Biologic Treatments for Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP): A Comparative Review of Efficiency and Risks.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the nasal passages and sinuses, often characterized by nasal congestion, loss of smell, facial pressure, and nasal discharge. Conventional treatments, such as corticosteroids and endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), often provide only temporary relief, with frequent recurrence of symptoms. For patients with severe, refractory CRSwNP, biologic therapies have emerged as a promising treatment option.

Optimizing Mechanical Properties of Recycled 3D-Printed PLA Parts for Sustainable Packaging Solutions Using Experimental Analysis and Machine Learning.

Increasing environmental concerns and the need for sustainable materials have driven a focus towards the utilization of recycled polylactic acid (PLA) in additive manufacturing as PLA offers advantages over other thermoplastics, including biodegradability, ease of processing, and a lower environmental impact during production. This study explores the optimization of the mechanical properties of recycled PLA parts through a combination of experimental and machine learning approaches. A series of experiments were conducted to investigate the impact of various processing parameters, such as layer thickness and infill density, as well as annealing conditions, on the mechanical properties of recycled PLA parts.

Optical microscopy evaluation of root canal filling removal by beginner operators in posterior teeth.

This study analyzed the effectiveness of root canal filling removal in lower molars performed by beginner operators using optical microscopy. A total of 55 mandibular first and second molars with mesial roots exhibiting an average curvature of 10-20° were selected based on preoperative radiographs. Instrumentation was done with ProTaper Gold (Dentsply Sirona) up to F2 (25/.

Forest disturbance regimes and trends in continental Spain (1985-2023) using dense landsat time series.

Forest disturbance regimes across biomes are being altered by interactive effects of global change. Establishing baselines for assessing change requires detailed quantitative data on past disturbance events, but such data are scarce and difficult to obtain over large spatial and temporal scales. The integration of remote sensing with dense time series analysis and cloud computing platforms is enhancing the ability to monitor historical disturbances, and especially non-stand replacing events along climatic gradients.

Experimental Investigation and Numerical Analysis Regarding the Influence of Cutting Parameters on the Asphalt Milling Process.

Abrasion wear is a significant concern for cutting tools, particularly when milling asphalt concrete due to the presence of hard mineral aggregate particles. The pressure exerted on the cutting tool by the chipped material and the resulting cutting forces directly influence tool wear. To estimate the cutting forces in asphalt milling, the authors propose using either laboratory experiments or cost-effective Discrete Element Method (DEM) modeling-by simulating the real conditions-as direct measurement under real conditions is challenging.

Assessment of Environmental Impact on Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Pipes Mechanical and Thermal Properties.

Glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites are widely used due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. However, their properties can degrade under different environmental conditions, affecting long-term reliability. This study examines the effects of temperature and chemical environments on GFRP pipes.

Long-term annual estimation of forest above ground biomass, canopy cover, and height from airborne and spaceborne sensors synergies in the Iberian Peninsula.

The Mediterranean Basin has experienced substantial land use changes as traditional agriculture decreased and population migrated from rural to urban areas, which have resulted in a large forest cover increase. The combination of Landsat time series, providing spectral information, with lidar, offering three-dimensional insights, has emerged as a viable option for the large-scale cartography of forest structural attributes across large time spans. Here we develop and test a comprehensive framework to map forest above ground biomass, canopy cover and forest height in two regions spanning the most representative biomes in the peninsular Spain, Mediterranean (Madrid region) and temperate (Basque Country).

Hand Motion Analysis Using Accelerometer-Based Sensors and Sheep's Head Model for Basic Training in Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

Introduction:  Motion analysis, the study of movement patterns to evaluate performance, plays a crucial role in surgical training. It provides objective data that can be used to assess and improve trainee's precision, efficiency, and overall surgical technique. The primary aim of this study is to employ accelerometer-based sensors placed on the wrist to analyze hand motions during endoscopic sinus surgery training using the sheep's head.

Analyzing Sustainable 3D Printing Processes: Mechanical, Thermal, and Crystallographic Insights.

In this study, the objective was to optimize energy consumption in the fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing process via a detailed analysis of printing parameters. By utilizing thermal analysis techniques, this research aimed to identify lower printing temperatures that could lead to reduced energy usage. Experimental analysis was conducted using a three-level L9 Taguchi orthogonal array, which involved a systematic combination of different extruder temperatures and cooling fan capacities.

Exploring the Threefold Viewpoint on Children's Oral Health in a Cross-Sectional Study.

Oral health is situated within the framework of the global health agenda, addressing facets pertaining to well-being and quality of life. The research is based on the need to address variables at the community level to improve schoolchildren's oral health and promote healthy behaviors and aims to carry out an in-depth analysis from the perspective of the factors that influence children's oral health. Step 1, designed by the World Health Organization, was utilized.

Exploring the Ovine Anatomy: A Comprehensive Study of the Sheep's Head for Basic Training in Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

Introduction: Training young doctors in functional endoscopic sinus surgery requires dedicated centers for cadaveric dissections. However, ethical constraints have limited cadaver availability. Alternative anatomical models, like the ovine model, are being explored for effective training, offering easier procurement and resembling human head anatomy.

A STEPwise Approach for Oral Hygiene Behavior of Schoolchildren in Romania.

This research analyzes the dental hygiene habits of schoolchildren from parents' perspectives, using the STEPS approach recommended by the World Health Organization. The key points of oral health care in children include the role of the family in encouraging and maintaining proper oral hygiene practices. This study aimed to assess the oral hygiene practices of schoolchildren with on-site dentists in Romania.

Advancements in Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites: A Comprehensive Analysis.

Composites made from fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) are a crucial and highly adaptable category of materials widely utilized in numerous fields. Their flexibility and the range of criteria for classification enable the creation of tailored solutions to address distinct requirements in sectors such as civil engineering, aerospace, automotive, and marine, among others. The distinguishing characteristics of FRP composites include the type of reinforcing fiber used, the composition of the matrix material, the employed manufacturing process, the orientation of the fibers, and the specific end-use application.

Fish Scale Gelatin Nanofibers with and Lavandula latifolia Essential Oils for Bioactive Wound-Healing Dressings.

Essential oils are valuable alternatives to synthetic antibiotics that have the potential to avoid the pathogen resistance side effects generated by leather. and Lavandula latifolia essential oils combined with fish scale gelatin were electrospun using a coaxial technique to design new bioactive materials for skin wound dressings fabrication. Fish scale gelatins were extracted from carp fish scales using two variants of the same method, with and without ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).

Sheep's Head as an Anatomic Model for Basic Training in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

: This study aims to establish the sheep head as a viable anatomical model for training in functional endoscopic sinus surgery through comprehensive anatomical examination and training-based assessment of participants' satisfaction. : Participants were divided into three groups according to their prior experience in endoscopic sinus surgery; in total, 24 participants were included. Each participant in the study was assigned to perform the designated procedures on a single sheep's head.

Innovative Strategies for Technical-Economical Optimization of FDM Production.

This article introduces a multi-objective optimization approach for determining the best 3D printing parameters (layer thickness and infill percentage) to efficiently produce PLA and ABS parts, extensively analyzing mechanical behavior under tests for different traits such as tensile strength, compression, flexural, impact, and hardness. The value analysis method is used to optimize settings that balance use value (- represented by mechanical characteristics) and production cost (). Findings reveal that the infill percentage significantly influences the ratio for tensile, compression, and hardness tests, while flexural tests are influenced by layer thickness.

Optimization of 3D Printing Parameters for Enhanced Surface Quality and Wear Resistance.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the field of 3D printing technology. Among the various technologies available, fused deposition modeling (FDM) has emerged as the most popular and widely used method. However, achieving optimal results with FDM presents a significant challenge due to the selection of appropriate process parameters.

Vertigo Associated with Otosclerosis and Stapes Surgery-A Narrative Review.

Otosclerosis is a pathological condition affecting the temporal bone, and is characterized by remodelling of the labyrinthine bone tissue through a dynamic process of osteolysis and osteogenesis. This condition progressively leads to hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. Stapedotomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of the stapes superstructure and its replacement with a prosthesis, is the treatment of choice to improve hearing in individuals with otosclerosis.

Experimental Research Regarding the Effect of Mineral Aggregates on the Wear of Mixing Blades of Concrete Mixers.

Industrial mixers are equipment used to mechanically combine different types of materials in order to obtain homogeneous mixtures. In concrete industry production, mixers play a crucial role by facilitating the efficient and consistent blending of various constituents to create high-quality concrete. Because the mixers in the concrete industry work in conditions characterized by abrasive and erosive loadings, the authors of this paper tried to establish a dependence between the quality of the material from which the mixing elements are made and their wear resistance.

Additive Manufacturing Post-Processing Treatments, a Review with Emphasis on Mechanical Characteristics.

Additive manufacturing (AM) comes in various types of technologies and comparing it with traditional fabrication methods provides the possibility of producing complex geometric parts directly from Computer-Aided Designs (CAD). Despite answering challenges such as poor workability and the need for tooling, the anisotropy of AM constructions is the most serious issue encountered by their application in industry. In order to enhance the microstructure and functional behavior of additively fabricated samples, post-processing treatments have gained extensive attention.

Can Non-Virtual Reality Simulation Improve Surgical Training in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery? A Literature Review.

Simulation in endoscopic sinus surgery allows residents to learn anatomy, to achieve the correct handling of various rhinological instruments, and to practice different surgical procedures. Physically or non-virtual reality models are the main items in endoscopic sinus surgery simulation. The objective of this review is to identify and make a descriptive analysis of non-virtual endoscopic sinus surgery simulators which have been proposed for training.

Experimental Research on the Wear Behavior of Materials Used in the Manufacture of Components for Cement Concrete Mixers.

Mixers used in the production of cement concrete operate under special conditions such as mechanical stresses, abrasive-erosive friction phenomena, and corrosive working environments. In this paper, the authors aimed to establish a correlation between the chemical composition of mixer blade materials and their wear behavior. Three types of alloyed (chromium) cast iron were used for an experimental program that included three sets of tests in accelerated wear conditions which replicated the actual working environment (mixture of mineral aggregate, sand, cement, and water).

Laser nasal surgery (Review).

Laser nasal surgery has been an elusive subject in the last 10 to 15 years It was considered as a potential surgical staple for nasal surgery in the 1980s; however, it did not become one due to technical difficulties. Laser therapy has reemerged as an alternative to classical endoscopic surgery, and otorhinolaryngology surgeons are considering the benefits that it can offer. The advantages of this procedure are shorter hospitalization time, lack of nasal packing, high procedural precision with tissue sparing, and the unique capability of reducing both bacterial and fungal colonization at the level of the paranasal sinus.

Synthesis, Characterization, DFT Study and Antifungal Activities of Some Novel 2-(Phenyldiazenyl)phenol Based Azo Dyes.

In recent decades, there has been an increased interest in azo compounds with special optical and biological properties. In this work, we report the preparation of novel azo-compounds with two and three -N=N- double bonds, using the classical method of synthesis, diazotization and coupling. The compounds were characterized by H-NMR, C-NMR, FTIR, UV-VIS and fluorescence spectra.

Influence of the Hydrophobicity of Pluronic Micelles Encapsulating Curcumin on the Membrane Permeability and Enhancement of Photoinduced Antibacterial Activity.

Apart from its well-known activity as an antimicrobial agent, Curcumin (CURC) has recently started to arouse interest as a photosensitizer in the photodynamic therapy of bacterial infections. The aim of the present study was to evidence the influence of the encapsulation of Curcumin into polymeric micelles on the efficiency of photoinduced microbial inhibition. The influence of the hydrophobicity of the selected Pluronics (P84, P123, and F127) on the encapsulation, stability, and antimicrobial efficiency of CURC-loaded micelles was investigated.