A dilute sodium hydroxide technique for radiolarian extraction from cherts.

Radiolarians have been used to determine geological ages and have contributed markedly to our understanding of Earth's history. Hydrofluoric acid (HF) has traditionally been used to extract radiolarian fossils from siliceous deposits (i.e.

Multi-proxy record of the Austrian Upper Triassic Polzberg Konservat-Lagerstätte in light of the Carnian Pluvial Episode.

We present a multi-proxy investigation of a lower Carnian basinal succession from Polzberg in the Northern Calcareous Alps (Lower Austria). A section comprising a unique Konservat-Lagerstätte was studied based on bio- and chemostratigraphy along with geophysical methods, yielding a detailed and robust stratigraphic calibration of the Polzberg succession. The Polzberg section revealed the paleoceanographic history and helped to identify a global climatic reversal, the Carnian Pluvial Episode.

A fresh perspective on infrared spectroscopy as a prescreening method for molecular and stable isotopes analyses on ancient human bones.

Following the development of modern genome sequencing technologies, the investigation of museum osteological finds is increasingly informative and popular. Viable protocols to help preserve these collections from exceedingly invasive analyses, would allow greater access to the specimens for scientific research. The main aim of this work is to survey skeletal tissues, specifically petrous bones and roots of teeth, using infrared spectroscopy as a prescreening method to assess the bone quality for molecular analyses.

Pelagic responses to oceanic anoxia during the Carnian Pluvial Episode (Late Triassic) in Panthalassa Ocean.

The Carnian Pluvial Episode (CPE) was a short interval of extreme rainfall in the Late Triassic that caused significant changes in marine ecosystems. Global warming induced by Wrangellia volcanism is thought to have resulted in oceanic anoxia during the CPE, but the global extent, duration, and severity of anoxia, and its effects on major marine taxa, remain unclear. To address this, we examined an equatorial record of conditions in the Panthalassa Ocean during the CPE, focusing on marine Os isotope data, redox conditions, and conodont and radiolarian biostratigraphy.

Temperature-driven heterochrony as a main evolutionary response to climate changes in conodonts.

Can we predict the evolutionary response of organisms to climate changes? The direction of greatest intraspecific phenotypic variance is thought to correspond to an '', i.e. a taxon's phenotype is expected to evolve along that general direction, if not constrained otherwise.

Nonoperative management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) using braces.

This review presents the state of the art according to the current evidence on nonoperative treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, focusing on bracing. The definition of braces for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and a short history are provided. The analysis includes biomechanics, types, existing classifications, indications for treatment, time of brace wear and weaning, adherence, three-dimensional modeling, use of ultrasound imaging for bracing, management of treatment, issue of immediate in-brace correction, and documentation of the outcomes usually assessed for brace treatment, including the quality-of-life issues.

Biomechanical Effects of Thoracolumbosacral Orthosis Design Features on 3D Correction in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Comprehensive Multicenter Study.

Study Design: Multicenter numerical study.

Objective: To biomechanically analyze and compare various passive correction features of braces, designed by several centers with diverse practices, for three-dimensional (3D) correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Summary Of Background Data: A wide variety of brace designs exist, but their biomechanical effectiveness is not clearly understood.

Evolution of Early Onset Scoliosis under Treatment with a 3D-Brace Concept.

The objective of this study is to examine the evolution of all the braced patients diagnosed with early onset scoliosis in a private scoliosis center. All patients diagnosed with EOS and braced before the age of ten were retrospectively reviewed. The results have been defined in accordance with the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) for bracing criteria, and with a minimum follow-up of one year.

The classification of scoliosis braces developed by SOSORT with SRS, ISPO, and POSNA and approved by ESPRM.

Purpose: Studies have shown that bracing is an effective treatment for patients with idiopathic scoliosis. According to the current classification, almost all braces fall in the thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO) category. Consequently, the generalization of scientific results is either impossible or misleading.

An enormous sulfur isotope excursion indicates marine anoxia during the end-Triassic mass extinction.

The role of ocean anoxia as a cause of the end-Triassic marine mass extinction is widely debated. Here, we present carbonate-associated sulfate δS data from sections spanning the Late Triassic-Early Jurassic transition, which document synchronous large positive excursions on a global scale occurring in ~50 thousand years. Biogeochemical modeling demonstrates that this S isotope perturbation is best explained by a fivefold increase in global pyrite burial, consistent with large-scale development of marine anoxia on the Panthalassa margin and northwest European shelf.

Establishing consensus on the best practice guidelines for the use of bracing in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Study Design: Survey.

Objectives: Bracing is the mainstay of conservative treatment in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). The purpose of this study was to establish best practice guidelines (BPG) among a multidisciplinary group of international bracing experts including surgeons, physiatrists, physical therapists, and orthotists utilizing formal consensus building techniques.

Retraction Note: Brace classification study group (BCSG): part one - definitions and atlas.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1186/s13013-016-0102-y.].

Brace technology thematic series: the 3D Rigo Chêneau-type brace.

Background: Chêneau and Matthias introduced in 1979 a brace concept inspired in casting. The brace was initially named "CTM" from Chêneau-Toulouse-Münster. The name "CTM" is still popular in France but "Chêneau-type brace" is its common name in the rest of the world.

Brace Classification Study Group (BCSG): part one - definitions and atlas.

Background: The current increase in types of scoliosis braces defined by a surname or a town makes scientific classification essential. Currently, it is a challenge to compare braces and specify the indications of each brace. A precise definition of the characteristics of current braces is needed.

Physiotherapy scoliosis-specific exercises - a comprehensive review of seven major schools.

In recent decades, there has been a call for change among all stakeholders involved in scoliosis management. Parents of children with scoliosis have complained about the so-called "wait and see" approach that far too many doctors use when evaluating children's scoliosis curves between 10° and 25°. Observation, Physiotherapy Scoliosis Specific Exercises (PSSE) and bracing for idiopathic scoliosis during growth are all therapeutic interventions accepted by the 2011 International Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT).

Emotional indicators in young patients with Idiopathic Scoliosis: a study through the drawing of Human Figure.

Background: Investigating Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL) is considered determinant in patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) in clinical as in research field. The aim of the present study is to explore the most relevant aspects of personality of the patients with AIS and its relationship with HRQL.

Method: 50 patients (mean age = 16 years) were given a socio-demographic data questionnaire, the Human Figure Drawing (HFD) and SRS (Scoliosis Research Society) -22.

SOSORT 2012 consensus paper: reducing x-ray exposure in pediatric patients with scoliosis.

This 2012 Consensus paper reviews the literature on side effects of x-ray exposure in the pediatric population as it relates to scoliosis evaluation and treatment. Alternative methods of spinal assessment and imaging are reviewed, and strategies for reducing the number of radiographs are developed. Using the Delphi technique, SOSORT members developed consensus statements that describe how often radiographs should be taken in each of the pediatric and adolescent sub-populations.

2011 SOSORT guidelines: Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation treatment of idiopathic scoliosis during growth.

Background: The International Scientific Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT), that produced its first Guidelines in 2005, felt the need to revise them and increase their scientific quality. The aim is to offer to all professionals and their patients an evidence-based updated review of the actual evidence on conservative treatment of idiopathic scoliosis (CTIS).

Methods: All types of professionals (specialty physicians, and allied health professionals) engaged in CTIS have been involved together with a methodologist and a patient representative.

Expert-driven Chêneau applications: Description and in-brace corrections.

In-brace correction and compliance are the main predictors of a successful outcome of brace treatment in the management of patients with idiopathic scoliosis. The latest CAD/CAM- or module-based bracing concepts related to a proper classification have led to better in-brace corrections and have made the braces easier to wear for the patient. However, even the latest developments on the market do not ensure successful treatment in every case.