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During World War II, the population of agricultural areas of Slavonia and Srijem lived in privation, but there was no famine. A more serious threat was infectious diseases, such as malaria, typhoid fever, and dysentery, which were also present within the population in the post-war period. Major epidemics broke out mostly in areas under partisan control, especially in the areas of western and central Slavonia, where major epidemic typhus contagious broke out. Venereal diseases, less common in the Slavonian area before the war, were also on the rise. Two factors had an impact on the health situation within the population – state medical institutions and partisan medical corps. Health care and measures to combat infectious diseases were provided by state authorities, and that is still an insufficiently explored area in historiography. During the first years of the war, the partisan medical corps personnel, initially mostly semiskilled and lacking necessary medical equipment and medications, relied on the support from the population to a greater extent than they were able to provide medical care to them. With the arrival of professional staff and the acquisition of medicines and medical equipment, mainly sourced from medical institutions in areas under partisan control, they assumed a more active role in supporting civilian authorities under the “people’s rule”—specifically, the people’s liberation committees. Their focus shifted to healthcare for the civilian population, primarily aimed at suppressing and preventing infectious diseases. Further research on this topic will contribute to a more realistic perception of the civilian population’s everyday life during the war, which was presented in memoir literature and historiography of the socialist period as a heroic act of resistance rather than a struggle for survival in the conditions of privation and diseases; it will also complete the picture of the human losses of the civilian population caused by infectious diseases.

Aim of the Study: There is no consensus on the most suitable non-surgical treatment of chronic lateral elbow tendinopathy. The aim of this pilot randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the size of effect of ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle tenotomy., Material and Methods: Three intervention arms were formed: 1) percutaneous needle tenotomy, hydrodissection, and physiotherapy; 2) hydrodissection and physiotherapy; and 3) physiotherapy alone. Patients with chronic lateral elbow tendinopathy were randomized. Clinical endpoints included multiple questionnaires after three months: Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain at rest and during activity, and EuroQol 5D-5L (EQ-5D-5L)., Results: Thirty patients were included of 128 screened. The QuickDASH score improved in the percutaneous needle tenotomy and physiotherapy group, but not in the hydrodissection group. The NRS pain at rest and during activity improved more in the percutaneous needle tenotomy (resp. -2 and -2) and hydrodissection (resp. -3 and -3) groups than in the physiotherapy (resp. +1 and -1) group. The EQ-5D-5L improved similarly in all groups., Conclusions: Patients receiving percutaneous needle tenotomy and/or hydrodissection may show better results in terms of pain but not in their functional outcomes compared to those who received physiotherapy alone. The size of effect, however, is small, so a large sample size is needed for a future randomized controlled trial to further investigate these results., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors do not report any financial or personal connections with other persons or organizations which might negatively affect the contents of this publication and/or claim authorship rights to this publication., (© 2023 Laurens Koonen et al., published by Sciendo.)

Nanomembranes are the most widespread building block of life, as they encompass cell and organelle walls. Their synthetic counterparts can be described as freestanding or free-floating structures thinner than 100 nm, down to monatomic/monomolecular thickness and with giant lateral aspect ratios. The structural confinement to quasi-2D sheets causes a multitude of unexpected and often counterintuitive properties. This has resulted in synthetic nanomembranes transiting from a mere scientific curiosity to a position where novel applications are emerging at an ever-accelerating pace. Among wide fields where their use has proven itself most fruitful are nano-optics and nanophotonics. However, the authors are unaware of a review covering the nanomembrane use in these important fields. Here, we present an attempt to survey the state of the art of nanomembranes in nanophotonics, including photonic crystals, plasmonics, metasurfaces, and nanoantennas, with an accent on some advancements that appeared within the last few years. Unlimited by the Nature toolbox, we can utilize a practically infinite number of available materials and methods and reach numerous properties not met in biological membranes. Thus, nanomembranes in nano-optics can be described as real metastructures, exceeding the known materials and opening pathways to a wide variety of novel functionalities.

Objectives: To develop evidence-based Points to Consider (PtC) for the use of imaging modalities to guide interventional procedures in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs)., Methods: European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) standardised operating procedures were followed. A systematic literature review was conducted to retrieve data on the role of imaging modalities including ultrasound (US), fluoroscopy, MRI, CT and fusion imaging to guide interventional procedures. Based on evidence and expert opinion, the task force (25 participants consisting of physicians, healthcare professionals and patients from 11 countries) developed PtC, with consensus obtained through voting. The final level of agreement was provided anonymously., Results: A total of three overarching principles and six specific PtC were formulated. The task force recommends preference of imaging over palpation to guide targeted interventional procedures at peripheral joints, periarticular musculoskeletal structures, nerves and the spine. While US is the favoured imaging technique for peripheral joints and nerves, the choice of the imaging method for the spine and sacroiliac joints has to be individualised according to the target, procedure, expertise, availability and radiation exposure. All imaging guided interventions should be performed by a trained specialist using appropriate operational procedures, settings and assistance by technical personnel., Conclusion: These are the first EULAR PtC to provide guidance on the role of imaging to guide interventional procedures in patients with RMDs., Competing Interests: Competing interests: CDejaco has received consulting/speaker’s fees from Abbvie, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Galapagos and Sanofi, all unrelated to this manuscript. PMM has received consulting/speaker’s fees from Abbvie, BMS, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Orphazyme, Pfizer, Roche and UCB, all unrelated to this manuscript, and is supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), University College London Hospitals (UCLH), Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). FC has received consulting/speaker’s fees from Abbvie and Celgene, all unrelated to this manuscript. LT has received speakers fee from Novartis, UCB, Roche and Pfizer. GT has received research grants from Iqone and received consulting/speaker’s fees from Menarini, all unrelated to this manuscript. LMS has received consulting/speaker’s fees from Janssen-Cilag, Novartis, Pfizer, Abiogen, Samsung Medison, Esaote, all unrelated to this manuscript. FP has received research grants from Novartis and UCB and received consulting/speaker’s fees from Abbvie, AMGEN, BMS, Hexal, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche and UCB, all unrelated to this manuscript. CP has received honoraria and/or research and development grants from: Abbott/AbbVie, Astellas, Astra-Zeneca/MedImmune, BMS, CelGene, Grunenthal, GSK, Janssen/J&J, MSD, Pfizer, Sanofi, Roche/Genentech/Chugai, UCB. HBH has received fees for speaking and/or consulting from AbbVie, BMS, Pfizer, UCB, Roche, MSD and Novartis. WH has received fees for speaking and/or consulting from AbbVie, Alpinion, Canon, Celgene, Chugai, Janssen-Cilag, Pfizer, Roche. CDuftner has received consulting/speaker’s fees from Abbvie, BMS, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche and UCB, all unrelated to this manuscript. PVB has received consulting/speaker’s fees from Abbvie, BMS, Celgene,Celltrion, Eli Lilly, IBSA, Janssen-Cilag, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Professional Publishing Hungary, Richter, Roche, Sandoz, Springer Nature, UCB, all unrelated to this manuscript. XB has received consulting/speaker’s fees or grant support from Abbvie, Amgen, BMS, Chugai, Galapagos, Gilead, Hexal, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sandoz, UCB, all unrelated to this manuscript., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Objectives: Interventional procedures around the knee are widely adopted for treating different musculoskeletal conditions. A panel of experts from the Ultrasound and Interventional Subcommittees of the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR) reviewed the existing literature to assess the evidence on image-guided musculoskeletal interventional procedures around the knee, with the goal of highlighting some controversies associated with these procedures, specifically the role of imaging guidance, as well as the efficacy of the medications routinely injected., Methods: We report the results of a Delphi-based consensus of 53 experts in musculoskeletal radiology, who reviewed the published literature for evidence on image-guided interventional procedures around the knee to derive a list of pertinent clinical indications., Results: A list of 10 statements about clinical indications of image-guided procedures around the knee was created by a Delphi-based consensus. Only two of them had the highest level of evidence; all of them received 100% consensus., Conclusions: Ultrasonography guidance is strongly recommended for intra-articular and patellar tendinopathy procedures to ensure the precision and efficacy of these treatments. Prospective randomized studies remain warranted to better understand the role of imaging guidance and assess some of the medications used for interventional procedures around the knee., Key Points: • A list of 10 evidence-based statements on clinical indications of image-guided interventional procedures around the knee was produced by an expert panel of the ESSR. • Strong consensus with 100% agreement was obtained for all statements. • Two statements reached the highest level of evidence, allowing us to strongly recommend the use of ultrasonography to guide intra-articular and patellar tendon procedures to ensure higher accuracy and efficacy of these treatments., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Objectives: Clarity regarding accuracy and effectiveness for interventional procedures around the foot and ankle is lacking. Consequently, a board of 53 members of the Ultrasound and Interventional Subcommittees of the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR) reviewed the published literature to evaluate the evidence on image-guided musculoskeletal interventional procedures around this anatomical region., Methods: We report the results of a Delphi-based consensus of 53 experts from the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology who reviewed the published literature for evidence on image-guided interventional procedures offered around foot and ankle in order to derive their clinical indications. Experts drafted a list of statements and graded them according to the Oxford Centre for evidence-based medicine levels of evidence. Consensus was considered strong when > 95% of experts agreed with the statement or broad when > 80% but < 95% agreed. The results of the Delphi-based consensus were used to write the paper that was shared with all panel members for final approval., Results: A list of 16 evidence-based statements on clinical indications for image-guided musculoskeletal interventional procedures in the foot and ankle were drafted after a literature review. The highest level of evidence was reported for four statements, all receiving 100% agreement., Conclusion: According to this consensus, image-guided interventions should not be considered a first-level approach for treating Achilles tendinopathy, while ultrasonography guidance is strongly recommended to improve the efficacy of interventional procedures for plantar fasciitis and Morton's neuroma, particularly using platelet-rich plasma and corticosteroids, respectively., Key Points: • The expert panel of the ESSR listed 16 evidence-based statements on clinical indications of image-guided musculoskeletal interventional procedures in the foot and ankle. • Strong consensus was obtained for all statements. • The highest level of evidence was reached by four statements concerning the effectiveness of US-guided injections of corticosteroid for Morton's neuroma and PRP for plantar fasciitis., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Objectives: Image-guided musculoskeletal interventional procedures around the hip are widely used in daily clinical practice. The need for clarity concerning the actual added value of imaging guidance and types of medications to be offered led the Ultrasound and the Interventional Subcommittees of the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR) to promote, with the support of its Research Committee, a collaborative project to review the published literature on image-guided musculoskeletal interventional procedures in the lower limb in order to derive a list of clinical indications., Methods: In this article, we report the results of a Delphi-based consensus of 53 experts who reviewed the published literature for evidence on image-guided interventional procedures offered in the joint and soft tissues around the hip in order of their clinical indications., Results: Ten statements concerning image-guided treatment procedures around the hip have been collected by the panel of ESSR experts., Conclusions: This work highlighted that there is still low evidence in the existing literature on some of these interventional procedures. Further large prospective randomized trials are essential to better confirm the benefits and objectively clarify the role of imaging to guide musculoskeletal interventional procedures around the hip., Key Points: • Expert consensus produced a list of 10 evidence-based statements on clinical indications of image-guided interventional procedures around the hip. • The highest level of evidence was only reached for one statement. • Strong consensus was obtained for all statements., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Recently, biological nanostructures became an important source of inspiration for plasmonics, with many described implementations and proposed applications. Among them are brochosome-inspired plasmonic microstructures-roughly spherical core-shell particles with submicrometer diameters and with indented surfaces. Our intention was to start from the nanoplasmonic point of view and to systematically classify possible alternative forms of brochosome-inspired metal-containing particles producible by the state-of-the-art nanofabrication. A wealth of novel structures arises from this systematization of bioinspired metal-containing nanocomposites. Besides various surface nanoapertures, we consider structures closely related to them in electromagnetic sense like surface nano-protrusions, shell reliefs obtained by nano-sculpting, and various combinations of these. This approach helped us build a new design toolbox for brochosome-inspired structures. Additionally, we used the finite elements method to simulate the optical properties of simple brochosome-inspired structures. We encountered a plethora of advantageous optical traits, including enhanced absorption, antireflective properties, and metamaterial behavior (effective refractive index close to zero or negative). We conclude that the presented approach offers a wealth of traits useful for practical applications. The described research represents our attempt to outline a possible roadmap for further development of bioinspired nanoplasmonic particles and to offer a source of ideas and directions for future research.

Background: Although image-guided interventional procedures of the elbow and wrist are routinely performed, there is poor evidence in the literature concerning such treatments. Our aim was to perform a Delphi-based consensus on published evidence on image-guided interventional procedures around the elbow and wrist and provide clinical indications on this topic., Methods: A board of 45 experts in image-guided interventional musculoskeletal procedures from the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology were involved in this Delphi-based consensus study. All panelists reviewed and scored published papers on image-guided interventional procedures around the elbow and wrist updated to September 2018 according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine levels of evidence. Consensus on statements drafted by the panelists about clinical indications was considered as "strong" when more than 95% of panelists agreed and as "broad" if more than 80% agreed., Results: Eighteen statements were drafted, 12 about tendon procedures and 6 about intra-articular procedures. Only statement #15 reached the highest level of evidence (ultrasound-guided steroid wrist injections result in greater pain reduction and greater likelihood of attaining clinically important improvement). Seventeen statements received strong consensus (94%), while one received broad consensus (6%)., Conclusions: There is still poor evidence in published papers on image-guided interventional procedures around the elbow and wrist. A strong consensus has been achieved in 17/18 (94%) statements provided by the panel on clinical indications. Large prospective randomized trials are needed to better define the role of these procedures in clinical practice., Key Points: • The panel provided 18 evidence-based statements on clinical indications of image-guided interventional procedures around the elbow and wrist. • Only statement #15 reached the highest level of evidence: ultrasound-guided steroid wrist injections result in greater pain reduction and greater likelihood of attaining clinically important improvement. • Seventeen statements received strong consensus (94%), while broad consensus was obtained by 1 statement (6%).

Background: Image-guided interventional procedures of the nerves are commonly performed by physicians from different medical specialties, although there is a lack of clinical indications for these types of procedures. This Delphi-based consensus provided a list of indications on image-guided interventional procedures for nerves of the upper limb based on updated published evidence., Methods: An expert panel of 45 members of the Ultrasound and Interventional Subcommittees of the ESSR participated in this Delphi-based consensus study. After revision of the published papers on image-guided interventional procedures for nerves of the upper limb updated to September 2018, the experts drafted a list of statements according to the Oxford Centre for evidence-based medicine levels of evidence. Consensus on statements regarding clinical indications was considered as strong when more than 95% of experts agreed, and broad if more than 80% agreed., Results: Ten statements were drafted on procedures for nerves of the upper limb. Only two statements reached the highest level of evidence (ultrasound guidance is a safe and effective method for brachial plexus block; ultrasound-guided non-surgical approaches are safe and effective methods to treat carpal tunnel syndrome in the short term, but there is sparse evidence on the mid- and long-term effectiveness of these interventions). Strong consensus was obtained on 6/10 statements (60%), while 4/10 statements reached broad consensus (40%)., Conclusions: This Delphi-based consensus study reported poor evidence on image-guided interventional procedures for nerves of the upper limb. Sixty percent of statements on clinical indications provided by the expert board reached a strong consensus., Key Points: • An expert panel of the ESSR provided 10 evidence-based statements on clinical indications for image-guided interventional procedures for nerves of the upper limb • Two statements reached the highest level of evidence • Strong consensus was obtained on 6/10 statements (60%), while 4/10 statements reached broad consensus (40%).

Background: Image-guided interventional procedures around the shoulder are commonly performed in clinical practice, although evidence regarding their effectiveness is scarce. We report the results of a Delphi method review of evidence on literature published on image-guided interventional procedures around the shoulder with a list of clinical indications., Methods: Forty-five experts in image-guided musculoskeletal procedures from the ESSR participated in a consensus study using the Delphic method. Peer-reviewed papers regarding interventional procedures around the shoulder up to September 2018 were scored according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine levels of evidence. Statements on clinical indications were constructed. Consensus was considered as strong if more than 95% of experts agreed and as broad if more than 80% agreed., Results: A total of 20 statements were drafted, and 5 reached the highest level of evidence. There were 10 statements about tendon procedures, 6 about intra-articular procedures, and 4 about intrabursal injections. Strong consensus was obtained in 16 of them (80%), while 4 received broad consensus (20%)., Conclusions: Literature evidence on image-guided interventional procedures around the shoulder is limited. A strong consensus has been reached for 80% of statements. The ESSR recommends further research to potentially influence treatment options, patient outcomes, and social impact., Key Points: • Expert consensus produced a list of 20 evidence-based statements on clinical indications of image-guided interventional procedures around the shoulder. • The highest level of evidence was reached for five statements. • Strong consensus was obtained for 16 statements (80%), while 4 received broad consensus (20%).

Pain around the hip and pelvis is a very common condition. Pain may be generated within the joint space (i.e. the hip joint itself, the sacroiliac joints or the pubic symphysis) or from surrounding myotendinous, bursal, or nerve structures. Over the years, percutaneous musculoskeletal procedures have become increasingly popular to diagnose and treat painful conditions around the hip and the pelvis. Most intra- and extra-articular procedures are performed under ultrasound guidance. This article reviews the most common diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that can be performed around the hip and the pelvis under ultrasound guidance., Competing Interests: Luca Maria Sconfienza reports nonfinancial support from Bracco Imaging Italia, Abiogen, nonfinancial support from Esaote Spa, personal fees from Fidia Pharma Group, outside the submitted work. Carmelo Messina reports nonfinancial support from Bracco Imaging Italia and Abiogen, outside the submitted work., (Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.)

Study Design  A prospective cohort study. Objective  Decompression and fusion of cervical vertebrae is a combined procedure that has a high success rate in relieving radicular symptoms and stabilizing or improving cervical myelopathy. However, fusion may lead to increased motion of the adjacent vertebrae and cervical deformity. Both have been postulated to lead to adjacent segment pathology (ASP). Kinematic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been increasingly used to evaluate range of motion (ROM) of the cervical spine and ASP. Our objective was to measure ASP, cervical curvature, and ROM of individual segments of the cervical spine using kinematic MRI before and 24 months after monosegmental cage fusion. Methods  Eighteen patients who had single-level interbody fusion were included. ROM (using kinematic MRI) and degeneration, spinal stenosis, and cervical curvature were measured preoperatively and 24 months postoperatively. Results  Using kinematic MRI, segmental motion of the cervical segments was measured with a precision of less than 3 degrees. The cervical fusion did not affect the ROM of adjacent levels. However, pre- and postoperative ROM was higher at the levels immediately adjacent to the fusion level compared with those further away. In addition, at 24 months postoperatively, the number of cases with ASP was higher at the levels immediately adjacent to fusion level. Conclusions  Using kinematic MRI, ROM after spinal fusion can be measured with high precision. Kinematic MRI can be used not only in clinical practice, but also to study intervention and its effect on postoperative biomechanics and ASP of cervical vertebrae.

Purpose: To assess which individual gray-scale and color Doppler US findings and their combination are strongly associated with lateral epicondylitis. Also to determine whether chronic lateral epicondylitis is possible without any positive US findings., Methods: 49 patients (6 bilateral) underwent gray-scale ultrasonic imaging between 2005 to 2007. All had a history of lateral epicondylitis and had concordant pain during US probe compression in the common extensor region. Mean patient age was 47 (sd 7.7) years; M/F ratio 21/28; L/R ratio 17/32. Five symptom free volunteers (all bilateral) with a mean age of 36 (sd 8.7) years; M/F = 4/6; L/R = 5/5., Results: Neovascularity determined by color Doppler and four gray-scale US findings - a convex external contour, an erosive lateral epicondular cortex, internal calcifications, or a tear - have a specificity and PPV of 100% with conclusive likelihood ratios. However, only the sensitivity for neovascularity is above 50%. A combination of gray-scale and color Doppler shows a sensitivity between 92% to 100%, a 90% specificity with a 98% PPV and a high likelihood ratio (9 to 10)., Conclusion: The combination of gray-scale and color Doppler changes is diagnostically superior to identify chronic lateral epicondylitis. Signs which confirm the diagnosis are a convex boundary, an erosive cortex, internal calcifications, a tear, and neovascularity. Patients with positive clinical signs and concordant pain but no US findings require further MRI evaluation.

Background and Purpose: Interpretation of sonographic data is difficult when hematoma after total hip replacement is suspected, as there are no normative data. We describe the normal sonographic image, focusing on the amount and location of postoperative fluid collections after a clinically uncomplicated, primary total hip replacement by the posterior approach. Inter- and intraobserver reproducibility is also considered., Patients and Methods: We performed sonography of the hip in 47 patients between the second and the fifth postoperative day. Bone-to-capsule distance and deep and superficial extraarticular fluid collections were measured. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated., Results: The normal values of bone-to-capsule distance and amount of extraarticular fluid after total hip replacement were established from the upper bound of the 95% confidence interval. The upper bound for bone-capsule distance was 6 mm, for deep fluid collections 21 mm, and for superficial fluid collections 28 mm. In this clinically normal patient group, 4 patients had an extreme value (< 3 SD) for bone-to-capsule distance. For the deep and superficial fluid collections, no extremes were found. No correlation was found between bone-to-capsule distance and whether or not there was extraarticular fluid. Intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.98 for bone-to-capsule distance and 0.99 for fluid collection measurements., Interpretation: Sonography is a reproducible method for the evaluation of fluid collections after total hip replacement. The values measured can be helpful in decision making when there is clinical suspicion of postoperative hematoma after hip replacement by the posterior approach.