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ABSTRACT Nickel‐aluminum bronze (NAB) is extensively utilized across various industries, particularly marine applications due to its exceptional corrosion resistance. The mechanical properties of NAB are highly dynamic, and influenced by factors such as manufacturing processes, operating environments, and microstructure. This variability introduces complexities and challenges in addressing fatigue, the most common failure mode in metals. This review offers a thorough examination of the fatigue properties of NAB in both their conventionally fabricated and additively manufactured (AM) forms. This review explains the mechanisms that modulate fatigue in NAB by analyzing the existing literature and identifying critical factors such as microstructure, defects, and processing parameters. The goal is to improve the comprehension and dependability of NAB by contrasting the fatigue resistance of cast and AM NAB. The ultimate objective of this comprehensive examination is to predict and reduce component failures, thereby extending the service life and performance of NAB components in demanding environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PLACK syndrome (OMIM 616295) is a rare genodermatosis associated with peeling skin, leukonychia, acral punctate keratosis, cheilitis, and knuckle pads and is caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in the CAST gene, which encodes calpastatin, a calcium‐dependent protease. This case report highlights a case of PLACK syndrome presenting with the unique findings of striate hyperkeratosis on the palms as well as life‐threatening cardiomyopathy. We review why CAST mutations might impact cardiac function and raise awareness of the potential association between PLACK syndrome and cardiac manifestations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An esthetic peri‐implant soft tissue contour is a critical element of the success of implant restorations in the esthetic zone. Once the optimal transmucosal soft tissue profile is formed, it needs to be accurately replicated on the master cast. This clinical technique involves the utilization of a silicone putty positioning index placed in the patient's mouth to accurately duplicate the external contour of teeth and soft tissue. By combining this positioning index with the implant‐supported interim crown, the 3D‐printed initial cast, which was used to fabricate the interim crown, can be conveniently and efficiently transformed into a definitive master cast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Offloading mechanical tissue stress is arguably the most important of multiple interventions needed to heal diabetes‐related foot ulcers. This is the 2023 International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) evidence‐based guideline on offloading interventions to promote healing of foot ulcers in persons with diabetes. It serves as an update of the 2019 IWGDF guideline. Materials and Methods: We followed the GRADE approach by devising clinical questions and important outcomes in the PICO (Patient‐Intervention‐Control‐Outcome) format, undertaking a systematic review and meta‐analyses, developing summary of judgement tables and writing recommendations and rationales for each question. Each recommendation is based on the evidence found in the systematic review, expert opinion where evidence was not available, and a careful weighing of GRADE summary of judgement items including desirable and undesirable effects, certainty of evidence, patient values, resources required, cost effectiveness, equity, feasibility, and acceptability. Results: For healing a neuropathic plantar forefoot or midfoot ulcer in a person with diabetes, use a non‐removable knee‐high offloading device as the first‐choice offloading intervention. If contraindications or patient intolerance to non‐removable offloading exist, consider using a removable knee‐high or ankle‐high offloading device as the second‐choice offloading intervention. If no offloading devices are available, consider using appropriately fitting footwear combined with felted foam as the third‐choice offloading intervention. If such a non‐surgical offloading treatment fails to heal a plantar forefoot ulcer, consider an Achilles tendon lengthening, metatarsal head resection, joint arthroplasty, or metatarsal osteotomy. For healing a neuropathic plantar or apex lesser digit ulcer secondary to flexibile toe deformity, use digital flexor tendon tenotomy. For healing rearfoot, non‐plantar or ulcers complicated with infection or ischaemia, further recommendations have been outlined. All recommendations have been summarised in an offloading clinical pathway to help facilitate the implementation of this guideline into clinical practice. Conclusion: These offloading guideline recommendations should help healthcare professionals provide the best care and outcomes for persons with diabetes‐related foot ulcers and reduce the person's risk of infection, hospitalisation and amputation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transposons are mobile genetic elements that have invaded all domains of life by moving between and within their host genomes. Due to their mobility (or transposition), transposons facilitate horizontal gene transfer in bacteria and foster the evolution of new molecular functions in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. As transposition can lead to detrimental genomic rearrangements, organisms have evolved a multitude of molecular strategies to control transposons, including genome defense mechanisms provided by CRISPR‐Cas systems. Apart from their biological impacts on genomes, DNA transposons have been leveraged as efficient gene insertion vectors in basic research, transgenesis and gene therapy. However, the close to random insertion profile of transposon‐based tools limits their programmability and safety. Despite recent advances brought by the development of CRISPR‐associated genome editing nucleases, a strategy for efficient insertion of large, multi‐kilobase transgenes at user‐defined genomic sites is currently challenging. The discovery and experimental characterization of bacterial CRISPR‐associated transposons (CASTs) led to the attractive hypothesis that these systems could be repurposed as programmable, site‐specific gene integration technologies. Here, we provide a broad overview of the molecular mechanisms underpinning DNA transposition and of its biological and technological impact. The second focus of the article is to describe recent mechanistic and functional analyses of CAST transposition. Finally, current challenges and desired future advances of CAST‐based genome engineering applications are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy of closed reduction and cast immobilization for patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) who failed Pavlik harness treatment. Methods: Patients with DDH who underwent cast immobilization under general anaesthesia after the failure of the Pavlik harness or Tübingen brace treatment between January 2015 and December 2020 were retrospectively recruited. General information, including Graf classification of initial diagnosis, initial treatment, age of cast immobilization, IHDI classification, AI index, avascular necrosis (AVN), and residual dysplasia, was collected. The incidence of AVN and late acetabular dysplasia (LACD) was also estimated. Moreover, factors related to AVN and LACD were investigated by multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: Thirty‐four patients (47 hips) were finally included in the current study. Of these patients, 31 hips (66.0%) were successfully treated with closed reduction and cast immobilization. Open reduction was successfully performed in 16 hips (34.0%). Till the latest follow‐up, LACD and AVN were found in 13 (27.7%) and 10 (21.3%) hips, respectively. In the open reduction group, type III and IV of the IHDI classification and type IV of the Ultrasound Graf classification were significantly higher when compared with the closed reduction group. Multiple logistic regression showed that failure of closed reduction was related to the initial types of the Ultrasound Graf and IHDI classifications. Conclusions: Although the success rate of closed reduction after early harness failure in DDH is only 66%, we still advocate closed reduction as a first‐line treatment for children who have failed sling treatment. Even if closed reduction fails, open reduction can still achieve acceptable results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pressure offloading treatment is critical for healing diabetes-related foot ulcers (DFU). Yet the 2011 Australian DFU guidelines regarding offloading treatment are outdated. A national expert panel aimed to develop a new Australian guideline on offloading treatment for people with DFU by adapting international guidelines that have been assessed as suitable to adapt to the Australian context. Methods: National Health and Medical Research Council procedures were used to adapt suitable International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) guidelines to the Australian context. We systematically screened, assessed and judged all IWGDF offloading recommendations using best practice ADAPTE and GRADE frameworks to decide which recommendations should be adopted, adapted or excluded in the Australian context. For each recommendation, we re-evaluated the wording, quality of evidence, strength of recommendation, and provided rationale, justifications and implementation considerations, including for geographically remote and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This guideline, along with five accompanying Australian DFU guidelines, underwent public consultation, further revision and approval by ten national peak bodies (professional organisations). Results: Of the 13 original IWGDF offloading treatment recommendations, we adopted four and adapted nine. The main reasons for adapting the IWGDF recommendations included differences in quality of evidence ratings and clarification of the intervention(s) and control treatment(s) in the recommendations for the Australian context. For Australians with plantar DFU, we recommend a step-down offloading treatment approach based on their contraindications and tolerance. We strongly recommend non-removable knee-high offloading devices as first-line treatment, removable knee-high offloading devices as second-line, removable ankle-high offloading devices third-line, and medical grade footwear as last-line. We recommend considering using felted foam in combination with the chosen offloading device or footwear to further reduce plantar pressure. If offloading device options fail to heal a person with plantar DFU, we recommend considering various surgical offloading procedures. For people with non-plantar DFU, depending on the type and location of the DFU, we recommend using a removable offloading device, felted foam, toe spacers or orthoses, or medical grade footwear. The six new guidelines and the full protocol can be found at: https://diabetesfeetaustralia.org/new-guidelines/. Conclusions: We have developed a new Australian evidence-based guideline on offloading treatment for people with DFU that has been endorsed by ten key national peak bodies. Health professionals implementing these offloading recommendations in Australia should produce better DFU healing outcomes for their patients, communities, and country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cast immobilization is performed in pediatric patients to support fracture healing, provide post‐operative protection, or correct congenital deformities. Pediatric dermatologists will likely encounter the casted patients in their practice. These patients may present with cast‐related complications that can arise due to the cast application or removal process, the inner cast environment, direct physical effects of the cast, or other external factors. This article provides a review of the dermatologic complications of cast immobilization, as well as useful recommendations for patients and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The calpain system is required by many important physiological processes, including the cell cycle, cytoskeleton remodelling, cellular proliferation, migration, cancer cell invasion, metastasis, survival, autophagy, apoptosis and signalling, as well as the pathogenesis of a wide range of disorders, in which it may function to promote tumorigenesis. Calpains are intracellular conserved calcium‐activated neutral cysteine proteinases that are involved in mediating cancer progression via catalysing and regulating the proteolysis of their specific substrates, which are important signalling molecules during cancer progression. μ‐calpain, m‐calpain, and their specific inhibitor calpastatin are the three molecules originally identified as comprising the calpain system and they contain several crucial domains, specific motifs, and functional sites. A large amount of data supports the roles of the calpain–calpastatin system in cancer progression via regulation of cellular adhesion, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and cellular survival and death, as well as inflammation and angiogenesis during tumorigenesis, implying that the inhibition of calpain activity may be a potential anti‐cancer intervention strategy targeting cancer cell survival, invasion and chemotherapy resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe an 11‐year‐old girl with PLACK Syndrome (peeling skin, leukonychia, acral punctate keratosis, cheilitis, and knuckle pads), who was found to have a novel homozygous variant in CAST, the pathogenicity of which was confirmed using blood‐derived RNA. There is no established treatment for PLACK syndrome. However, we demonstrate for the first time that this condition is associated with low levels of vitamin A and essential fatty acids, which prompted us to consider a potential treatment strategy. Indeed, we initiated this patient on intravenous lipid infusion (Vitalipid®; an emulsion of fat‐soluble vitamins and lipofundin‐MCT/LCT 20%) and the response was dramatic. Following the fourth monthly course of treatment, pruritis disappeared and the skin lesions showed remarkable objective improvement. PLACK syndrome is a very rare genodermatosis and only six families have been described to date with pathogenic CAST variants. This is the first report of an objective response to a therapeutic agent, which suggests that PLACK is a potentially treatable condition. The remarkable response we report and the relative safety of the intervention should prompt healthcare providers who care for PLACK syndrome patients to explore this as a potential treatment strategy in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) has published evidence-based guidelines on the prevention and management of diabetic foot disease since 1999. This guideline is on the use of offloading interventions to promote the healing of foot ulcers in people with diabetes and updates the previous IWGDF guideline. We followed the GRADE methodology to devise clinical questions and critically important outcomes in the PICO format, to conduct a systematic review of the medical-scientific literature, and to write recommendations and their rationale. The recommendations are based on the quality of evidence found in the systematic review, expert opinion where evidence was not available, and a weighing of the benefits and harms, patient preferences, feasibility and applicability, and costs related to the intervention. For healing a neuropathic plantar forefoot or midfoot ulcer in a person with diabetes, we recommend that a nonremovable knee-high offloading device is the first choice of offloading treatment. A removable knee-high and removable ankle-high offloading device are to be considered as the second- and third-choice offloading treatment, respectively, if contraindications or patient intolerance to nonremovable offloading exist. Appropriately, fitting footwear combined with felted foam can be considered as the fourth-choice offloading treatment. If non-surgical offloading fails, we recommend to consider surgical offloading interventions for healing metatarsal head and digital ulcers. We have added new recommendations for the use of offloading treatment for healing ulcers that are complicated with infection or ischaemia and for healing plantar heel ulcers. Offloading is arguably the most important of multiple interventions needed to heal a neuropathic plantar foot ulcer in a person with diabetes. Following these recommendations will help health care professionals and teams provide better care for diabetic patients who have a foot ulcer and are at risk for infection, hospitalization, and amputation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Risk stratification is important in patients with post-cardiac arrest syndrome. The Post-Cardiac Arrest Syndrome for Therapeutic Hypothermia (CAST) and revised CAST (rCAST) scores have been well validated for predicting neurological outcomes, particularly for conventionally resuscitated patients with post-cardiac arrest syndrome. However, no studies have evaluated patients undergoing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation., Methods and Results: Adult patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest who underwent extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation were analyzed in this retrospective observational multicenter cohort study. We validated the accuracy of the CAST/rCAST scores for predicting neurological outcomes at 30 days. Moreover, we compared the predictive performance of these scores with the TiPS65 risk score derived from patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest who were resuscitated using extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A total of 1135 patients were analyzed. The proportion of patients with favorable neurological outcomes was 16.6%. In the external validation, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the CAST score was significantly higher than that of the rCAST score (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.677 versus 0.603; P <0.001), but there was no significant difference with that of the TiPS65 score (versus 0.633; P =0.154). Both CAST/rCAST risk scores showed good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test: P =0.726 and 0.674), and the CAST score showed significantly better predictability in net reclassification compared with the rCAST ( P <0.001) and TiPS65 scores ( P =0.001)., Conclusions: The prognostic accuracy of the CAST score was significantly better than that of other risk scores in net reclassification. The CAST score may help to predict neurological outcomes in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest who undergo extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. However, the predictive value of the CAST score was not sufficiently high for clinical application., Registration: URL: https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr&#95;e/ctr&#95;view.cgi?recptno=R000041577; Unique identifier: UMIN000036490.

Corrosion casting is the technique by which a solid, negative replica is created from a hollow anatomical structure and liberated from its surrounding tissues. For centuries, different types of hardening substances have been developed to create such casts, but nowadays, thermosetting polymers are mostly used as casting medium. Although the principle and initial set‐up are relatively easy, producing high‐quality casts that serve their intended purpose can be quite challenging. This paper evaluates some of the more popular casting resins that are currently available and provides a step‐by‐step overview of the corrosion casting procedure, including surface casts of anatomical structures. Hurdles and pitfalls are discussed, along with possible solutions to circumvent them, based on personal experience by the authors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate implant impression accuracy with a new tray design concept in comparison to nonsplinted and splinted impression techniques for a 2‐implant situation. Materials and Methods: A reference bar titanium framework was fabricated to fit on 2 parallel implants. The framework was used to generate a resin master model with 2 implants that fit precisely against the framework. Three impression techniques were evaluated: (1) nonsplinted, (2) splinted, and (3) nonsplinted with modified tray impressions. All the trays were fabricated from light‐cured acrylic resin material with openings that corresponded to the implant impression copings. Ten impressions were taken for each technique using poly(vinyl siloxane) impression material. The impressions were poured with type IV dental stone to generate the test casts. A rosette strain gauge was bonded to the middle of the framework. As the framework retaining screws were tightened on each test cast, the developed strains were recorded until the completion of the tightening to 35 Ncm. The generated strains of the rosette strain gauge were used to calculate the maximum principal strain. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed among the different impression techniques. The modified tray design impression technique was associated with the least framework strains, which indicates greater accuracy compared with the other techniques. There was no significant difference between the splinted and the nonsplinted impression techniques. Conclusions: The new tray design concept appeared to produce more accurate implant impressions than the other techniques. Despite the statistical difference among the impression techniques, the clinical significance of this difference is yet to be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PLACK syndrome (OMIM 616295) is a form of generalized peeling skin syndrome (GPSS; OMIM 270300). It is an autosomal recessive genodermatosis caused by pathogenic mutations in CAST, which encodes calpastatin, an endogenous specific inhibitor of calpain, a calcium‐dependent cysteine protease. We present a 5‐year‐old girl diagnosed with PLACK syndrome with typical clinical features and homozygosity for a novel variant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate whether an association exists between school performance, quality of life, dental caries, and dental pain in children between 6 and 8 years of age.Methods: All 6- to 8-year-old children enrolled in the second year of the six public schools in Paranoá-FD were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. In total, 374 consented. Dental caries was recorded according to the Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST) index by two trained examiners. Dental pain was assessed during clinical examination. The Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ) was used to assess the oral health-related quality of life, and sociodemographic data were collected. The child's school performance was measured through Provinha Brasil according to the regulations of the Ministry of Education. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and a multivariate regression model were used for data analysis.Results: 185 boys and 189 girls participants with a mean age of 7.2 (±0.5) years were included in the study. The prevalence of dentin carious lesions for this group was 40.6 and 49.2 percent, including enamel-only lesions. The prevalence of dental pain was 2.8 percent. A high performance in reading (63.6 percent) and in mathematics (79.4 percent) was observed and were not associated with the presence of cavitated dentin carious lesions or dental pain. A significant association was found between school performance and the final CPQ score.Conclusion: School performance as measured by the Provinha Brasil examination was not associated with carious lesions or dental pain. Students with lower school performance had higher CPQ scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Immobilization causes significant muscle loss. In this study we assessed the regenerative effect of microcurrent electrical stimulation (MES) on gastrocnemius muscle (GCM) atrophy induced by immobilization by cast (IC) in rabbits.Methods: Fifteen rabbits were divided into 3 groups: IC (group 1); IC and free re-ambulation for 2 weeks after cast removal (CR) (group 2); and IC and MES for 2 weeks after CR (group 3). We evaluated clinical parameters (calf circumference, compound muscle action potential of tibial nerve, and thickness of GCM by ultrasound), histomorphometric data (muscle composition and cross-sectional area), and immunohistochemistry.Results: Mean atrophic changes in clinical parameters in group 3 were significantly less than those in groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.05). Histomophometric and immunohistochemical parameters in group 3 were significantly greater than those in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P < 0.05).Discussion: MES prevents muscle atrophy and facilitates regeneration of muscle. Muscle Nerve 58: 270-276, 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) aims at screening the problematic use of cannabis. It has never been validated against the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)‐5 and its relationships with this latter have never been studied. We used a probabilistic telephone survey collected in 2014 (1351 past‐year cannabis users aged 15–64) implementing the CAST and a DSM‐5 adaptation of the Munich Composite International Diagnostic Interview assessing cannabis use disorders. Data were weighted, and CAST items were considered categorical. Factorial structures were assessed with confirmatory factor analyses; the relationships between the instruments were studied with multiple factor analysis (MFA). One factor for the DSM‐5 and two correlated factors for the CAST were the best confirmatory factor analyses solutions. The CAST thresholds for screening moderate/severe and severe cannabis use disorders were 5 (sensitivity = 78.2% and specificity = 79.6%) and 8 (sensitivity = 86.0% and specificity = 86.7%), respectively. The MFA identified two orthogonal dimensions: The first was equally shared by both instruments; the second was the second CAST dimension (extreme frequencies of use before midday and alone, memory problems, and reproaches from friends/family). The CAST structure and screening properties were confirmed. The MFA explains its screening performances by its first dimension and identified the problematic patterns (the second dimension) that are not captured by the DSM‐5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the accuracy of multi‐unit dental implant casts obtained from two elastomeric impression materials, vinyl polyether silicone (VPES) and polyether (PE), and to test the effect of splinting of impression copings on the accuracy of implant casts. Methods: Forty direct impressions of a mandibular reference model fitted with six dental implants and multibase abutments were made using VPES and PE, and implant casts were poured (N = 20). The VPES and PE groups were split into four subgroups of five each, based on splinting type: (a) no splinting; (b) bite registration polyether; (c) bite registration addition silicone; and (d) autopolymerizing acrylic resin. The accuracy of implant‐abutment replica positions was calculated on the experimental casts, in terms of interimplant distances in the x, y, and z‐axes, using a coordinate measuring machine; values were compared with those measured on the reference model. Data were analyzed using non‐parametrical Kruskal‐Wallis and Mann‐Whitney tests at α = .05. Results: The differences between the two impression materials, VPES and PE, regardless of splinting type, were not statistically significant (P>.05). Non‐splinting and splinting groups were also not significantly different for both PE and VPES (P>.05). Conclusions: The accuracy of VPES impression material seemed comparable with PE for multi‐implant abutment‐level impressions. Splinting had no effect on the accuracy of implant impressions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defensible use of self-reported cannabis use problem scales in age comparative frameworks requires that measured constructs have equal psychometric properties across age groups. This study compares the psychometric properties of the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) across three age groups (18-24, 25-29, 30-40). Data was collected online from an accessible sample of 1316 cannabis users. Factor analysis compared the optimal factor structure and dimensionality diffraction. Multi-group Model Invariance tests examined measurement invariance across the three age groups. CAST was two-dimensional in all age groups with one factor measuring cannabis use problems and the other measuring deviation from a common standard of use. The two-dimensional structure was more pronounced in older age groups. Weak factorial invariance was supported, suggesting that the meaning of the CAST factors is equivalent across age groups. Partial, but not full, strong factorial invariance was supported, indicating that only the cannabis use problem factor can be defensibly used to measure age group mean differences. Results confirm a well-defined two-dimensional CAST structure and factorial invariance across age groups. However, caution is needed when using the two items measuring deviation from a common standard in an age-comparative framework. Replication studies based on a representative sample are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST; Scott, Baron-Cohen, Bolton & Brayne, 2002) has proved to be a good test for screening autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and social communication problems. This study provides evidence on its psychometric properties, describe its validity for screening and provides data on its discriminative capabilities in a Spanish sample of 4-12 year-old children from community and clinical settings (N = 1460 and 36, respectively). Factorial and convergent validity is also assessed. The full Spanish version with a cut-off score of 15 presented a high sensitivity (83.9%) and specificity (92.5%), a positive predictive value (PPV) of .63 and an internal consistency (α) of .826. Some items showed low discriminating power and these results led us to propose a reduced version with 28 items and a cut-off score of 13, which presented a high sensitivity (85.7%) and specificity (91.16%), a PPV of .61 and an α of .839. Correlations were high between the Spanish full and reduced versions of the CAST, and ADI-R ( Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised) and ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition). Like previous adaptation studies, a two-factor structure was found. The data show that the CAST can be a valid and reliable questionnaire for ASD screening in Spanish clinical and community populations. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1491-1498. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Mini C-arm image intensifiers ( IIs) are promoted to permit lower radiation dose than traditional IIs with a lower purchase price and without the need for a radiographer, saving time. In real-world usage, radiation dose is not always lower. Methods A retrospective review of prospectively collected data for 620 children undergoing forearm fracture reduction in theatre was undertaken. Imaging was performed with the Fluoroscan mini C-arm or a comparison traditional II. Radiation dose and theatre time were recorded. Results There was no significant difference in radiation dose as measured by dose-area product (0.013 versus 0.014 Gy.cm2, P = 0.22). We noted an inverse association between operator experience and radiation dose. The mini C-arm allowed a shorter procedure time (26 versus 30 min, P < 0.001) and theatre time (13 versus 16 min, P < 0.001). Re-displacement rates were similar (1.3 versus 2.2%). The Fluoroscan is AU$120 000 cheaper to purchase and AU$35 283 cheaper to run per year than the comparison II. Consultants had a 14% lower dose-area product (0.012 versus 0.014 Gy.cm2, P < 0.001) and 18% shorter screening time (8 versus 9.8 s, P < 0.001) than registrars. Conclusion The Fluoroscan mini C-arm II does not demonstrate a radiation saving during closed reductions of paediatric forearm fractures but allows shorter procedures and theatre time with similar re-displacement rates. The purchase price is lower than a traditional II. We noted that operator experience reduces radiation dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aims are to describe and explain the structure of the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) across countries. Standard statistical analyses fail to describe and explain several variables simultaneously while taking account of the group structure of individuals. The 2011 European School Survey Project on Alcohol and other Drugs (ESPAD): 5204 last-year cannabis users aged 15-16 from 13 European countries. Multigroup principal component analysis (mgPCA) and multigroup partial least squares (mgPLS). MgPCA shows that the CAST has a two-dimensional structure (frequency of use/problems and non-recreational use/dependency symptoms). All the countries present a good concordance with the common structure, except Kosovo, Lichtenstein and Romania. MgPLS shows that three explanative variables (in a total of eight) are mainly related with the CAST (the frequencies of cannabis use in the last 12 months and in the last 30 days and the age at first cannabis use) while Kosovo, Lichtenstein and Romania also present specificities. The CAST structure appears stable in the 13 countries except for Kosovo, Lichtenstein and Romania that also show specific relationships between the CAST variables and their determinants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate two types of impression materials which were frequently used for casting three-dimensional tool marks in China, namely (i) dental impression material and (ii) special elastomeric impression material for tool mark casting. The two different elastomeric impression materials were compared under equal conditions. The parameters measured were dimensional accuracies, the number of air bubbles, the ease of use, and the sharpness and quality of the individual characteristics present on casts. The results showed that dental impression material had the advantage of special elastomeric impression material in casting tool marks in crime scenes; hence, it combined ease of use, dimensional accuracy, sharpness and high quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-6Sn and Mg-6Zn are investigated and compared in cast/heat treated, rolled and extruded conditions. Compared to the heat treated alloys, the grain size of both alloys decreases while the volume fraction of precipitates increases by rolling and extrusion in Mg-6Sn alloy at 350 ºC due to dynamic recrystallization and dynamic precipitation of intermetallic phases. Zinc has a stronger grain refining effect than tin in the heat treated alloys while the opposite effect is found in the rolled and extruded alloys. For the heat treated alloys the Mg-6Sn the strength reached 158.7 MPa with elongation 5.2% while Mg-6Zn exhibited a higher strength of 183.7 MPa and 8.4% elongation. In rolled condition the strength of Mg-6Sn reached 224 MPa with 1.6% elongation while Mg-6Zn exhibited a lower strength of 124 MPa and a lower ductility of 0.5% elongation due to susceptibility to hot shortness. Extrusion of Mg-6Sn alloy resulted in the maximum attained strength of 281 MPa and an elongation of 6.1% while Mg-6Zn cracked during extrusion due to hot shortness. The results obtained are discussed with respect to microstructure evolution in both alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of three off-loading techniques to heal diabetic foot wounds: total contact casts ( TCCs), healing sandals ( HSs) and a removable boot with a shear-reducing foot bed ( SRB). This was a 12-week, single-blinded randomised clinical trial with three parallel treatment groups of adults with diabetes and a foot ulcer ( n = 73). Ulcer healing was defined as full reepithelialisation with no drainage. Diabetic patients with grade UT1A or UT2A forefoot ulcers on the sole of the foot were enrolled. Patients with malignancy, immune-compromising diseases, severe peripheral vascular disease (ankle-brachial index < 0·60 or transcutaneous oxygen < 25 mm/Hg), alcohol or substance abuse within 6 months, untreated osteomyelitis or Charcot arthropathy with residual deformity that would not fit the HS or boot were excluded. In the intent-to-treat analysis, significantly higher proportion of patients were healed in the TCC group (69·6%) compared to those treated with the SRB (22·2%, P < 0·05). There was no difference in the rate of healed ulcers in the HS (44·5%) and TCC groups. Ulcers in the TCC group healed faster than those in the HS group (5·4 ± 2·9 versus 8·9 ± 3·5 weeks, P < 0·02). However, there was no difference in the time to healing in the TCC and SRB groups (6·7 ± 4·3 weeks, P = 0·28). Patients who used HS were significantly more active (4022 ± 4652 steps per day, P < 0·05) than those treated with TCCs (1447 ± 1310) or SRB (1404 ± 1234). It is concluded that patients treated with TCCs had the highest proportion of healed wounds and fastest healing time. The novel shear-reducing walker had the lowest healing and highest rate of attrition during the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe-B-C wear-resistant alloy, as a new type of iron-based wear-resistant materials, has drawn extensive attention of the researchers in materials at home and abroad. The boron concentration plays an important role in the microstructure and mechanical properties of Fe-B-C wear-resistant alloy. In this paper, the solidification microstructure, volume fraction of eutectic, macro and micro hardness of Fe-B-C alloy are researched. The samples are measured by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Rockwell-hardness tester, Vickers-hardness tester. Image processing software such as image-pro and photoshop are used. The content of boron in experiment alloys are 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5% and 3.0% respectively. As a result, the solidification microstructure of as-cast Fe-B-C mainly consists of metallic matrix and eutectic structure. The eutectic phase is continuous netlike distribution along the grain boundary. As boron concentration increases, the volume fraction of borocarbide increases in the matrix, and the size is larger. The hardness of Fe-B-C also has a tendency to rise with the increase of boron concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the DSM-IV latent structure of cannabis users (especially its invariance towards gender and age) and assesses the psychometric properties of the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) by confrontation with the theoretical diagnoses [dependence and cannabis use disorders (CUD)] and the latent class structure of the DSM-IV. The random sample comprised 550 French cannabis smokers aged 15-62 years interviewed by telephone. DSM-IV diagnoses were assessed with the Munich Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Internal structures of both instruments were assessed using factor analysis and latent class analysis. Optimal CAST cutoffs were determined by sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating curve (AUC). CAST and DSM-IV were unidimensional (Cronbach's α = 0.742 and 0.752, respectively), although a two-factor solution showed a better fit for the CAST. CAST cutoffs for screening CUD and dependence were three (AUC = 0.851) and five (AUC = 0.868), respectively. DSM-IV latent class structure varied only marginally in age and gender. Three classes of cannabis smokers were determined, ordered along a continuum of symptoms: non-symptomatic (61.1%), moderate (32.9%) and severe (6.0%). CAST cutoff scores for screening moderate/ severe and severe were, respectively, three (AUC = 0.869) and eight (AUC = 0.952). Results are compared to those obtained in previous CAST studies and discussed in line with the DSM-5. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In a recently performed survey with 4000 randomly selected persons, 68 (7.2 %) of 948 respondents reported intolerance and/or allergy-like symptoms to wine. The aim of this study was to analyze whether a real sensitization to wine proteins could be confirmed by diagnostic and/or immunological settings. Findings: For this purpose, 19 subjects with self-reported intolerance to wine of the invited subjects and 10 controls without a history of intolerance participated in an allergological examination (skin prick test, ImmunoCAP for determination of specific IgE antibodies, CAST for testing basophil activation, ImmunoBlot for testing specificity of IgE-antibodies). For the allergological work-up red and white grapes, selected wines, and the purified lipid transfer protein (LTP), a known grape allergen, were used. 7 subjects showed evidence of IgE sensitization to wine or grape extracts, including one control. One participant with symptoms of intolerance showed a positive skin prick test to red grape, a positive ImmunoCAP to grape, a positive cellular antigen stimulation test (CAST) and inhibition of Western blot by removal of cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCD). Conclusion: The presented study focused on the grape protein-related IgE-mediated cause of intolerance to wine (true allergy) and not on other wine components or fining agents (other forms of intolerance). A sensitization to grape and wine proteins was observed in our cohort. In one case, this reactivity could be explained by cross-reactivity to CCD. The results of this pilot study need to be validated in greater cohorts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies reported that the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) in mainland China is much lower than estimates from developed countries (around 1%). The aim of the study is to apply current screening and standardized diagnostic instruments to a Chinese population to establish a prevalence estimate of ASC in an undiagnosed population in mainland China. We followed the design development used previously in the UK published in 2009 by Baron-Cohen and colleagues. The Mandarin Childhood Autism Spectrum Test ( CAST) was validated by screening primary school pupils (n = 737 children age 6-10 years old) in Beijing and by conducting diagnostic assessments using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised. The prevalence estimate was generated after adjusting and imputing for missing values using the inverse probability weighting. Response was high (97%). Using the UK cutoff (≥15), CAST performance has 84% sensitivity and 96% specificity (95% confidence interval [ CI]: 46, 98, and 96, 97, respectively). Six out of 103 children, not previously diagnosed, were found to the meet diagnostic criteria (8.5 after adjustment, 95% CI: 1.6, 15.4). The preliminary prevalence in an undiagnosed primary school population in mainland China was 119 per 10,000 (95% CI: 53, 265). The utility of CAST is acceptable as a screening instrument for ASC in large epidemiological studies in China. Using a comparable method, the preliminary prevalence estimate of ASC in mainland China is similar to that of those from developed countries. Autism Res 2015, 8: 250-260. © 2015 The Authors. Autism Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Autism Research [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High bilirubin levels are nephrotoxic. Bilirubin can cause a functional proximal tubulopathy or may precipitate into casts associated with acute tubular injury. This condition is known as bile cast nephropathy. The kidney injury is generally reversible if bilirubin levels are decreased early. We present a case wherein an alcoholic patient presented with high bilirubin levels and anuric acute kidney injury. The initial urine analysis suggested intrinsic renal disease. A kidney biopsy, performed a few days after the initiation of dialysis, demonstrated the presence of bile casts along with acute tubular injury. The patient however continued to be dialysis dependent inspite of initiating prednisolone to treat acute alcoholic hepatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explored the latent class structure of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) (assessed with the Munich Composite International Diagnostic Interview). Secondly, the screening properties of the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) in adolescents were assessed with classical test theory using the latent class structure as empirical gold standard. The sample comprised 3266 French cannabis users aged 17 to 19 from the general population. Three latent classes of cannabis users were identified reflecting a continuum of problem severity: non-symptomatic, moderate and severe. Gender-specific analyses showed the best model fit, although results were almost identical in the total sample. The latent classes were good predictors of daily cannabis use, number of joints per day and age of first experimentation. The CAST showed good screening properties for the moderate/ severe class (area under receiver operating characteristic curve > 0.85) and very good for the severe class (0.90). It was more sensitive for boys, more specific for girls. Although structural equivalence across gender was rejected, results suggest small gender differences in the latent structure of the DSM-IV. The performance of the CAST in screening for the latent class structure was good and superior to those obtained with the classical DSM-IV diagnoses. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To describe the 'Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment' ( CAST) instrument, its origin and content, and to provide an example of how results can be reported. Methods The CAST instrument covers the complete range of stages of carious lesion progression: from no carious lesion, through caries protection (sealant) and lesion care (restoration) to lesions in enamel and dentine, the advanced stages of carious lesion progression in pulpal and its consequences on tooth-surrounding tissue and tooth loss due to caries. Using the RAND modified e-Delphi consensus method two independent panels, comprising a total of 56 epidemiologists from 27 countries, determined the face and content validity of CAST. Panellists assessed 17 statements related to the content, description, suitability and international use of CAST. Agreement of 75% or higher was required for reaching consensus on a statement. Construct validity and reliability testing of CAST have been carried out, but results are not yet available. Results All 17 statements were approved by the panellists, who found the RAND modified e-Delphi consensus method suitable for achieving consensus. The CAST codes were ordered hierarchically. External validity was obtained. Reporting using CAST can be performed for orally healthy dentitions and those having morbidity and mortality. A DMF score can easily be calculated from the CAST codes, thereby enabling retention of the use of existing DMF scores. Conclusion The CAST instrument for use in epidemiological surveys is very promising. Face and content validation is obtained. Construct validity and reliability testing will be completed soon. A structure for reporting results in a comprehensive, pragmatic and easily understood way is being developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cast-grown mono-like Si ingots for photovoltaic application are getting increasing attention due to the possibility of obtaining highly efficient solar cells at a low-cost production process. The reduction of crystallographic defects is essential to reach that potential. In this study, the residual strain and dislocation distribution in monolike ingots grown by directional solidification was experimentally determined. It was found that both strain and dislocations are mainly concentrated in the periphery of the ingots (© 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reasons for performing the study: Larger superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injuries have a poorer prognosis than smaller lesions. During the inflammatory phase enlargement of the initial lesion is frequently noted, with biomechanical loading being recently proposed to play an important role. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of lower limb cast immobilisation on tendon lesion propagation in an equine model of surgically induced SDFT injury. Methods: Core lesions were surgically induced in both front SDFTs of 6 young mature horses. At the end of surgery, one leg was randomly placed in a lower limb cast and the other leg (control) was bandaged for 10 days. Computerised ultrasonographic tissue characterisation performed at Days 10, 15, 21, 28, 35 and 42 allowed measurement of lesion length (cm) and width (expressed as a percentage of whole tendon cross-section). On Day 42 horses were subjected to euthanasia and both SDFTs were sectioned every centimetre to assess the lesion length macroscopically. Statistics were performed to compare cast vs. control legs with significance set at P<0.05. Results: When all time points were combined, lesion length was 19% shorter (P<0.0001) and lesion width 57% smaller (P = 0.0002) in the cast legs (6.13 ± 0.12 cm; 6.90 ± 0.64%) than in the control legs (7.30 ± 0.21 cm; 10.85 ± 1.22%). On Day 42 the lesion length on macroscopic evaluation was 19% shorter (P = 0.04) in the cast (7.00 ± 0.36 cm) than in the control legs (8.33 ± 0.33 cm). Conclusions: Cast immobilisation for 10 days effectively reduced lesion propagation (length and width) compared to bandaging in an in vivo model of artificially-induced tendon lesions. Potential relevance: A short period of cast immobilisation during the early phase of tendon healing may be an easy and cost-effective way to reduce the initial enlargement of lesion size and hence to improve prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoreceptor degeneration is the hallmark of a group of inherited blinding diseases collectively termed retinitis pigmentosa (RP); a major cause of blindness in humans. RP is at present untreatable and the underlying neurodegenerative mechanisms are largely unknown, even though the genetic causes are often established. The activation of calpain-type proteases may play an important role in cell death in various neuronal tissues, including the retina. We therefore tested the efficacy of two different calpain inhibitors in preventing cell death in the retinal degeneration (rd1) human homologous mouse model for RP. Pharmacological inhibition of calpain activity in rd1 organotypic retinal explants had ambiguous effects on photoreceptor viability. Calpain inhibitor XI had protective effects when applied for short periods of time (16 h) but demonstrated substantial levels of toxicity in both wildtype and rd1 retina when used over several days. In contrast, the highly specific calpain inhibitor calpastatin peptide reduced photoreceptor cell death in vitro after both short and prolonged exposure, an effect that was also evident after in vivo application via intravitreal injection. These findings highlight the importance of calpain activation for photoreceptor cell death but also for photoreceptor survival and propose the use of highly specific calpain inhibitors to prevent or delay RP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The rationale for using gold alloys is based largely upon their alleged ability to resist corrosion, but little information is available to determine the corrosion behavior of recast alloys. This study characterized the elemental composition of as-received and recast type III gold alloy and examined the in vitro corrosion behavior in two media using a potentiodynamic polarization technique. Materials and Methods: Seventy-eight disk-shaped specimens were prepared from a type III gold alloy under three casting protocols according to the proportion of as-received and recast gold alloy (n = 26). (1) Group as received (100% as-received metal), (2) group 50% to 50% (50% wt. new metal, 50% wt. once recast metal), and (3) group recast (100% once recast metal). The surface structures of 20 specimens from each group were examined under scanning electron microscopy, and their elemental compositions were determined using X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Further, the potentiodynamic cyclic polarization between −1000 and +1000 mV (SCE) were performed for six specimens from each casting protocol in 0.09% NaCl solution (n = 3) and Fusayama artificial saliva (n = 3) at 37°C. Zero-current potential and corrosion current density were determined. The data were analyzed with 1-way ANOVA and the Ryan–Einot–Gabriel–Welsch multiple-range test t (α= 0.05). Results: Elemental composition was significantly different among the casting groups ( p < 0.001). The mean weight percentage values were 72.4 to 75.7% Au, 4.5 to 7.0% Pd, 10.7 to 11.1% Ag, 7.8 to 8.4% Cu, and 1.0 to 1.4% Zn. The mean values for Zero-current potential and corrosion current density for all casting protocols were not significant ( p > 0.05); however, the difference between the electrolytes was significant ( p < 0.001). Fusayama artificial saliva seemed to offer the most corrosive environment. Conclusions: Type III gold alloy in any casting protocol retained passivity under electrochemical conditions similar to the oral environment. Moreover, high-gold type III alloys from reputable manufacturers and recasting protocol tested should produce acceptable corrosion-resistant castings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quantitative trait locus (QTL) affecting pork tenderness was recently detected within the Illinois Meat Quality Pedigree (IMQP) and fine-mapped to the region of porcine chromosome 2 (SSC2) harbouring the functional candidate gene calpastatin ( CAST). To identify molecular variation that may underlie the observed differences in tenderness phenotypes, we characterized the porcine CAST gene and analysed allelic variation within the F1 boars of the IMQP. The complete genomic sequence of porcine CAST has been determined, and was found to contain 35 exons spanning nearly 123 kb. Using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) method, calpastatin transcript types I–III, as well as a putative novel transcript type, were detected within porcine skeletal muscle. Variability in transcription initiation and termination sites was observed, and alternative splicing of exons 1y and 3 was evident. Nearly 77.6% of the CAST gene, including all exons, was re-sequenced from each of six IMQP F1 boars, and almost 900 polymorphisms were identified. The heterozygosity of nearly 400 polymorphisms appeared to be concordant with the previous QTL data, and the location of this variation within the CAST gene suggests that a causative mutation is likely to be regulatory. Functional characterization of CAST variation should enhance understanding of the molecular basis of pork tenderness, and thus allow for genetic improvement of pork products. The effectiveness of CAST polymorphisms for marker-assisted selection of pork tenderness can now be assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminium is a lightweight material with high strength and good corrosion resistance among other beneficial properties. Thanks to these properties, aluminium is more extensively used in the vehicle industry. High-pressure die casting of aluminium is a manufacturing process that makes it possible to attain complex, multi-functional components with near-net shape. However, there is one disadvantage of such castings, that is, the presence of various defects such as porosity and its effect on mechanical properties. The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of porosity on the fatigue strength of high-pressure die cast aluminium. The objective was to derive the influence of defect size with respect to the fatigue load, and to generate a model for fatigue life in terms of a Kitagawa diagram. The aluminium alloy used in this study is comparable to AlSi9Cu3. Specimens were examined in X-ray prior to fatigue loading and classified with respect to porosity level and eventually fatigue tested in bending at the load ratio, R, equal to −1. Two different specimen types with a stress concentration factor of 1.05 and 2.25 have been tested. It has been shown that the fatigue strength decreases by up to 25% as the amount of porosity of the specimen is increased. The results further showed that the influence of defects was less for the specimen type with the higher stress concentration. This is believed to be an effect of a smaller volume being exposed to the maximum stress for this specimen type. A Kitagawa diagram was constructed on the basis of the test results and fracture mechanics calculations. A value of 1.4 Mpa m1/2 was used for the so-called stress intensity threshold range. This analysis predicts that defects larger than 0.06 mm2 will reduce the fatigue strength at 5 × 106 cycles for the aluminium AlSi9Cu3 material tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnosis of allergic reactions in clinical practice is based on both clinical history and the determination of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), either in the serum or on skin mast cells. However, for various reasons, identification of the causative factors is not possible in all the cases. Moreover, not all allergies are IgE-dependent. In an attempt to find sensitive, specific and cost-effective methods to investigate hypersensitivity reactions, in vitro tests were developed at a very early stage. Allergen-induced mediator release assays analyze the mediator released from effector cells, mainly peripheral blood cells, when stimulated in vitro with serial dilutions of the putative allergens. Described initially as research tools, they could well become diagnostic tests. However, relatively few high quality reports have been published so far. In this review, we will detail allergen-dependent histamine, tryptase, arachidonic acid metabolite, e.g. cysteinyl leukotrienes and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic mediator release tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We assessed the reliability of basophil activation test (FAST) and sulphidoleukotriene production (CAST) in the in vitro diagnosis of allergy to metamizol, evaluating its sensitivity and specificity. Methods: Twenty-six patients allergic to metamizol and 30 control individuals were studied. Skin tests with metamizol, FAST, and CAST were performed. Results: FAST sensitivity was 42.3% and specificity 100%. The PPV of FAST is 100% and the NPV 99.4%. The likelihood ratio for a positive value cannot be calculated because the specificity is 100% and the likelihood ratio for a negative value is 0.58. CAST sensitivity was 52%, and specificity 90%. The PPV of the test is 5% and the NPV 99.5%. The likelihood ratio for a positive result was 5.2 and that for a negative result 0.53. FAST detects a larger number of cases when patients are studied within the first 6 months after the clinical reaction (χ = 4.2, P = 0.04) than later. Together with skin tests, FAST allowed detection of 69.2% patients allergic to metamizol, the same as CAST 76%. The joint use of the three techniques allowed identification of 76.9% of cases. Conclusions: FAST and CAST are useful for the diagnosis of allergy to pyrazolones. Its usefulness clearly increases when recent reactions are studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The diagnosis of allergic reactions to drugs is difficult. Most skin tests are not standardized, and in vitro tests are needed to avoid provocation tests. Cross-linking of IgE on basophils is known to cause the release of both cysteinyl leukotriene (Cys-LT) and histamine. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility (sensitivity, specificity, and efficiency) of measurement of sulfidoleukotrienes in drug allergy. Methods: We performed a prospective study in 55 patients with proven immediate adverse reactions to drugs (30 to β-lactams, six to acetaminophen, and 19 to aspirin) and 64 drug-exposed nonallergic controls. Positive diagnosis was established by history, skin tests, and, if needed, oral provocation tests. Cys-LT release was determined after drug-allergen stimulation by the cellular antigen stimulation test (CAST®) technique. Histamine release was also assessed on the same samples by enzyme immunoassay. Spontaneous and anti-FcεRIα-induced mediator release was also studied in all subjects. Sensitivity, specificity, and efficiency were calculated. Results: Net Cys-LT release was over the maximal threshold given by the manufacturer in 19/55 patients and in 9/64 controls. Net histamine release was over 5% of total histamine content in 28/55 patients and 34/64 controls. The efficiency of both tests was low. Conclusions: Thus, in most cases, the in vitro Cys-LT test has little or no diagnostic utility and is not superior to histamine release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cast gold crowns were luted on extracted and prepared human teeth with zinc phosphate cement and subjected to a fatigue test by cyclic loading. The correlation between crown retention and three retention variables was determined by the fatigue test. The results show that the smallest convergence angle tested, 20°, gave better retention than did angles of 40° and 60°, and that surface roughness, surface size, height, and base diameter of the preparations had no influence on crown retention within the parameter sizes tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Software testing tools have proliferated in recent years, and a number of tool classification schemes have been published. In order to provide common reference points for potential purchasers and tool vendors, to ease the comparison of tools with similar functionality, and to assist future research into tool-supportable software testing, a new classification scheme for testing tools is proposed. The scheme uses six major categories: Test Management, Test Design, Non-Execution Evaluation, Test Execution, Test Analysis, and Test Quality Evaluation. Other classification schemes are reviewed and compared with the new scheme, and predictions are made concerning future trends in the area of software testing tools. It is hoped that the proposed classification, which is founded on the combination of two current schemes, will provide a basis for discussions that will lead eventually to an international standardization of tool descriptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, different accident causation models are used to explain how accidents happen, whereas most of them were developed long time ago. There is an argument that significant changes have occurred in the industry and traditional models may have limitations in identifying causes of accidents in modern industry within complex socio‐technical environment. Consequently, new accident models based on systems theory have been introduced, but they are mainly used by academic researchers. Among systemic accident models, Systems‐Theoretic Accident Model and Processes (STAMP), Functional Resonance Accident Model (FRAM), and AcciMap methods have been identified as the most frequently cited models. This article presents a case study‐based comparison of these three models. STAMP and FRAM are used to analyze the Chevron Richmond refinery accident, which is investigated by U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB). CSB investigation team developed an AcciMap of the accident. The results are compared and differences are discussed. In conclusion, STAMP is likely to be more instrumental and comprehensive in identifying contributing factors and generating recommendations. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 38: e12002, 2019 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to assess the association of markers in the calpastatin and mu-calpain loci with iron in beef cattle muscle. The population consisted of 259 cross-bred steers from Beefmaster, Brangus, Bonsmara, Romosinuano, Hereford and Angus sires. Total iron and heme iron concentrations were measured. Markers in the calpastatin (referred to as CAST) and mu-calpain (referred to as CAPN4751) genes were used to assess their association with iron levels. The mean and standard error for iron and heme iron content in the population was 35.6 ± 1.3 μg and 27.1 ± 1.4 μg respectively. Significant associations ( P < 0.01) of markers were observed for both iron and heme iron content. For CAST, animals with the CC genotype had higher levels of iron and heme iron in longissimus dorsi muscle. For CAPN4751, individuals with the TT genotype had higher concentrations of iron and heme iron than did animals with the CC and CT genotypes. Genotypes known to be associated with tougher meat were associated with higher levels of iron concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on a case of a 32-year old man who underwent surgery in February 2002 and developed anaphylactic shock with acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring intensive resuscitation. Personal history of the patient; Results of skin tests; Evidence showing that the anaphylactic reaction was due to iodinated povidone.

A case of chyluria is reported in which anuria followed instillation of 3% silver nitrate into the collecting system of both kidneys, with unusual radiographic features. Plain radiographic, ultrasound and computed tomographic findings are discussed. To the best of the authors’ knowledge this has not been previously described in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes occupational asthma caused by Monascus purpureus in fermented rice. Signs and symptoms of the disease; Production of red yeast rice by solid-state fermentation of washed and cooked nonglutinous rice; Microbial metabolites that extract low serum lipid levels; Function of M. purpureus fermentate in nitrite meat production.

Previously, the idea of a blueprint has been used to explain the genome. The concept of a play's cast of characters, the Dramatis Personae, is a more fluid metaphor that allows for mutations and time-dependent phenomena to be taken into account. It also provides an educational and mnemonic exercise for students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]