Audiological Evaluation of Leprosy Patients in an Endemic Area of Central India: A Case-Control Pilot Study.

There are discrepancies in the literature about the specific influence of leprosy on auditory functions. In routine clinical practice regular hearing screening of leprosy patients is not done. Due to conflicting reports of auditory system involvement in the literature, we conducted this case control study to evaluate the need of regular hearing screening in leprosy patients. A complete otological examination of thirty leprosy patients was conducted. Thirty age and sex matched healthy individual attending ear, nose and throat outpatient department were enrolled as control. Ten cases (33.3%) out of the thirty leprosy patients were found to have high frequency (4 and 8 kHZ) sensorineural hearing loss. The results of this study suggest that leprosy patients require routine monitoring for auditory functions for early identifications of sensorineural hearing loss. As our study is a case-control study with small sample size, in future large prospective studies are required to evaluate the correlation of hearing loss with leprosy and to see the progression hearing loss. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-023-04381-1.

Endoscopic Sellar Defect Reconstruction with Avascular Modified Gasket Seal Technique for Sellar Tumors.

Watertight repair of the skull base defect is necessary during endonasal skull base surgery to avoid postoperative CSF leak (poCSFl) and consequent intracranial complications. Various techniques have been described for reconstructing sphenoid-sellar defects with varying success rates. We have described the immediate and long-term outcomes following the reconstruction of sphenoid-sellar defects with our technique. A retrospective analysis of the patients following transsphenoidal sellar surgery underwent barrier restoring reconstruction by multi-layered (inlay-overlay) with autologous thigh fat, fascia lata, fibrin glue, knitted collagen, and absorbable gelatin sponge (modified gasket seal technique). A total of 44 patients were included in the study (n = 44). Reconstruction with modified gasket seal technique was done for all patients. 26 (59.1%) had intraoperative CSF leak (ioCSFl), and 9 (20.4%) patients had grade 3 Esposito-Kelly ioCSFl requiring adjunct short-term pressure reducing procedure (Lumbar drain) intraoperatively. 11/44 (25%) had poCSFl, 7/11 patients with poCSFl were managed conservatively, and 4/11 patients required rescue second surgery and ventriculoperitoneal shunting. 1 (2.3%) had severe meningitis and succumbed to it. Pneumocephalus was seen in 6 (13.6%). Multivariate analysis showed that revision surgery, GH-secreting tumors, and defects extending to the suprasellar region had higher chances of poCSFl (p < 0.001). All 43 alive patients had no CSF leak on long-term follow-up. The modified gasket seal technique is a viable technique for endoscopic sellar reconstruction for ioCSFl with an immediate success rate of 79.6% and 97.72% in the long term in preventing the postoperative CSF leak with a 13.6% rate of meningitis.

The Usefulness of Cadaveric Hands-on Workshop for Surgical Training in Head and Neck Surgeries.

Surgical approach to head and neck region requires in depth anatomical knowledge and refined surgical skills due to highly critical and complex anatomy of this region. To look for the benefit of cadaveric hands-on workshop on enhancing the surgical knowledge and confidence of the participants. Freshly frozen cadavers were used for this hands-on course in the department of Anatomy, AIIMS Raipur involving 32 residents and ENT specialists. This course involved the interactive lectures and live surgical demonstration on issues related to neck dissection, thyroid, and parotid surgery followed by a hands-on practice by the residents. A positive feedback was given by the participants in regards to the cadaveric hands-on workshop. Almost 4/5th of the participants found the present experience to be extremely helpful and all of them believed the cadaveric hands-on workshops should be conducted regularly as a learning tool and enhancement of surgical skills. Cadaveric hands-on dissection is a very effective practice for refining surgical skills. It can be used to study basic surgical procedures or extremely complex surgeries having intricate anatomy. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-023-04182-6.

Covid-Associated Mucormycosis in a Case of Wegener's Granulomatosis: A Management Challenge.

A Gentleman in his 40s presented to us with left-sided hemifacial pain and nasal discharge for the last three days. He has been on immunosuppressive therapy for Wegener's Granulomatosis for over five years. Crusting was seen in the Left middle meatus upon clinical examination. Based on the post-covid status, steroid therapy, KOH mount, and radiologic imaging, a provisional diagnosis of Sinonasal mucormycosis was considered. He was posted for emergency debridement followed by Liposomal Amphotericin B and steroid therapy. Surgical histopathological specimens were suggestive of Mucormycosis. Limited sinonasal disease with no intracranial, orbital, or palatal involvement was seen in a background of Wegener's Granulomatosis, Covid, and immunosuppressive therapy. Steroids are condemned as a predisposing factor to mucormycosis. Still, the combination of Liposomal Amphotericin B and steroids was used, opening new avenues for managing mucormycosis in patients with vasculitis. The patient is well nine months post-surgery with no signs of disease relapse.

A Comparison of Harmonic Scalpel and Conventional Techniques for Thyroidectomy.

Thyroidectomy is one of the most frequently performed surgeries. Conventional techniques using electrocautery carry the risk of tissue injury. Recently, there has been increased use of harmonic scalpels in thyroid surgery. The harmonic scalpel utilizes ultrasonic shears for cutting and coagulation, thus minimizing thermal injury. The objective of our study was to determine differences in operative duration, hypocalcemia, and RLN palsy. This single-center retrospective comparative study included consecutive patients undergoing hemithyroidectomies using the harmonic scalpel and conventional technique in the past one year (n = 64, harmonic group = 28 and conventional group = 36). The mean operative duration for the harmonic scalpel group was 70.4 min, vs. 81.31 min for the conventional technique group, and the difference in mean duration was found to be 10.84 min (p = 0.027). There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of hypocalcemia (p = 0.751) or RLN palsy (p = 0.121). None of the patients in either group developed permanent hypocalcemia or RLN palsy. The use of a harmonic scalpel during thyroidectomy is safe. The overall surgical duration was reduced when the harmonic scalpel was used, and the complication rates were comparable to those of the conventional technique, making it a non-inferior technique for surgical intervention in thyroidectomy and warranting harmonic scalpel consideration as a valuable addition to the armamentarium of thyroid surgeons.

Observational Learning in Surgical Skill Development.

Observation plays a key role in the development of surgical skills, as it allows trainees to learn from experts and improve their performance through trial-and-error practice. This process, known as motor learning, involves the creation of new neural pathways that enable precise control of surgical instruments through hand movements. In recent years, there has been a shift towards minimally invasive surgery, which requires surgeons to continually learn new motor skills to control specialized instrumentation. Motor learning can be enhanced through repetition and the observation of expert performances. Observational learning is particularly useful when it is used in combination with physical practice, as it can provide hints and clues about important aspects of the task that may not be immediately apparent through verbal instruction alone. The role of mirror neurons, which are activated both when an action is performed and when it is observed, is also important in the process of observational learning. By understanding the mechanisms behind observational learning and the factors that influence its effectiveness, trainers can optimize the use of this method in surgical training.

Emergency Tracheostomy in Locally Advanced Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer.

Over 30% of cases may present with acute airway obstruction due to anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC). In such situations, performing an emergency tracheostomy may be mandatory to save the life. A retrospective, single-centre study at our centre was conducted between 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2022. We had included 17 patients with asphyxia due to ATC and subsequently underwent tracheostomy for stridor. The overall survival (OS) ranged from 2 days to 16 months (median = 11 months). The 30-day mortality was 17.6%. One-year overall survival was 36%. A statistically significant difference in the OS among patients with distant metastasis and Shin grade IV tracheal infiltration (p < 0.001, Log Rank (Mantel-Cox), CI:95%). The degree of tracheal deviation correlated with the patent age group (Pearson chi-square (pc), p = 0.031), type of anaesthesia used local versus general (pc, p < 0.001) and site of tracheostoma (pc, p = 0.028). The degree of tracheal infiltration correlated with the presence of distant metastasis (pc, p = 0.01) and OS (pc, p = 0.013). Tracheostomy in patients with ATC is performed in extreme circumstances to support an airway. Patients often require isthmectomy to obtain adequate access for a tracheostomy, highlighting the importance of having a highly experienced surgeon involved. An attempt to perform the tracheostomy in the ward or the emergency room under local anaesthesia should be avoided. Patients and relatives should be educated to communicate evolving issues and tracheostomy care in the patient's best interests, given the unusual context of ATC. Level of evidence, IV.

Satellite Epidemic of Covid-19 Associated Mucormycosis in India: A Multi-Site Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Sudden upsurge in cases of COVID-19 Associated Mucormycosis (CAM) following the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was recorded in India. This study describes the clinical characteristics, management and outcomes of CAM cases, and factors associated with mortality. METHODS: Microbiologically confirmed CAM cases were enrolled from April 2021 to September 2021 from ten diverse geographical locations in India. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and entered into a web portal designed specifically for this investigation. Bivariate analyses and logistic regression were conducted using R version 4.0.2. RESULTS: A total of 336 CAM patients were enrolled; the majority were male (n = 232, 69.1%), literate (n = 261, 77.7%), and employed (n = 224, 66.7%). The commonest presenting symptoms in our cohort of patients were oro-facial and ophthalmological in nature. The median (Interquartile Range; IQR) interval between COVID diagnosis and admission due to mucormycosis was 31 (18, 47) days, whereas the median duration of symptoms of CAM before hospitalization was 10 (5, 20) days. All CAM cases received antifungal treatment, and debridement (either surgical or endoscopic or both) was carried out in the majority of them (326, 97.02%). Twenty-three (6.9%) of the enrolled CAM cases expired. The odds of death in CAM patients increased with an increase in HbA1c level (aOR: 1.34, 95%CI: 1.05, 1.72) following adjustment for age, gender, education and employment status. CONCLUSION: A longer vigil of around 4-6 weeks post-COVID-19 diagnosis is suggested for earlier diagnosis of CAM. Better glycemic control may avert mortality in admitted CAM cases.

External Ear Anomalies and Minor Physical Anomalies in Depressive Disorder Patients and Healthy Controls.

Objective: To determine if external ear anomalies (EEAs) and minor physical anomalies (MPAs) are more prevalent in patients with depressive disorder than in healthy controls.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary-level referral center between October 1, 2019, and September 30, 2020, and included 100 patients with depressive disorder (diagnosed per ICD-10 criteria) and 100 aged- and sex-matched healthy controls. The study participants were examined using the External Ear Anomalies Assessment Scale and the extended Waldrop Scale.Results: Independent samples Mann-Whitney U test showed a higher prevalence of mean EEAs and MPAs in patients with depressive disorder. Adherent ear lobe was the most common ear anomaly in both patients (52%) and controls (41%), followed by Darwinian tubercle (21% in the patient group and 19% in the control group).Conclusions: External ear anomalies are more prevalent in patients with depressive disorder, supporting the neurodevelopmental theory of depression. These EEAs need further description and attention for possible inclusion in scales that assess minor physical anomalies and may be used as an endophenotypic marker for depression in the future.Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2023;25(4):22m03416. Author affiliations are listed at the end of this article.

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis (RCM): To study the clinical spectrum and outcome of 61 cases of RCM managed at a tertiary care center in India.

Background: Mucormycosis is a life-threatening infection of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavities that can easily spread to the orbit and the brain. It is caused by fungi of the family Mucoraceae. We present a case series of 61 patients diagnosed and treated for rhinocerebral mucormycosis (RCM) at a single tertiary health care center. Methods: After obtaining ethical clearance, all patient files with a final diagnosis of RCM were thoroughly analyzed in departmental records and a master chart was prepared. The study evaluated the etiology, clinical spectrum, diagnosis, management, complications, and outcome at 3 months of RCM cases. Results: About 93.4% of the RCM cases were diabetic and an equal number had a past history of COVID infection. About 85.2% had received steroids for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 infection. The most common presentation of RCM was temporal lobe abscess (25.7%) followed by frontal lobe abscess (16.6%). At 3 months post-diagnosis, mortality in our study was 42.6%. About 26.2 % of the RCM cases had no disease, 23% had a static disease, and 8.2% had progressive disease at the end of 3 months. Conclusion: We report the largest single-center case series of RCM, comprising 61 patients. This case series underscores the importance of the early diagnosis and prompt treatment for a better prognosis for this dreadful disease. The three pillars of treatment for RCM cases include reversal of the immunosuppressive state, administration of antifungal drugs, and extensive surgical debridement. In spite of all this, mortality remains high.

Acanthamoeba species from a post-covid patient with CSF rhinorrhea; a next possible post covid menace? A case report.

A case of Acanthamoeba rhinorrhea in a 32 years female, who was recently recovered from COVID-19 infectionat a tertiary care institute in India. Though, there was no standard treatment protocol for management of amoebic-meningo encephalitis. The patient was managed successfully with combination therapy of amphotericin B and miltefosine. Agents having trophicidal and cysticidal activities are used for treatment of CNS Acanthamoeba infection. COVID 19 infection, steroid therapy anddiabetes mellitus which lead to low immunitywere found to be associated contributing factors.

A unique case of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma comprising of two distinct patterns osteoclastic variant and squamous cell carcinoma in separate lobe imitating collision tumor: A case report.

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma with two distinct morphologies in two lobes with no intermixing is very rare and not reported earlier. Furthermore, osteoclastic variant of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma as well as primary squamous cell carcinoma without any differentiated components are also very rare with only few reported cases describing their cytological features. Herein, we are reporting a unique and first case of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma comprising of two distinct patterns osteoclastic variant and squamous cell carcinoma in different lobes in a 55-years-old lady with review of literature.

Standardizing the Head and Neck Cancer Treatment and Research.

Head and neck cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach, with standardized care being essential for consistent, high-quality treatment. Standardization involves evidence-based guidelines and protocols, and collaboration is necessary for research and improving outcomes. However, collaboration can be challenging due to various barriers. Collaboration can improve care by facilitating sharing of knowledge, access to technology, clinical trials, data sharing, funding and education. To improve collaboration, a shared vision, communication channels, guidelines, centralized database, training programs, culture of collaboration and funding should be established.

NLP AI Models for Optimizing Medical Research: Demystifying the Concerns.

Natural language processing (NLP) AI models have gained popularity in research; however, ethical considerations are necessary to avoid potential negative consequences. This paper identifies and explores the key areas of ethical concern for researchers using NLP AI models, such as bias in training data and algorithms, plagiarism, data privacy, accuracy of generated content, prompt and content generation, and training data quality. To mitigate bias, researchers should use diverse training data and regularly evaluate models for potential biases. Proper attribution and privacy protection are essential when using AI-generated content, while accuracy should be regularly tested and evaluated. Specific and appropriate prompts, algorithms, and techniques should be used for content generation, and training data quality should be high, diverse, and updated regularly. Finally, appropriate authorship credit and avoidance of conflicts of interest must be ensured. Adherence to ethical standards, such as those outlined by ICMJE, is crucial. These ethical considerations are vital for ensuring the quality and integrity of NLP AI model research and avoiding negative consequences.

Managing subglottic stenosis with Montgomery tube - Our experience.

Background: The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the outcome of Montgomery T-tube insertion in our institution (AIIMS, Raipur). This study also throws light on its indications and complications. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 10 patients who presented with laryngotracheal stenosis and managed by Laryngofissure with Montgomery Tube insertion in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery atAll India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Raipur, India, during the period of January 2018- JUNE 2020. Results: The most common cause of laryngotracheal stenosis was prolonged intubation as seen in 80% patients.Majority of patients (40%) in this study were in the 3rd decade. In this study all the patients underwent tracheostomy prior to treatment for stenosis. The most common complication seen was surgical emphysema in post-operative period seen in 6 patients (60%) followed by crusting in 4 patients (40%), secondary granulation tissue formation in 4 patients (40%). Montgomery tube reinsertion had to be done in 2 patients (20%). Conclusions: Laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) has always been and will remain a challenge to the otolaryngologistsand a multidisciplinary approach is required to tackle it.A multitude of surgeries have been described for the management of Laryngotracheal stenosis ranging from Endoscopic dilatation and cricotracheal resection with anterior and posterior grafting and anastomosis but many of them require specialized training and expertise,prolonged ICU care and have morbidity and mortality. 'Laryngofissure and Montgomery Tube stenting provides a safe and easy treatment option which can be done at most centres provided appropriate case selection has been done.

Retrobulbar Amphotericin B Injection in Curbing the Progression of COVID Associated Rhino-orbital Cerebral Mucormycosis: A Retrospective Case Series.

Purpose To assess whether transcutaneous retrobulbar Amphotericin B (TRAMB) injection can halt disease progression and reduce the requirement of exenteration in post-COVID 19 Rhino-orbital cerebral Mucormycosis (ROCM)) with limited orbital disease. Methods Retrospective series from a single center included 22 patients with KOH proved post-COVID 19 ROCM with radiographic evidence of limited orbital involvement were evaluated from May 2021 to October 2021. TRAMB was given along with systemic intravenous Amphotericin B injection and sinus debridement. Demographic profile, clinical data, operative notes, blood and radiological investigations were evaluated. The primary outcome was to assess the halt in the progression of orbital disease. The primary outcome measure was to assess the halt of the disease progression and the secondary outcome was improvement in the clinical signs and symptoms. Results The mean age was 50.36 ± 9.72 years and 77.3% were men. The Stagewise distribution was twelve (54.5%) patients in stage 3a, four (18.2%) patients in stage 3b, four (18.2%) in stage 3c, one (4.5%) patient in stage 3d and one (4.5%) had stage 4 disease. Improvement in lid edema and conjunctival chemosis were noticed and it was statistically significant (p value < 0.01), similarly visual acuity and ocular motility showed significant improvements (p value 0.04 and < 0.01 respectively). 1 patient died and 1 patient required exenteration later. Twenty patients showed halting of orbital disease after TRAMB injection. Conclusion TRAMB can be an alternative adjuvant therapeutic option to preserve the globe in patients with limited orbital disease but not at all replacement for exenteration.

A Preliminary Genomic Analysis of the Omicron Variants of SARS-CoV-2 in Central India During the third wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Omicron was detected in South Africa for the first time at the month of November 2021, from then it expanded swiftly over the world, outcompeting other SARS-CoV-2 variants such as Delta. The toxicity, resistance to antiviral medicines, transmissibility, and vaccine-induced immunity of newly developed SARS-CoV-2 variants are major worldwide health concerns. AIM OF STUDY: This study investigates the comprehensive explanation of all mutations and their evolutionary linkages between the Omicron variant and recently discovered SARS-CoV-2 variants. METHOD: On Illumina MiniSeq Machine, 31 RNA isolates from clinical specimens were sequenced utilizing next-generation sequencing technique. Different bioinformatics tools have been used to analyze the mutations in omicron variant. A phylogenetic tree was constructed to determine Omicron's evolutionary relationships with other variants. RESULTS: In our investigation, we discovered 79 distinct types of mutations in 31 fully vaccinated COVID-19 positive samples. Mostly mutations were found in non-spike region. According to the NJ approach of phylogenetic tree revels, the nearest variants were in the order listed, based on sequence identity: Omicron, Gamma, Alpha, Delta, Mu and Beta. On the other hand as per UPGMA approach, the Omicron variation creates a novel monophyletic clade that is distinct from previous SARS-CoV-2 variants. CONCLUSION: Despite the fact that some of the mutations are prevalent in Omicron and other VOCs, there are several unique mutations that have been connected to the virus's transmissibility and immune evasion, indicating a substantial shift in SARS-CoV-2 evolution.

Molecular Insights into Oral Malignancy.

Squamous cell carcinoma constitutes around 95% of malignancies in the oral cavity. The 5-year overall survival has not substantially improved for oral cancers over the last few decades, despite several advances in diagnosis, imaging, and treatment modalities. With progressive improvement in knowledge of the molecular pathways, cancer therapy can now be individualized. Understanding the genetic processes and natural history of cancer has the scope to enhance the clinical outcomes. There has been a significant improvement in our understanding of oncogenesis, advances in molecular detection methods, and novel biomarkers for oral cancers in the past decade. Indicators of genomic instability, the existence of expression regulators such as miRNA, and several genes and protein markers can predict which premalignant lesions are likely to turn into cancer. The molecular biomarkers in oncology are fast evolving. Still, integrating novel molecular tests into clinical practice will require a better understanding of the genetic pathways that lead to malignancy. Our article investigates the most recent concepts and knowledge on oral carcinogenesis, malignant transformation, and molecular markers for oral cancers.

Correction to: Molecular Insights into Oral Malignancy.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1007/s13193-021-01431-4.].

Proportion of New Onset of Anosmia and Its Diagnostic Significance in COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to know the proportion of new-onset of anosmia and to find its diagnostic significance in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients attending the hospital. Study design and duration: The Indian smell test in COVID-19 by AIIMS Raipur (ISCA-R) was developed for evaluating olfaction in the Indian population. The olfactory function was assessed using the corona scale on anosmia AIIMS Raipur (COSANAr). RESULTS: Out of 256 patients, 171 were males and 85 were females. In the majority of the patients, 75 (29.29%), the COSANAr score "0" was higher on the day of admission compared to the score "3" on the day of discharge with 61 (23.82%) patients. There was no improvement in 134 (52.34%) patients with loss of smell at the time of discharge. CONCLUSION: This study is a step forward in identifying anosmia by ISCA-R at the early stages of the COVID phase. The COSANAr is affordable for the Indian population. It is noticed that most of the patients have mild hyposmia at the time of discharge and anosmia at the admission time.