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CRISPR-Cas systems revolutionized the genome engineering field but need to induce double-strand breaks (DSBs) and may be difficult to deliver due to their large protein size. Tn7-like transposons such as CRISPR-associated transposons (CASTs) can be repurposed for RNA-guided DSB-free integration, and obligate mobile element guided activity (OMEGA) proteins of the IS200/IS605 transposon family have been developed as hypercompact RNA-guided genome editing tools. CASTs and OMEGA are exciting, innovative genome engineering tools that can improve the precision and efficiency of editing. This review explores the recent developments and uses of CASTs and OMEGA in genome editing across prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The pros and cons of these transposon-based systems are deliberated in comparison to other CRISPR systems.

Abstract Background Plastic bronchitis (PB) is a rare pediatric pulmonary condition characterized by the production of branching bronchial casts that cause partial or total obstruction of the bronchial lumen. Case presentation We describe a 13-year-old boy with a history of bronchial asthma and left lower lobectomy, with persistent cough and left-sided chest pain when he went to the emergency room. Chest radiography showed complete left lung opacity denoting total left lung collapse, and flexible bronchoscopy revealed cohesive casts totally occluding the left bronchus, with frequent recurrence that finally ended with left pneumonectomy. Conclusion Plastic bronchitis is a rare, fatal disease in children that requires a high index of suspicion for both diagnosis and treatment. Although bronchoscopic removal of the bronchial casts together with the medical treatment are the main lines of treatment, cases with recurrent formation of casts are at high risk for surgical intervention in the form of either lobectomy or pneumonectomy.

Background: Plastic bronchitis (PB) is a rare pediatric pulmonary condition characterized by the production of branching bronchial casts that cause partial or total obstruction of the bronchial lumen. Case presentation: We describe a 13-year-old boy with a history of bronchial asthma and left lower lobectomy, with persistent cough and left-sided chest pain when he went to the emergency room. Chest radiography showed complete left lung opacity denoting total left lung collapse, and flexible bronchoscopy revealed cohesive casts totally occluding the left bronchus, with frequent recurrence that finally ended with left pneumonectomy. Conclusion: Plastic bronchitis is a rare, fatal disease in children that requires a high index of suspicion for both diagnosis and treatment. Although bronchoscopic removal of the bronchial casts together with the medical treatment are the main lines of treatment, cases with recurrent formation of casts are at high risk for surgical intervention in the form of either lobectomy or pneumonectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthworms, by their soil-dwelling nature, feeding and burrowing activity in the soil, are known to increase soil fertility and are also referred as nature's plough by Charles Darwin. They ingest organic matter from the soil, are exposed to microbes and pollutants, and excrete casts in the soil adding to the soil fertility. Although earthworms are essential for soil mineralisation process, their metabolism and impact on environment are not well studied. In this study, we investigated the gut voided biochemical constituents of Lampito mauritii (L. mauritii) and analyzed by FT-IR and GC–MS studies. The results indicated significant findings, including identification of unique biochemical components with 16 major compounds in L. mauritii with a significant peak at retention time 4.09 and other peaks at 4.13, 4.27, 4.53, 4.88, 5.44, 7.21 and 16.49 revealed by GC–MS analysis Our study highlights the expression of unique compounds in the earthworm. It emphasises that metabolism may play a predominant role in altering ingested components of soil organic matter, and the earthworm casts may have a positive impact on the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Combat ground maneuvers consist of various platforms and have several environmental characteristics, influenced by the terrain, the operational mission, and the force's capabilities. This study assesses data on injuries sustained during urban warfare, aiming to evaluate the relationship between injury characteristics, maneuver platform, and personal protective gear on the battlefield.Materials and Methods: IDF soldiers injured infantry soldiers from the "Cast Lead" and the "Protective Edge" operations in the Gaza Strip (2008-2009 and 2014, respectively) were divided into four groups according to the maneuver platform and the environment: mounted infantry (armored and unarmored vehicle) and dismounted infantry (urban and open area). The primary outcome was the severity of the injury, and the secondary outcome was the injured body part.Results: Overall, 588 casualties were included in the final analysis, of whom 507 were dismounted infantry soldiers (265 in open terrain and 242 in urban area) and 81 were mounted infantry soldiers (20 in unarmored and 61 were injured in armored vehicles). The Injury Severity Score was similar in all subgroups. Open terrain subgroups were found to have fewer head injuries and higher levels of lower extremity injuries, similar to the unarmored vehicle group. More facial injuries were documented in the urban area group.Conclusions: The Injury Severity Score was not influenced by environmental protection. Although we found differences in the injured body parts, further studies on the exact mechanism of injury are needed to elucidate further the relationship and differences between the various platforms used and injuries seen in urban warfare, aiming for tailor-made protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for the film industry. Following a shutdown of productions, The Safe Way Forward document was developed to outline disease mitigation protocols. Despite this framework, many unanticipated scenarios arose during reopening of film production with the ongoing pandemic. Aims To identify and document promising practices for mitigating COVID-19 transmission in the film industry that can inform future pandemics and other industries. Methods We conducted a literature search to review research regarding COVID-19 disease mitigation efforts in the film industry. Through client-facing consultancy and consultant group meetings, we identified those factors most important for disease mitigation in the film industry and applicable to future pandemics and other industries. The Delphi Method enabled experts to review lessons learned as studio consultants during the COVID-19 pandemic; learnings were coded and analyzed for recurring themes. Results We identified anxiety, mistrust, and poor communication as key contributors to decreased compliance with COVID-19 protocols. In response, our team demonstrated multi-specialty expertise, provided scientific explanations, and developed trust by listening empathetically and responding with clear, consistent messaging. These measures served to alleviate anxiety, improve compliance, and provide a safe return to production. Conclusions This study demonstrates the ability and agility of multi-disciplinary experts acting in the absence of clear guidance to support a safe return to film production. Workplace anxiety and non-compliance can be alleviated through effective communication by trusted experts. Lessons learned by our consultancy group can help protect workers across diverse industries in future pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundThe Ponseti method is the standard of care for managing idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (clubfoot) in the outpatient setting, but there are no clinical guidelines for inpatient treatment. Children in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with clubfoot often delay treatment initiation due to medical reasons.MethodsWe systematically reviewed literature related to the treatment of clubfoot in the NICU, non-idiopathic clubfoot, and older infants, as well as barriers to care.ResultsIn a mixed NICU population of syndromic and idiopathic clubfoot, the Ponseti method has good functional outcomes with minimal interference with medical management. The Ponseti method has good functional outcomes with reduced need for extensive surgical procedures in non-idiopathic clubfoot and idiopathic clubfoot with delayed presentation (under one year of age).ConclusionsIt is possible to begin Ponseti treatment in the NICU without compromising medical management. It is not clear if this confers an advantage over waiting for outpatient casting.

Background: The aim of this study was to quantify the stabilizing properties of a 3-dimensional (3D)-printed short-arm cast and compare those properties with traditional fiberglass casts in a cadaveric subacute distal radius fracture model. Methods: A cadaveric subacute fracture model was created in 8 pairs of forearms. The specimens were equally allocated to a fiberglass cast or 3D-printed cast group. All specimens were subjected to 3 biomechanical testing modalities simulating daily life use: flexion and extension of digits, pronation and supination of the hand, and 3-point bending. Between each loading modality, radiological evaluation of the specimens was performed to evaluate possible interval displacement. Interfragmentary motion was quantified using a 3D motion-tracking system. Results: Radiographic assessment did not reveal statistically significant differences in radiographic parameters between the 2 groups before and after biomechanical testing. A statistically significant difference in interfragmentary motion was calculated with the 3-point bending test, with a mean difference of 0.44 (±0.48) mm of motion. Conclusions: A statistically significant difference in interfragmentary motion between the 2 casting groups was only identified in 3-point bending. However, the clinical relevance of this motion remains unclear as the absolute motion is less than 1 mm. The results of this study show noninferiority of the 3D-printed casts compared with the traditional fiberglass casts in immobilizing a subacute distal radius fracture model. These results support the execution of a prospective randomized clinical trial comparing both casting techniques.

Objective: Recurrent diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are associated with poor health-related quality of life and reduced mobility. Current guidelines recommend application of non-removable offloading devices (NROLDs) as they may improve the healing of DFUs, but there is a lack of information on the wider effects of wearing these devices. Few studies have examined the impact of NROLDs on holistic wellbeing or physical activity. We aimed to investigate the short-term impact of NROLDs on physical activity and DFU-related quality of life (DFU-QoL) in a small sample of community-dwelling people with recurrent DFUs. Method: We measured DFU-QoL and physical activity (GPAQ) in people with DFUs, recruited from a single clinic before NROLD application, and at three and six weeks after device fitting. Participants were aged from 39–81 years (mean 58.4±10.1 years) with an equal number of male and female participants. Results: The study cohort comprised 18 participants, of whom 14 (78%) completed six-week questionnaires. Although there was some interim decline observed within individual domains of the DFU-QoL (financial: mean difference (MD) 16.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.1, 30.2); p=0.03); non-compliance: MD 12.5 (95% CI–0.2, 25.2); p=0.05), no differences were observed over six weeks. Levels of physical activity declined over time, with over half (56%) of participants classified as having low levels of physical activity at baseline, rising to two-thirds (67%) at follow-up. Conclusion: Future studies should explore the longer-term holistic impact of NROLDs and develop more personalised approaches to care at the point of prescription, during and post-device use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Early evaluation and appropriate management of pediatric scaphoid fractures are necessary to avoid complications. To date, current management of pediatric fractures varies among providers. The objective of this study was to compare clinical outcomes following different treatment modalities. METHODS: A PubMed literature search identified studies involving acute scaphoid fractures in children. Studies were evaluated for treatment provided and their respective effects on union rate, wrist range of motion, and wrist pain. Data were pooled across studies, and quantitative statistical analysis was conducted to compare outcomes. RESULTS: Seventeen studies representing 812 acute pediatric scaphoid fractures were included in the current analysis. We found 93.5% of scaphoid fractures were treated with cast immobilization vs 6.5% treated surgically as 13 of 17 authors treated all fractures with immobilization vs 4 of 17 studies who offered surgical intervention. We found pediatric scaphoid fractures had excellent bone union rates (96.2%) with no difference between the cast immobilization and surgery groups ( P value NS). Long- and short-arm thumb spica immobilization protocols were commonly employed; however, we found no difference in the rates of union ( P value NS). At follow-up, 99.0% of patients treated nonoperatively had normal wrist range of motion and 96.8% were pain free. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric scaphoid fractures have excellent outcomes. Nonoperative treatment results in a high rate of union with few posttreatment wrist symptoms. Nonsurgical treatment represents an adequate treatment modality in a majority of acute pediatric scaphoid fractures, wherein the role for surgery needs to be better defined.

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Toolmarks, particularly those found on bulky, inaccessible or immovable items, can be recovered by casting. To allow for subsequent comparative examinations, the casting material, typically polysiloxanes or silicones, must be able to capture and preserve fine details within a toolmark accurately. To study the stability of such details after exposure to heat, toolmark casts were heated at either 60 °C for 2 h, or 90 °C for 1 h. These casts were subsequently compared to casts that had not been exposed to heat, using traditional optical comparison microscopy, as well as virtual comparison microscopy. Digitised toolmark signatures were also extracted from the casts and compared pairwise to obtain quantitative similarity scores based on cross-correlation, consecutive matching striae and Mann-Whitney U-statistic. Our results show that the fine surface details captured on all four commercial toolmark casting materials tested herein remained stable after exposure to heat. This study shows that the above heating protocols are viable viral inactivation methods for toolmark casts that are potentially contaminated with human coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV-2. Our findings also apply to other scenarios, such as for casts that were left in a vehicle parked under the sun.

Toolmarks, particularly those found on bulky, inaccessible or immovable items, can be recovered by casting. To allow for subsequent comparative examinations, the casting material, typically polysiloxanes or silicones, must be able to capture and preserve fine details within a toolmark accurately. To study the stability of such details after exposure to heat, toolmark casts were heated at either 60 °C for 2 h, or 90 °C for 1 h. These casts were subsequently compared to casts that had not been exposed to heat, using traditional optical comparison microscopy, as well as virtual comparison microscopy. Digitised toolmark signatures were also extracted from the casts and compared pairwise to obtain quantitative similarity scores based on cross-correlation, consecutive matching striae and Mann-Whitney U-statistic. Our results show that the fine surface details captured on all four commercial toolmark casting materials tested herein remained stable after exposure to heat. This study shows that the above heating protocols are viable viral inactivation methods for toolmark casts that are potentially contaminated with human coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV-2. Our findings also apply to other scenarios, such as for casts that were left in a vehicle parked under the sun. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone fractures pose a serious challenge for the healthcare system worldwide. A total of 17.5% of these fractures occur in the distal radius. Traditional cast materials commonly used for treatment have certain disadvantages, including a lack of mechanical and water resistance, poor hygiene, and odors. Three-dimensional printing is a dynamically developing technology which can potentially replace the traditional casts. The aim of the study was to examine and compare the traditional materials (plaster cast and fiberglass cast) with Polylactic Acid (PLA) and PLA–CaCO3 composite materials printed using Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technology and to produce a usable cast of each material. The materials were characterized by tensile, flexural, Charpy impact, Shore D hardness, flexural fatigue, and variable load cyclic tests, as well as an absorbed water test. In addition, cost-effectiveness was evaluated and compared. The measured values for tensile strength and flexural strength decreased with the increase in CaCO3 concentration. In the fatigue tests, the plaster cast and the fiberglass cast did not show normal fatigue curves; only the 3D-printed materials did so. Variable load cyclic tests showed that traditional casts cannot hold the same load at the same deflection after a higher load has been used. During these tests, the plaster cast had the biggest relative change (−79.7%), compared with −4.8 % for the 3D-printed materials. The results clearly showed that 3D-printed materials perform better in both static and dynamic mechanical tests; therefore, 3D printing could be a good alternative to customized splints and casts in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial necromass is a central component of soil organic matter (SOM), whose management may be essential in mitigating atmospheric CO2 concentrations and climate change. Current consensus regards the magnitude of microbial necromass production to be heavily dependent on the carbon use efficiency of microorganisms, which is strongly influenced by the quality of the organic matter inputs these organisms feed on. However, recent concepts neglect agents relevant in many soils: earthworms. We argue that the activity of earthworms accelerates the formation of microbial necromass stabilized in aggregates and organo‐mineral associations and reduces the relevance of the quality of pre‐existing organic matter in this process. Earthworms achieve this through the creation of transient hotspots (casts) characterized by elevated contents of bioavailable substrate and the efficient build‐up and quick turnover of microbial biomass, thus converting SOM not mineralized in this process into a state more resistant against external disturbances, such as climate change. Promoting the abundance of earthworms may, therefore, be considered a central component of management strategies that aim to accelerate the formation of stabilized microbial necromass in wide locations of the soil commonly not considered hotspots of microbial SOM formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic bronchitis, more appropriately termed chyloptysis, is a rare and potentially fatal condition caused by chylous coating of the airways. These cast coating can dislodge and become an obstructive mass in the patient's airway, necessitating rapid intervention. PB is well described to occur following single ventricle physiology heart disease corrective procedures, particularly following Fontan procedures. It is less commonly seen in traumatic settings. We present the youngest known case of a traumatic injury induced plastic bronchitis. A 19-year-old man was involved in a motor vehicle accident with airbag deployment. The airbags struck him in the chest; however, the patient felt well at the time and did not seek medical attention. Several months later the patient began coughing up milky white masses identified as casts. He was initially diagnosed with asthma but did not respond to therapy. He ultimately was found to have evidence of thoracic duct injury. Options for therapy were discussed, including possible thoracic duct ligation. The patient opted to continue a lowfat diet and has remained cast free. This case highlights the importance of considering plastic bronchitis in patients with cast production and a history of trauma to the chest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the accuracy and the validity of orthodontic diagnostic measurements, as well as virtual tooth transformations using a generic open access 3D software compared to OrthoAnalyzer (3Shape) software; which was previously tested and proven for accuracy. Methods: 40 maxillary and mandibular single arch study models were duplicated and scanned using 3Shape laser scanner. The files were imported into the generic and OrthoAnalyzer software programs; where linear measurements were taken twice to investigate the accuracy of the program. To test the accuracy of the program format, they were printed, rescanned and imported into OrthAnalyzer. Finally, to investigate the accuracy of editing capabilities, linear and angular transformation procedures were performed, superimposed and printed to be rescanned and imported to OrthoAnalyzer for comparison. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups using the two software programs regarding the accuracy of the linear measurements (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the different formats among all the measurements, (p>0.05). The editing capabilities also showed no statistically significant difference (p>0.05). Conclusion: The generic 3D software (Meshmixer) was valid and accurate in cast measurements and linear and angular editing procedures. It can be used for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning without added costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to assess if the setting expansion, compressive strength, compressive modulus and Knoop hardness is reduced in Type III, IV and V gypsum products when excess water is added to recommended water/powder (W/P) ratios for full-arch implant master casts. Four properties were measured: linear setting expansion, compressive strength, compressive modulus, and Knoop hardness. Three dental stones were evaluated: ISO Type III, Type IV, and Type V. Water was added to recommended W/P ratios as follows: (1) 0%, the manufacturer’s recommend W/P ratio, (2) 50%, 1.5 times the manufacturer’s recommendation of water, (3) 100%, three times the manufacturer’s recommendation of water, (4) 150%, 2.5 times the manufacturer’s recommendation of water, and (5) 200%, three times the manufacturer’s recommendation of water. For all three gypsum types, 50% water additions minimally affected the setting expansion and compressive modulus (p > 0.05), but lowered compressive strength by 26% to 52% (p < 0.05). Knoop hardness was lowered by 24% and 48% for Types V and III (p < 0.05), whereas Type IV was not significantly affected (p > 0.05). With few exceptions, the physical properties for the three gypsum types reached minimum values at 100% dilution, with few changes noted at higher dilutions. Increased W/P ratios did not adequately reduce the setting expansion and adversely affected other physical properties. Of the gypsums tested, Type IV is still recommended due to its lower setting expansion for full-arch implant master casts.

CRISPR-Cas systems revolutionized the genome engineering field but need to induce double-strand breaks (DSBs) and may be difficult to deliver due to their large protein size. Tn7-like transposons such as CRISPR-associated transposons (CASTs) can be repurposed for RNA-guided DSB-free integration, and obligate mobile element guided activity (OMEGA) proteins of the IS200/IS605 transposon family have been developed as hypercompact RNA-guided genome editing tools. CASTs and OMEGA are exciting, innovative genome engineering tools that can improve the precision and efficiency of editing. This review explores the recent developments and uses of CASTs and OMEGA in genome editing across prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The pros and cons of these transposon-based systems are deliberated in comparison to other CRISPR systems., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: This narrative review intends to summarize the most important and relevant data on diagnosis and treatment of pediatric forearm fractures and to describe the characteristics and advantage of each therapeutic option. Methods: We conducted a literature research considering peer-reviewed papers (mainly clinical trials or scientific reviews) using the string "forearm fracture AND epidemiology" or "forearm fracture AND diagnosis or " forearm fracture AND treatment" or "forearm fracture AND casting" or "forearm fracture AND surgery". Studies were identified by searching electronic databases (MEDLINE and PubMed) till April 2020 and reference lists of retrieved articles. Only English-language articles were included in the review. Results: Conservative management with cast immobilization is a safe and successful treatment option in pediatric forearm fractures. Surgical indication is recommended when an acceptable reduction cannot be obtained with closed reduction and casting. Surgical treatment options are intramedullary nail, plating and hybrid fixation. Conclusions: There is not a unique consensus about fracture management and treatment. Further studies are necessary to create univocal guidelines about optimal treatment, considering new techniques and available technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distal radius fractures are widespread in the pediatric population. Standardized treatment protocols have not been well defined. We sought to examine the diversity of current practice patterns in the treatment of these fractures by surveying hand, pediatric, and general orthopedic surgeons. Hand, pediatric, and general orthopedic surgeons were surveyed using an internet-based questionnaire on the management of pediatric distal radius fractures. Each surgeon was asked to select a criterion from among choices of 'acceptable' alignment criteria at the onset of the survey. Ten cases were then provided to represent a broad spectrum of injuries from minimally angulated torus fractures to complete, displaced fractures. In addition to the variation in injury pattern, the patients in the survey differed in age at the time of injury (3-15 years of age). For each case, surgeons were asked to select a preferred treatment, first on the basis of injury films, and then again after reviewing 1-week follow-up radiographs. A total of 781 surgeons completed the survey. In patients younger than 9 years of age, a residual sagittal angulation of 20° or less, coronal angulation of 10° or less, and 1 cm or less of bayonet apposition was deemed 'acceptable' by 88, 90, and 69% of respondents, respectively. In older patients, these percentages were 58, 64, and 29%, respectively. When specific cases were reviewed, 20.3% of surgeons recommended treatment different from their own theoretical 'acceptable' criteria. When subspecialty training was analyzed, hand surgeons and general orthopedic surgeons were 2.9 and 1.6 times more likely to recommend surgery, respectively, as compared with pediatric surgeons after viewing the initial radiograph. Private practice surgeons were 1.5 times more likely to recommend surgery compared with academic surgeons based on the initial injury radiographs. Our survey highlights the discordance between theoretical acceptable criteria of surgeons and their practice habits, as well as the substantial disparities in treatment recommendations based on subspecialty training. Further study is warranted to determine whether these variations in treatment affect patient outcomes. This survey is a level IV observational study.

Portraits make up for more than two-thirds of the collections displayed in the historical museum founded by Louis-Philippe at Versailles in the early 1830s. They reveal both how much Louis-Philippe was inspired by the portrait galleries he visited as a young man (at the Palais-Royal, in Eu, at the Tuileries and so on) and what his aspirations and ambitions – whether they succeeded or not – at Versailles were. Far from constituting a coherent whole, the portrait collection included older and contemporary works, which were either removed from their original location or commissioned for Versailles from both renowned masters and second-rank artists. A subset of the collection is especially significant in terms of how the collections were assembled: copies and casts. Since they represent two-thirds of the portrait collection, they must be treated as an integral component of the historical galleries. Those casts were mainly executed by a dedicated workshop at the Louvre, whose head scoured France (and other parts of Western Europe) to gather copies from well-known funerary monuments, at a time when numerous initiatives led to the exploration and inventorying of remarkable French monuments. Public opinion of the historical museum of Versailles was divided, torn between harsh criticisms of the artificial grouping of disparate artworks and an emotional acknowledgment of the very personal connection between visitors and portraits of ancestors or historical figures encountered during revolutionary or Napoleonic battles.

PurposeTo evaluate a semiautomatic software-based method of registering in vivo prostate MR images to digital histopathology images using two approaches: (i) in which the prostates were molded to simulate distortion due to the endorectal imaging coil before fixation, and (ii) in which the prostates were not molded.Materials and methodsT2-weighted MR images and digitized whole-mount histopathology images were acquired for 26 patients with biopsy-confirmed prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy. Ten excised prostates were molded before fixation. A semiautomatic method was used to align MR images to histopathology. Percent overlap between MR and histopathology images, as well as distances between corresponding anatomical landmarks were calculated and used to evaluate the registration technique for molded and unmolded cases.ResultsThe software successfully morphed histology-based prostate images into corresponding MR images. Percent overlap improved from 80.4 ± 5.8% before morphing to 99.7 ± 0.62% post morphing. Molded prostates had a smaller distance between landmarks (1.91 ± 0.75 mm) versus unmolded (2.34 ± 0.68 mm), P

In the holdings of Polish churches one can find liturgical vessels and artistic metal handcraft from the 19th century, designed in historical styles. These are handcraft items made of precious metals by goldsmiths and jewellers, as well as copper and tin alloys by braziers and similar professionals. These objects were supposed to be distinguished by their material quality and exquisite workmanship from cheaper, mass-produced plated objects. Another group of metal antiques are copies of historical vessels. An increased interest in history and the formation of nation states in the nineteenth century introduced in the whole of Europe the fashion for copying artefacts that were esteemed for their historical, cultural and artistic value. The copied objects were the ones important for the history of the country or representative for the art of the region. However, the main influence on the activities of the 19th-c. masters of metalwork was exerted by the then dynamically developing collections, museums and art market. Antiques required professional repairs, which made it necessary to learn about old techniques and technologies. Unfortunately, conservation was only one step away from counterfeiting, because there was a demand for high-priced originals. As a result, a huge number of high quality forgeries of outstanding artistic and stylistic value, proving the technical virtuosity of their makers and their vast knowledge of historical design, appeared in the collectors’ market. At the turn of the 20th century, craftsmen achieved such a level of sophistication in making imitations that even experienced experts were sometimes deceived. It is not surprising, then, that the discussed antiques are often negatively perceived by contemporary art historians as derivative, pseudo-stylistic, or even forgeries. In practice, determining their age and provenance often turns out to be a difficult task, burdened with a large margin of error. Small products made of base metals in particular require careful attention, because it is easy to make a mistake, identifying a product from the 19th century as an older one or vice versa, which in this article is illustrated by the example of brass and bronze censers.

10 Verbrugge, SE, Kemperman, H. Evaluation of the Stabilur urine vacuum tube for microscopic analysis of dysmorphic erythrocytes and erythrocyte casts. Keywords: casts; dysmorphic erythrocytes; hematuria; preservation; pre-analysis EN casts dysmorphic erythrocytes hematuria preservation pre-analysis e201 e204 4 04/12/21 20210501 NES 210501 To the Editor, Hematuria is a common problem that can find its origin anywhere along the urinary tract. [Extracted from the article]

The first part of the study deals with trade with natural history objects that reflected, at least in the 19th century, the increasing interest in collecting artefacts, their identification and description, protection, exchange, sale and artistic reconstructions. Natural history dealers contributed to science popularization and to the nascence and development of collection building activity by memory institutions and universities. They procured specimens not only to museums and cabinets, but also to private collectors and they functioned as intermediaries when collections were being sold. The study does not omit the fact that also museums played the role of intermediaries in selling or exchanging items, alongside with other memory institutions and/or researchers. At the beginning of the 20th century, many natural history dealers either extended or reduced their portfolios with casts of palaeoanthropological fossils. The study goes on to describe societies that ensured trade with natural history objects or making casts of palaeoanthropological fossils such as R. F. Damon & Co. in the United Kingdom, Les Fils d'Emile Deyrolle in France and Dr. F. Krantz, Rheinisches Mineralien-Kontor in Germany. The second part of the study focuses on the archaeologist Karel Absolon (1877-1960) who gathered casts and specimens in the 1920s and 1930s, motivated by the view of establishing a new institution and museum called the Anthropos Pavilion of the Moravian Museum in Brno. The study uses Absolon's correspondence to explain the process and specification of his orders of dozens of casts and reconstructions from R. F. Damon & Co. He placed his first big order in 1928 to acquire material for an exhibition in a special pavilion called Man and His Ancestry that he prepared in the same year for the Exhibition of Contemporary Culture in Czechoslovakia at the Brno Fair. His second big order in 1936 was a follow-up to Absolon's efforts, being fully aimed at establishing an institute or museum that would be called Anthropos. The objective of the study is to present Karel Absolon's correspondence from the period of the First Czechoslovak Republic as specific testimony of the manner of his scientific work that was based on a wide range of international contacts, sharing and disseminating findings and contacts and ways of acquiring (through trade and exchange) specimens, casts and reconstructions with the purpose of building collections and exhibitions of world museums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first real art school in Lyon is the Free Drawing School, created in 1756. This school had to train both artists and draughtsmen who would be drawing flowers for the local silk industry. The École impériale des beaux-arts de Lyon was opened in 1807, next to the Fine Arts Museum at the Palais Saint-Pierre. After moving several times and undergoing a radical reorientation in the 1970s, the École nationale supérieure des beaux-arts de Lyon settled on Les Subsistances, next to the Quai Saint-Vincent. During the 19th and 20th centuries, many professional art teaching establishments were developed in Lyon, in addition to the School of Fine Arts. The plaster casts are first-class pedagogical tools for these teachings based on the academic model, but their origins, their number, their models and their distribution are now poorly known. However, there remains a gallery of hundreds of casts kept by the ENSBA. A part of it is now kept at the Musée des Moulages of the Lumière-University Lyon-2. This article aims to offer a preview of the material history of the plaster casts that were used in Lyon to teach drawing, and to understand their pedagogical and economical stakes. This study will allow on one hand us to count, localise and understand the origins of the existing vestiges for work of national heritage, and on the other, to evaluate the importance and the specificity of the Lyon collections on a wider scale.

Introduction: Congenital talipes equino varus (club foot) is a frequent congenital deformity of the foot. The Ponseti method is the gold standard for treatment. It consists of foot manipulation with weekly serial cast, minimally invasive surgery and Dennis-Brown bar up to five years. Objective: To describe the follow-up of patients with PEVAC treated using the Ponseti method. Material and methods: Descriptive, longitudinal study, during 2013-2019, in patients with PEVAC managed with Ponseti method. We included patients with uni- or bilateral club foot, under two years of age, without prior surgery, whose parents signed informed consent. Patients with other malformations were excluded. Serial weekly cast was placed for 4-8 weeks, a tenotomy of the Achilles tendon was performed, and cast for three more weeks; then reverse footwear with Dennis-Brown bar. The revisions were recorded at day zero, at eight weeks and every three months up to five years of age. Correction of deformity and pain on walking was assessed. Results: There were 22 patients; 17 (77.3%) corrected more than 90% of the deformity, with adequate functionality and 86.3% without pain on gait, mean followup 3.9 years (1-7 years); six patients relapsed (27.27%) due to poor attachment, one re-treated with cast, and five with anterior tibial transfer, all successfully. Conclusions: The club foot managed with Ponseti method corrects more than 90% of the deformity and without or minimal pain with good adherence to treatment. We had a 27.27% recurrence in our series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic bronchitis is not yet well understood. There have been less than 500 reported cases in adults worldwide. This patient presented with a one month history of productive sputum consisting of bronchial casts resulting in a diagnosis of plastic bronchitis. [West J Emerg Med. 2011;12(1):118-119.]

Background: The early postoperative period can be distressing for the patients undergoing rhinoplasty since edema and ecchymosis are common complications.Objectives: To analyze the effects of the vibration and pressure treatments in the early postoperative period of rhinoplasty.Methods: Sixty patients, who had undergone rhinoplasty, were randomized into 3 groups: group 1 (control group, n = 20) received classic nasal casting, group 2 (n = 20) received nasal cast with an elastic bandage to hold it on the face, and group 3 (n = 20) received vibration treatment in addition to that in group 2 following the rhinoplasty. They were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 3 and 7 days in a prospective study. The postoperative edema and ecchymosis were scored by 2 independent surgeons. The postoperative pain was measured using the visual analog scale, and the necessity of anti-inflammatory medication (and the dose needed) and the cast comfort was questioned. The sebaceous activity of the nose skin was examined. A preoperative and postoperative seventh day sonographic study was performed to evaluate the tissue edema objectively.Results: The pressure treatment decreased the edema and ecchymosis significantly compared with the control group. The vibration treatment minimized edema, ecchymosis, sebaceous activity of the nose skin, pain score, and the need for anti-inflammatory medication, and increased the cast comfort significantly compared with the other groups (P < 0.0001).Conclusions: Rapid regression of edema and ecchymosis may be achieved using the vibrating nasal cast technique that may minimize patient discomfort, pain, and sebaceous activity following rhinoplasty.Level Of Evidence:1: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Three types of gypsum products were commonly used in dentistry to fabricate dental casts and dies which includes dental plaster, dental stone, and improved stone. Improved stone could be used as final casts and dies for building of final indirect dental restorations. Even though the cost of dental plaster is very low, their inherent lowest surface microhardness, compressive strength, and dimensional stability values confined their utilization as preliminary cast and die materials. This in vitro study was evaluated the effect of incorporation of 10 weight % (wt.%) aluminum oxide nanoparticle fillers on surface microhardness, compressive strength, and setting expansion of the dental plaster compared with the gold standard improved stone. Methods: The control group was prepared by mixing dental plaster with water. The innovative reinforced dental plaster group was prepared by incorporation of 10 wt.% aluminum oxide nanoparticle fillers to the conventional one prior to water mixing. The improved stone group was prepared by mixing the improved stone with water. Chemical composition of the three group powders was determined using x-ray florescence spectrometer (XRF). The surface microhardness, compressive strength, and setting expansion were measured. Results: The results revealed that innovative dental plaster reinforced by 10 wt.% aluminum oxide nanoparticle fillers was shown higher mean surface microhardness than that of conventional dental plaster, while higher mean compressive strength values than that of improved stones and conventional dental plaster. Moreover, reinforced dental plaster was shown lower mean setting expansion values compared with conventional dental plaster and improved stones (P value ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Within limitation of this study, the results are indicating the opportunity of the innovative reinforced dental plaster to be used alternatively to improved stone (type IV) for fabrication of final dental casts and dies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this review was to systematically evaluate the available literature addressing the use of orthoses (splints and casts) with adult and pediatric burn survivors and determine whether practice guidelines could be proposed. This review provides evidence-based recommendations specifically for rehabilitation professionals who are responsible for burn survivor rehabilitation. A summary recommendation was made after the literature was retrieved using a systematic review and critical appraisal by multiple authors. The level of evidence of the literature was determined in accordance with the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine criteria. Due to the low level of evidence in the available literature, only one practice guideline could be recommended: orthotic use should be considered as a treatment choice for improving range of motion or reducing contracture in adults who have sustained a burn injury. To address the rehabilitation-specific gaps found in the literature regarding orthotic use in burn rehabilitation and provide guidance to clinicians, a formal expert consensus exercise was conducted as a final step to the project. The resultant manuscript provides a summary of the literature regarding orthotic use with burn patients, one practice guideline, proposed orthotic terminology and additional practice recommendations based on expert opinion. The limitations in the current literature are also discussed, and suggestions are made for future studies in the area of orthotic use after burn injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 250 drugs carry a small but important dose-independent risk of initiating a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction that leads to acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN). Clinical manifestations are often non-specific, making epidemiological studies challenging. In severe cases, if cessation of the offending drug is not followed by a prompt improvement in renal function, corticosteroid therapy appears to enhance renal recovery rates. Other drugs, classified as potential nephrotoxins, may induce dose-dependent acute tubular necrosis. Studies over the past decade have identified a unique form of tubular cell death called "necroptosis" that is accompanied by a specific and significant interstitial inflammatory response to certain insults, including some nephrotoxins. Insights into the molecular basis of this necroinflammatory pathway have emerged. There is still a paucity of pediatric data on these two distinct types of drug-induced TIN. Early recognition is essential to minimize the risk of chronic kidney damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The use of foresight studies is common in some policy fields, but not in public health. Interest in such studies is growing. This paper gives a general overview of the Dutch Public Health Foresight Study (PHFS) 2018, providing insight into what performing a broad scenario exercise in the field of public health entails and its societal impacts. Methods The aim of the PHFS-2018 was: (a) to show how public health and healthcare in the Netherlands will develop over the next 25 years if we pursue our current course and detect 'new' developments; (b) to give options for dealing with the major future societal challenges. Part a was addressed by means of a quantitative business-as-usual scenario exercise complemented with qualitative thematic studies, and part b by elaborating courses of action for three key challenges, based on stakeholder consultation. Typical aspects of the PHFS methods are a multidisciplinary, participatory and conceptual approach and using a broad definition of health. Results The PHFS-2018 is the basis for the upcoming National Health Policy Memorandum and the Trend Scenario is the baseline for the National Prevention Agreement. Unexpectedly, the findings about increasing mental pressure in young people received most attention. There still is room for expanding use of the study to its full potential. Conclusions Long-term thinking could be stimulated by using back casting techniques and stronger involvement of policy-makers in the elaboration of options for action. Lessons learned from developing intersectoral policy at the local level could be applied at the national level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The Scandcleft international multicenter study is a prospective clinical trial of the long-term outcome after four different surgical protocols for palatal closure in patients born with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). This paper is one of a series of follow-up studies in 8-year olds. Objectives To evaluate the dental occlusion of 8-year-old patients after four different protocols of primary surgery for UCLP. Trial design Ten cleft centres in five countries tested three different surgical procedures for primary palatal repair in three parallel trials (Arms B, C, and D) against a common procedure (Arm A). Methods Initially 448 children born with non-syndromic UCLP were included in the project. At 8 years of age, 428 children remained in the study. Dental casts of 411 patients (270 boys, 141 girls), mean age 8.1 years (range 7.0–10.0) were taken. The casts were blindly assessed with the Modified Huddart and Bodenham (MHB) index by four orthodontists. The main outcome measures were anterior (+2 to −6) and posterior (0 to −8) mean scores. Comparisons were made with previous data in 5-year-olds. Results The inter- and intra-examiner reliability was good to excellent (0.75–0.90; 0.73–0.97), respectively. The mean total scores varied from −7.09 (Trial 2C) to −10.13 (Trial 3D). The mean anterior scores varied from −1.75 (Trial 2C) to −3.18 (Trial 1A). The mean posterior cleft-side scores varied from −4.32 (Trial 1B) to −5.21 (Trial 3D) and the mean non-cleft-side scores varied from −0.88 (Trial 2C) to −2.40 (Trial 3A). No significant differences were found within the trials. A significant difference was found between Trials 2 and 3 (Arm C/D) for the total score (P = 0.004). Conclusions There was no evidence of clinically significant differences in occlusion between the two surgical methods in each trial or between the trials. All mean scores showed more negative values in 8-year-olds compared with previously reported values in 5-year-olds. Trial registration ISRCTN29932826 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The present study validated data that had been reported to the Swedish Quality Registry for Cleft Lip and Palate (CLP) under new requirements from 2016, when use of the 5-year-old (5YO) and the Modified Huddart and Bodenham (MHB) indices for rating occlusion in children born with unilateral CLP (UCLP) was introduced. Materials and methods The sample included blinded study casts (n = 97) and photos (n = 4) of 5-year-old children who had been born with UCLP in 2009−2011 and were enrolled at one of six cleft centres in Sweden. Fourteen orthodontists from the centres assessed the patients (n = 101) using the 5YO and the MHB indices. Median 5YO and MHB scores of the 14 assessments were compared with original registry data (n = 61). Each centre devised code keys to protect the identities of their patients in the registry. Results Interrater agreement among the 14 orthodontists was good for the 5YO index (quadratic-weighted kappa: 0.72−0.92) and the MHB index (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.991−0.994). Comparisons of median 5YOs for each identifiable child with their registry data (n = 61) found total agreement for 70.5 per cent. Comparisons between median MHBs and registry data showed very good or good agreement in 93.4 per cent of the cases. Limitations Two teams lost their code keys, which reduced the sample to 61 patients. Conclusions The dentoalveolar outcome data in the CLP registry was trustworthy. There was good agreement among the Swedish cleft teams assessing the 5YO and MHB indices in children born with UCLP at age 5 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The main objective of this study was to validate commonly used occlusal indices in measuring treatment need, irrespective of their original objective: Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) that includes a dental health component (DHC) and an aesthetic component (AC), Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index, Index of Complexity, Outcome, and Need (ICON), Discrepancy Index (DI), and Facial Aesthetic Index (FAI). Methods The dental casts, x-rays, and photographs of 101 participants were randomly selected among patients whose orthodontic treatment was completed. The indices were validated against the panel assessments of four experts using the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The area under the curve (AUC) helped to determine their optimal cut-off points. Results The raters exhibited an excellent level of inter-rater reliability in assessing need scores [intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) = 0.85]. The DHC, AC, ICON, and PAR demonstrated 'good' diagnostic properties (AUC = 0.85, 0.84, 0.83, and 0.82, respectively). Adding the AC and the DHC into a combined index score [our proposed Combined Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (CIOTN)] yielded the strongest correlation with need (r = 0.79) and the highest AUC value of 88 per cent with 91 per cent sensitivity and 71 per cent specificity. The DI had poor discriminating abilities (AUC = 0.69), however, its dental component was substantially better (AUC = 0.81). The supplemental FAI did not enhance the correlation of indices with need. Conclusion The DHC, AC, ICON, PAR, and only the dental component of the DI reliably captured treatment need. The newly combined CIOTN had superior diagnostic properties than its components and all other indices, probably because of the cumulative values of its components. The FAI could not be validated as a supplemental measure of treatment need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile media and communication (MMC) serve as the preferred context for going online among many individuals today and the only means for others less fortunate. As computer-mediated communication (CMC) increasingly goes mobile, scholars should bear in mind the distinctive, and oftentimes disruptive, implications for everyday social life as well as research in the field. Toward that end, this article reviews select ways that MMC structures how people connect with each other and places of social activity. Synthesis of that research casts light on key developments in technology, social practice, and scholarship as CMC primarily becomes a mobile phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]