Hand size affects branching of the deep ulnar nerve and deep palmar arch.

PURPOSE: Understanding the anatomy of the deep neurovascular structures of the hand is essential in surgical planning. There is a lack of literature regarding hand size and its influence in branching variation and the distances between branches of various neurovascular structures. Our study quantifies the variation in branching distances of the deep ulnar nerve and deep palmar arch branches. METHODS: Twenty-five fresh-frozen cadaveric hands were dissected. Each branch of the deep ulnar nerve and deep palmar arch was identified. The distance from the most distal portion of the pisiform to the proximal aspect of the branch was measured. The relationship between the length of the third metacarpal and the distance of each branch from the pisiform was examined. RESULTS: There was no relationship between branching differences in the deep ulnar nerve and the length of the third metacarpal. There was a significant association between the length of the third metacarpal and the second, third, and fourth branches of the deep palmar arch (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study found a significant association between the branching distances of the second, third, and fourth branches of the deep palmar arch and hand size as measured by the length of the third metacarpal.

Atopic Dermatitis Biomarkers and the Movement Toward Personalized Treatment.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a heterogeneous disorder with varying phenotypes. Although AD has long been associated with barrier dysfunction, the pathogenesis of this disease is more complex, involving many molecular markers in different functional domains. Biomarkers can be helpful in different ways, including predicting prognosis, measuring treatment response, and gauging disease severity. With the advent of targeted immunomodulators, biomarkers have the potential to take on new significance in terms of selecting appropriate therapies for patients. In this review, we have summarized the key findings related to biomarkers and AD, including the specific subtype differences. Clinicians will use this information to better understand the potential of biomarkers in AD and have a guide because more specific treatments are developed that are tailored toward individual molecular profiles.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a skin physiology, pathology, and treatment model.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae serves as a useful model in experimental biology. Within dermatology research, several studies have examined this organism's role in skin physiology, pathology, and treatment. Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been used to explore the mechanisms of melanogenesis as its extract inhibits key enzymes involved in melanogenesis and melanosome transfer. Additionally, the lack of probiotic intestinal Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been associated with psoriasis, potentially related to the anti-inflammatory effects of the yeast. Furthermore, antibodies against Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been observed in skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis. Saccharomyces cerevisiae may even cause skin infections, such as septic emboli in a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia. Lastly, Saccharomyces cerevisiae has potential use in vaccine development against melanoma and is utilized to study various treatment modalities such as zinc pyrithione, an ingredient often used in anti-dandruff shampoo.

Celestial effects on the skin.

Many factors affect the health and physiology of human skin, with some of them arising from outer space. This contribution explores four celestial influences on the skin: (1) the sun's ultraviolet light, which has both beneficial and deleterious dermatologic effects, (2) meteorite injuries, (3) possible lunar effects on the body's health, and (4) cosmic radiation as a risk factor for skin cancer and pregnancy-related complications. Some of these extraterrestrial influences on skin health have taken on added significance as human beings increasingly spend more time at higher altitudes in aircraft, spaceships, and space stations.