therapy. In conclusion, we recommend that topical selenium sulfide be added to the therapeutic armamentarium for congenital or acquired hyperkeratosis—particularly for those patients with involvement of their palms and soles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Palmoplantar keratodermas (PPKs) are a group of disorders in which there is marked thickening of the skin of palms and soles. The keratodermas can be diffuse, focal, or punctuate type. Aims: The aim of this study was to study various types of PPKs, both hereditary and acquired in children up to 17 years of age. Methods: A randomized controlled prospective study of twenty patients of PPK was taken up for the study. A detailed history, general physical examination, cutaneous examination with special examination of the oral mucosa, teeth, and nails along with routine investigations were done in all the patients. Results: Most common causes of PPK were secondary to psoriasis and ichthyosis (25% each), followed by 15% cases secondary to pityriasis rubra pilaris. PPK due to pachyonychia congenita was seen in 5% patients and secondary to erythrokeratodermia variabilis in 5% patients. Monogenic PPKs including Vorners syndrome and Unna-Thost PPK were seen in 5% patients each and focal PPK seen in 15% patients. Conclusion: It is important to note the age of onset of the keratodermas, severity of disease process, and the histopathological findings before reaching a diagnosis of PPKs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of determining associations between certain groups of sports and dermatoglyphics feet. The study involved 207 men, the general population (those who are not in sports), aged 17-19 years and 78 men highly skilled athletes. It is shown that as a criterion in the sports orientation of children and adolescents can be dermatoglyphics. The features of the structure of the foot dermatoglyphics in men of different sports specialties. There are informative signs dermatoglyphics thumb and feet, which can be recommended to assess the prospects of a particular athlete's motor activity. Among these are the types of finger patterns, combined account and certain dermatoglyphic phenotypes. It is proved that certain features of dermatoglyphics feet act as genetic markers in predicting propensity athletes to realize the potential of high specific energy pattern.

Background: Periodic acid‐Shiff (PAS) stain may help to diagnose fungal infection in biopsies from dermatoses of the palms and soles. It is questionable whether PAS stain should be used routinely or only when tinea is suspected clinically. Methods: A total of 195 consecutive punch biopsies of dermatoses from the palms (90) or soles (105) were stained with PAS, regardless of the clinical differential diagnosis. Results: PAS stain showed fungi in the corneal layer of 6 (3%) of the 195 biopsies. Tinea was included in the differential diagnosis in 48 cases, of which 3 (6%) were PAS positive. PAS stain was also positive in 3 (2%) of 147 cases in which tinea was not suspected clinically. All 6 PAS‐positive cases were detected in reaction patterns not readily classified as particular diagnostic entities: non‐inflammatory keratoderma (2, 11%), chronic lichenified dermatitis (2, 6%), spongiotic psoriasiform dermatitis (1, 2%), and spongiotic dermatitis (1, 4%). Conclusions: There is a low concordance rate between the clinical suspicion and the actual demonstration of fungi by PAS stain in dermatoses of the palms and soles. Routine PAS stains in non‐suspected cases have a relatively low yield, which may be improved by limiting the PAS stain to reaction patterns not readily classified as particular diagnostic entities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Difficult-to-treat palmoplantar psoriasis has a disproportionately negative impact on quality of life.Objective: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of apremilast in palmoplantar psoriasis.Methods: A post hoc analysis of data pooled from phase IIb (PSOR-005) and phase III (Efficacy and Safety Trial Evaluating the Effects of Apremilast in Psoriasis [ESTEEM] 1 and 2) clinical studies was conducted to determine the effect of apremilast 30 mg twice daily versus placebo at week 16 in a subset of patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis with active palmoplantar psoriasis (baseline Palmoplantar Psoriasis Physician Global Assessment [PPPGA] score ≥1).Results: Significantly more patients taking apremilast with moderate to severe palmoplantar psoriasis (baseline PPPGA score ≥3) achieved PPPGA score 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear) compared with placebo at week 16 (48% vs 27%; P = .021). At week 16, 46% of the apremilast group with baseline PPPGA score 1 or higher achieved a PPPGA score of 0 versus 25% of the placebo group (P < .001); 59% of the apremilast group had a PPPGA score of 0 or 1 with 1-point or more improvement versus 39% receiving placebo (P < .001).Limitations: This post hoc analysis was limited to 16 weeks and did not assess palmoplantar pustules, lesion localization, or surface area involvement.Conclusion: Apremilast may be a useful oral treatment option for patients with moderate to severe palmoplantar plaque psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relation between age and dermatoscopic features of acral nevi. We evaluated 159 dermatoscopic images of melanocytic nevi from 146 individuals filed at the Dermatoscopy Outpatient Clinic of Tokyo Women’s Medical University Medical Center East between April 2006 and March 2009. All images of melanocytic lesions on acral volar skin that showed a clear-cut dermatoscopic pattern of an acral nevus at the time of initial observation were included. The dermatoscopic patterns of all images were retrospectively examined in a blinded fashion according to the standard dermatoscopic classification criteria for acral melanocytic nevi. Images were classified using 15 structural variants of the parallel furrow pattern. These variants were then re-classified into two groups; the “single” line group and “double” line group. Patients of the double line group (age, 25.5 years) were significantly younger than those of the single line group (32.4 years). There was no significant difference in the age-related predominance between the solid line patterns and dotted line patterns. There was a significant age difference between patients with nevi showing the crista dotted pattern (mean age 24.9 years) and patients with nevi without the crista dotted pattern (mean age 34.6 years). We conclude that the double line variant of the parallel furrow pattern and crista dotted pattern, which probably correspond to the congenital type acral nevus, tend to be more common in young patients.

The production of natural and synthetic rubber/waste – EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) composites was performed using natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber or acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber and 10–20 parts per hundred rubber (phr) of waste. Several physical and mechanical properties of the composites were further determined according to the requirements of the footwear sector. Rheometry and ageing tests were also performed. The effects observed on the crosslinking formation during vulcanization of each composite were negligible. The flexion, density, hardness and abrasion of all composites, produced at a laboratory (10–20 phr) and industrial scale (20 phr), were not significantly affected by the addition of waste. The tear strength and the tensile strength were the most affected properties, namely for the Natural Rubber/Waste – EVA composites, where EVA acted as filler (tear strength > 13 N mm −1 , breaking load > 15 MPa). The study confirms the possibility of a sustainable application of EVA – waste in the footwear industry through the production of eco-composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of determining associations between certain groups of sports and dermatoglyphics feet. The study involved 207 men, the general population (those who are not in sports), aged 17-19 years and 78 men highly skilled athletes. It is shown that as a criterion in the sports orientation of children and adolescents can be dermatoglyphics. The features of the structure of the foot dermatoglyphics in men of different sports specialties. There are informative signs dermatoglyphics thumb and feet, which can be recommended to assess the prospects of a particular athlete's motor activity. Among these are the types of finger patterns, combined account and certain dermatoglyphic phenotypes. It is proved that certain features of dermatoglyphics feet act as genetic markers in predicting propensity athletes to realize the potential of high specific energy pattern.

Background: Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) and common sole (S. solea) are two economically and evolutionary important flatfish species both in fisheries and aquaculture. Although some genomic resources and tools were recently described in these species, further sequencing efforts are required to establish a complete transcriptome, and to identify new molecular markers. Moreover, the comparative analysis of transcriptomes will be useful to understand flatfish evolution. Results: A comprehensive characterization of the transcriptome for each species was carried out using a large set of Illumina data (more than 1,800 millions reads for each sole species) and 454 reads (more than 5 millions reads only in S. senegalensis), providing coverages ranging from 1,384x to 2,543x. After a de novo assembly, 45,063 and 38,402 different transcripts were obtained, comprising 18,738 and 22,683 full-length cDNAs in S. senegalensis and S. solea, respectively. A reference transcriptome with the longest unique transcripts and putative non-redundant new transcripts was established for each species. A subset of 11,953 reference transcripts was qualified as highly reliable orthologs (>97% identity) between both species. A small subset of putative species-specific, lineage-specific and flatfish-specific transcripts were also identified. Furthermore, transcriptome data permitted the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms and simple-sequence repeats confirmed by FISH to be used in further genetic and expression studies. Moreover, evidences on the retention of crystallins crybb1, crybb1-like and crybb3 in the two species of soles are also presented. Transcriptome information was applied to the design of a microarray tool in S. senegalensis that was successfully tested and validated by qPCR. Finally, transcriptomic data were hosted and structured at SoleaDB. Conclusions: Transcriptomes and molecular markers identified in this study represent a valuable source for future genomic studies in these economically important species. Orthology analysis provided new clues regarding sole genome evolution indicating a divergent evolution of crystallins in flatfish. The design of a microarray and establishment of a reference transcriptome will be useful for large-scale gene expression studies. Moreover, the integration of transcriptomic data in the SoleaDB will facilitate the management of genomic information in these important species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The otoliths of wild common sole,Solea solea, and Senegal sole,Solea senegalensis, from the Tagus and the Douro estuaries, and captiveS. senegalensiswere examined for the detection of anomalies. The anomalies detected were granules of crystals, a dark coloration over the entire otolith, a dark mark concentric to the nucleus and multiple nuclei. A higher proportion of anomalies was found in wild individuals of these species (16–63%) than is usually reported for other species. CaptiveS. senegalensisexhibited an incidence of anomalies within the range previously reported for other species also reared in captivity. The oceanographic–climatic conditions of the Portuguese coast, which cause strong and abrupt changes in water temperature, salinity and mineral composition, may be an important factor contributing to or causing otolith anomalies. Heatwaves, intense solar radiation and anthropogenic pollution affecting the estuarine nursery grounds may also play an important role. However, more experimental studies are needed to elucidate what causes otolith anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to vertical ground reaction force (GRF), anterior–posterior GRF with a greater external moment arm may be another repetitive impact force that contributes to overuse running injuries. In this study, a shear cushion device was placed between the sole of a shoe and the ground to reduce not only the vertical loading, but also the anterior–posterior loading while walking and running. For this study, 15 healthy male runners classified as heel strikers (height: 173.2 ± 4.7 cm, mass: 68.5 ± 5.6 kg) were recruited. Participants were required to walk (2.5 m/s), jog (3.5 m/s), and run (4.2 m/s) while wearing shoes with three different sole groove designs (conventional, straight groove, and 45° groove). Both the straight and 45° groove soles provided significant shear shift during walking, jogging, and running, as well as delayed the time to first peak anterior–posterior GRF during walking. The straight groove sole reduced the vertical loading rate during jogging (p = 0.010) and running (p = 0.010), and delayed the time to first peak vertical GRF in all gait conditions. These findings suggest that the vertical loading rate and the time to the first peak anterior–posterior GRF can be changed by the sole groove design under various gait conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Lichen planus (LP) and lichen nitidus (LN) present with varied morphology on the palms and soles. We present four unusual cases of palmoplantar LP and LN manifesting as hyperkeratotic plaques with pits. The diagnosis was confirmed histologically. Subtle features like presence of violaceous border suggests LP and plugs within the pits suggest LN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Phylogenetic analysis of flatfishes uses next-gen dataset with largest taxon sampling to date. • Rhombosoleidae is found to be in Pleuronectoidea rather than Soleoidea. • Positions of Poecilopsettidae and Scophthalmidae are dictated by tree-construction method. • Many relationships in the flatfish tree are unstable due to periods of rapid evolution. • 8/16 families need thorough analysis; 23/127 genera may not be monophyletic (21 not yet sampled). There is an extensive collection of literature on the taxonomy and phylogenetics of flatfishes (Pleuronectiformes) that extends over two centuries, but consensus on many of their evolutionary relationships remains elusive. Phylogenetic uncertainty stems from highly divergent results derived from morphological and genetic characters, and between various molecular datasets. Deciphering relationships is complicated by rapid diversification early in the Pleuronectiformes tree and an abundance of studies that incompletely and inconsistently sample taxa and genetic markers. We present phylogenies based on a genome-wide dataset (4,434 nuclear markers via exon-capture) and wide taxon sampling (86 species spanning 12 of 16 families) of the largest flatfish suborder (Pleuronectoidei). Nine different subsets of the data and two tree construction approaches (eighteen phylogenies in total) are remarkably consistent with other recent molecular phylogenies, and show strong support for the monophyly of all families included except Pleuronectidae. Analyses resolved a novel phylogenetic hypothesis for the family Rhombosoleidae as being within the Pleuronectoidea rather than the Soleoidea, and failed to support the subfamily Hippoglossinae as a monophyletic group. Our results were corroborated with evidence from previous phylogenetic studies to outline regions of persistent phylogenetic uncertainty and identify groups in need of further phylogenetic inference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a series of six patients with superficial cutaneous haemorrhages of the feet, including a classical case of black heel (talon noir) and other similar cases with diverse clinical presentations that do not match the typical description of that process. The main differences lay in production mechanism, morphology and location. The causes of these ‘atypical’ lesions were: burns with hot sand, friction against the rough edge of a swimming pool, wearing new shoes, jogging, or pricking a blister with a needle. Clinically, they consisted of isolated or multiple, small, large or linear, brown or black lesions located in areas that did not include the convex part of the heel, in which talon noir usually appears; on the contrary, the lesions affected the back third of the soles, the toes, periungual fold and plantar arch. As the presence of blood in the horny layer was a common final factor in all these cases, a better name for this process would be ‘post-traumatic cutaneous intracorneal blood’ to describe black heel and its diverse clinical presentations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: An important medical and social problem for the elderly is falls. Some studies have focused on the effect of static vibratory stimulation for human postural control. There is limited research on brief moving vibratory stimuli for maintaining postural stability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of brief moving vibratory stimulation on the toes and the soles of the feet for standing balance in adults of different ages. Method: The subjects were divided into two groups, the young group (mean age 23.7 years, 12 males and 7 females), and the elderly group (mean age 81.1 years, 6 males and 14 females). The system can produce mechanical vibrations up to 100 Hz. The 8 vibrators were placed in the foot mat (30 mm x 30 mm). In the study, six directions (right side, left side, forward, backward, clockwise, counterclockwise) were used in the brief moving vibratory stimuli. The instrument for measuring standing balance was a force platform. The subjects were instructed to stand relaxed, with bare feet, and their eyes closed for a period of 10 seconds on the mat placed over the force platform. After quiet standing, the subjects tried to remain standing while the vibrators stimulated the soles of the feet for one second. Subjects kept standing after completion of stimuli for more than one second. The six different vibration patterns were randomly used. Result: According to the data of body sway parameters, there were no significant differences between stimulation and non-stimulation in both groups. The data on body sway in the elderly group was greater than that in the young group. The data on body sway with stimulation was greater than that of body sway without stimulation. Moreover, the anteroposterior body sways during the vibratory stimulation pattern in the condition of back or forth direction were greater than the lateral sway in the same vibratory stimulation pattern. Conclusion: The results suggest that the brief moving vibratory stimulation system may be positively affected by postural balance within the base of support. It might be hypothesized that the system may be able to help in the control of body sway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The feasibility of the use of water-borne adhesives in shoe manufacture was demonstrated about 10-15 years ago but their use is still limited to a few shoe manufacturers in the developed countries. This study reinforces the effectiveness of water-borne adhesives for sole bonds. The peel strength test is carried out using different types of upper and soling materials. In all cases, a waterborne polyurethane (PU) adhesive is used and the results obtained indicate that the bond strengths are adequate for everyday footwear. The application method and equipment are also found to be almost identical to that of a traditional solvent-borne adhesive. Thus the use of water-borne adhesive may be an alternative approach for sole bonds and this can also eliminate the potential hazards associated with organic solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the literature, palmoplantar lesions in lichen planus (LP) are uncommon, and do not usually have the classically described clinical morphology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of palmoplantar lesions in LP and to describe the characteristic clinicopathological appearances of LP affecting palms and soles. Palmoplantar LP with accompanying skin involvement accounted for 26% of our cases. The presence of very pruriginous erythematous scaly and/or hyperkeratotic plaques, with well-defined edges, located on the internal plantar arch, without involvement of the fingertips, and which usually disappear in a few months, is characteristic of palmoplantar LP. Histopathological examination shows the characteristic features of LP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 53-year-old man experienced persistent oral graft versus host disease after receiving an HLA-matched allogeneic stem cell peripheral blood transplant for chronic myeloid leukaemia. Twelve months post-transplant, multiple keratotic lesions resembling warts developed on his fingers, on his palms and on the soles of his feet. Skin biopsy showed a lichenoid reaction under a hyperplastic and hyperkeratotic epidermis lacking signs of papillomavirus infection. The lesions partially regressed when the patient’s oral prednisone was increased. This instance of acral keratotic lesions may represent an unusual expression of chronic graft versus host disease; however, the the hydroxychloroquine which had been used for 8 months to control the patient’s oral graft versus host disease cannot be excluded as a cofactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competing Interests: Competing interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.