Application Of Plaster Research Articles

An investigation of the physic-mechanical properties of the expanded perlite mortars with thermal-activated concrete waste and microencapsulated paraffin

In the transition to zero waste and sustainable development, it becomes essential to use phase change materials and recycled cement in construction projects to improve energy efficiency and encourage sustainable building practices. The primary goal of this study is to determine how the properties of expanded perlite mortars are affected when Portland cement is partially replaced with recycled cement, produced by thermally treating concrete waste at 550 °C. Recycled cement substituted Portland cement in various percentages (10 %, 30 %, and 50 %). Also, microencapsulated phase change material (m-PCM) was incorporated into the mortar in a proportion of 2 wt% and 5 wt%. Cement-based mortars with a 1:3 aggregate volume ratio have been developed for evaluation. The mortars were analyzed in terms of mechanical strength (flexural and compressive), water absorption, thermal properties, differential scanning calorimetry, and microstructure. The experimental results revealed a decrease in mechanical strength values when Portland cement is substituted by recycled cement, regardless of percentage. Recycled cement in proportion of 30 % positively influenced the water absorption. The thermal conductivity of reference mortar was higher than that of 30 % recycled cement. The reference mortar's specific thermal conductivity values were 0.466 W/(m·K) at 25 °C, 0.525 W/(m·K) at 30 °C, and 0.589 W/(m·K) at 35 °C. On the other hand, the mortar containing 30 % recycled cement exhibited much lower heat conductivity throughout these temperatures, suggesting superior insulating qualities. DSC analysis verified that adding m-PCM to the mortars increased their thermal storage capacity, which is essential for raising the energy efficiency of building materials. Nevertheless, the mechanical strength decreased as m-PCM was added. Despite decreases, all mortars satisfied the SR EN 998–1 standard's CS IV classification for interior plaster applications, which is based on compressive strength requirements. Overall, this study shows how using m-PCM and recycled materials can improve the performance of cement-based materials.

Justification of the Efficiency of Application of Plaster for Fire Protection of Concrete Structures

The problem of using concrete for building structures is to ensure their stability and durability during operation within wide limits. Therefore, the object of research was the change in the properties of concrete during a fire and its protection when applying a heat-insulating layer of plaster, which is able to inhibit the temperature when the flame affects the coating. It has been proven that in the process of thermal action on fire-resistant plaster, the process of thermal insulation of concrete consists in the application of materials with low thermal conductivity as part of the plaster on the surface of the material. Similarly, under the influence of the burner flame, a temperature was created on the surface of the sample under the influence of the burner flame with a temperature of more than 800°С for 1800 s, the temperature on the surface of the concrete under the plaster coating did not exceed 120°С, which indicates the formation of a curtain for temperature. In this regard, experimental studies were conducted and it was established that the presence of aluminosilicate microspheres in the plaster leads to the formation of a thermally protective layer on the surface of concrete resistant to mechanical vibrations. According to experimental data, the coefficient of thermal conductivity and thermal conductivity of the plaster was calculated, which is 6.22·10–7 m2/s and 0.142 W/(m∙K), respectively, due to the addition of aluminosilicate microspheres. Thus, there are reasons to assert the possibility of targeted regulation of concrete fire protection processes by using fire-resistant plaster capable of forming a protective layer on the surface of the material, which slows down the rate of heat transfer.

Efficacy of S-Flurbiprofen Plaster for Analgesia Following Total Hip Arthroplasty.

S-flurbiprofen (SFP) plaster, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug preparation that penetrates effectively into deep tissue, is currently used as a conservative treatment for osteoarthritis. We investigated the analgesic and adverse effects of SFP plaster after total hip arthroplasty (THA). A retrospective comparative study identified 100 patients who underwent primary THA in our department. Group A consisted of 50 patients who received the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor celecoxib for 14 days after surgery, while Group B consisted of 50 patients who received SFP plaster for 14 days after surgery. We noted the numerical rating pain intensity scale (NRS) score, body temperature, and adverse effects of the analgesics. Groups A and B showed no significant difference in NRS scores (p > 0.05). The body temperature was significantly higher in Group B than in Group A on days one, two, three, and five (p < 0.01). In Group A, two patients (4%) showed drug-induced renal dysfunction, and one patient (2%) showed gastrointestinal disturbance. Patients in Group B showed no systemic or local adverse effects. The application of SFP plaster after THA provided an analgesic effect similar to that obtained with oral celecoxib without causing obvious side effects. Applying an SFP plaster may be an effective solution for postoperative analgesia.

Virtual reality reduces anxiety of children in the plaster room: a randomized controlled trial.

Paediatric fractures are highly prevalent and are most often treated with plaster. The application and removal of plaster is often an anxiety-inducing experience for children. Decreasing the anxiety level may improve the patients' satisfaction and the quality of healthcare. Virtual reality (VR) has proven to effectively distract children and reduce their anxiety in other clinical settings, and it seems to have a similar effect during plaster treatment. This study aims to further investigate the effect of VR on the anxiety level of children with fractures who undergo plaster removal or replacement in the plaster room. A randomized controlled trial was conducted. A total of 255 patients were included, aged five to 17 years, who needed plaster treatment for a fracture of the upper or lower limb. Randomization was stratified for age (five to 11 and 12 to 17 years). The intervention group was distracted with VR goggles and headphones during the plaster treatment, whereas the control group received standard care. As the primary outcome, the post-procedural level of anxiety was measured with the Child Fear Scale (CFS). Secondary outcomes included the children's anxiety reduction (difference between CFS after and CFS before plaster procedure), numerical rating scale (NRS) pain, NRS satisfaction of the children and accompanying parents/guardians, and the children's heart rates during the procedure. An independent-samples t-test and Mann-Whitney U test (depending on the data distribution) were used to analyze the data. The post-procedural CFS was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the intervention group (proportion of children with no anxiety = 78.6%) than in the control group (56.8%). The anxiety reduction, NRS pain and satisfaction scores, and heart rates showed no significant differences between the control group and the intervention group. Subanalyses showed an increased effect of VR on anxiety levels in young patients, females, upper limb fractures, and those who had had previous plaster treatment. VR effectively reduces the anxiety levels of children in the plaster room, especially in young girls. No statistically significant effects were seen regarding pain, heart rate, or satisfaction scores.

A Quality Improvement Project to Measure and Improve the Quality of Below-Knee Ankle Cast Application in Emergency Departments.

Background Ankle fractures are very common injuries seen in an emergency setting. Initial management involves the application of below-knee plaster casts. At our local trauma meetings, we have observed that below-knee casts are often applied incorrectly which can result in suboptimal outcomes for patients and increase the burden on plaster room services if re-application is required. This quality improvement project aimed to assess the quality of below-knee cast applications for ankle fractures in two local district general hospitals (DGHs). Methodology We performed a closed-loop audit utilising a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent casting for unstable ankle fractures. Two audit cycles were completed over a 90-day period across two DGHs. Working within our local orthopaedic unit, we created a targeted, multi-disciplinary educational programme led by experienced plaster technicians. Between audit cycles, we organised a single interactive session with specialist nurses in the urgent treatment centre (UTC) of our DGH while a second DGH did the same with junior doctors working in the emergency department. Both sessions demonstrated correct casting techniques and discussed the importance of a neutral ankle position for optimal patient recovery. Our audit criteria were based on AO Foundation guidance, which states that the ankle should be immobilised in a neutral plantigrade position. All patients with an unstable ankle fracture requiring immobilisation in a below-knee cast were included in the audit. We measured the angle of plantarflexion from neutral, with 90° representing a neutral angle. The angle between the axis of the tibia and the sole of the foot was measured and judged to be within an acceptable range if it was between 80° and 100°, representing a stable ankle position. The audit findings were presented in our local audit meeting. Results In our first audit cycle, we collected data from 65 patients across both sites (N = 32 for DGH 1 and N = 33 for DGH 2). The mean angle was 108.5° and 18 of the 65 (27.7%)patients had angles of ankle plantarflexion that were in the acceptable range (80°-100°). Following the intervention, we again collected data from 61 patients across both sites (N = 28 for DGH 1 and N = 33 for DGH 2). The mean angle was 106.2° and 23 of the 61 (37.7%)patients had an acceptable angle of ankle plantarflexion (80°-100°). Both of our outcome measures showed an improvement but were not statistically significant. The hospital that provided an educational session for the doctors showed an improvement in acceptable ankle casts of 3% while the hospital which provided an educational session for the UTC team improved by 22%. Conclusions We demonstrated a quantifiable approach to assess and improve the quality of below-knee cast application for ankle fractures via a single intervention that would be easily reproducible in other hospitals. We suggest further studies to investigate below-knee cast application quality and its association with patient outcomes as our data and other preliminary sources suggest that current standards are unsatisfactory.

Alçılı Hastanın Roy Adaptasyon Modeline Göre Hemşirelik Bakımı

Nursing Care According to the Roy Adaptation Model of the Plastered Patient Fractures have an important place in musculoskeletal diseases and plasters have been used in the treatment of fractures since the 1850s. However, plasters applied without using the correct technique or inadequate nursing practices in patient care with plasters threaten patient safety and can prevent the healing of fractures. Individuals who are planned to be discharged after plaster application and whose treatment continues at home may experience problems in home care because they cannot receive nursing care like inpatients. Nursing professionals should be aware of possible situations for safe and quality care and rehabilitation of the patient, and with their educational roles, they should ensure that patients go through the process more easily by improving their adaptation to the situation. Plaster is an important stimulant that impairs the adaptation of the individual to life, while restricting the movements and activities of daily living of the patients. In this article, nursing care based on the Roy Adaptation Model of patients with plaster is included. Focusing on patients’ orientation and adaptation processes, the Roy Adaptation Model provides holistic evaluation and care of the patient, while also helping to recognize the patient’s coping mechanisms. Keywords: Plaster of paris, nursing theory, orthopedic nursing

The effect of postoperative immobilization in a plaster of Paris back-slab on the surgical wound-healing following the open reduction and plate and screw fixation of the closed calcaneal fractures: a randomised controlled study

Background: Intraarticular calcaneal fractures often need open reduction and internal fixation with plate osteosynthesis. Wound complication is one of the common problems encountered following this. It affects the outcome adversely. Our study was done to assess if a postoperative back-slab can offer any significant difference in the incidence of wound complications. Methods: Out of 42 patients with unilateral intraarticular calcaneal fractures, 20 were provided postoperative slab and continued for six weeks. The remaining 22 patients were not provided any plaster. All patients were followed-up for two years. Results: The incidence of wound dehiscence was 2 in the plaster group as well as 8 in the non-plaster group and this was statistically significant (p=0.02). Also, significantly lower heel widening was reported in the plaster group (p=0.03). Although there was no significant difference in the patient-reported outcome (Maryland Foot Score) and the incidence of pain between the two groups, the occurrence of neurological deficit following surgery and the postoperative range of movements were comparable in these two groups. Conclusions: Thus, it may be concluded that postoperative plaster application for the initial six weeks could be a low-cost yet effective way to reduce wound complications following plate osteosynthesis in intraarticular calcaneal fractures.

973 Plastering Skills and Experience Among Junior Orthopaedic Doctors

Abstract Aim The conservative management of fractures with the use of plasters is an essential skill and still forms the bulk of the orthopaedic surgeon’s workload. There is currently concern that junior orthopaedic doctors are receiving limited training in plastering and effectively becoming deskilled. The aim of this study is to provide an insight of the skills and experience of junior orthopaedic doctors in our trust. Method An electronic study was conducted in our trust in December 2022. Results Only 10% of the respondents had a plaster room induction, and only 40% had attended a plastering course. Half of the respondents had no official plastering training. The majority of junior orthopaedic doctors (80%) stated that during their on call most plasters were applied by A&amp;E nurses and doctors. Only one third of junior T&amp;O doctors were very confident applying a simple Colles’ plaster or a below knee backslab, while one third was not competent at all. All respondents agreed that plastering is a useful and essential skill to acquire for doctors working in T&amp;O or considering a career in orthopaedics. Conclusions Application of a correct plaster cast is an essential part of orthopaedic management. It is worrying that junior doctors working in orthopaedics have little to no experience in plaster application and training is limited. All doctors agreed that plastering was a useful skill and should be taught as part of orthopaedic training.

ZHANG Wei-hua's clinical experience of Zhenjing Anshen method in treatment of insomnia

The paper summarizes professor ZHANG Wei-hua's clinical experience in treatment of insomnia with Zhenjing Anshen (calming-down the spirit) method. It is believed that insomnia results from the unstable spirit in pathogenesis of TCM. The basic therapeutic principle is regulating the spirit, in which, stabilizing the primary spirit and tranquilizing the heart spirit are emphasized. Main acupoints are Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1) and Yintang (GV 24+) to stabilize the primary spirit, located on the head; and Shenmen (HT 7) located on the wrist to calm-down the heart spirit, as well as Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Yongquan (KI 1) in the lower extremities to benefit yin and balance yang, and then to house the spirit eventually. The needles are inserted in different depths and to various directions. The external application of herbal plaster is combined at Yongquan (KI 1) and the supplementary acupoints are selected in terms of syndrome differentiation. This therapy is simple in acupoint selection and very effective in treatment of insomnia.

The Roman and late antique site of Montessoro (Isola del Cantone – Genova): A case study of the wattle and daub construction technique

AbstractArchaeological excavations at the site of Montessoro (660 m. a.sl.), carried out between 2009 and 2013 by the Department of Christian and Medieval Archaeology (University of Turin – Department of the Historical Studies) and currently under publication, have led to the large-scale exploration of a rural Apennine site which was inhabited between the first century BC and the fifth century AD. The late antique phase, which is the best-preserved, consists of five farm buildings made using a masonry base bound with clay, with an elevation in lathwork and a roof made of cover and pan tiles. The systematic study of almost 600 clay fragments, some of them large and mainly from the collapse levels caused by the fire in the granary, with negative impressions of plant material, has enabled considerable information to be obtained about the technique of wattle and daub used to construct the elevations: the morphology and arrangement of the wooden parts (horizontal and vertical), related to the woven lattice of the lathwork and the load-bearing structure, and the mixing and application of clay and plaster. This work, associated with a thorough analysis of the plentiful wood charcoal remains (carried out by Prof. Lanfredo Castelletti and Dr. Sila Motella – Museo Civico P. Giovio di Como), has yielded data about the choice and working of the plants and trees used for the construction of elevations and all the structural parts, enabling a fairly precise reconstruction of the buildings and the socio-economic and cultural context of the site.

RESEARCH OF OPTIMAL TECHNOLOGICAL SEQUENCES IN THE ORGANIZATION OF CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTION

The article discusses some problems of economics and organization of construction, which can be solved by linear programming using PTC Mathcad Prime, Excel Microsoft365 and data ranking. The authors analyzed the literature, which presents the existing optimization methods in various industries and the field of construction production. Shows the basic principles of using linear programming in various software tools. The authors analyzed in detail the comparison of different methods for the selection of optimal technological sequences. Examples of solving optimization problems in construction production by means of linear programming and data ranking method are presented. To solve the problem, the technology of applying the mixture to a vertical surface was used. Namely: cleaning the facade, plastering the surface, painting the surface. Three technologies were considered. For applying to a vertical surface using standard equipment are scaffolding, ladders and cradles. The process flow consists of the following processes: This is surface preparation. It can be performed in three ways: manual cleaning, sandblasting apparatus, hydrojetting. The next process is the technology of plastering the surface. At this stage, two options are considered: manual plastering and mechanized plaster application. Next, you perform a surface grouping process. This process can be performed either manually or using a pulvelizer. And the last process is painting the surface. Considered manual painting or mechanized device. The next step was to analyze the possibilities of each of the optimization search methods and provide recommendations for their possible application in solving similar problems. Created a mathematical model that can be scaled to implement optimization search in groups of technological sequences with different methods of work. Conclusions were also made regarding the use of the presented methods in solving similar problems of construction production.This article may be an analog for calculating not only the mechanization processes, but it may become a meeting for automating the construction processes.

Effective thermal conductivity of a gypsum mortar using harbor sediments

For sustainable use of natural resources, marine sediments areregularly dredged. One of the valorization ways of thesesediments is to reuse them as raw materials for the formulation of civil engineering products.This paper presents a thermal homogenization methodology for the optimization of heat transfer in Gypsum Plaster Boards formulation using dredged marine sediments. An up-scaling or homogenization technique that links macro- to micro thermal conductivity is given. Effective homogenized thermal conductivity formulation could be presented for a composite material on which a periodic micro-scale heat flux was subjected. For that purpose, steady state balance equations and Fourier heat law were used. Then, a thorough characterization of grain size distributions of dredged sediments were carried out. This showed that the dredged sediments are mainly sandy. Finally, ANSYS Finite Element Code is used to numerically compute the effective homogenized thermal conductivity of Gypsum-sediment composite incorporating different volume fractions of sediments. These simulations, performed on the Representative Volume Element, allowed studying the influence of the sediment grain size. The numerical simulations results, compared to classical theoretical models, have demonstrated the reuse feasibility of investigated sediment in Gypsum Plaster applications.

Analysis of the Effect of Shenghua Zhuyu Herbal Acupoint Plaster in the Treatment of Postpartum Malodor

Objective: To assess the clinical effect of Shenghua Zhuyu ointment, which was applied onto the Zhongji, Qihai, and Guanyuan acupoints, on postpartum lochia. Methods: We randomly divided 166 patients who were admitted in 2018–2021 into an observation group and a control group. The control group was treated with conventional clinical methods, whereas the observation group was treated by applying Shenghua Zhuyu ointment on the Zhongji, Qihai, and Guanyuan acupoints. The amount and duration of lochia, abdominal pain, hospitalization time were observed; B-scan ultrasonography was performed to check whether the placenta was discharged. Results: The treatment received by the observation group of patients was shown to be more effective than that of the control group. Besides, the experimental group had less lochia than that of the control group. The observation group also had shorter duration of lochia and hospital stay than those of the control group (P &lt; 0.05). The placenta excretion was better, and the degree of abdominal pain was lower in the observation group than those of the control group (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The acupoint application of Shenghua Zhuyu herbal acupoint plaster has a significant impact on retained placenta, in which it can aid the discharge of residual placenta and improve the patients’ physical functions and symptoms.

Hygrothermal behaviour of a room with different occupancy scenarios

The thermal and moisture properties of building partitions and the related possibility of moisture buffering affect the water vapour exchange between the superficial layers of the hygroscopic materials and the indoor environment, which results in energy consumption for different purposes. The paper describes an analysis of the hygrothermal behaviour of a roomunder different occupancy scenarios for four wall finishing variants (variable parameters of thermal conductivity index and diffusion resistance of the applied material). The application of gypsum board and cement-lime plaster was analysed with and without a paint coat. Computer simulations using WUFI Plus were used for the analysis. The application of cement-lime plaster without a top paint coat was shown to reduce fluctuations in the amplitude of indoor relative humidity more than the other solutions. Applying a paint coat to the interior surface of a building partition limits the material's buffering properties, and consequently, the indoor relative humidity amplitude increases. Upon improving thermal efficiency, the decrease in indoor relative humidity was higher for a nursery than for an office space. For the air conditioning dynamic operation mode, it was demonstrated that gypsum board walls with no paint coat could reduce energy demand for dehumidifying systems and increase it for humidifying systems. The painted variants are characterised by a higher total energy consumption for humidification and dehumidification purposes.

Nursing, history, and orthopedics in manuals (1875-1928).

to discuss the content of manuals, with emphasis on orthopedics, in support of the development of nursing care culture. cultural-historical method articulated with document analysis technique. The sources were nursing manuals - Portuguese, French, English, and Spanish - from 1875 to 1928. this study pointed to 12 works - 6 authored by physicians, 2 by nurses, 3 institutional, and 1 by a Sister of Charity - that presented, in a transversal way, the professionalization process initiated in Europe. The manuals addressed first aid care and immobilization methods, from the simplest, such as improvised splints, to the application of plaster casts. the nurses' work, even in a limited capacity, showed that they were able to observe warning signs so that doctors could act, with some exceptions.

Bir Öksüz Kızıl Geyik Yavrusunda (Cervus elaphus) Distal Metakarpus Kırığı ve Bandajlı Tedavisi (Olgu Sunumu)

In this case report, a 1-week-old female red fawn (Cervus elaphus), one of the largest deer species in the world, constituted the study material. In the clinical examination, posture disorder, severe lameness and malnutrition in young deer were determined in the anterior left and right feet. Radiographic examination of the case revealed a distal diaphyseal transversal fracture in the left metacarpal bone, and a fracture in the lateral 1st and medial 2nd phalanx distal in the right anterior extremity. General anesthesia was not preferred due to the lack of complicated fracture types and malnutrition in the young deer, and the treatment of the extremities, which were placed in a plaster bandage with mild sedation, was kept under follow-up. After the first week of 21-day plaster application, open wound formation on the foot was noticed and wound treatment was performed by opening a window on the plaster. It was aimed to inform our colleagues and other readers about the red deer phenomenon, which has been taken under protection because its population has decreased in Turkey, and to raise awareness.

Храм «Трех всадников» (Эски-Кермен, Юго-Западный Крым): проблемы хронологии и интерпретации росписей

Introduction. The Church of the “Three Horsemen” is located on the southeast edge of Eski-Kermen hill fort (Southwest Crimea). Its name comes from the fresco with the images of three saints riding on the horses. Methods. Historians of the end of the 18th – beginning of the 20th centuries rarely mentioned this site. Modern scholars have discussed two issues: 1) whether the church with fresco was the original one or it was preceded by an earlier (early medieval) cave religious building; 2) the image depicts only St. George, presented in three scenes; St. Demetrius, St. Theodore, and St. George; or this image amplified with figures of local historical persons. Analysis. Nikolay Repnikov proved the chronological identity of fresco and the church. As regards the differences in the quality of handling walls, the author concludes that this is the result of the preparation of the rock base on plaster application and later paintings. The inscription under the picture of saints confirms this statement. All the translation variants confirm the simultaneity of paintings and cutting. Therefore, the fresco and the church were definitely created at the same time, probably in the second part of the 13th century. The analysis of paintings on the fresco shows that we have an image of St. Demetrius, St. Theodore (Stratelates or Tiron), and St. George. The images of these three saints, in contrast to “triple St. George” are common on the other sites of Crimea. Results. All the attempts to “find” in the Three Horsemen martyrium the “earlier church” are baseless. The church was carved and painted in the second part of the 13th century. The fresco depicts St. Demetrius, St. Theodore (Stratelates or Tiron), and St. George. Authors’ contribution. Yuriy Mogarichev prepared sections on historiography and features of the considered monument. Alena Ergina investigated art history aspects.

Routine use of ultrasound imaging to diagnose skier’s thumb. Results from a first-aid orthopedic department in an Italian ski resort

Damage to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb’s metacarpophalangeal joint (TMPJ) can result in severe functional impairment: correct diagnosis is critical to ensure the appropriate treatment to restore full TMPJ function. In an acute phase, clinical findings and X-rays alone are not reliable enough for a precise diagnosis: ultrasound scan (USS) may represent a fast, inexpensive and sensitive technique to improve the diagnosis of thumb trauma in emergency department. The purpose of this study is to assess if the introduction of the routine use of USS in clinical practice to evaluate thumb trauma could aid in diagnosis and treatment of this common injury. During eight winter seasons (2012-19), we dealt with 2553 injuries of the TMCJ at our emergency department. During the first period (2012-2015), the diagnosis of TMCJ injuries relied on clinical examination and X-rays; in the second study period (2016-2019) the diagnosis of all thumb traumas were based on clinical examination, radiographs, and ultrasound. Patients affected by type I and II lesions were conservatively treated by the application of a thumb spica plaster for three weeks, while in type III injuries for a period of one month. Type IV UCL lesions underwent surgery through a phalanx tunneling and anchor fixation technique followed by 5-weeks of immobilization in a thumb spica plaster cast. Both groups were followed up either clinically or as phone consultations for foreign patients. In the period 2012-2015, we classified 27% of TMPJ lesions as type I, 19% as type II, 15% as type III, and 27% as type IV lesions. The remaining 12% represented a fracture variant (type V). USS identified 30% type I, 21% type II, 18% type III, and 19% type IV lesions, the latter with a positive so called tadpole sign (14) (247 pts.); the remaining 12% of patients presented a fracture variant. During the first study period, the diagnosis of TMPJ injuries made exclusively by clinical examination and X-ray studies, lead to a high number of false positive type IV diagnoses that were not confirmed during surgery (13%). The introduction of USS imaging during the second period led to a detection of almost all (&gt; 98%) type IV lesions intra-operatively, thereby avoiding unnecessary surgery, possible complications, rehabilitation, and recovery. Our work demonstrates that the routine use of USS imaging in the study of thumb UCL injuries improves the diagnostic sensitivity of clinical findings in a low cost, quick and feasible manner. USS can lead to a significant decrease in the number of misdiagnoses as previously demonstrated by other studies. USS is likely to improve patient collaboration and could potentially supplant stress-test radiography which can be painful and potentially risky in some patients.

Insulating and fire-resistance performance of calcium aluminate cement based lightweight mortars

The study investigated the effect of two different cement types and expanded vermiculite powder (EVP) utilized as fine aggregate on the insulating and fire-resistance performance of lightweight mortars. To lower the density and heat conductivity of mortars, EVP was utilized as a 'full' replacement for river sand. Cements used were calcium aluminate cement (CAC) and Portland cement (PC). Four different EVP/cement (PC or CAC) ratios were determined: 3, 4, 5 and 6. The mortar specimens produced were exposed to temperatures of 20 °C, 300, 600, 900 and 1100 °C. The mechanical properties, dry unit weight, ultrasonic pulse velocity and thermal conductivity tests after 28 days of standard curing were performed to examine the impact of high temperatures on the mortar specimens. Microstructural deteriorations caused by high temperatures were investigated by scanning electron microscope. Mixture with an EVP/CAC ratio of 4 generally showed the best performance against high temperature in terms of compressive strength. Mortar with an EVP/CAC ratio of 6 showed the lowest thermal conductivity at both 20 °C and 1100 °C. According to the experimental findings, expanded vermiculite and CAC can be used to make fire-resistant cement-based lightweight composite coating materials and expanded vermiculite can also be employed as a lightweight aggregate in building insulation plaster applications

Slower progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with external application of a Chinese herbal plaster–The randomized, placebo-controlled triple-blinded ALS-CHEPLA trial

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by gradually increasing damage to the upper and lower motor neurons. However, definitive and efficacious treatment for ALS is not available, and oral intake in ALS patients with bulbar involvement is complicated due to swallowing difficulties. This study investigated whether the external plaster application of the herbal composition Ji-Wu-Li efficiently slows ALS progression because prior studies obtained promising evidence with oral herbal applications. The randomized, triple-blinded study compared the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the application of Ji-Wu-Li plaster (JWLP) with placebo plaster (PLAP). In total, 120 patients with definite ALS, clinically probable ALS, or clinically probable laboratory-supported ALS were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive JWLP or PLAP. Patients were treated and observed for 20 weeks. The primary outcome was the ALSFRS-R score, while the secondary outcomes were the ALS-SSIT score and weight loss. The mean±SD decrease in the ALSFRS-R over 20 weeks differed by 0.84 points in a group comparison (JWLP, -4.44 ± 1.15; PLAP, -5.28 ± 1.98; p = 0.005). The mean increase in the ALS-SSIT over 20 weeks differed by 2.7 points in a group comparison (JWLP, 5.361.15; PLAP, 8.06 ± 1.72; p < 0.001). The mean weight loss over 20 weeks differed by 1.65 kg in a group comparison (JWLP, -3.98 ± 2.61; PLAP, -5.63 ± 3.17; p = 0.002). Local allergic dermatitis suspected as causal to the intervention occurred in 10 of 60 participants in the JWLP group and 9 of 60 participants in the PLAP group. Systemic adverse events were mild, temporary, and considered unrelated to the intervention. The JWLP showed clinical efficacy in the progression of ALS, as measured by the ALSFRS-R, ALS-SSIT, and weight loss in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Because skin reactions occurred in both groups, the covering material needs improvement. All of the Ji Wu Li herbal ingredients regulate multiple mechanisms of neurodegeneration in ALS. Hence, JWLP may offer a promising and safe add-on therapy for ALS, particularly in patients with bulbar involvement, but a confirmative long-term multicentre study is required.