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Current insulation materials applied in construction engineering and the building industry are generally petrochemical-based polymers and recycled thermal insulation materials. The environmental effects of these materials' production processes are substantial, despite their high thermal insulation performance. Consequently, the researchers conclude that it is essential to develop and produce insulating materials with superior thermal properties, minimal environmental impact, and a reasonable cost. The study concentrated on the application of insulation materials derived from biomass in the development of thermal insulation. The purpose of this review is to investigate and develop the possibilities of using biomass wastes as renewable and eco-friendly thermal insulation materials for construction engineering and the building industry. The thermal conductivity of those materials was measured using the hot plate and hot box methods, two of the most widely used hot processing methods. With a relatively low thermal conductivity (< 0.100 W·m−1·K−1), this review provides critical scientific insight into potential building insulation materials derived from biodegradable and abundant resources. It was observed that these materials are appealing for use in building and construction because they have a number of potential advantages from technical, economic, environmental, and green credentials perspectives. The collection of information enables some conclusions regarding the different biomass waste–derived insulation materials that have already been investigated and identifies gaps in the literature. Finally, the scope of commercialization pathways and future research directions to validate the proposed material alternatives' claim for commercial-scale applications has been identified in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study experimentally investigated the use of waste textile fibre-reinforced polymer composite for noise protection. In this regard, a few textiles fibre-reinforced epoxy composite have been fabricated through compression mould technique by varying fibre weight fractions (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, and 70%). In order to evaluate the absorbing environmental sound, a few effective properties, i.e. the sound-absorbing coefficient, water-absorbing capabilities, thickness of swelling, hardness, termite resistance, flame propagation, porosity, and thermal conductivity of the materials, have been carried out for the final recommendation of the prepared material. The test data indicate that the specimens M6 and M7 possess high water absorption properties, high inflammability and risk of termite infestation. Hence, these specimens are recommended preferably in areas with lower humidity, low fire risk and dry soil. Similarly, M5’s properties indicate that it can be recommended for the variety of commercial applications due to its balanced properties. Finally, the results indicate that the prepared composite can substantially absorb temperature and sound to a large extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy. This often involves the middle-aged and active population, typically younger compared to those with other types of cancers. Some people with thyroid cancer may develop secondary malignancy. The reason for this is not well understood. This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of second primary cancers in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer and its probable relationship with the severity of treatment and staging of the primary tumor. Methods: Among 2638 patients who underwent thyroidectomy between 1996 and 2018, we checked cases who suffered from non-thyroidal second primary cancers before, during, or after the diagnosis of thyroid cancer. Forty-nine patients met the criteria and were included in the study. The information was gathered from the medical records and supplemented by direct communication with the patients. The Data was then analyzed using appropriate statistical test with SPSS version 22, considering a p-value of 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Out of the 2638 checked records reviewed, 49 patients (1.85%) were found to have second primary cancers with 75.5% being female. One patient had two concurrent second primary cancers, while the remaining 48 patients had a single second primary cancer. Most of the thyroid cancers were papillary (89.8%, 44 cases), with the others remaining cases being follicular type. Stage 2, according to the 8th AJCC staging system, was the most common (50%), followed by stage 1 (36.8%) among the primary staging categories. Breast cancer was the most prevalent (17 cases), followed by hematologic malignancies (8 cases) and GI tract cancers (8 cases). Conclusion: The findings revealed a significant increase in the number of breast cancers in patients with the differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), which was not observed for other malignancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical and pathological stages of patients diagnosed with breast cancer., Method: In this retrospective study, a total of 298 male and female patients over the age of 18 who were diagnosed with breast cancer and who were continuing surgical and oncologic treatment were included., Results: Of the 298 patients diagnosed with breast cancer, 186 (62.4%) belonged to the pre-COVID period and 112 (37.6%) to the COVID period, and there was a 39.7% decrease in the number of diagnosed patients. Statistical analyzes revealed significant differences in family history, smoking, histopathologic grade, disease stage, type of surgery performed and Cerb-B2 ovarian expression (p = 0.005, p = 0.001, p = 0.018, p = 0.035, p < 0.001, p = 0.047). During the pandemic period, tumor size (T), axillary lymph node metastasis rate, neoadjuvant chemotherapy rate, and distant metastasis rate increased, but there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.535, p = 0.070, p = 0.148, p = 0.153, respectively)., Conclusions: In pandemic situations such as COVID-19, restrictions in social life and fear of contamination can prolong the time of admission to the hospital. This may cause delays in the diagnosis of malignant diseases such as breast cancer and progression in the disease stage. In these and similar outbreaks, public awareness should be raised, and the public should be encouraged to comply with screening and follow-up programs in order to continue outpatient clinic activities and screening programs without interruption by taking contamination measures., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval: The study was approved by the local ethics committee of Gaziantep University, Turkey (No: 2021/339). Conflict of interest: The authors declare no potential conflict of interest., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland.)

Background: Reconstruction of forefoot defects often necessitates free tissue transfer due to the limited availability of local tissue. Microsurgical reconstruction of the forefoot remains challenging, as it requires durable yet thin soft-tissue coverage for functional restoration. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of free thin perforator flaps for forefoot reconstruction, with a focus on functional outcomes., Methods: Records of patients who underwent microsurgical forefoot reconstruction between March of 2020 and September of 2023 were reviewed. Development of postoperative complications and functional outcomes were evaluated., Results: In total, 53 patients (mean age, 62.7 years) were analyzed. The most common cause of defects was oncologic surgery, followed by chronic wound, with a majority involving the plantar side. The superthin anterolateral thigh flap and superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap were predominantly used. The median flap thickness was 4.0 mm. Digital vessels were the most frequently used as recipients. All but one flap survived, resulting in a success rate of 98.1%. Postoperative flap site complications developed in 20 patients, the majority of which resolved with conservative treatment. The median hospital stay was 8.0 days, and the mean time for initiating weight-bearing ambulation was 12.4 days. In the postoperative Foot Function Index questionnaire survey, the overall score was 9.41, showing minimal impairment, and it did not differ according to defect size or location. A secondary debulking operation was needed in 7 patients., Conclusion: Use of thin free perforator flaps might provide reliable outcomes with rapid recovery and excellent postoperative function in forefoot reconstruction., Clinical Question/level of Evidence: Therapeutic, IV., (Copyright © 2024 by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.)