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Background: There is a lack of consensus on the use of postoperative bracing for lumbar degenerative conditions. Spine surgeons typically determine whether to apply postoperative braces based primarily on clinical experience rather than robust, evidence-based medical data. Thus, the present study sought to assess the impact of postoperative bracing on clinical outcomes, complications, and fusion rates following lumbar fusion surgery in patients with degenerative spinal conditions. Methods: Only randomized controlled studies published between January 1990 and 20 October 2023 were included in this meta-analysis. The primary outcome measures consisted of pre- and postoperative assessments of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. Improvements in VAS and ODI scores were analyzed in the early postoperative period (1 month after operation) and at final follow-up, respectively. The analysis also encompassed fusion rates and complications. Results: Five studies with 362 patients were included in the present meta-analysis. In the early postoperative period, the brace group showed a relatively better improvement in ODI scores compared with the no-brace group (19.47 vs 18.18), although this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.34). Similarly, during the late postoperative period, the brace group demonstrated a slightly greater improvement in VAS scores in comparison to the no-brace group (4.05 vs 3.84), but this difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.30). The complication rate was relatively lower in the brace group compared with the no-brace group (14.9% vs 17.4%), although there was no statistical difference between the 2 groups (P = 0.83). Importantly, there were no substantial differences in fusion rates between patients with or without braces. Conclusion: The present meta-analysis revealed that the implementation of a brace following lumbar fusion surgery did not yield substantial differences in terms of postoperative pain relief, functional recovery, complication rates, or fusion rates when compared with cases where no brace was employed. Clinical Relevance: This meta-analysis provides valuable insights into the clinical impact of postoperative bracing following lumbar fusion surgery for degenerative spinal conditions. Level of Evidence: 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a condition that affects an otherwise healthy child 10 years of age or older and is the high risk of severe deformity and surgery. Different brace applications include the Milwaukee Brace, Boston Scoliosis Brace, TLSO and others, and the success rates of orthoses vary. With little experience in the use of the Chêneau-type corset, the brace provides an effective means for the active correction of scoliotic spinal deformity. The objective was to demonstrate an outcome with a 3D functional corrective German-designed corset used to treat a patient with AIS in the period from the onset of the curve to the onset of skeletal maturity. Material and methods The medical history of patient S. including anamnestic, clinical and radiological findings recorded 2018 and 2023 when she used a 3D German-designed (3D GD) corset. The corset design was defined as 3CL/B2 according to the Lehnert – Schroth scoliotic classification as modified by Rigo. Results The left-sided thoracolumbar curve of a 9-year-old patient with a Risser sign of 0 and a Cobb angle of 25° at baseline decreased to 12° at the age of 16 years (Risser sign — 5) due to bracing. Discussion The AIS was diagnosed in the patient at the age of 5 years and bracing was initiated at the age of 9. The curve correction using 3D GD brace was based on the principles offered by Chêneau. The patient used the corset for 20 hours per day. The initial brace correction was 90 %. The curve decreased from Cobb angle 25° to 12° over a six-year period of brace treatment with no need for surgery. Three cases with identical outcomes were reported with the use of the Boston and Chêneau braces in AIS. Conclusion The clinical case showed effective use of the 3D GD corset as a new exponent of corsets developed on the principles offered by Chêneau to prevent surgical treatment by the time of skeletal maturity.

Aim is to investigate the effectiveness of the author's methodology for the rehabilitation of adolescents with postural disorders (bilateral scoliotic deformities of the spine) using swimming exercises. Materials and Methods: The research involved 40 adolescents (girls) aged 11 to 13 years with bilateral scoliosis of the 2nd degree. Two groups were formed (CG and EG) of 20 people. The author's methodology was used in the rehabilitation of adolescents of the EG. Breaststroke and backstroke swimming was used in the CG. The following indicators were studied: the angle of bending of the right- and left-side arch of the scoliotic deformity, deadlift of the torso dynamometer, dumbbell bench press, and push-ups from a bench. Results: The author's methodology for the rehabilitation of postural disorders in adolescents based on the use of sidestroke swimming exercises and a special corset, which allows to fix one scoliotic deformity and carry out rehabilitation on the second deformity (bending) and vice versa, has been developed. Testing the effectiveness of the methodology shows that after rehabilitation, adolescents in the EG showed significantly better results than those in the CG in all studied indicators. Conclusions: As a result of the training sessions according to the author's methodology with the use of the developed corset and sidestroke swimming, adolescents of the EG had a significant recovery of bilateral scoliotic deformities, strengthening of the muscular corset of the trunk, and improvement of the functional state of the main body systems and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article will examine how Sarah Waters and Laura Purcell use the corset as a narrative tool in Fingersmith (2002) and The Corset (2018), and how placing these texts alongside Victorian writing on the corset influences our understanding of the narratives. In Fingersmith, there are many allusions to Maud Lilly practising tight-lacing, having been laced into tight dresses to 'give her the figure of a lady' from a young age. When these tight laces are loosened, there is a suggestion of another Maud almost breaking out from the sartorial restriction. There are two corsets in The Corset which are of interest: first, a corset made by the narrator, Ruth, for herself that acts as a physical and emotional support system; second, one that Ruth makes for the daughter of the woman for whom she works. This latter corset is made by Ruth to 'squeeze the evil out' of the daughter; when Ruth is later accused of murder, she considers the corset to be the murder weapon. This article, therefore, considers how Victorian corset narratives, when placed alongside modern scholarship on the Victorian corset influences the twenty-first century reconstruction of the past and its sartorial/somatic imagery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Back problems (dorsopathies) are one of the most common locomotor system conditions. Back problems are usually categorised as specific and non-specific back complaints. Specific causes for back problems are hardly ever identified, approximately 90% are non-specific. Back problems lead to pain and reduced functioning. Important symptoms of non-specific back problems are diffuse, nagging pain and reduced physical functioning when carrying out daily activities. The aim of this article is to discuss the results, as reported by the patients, of the current conservative therapeutic treatment of non-specific low back complaints with the use of an orthopaedic corset. Materials and methods: Patient Reported Outcome Measurement (PROM) study of 677 patients on the effectiveness of wearing an orthopaedic corset in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain was done. Patients with low back pain using corset were asked to complete a questionnaire about the effectiveness of the brace after wearing it for 3 weeks. Primary outcome measure was mobility assessed using an ordinal scale with and without the use of the corset. Secondary outcome measures were pain symptoms and overall daily functioning. Results: The results demonstrated a 67% improvement in overall daily functioning (positive improvement), and 59% of the respondents reported a reduction in pain. Mobility improved significantly; the group who were only able to walk at home was reduced by 67%, the group who were able to walk to the local shop increased by 72%, and the group who once again were able to go for long walks actually doubled. Conclusion: The results of this PROM study show that the use of an orthopaedic corset seems to serve as an appropriate joint support, offers pain relief and freedom of movement, and should be considered as a useful non-surgical treatment method for patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In chronic low back pain, the use of lumbar orthosis treatment is not part of general recommendations due to a lack of supporting evidence. However, interest in segmental immobilization at the mechanical and postural level is still current in practice, with, however, the belief of negative effects on muscular capacity. The objective of our study was to assess the evolution of muscle capacity after wearing custom-made rigid corset in patients with chronic low back pain. Materials and Methods: This is a multicenter study in patients with chronic low back pain, for which the wearing of a rigid postural immobilization corset for 3 months was prescribed. Twenty-two patients completed all follow-up assessments at baseline, 45 days, and 3 months. Evaluations included Biering-Sørensen test, Shirado test, chair test, hand/ground test, lateral inclination test, Quebec scale, and visual analog scale. Results: The results revealed a significant improvement of Biering-Sørensen test after 3 months (37.0 ± 53.6 seconds at D0, 41.3 ± 51.7 seconds at D45, and 53.2 ± 60.5 seconds at D90; P < 0.05), in hand/ground distance (21.8 ± 28.5 cm at D0, 15.5 ± 17.8 cm at D45, and 12.2 ± 15.5 cm at D90; P < 0.05), in disability based on the Quebec questionnaire (0.52 ± 0.21 at D0, 0.45 ± 0.19 at D45, and 0.39 ± 0.19 at D90; P < 0.05), and significant reductions in visual analog scale measures of pain (6.0 ± 1.7 at D0, 3.7 ± 1.7 at D45, and 2.7 ± 1.9 at D90; P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study shows that the wearing of a rigid orthosis does not alter the muscular endurance capacities of the trunk muscles. In view of the results, wearing a rigid orthosis may be an alternative to treating chronic low back pain. It does not induce muscle loss and may even contribute to motor disinhibition, resulting in improved spinal mobility and functional abilities. Clinical Relevance: The common belief that wearing a spinal orthosis leads to muscle loss should no longer be an obstacle to its prescription since it helps to maintain muscle capacity and reduces pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Contexto Revista Anual de Estudios Literarios is the property of Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Venezuela and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This essay examines fertility politics in Zola's Pot—Bouille (1882) and Au Bonheur des dames (1883) in terms of the controversial and ubiquitous foundation garment of nineteenth—century women's dress: the corset. The corset exemplifies the novels' concerns with good form — good form meaning both the ideal feminine silhouette and the code of bourgeois propriety. The corset abets a series of reproductive failures in the narratives and thus incarnates contemporary fears about fashion—induced dénatalité. Zola ultimately condemns the hypocrisy of social attitudes that deemed pregnancy "indecent" and underscores the danger of placing intractable constraints — whether sartorial or cultural — on the maternal body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tekstil: Journal of Textile & Clothing Technology is the property of Croatian Association of Textile Engineers and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Background Subcapsular hematoma of the liver is a potentially life-threatening but extremely rare condition. It is often caused by a blunt trauma or other predisposing conditions such as a liver tumor, intra-tumor hemorrhage, surgery, preeclampsia, liver biopsy, and hemodialysis. Predisposing causes of liver hematoma include its large size and proximity to fixed structures. To date, there have been no reported cases of subcapsular liver hematoma caused by tight clothing such as corsets. Our case report is about an extremely rare case of subcapsular hematoma of the liver caused by wearing a tight faja corset in a young healthy female. Case presentation A forty-five-year-old Spanish female without any underlying health problems presented with sudden onset epigastric and right upper quadrant abdominal pain after wearing a faja corset the night prior to the hospital presentation. CT abdomen was noted for subcapsular hematoma of the liver. Her symptoms persisted and repeat CT abdomen showing worsening of the liver hematoma. Patient had interventional radiology (IR) guided drainage and was subsequently discharged home. Conclusions Subscapular liver hematomas need to be considered in patients presenting with acute onset abdominal pain after wearing certain tight clothing. The necessity of an early and accurate diagnosis is vital for management as hemodynamically stable patients can be managed conservatively. Our patient was managed with IR-guided aspiration drainage of the hematoma. Surgery can be considered a last resort in case of life-threatening hemodynamic instability, peritoneal signs, free abdominal fluid, and failure of arterial embolization. Our case highlights the importance of early recognition of traumatic subcapsular hematomas to prevent life-threatening complications.

Background: There is a lack of consensus on the use of postoperative bracing for lumbar degenerative conditions. Spine surgeons typically determine whether to apply postoperative braces based primarily on clinical experience rather than robust, evidence-based medical data. Thus, the present study sought to assess the impact of postoperative bracing on clinical outcomes, complications, and fusion rates following lumbar fusion surgery in patients with degenerative spinal conditions., Methods: Only randomized controlled studies published between January 1990 and 20 October 2023 were included in this meta-analysis. The primary outcome measures consisted of pre- and postoperative assessments of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. Improvements in VAS and ODI scores were analyzed in the early postoperative period (1 month after operation) and at final follow-up, respectively. The analysis also encompassed fusion rates and complications., Results: Five studies with 362 patients were included in the present meta-analysis. In the early postoperative period, the brace group showed a relatively better improvement in ODI scores compared with the no-brace group (19.47 vs 18.18), although this difference was not statistically significant ( P = 0.34). Similarly, during the late postoperative period, the brace group demonstrated a slightly greater improvement in VAS scores in comparison to the no-brace group (4.05 vs 3.84), but this difference did not reach statistical significance ( P = 0.30). The complication rate was relatively lower in the brace group compared with the no-brace group (14.9% vs 17.4%), although there was no statistical difference between the 2 groups ( P = 0.83). Importantly, there were no substantial differences in fusion rates between patients with or without braces., Conclusion: The present meta-analysis revealed that the implementation of a brace following lumbar fusion surgery did not yield substantial differences in terms of postoperative pain relief, functional recovery, complication rates, or fusion rates when compared with cases where no brace was employed., Clinical Relevance: This meta-analysis provides valuable insights into the clinical impact of postoperative bracing following lumbar fusion surgery for degenerative spinal conditions., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting Interests : The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work., (This manuscript is generously published free of charge by ISASS, the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery. Copyright © 2024 ISASS. To see more or order reprints or permissions, see http://ijssurgery.com.)

Résumé: Un guide de pratique autour de la pratique sportive à l'attention des médecins généralistes devant prendre en charge des adolescents présentant une scoliose idiopathique a été pensé au travers d'une revue de la littérature et d'une enquête de pratique. Nous avons détaillé plusieurs aspects à prendre en compte dans ce questionnement : le sport en général, le sport à l'école, le sport pendant le traitement par corset. Les compétitions et le retour au sport après prise en charge chirurgicale seront abordés dans une seconde partie. A practice guide on the topic of sports practice for general practitioners who have to manage adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis was designed through a review of the literature and a practice survey. We detailed several aspects to be taken into account in this questioning: sport in general, sport at school, sport during brace treatment. Competitions and return to sport after surgery will be discussed in a second part. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background RNA-Seq is the preferred method to explore transcriptomes and to estimate differential gene expression. When an organism has a well-characterized and annotated genome, reads obtained from RNA-Seq experiments can be directly mapped to that genome to estimate the number of transcripts present and relative expression levels of these transcripts. However, for unknown genomes, de novo assembly of RNA-Seq reads must be performed to generate a set of contigs that represents the transcriptome. These contig sets contain multiple transcripts, including immature mRNAs, spliced transcripts and allele variants, as well as products of close paralogs or gene families that can be difficult to distinguish. Thus, tools are needed to select a set of less redundant contigs to represent the transcriptome for downstream analyses. Here we describe the development of Compacta to produce contig sets from de novo assemblies. Results Compacta is a fast and flexible computational tool that allows selection of a representative set of contigs from de novo assemblies. Using a graph-based algorithm, Compacta groups contigs into clusters based on the proportion of shared reads. The user can determine the minimum coverage of the contigs to be clustered, as well as a threshold for the proportion of shared reads in the clustered contigs, thus providing a dynamic range of transcriptome compression that can be adapted according to experimental aims. We compared the performance of Compacta against state of the art clustering algorithms on assemblies from Arabidopsis, mouse and mango, and found that Compacta yielded more rapid results and had competitive precision and recall ratios. We describe and demonstrate a pipeline to tailor Compacta parameters to specific experimental aims. Conclusions Compacta is a fast and flexible algorithm for the determination of optimum contig sets that represent the transcriptome for downstream analyses.

Este artigo busca explorar as relações entre o corset e o fetichismo no século XIX e começo do século XX. Apoiado pela perspectiva de Anne McClintock em Couro imperial - Raça, gênero e sexualidade no embate colonial sobre o fetiche e as dinâmicas entre classe e gênero, o protagonismo do corset na manutenção da ociosidade doméstica feminina vitoriana é analisado. A investigação sugere que a crise de valor produzida pelo conflito entre os espaços públicos e privados, pela relação entre a agência masculina e a estagnação feminina e a impossibilidade do gozo do ócio feminino são encarnadas no corset que se converte em objeto-fetiche. A recuperação dos escritos de Freud, o estudo das genealogias do fetiche e a retomada de sua origem etimológica amplia as perspectivas de significação para a relação do corset com o corpo feminino oitocentista, cuja silhueta, desenhada pela corseteria, demarcava calculadamente as possibilidades de seu papel social.

The aim of this paper is to make a computer construction, modeling, grading and marker from a technical sketch and finalized with the fabrication work of the test model of the pleated corset. The basic dress pattern was used for modeling a corset. On the constructed basic pattern of the front and back part of a dress, modeling procedures were applied for the purpose of developing the finished pattern of a plated princess corset. For the purpose of correctness controle and the quality of modeling of the garment, a test model of corset was made according to the measures, testing the success of designing and modeling. The test model was tested and the corset fit was assessed. With technology development, computer construction and modeling of the corsets the procedure of producing corsets is faster than traditional procedure, whereby we get important time saving and precision of the patterns and we can faster see the mistakes and fix them, also, the grading of a certain model is faster and more precise. Planning and forming of the marker are shown in a few steps for getting the marker.

Copyright of TECHNE. Seria Nowa is the property of Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Lodzkiego and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The prognosis for intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), a common neurologic disease in dogs, varies, with some cases requiring long-term rehabilitation. Corsets are used as part of the physical rehabilitation of dogs, and one of these, the Anifull Dog’s Corset Pro, is manufactured and sold by Daiya Industry Co., Ltd. This corset is used to relieve pain caused by spinal cord and vertebral diseases, and to prevent neurological conditions from worsening, by limiting spinal movement. However, the effect of the Anifull Dog’s Corset Pro on gait has not yet been clarified. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effects of this corset on the gait of dogs using kinematic and kinetic analyses. Five healthy beagle dogs wearing corsets were trotted, kinematic and kinetic parameters were measured using motion capture and force plates, and the results were compared to those obtained when the dogs were not wearing a corset. The range of motion of the angle formed by the 13th thoracic vertebra and the 7th lumbar vertebra at the apex of the 7th cervical vertebra was significantly reduced in the corset-wearing dogs. Thus, the Anifull Dog’s Corset Pro may improve trunk stability without affecting gait.

Résumé: Un guide de pratique à l'attention des médecins généralistes devant prendre en charge des adolescents présentant une scoliose idiopathique autour de la pratique sportive a été pensé au travers d'une revue de la littérature et d'une enquête de pratique. Nous avons détaillé plusieurs aspects à prendre en compte dans ce questionnement : le sport en général, le sport à l'école, le sport pendant le traitement par corset ont été traités dans la première partie de cet article. La seconde partie aborde les compétitions et le retour au sport après prise en charge chirurgicale. A practice guide for general practitioners who have to manage adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis on the topic of sports practice was designed through a review of the literature and a practice survey. We have detailed several aspects to be taken into account in this questioning: sport in general, sport at school, sport during corset treatment were dealt with in article 1; this article deals with competitions and the return to sport after surgical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The aim of this study is to emphasize the need to be careful in terms of internal organ injuries in patients with isolated transverse process fracture (ITPF), and to investigate the effectiveness of corset use in controlling acute pain. Methods This is a retrospective study including 72 patients with only transverse process fractures secondary to trauma, who were admitted to the Emergency Department of Sakarya University Research and Training Hospital between January 2020 and October 2022. The radiological diagnoses were collected from spinal vertebral computed tomography images. Twelve patients were excluded from the study due to exclusion criteria. Sixty patients with ITPF were included in the comparison group. All patients were divided into two groups. The group with no lumbar corset (LC) included those who were discharged with analgesic and muscle relaxant treatment without a brace (n = 33). The LC+ group (n = 27) included those who received rigid lumbosacral orthosis in addition to analgesic and muscle relaxant treatment. Pain levels of all cases in both groups were evaluated with Visual Analog Scale scores on the day of trauma, the first week, the first month, and the sixth month. Results A total of 25 cases had one ITPF, 25 had two, 17 had three, and five patients had four or more ITPFs. The hospitalization rate was the highest among patients with four or more ITPFs (40%). Although the hospitalization rates according to the number of ITPFs were not statistically significant (p = 0.528), there was a clinical significance regarding increasing hospitalization rates with the increasing number of ITPFs. The hospitalization rates were 12%, 16%, 17.6%, and 40% in patients with one, two, three, and four or more ITPFs, respectively. Conclusion ITPFs should be treated conservatively. Concomitant organ injuries must be ruled out before treatment. Medical treatment without a lumbar corset could be used as a cost-effective choice., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Kaya et al.)

Background: RNA-Seq is the preferred method to explore transcriptomes and to estimate differential gene expression. When an organism has a well-characterized and annotated genome, reads obtained from RNA-Seq experiments can be directly mapped to that genome to estimate the number of transcripts present and relative expression levels of these transcripts. However, for unknown genomes, de novo assembly of RNA-Seq reads must be performed to generate a set of contigs that represents the transcriptome. These contig sets contain multiple transcripts, including immature mRNAs, spliced transcripts and allele variants, as well as products of close paralogs or gene families that can be difficult to distinguish. Thus, tools are needed to select a set of less redundant contigs to represent the transcriptome for downstream analyses. Here we describe the development of Compacta to produce contig sets from de novo assemblies. Results: Compacta is a fast and flexible computational tool that allows selection of a representative set of contigs from de novo assemblies. Using a graph-based algorithm, Compacta groups contigs into clusters based on the proportion of shared reads. The user can determine the minimum coverage of the contigs to be clustered, as well as a threshold for the proportion of shared reads in the clustered contigs, thus providing a dynamic range of transcriptome compression that can be adapted according to experimental aims. We compared the performance of Compacta against state of the art clustering algorithms on assemblies from Arabidopsis, mouse and mango, and found that Compacta yielded more rapid results and had competitive precision and recall ratios. We describe and demonstrate a pipeline to tailor Compacta parameters to specific experimental aims. Conclusions: Compacta is a fast and flexible algorithm for the determination of optimum contig sets that represent the transcriptome for downstream analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subpellicular microtubule array defines the wide range of cellular morphologies found in parasitic kinetoplastids (trypanosomatids). Morphological studies have characterized array organization, but little progress has been made towards identifying the molecular mechanisms that are responsible for array differentiation during the trypanosomatid life cycle, or the apparent stability and longevity of array microtubules. In this review, we outline what is known about the structure and biogenesis of the array, with emphasis on Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Leishmania, which cause life-threatening diseases in humans and livestock. We highlight unanswered questions about this remarkable cellular structure that merit new consideration in light of our recently improved understanding of how the 'tubulin code' influences microtubule dynamics to generate complex cellular structures. The microtubules of the subpellicular array in trypanosomatids are highly organized and appear remarkably stable, which differs from the dynamic instability of interphase microtubules found in mammalian systems. Transitions between different parasite life-cycle stages require extensive rearrangement and remodeling of the microtubules of the array. Post-translational modifications on tubulin alter microtubule dynamics and differentially recruit microtubule-associated proteins that are sensitive to these modifications. Microtubule post-translational modifications are abundant in trypanosomatids, and new research suggests that they differ across the array. This may create a landscape for differential localization of microtubule-array associated proteins that locally alter array dynamics. Recent studies have identified new microtubule-array associated proteins that are required to maintain cell shape and may be important in morphological changes during life-cycle transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the marketplace icon of shapewear--clothing that changes the shape of the human body by compressing or enhancing it. The trajectory of shapewear from the highly structured corset of the sixteenth century to the elastic Spanx of the 2000s evidences how this marketplace icon has come into being. Shapewear has materialized many evolving forms of beauty standards and gender roles as it participates in body-centered market assemblages. Market actors, such as manufacturers, designers, media, celebrities, activists, physicians, and consumers, translate shapewear to materialize intentions in the female body, shaping it accordingly. Whether promoting female autonomy or oppression, shapewear stands as a marketplace icon because it has maintained stable market appeal across time and body-centered market assemblages: it shapes the female body while symbolically articulating women's roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the writing of a first article on recommendations related to the treatment of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis, the aim of this study was to evaluate GPs' role in the field and to a larger extend, the role of primary care practitioners in the treatment of patients with scoliosis. We observed a population of teenagers carrying a brace, all patients from the spine department of Saint-Étienne's hospital. We conducted qualitative semi-directed interviews. Seven practitioners were interviewed, including five GPs, a pediatrician and a sports doctor. We worked with practitioners from multidisciplinary teams to try establishing a practice guide. The role of primary care physicians is to be found in the screening and the initial diagnosis of spinal pathology, usually spotted at the time of writing no contraindication to sports activities certificates at the beginning of the year. This study contemplates ways to improve the quality of care as well as the relationships between the hospital and the outside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the treatment of patients with low back pain is to achieve the disappearance of pain, and if it cannot be, trying to maintain daily activity avoiding psychological alterations. Acute back pain is a very characteristic chart, with pain that increases with the effort and is relieved at rest. There is no radiculitis and there may be muscle contracture. The neurological examination is normal, and it is not necessary to request any diagnostic test, except for a simple radiological study. The treatment is based on resting, wearing a corset and adequate medication. Chronic low back pain is one that lasts for more than six months after the failure of different pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. The patient should be scanned again and imaging tests (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) and electromyography must be requested. The treatment should consist of wearing a flexible thoracolumbar corset when performing effort and pharmacological treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants and analgesics, and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors antidepressants may be added, due to their effect on mood and analgesic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this first part article is to review the state of art in terms of screening and treatment of adolescent with idiopathic scoliosis. In a second article we'll evaluate the place of the general practitioner and largely first care physicians in this patient care way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Industria Textila is the property of Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Textile si Pielarie and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

During the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries there was a tubercular moment in which cultural ideas about beauty increasingly intertwined with the disease process of tuberculosis (consumption), allowing the ravages of the illness to be presented in an aesthetically pleasing light. The results of this discourse were visible in the fashions and beauty ideals of the period. This article addresses the dynamic interaction between fashion and disease in the period from 1780 to 1820, as not only was dress accorded responsibility as a causative agent of consumption but the ravages of the illness were also often highlighted by prevailing fashions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé Objectif Décrire et évaluer la place de l’appareillage et de la kinésithérapie dans la prise en charge des scolioses idiopathique et dégénérative de l’adulte. Méthodes Une revue de la littérature sans restriction de date ou de langue faite dans Medline a permis d’identifier quelques rares études de méthodologie correcte. Nous en avons rapporté les résultats en plus de notre expérience clinique. Résultats Chez l’adulte, l’objectif de ces traitements est avant tout de soulager les douleurs et améliorer la fonction. En cas de scoliose lombaire ou thoracolombaire évolutive (majoration de 5° entre deux radiographies), le port d’un corset orthopédique pourrait freiner l’évolution de la déformation s’il est porté 6 heures par jour. Si la scoliose n’est pas évolutive mais douloureuse, un corset de maintien lombaire sur mesure en coutil baleiné ou un corset rigide (plastique, résine ou plâtre) porté à la demande est suffisant. La kinésithérapie est indispensable si le patient est symptomatique. Elle repose sur un travail d’autocorrection (surtout dans le plan frontal et sagittal), de redressement actif, sur des exercices de renforcement musculaire des extenseurs du tronc, des étirements, sur la réalisation de tractions lombaires et s’associe à une rééducation fonctionnelle. Une activité physique aérobie est recommandée en complément. Conclusion L’appareillage et la kinésithérapie ont une place importante dans la prise en charge des scolioses de l’adulte, qu’elles soient idiopathiques ou dégénératives, évolutives ou non. Les modalités sont fixées après un examen clinique rigoureux et après évaluation des attentes des patients. Objective To describe and assess the place of brace and physical therapy in the treatment of idiopathic and degenerative adult scoliosis. Methods A literature review in Medline without blackout dates or language identified a few studies with a high level of evidence. We reported their results in addition to our clinical experience. Results In adults, the goal of these treatments is primarily to relieve pain and improve function. If lumbar and thoracolumbar scoliosis progress (increase of 5° between two X-rays), wearing a custom-molded rigid lumbar-sacral orthosis 6 hours per day may slow the progression rate. If scoliosis does not progress but is painful, customized lumbar support corset or rigid lumbar-sacral orthosis (plastic, resin or plaster) on demand should be sufficient. Physical therapy is essential if the patient is symptomatic. It is based on exercises to correct sagittal and coronal balance, including core strengthening, stretching, lumbar traction, and on functional rehabilitation. Aerobic physical activity is also recommended. Conclusion Bracing and physical therapy have an important place in the treatment of adult scoliosis, whether idiopathic or degenerative, progressive or not. They are determined after a thorough clinical examination and after evaluation of patient expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé Un examen clinique et radiologique minutieux et chiffré de la statique du rachis est la base du traitement des déviations rachidiennes. Le traitement d’une scoliose de l’enfant ou de l’adolescent dont l’évolutivité est prouvée est le corset. La kinésithérapie est un adjuvant mais ne peut pas seule arrêter l’évolution. Le type de corset et le temps de port dépendent du type de scoliose, de sa sévérité et de sa vitesse évolutive et de l’âge osseux. Le traitement de la scoliose est bien codifié. Le traitement de la maladie de Scheuermann moins bien codifié comprend aussi le corset et la kinésithérapie. Il dépend du siège des lésions, de l’âge osseux et de l’importance du trouble de la statique. Un diagnostic précoce de ces pathologies est primordial afin de faire un traitement précoce garant d’un bon résultat. Le corset doit être fait en collaboration appareilleur et médecin formé à l’appareillage à toutes les étapes du traitement et du suivi. Le but est non seulement d’éviter la chirurgie à l’adolescence mais aussi à l’âge adulte. A painstaking quantitative assessment of spinal alignment is the foundation for the treatment of scoliosis and kyphosis. In children and adolescents, progressive scoliosis requires bracing. Physical therapy is a useful adjuvant but cannot halt the development of the curvature when used alone. The type of brace and duration of wear vary with the type, severity, and rate of curvature progression, as well as with the patient's bone age. The treatment of scoliosis is well standardized. In contrast, the consensus is less strong for Scheuermann's disease, which is also managed by bracing and physical therapy. Treatment decisions depend on the location of the lesions, bone age, and severity of the malalignment. The early diagnosis of these abnormalities is essential, as treatment must be started early to ensure a good outcome. At each step of the treatment and follow-up, an orthotist and a physician trained in spinal bracing should work together to devise the best strategy. The goal is to avoid surgery not only during adolescence, but also during adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the late 1860s a debate raged in the pages ofThe Englishwoman’s Domestic Magazinewhich generated hundreds of letters from readers, male as well as female. The debate concerned the use of corsets in general and tight-lacing in particular. It was part of a larger discussion about women’s dress, a discussion which was to culminate in the reform dress movement, which was, in its turn, part of the greater ‘Woman Question’. In their lives and in their novels Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë engaged to different extents in the question of women’s dress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Context: Although previous studies suggest braces/corsets can reduce acute pain, no prior study has assessed back function after bracing with both self-reported and objective measures. Use of both self-reported and objective measures of spine function together may be important given evidence they assess unique aspects of function.Purpose: The aim was to assess both self-reported and objective measures of spinal function before, and after, use of a nonrigid, inelastic lumbar brace.Study Design/setting: This was a non-randomized clinical trial.Patient Sample: The sample included acute low back pain (LBP) participants and asymptomatic controls.Outcome Measures: Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), spinal stiffness, and muscle endurance were the outcome measures.Methods: Three groups were studied: -LBP/-Brace (n=19), -LBP/+Brace (n=18), and +LBP/+Brace (n=17). Both groups of braced participants were instructed to wear the brace continually for 2 weeks with the exception of bedroom and bathroom activities. Before and after the 2-week period, three measures of spinal function were performed: spinal stiffness via motorized indentation of the L3 spinous process, a modified Sorensen test (timed lumbar extension against gravity), and the ODI. Repeated measures analyses of variance were conducted for all three outcomes.Results: Among the groups, ODI scores decreased significantly for the +LBP/+Brace group (p<.001) compared with the other two groups. The +LBP/+Brace mean ODI score decreased 3.71 points (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.01-5.40) compared with the -LBP/-Brace group and decreased 3.48 points (95% CI 1.77-5.20) compared with the -LBP/+Brace group. Change scores for the Sorensen test were significantly increased in the +LBP/+Brace group (p=.037) compared with the -LBP/-Brace group (22.47s 95% CI 8.14-36.80). Spinal stiffness did not change significantly between groups.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that lumbar function assessed by self-reported and objective measures does not worsen when nonrigid, inelastic bracing is used for short periods of time for those with, or without, back pain. These data add to the existing literature that suggests short-term use of nonrigid, inelastic bracing for acute LBP does not decrease spinal function when measured separately with subjective or objective tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]