Use Of Plaster Research Articles

The Conservative and Operative Treatment of Carpal Fractures.

Carpal fractures (incidence: 30-60 per 100 000 persons per year) are one of the more commonly overlooked fracture types. They can have serious consequences, as the use of the hand is indispensable in everyday life. In the following article, we present the elements of the diagnosis and treatment of fractures of the carpal bones. This review is based on meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from 2013 to 2023 that were retrieved by a structured literature search, supplemented by guideline recommendations and expert consensus statements. In addition, data on the administrative prevalence of carpal fractures were obtained from the German Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (Kassenärztliche Vereinigung, KV) and from the German Statutory Accident Insurance (Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung, DGUV). The administrative prevalence of carpal fractures in 2022 was 44 496 outpatient cases (KV, DGUV) in one year. After clinical history-taking, physical examination and x-ray have been performed, thin-slice computed tomography is recommended as part of the diagnostic evaluation. Treatment recommendations are based on evidence of levels II to IV. Multiple RCTs have been carried out on the treatment of scaphoid fractures, and a clinical guideline exists. Proximal, dislocated and unstable scaphoid fractures should be treated surgically. Non-displaced or minimally displaced fractures of the middle third of the scaphoid bone require a shorter period of immobilization with surgical treatment (2-4 weeks) than with conservative treatment (6-8 weeks). The use of plaster casts that do not hinder elbow and thumb mobility yields healing rates similar to those obtained with the immobilization of both of these joints. Failure to treat an unrecognized scaphoid fracture can lead to pseudarthrosis, avascular bony necrosis, and misalignment. Other, rarer types of carpal fractures must be managed on an individual basis, as the available evidence is limited to expert consensus. Early recognition and appropriate treatment of carpal fractures lead to healing in more than 90% of cases. Although the available evidence on their proper treatment is growing, many questions are subject to expert consensus, and decisions about treatment must be made individually.

‘Death, like a sculptor’: archaeology, materials and text in Harriet Hosmer’s Pompeian Sentinel

Harriet Hosmer’s lost sculpture The Pompeian Sentinel (c. 1877) marks a dramatic shift at the end of her artistic career, from highly idealized and beautifully finished white marble figures to experimental media and a more expansive stylistic approach. Displayed in London in 1878, Hosmer’s statue was a monument to a mythical sentinel, made famous through Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s 1834 novel The Last Days of Pompeii. This article explores the implications of the work’s material, and its relationship to Pompeii’s most morbid artefacts, the plaster casts of the victims’ bodies made most successfully and famously by Giuseppe Fiorelli after 1863. Hosmer’s use of plaster and wax suggests a connection to the cast bodies through material and historical similarities, if not exact resemblance. Rather than arguing that Hosmer was attempting to replicate the casts exactly, this article explores the parallel myths and narratives, popular connections and material similarities between Bulwer-Lytton’s novel, the plaster bodies and the sculpture, including the scientific and archaeological debunking of these myths. It problematizes the use of narrative and critique in analysing an untraced work through a single fragmentary image, and uses material and textual histories to explore the absent work.

The ductility performance of concrete using glass fiber mesh in beam specimens

Abstract It is known that concrete with high ductility reduces fatalities because it absorbs more energy during an earthquake. The aim of this study is to increase the ductility of concrete by using glass fiber mesh (GFM) left over from the use of plaster in structures and to support sustainability by reusing waste materials in concrete. Another aim is to contribute to the economy by using waste fibers instead of expensive fibers such as carbon and polypropylene in concrete. Two types of concrete were used: class C25 concrete and self-compacting concrete. The specified number of GFM materials was cut into 3 cm wide pieces and placed in 10 cm × 10 cm × 50 cm concrete beam specimens in varying numbers. It was found that the flexural values of the obtained specimens gave slightly better results than the prepared reference specimen. In addition, the increasing stress zones in the beams were visualized using the ANSYS software.

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&E nurses and doctors. Only one third of junior T&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&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.

Compressive load resistance of straw bale assemblies under concentric and eccentric loading

To reduce the significant carbon emissions associated with construction materials, there is growing recognition of the potential for bio-based resources, including materials derived from agricultural crops such as straw, hemp and flax. The biogenic carbon stored with plant based materials can significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to other products. Uses of bio-based materials are however generally limited to non-structural, in particular as insulation, but in contrast to many other solutions straw bales can also be used structurally in low-rise construction. Despite the use of straw bales for over 100 years there is still relatively little known about their compression performance, and there are no recognised guides or standards to support structural engineers. This paper describes an experimental study into the load carrying capacity of straw bale wall assemblies. In keeping with practice in the UK, and different to previous North American studies, the wall plates do not directly bear onto the plaster coats. The aim of the paper is to characterise and compare the vertical load carrying performance of straw bale walls without and with plaster coatings, and study the effect of wall height, plaster use, and load eccentricity on compressive resistance. A series of wall assemblies were built from stacking 1 m long wheat straw bales. Wall assembly heights varied with the number of bale courses: one, two, three and four bales high. In total results from 29 tests are presented. Key findings of the study concern the influence of load eccentricity, use of plaster and wall geometry on compression performance. In the absence of national guidance, the results of this experimental study will support structural engineers designing loadbearing straw bale walls.

СРАВНИТЕЛЬНЫЙ АНАЛИЗ СТАРЕЙШИХ КРЫТЫХ РЫНКОВ В РОСТОВЕ-НА-ДОНУ

This paper examines the historical emergence of the oldest markets: the Nakhichevan Covered Market on the Market Square (1914) and the Covered Market on the Old Bazaar (1893), reveals their architectural, artistic and design features. Reconstruction, restoration and preservation of objects in modern urban conditions are investigated, new factual data are obtained. The purpose of the study is to review and compare the covered markets of Rostov-on-Don and Nakhichevan-on-Don. Each object was analyzed from the point of view of its location in the structure of the urban fabric, functional and planning solutions, design features, as well as architectural and artistic features, historical and cultural value preserved to the present day. As a result of the conducted research, it was revealed that both objects have similar historically established locations and market formations in the emerging urban structure, similar functional planning and design solutions. Architectural solutions have similar compositional features of building facades and volumetric solutions, but there are characteristic architectural and artistic features for each pavilion. In modern conditions, the objects have been preserved in good condition, but have lost their original appearance of the «brick style». Both buildings were originally made by the method of open masonry of red brick without the use of plaster and paint. As a result of comparative analysis, it was revealed that the Indoor Market in the Old Bazaar (1893) served as an analogue for the Nakhichevan indoor market on the Market Square.

Refinement of three-layer model of a damaged human body for the case of changing the moisture of the banding material

The object of study is a three-layer model of a damaged human body. In the course of the study, it was found that the generally accepted three-layer model of a damaged human body is built, in particular, on the assumption that the characteristics of dressings remain unchanged over time. Therefore, the vast majority of modern research in the field of passive radiometry requires the removal of such materials from the human body during the measurement or considers their characteristics to be unchanged and insignificant. Questions of a possible change in the results of measuring the radiation of the human body due to the use of plaster casts of varying degrees of humidity remain almost unexplored. As a result of the study, the mathematical three-layer model of the damaged human body was refined. An element was introduced into the model that describes the dependence of the attenuation of radio wave energy on the relative humidity of the plaster cast. The refined model makes it possible to increase the accuracy of measuring the temperature of the human body, taking into account the time of applying a plaster cast to it. Unlike the existing ones, the proposed model is based on an experimental study that simulates the measurement of the radiation of a human body with a plaster cast of different degrees of humidity. To refine the model, the obtained experimental data were processed by regression analysis methods. The results of processing the experimental data made it possible to establish the specific type and value of the coefficients of the desired dependence. The use of the obtained results of the study proves the possibility of remote non-invasive express diagnostics of the state of the human body in the presence of plaster-gauze bandages. Providing such an opportunity allows disaster medicine workers to increase the ability to fulfill the so-called “golden hour rule”, as well as to clarify the requirements for a medical radiothermal mapping system

"It's Not Just a Plaster Cast, My Leg Is in It!": Patient Experiences: A Qualitative Study.

Plaster casts have been used in the treatment of fractures since 1850, and they play an important role in the healing of extremity injuries and operative repairs. Despite the high incidence of fractures and the widespread use of plaster casts in patients with fractures, the quality of counseling in patients with plaster casts has been neglected. There are few studies on the quality of this patient advisement and the nonmedical experiences of patients with plaster casts. We believe that understanding the feelings, thoughts, and experiences of patients who have had plaster casts will contribute to holistic patient care and will guide the planning of such care. The aim of this study was to describe some of the nonmedical experiences of being in a plaster cast and to illustrate these difficulties through patient quotes. This qualitative research study used a qualitative, descriptive approach guided by phenomenology to explore and describe the subjective experiences of patients with plaster casts. Participants consisted of 10 patients with lower extremity fractures, all of whom had been in a plaster cast for at least 6 weeks. Data were collected through in-depth individual interviews using semistructured questionnaires. The content analysis method was used to analyze the data. COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) was used in structuring and reporting the study. Six themes that described the experiences of patients with a plaster cast were determined in the study. These themes were the basic physiological and functional concern, self-image challenges, social roles, dependence/independence, emotions, and the experience of being in a plaster cast. We determined that many aspects of the lives of patients had been affected by being in a plaster cast and that they had experienced not only physiological issues but also psychological, social, emotional, and aesthetic issues. In addition, all the participants stated that they sought solutions to these issues by requesting support from a person or persons around them. Understanding the experiences of individuals with a plaster cast will contribute to the holistic healthcare of individuals who suffer fractures, allowing it to be more patient-centered. This understanding will also support the planning and implementation of patient-centered counseling and education.

Rehabilitación de potra con laceración del tendón extensor: Reporte de caso

Wounds and lacerations are quite common in horses. Of these, the rupture of tendons, especially the digital extensor tendon, is one of the forms that causes much concern because it compromises the animal's locomotion in addition to being able, in most cases, to cause permanent or intermittent hyperflexion of the involved limb. Thus, they must be well treated and medicated according to each stage of the healing process. Therefore, the objective of this work is to report the case of a filly that had a laceration of the common digital extensor tendon, showing the management and methods that were used for its treatment and rehabilitation. In addition, it seeks to describe the procedures used to treat total rupture of the common digital extensor tendon due to cord burn; paying attention to the anatomy of the pelvic limb. To support the theme addressed in this study, a literature review was sought on the anatomy of the tendons in horses, the rupture of the digital extensor tendon, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of the animal compromised by the rupture. The research has a qualitative character when describing the procedures used from contact with the animal to its rehabilitation structured by the case study. The material consulted was based on books, scientific articles, consulted mostly on the internet on reliable sites such as university journals and technical manuals. Through the case report, it was possible to observe from the initial care of the foal, with a view to diagnosis and treatment until its rehabilitation. It was noticed that the physical examination, in this case, is the best way to diagnose the laceration of the digital extensor tendon and the forms of treatment vary, with the use of plaster and controlled walks being positive alternatives for rehabilitation. At the end of the study, it was possible to conclude that the procedures adopted were satisfactory for wound healing and rehabilitation of the foal.

Thermal insulation potential of wood-cereal straws/plaster composite

Nowadays, it is important, even necessary, to develop building materials from renewable resources. In this context, the use of low-cost natural fibers in the manufacture and reinforcement of materials is of great interest from an economic and environmental point of view. Present paper investigated the use of plaster loaded with two untreated plant fibers, Wood Fiber (WF) and cereal Straw Fiber (SF), in order to use them in thermal insulation applications of buildings. Composite materials based on Wood Fiber Plaster (WFP), Straw Fiber Plaster (SFP) and Wood-cereal Straw plaster (WSFP) were prepared with varying densities (0 %; 5 %; 10 %; 15 %; 20 % by volume). Their thermo-physical characteristics were characterized from the chemical structure (FTIR), crystallinity (XRD), thermal conductivity (Hot Box Method), thermal diffusivity (Flash Method) and the water uptake (ASTM D570) point of views. Two linear correlations concerning thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of WSFP, WFP and SFP samples have been established. Results show that the incorporation of wood fibers and cereal straw fibers reduce the thermal conductivity as well as thermal capacity, effusivity and the weight of composite materials. The comparison between other composite materials show that proposed composite is good competitor vs. materials used in insulation.

Architectural planning and construction features of Shcherbachev's revenue houses

The article compares the revenue houses of the architect A. Shcherbachev, built for the merchant D.E. Chelyshev at the end of the XIX century in Samara. At the moment, most of these houses are in disrepair or have been lost, so it is necessary to collect all available information on these architectural monuments in order to understand the principles and patterns of architect A. Shcherbachev's design, including the first revenue buildings in Samara, for their preservation and restoration. The facade solutions of each of the structures are compared. All of them were built in the "neo-Russian style", of red brick without the use of plaster. It is possible to note the gradual evolution of the style from the first house to the last, as well as the similarity in the layout of apartment buildings. In addition, the article contains a brief historical background that helps to understand the causes of apartment buildings, their features in the design.

The Preparatory Layers in the Etruscan Paintings of the Tomba dei Demoni Alati in the Sovana Necropolis (Southern Tuscany, Italy)

The Tomba dei Demoni Alati is located in the Etruscan necropolis of Sovana (Grosseto, Southern Tuscany, Italy). At the end of the 1990s, excavation revealed remains of this aedicule tomb, carved into red tuff; in 2004, further excavation highlighted new important figurative elements. The Etruscans used different methods to decorate the rock surfaces of the tomb, which were particularly difficult to paint. For this reason, the porous and irregular surface of the tuff was modelled and coated with specific materials. The aim of this work was to study the materials and manufacturing techniques of the preparatory layers applied onto the rock surface in the Tomba dei Demoni Alati. Minero-petrographic, chemical, and micro-chemical characterization of the layers was carried out. The obtained results suggest that different methods were used to prepare the tomb surfaces to be painted. In particular, in the niche of the tomb, two preparatory layers were found: a Ca-based plaster covers the rock; above it, a thin white Ca lime layer was applied. In the sculptures inside the niche, the colors were applied onto two finishing white Ca lime layers of similar composition, whereas, in the decorations of the sculptured surfaces on the outside, paint layers were laid onto a thin white silica stratum. The data allow us to determine the use of plaster, for the first time, in Tuscany, as well as the discovery of a preparation layer never before found in any other local archaeological context.

Surgical accuracy in 3D planned bimaxillary osteotomies: intraoral scans and plaster casts as digital dentition models

The aim of this study was to assess whether the use of intraoral scans (IOS) is an eligible alternative to conventional plaster casts in terms of surgical accuracy of three-dimensionally planned bimaxillary osteotomies. This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent bimaxillary surgery between 2016 and 2020 in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen. Three-dimensional virtual planning was performed with the use of plaster casts in one group and IOS in the other group. Cone beam computed tomography scans were acquired preoperatively and at 1 week following surgery. By using voxel-based matching, the maxillary movements were quantified in six degrees of freedom. The primary outcome variable, surgical accuracy, was defined as the difference between the planned maxillary movements and those achieved. Of 152 patients, 113 were documented with plaster casts and 39 with IOS. The surgical accuracy was comparable in terms of maxillary vertical, sagittal, and transverse translations, as well as roll and yaw. Maxillary pitch (difference 0.55 ± 0.26°; P = 0.001) was in favour of the IOS group. This study demonstrated that IOS can be used as an alternative to conventional plaster casts in the three-dimensional planning of bimaxillary osteotomies.

State of Conservation of Concrete Heritage Buildings: A European Screening

Historic concrete buildings are at risk. Limited knowledge of concrete technology until the 1960s led to more sensitive buildings than modern concrete buildings. In addition, the lack of sensibility regarding their heritage value and insufficient protection is leading to remorseless demolition. Still, concrete has proved to be a resilient material that can last over a century with proper care. There is not yet an estimation of the status of historic concrete buildings in Europe. Until now, a few attempts have been done to secondarily, and subjectively, gauge their conservation status. This paper is the result of a joint investigation studying forty-eight historic concrete buildings distributed in four countries. They were surveyed by expert teams according to a predefined methodology. The study aims to identify recurrent damages and parameters affecting the conservation state. It also aims to serve as the first trial for an objective and measurable methodology, to apply it with a statistically significant number of cases. Damages related to the corrosion of reinforcement and moisture-related processes were the most recurrent. The use of plasters, flat roofs, and structural façade walls show a positive effect in protecting the concrete. The state of conservation has a great variability across countries.

Fast in-situ X-ray scattering reveals stress sensitivity of gypsum dehydration kinetics

The dehydration of gypsum to hemihydrate has been studied for decades because it is an important model reaction for understanding fluid-triggered earthquakes, and due to the global use of plaster of Paris in the construction industry. The dehydration kinetics of gypsum strongly depend on temperature and water vapour pressure. Here, we perform fast, time-resolved synchrotron X-ray scattering on natural alabaster samples, finding that a small elastic load accelerates the dehydration reaction significantly. The mechanical acceleration of the reaction consumes about 10,000 times less energy than that due to heating. We propose that this thermodynamically surprising finding is caused by geometry-energy interactions in the microstructure, which facilitate nucleation and growth of the new crystalline phase. Our results open research avenues on the fundamental thermo-mechanics of crystal hydrates and the interaction of stress and chemical reactions in crystalline solids with a wide range of implications, from understanding dehydration-triggered earthquakes to the energy-efficient design of calcination processes.

Physico-mechanical Characterization of Composite Bricks from Laterite, Typha and/or Rice Hull

This study is part of the valuation of local materials in order to build economic, sustainable and resilient housing. The objective is to characterize composite bricks made from a mixture of laterite and straw (rice hull and typha) with proportions between 3 to 6%. These mixtures are stabilized with 1% cement and with proportions of 48.5 and 50% sand. The physical and mechanical characteristics were obtained from water immersion absorption and compression tests, respectively. The results show that the high immersion water absorption and porosity of these composite bricks is due to the low density of typha and rice hull and therefore the durability of these bricks is low. To overcome this problem, the use of plaster is recommended. On the other hand, the compressive strength of all the bricks varies between 2.09 to 3.64 MPa. This resistance falls within the range of admissible values for earthen bricks. These resistances are sufficient to build a two-story house [3,8,10].

Comparison of use of plaster casting versus elastic bandage following carpal tunnel release: a randomized controlled study.

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of two postoperative regimens following carpal tunnel release; plaster casting and elastic bandaging.DesignA randomized controlled study.PatientsPatients with carpal tunnel syndrome and planned surgical carpal tunnel release were invited to participate.MethodsA total of 94 patients were randomized to either plaster casting or elastic bandaging to be used 2 weeks postoperatively. Muscle strength, pain rated on a visual analogue scale, range of movement, sensibility, oedema, and different scores regarding symptoms and function were measured before and 2, 4, 6, 8 and 26 weeks after surgery.ResultsNo differences were found between the 2 groups for any measurement, except for the DASH (Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) Health Score and daily function, rated 2 weeks postoperatively, in which the bandage group scored better. Both groups improved significantly over time for all measurements, sensibility was improved after 2 weeks, while strength was not fully recovered until week 26.ConclusionFollowing carpal tunnel release no benefits were found in using plaster casting, compared with elastic bandaging. Among these patients there was more discomfort during plaster casting compared with elastic bandaging; therefore plaster casting is not recommended following this type of surgery.LAY ABSTRACTNo clear consensus exists regarding benefits of use of plaster casting following carpal tunnel release. This study aimed to compare two different postoperative regimens in a randomized controlled study. A total of 94 patients were randomized to either plaster casting or elastic bandage to be used for 2 weeks after surgery for carpal tunnel release. Muscle strength, rated pain, range of movement, sensibility, oedema, and different scores regarding symptoms and function were measured before and 2, 4, 6, 8 and 26 weeks after surgery. No differences were found between the 2 groups for any measurement, except for health score and rated daily function 2 weeks postoperatively, in which the bandage group scored better. Both groups improved significantly over time for all measurements, sensibility was improved after 2 weeks, while strength was not fully recovered until week 26. This study found no benefits, but some disadvantages, of plaster casting following carpal tunnel release, and therefore plaster casting is not recommended for these patients.

Plaster sculpture between painting and architecture

Plaster played an important part in making sculpture available to wider society in Renaissance Italy. This article examines painters’ and sculptors’ uses of the material, and how these may have predisposed them towards the production of art works that were accessible beyond the social elites. It discusses the making, selling, and perception of the major types of works in plaster, including Virgin and Child reliefs, casts after works by others, and secular all’antica compositions. Plaster was not the only material in use for these types of work, but its versatility and widespread use in sculptors’ and painters’ workshops gave it a particularly important role in the production of affordable art works. The article moves on to consider briefly architectural stucco decoration, garden sculpture, and the use of plaster in the context of ephemeral architecture and sculpture.

Thermal Properties of Plaster Reinforced with Date Palm Fibers

Abstract This study aims both to investigate the thermal properties of plaster reinforced with date palm fibers and local natural resources valorization to batter using materials construction. For that, studying the effect of addition date palm fibers on the plaster's thermal properties is a significant point. In this work, we measured effective thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, specific heat, and thermal effusivity of date palm fibers reinforced plaster has been studied by CT meter. Samples configurations with four lengths (10 mm - 40 mm) and four-weight ratios (0.5 % - 2 %) of palm fibers in plaster. The results obtained demonstrate that an increase in the fraction of date palm fiber engenders to a significant decrease in the thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and effusivity, even an increase for the specific heat of different types of samples. Finally, this study is a contribution to the valorization of local materials in southern Algeria, and results encourage the use of plaster and date palm fibers in the field of construction and go to eco-friendly buildings.

Effect and usability of anti-inflammatory drug plasters for knee osteoarthritis: A crossover, double-blind, repeated measures, randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe use of plasters is a well-accepted treatment with high adherence. However, the characteristics such as its cool feeling or extensibility favored by elderly have a possibility to contribute to clinical utility.The purpose is to examine the effect of anti-inflammatory drug plasters for knee osteoarthritis and the clinical preference of the patients for using plasters. We conducted a crossover, double-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) recruited 168 patients with knee osteoarthritis. MethodsWe included a “run-in-period” to evaluate the patients’ preference among A (first-generation; methyl salicylate), B (second-generation; indomethacin), and N (base substrate for B) before the crossover sequence of two treatment periods with A and B plasters; four arms (N-A-B, A-A-B, N-B-A, and B-B-A) were made to compare the assessment of A, B, and N plasters.We used two measures: The Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM), for clinical functions, and the usability questionnaire to evaluate the clinical value of plasters. ResultsAt baseline, there were no significant differences in characteristics. The subjects in groups A and B showed improved overall JKOM scores at the end of each intervention. Comparison of the change of the mean difference showed that A and B were statistically significant improvement over N (−2.40, (95%CI = −3.58 to −1.21), −2.52, (−3.65 to −1.40)) but no significant difference between A and B – 0.13, (−1.14 to 0.89)).In network analysis for usability, twelve items were independent of JKOM's network structure and consisted of two domains. The analysis of usability showed that N and B were preferred over A significantly. ConclusionBoth the first- and second-generation plasters were statistically superior to the base only, but no significant difference between two generations. The patient is surely aware of the effect of the drug itself, but the two feelings are important in the preference.