An Observational Study of Hearing Loss Among Menopausal Women

Senile deafness and hearing loss in adults over 50 are major public health issues as a result of the population's ageing demographic. Menopausal women tend to develop hearing loss, while no clear link has been found between the two. The purpose of this study was to determine how menopause and diabetes mellitus affects hearing loss. We assessed 158 menopausal women in total. Pure Tone Audiometry and HbA1c levels was measured, along with appropriate clinical history and examination. The association between those levels and hearing was researched by chi-square test. There were 158 study participants. Mean age of the study population was 50.5 (± 2.49) years. Onset and duration of hard of hearing was assessed in 41 patients (25.9%). 33% (N = 53) of the patients had history of Diabetes mellitus, of which 52.8% offered history of the disease for more than or equal to five years. On audiological assessment, 74.1% had no hearing loss (N = 117), 4.4% had unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (N = 7) and 21.5% had bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (N = 34). Statistics show that hearing loss is statistically connected with ageing and poor glycemic management. With chi square values of 9.629 and P value 0.002 found a significant correlation between ageing and hearing loss. Poor glycemic control is significantly associated with hearing loss with a chi-square value of 4.304 and P value 0.038. Poor glycemic control and menopause is found to be strongly associated with sensorineural hearing loss. Further prospective, hormonal studies including larger population is recommended.

TRIGLYCERIDE - GLUCOSE INDEX, REMNANT CHOLESTEROL AND COMMON CAROTID ARTERY INTIMA-MEDIA THICKNESS AS AN ATHEROSCLEROTIC MARKER IN ISCHEMIC STROKE PATIENTS

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a major global health concern, often resulting from atherosclerosis and insulin resistance (IR). The triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index), remnant cholesterol (RC), and common artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) are potential markers for assessing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk in IS patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the association between TyG index, RC, CIMT, and IS in adult patients recruited from a hospital. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected, and statistical analysis was performed. The study included 50 participants with a balanced gender distribution and a mean age of 57.64 years. Laboratory characteristics showed notable values, and CIMT > 0.6 mm was associated with higher NIH Stroke Scale scores. RC exhibited significant correlations with age, CIMT, lipid profile, and TyG index. The study highlights the potential of TyG index, RC, and CIMT as atherosclerotic markers in IS patients. Favorable prognostic outcomes were observed, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and management to improve patient outcomes.

Ent Manifestations in Sculptors of South Chennai, India: A Cross Sectional Observational Study

Despite the National Occupational Safety and Legislation Act 2020's implementation, reports of workplace accidents are rising in India. Various ear, nose, and throat conditions have been linked to a wide range of physico-chemical variables. Due to a lack of training, inadequate knowledge, a lack of awareness of occupational health and safety risks, or a lack of accessibility to or use of personal protective equipment (PPE), sculptors are frequently exposed to a variety of physical, compound and unplanned risks, chemical, and accidental hazards. The study aimed to assess the various ear, nose and throat manifestations like noise induced hearing loss, occupational rhinitis and non-infectious pharyngitis among the sculptors working in the southern part of Chennai. This observational study was performed in a total of 110 sculptors. Demographic data like age, education, duration of occupation, use of PPE like face mask, ear plug during work hours, whether sculpting is a family occupation or first generation sculptor. A detailed history and thorough ENT examination was performed with pure tone audiometry (PTA), diagnostic nasal endoscopy (DNE) and videolaryngoscopy (VLS). If any problem is detected they will be treated accordingly. Most of them (70%) were in the age group of 21-40 years but 71% of them are sculptors for more than 15 years which infers introduction to the occupation at an early age. The reason for this could be more than 80% of them possessed the heritage of sculpting as their family occupation. Duration of occupation was significantly associated with chronic rhinitis (P value was 0.002) and NIHL (P value was 0.002) whereas education and use of PPE like face mask or ear plugs were not associated with ENT manifestations. This study focuses on the sculptors' working habits, their ignorance of safety precautions, and an assessment of the numerous ENT ailments. These manifestations showed a strong correlation to exposure time. To prevent the issues from becoming more severe, regular medical monitoring is required for early detection and intervention.

ASSOCIATION OF MPV AND RDW WITH DISEASE ACTIVITY IN PATIENT WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation of the synovial joints. Disease activity assessment plays a crucial role in guiding treatment decisions and monitoring disease progression in RA patients. Thus, the current study examines the association between Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW), and disease activity in RA patients. A total of 100 patients were included following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All participants underwent physical examination and laboratory tests. Disease activity was assessed using the Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28). The cut-off levels for RDW and MPV were 14.8 and 11.25, respectively. However, a significant association was observed between RDW levels and DAS28, indicating that the group with RDW ≤14.8% displayed higher DAS compared to the RDW >14.8% group. Also, MPV levels did not exhibited statistically significant variations. RDW levels did not show significant disparities among patients with different comorbidities. There is a significant correlation exists between RDW and disease activity in RA exists. Moreover, RDW can be utilized in clinical settings to monitor disease activity effectively. Since RDW is routinely included in standard blood tests, it is cost-effective and more convenient for treating RA cases.

Correction: An Observational Study of Hearing Loss Among Menopausal Women

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1007/s12070-023-04121-5.].

Case Series - Pediatric Tracheostomy for Upper Airway Obstruction

Certain congenital craniofacial malformations can cause upper airway obstruction. Due to neurological involvement, these craniofacial deformities with upper airway blockage frequently require tracheostomy. Children who need weeks or months of continuous ventilator assistance require tracheostomies, which improve pulmonary toilet and decrease laryngotracheal lesions such subglottic stenosis and tracheomalacia. In this case report we will be discussing about two patients who underwent Pediatric tracheostomy for Pierre Robin sequence and supraglottic stenosis in our institute. This paper emphasizes on some of the rare causes of pediatric upper airway obstruction - Pierre Robin sequence and supraglottic stenosis. Also the importance of tracheostomy procedure, which is the gold standard for management of upper airway obstruction in patients who are not responding to conservative management is emphasized.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-023-03892-1.

Evaluating the Outcomes of Closed Reduction of Different Types of Nasal Bone Fractures

This study was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of closed reduction of different types of nasal bone fractures depending on time between onset of injury and reduction and comparing the outcomes of early closed reduction (within 6 h) of nasal bone fracture with late closed reduction (after 2 weeks). A hospital based Prospective cohort type of study was conducted among cases of nasal bone fracture attending the outpatient department of Otorhinolaryngology at Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai during the months of August 2021 to January 2022. A total of 54 participants were included in the study. Primary outcome was to assess the effectiveness of closed reduction of different types of nasal bone fractures postoperatively. The second objective was to compare the outcomes of early closed reduction (within 6 h) of nasal bone fracture with late closed reduction (after 2 weeks). Using chi square test, the association of factors such as age, sex, mode of injury, external framework deformity, type of fracture and treatment was analyzed with outcome measures such as post op degree of deviation, arch irregularity, malalignment, bony irregularity, bony displacement, olfactory disturbances and result. We analyzed the sample data statistically and measured the outcomes which showed that post operatively after undergoing closed reduction, some degree of deviation was present in 17(31.48./.), arch irregularity present in 12(22.2./.), malalignment in 11(20.37./.), bony irregularity in 24(44.44./.), bony displacement in 19(35.19./.), olfactory disturbances in 2(3.70./.). Comparing the outcome factors between early and late reduction, we found that the outcome was better in early closed reduction when compared with late closed reduction. Among the 54 patients studied, the results of closed reduction were found to be excellent in 27(50./.), Fair in 16(29.63./.), Good in 10(18.52./.) and poor in 1(1.85./.) We could thus conclude from this study that early closed reduction of nasal bone fracture gave better results than a late closed reduction in terms of post operative deformity, arch irregularity, malalignment, bony irregularity, bony displacement and olfactory disturbances.

Varied Clinical Presentations of Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis-A Case Series

Fungal sinusitis is broadly classified into invasive and non invasive types. Invasive type presents with fungal hyphae within the mucosa, submucosa, bone, or blood vessels of the paranasal sinuses and includes Acute Invasive Fungal Sinusitis, Acute Fulminant, Chronic Invasive Fungal Sinusitis, Chronic Granulomatous Fungal Sinusitis. Invasive forms of fungal rhinosinusitis are rare and confined to groups of patients who are immunocompromised (Key in Fungal rhinosinusitis). Noninvasive type shows absence of fungal hyphae within the mucosa paranasal sinuses. It includes Allergic Fungal rhinosinusitis, Fungus Ball (fungus mycetoma). The study was performed on a total of 30 patients, in Department of Otorhinolaryngology, at our hospital after getting approved by the Instituitional Human Ethical Committee. We selected 30 patients diagnosed with allergic fungal sinusitis and studied their varied clinical presentations and treatment for a period of 1 year. It was a prospective case series type of study. Patients who presented with symptoms of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis were included. Patients who were referred with complaints of proptosis, diplopia were also included to rule out allergic fungal rhinosinusitis and its complications. Patients diagnosed with chronic granulomatous infection of nose and invasive fungal sinusitis were excluded. Evaluation of patients involved a detailed case history followed by clinical examination and radiologic investigation. After getting proper consent, we did a study of 30 patients who presented to our outpatient department with complaints of sinusitis. Our study included 12 male and 18 female patients. Among these patients, all of them had complaints of frequent allergic rhinosinusitis, nose block, facial heaviness. 12 among them had olfactory disturbances, reduced perception of smell. 4 patients presented with visual disturbances and proptosis which subsided after endoscopic sinus surgery was done.24 among these patients had presence of allergic fungal mucin in their nasal secretions and 10 patients had history of associated atopy and asthma and elevated Ig E levels. And 20 of these patients showed high eosinophil counts. All these patients in our case series were under the age group 22-70 years. These patients were treated with a course of nasal sprays and preoperative steroids in case of extensive polyposis and were taken up for functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Polypoidal mucosa was removed, diseased tissue was cleared, sinus blockage was released and fungal mucin/tissue bits were sent for histopathological analysis, KOH mount and fungal culture. This study included a series of cases which showed a wide range of the various clinical presentations that occur in cases of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis, its diagnosis and treatment. The advantage of this study was we had analyzed a good number of cases with varied presentations. Since AFRS is closely related with EMRS, CRS a proper clinical, radiological and immunological evaluation of the cases help in knowing the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Adsorption isotherm, kinetics and response surface methodology optimization of cadmium (Cd) removal from aqueous solution by chitosan biopolymers from cephalopod waste

The present investigation was aimed to explore the cadmium removal efficiency, mechanism and characterization of Chitosan biopolymers from cephalopods waste. The extracted chitosan has showed good yield of 32% and with high minerals, ash and moisture content. In the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis multiple active functional groups of Amine, Amine, Hydroxyl were found between 612 and 3424 cm^-1 and the sugar signals such as N-acetyl glucosamine (GlcNAc) and H-1 [GlcN (H-1D), GlcNAc (H-1A)] were identified in Chitosan by ¹H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). The Crystalline, rough surface, micropores characters were observed in Chitosan surface by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis and the pores played a key role in adsorption process. The Cd ions removal was performed by batch experiment and the results were revealed that the pH, temperature, time and dosage highly influenced the process and the optimum condition was discovered through RSM for pH 7, temperature 42.5 °C, time 220 min and dosage of sorbent 1 g/L respectively. The kinetics models of the Cd removal were carried out and the results revealed that the Pseudo-second order is more suitable and fit for removal than Pseudo-first order model. Chitosan surface characters and functional groups played a big role in adsorption process and Chitosan can be alternative eco-friendly, low cost and highly efficient sorbent for heavy metal removal in effluent treatment plants.

Acyclovir with Steroid and Steroid Alone in the Treatment of Idiopathic Facial Nerve Palsy: A Randomised Double-blinded Clinical Study from a Tertiary Care Centre, Chennai, India

Introdutcion: Idiopathic palsy of facial nerve is an acute disease which causes lower motor neuron palsy characterised by facial asymmetry leads to psychological effects and limits one’s social life. Steroids are very effective in the management of Bell’s palsy. The usage of antiviral is still in debate due to the idiopathic aetiology of Bell’s palsy. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of acyclovir with steroid and steroid alone in the management of Bell’s palsy with respect to the recovery time. Materials and Methods: The randomised double-blinded study was conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, from September 2021 to February 2022 among 100 patients with idiopathic facial nerve palsy. Patients were divided into two groups, 50 patients in each. One group treated with acyclovir (400 mg oral five times daily) and methylprednisolone (1 mg/kg/ day), and other group treated with steroid alone. Both the groups received physiotherapy in the Department of Physiotherapy and taught about home facial exercises. The patients were on regular follow-up for 6 months to monitor the time of the recovery. HouseBrackmann grading system was used for initial assessment and monitor the recovery of the patient. The improvement of House-Brackmann grade to I or II was considered a satisfactory recovery. The association between two groups were assessed by Chi-square test (χ2 ), repeated measures and paired t-test. The statistical significance was considered when p-value<0.05. Results: Out of 100 patients, 52 patients were male and 48 were female, while the age range was 19-58 years. At 2 months, 43 (86%) patients recovered in the combination group and 41 (82%) in the steroid alone group (p-value=0.0038). At 6 months, 48 (96%) patients recovered in the combination group and 42 (84%) in the steroid alone group (p-value=0.178). The overall recovery rate was higher in the combination group (96%) compared to steroid alone group (84%). Conclusion: The combination of acyclovir with steroids in the treatment of Bell’s palsy has better recovery compared to steroid alone therapy.

Synthesis and thermo-mechanical properties of bioplastics and biocomposites: A systematic review

Materials research relating to bio-based polymers and composites has become the order of the day and several researches are being undertaken on these materials. This is mainly due to the...

Spatial variation of covid-19 morbidity status and identification of risk zone in Tamil Nadu (India) during first wave

COVID-19 is a pandemic disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The study area, Tamilnadu, is a southern state in India. The present study demonstrates the significance of mapping in identifying the risk zones of COVID-19 disease by taking a study of COVID-19 cases in Tamilnadu state. The main objective of the study was to identify the risk zone of COVID-19 disease in the first wave of Tamilnadu through geospatial mapping. Data on COVID-19 cases collected during March 2020 to March 2021 month wise in all 37 districts (unit area) of Tamilnadu in two-month interval wise was analysed. The study is based on secondary sources from respective office in Tamilnadu. Z-score techniques were used for standardizing data. Correlation analysis provided a measure of correlation between COVID-19 and working population. Location Quotient analysis aided the identification of COVID-19 risk zones in Tamilnadu. Present study indicates tertiary workers are more vulnerable to COVID-19 disease.

Sustainable and renewable nanobiocomposites for sensors and actuators: a review on preparation and performance

BACKGROUND:

Nano-materials derived from sustainable and biodegradable polymers, are the most attractive materials among the researchers. Polymeric nano-biocomposites (PNBCs) are a specific class of materials derived by combining nanosized fillers with polymer materials and the most commonly used nano-fillers were hydroxyapatite, organic or inorganic metal nanoparticles, clays and so on.

METHODS:

Many of the recent researches rendered its focus towards the utilization of biopolymer based hydrogel materials for the fabrication of analyte sensors and electrode modifiers owing to their high permeability nature and faster, mobilization of electrons. Such biopolymer hydrogelutilize newer printing methods in electrode prototyping, which renders portable, flexible, and advanced bioelectronics sensor with high performance characteristics. Few researchers have also stated the use of polyaniline reinforced biocomposites for the fabrication of electro-chemical sensors and actuators because of their advantageous properties, which makes them a potential material choice for electronics applications.

RESULTS:

Nano-particles of polyaniline were proved to improve the detection limit and sensitivity of the sensor even when used for recognizing a single molecules. Bionanocomposites possess excellent thermo-mechanical properties in the designed nanocomposite, even at low nanoparticle concentrations. In fact, these materials have high hardness and stability, giving rise to excellent mechanical characteristics. Furthermore, the incorporation of nanoparticles into a biopolymeric matrix enhanced its electrical conductivity, barrier properties, and consistency. Also, the powerful interaction between biopolymers and functional groups of nanoparticles increased the strength of bio-nanocomposites.

CONCLUSION:

Nanobiocomposites based biosensors were found to possess high specificity, sensitivity, and wider target spectrum. Current review deals with the use of sustainable and renewable biocomposites for the preparation of biosensors and actuators, their properties like sensitivity, limit of detection, advantages over the synthetic material and environmental hazards.

Assessment of Effects on Prolonged Usage of Face Mask by ENT Professionals During Covid-19 Pandemic

The protection efficacy of face masks during this covid 19 pandemic has been well documented. The changes in human nasal functions after wearing facemask for prolonged period is not known. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of prolonged usage of facemask by ENT professionals during covid 19 pandemic. It is a cross sectional study conducted in department of ENT in Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Kelambakkam. A self-constructed questionnaire containing 21 queries regarding the effects of prolonged use of face mask, after being analysed by the experts of our institution were distributed to 124 ENT professionals all over India. People who are ENT by professionals can participate in this study. Participation is voluntary. Study period was from March 2020 to December 2020. All answered questionnaires were sent for statistical analysis. 63.71% experienced difficulty in breathing while wearing face mask, 37.10% experienced dry nose, 46.77% experienced dry mouth. The most common modality of prevention in an OPD setup was face mask with face shield (31.45%). About 80.65% people believed there are side effects due to wearing mask. Since facemasks are essential to protect us from COVID-19, certain strategies can be followed to reduce the discomfort due to its prolonged usage such as encouraging nasal breathing, taking short breaks from wearing mask in a safe environment and to maintain hydration.

Dataset for compression ignition engine fuelled with corn oil methyl ester biodiesel

The present data study deals with the experimental analysis of performance, emission and combustion characteristics of CI engine fuelled with corn oil methyl ester biodiesel blend as alternative fuel. A two-step trans esterification process is used to produce the biodiesel. Furthermore, a characteristics study was carried out on the extracted corn oil methyl ester biodiesel blends over conventional fuel. Three different fuel blends namely B10, B20 and B30 were chosen and the performance, emission and combustion characteristics of these are compared to that of conventional diesel fuel. Eddy current dynamometer is used load the engine from no load to maximum load condition. Using AVL DiGAS 444 N gas analyser and AVL 346 smoke meter the emissions and smoke opacity of the fuel blends and diesel were measured respectively. The experimental performance, emission and combustion data's were presented.

Synthesis, crystal growth and characterization of Zn0.5Mn0.5Te single crystal grown via the Bridgman technique

Single crystal of Zn_0.5Mn_0.5Te has been grown by the vertical Bridgman method.