Current otolaryngologic applications of the novel self-assembling RADA-16 peptide matrix.

A novel bioresorbable agent on the market is PuraGel® (3-D Matrix, Tokyo, Japan), a RADA-16 product that acts as a synthetic hemostatic and space-filling gel that promotes wound healing and prevents adhesion formation. Given the reported benefits of accelerated wound healing and scar tissue prevention, there are multiple otolaryngologic applications where RADA-16 might improve outcomes. Our study highlights current utilization and associated post-operative complications with this product.

Management of the Nasolacrimal Duct in Expanded Endoscopic Approaches to the Maxillary Sinus: A Systematic Review with Evidence-based Recommendations.

Background: Utilizing expanded endoscopic approaches to the maxillary sinus for the endonasal management of a variety of tumors is increasing in popularity. The nasolacrimal duct (NLD) may be injured inadvertantly or need to be removed during tumor resection or to augment visualization. Management of the NLD can take the form of transection alone, transection with stenting, or performing a formal dacryocystorhinostomy to avoid postoperative sequelae of injury.

Sinonasal Symptom Correlation With the Postoperative Polyp Scale (POPS).

Background: Commonly used endoscopic nasal polyp grading scales have been shown to correlate poorly with symptom scores and quality of life metrics. The recently described Postoperative Polyp Scale (POPS) is a grading system that more accurately characterizes polyp recurrence in postoperative sinus cavities by describing incremental recurrence in relation to the surgically opened sinus cavities.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if the POPS correlated with sinonasal symptoms.

Frontal Sinus Anatomy Variations in Race and Sex Using the International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification.

To identify frontal sinus anatomical variations grouped by patient sex, race, and presence of chronic rhinosinusitis with frontal sinus involvement (CRFS) using the International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification (IFAC) system. A retrospective review from 2015 to 2020 was performed of consecutive adult patients with computed tomography sinus imaging. Prevalence of frontal sinus cells using the IFAC system was recorded.

Proton Conducting Organic-Inorganic Composite Membranes for All-Vanadium Redox Flow Battery.

The quest for a cost-effective, chemically-inert, robust and proton conducting membrane for flow batteries is at its paramount. Perfluorinated membranes suffer severe electrolyte diffusion, whereas conductivity and dimensional stability in engineered thermoplastics depend on the degree of functionalization. Herein, we report surface-modified thermally crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol-silica (PVA-SiO) membranes for the vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB).

Endoscopic Endonasal Approach to Intraconal Orbital Tumors: Outcomes and Lessons Learned.

Background: Lesions involving the intraconal space of the orbit are rare and challenging to manage. Operative techniques and outcomes for the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) to tumors in the medial intraconal space (MIS) remain poorly characterized.

Objective: We present our experience with a wide range of isolated intraconal pathology managed via an EEA.

Fascia Lata: Another Workhorse for Complex Skull Base Reconstruction.

Background: Multiple methods exist for skull base reconstruction of defects created by expanded endonasal approaches. While the nasoseptal flap (NSF) has been well established as the workhorse of mucosal reconstruction in complex skull base defects in multi-layered closures, a variety of options exist for the inner layer of multilayer reconstruction, including fascia lata (FL).

Objective: To present our experience and outcomes in utilizing FL in multiple ways to reconstruct a wide variety of complex skull base defects.

Improving the Accuracy of Maxillary Sinus Balloon Dilation Using Virtual Reality Navigation: A Proof-of-Concept Study.

Background: The ability to reliably and accurately cannulate the natural ostium of the maxillary sinus during balloon sinus dilation (BSD) has been criticized. Conventional computed tomography (CT)-guided navigation systems are helpful when dilating other sinuses, but they fail to provide meaningful feedback to guide accurate dilation of the maxillary sinus.

Objective: This study explores the potential impact of a new navigation system with virtual reality (VR) functionality on successful BSD of the maxillary sinus.

Free Tissue Transfer for Skull Base Osteoradionecrosis: A Novel Approach in the Endoscopic Era.

Objectives: Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the skull base and craniovertebral junction is a challenging complication of radiation therapy (RT). Severe cases often require surgical intervention through a multi-modal approach. With the evolution in endoscopic surgery and advances in skull base reconstruction, there is an increasing role for microvascular free tissue transfer (MFTT).

Fabrication of Alkaline Electrolyzer Using Ni@MWCNT as an Effective Electrocatalyst and Composite Anion Exchange Membrane.

Here, we report the synthesis of nickel nanoparticles thermally encapsulated in multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and its utility in alkaline water splitting by combining with composite thermoset anion-exchange membrane. Ni@MWCNT displayed both oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). It provided 10 mA cm current density at an overpotential of 300 mV for OER and 254 mV for HER on a glassy carbon electrode, respectively.

Systematic review of olfactory outcomes after nasoseptal flap harvest for endoscopic skull base surgery: Does using cold steel or olfactory strip preservation matter?

Background: Several studies have described techniques aimed at mitigating olfactory dysfunction after nasoseptal flap (NSF) harvest for endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS). No consensus exists as to whether popular methods including using cold steel (CS) versus electrocautery (EC) or septal olfactory strip (SOS) preservation offer an advantage. This systematic review was performed to examine the impact of these two technical variations of NSF harvest on postoperative olfactory outcomes.

Music and Medicine.

Description This digital artwork, titled "Music and Medicine", explores the role of holistic patient care as well as the important role of music as a therapeutic tool. Patients often seek connection and belonging during illness, and music serves as a powerful tool in healing. The important role of music in minimizing anxiety and improving mental wellbeing has been brought to the forefront during the Covid pandemic, given the drastic increases in depression and anxiety levels during this time.

Sustainability at airports: Technologies and best practices from ASEAN countries.

Sustainability has become a focus area for practitioners and scholars due to the growing socio-economic issues. The sustainability of airport operations is being raised in various international platforms. This paper aims to identify the dimensions of sustainability and evaluate sustainable practices in airports of selected ASEAN countries.

Modified Transpterygoid Approach to Sphenoid Meningoencephaloceles: A Shorter Run for a Longer Slide.

Objectives: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and meningoencephaloceles originating in the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus can be challenging. The traditional transpterygoid approach through the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) is time consuming and places important structures at risk, which can lead to significant morbidity. We report a multi-institutional experience using a simplified, endoscopic modified transpterygoid approach (MTPA), which spares the PPF contents in the management of lateral sphenoid sinus meningoencephaloceles and CSF leaks.

Simplifying Access to the Lateral Sphenoid Recess: A Modification of the Transpterygoid Approach.

Background: Meningoencephaloceles originating in the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus can be difficult to access. Historically, the endoscopic transpterygoid approach was advocated, which carries additional morbidity given the dissection of the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) contents to provide a direct line approach to the defect. Given our increased facility with angled endoscopes and instrumentation, we now approach this region in a less invasive manner.

Low-Voltage Nongassing Electroosmotic Pump and Infusion Device with Polyoxometalate-Encapsulated Carbon Nanotubes.

A low-voltage nongassing electroosmotic pump was assembled by sandwiching a silica frit between two carbon paper electrodes that were dip-coated with a paste consisting of phosphomolybdic acid/phosphotungstic acid (PMA/PTA)-encapsulated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and Nafion. The PMA/PTA encapsulation was a combined effect of their thermomigration and nanocapillary action in MWCNTs. The encapsulated MWCNTs retained desirable redox and charge transfer characteristics of PMA/PTA.

Alkaline all iron redox flow battery with a polyethylene/poly(styrene--divinylbenzene) interpolymer cation-exchange membrane.

This work describes the suitability of a polyethylene styrene-DVB based interpolymer cation exchange membrane for use in a highly alkaline redox flow battery (RFB) with a [Fe(TEA)OH]/[Fe(TEA)OH] and Fe(CN) /Fe(CN) redox couple. The alkaline stability of the membrane for 1440 h was evaluated in 5 N NaOH containing a 200 mM Fe(CN) /Fe(CN) redox couple. It was assessed according to the changes in the electrochemical and physicochemical properties.

Streamlining care in cystic fibrosis: survey of otolaryngologist, pulmonologist, and patient experiences.

Background: Care coordination for cystic fibrosis (CF) is essential. The objectives of this study were to: (1) compare otolaryngologists' and pulmonlogists' understanding of long-term chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) management; and (2) query patient perceptions of otolaryngologic care and CRS.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in 2018 to patients with CF or their caregivers, otolaryngologists, and pulmonologists.

Spontaneous Splenic Rupture in a Case of Infectious Mononucleosis.

Infectious Mononucleosis is a common viral illness mainly of adolescent-young adult age group. Spontaneous splenic rupture is a rare but potentially fatal complication of Infectious Mononucleosis occurring in less than 0.5 % of the cases.

A non-gassing electroosmotic pump with sandwich of poly(2-ethyl aniline)-Prussian blue nanocomposite and PVDF membrane.

Low voltage, non-gassing electroosmotic pump (EOP) was assembled with poly(2-ethyl aniline) (EPANI)-Prussian blue nanocomposite electrode and commercially available hydrophilic PVDF membranes. The nanocomposite material combines excellent oxidation/reduction capacity of EPANI with exceptional stability by shuttling of proton between Prussian blue nanoparticles and EPANI redox matrix. The flow rate was highly dependent on the electrode composition but it was linear with applied voltage.

Correlative study on lip prints, fingerprints, and mandibular intercanine distance for gender determination.

Context: "Identity" is a set of physical characteristics, functional or psychic, normal or pathological, that defines an individual. Identification of an individual is a crucial and an exigent task in forensic investigation.

Aims: The aim of the present pilot study was to investigate the accuracy of various methods employed in gender determination such as lip prints, mandibular canine index (MCI), fingerprints, and correlation between them.

Efficacy of rituximab in resistant palindromic rheumatism: first report in literature.

Background: Rituximab (RTX) provides significant clinical benefits in active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with inadequate response to DMARDs and anti-TNF. There is no data regarding efficacy of RTX in seropositive Palindromic Rheumatism (PR), a forerunner of RA.

Aim: To determine the efficacy and safety of RTX treatment in active PR patients exhibiting inadequate response to conventional synthetic DMARDs (csDMARDs).