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Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a condition that is characterised by frequent apnoea and hypopnoea attacks occurring during sleep. The blood supply to cochlea and acoustic nerves is from terminal arteries, thereby making them susceptible to hypoxia. To compare the audiological profiles in patients with OSAS according to Apnoea Hypopnoea index (AHI) score. Descriptive study was conducted in 32 patients diagnosed to have OSAS in a tertiary referral centre over two year period. The study group was divided into mild, moderate, severe OSAS based on AHI score. The hearing evaluation was done using pure tone audiogram (PTA) and distortion product otoacoustic emission test (DPOAE). Moderate and severe OSAS participants had elevated thresholds at higher frequencies in PTA (4 kHz, 8 kHz), although this was not statistically significant. We also noticed, absent DPOAE responses at higher frequencies (4 k, 6 k, 8 k), with increase in the severity of OSAS at higher frequency, which was statistically significant ( p value < 0.05). This study revealed elevated hearing thresholds at higher frequencies (4 kHz, 8 kHz) in PTA and DPOEA with an increase in the severity of OSAS. All OSAS patients, especially with AHI > 30 should be regularly screened for hearing loss., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestNo financial or non-financial competing interests., (© The Author(s) 2023.)

Objective: This study evaluated the effect of voice intervention in patients who received chemoradiation to the neck for non-laryngeal head and neck malignancies., Methods: Twenty individuals with non-laryngeal malignancies of the head and neck who received chemoradiation were divided by block randomisation into an intervention group that received voice rehabilitation and a control group without rehabilitation. All patients underwent acoustic analysis, perceptual and subjective analysis of voice before the commencement of chemoradiotherapy and at 1, 3 and 6 months after chemoradiotherapy., Results: In both groups, all parameters were significantly altered at one month follow-up except for fundamental frequency (females in control group and males in intervention group). In the intervention group, all parameters returned to pretreatment levels (no statistical differences) at 6 months. In the control group, all except for a few subjective parameters (grade, breathiness and asthenia) remained significantly altered at 6 months compared to the levels before radiotherapy., Conclusions: In non-laryngeal head and neck malignancies, voice rehabilitation offered at 1 month after treatment ameliorates chemoradiation-induced dysphonia within 6 months., (Copyright © 2021 Società Italiana di Otorinolaringoiatria e Chirurgia Cervico-Facciale, Rome, Italy.)

We present a simple interferometric focal length measurement technique for measuring the focal length of positive and negative lenses using a lateral-shearing cyclic path optical configuration (CPOC) setup and polarization phase-shifting interferometry (PPSI). The technique requires an auxiliary lens, whose focal length need not be known accurately, for generating a focused point source at its focal plane. The focal point of the test lens is adjusted to be in the vicinity of the focus of the auxiliary lens. The radii of the resulting spherical wave fronts emerging from the test lens, due to the defocus, for two different longitudinal shifted positions of the test lens are measured using the lateral-shearing CPOC setup and PPSI. Focal length of the test lens is determined from the known longitudinal shift and from the measured radii of the spherical wave fronts. Results obtained for 200.0 mm convex and 100.0 mm concave test lenses are presented.

Background: Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has varying epidemiological patterns in different countries and also in different regions of each country. In a country with a high prevalence of lung cancer such as India, regional variations in demography exist., Aim: A study of unique demographic trends of metastatic NSCLC patients presenting to our regional cancer center., Materials and Methods: We did a retrospective analysis of histologically confirmed metastatic NSCLC patients who presented to our Department of Medical Oncology between August 2012 and July 2014., Results: A total of 304 patients were analyzed. About 55.6% of the patients were in the age group of 41-60 years. About 79.6% of the patients were symptomatic for <6 months before presentation. About 63.5% of the patients were smokers presenting with a median age of 59 years whereas nonsmokers formed 36.51% of the patients presenting with a median age of 47 (P < 0.001). About 82.6% of the male patients and 4.1% of female patients were smokers. Equal number of all patients had adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) histology. AC histology was more common in the nonsmoking group (62% of patients). SCC histology was seen in 54.3% of smokers. Metastasis to the contralateral lung and pleura was seen in 58.2% of patients., Conclusion: NSCLC presents at a young age. Smoking is a significant risk factor and it is common in the urban populations as in the rural areas. Both AC and SCC histologies presented in equal proportions.

We present a technique for the measurement of surface form error of an optical surface using a ring source and polarization phase-shifting interferometry (PPSI). The ring source, generated using a refracting axicon, is projected onto a rotating diffuser to reduce the spatial coherence noise generated by the spatially coherent He-Ne laser and to enhance the interference fringe contrast. PPSI is applied to extract the phase [and hence the optical path difference (OPD)] from the interference fringes formed by a Fizeau cavity using the ring source. The OPD values are least-square fitted to a plane and the surface form errors are evaluated from the deviations of the OPD values from the fitted reference plane. A two-step subtraction method to reduce the system errors and the effect of the ring source diameter on the effective measurement area of the test surface are discussed. The main advantage of the technique is that the perturbations in the Fizeau cavity are negligible during the phase shifts as the phase shifts between the interfering beams are introduced outside the cavity.

Introduction: Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcomas (FDCS) are rare disorders of the lymph node and soft tissues. Accurate characterization of these neoplasms is important in planning optimal treatment given its potential for recurrence and metastasis., Aim: To analyse the clinicopathological profile and outcomes of a series of 10 cases of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma arising in the head and neck region diagnosed at our regional cancer centre., Materials and Methods: A series of 10 cases of FDCS of the head and neck region from the hospital registry of head and neck cancers diagnosed between 2007 and 2013 were collected and analysed retrospectively. Clinical details, pathologic features, immuno-phenotypic profile, treatment approach and outcomes over a period of 5 years were noted. The Recurrence Free Survivals (RFS) of all the patients were recorded., Results: The median age of the patients was 57 years and the mean age was 50.9 years. Male: female ratio was 7:3. In eight of the 10 patients, the tumours were located in the tonsils. All the tumour cells showed diffuse cytoplasmic CD21 and CD23 positivity by IHC. All the 10 cases underwent surgical excision of the tumour and three cases underwent additional neck dissection for cervical lymph node enlargement. All the patients with high grade tumours were uniformly managed with Tri-modality treatment (Surgery followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy). The overall recurrence rate was 70%. The mean and median recurrence free survival was 39.6 and 44 months, respectively. Two of the three patients who remained recurrence free at the end of the 60 months had low grade tumours., Conclusion: Early recognition of follicular dendritic cell sarcomas requires a high index of suspicion and bi-modality or tri-modality treatment may cure a subset of low and high grade tumours respectively and prolong recurrence in a large subset of patients. Surgery is the mainstay and the definitive modality of treatment; the advantages and benefit of adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy are yet to be established. Tri-modality management may have a role in high grade patients which needs to be substantiated in future studies.

Background: The incidence of lung cancer is rising in developing countries like India. Due to unaffordability among the low socioeconomic status (SES) patients, there is a significant delay in seeking appropriate medical treatment due to which a high proportion of patients present in an advanced/metastatic stage and the outcomes are poor., Objective: In this study, we studied the progression-free survival (PFS) and the pharmacoeconomic benefits with the cisplatin plus etoposide (EtoP) chemo regimen and compared it with the current generation chemo regimen., Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of metastatic nonsmall cell lung cancer patients who received one or more cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy between 2011 and 2014., Results: Of the 304 patients, 56.6% of the patients were of the low SES. Of the low socioeconomic group patients, 67.45% and 31.4% received etoposide and paclitaxel platinum doublet combination regimen as first line, respectively. The mean PFS with the etoposide, paclitaxel, pemetrexed, and gemcitabine platinum-based doublet regimens were 9.35, 10, 10.76, and 9.83 months, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed a statistically significant initial survival with the first line EtoP cisplatin regimen for the initial 6 months of starting chemotherapy in comparison with the other regimens., Conclusions: This study showed a substantial pharmacoeconomic benefit with the cisplatin and etoposide chemo regimen in the lower socioeconomic group of patients. We believe that this is the first pharmacoeconomic study on metastatic non small cell lung treatment of great relevance to countries with limited resources.

Background & Objectives: Despite, the extensive salt iodization programmes implemented in India, the prevalence of goiter has not reduced much in our country. The most frequent cause of hypothyroidism and goiter in iodine sufficient areas is Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). This study records the clinical presentation, biochemical status, ultrasonographic picture and cytological appearance of this disease in a coastal endemic zone for goiter., Methods: Case records of patients with cytological diagnosis of HT were studied in detail, with reference to their symptoms, presence of goiter, thyroid function status, antibody levels and ultrasound picture. Detailed cytological study was conducted in selected patients., Results: A total of 144 patients with cytological proven HT/lymphocytic thyroiditis were studied. Ninety per cent of the patients were females and most of them presented within five years of onset of symptoms. Sixty eight per cent patients had diffuse goiter, 69 per cent were clinically euthyroid and 46 per cent were biochemically mildly hypothyroid. Antibody levels were elevated in 92.3 per cent cases. In majority of patients the sonographic picture showed heterogeneous echotexture with increased vascularity. Cytological changes were characteristic., Interpretation & Conclusions: Our study showed predominance of females in the study population in 21-40 yr age group with diffuse goiter. We suggest that in an endemic zone for goiter, all women of the child bearing age should be screened for HT.

Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by the gram-negative bacillus Burkholderia pseudomallei. Melioidosis is endemic in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. An important risk factor for the development of melioidosis is the presence of diabetes mellitus, which may increase the relative risk of infection by as much as 100-fold. We report a rare case of melioidosis of the parotid and submandibular gland with coexisting diabetes. This was successfully managed conservatively with intravenous ceftazidime followed by trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and doxycycline.

The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of myringoplasty with or without cortical mastoidectomy in terms of freedom from discharge, graft take up and improvement in hearing. This is a Clinical prospective study of 120 patients from among a group of patients with chronic suppurative otitis media. A detailed history and examination was conducted including pure tone audiogram. Patients were randomly divided into two groups; group A would undergo myringoplasty only and group B would undergo cortical mastoidectomy with myringoplasty. Patients were reviewed after 3 weeks for inspection of the operated ear. Second post-operative review was at 3 months for clinicoaudiological assessment. Group B was found to have slightly more improvement as compared to the other group. No significant difference in the success rates of graft take-up in patients with unilateral or bilateral disease was found. Higher take up rates were seen in large (91.83 %) and medium perforations (90.69 %). In all our failed cases, post-operative ear discharge continued to be a persistent and troubling problem. The average audiological gain was 12.88 dB in group B, whereas it was 12.40 dB in group A. The reduction of air bone gap within each group was found to be significant. There is no statistical significant data indicating that tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy yields better results. When considering the addition of a mastoidectomy to a Tympanoplasty, the performing surgeon should consider not only the potential added benefit but also potential risks and costs to the patient.

Introduction. Thymic cysts are among the rarest cysts found in the neck. Nests of thymic tissue may be found anywhere along the descent of the thymic primordia from the angle of the mandible to the mediastinum. Mediastinal extension is seen in 50% of cervical thymic cysts. Case Report. We report an uncommon case of a 15-year-old male, who noted a painless, growing mass on left side of his neck of one-year duration. Computerised tomographic scan showed a multiloculated fluid density lesion with enhancing septae in the left parapharyngeal space, extending from the level of mandible up to C7 vertebral level. Here, we discuss the surgical aspect, histopathology, and management of this rare lateral neck swelling. Discussion. Clinically, in most cases, cervical thymic lesions present as a unilateral asymptomatic neck mass, commonly on the left side of the neck, and 75% of patients present before 20 years of age. Conclusion. Thymic cyst should be included as differential diagnosis of cystic neck masses. Greater awareness among the pathologists may decrease misdiagnosis.

Introduction. Primary thyroid lymphomas constitute up to 5% of all thyroid malignancies and can be divided into non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs) of B- and T-cell types, as well as Hodgkin's lymphomas. Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas are a relatively recently recognized subset of B-cell NHLs, and they are listed as extranodal marginal zone lymphomas according to the revised European-American lymphoma classification. Case Report. We report an uncommon case of a 44-year-old man, who noted a painless, growing mass on right side of his neck of the three-month duration. Thyroid profile was within normal limits. FNAC showed lymphocytic thyroiditis. The patient underwent a right hemithyroidectomy. The histologic examination and the immunohistochemistry showed an extra nodal marginal B-cell type maltoma (malt lymphoma). CHOP chemotherapy with rituximab was given. The clinical course has been favourable in the first year of followup, with no evidence of local or systemic recurrence of the disease. Discussion. Marginal zone lymphoma encompasses a heterogeneous group of B-cell tumours that variously arise within the lymph nodes, spleen, or extranodal tissues. A case of maltoma of thyroid is presented for its rarity and diagnostic dilemmas. Conclusion. Maltomas are slow-growing lymphomas. The optimal treatment and followup of patients with thyroid maltomas remain controversial at present.

Self-generated magnetic fields produced in laser plasmas at moderate laser intensities have been measured using a three-channel polaro-interferometer. The main elements of this device are two birefringent calcite wedges placed between two crossed polarizers. Using this device, the spatial profiles of (a) the rotation angle (polarometry), (b) the electron density (interferometry), and (c) the transmitted probe beam intensity (shadowgraphy) are recorded simultaneously using a digital camera with a large format CCD in a single laser shot. Magnetic fields of 2-4 MG had been estimated in aluminum plasma at laser intensities ~10(13) W/cm(2). It is also possible to use this device in other configurations to get time resolved information.

Introduction: Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by a saprophytic bacterium, Burkholderia pseudomallei. It is endemic to Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. It may manifest as a pulmonary lesion, osteomyelitis, abscesses in soft tissue and various organs, or as septicaemia., Case Report: We report a case of a 40-year-old, diabetic man who presented with a neck lump resulting from super-infection of a tuberculosis cavity with B pseudomallei. The patient was successfully managed by drainage along with meticulous excision of the capsule and prolonged antibiotic and anti-tubercular treatment., Discussion: Melioidosis may be confused diagnostically with tuberculosis, as both diseases are endemic in the same regions. Our patient was unfortunate to suffer from both endemic diseases simultaneously, perhaps representing the first such case in the world literature., Conclusion: Increased awareness of melioidosis is important as, although the organism is easy to culture, it may be dismissed as a contaminant.

An abscess in the infratemporal fossa is a rare complication of dental extraction. Although it is a recognized entity, only a handful of cases have been reported in the literature. We describe a case of abscess in the infratemporal fossa of a 55-year-old woman with noninsulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes who presented with left-sided facial pain and marked trismus. The abscess was managed successfully with external drainage. We have made an attempt to comprehensively review the literature on this rare condition, with special emphasis on its anatomic complexity and varied clinical presentation, and we provide a detailed discussion of the diagnosis and management of this condition.

Tuberculosis of the nose is very rare. When it does occur, it almost always arises secondary to primary pulmonary tuberculosis. Nasal tuberculosis is most common in women older than 20 years. We report the case of a 16-year-old girl who presented with epistaxis, fever, submental swelling, and enlargement of multiple cervical and axillary lymph nodes. The patient was diagnosed with tuberculous granuloma of the nose and tuberculous lymphadenopathy. She was successfully treated with a 6-month regimen of standard antituberculous therapy.

A 46-year-old man had primary pulmonary symptoms of intermittent fever, cough and dyspnoea. Radiological investigations revealed a mass at right hilum with right upper lobe collapse. Bronchoscopy showed a luminal mass of which the biopsy showed a tumour with predominantly clear cell change. Subsequent investigations revealed primary renal adenocarcinoma. The differential diagnosis of clear cell lung tumour is discussed. This case of endobronchial metastasis from renal cell carcinoma is being presented because of its rarity.

Chronic retropharyngeal abscess caused by tuberculosis is rare. It should be suspected in a person who presents with a destructive lesion of the vertebra and a retropharyngeal mass. Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to prevent the serious complications of the disease. We present the case of a patient who came to our clinic with collapse of the C5-C6 vertebrae and retropharyngeal abscess. We were able to avoid any complications by initiating early surgical drainage and antituberculous therapy.

Sinonasal lymphomas are uncommon malignancies. They are difficult to differentiate from carcinomas, and immunohistochemistry is needed to make the diagnosis. We describe an unusual case of a T cell lymphoma that involved only the paranasal sinuses in a middle-aged man. The patient presented with a complete loss of vision in one eye and lateral rectus muscle palsy, but no nasal symptoms.

The separated instrument particularly a broken file leads to metallic obstruction, in the root canal and blocks thorough cleaning and shaping procedure. When attempts of bypassing such a fragment go in vain, it should be retrieved by mechanical devices. Masserann Kit is one such device for orthograde removal of intracanal metallic obstructions. This clinical case demonstrates usage of Masserann technique in successful retrieval of a separated file which was tightly binding in the apical 3rd root canal dentin of maxillary left lateral incisor.

Kikuchi's disease is an idiopathic self-limiting necrotizing lymphadenitis. Clinically, it mimics tuberculous cervical lymphadenopathy. The disease is diagnosed by histopathologic study. The only specific treatment that has been reported is empiric steroid therapy. We report a case of tuberculosis that was originally thought to be Kikuchi's disease in a 24-year-old man. When the patient's condition worsened during a course of steroid therapy, he underwent surgical exploration, which revealed the presence of tuberculous lymphadenitis. The patient was switched to antituberculosis drug therapy, and his improvement was dramatic.

Cartilaginous tumors are common in the long bones of the body and relatively rare in the head and neck. When they do occur in the head and neck, the most common site is the midface. Since the first case report by Morgan in 1842, approximately 150 cases of head and neck chondroma have been recorded in the English-language literature. In this article, the authors describe a new case in which a chondroma of the nasal bone caused an external nasal deformity in a 17-year-old boy. The lesion was excised via an external rhinoplasty approach. The authors believe that this is the first reported case of a chondroma arising from the nasal bone. The authors have made an attempt to comprehensively review the literature on this rare and controversial tumor and place special emphasis on its uncertain biologic nature. A detailed discussion of the diagnosis and management of this tumor is also included in this report.

Maxillary sinus can pose diagnostic dilemma radiographically because of its anatomical variation which can mimic a periapical pathosis. This case report deals with one such diagnostic problem, where a maxillary sinus was interpreted in an intraoral periapical radiograph as a periapical cyst. With the advances in imaging techniques, the use of an Ultrasound imaging together with application of Colour Power Doppler helped in revealing the contents of the radiolucent area and come up with an accurate diagnosis. Thus a thorough knowledge about the normal anatomy and its variations and proper diagnostic aids are essential in the diagnosis of periapical pathology.

Purpose: The inhalation of nasal snuff (powdered tobacco) is a common addiction in the Indian subcontinent. In the western world, there is a resurgence of interest in nasal snuff because it does have the morbidity associated with smoked tobacco. Very few studies have reported the long-term effects of snuff on nasal mucosa. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of long-term use of snuff on the nasal mucosa., Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on 29 snuff users. We investigated the reasons for initiation of this particular form of addiction along with the clinical signs and symptoms of long-term snuff usage. At the time of the study, all patients complained of one or more nasal symptoms. Nasal obstruction and nasal discharge taken together were reported by 62.5% of patients. Gross mucosal edema of the septum and turbinates was the main finding on nasal examination. The absolute eosinophil count and total serum immunoglobulin E were elevated in 62.5% and 66.7% of patients, respectively. On skin prick test, 41% of patients reacted positively to snuff and 25% to tobacco. Histopathologic examination of the turbinates (16 patients) showed squamous metaplasia, capillary proliferation, capillary and venous dilatation, inflammatory cell reaction, subepithelial edema, and fibrosis., Conclusions: Much has been written about the advantages of nasal snuff over products that deliver tobacco smoke. Our study shows that snuff users, after long-term abuse, develop a form of chronic rhinitis, as a consequence of which they develop blocked and stuffy noses. We conclude that nasal snuff is not a suitable substitute for smoked tobacco because it does not avoid ill health.

Objective: A climical study was undertaken to analyze the age, sex distribution and symptomatology, sites of involvement and the prognosis of the common types of benign lesions of larynx., Study Design: A five year retrospective study from 1997 to 2002., Setting: KMC Hospital Attavar -A tertiary referral hospital., Patients: A total of 42 patients with benign laryngeal lesions were included based on symptomatology such as hoarseness of voice, foreign body sensation, throat pain, neck mass and cough and with positive clinical findings on indirect laryngoscopy and neck examination. The patients ranged from 7-80 years. All non-operative cases and malignant cases were excluded. Diagnostic hematological and radiological investigations and therapeutic microlyryngoscopic procedures were employed., Results: A male preponderance with M:F ratio of 3∶1 was observed. Majority of the patients were in the 30-40 age group. Vocal polyps were the commonest type of lesion. In our study, hoarseness of voice, cough, foreign body sensation and throat pain proved to be the commonest symptoms., Conclusions: Micro laryngeal surgery and voice rest offer a cost effective, useful and safe method for management of benign laryngeal lesions.

Penetration of intraorbital foreign bodies into the nose and paranasal sinuses although reported in the past are uncommon. Here we present a case of a 26 years old male who came to us with a seemingly trivial injury of his right eye due to a foreign body. Which on further investigation revealed the major part of a large foreign body impacted into the nose and bilateral sinuses, removed successfully.

The effect of radiotherapy on oropharyngeal bacterial and mycotic flora was studied. Thirty five patients were included from whom swabs were taken before and at the end of irradiation. Fifteen controls were included.It was found that Streptococcus pneumoniae was significantly decreased at end of irradiation, while there wan an increase in Staphylococcus aureus. Pseudomonas, Bacteroides and Candida species. There was no change in culture and sensitivity pattern prior to and after radiotherapy.

Purpose: Elongated styloid process can be a source of craniofacial and cervical pain and remains a diagnostic challenge to many. The aim of the study was to determine the symptomatology and various criteria for the diagnosis of an elongated styloid process and its management., Patients and Methods: Our clinical study consisted of 58 patients with elongated styloid process who had symptoms of vague cervicofacial pain and presented to our department during a period of 10 years. Special emphasis is given to palpation of the tonsillar fossa, lidocaine infiltration test, and orthopantomography., Results: Minimal complications and zero incidence of deep neck infection were noted., Conclusions: All of the patients were managed surgically through the intraoral approach, which was found to be a safe procedure., (Copyright 2002 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons J Oral Maxillofac Surg 60:171-175, 2002)

Antrochoanal polyps, are solitary polyps arising from the maxillary autrum. Their aetiology largely remains unknown; allergy has been implicated. The study attempts to define the relation between antrochoanal polyps and allergy and the need for such an investigation by studying 24 cases with antrochoanal polyps and comparing them with 20 cases of sinonasal polyps. Nasal smear cytology, serum total IgE and polyp fluid IgE was evaluated. 52.38% of cases turned out to be allergic. In their presentation, antrochoanal polyps do not significantly differ from other polyps.

Histiocytosis is a rare disease of unknown aetiology which commonly affects the head and neck region. In the ear it can closely mimic acute and chronic ear disease leading to a confusion in diagnosis. It can be easily misdiagnosed unless a high index of clinical suspicion is maintained. We present a case of Letterer Siwe disease of the temporal bone which presented with bilateral mastoid abscesses.

An attempt has been made to design suitable liposome and niosome-encapsulated drug delivery system for rifampicin and evaluated the same in vitro and in vivo. A modified lipid layer hydration method was employed to prepare these vesicular carriers. The formulated systems were characterized in vitro for size distribution analysis, drug entrapment, drug release profiles and vesicular stability at different conditions of storage. In vivo drug kinetics was evaluated in normal, healthy albino rats for niosomal formulation upon subcutaneous injection and various pharmacokinetic parameters were determined. Niosomes and liposomes exhibited mean diameter of 9.73 and 11.87 microns with entrapment efficiencies of 30.5 and 34.2% respectively. Both the products exhibited sustained release characteristics in vitro with zero order drug release kinetics up to initial 10 hr. Stability evaluation indicated that both formulations were not significantly leaky over a period of one month. Niosomal formulation elevated plasma elimination half life and decreased elimination rate constants for rifampicin in vivo suggested that encapsulation retarded the removal of the drug from circulation compared to free drug due to slow drug release into systemic circulation. A five-fold increase in the area under plasma rifampicin concentration-time curve for niosomal rifampicin as compared to free drug indicated better bioavailability of encapsulated drug. It is evident from this study that niosomes and liposomes could be promising delivery systems for rifampicin with prolonged drug release profiles and reasonably good stability characteristics.

This study was done to evaluate the clinical practicality of a new Water mixable Glass ionomer root canal sealer with conventional type 11a Glass ionomer cement, if used as a sealer, along with Zinc oxide Eugenol and Calcium Hydroxide containing sealers. Forty freshly extracted single rooted Maxillary incisors were selected for the study. Ten teeth were assigned for each sealer group. Access cavity was prepared, wording length determined, modified step-back preparation and obturation of the root canal done with lateral condensation technique. Assigned groups were Group 1--Type 11a Glass ionomer cement, Group 11--Mixed Tubliseal, Group 111--Mixed Sealapex, Group IV--Endion. Micro leakage Values were assessed by the amount of linear dye penetration in to the apical pulp space. Statistical analysis was done with one way analysis (ANOVA), using Fisher's 'F' test and students unpaired 't' test. Seal apex exhibited the least micro leakage value and found to be the best sealer among the four sealer groups.

An impacted foreign body in the subglottis is a rare cause of upper airway obstruction in children. More often than not the diagnosis is delayed; especially where proper history is not forthcoming. This peculiar condition can masquade as laryngotracheobronchitis or a croup. Though it is rare, a foreign body in the subglottis should be kept in mind in the investigation of a child with stridor.

Glass Ionomer cement (the term was coined by B.E. Kent) has been described as a hybrid of silicate cements and zinc polycarboxylates. Scientific efforts were devoted to improving properties to make it a fully practical material for anterior and posterior restorations and secondarily properties were modified to extend its range of application. First half of 90's witnessed modifications that replace part or most of the original formulation with alternative filler particles or matrix setting reactions to make these materials more composite like. This article focuses on the various modifications of the basic Glass ionomer cement.

Dentistry was marked with radical changes in clinical restorative procedures. If the inherent characteristic of the ionomer cement was examined, it becomes very clear to the researcher as well as the dentist, that no other material has had an impact as comparable to glass ionomer cements on restorative dentistry. This scientific paper highlights the clinical applications of the cement in restorative dentistry. Glass ionomer cements are bioactive, by forming permanent adhesive bonds to dentin and enamel which enables them to prevent the development of secondary caries by providing an impermeable seal against the intrusion of oral fluids and other caries producing agents. The hydrophilic nature of the cement also makes them susceptible to the action of aqueous fluids before they are fully set, requiring that the freshly placed restoration be protected by varish, petroleum jelly or a low viscosity photo polymerizing bonding agent.

Sodium hypochlorite irrigant is known to be toxic to periapical tissues. Chlorhexidine gluconate, a safer and effective antimicrobial irrigant, is not known to dissolve pulpal tissues. To obtain their optimal properties, their combined action within the root canal was evaluated. Ten single rooted nonvital anterior teeth were irrigated using either 2.5% sodium hypochlorite alone, 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate alone, 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate combined within the root canal, or 0.9% saline, respectively. Microbiological samples for culture and Gram's staining were taken before and proceeding irrigation. This study indicates that the use of sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine gluconate combined within the root canal resulted in the greatest percentage reduction of postirrigant positive cultures. This may be due to formation of "chlorhexidine chloride," which increases the ionizing capacity of the chlorhexidine molecule. This reduction was significant compared to use of sodium hypochlorite alone but not significant compared to use of chlorhexidine gluconate alone.

Stylalgia is a condition that causes a dull, nagging pain in the oropharynx, often referred to the ear and the mastoid region. The clinical diagnosis is certain if the elongated styloid process is palpated through the tonsillar area. Radiological investigations, such as orthopantomograms, give information about the medial angulation. The treatment of choice is surgical shortening of the process. Trans-tonsillar fossa excision is a simple technique and does not involve greater morbidity than a routine tonsillectomy.