Structure Formation in Engineered Wood Using Wood Waste and Biopolyurethane.

This research aims to find suitable processing methods that allow the reuse of wood waste to produce wood waste-based engineered wood logs for construction that meet the strength requirements for structural timber for sawn structural softwood. Three types of wood waste were examined: wood packaging waste (W), waste from the construction and furniture industry (PLY), and door manufacturing waste (DW). The wood waste was additionally crushed and sieved, and the granulometric composition and shape of the particles were evaluated.

Performance Evaluation of Thermal Insulation Materials from Sheep's Wool and Hemp Fibres.

In the current work, the performance properties of natural-fibre-based thermal insulation materials were examined. For this purpose, three different compositions of natural fibres were prepared: pure sheep wool (SW), wool and industrial hemp (SW/HF) fibres, and pure industrial hemp (HF) fibres. Low-melt bicomponent polylactide (PLA) fibres were used as a binding material.

Research on Thermal Stability and Flammability of Wood Scob-Based Loose-Fill Thermal Insulation Impregnated with Multicomponent Suspensions.

Loose-fill thermal composite insulation produced from surface-modified wood scobs has been explored as a potential fire-resistant material for building envelopes. This work involves fire resistance behavior comparisons between four coating systems consisting of liquid glass, liquid glass-tung oil, liquid glass-expandable graphite, and liquid glass-tung oil-expandable graphite. The techniques of thermogravimetric and differential thermogravimetric analyses, gross heat combustion via a calorimetric bomb, cone calorimetry, SEM imaging of char residues, and energy dispersive spectrometry for elemental analysis, as well as propensity to undergo continuous smoldering, were implemented.

The Diagnostic Value of CEUS in Assessing Non-Ossified Thyroid Cartilage Invasion in Patients with Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Accurate assessment of thyroid cartilage invasion in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the larynx remains a challenge in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the detection of non-ossified thyroid cartilage invasion in patients with SCC. CEUS, CECT, and MRI scans of 27 male patients with histologically proven SCC were evaluated and compared.

Effect of Liquid Glass-Modified Lignin Waste on the Flammability Properties of Biopolyurethane Foam Composites.

Water-blown biopolyurethane (bioPUR) foams are flammable and emit toxic gases during combustion. Herein, a novel approach suggested by the current study is to use different amounts of lignin waste (LigW), which increases the thermal stability and delays the flame spread and sodium silicate (LG), which has foaming ability at high temperatures and acts as a protective layer during a fire. However, there have been no studies carried out to investigate the synergy between these two materials.

Development of High Strength Particleboards from Hemp Shives and Corn Starch.

In the current study, high-strength boards for the construction industry were developed from renewable natural resources, fibrous hemp shives, and corn starch. During the research, the influence of the composition of the mixture, the processing of raw materials, and technological parameters on the operational properties of the board were evaluated. The influence of the binding material and the water content on the properties of the molded boards was evaluated.

Performance Analysis of Loose-Fill Thermal Insulation from Wood Scobs Coated with Liquid Glass, Tung Oil, and Expandable Graphite Mixture.

The current study presents the results of monitoring the behavior of loose-fill thermal insulating material for buildings made of wood scobs (WS), which were coated with one, two, and three component-based coatings from liquid glass (LG), tung oil (TO), and expandable graphite (EG). The thermal conductivity of samples in the dry state and under normal laboratory conditions, short-term water absorption by partial immersion, surface wettability, and water vapor permeability were evaluated, and regression equations describing the variations in numerical values of specified properties under different amounts of each coating component were presented. It was shown that LG and TO act as hydrophobic layers that, in conjunction, reduce water absorption by a maximum of 274%, have a contact angle equal to 86°, and lower thermal conductivity by 55% in the dry state due to the specifics of the layer formed on the surface of WS.

Recurring desmoid tumor of the neck: A case report.

The infiltrative growth pattern of desmoid tumors and their proximity to important anatomical structures make them difficult to manage. Mutilating surgery should be avoided, while surveillance or radiotherapy remain valid options.

Reuse of Textile Waste in the Production of Sound Absorption Boards.

Textile waste is formed in various stages, from the preparation of raw materials to the utilisation of textile products. One of the sources of textile waste is the production of woollen yarns. During the production of woollen yarns, waste is generated during the mixing, carding, roving, and spinning processes.

Impact of Different Ratios of Lignin Waste and Liquid Glass on the Performance Characteristics of Biopolyurethane Foams.

In the current study, biopolyurethane foam was modified with 2.5-10 wt.% lignin waste (LigW) and liquid glass (LG)-modified LigW particles at different LigW/LG ratios-1:1 and 1:2-and their impact on performance characteristics-i.

Burnout Syndrome among Otorhinolaryngologists during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background and Objectives: To determine the prevalence of burnout syndrome among otorhinolaryngologists in Lithuania and investigate associations with sociodemographic and professional factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: Burnout was measured using the validated Lithuanian version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Demographic characteristics and professional characteristics were collected utilizing an anonymous questionnaire.

Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: Age and Disease Severity Differences in the Levels of Inflammatory Markers.

The aim of our study was to analyze the concentrations of inflammatory markers in the nasal tissue of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs) and controls of different age groups, as well as to find associations between age, inflammation development, and NPs. : Patients were divided into two groups-patients with CRSwNPs and control subjects who had nasal surgery for another reason beside CRS. Our analysis was performed across three different age groups (18-30 years, 31-50 years, and 51 years and more).

Diagnosing odontogenic sinusitis: An international multidisciplinary consensus statement.

Background: Odontogenic sinusitis (ODS) is distinct from non-odontogenic rhinosinusitis, and often requires multidisciplinary collaboration between otolaryngologists and dental providers to make the diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to develop international multidisciplinary consensus on diagnosing ODS.

Methods: A modified Delphi method was used to assess for expert consensus on diagnosing bacterial ODS.

Local inflammatory marker production in Lithuanian patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

There are two clinical subtypes of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS): chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP). The aim of the study here was to determine the levels of invasive inflammatory markers in nasal mucosa samples taken from CRSwNP patients during the surgery and to identify markers that could serve as targets for potential clinical and therapeutic interventions. The study was carried out in 59 patients with proven CRSwNP and a control group consisting of 52 healthy individuals.

Research of Wood Waste as a Potential Filler for Loose-Fill Building Insulation: Appropriate Selection and Incorporation into Polyurethane Biocomposite Foams.

Currently, the recycling potential of wood waste (WW) is still limited, and in a resource efficiency approach, recycling WW in insulation materials, such as polyurethane (PUR), appears as an appropriate solution. It is known that the quality of WW is the main aspect which influences the stability of the final products. Therefore, the current study analyses different WW-based fillers as possible modifiers for polyurethane biocomposite foams for the application as loose-fill materials in building envelopes.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of Lithuanian-NOSE scale.

Purpose: To evaluate validity and reliability of Lithuanian version of Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Scale (L-NOSE), designed for the assessment of nasal obstruction.

Methods: Cross-cultural adaptation of L-NOSE was accomplished according to generally accepted methodology. L- NOSE was tested for its reliability, validity, and responsiveness in the group of 50 septoplasty patients and 100 healthy volunteers' controls.

Lithuanian version of nasolacrimal duct obstruction symptom scoring questionnaire. Cross-cultural adaptation and validation. Short- and long-term results.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to perform translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Lithuanian version of specific nasolacrimal duct obstruction symptom scoring (NLDO-SS) questionnaire and to evaluate short- and long-term results of endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCRS) procedure.

Design, Setting, Participants: Permission for questionnaire translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation was obtained from the authors of the original questionnaire. Translation, validation and cross-cultural adaptation were carried out according to generally accepted methodology.

Chronic Odontogenic Rhinosinusitis: Optimization of Surgical Treatment Indications.

Background: The treatment of chronic odontogenic and nonodontogenic rhinosinusitis is different. It requires the elimination of odontogenic cause and optimal sinus surgical treatment. To date, there are no clear indications when sinus surgical treatment is necessary.

Fire Suppression and Thermal Behavior of Biobased Rigid Polyurethane Foam Filled with Biomass Incineration Waste Ash.

Currently, there is great demand to implement circular economy principles and motivate producers of building materials to integrate into a closed loop supply chain system and improve sustainability of their end-product. Therefore, it is of great interest to replace conventional raw materials with inorganic or organic waste-based and filler-type additives to promote sustainability and the close loop chain. This article investigates the possibility of bottom waste incineration ash (WA) particles to be used as a flame retardant replacement to increase fire safety and thermal stability under higher temperatures.

Composites of Rigid Polyurethane Foams Reinforced with POSS.

Rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) were successfully modified with different weight ratios (0.5 wt%, 1.5 wt% and 5 wt%) of APIB-POSS and AEAPIB-POSS.

Mechanical Performance of Biodegradable Thermoplastic Polymer-Based Biocomposite Boards from Hemp Shivs and Corn Starch for the Building Industry.

Bio-sourced materials combined with a polymer matrix offer an interesting alternative to traditional building materials. To contribute to their wider acceptance and application, an investigation into the use of wood-polymer composite boards is presented. In this study, biocomposite boards (BcB) for the building industry are reported.

Comparison of Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 Symptom Scores in Rhinogenic and Odontogenic Sinusitis.

Background: Odontogenic maxillary sinusitis (OMS) and rhinogenic sinusitis (RS) are the main types of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and have a significant impact on health-related quality of life (HRQL), but the difference in HRQL and symptom presentation between them has not been specifically evaluated to date. Obejctive: Our aim was to compare patterns of symptoms and HRQL disease-specific domains in patients affected with these 2 types of CRS.

Methods: A group of 201 patients with CRS (99 with rhinogenic and 102 with odontogenic origin) completed the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22) questionnaire before treatment.

A Rare Case of Large Schwannoma of the Parapharyngeal Space.

Schwannoma originating from the peripheral nerves is a rare lesion of the parapharyngeal space. The special traits of the presented case included the following: the patient presented with slowly progressing dysphagia, speech difficulties, jaw numbness, and taste dysfunction. A dislocated lateral pharyngeal wall with mild inflammatory changes of the oropharyngeal mucosa was observed during pharyngoscopy.

Spontaneous regression of laryngeal carcinoma in 10 year old boy: A case report and review of literature.

Laryngeal carcinoma is a rare pathology in children, with only 92 cases reported. Spontaneous regression of laryngeal carcinoma is even more unique clinical event, so far only observed in adults. In this report we present an extraordinary case of a 10 year old patient with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma that underwent spontaneous regression.