Open Hand Research Articles

Food Insecurity, Perceived Access, and Dietary Diversity Among Produce Prescription Program Participants in South Georgia

ObjectivesInvestigate the relationships between food insecurity, perceived food access, and dietary patterns among Produce Prescription Program participants (n = 81) at baseline using regression analysis. MethodsThe Open Hand Atlanta Cooking Matters Produce Prescription Program adopts a holistic approach to nutrition intervention combining cooking classes, nutrition education, and weekly boxes of local produce over a six-month period. Baseline program data collected in South Georgia during 2021 were used to examine the impact of food security and perceived food access of dietary diversity, fruit and vegetable consumption, and dietary behaviors among participants. Regression analyses included food insecurity status dichotomized based on the USDA 6-item criteria, perceived fruit and vegetable availability, and perceived fruit and vegetable affordability. Outcome measures included the number of unique fruits and vegetables consumed in the previous 24-hours, a composite diet score based on a modified food frequency questionnaire, a composite healthy purchasing score, and a composite resource management score. All models controlled for sex, age, income, and education of participants. ResultsNeither food insecurity nor perceptions of fruit and vegetable availability and affordability had direct effects on baseline fruit and vegetable consumption or dietary patterns among participants. Food security had a moderate effect on resource management such that food secure participants endorsed a lower typical frequency of resource management behaviors (β = –2.8, 95% CI [–5.4, –0.15]). Similarly, food security had a moderate effect on healthy purchasing scores such that food secure participants endorsed a lower frequency typical frequency of healthy purchasing behaviors (β = –4.1, 95% CI [–7.8, –0.44]). ConclusionsPrior to a Produce Prescription Program intervention, food secure participants had lower resource management and healthy purchasing scores than those who were food insecure. Funding SourcesOpen Hand Atlanta.

Hand Gesture Recognition Based on Continuous Wave (CW) Radar Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) Methods

Human-computer interaction (HCI) is a field of study studying how people and computers interact. One of the most critical branches of HCI is hand gesture recognition, with most research concentrating on a single direction. A slight change in the angle of hand gestures might cause the motion to be misclassified, thereby degrading the performance of hand gesture detection. Therefore, to improve the accuracy of hand gesture detection, this paper focuses on analyzing hand gestures based on the reflected signals from two directions, which are front and side views. The radar system employed in this paper is equipped with two sets of 24 GHz continuous wave (CW) monostatic radar sensors with a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz. Four different hand gestures, namely close hand, open hand, OK sign, and pointing down, are collected using SignalViewer software. The data is stored as a waveform audio file format (WAV) where one data consists of 20 segments, and the data is then examined by using MATLAB software to be segmented. To evaluate the effectiveness of the classification system, principal component analysis (PCA) and k-nearest neighbor (KNN) are integrated. The PCA findings are depicted in Pareto and 2-D scatter plot for both radar directions. The Leave-One-Out (LOO) method is then used in this analysis to verify the accuracy of the classification method, which is represented in the confusion matrix. At the end of the analysis, the classification results indicated that both angles achieved near-perfect accuracy for most hand gestures.

Site of service of irrigation and debridement of open finger and hand fractures: a retrospective review of trends and outcomes.

Irrigation and debridement (I&D) of open finger and hand fractures can be performed in the emergency department as opposed to the operating room (OR), though reports of postoperative infection rates vary greatly. The authors hypothesized that I&D of open finger and hand fractures in the OR would decrease over time. They also describe rates of postoperative infection, reoperation, readmission, and costs. A large nationwide administrative claims dataset was retrospectively reviewed to identify patients who underwent I&D after open finger and hand fractures from 2007 to 2016. The incidence of I&D procedures performed outside the OR was reported and trends over the study period were assessed. The proportion of open finger and hand fractures that underwent I&D outside the OR did not change significantly over time. Rates of postoperative surgical site infection, readmission, and reoperation were higher in the OR cohort at 90 days after the index stay. The OR cohort had greater total costs and out-of-pocket costs for the index stay. At 90 days, the OR cohort had greater total cost, but out-of-pocket costs were similar. Site of service for treatment of open finger and hand fractures has not significantly changed from 2007 to 2016. Given that total costs are significantly greater among patients undergoing I&D in the OR, prospective trials are needed to assess the safety of treating open finger and hand fractures outside of the OR to optimize management of these injuries. III.

Physico- Chemical Assessment of Tube wells Water Quality of Pilani Town District Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, India.

The water has become an emotive issue with the people. The paper presents groundwater quality assessments of Pilani Town District Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan India. The water samples were collected from 10 open wells, tube wells and hand pumps in Pilani. Ground water is increasingly being sought as a source of drinking water due to the scarcity, non-availability and bacteriological pollution of surface water. This paper describes the important results of the Physico-chemical Assessment of the ground water samples of the open wells, tube wells and hand pumps of the urban areas in Pilani, District Jhunjhunu of Rajasthan. The different parameters determined are pH, TDS, fluoride, chloride, nitrate, sulphate, total alkalinity and total hardness. It has been observed that nitrate values are higher compaired to ICMR standards. Other parameters were found within desirable limits. The interesting fact is that the nitrate alone is making ground water unfit for drinking.

Analysis of Physical Chemical Drinking Water Quality Parameters in Sialkot

Abstract Due to increasing in urbanization, agricultural and various human activities are being increased which caused the contamination of surface water and ground water. Present demand of drinking water is not sufficient which should be safe and clean but it is contaminated now a day’s coming from different sources. Various treatments and methods are adopted to upgrade the quality of drinking water. Water should be free from the various contaminations viz. Organic and Inorganic pollutants, Heavy metals, Pesticides etc. as well as all its parameter like pH, Conductivity, Calcium, Magnesium, Total Hardness, Carbonate, Bicarbonate, Chloride, Total Dissolved Solid, Alkalinity, Sodium Potassium, Nitrate should be within a permissible limit. For this purpose, different samples were collected from different sources. Category 1: piped water, Category 2: Boreholes with hand pump average depth is 30m, Category 3: Society supply line, Category 4: Simple open hand dug wells that do not sealed walls average depth 5m, Category 5: Surface water. These samples were analyzed for their physical-chemical and microbiological quality (pH, Conductivity, Turbidity, Hardness & Total dissolved solids) in order to identify the rate of contamination and suggest appropriate solutions. Different diseases are accrued in human body which is identified due to the contaminated water. By chemical testing, it can be identified and then suggested some methods of treatment to purify the water for drinking purposes. All parameters are confirmed by comparing with World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Results concluded that quality of drinking water have been adequate of category 3 in which drinking water coming from society treatment plant but category 2 also lies within the acceptable range.

218 Compliance With the British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH) Guidelines on the Management of Open Hand Fractures Audit

Abstract Aim British Society of Surgery of the Hand (BSSH) have defined standards for managing open hand fractures. We intended to ascertain our and referring peripheral units’ adherence with BSSH’s standards of care in managing open hand fractures and determine the associated morbidity. Method We performed a 6-month prospective audit reviewing clinical records of patients referred to our department with open hand fractures, to determine whether: antibiotic prophylaxis had been started, and discontinued at definitive closure; wound washout and closure had been performed within 24 hours of injury; patients had continued rehabilitation with hand therapists. Results 25 patients sustained open hand fractures in this period. All patients, except 1 who declined, received antibiotic prophylaxis. 19 (76%) had a wound washout and closure within 24 hours of injury. Antibiotic prophylaxis was discontinued at time of definitive closure in theatre in 3 (12%) patients. The remaining 21 patients continued antibiotic prophylaxis beyond 72 hours. 3 (12%) patients developed a wound infection, 2 (6%) of these requiring debridement and irrigation in theatre. Both patients had proximal interphalangeal joint fracture dislocations who underwent a wound debridement within 24 hours of injury, 1 of which was secondary to an animal bite. 22 (88%) patients attended their hand therapy appointment. Conclusions The incidence of deep infection requiring subsequent operative debridement remains low in open hand fractures, despite the substandard adherence to BSSH’s recommendations. Educating colleagues will improve the adherence to guidance. The BSSH hand injury triage app fulfils this purpose. We intend to raise awareness and encourage its use.

Effect of SaeboTM Orthosis Along with Functional Electrical Stimulation on Hand Function in Patients with Subacute Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: In stroke, there is loss of basic hand function like straightening of the fingers, grip strength andgrasping of the item which make dependent for their basic activity of daily living. The Saebo-FlexTM orthoticis a mechanical device, which enables an individual to open hand, pick up the objects and release during tasksorientedexercises. It facilitating thumb and finger extension movements by recruiting voluntary thumb and fingerflexor movement.Objectives: To determine the effect of FES along with Saebo-FlexTM device on Fugl Meyer assessment score forupper extremity, on Grip Strength, on Pinch Strength and on Hand Dexterity.Methodology: 20 participants were randomly divided into experimental (Saebo-FlexTM hand orthosis + FES +Conventional physiotherapy) and control (FES + conventional physiotherapy) group. Intervention was given for45min/session, 5 session/ week for 6 weeks. Assessment was done using Fugl Meyer assessment-upper extremity,Chedock hand inventory programme, Nine-hole peg test, Hand dynamometer and Pinch gauge on Day 0,Day 12 and Day 42 of the intervention period.Results: The results were found to be non-significant (p>0.05) for all outcome measures. Statistically significantresults were obtained for FMA-UE (p=0.018) on comparison of mean difference scores at Day 0, and Day 42,CAHAI scores (p=0.011) on comparison of mean difference scores at Day 0 and Day 42.Conclusion: According to finding, the integrated intervention of Saebo-FlexTM device along with FunctionalElectrical Stimulation can be used effectively to improve the upper extremity motor functions in sub acute strokesurvivors.

Сезонность и структура открытых травм кисти

The materials devoted to open hand injuries are presented. Currently, this injury type ranks among the highest in the work of a traumatologist, especially an outpatient, since this injury tends to increase in frequency and severity. This issue has been one of the most urgent in traumatology and orthopedics for a long time. It includes many facets, among which there is a high risk of complications and consequences. The most important of them are disability and restriction of professional activity. The results of studies conducted at the clinical base of the traumatological and orthopedic department and the trauma center of the 1st level of the Archbishop Luke Tambov City Clinical Hospital are presented. Aim is to study the dynamics of open hand injuries depending on the nature of the injury and the season of the year. Materials and methods: the study was conducted on the basis of statistical data of the traumatological and orthopedic department and the trauma center of the 1st level of the Archbishop Luke Tambov City Clinical Hospital, analysis of educational and applied literature, as well as scientific articles published in the journals included in the HAC List, indexed by Scopus, RSCI, ESCI, CAS, PubMed.

Die rol van handgebare in oudiovisuele aanbiedings van teologiestudente: Belyning van teorie en praktyk

Kommunikasie in die 21ste eeu het grootliks multimodaal geword. 'n Verskeidenheid primêre modusse, byvoorbeeld geskrewe teks, mondelinge vertelling, beweging, kleur, klank en musiek, word ook elektronies "vertaal" en sekondêr deur rekenaars, selfone en tablette afgelewer. Een van die genres wat gekenmerk word deur multimodaliteit is oudiovisuele aanbieding. In studente se aanbiedings is spraak gewoonlik die primêre modus, en word aangevul deur teks, animasie (beweging), foto's en kleur. Die mondelinge aanbieding tree as deel van 'n multimodale ensemble op, waar die unieke eienskappe van elke modus benut word om betekenis oor te dra. Eers gee ek 'n definisie van die konsep "handgebaar", gevolg deur 'n uiteensetting van algemeen erkende gebareteorieë en tipologieë wat gebare indeel volgens semiotiese gebaretipes, handigheid (links, regs of beide), gekonvensionaliseerde handvorme en palm-oriëntasies, en beweging en posisie in die gebareveld. Daarna volg 'n beskrywing van 'n navorsingsprojek wat berus op die analise van ko-taalgebare in 'n korpus van 17 gevideo-graveerde mondelinge aanbiedings deur teologiestudente. Die artikel word afgesluit deur puntsgewyse advies vir die gebruik van gebare in studente se oudiovisuele aanbiedings. Die advies is sowel gegrond op teorieë en tipologieë van gebare as op die analise van die korpus. Waar dit relevant is, word verwys na handleidings oor kommunikasie en openbare redevoering.

EP.FRI.148 Profile and management of Hand injuries in a tertiary institute

Abstract Aims To outline the demographic profile and outcome of hand injuries in a tertiary institution Methods This study was done over a period of 4 years in a tertiary institution in patients presenting with open hand injuries and management protocols will be discussed based on presentation in emergency and opd of burn and plastic surgery. Results Majority of patients were labourers or skilled artisans who sustained injury during operation of machines and right hand was predominantly affected. Maximum injuries occurred in night time. Traumatic amputations were commonly seen along with involvement of thumb in some patients. Various reconstructive options will be discussed based on the involvement of hand injury. Conclusion Proper knowledge of mechanism of injury can guide in the management of patients. Exposure to machines and hazard prevention should be taught in factory establishments or threshers for reducing this menace.

From the finger lift to the palm-up open hand when presenting a point: A methodological exploration of forms and functions

There are many studies on the palm-up open hand (PUOH) as a gesture used when the speaker is presenting a point, but many other gesture forms can also accompany this discursive move. While the forms may appear diverse based on traditional means of gesture analysis, the relations between a number of them can be analyzed in a coherent way using the kinesiological system developed by Boutet (2010; 2018; to appear). This system approaches gestural forms not from external criteria based on the viewer’s perspective (involving hand shapes, locations in gesture space, etc.), but rather from the inside; in the present analysis, the focus is on the directions of movements made at joints in producing them (e.g. whether flexion vs. extension was involved, whether any rotation involved was inward or outward, etc.). Four particular gestures are considered as points along a continuum: from the finger extension, to the forearm and wrist turn-out of the hand, to the supination of the PUOH, to an exaggerated form of the PUOH produced with extension and abduction of the upper arm. A multifunctional model is also proposed to analyze the degree of transparency of the different gestures’ representational, pragmatic, and interactive functions. The functional analysis performed with this model is grounded in form features from a combination of the kinesiological and traditional four-parameter form-based systems. This methodological exploration provides a model which could be applied or adapted for the analysis of other groups of gestures that are related in terms of their physiological means of production.

THE CARISBROOKE HAND: ANGLO-SAXON SCULPTURE AND THE HAND OF GOD?

This paper discusses the significance of a fragment of stone sculpture built into the north wall of the churchyard at Carisbrooke, Isle of Wight. The sculpture depicts an open right hand that is larger than life-sized and is probably of late Anglo-Saxon date. The size and character of the sculpture favours a manus dei (hand of God), forming the upper element of a large rood assemblage. The authors consider allied sculpture in which such a hand appears on Anglo-Saxon grave markers and in similar low relief depictions where Christ is figured on the Cross. At Carisbrooke, this architectural sculpture would have formed a significant feature of an Anglo-Saxon minster church that was rebuilt in the early Norman period. The siting of this building and the extent of its parochia is briefly considered. Supplementary material reviews the probable significance of the sculptural use of Quarr stone at Carisbrooke and elsewhere.

THE EFFECT OF COMMUNITY BASED TOTAL SANITATION WITH DIARRHEA AMONG UNDER FIVE CHIlDREN IN SAMOSIR REGENCY

Introduction: The high rate of diarrhea Associated with hygiene and environment. Prevalence of diarrhea still high in Indonesia although program community total sanitation (STBM) has done. Proportion of diarrhea balita in Samosir regency more than 30 % in 2019.. The objective of the research was to analyze community based total sanitation with diarrhea among under five year. Methods: This was an analytic study design, based on its time used cross-sectional study design. The data was collected by observation and interviews. The sample selection was done by purposive sampling with 200 sample, which responden is the mother who have children under five year arround 3 district in Samosir regency. Data analysis using chi square test and multiple logistic regression. Result and discussion: This result showed that stop open defecation (p value 0.001), hand washing (p value 0.039), water and household food management, household waste management, and household liquid waste significantly affected diarrhea among under five year children. Conclusion: Hand washing with soap and waste disposal management more effect with diarhea, therefore its sugested for all stake holder to increase campaign of hand washing and household waste management in community.Keywords: diarrhea, children, community, hand washing, household

Relevance of antibiotic prophylaxis in the management of surgical emergency open hand trauma

Surgical site infection after emergency hand surgery can cause considerable morbidity and, in the most severe forms, even toxic shock syndrome. Postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis aims to reduce the number of surgical site infections. However, excessive use of antibiotics induces side-effects for patients and antibiotic resistance for society. Contrary to other orthopedic sites, there is no consensus on postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in open hand trauma beyond analogic reasoning with no proven scientific validity. Our hypothesis was that absence of postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis after open hand trauma surgery does not affect the rate of surgical site infections. A prospective cohort study included 405 patients, operated on in the emergency hand trauma unit without intra- or post-operative antibiotic prophylaxis. Patients were followed up in consultation at 7, 14 and 30 days. Surgical site infection was defined by need for surgery for detersion and flattening, followed by curative antibiotic therapy. The surgical site infection rate was 2.22%. Four patients were lost to follow-up and counted as surgical site infection as originally planned in the worst-case analysis. There were five surgical revisions followed by antibiotic therapy. These results do not differ from those reported in the literature, and thus confirm our hypothesis that postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis is not indicated in open hand trauma management.

PD45-08 INDICATIONS FOR AND TECHNIQUES OF NATIVE NEPHRECTOMY IN PATIENTS WITH AUTOSOMAL DOMINANT POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE

You have accessJournal of UrologyRenal Transplantation & Vascular Surgery II (PD45)1 Sep 2021PD45-08 INDICATIONS FOR AND TECHNIQUES OF NATIVE NEPHRECTOMY IN PATIENTS WITH AUTOSOMAL DOMINANT POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE Usman Haroon, Torath Ameen, Rhana Zakri, and Jonathon Olsburgh Usman HaroonUsman Haroon More articles by this author , Torath AmeenTorath Ameen More articles by this author , Rhana ZakriRhana Zakri More articles by this author , and Jonathon OlsburghJonathon Olsburgh More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002059.08AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: We review the clinical indications, timing and surgical techniques for native nephrectomy (NN), together with the associated pathological findings in transplant patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) at our institute over a period of 20 years. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with ADPKD who had both kidney transplantation and NN was performed. NN was performed via a midline or rooftop open incision or hand assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy with an 8 to 10cm infra-umbilical incision. RESULTS: 348 kidney transplants were performed for ADPKD from 1998 to 2018; 184 (52.9%) were male and 89 (55%) were deceased donor transplants. NN was performed on 93 (26%) patients of whom 51 (54%) were male. Mean age at time of NN was 49±9 yrs; significantly younger than age at transplantation 52±12 (p=0.043). Unilateral NN was performed in 37 (39%) patients of whom 11 (30%) went on to have a staged contralateral NN. NN timing was pretransplant (n=47, 50.5%), simultaneous (n=3, 3.3%) and post-transplant (n=43, 46.3%). Indication for NN was pain (n=36, 38.7%), infections (n=33, 35.4%), haematuria (n=11, 11.8%), space (n=4, 4.3%) and tumour suspicion (n=3, 3.3%). Histology revealed renal cell carcinoma in 6 specimens from 4 (4.3%) patients and benign tumours in 11 specimens. Benign findings were from smaller (22.4±5 cm) kidneys compared to malignant (24.2±4 cm); however this was not significant (p=0.28). NNs were performed via open surgery in 44 (47.3%) and laparoscopic-assisted in 49 (52.7%) patient. The length of hospital stay post-NN was significantly longer with open compared with laparoscopic techniques (12±6 v 5±5 days; p=0.003). NN did not influence patient survival or graft survival when compared to non-NN ADPKD patients (p=0.17 and p=0.54 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, 26% of ADPKD patients required NN that was approximately equally performed pre and posttransplant. There has been a shift from bilateral to unilateral NN in ADPKD. Hand-assisted laparoscopic NN is feasible and safe in these large kidneys with decreased morbidity and shorter length of hospital stay than open surgery. Source of Funding: Nill © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e745-e745 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Usman Haroon More articles by this author Torath Ameen More articles by this author Rhana Zakri More articles by this author Jonathon Olsburgh More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

Initial experience of Chinese surgical robot “Micro Hand S″-assisted versus open and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: Short-term outcomes in a single center

BackgroundA Chinese surgical robot, Micro Hand S, was introduced for clinical use as a novel robotic platform. This study aimed to comprehensively compare the early experience of the Micro Hand S robot-assisted total mesorectal excision (TME) with conventional approaches. MethodsBetween May 2017 and April 2018, 99 consecutive patients who underwent open, laparoscopic and Micro Hand S robot-assisted TME (O-/L-/RTME) for rectal cancer were included. Clinical and pathological outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. Surgical success as the primary endpoint was defined as the absence of (i) conversion, (ii) incomplete TME, (iii) involved circumferential and distal resection margins (CRM/DRM), (iv) severe complications. ResultsThe rate of surgical success was similar (89.7 vs. 86.4 vs. 84.6%, p = 0.851) in the three groups and the respective incidences were as follows: conversion (not applicable, 4.5 vs. 2.3%, p = 1.000), incomplete TME (6.9 vs. 6.8 vs. 3.8%, p = 0.980), involved CRM/DRM (0 vs. 2.3 vs. 3.8%, p = 0.592), severe complications (3.4 vs. 4.5 vs. 7.7%, p = 0.844). Compared with open and laparoscopic surgery, the robotic surgery was associated with longer operative time, less blood loss, earlier first flatus time and liquid intake time, and shorter length of hospital stay (p < 0.05). ConclusionsThe Micro Hand S assisted TME is safe and feasible, showing comparable outcomes than conventional approaches, with superiority in blood loss, recovery of bowel function, length of hospital stay, but with increased operative time.

Resource Management & Healthy Purchasing Behaviors Show Direct Effects on Diet Change in Pathway Analysis Exploring Mechanisms of Action for a Produce Prescription Program

ObjectivesInvestigate the mechanisms of action in a produce prescription program through pathway analysis. MethodsThe Georgia Food for Health program is a produce prescription program that provides cooking classes, nutrition education, and vouchers redeemable for produce over a six-month intervention period. Program data collected between 2018 and 2019 were used to fit a pathway model estimating the relationships in the program. Measures included the number of program visits attended, per-person total produce voucher redemption (in US dollars), change in food security, diet score (based on a modified food frequency questionnaire), purchase score (a measure of healthy purchasing behaviors), resource score (a measure of resource management behaviors), as well as blood pressure, waist circumference, and BMI. The model controlled for sex and age of participant as well as site and year of program participation. Model fit was interpreted based on the following indices: Root Mean Squared Error of Approximation (RMSEA), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI), and Standardized Root Mean Squared Residual (SRMR). The lavaan package version 0.6–3 in R software was used for the pathway analysis component. ResultsNeither number of visits attended nor per-person total redemption had direct effects on change in resource score or change in purchase score from baseline to endline of the program. Change in resource score had a moderate direct effect on change in diet score (β = 0.185, P < 0.05). Change in purchase score also had a moderate direct effect on change in diet score (β = 0.149, P < 0.05). No factors had significant effects on change in food security. Diet score did not have significant effects on change in clinical outcome measures. Model fit was good with RMSEA <0.001, CFI is >0.95, TLI >0.95, and SRMR <0.08. ConclusionsProduce prescription programs show promise of improving diet scores through improving healthy purchasing and resource management behaviors. Additional research is needed to determine factors that influence changes in these behaviors and how to maximize their effects for similar programs. Funding SourcesSupported partially by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number UL1TR002378. Additional funding provided by Open Hand Atlanta.

Outcomes and Complications of Tendon Transfers to Address Pinch and Grasp Weakness: A Systematic Review of the Operative Management of Ulnar Nerve Paralysis.

Patients with ulnar nerve paralysis note difficulties performing activities of daily living because of weakness of pinch and altered grasp mechanism. This review investigates outcomes of tendon transfers for ulnar nerve paralysis to assist in shared decision-making with patients during preoperative counseling and to inform operative choices. A systematic review was conducted to identify studies reporting outcomes following tendon transfer for ulnar nerve palsy. Studies were screened according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Primary outcome measures included postoperative pinch strength and mechanism of grasp. A total of 26 studies (687 patients) met criteria for inclusion. After pooled analysis, the flexor digitorum superficialis lasso procedure yielded the highest rate of complete correction of claw deformity (60.6 percent), followed by flexor digitorum superficialis four-tail operation (31.4 percent). The extensor carpi radialis longus four-tail operation yielded the greatest improvement in grip strength (3.8 kg). The extensor carpi radialis brevis four-tail operation resulted in the best open hand assessment and mechanism of closing scores; however, these studies did not objectively evaluate grip strength. The greatest increase in pinch strength was following tendon transfer to adductor pollicis alone. Despite the heterogeneous data, if the primary goal is improvement in the appearance of claw deformity, the evidence supports flexor digitorum superficialis lasso transfer. However, if the primary concern is grip strength, the data favor extensor carpi radialis longus four-tail transfer. When pinch strength is functionally limiting, adductorplasty alone is most effective. These data will assist providers in appropriately informing patients of common risks and complications and setting realistic expectations following tendon transfer procedures.

Hydro Chemical Analysis and Assessment of Fluoride Contamination in Groundwater Using GIS, in Thar Desert Area of Rajasthan

Water is essential natural resource for sustaining life and environment, chemical composition of surface or subsurface, geothermal or non - thermal, is one of the prime factors on which the suitability of the water for domestic, industrial or agriculture purpose depends. In the present study several points of ground water sources such as open wells, bore wells and hand pumps have been selected to check the portability of water. The groundwater contour analysis is done by using Arc GIS software. Geographic Information System (GIS) approach to develop spatial information and knowledge based on the ground water quality of Thar desert area (Bikaner, Kota, Jaisalmeir, Jodhpur, Barmer, Udaipur, Nagore) has been found to be very useful. GIS database also helps in decision-making process by identifying the most sensitive zones that need immediate attention. This study reveals that the ground water is the only source for people in the study area, and the results of the chemical analysis with special emphasis on Fluoride contaminaton of ground water shows considerable variation. High concentrations of fluoride pose a risk of dental fluorosis as well as skeletal fluorosis and osteoporosis.

Identification of Hand Gestures Using the Inertial Measurement Unit of a Smartphone: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Assessing the hand postures is crucial to implement gesture-based user-computer interfaces for controlling robots and assistive devices. Apart from data gloves and optical tracking, techniques such as surface electromyography and force myography provide a straightforward, non-invasive way to estimate poses and intentions through the forearm muscles assessment. However, most of the myography systems rely on bulky, dedicated hardware with arrays of electrodes or force probes. Therefore, this work introduces the smartphone as an alternative for identifying gestures: with the mobile device attached to the forearm, the embedded inertial measurement unit detects muscular contractions produced during the transitions between postures, yielding signatures in acquired waveforms. After computing the correlation of measured and template patterns, a competitive layer votes the class with greater probability and identifies the gesture. Prior characterization studies evaluated the effect of smartphone placement and forearm orientation in the sensor response, revealing that the IMU signatures are repeatable and robust to positioning deviations. Next, using 10-fold cross-validation, the system discerned four gestures (fist, open hand, wave in, and wave out) performed by six volunteers in ten repetitions, providing 96.6% and 94.1% average accuracies for self-calibration and inter-participant analyses, respectively. The smartphone figures as a ubiquitous and straightforward alternative for assessing gestures, with further applications in human-robot interaction and assistive technologies.