Comparative study on Saliva and Nasopharyngeal swabs and the outcome of RT-PCR test in patients with mild symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 / Estudio comparativo de muestras de saliva y nasofaríngeas y el resultado de la prueba RT-PCR en pacientes con síntomas leves de SARS-CoV-2

Aim A simple and reliable method for diagnosing COVID 19 infections is the needed. The role of saliva in the transmission of the infection has already been established. Method Saliva and nasopharyngeal swabs from patients suspected to have COVID 19 infections were taken simultaneously, and the results of the RT-PCR were compared. Result Total 405 samples were collected, of which 250 males and 155 females. In the 391 samples included for analysis, 370 (94.63%) samples were found to have concordance results, and 21 (5.37%) samples had discordant results. Conclusion The use of saliva to diagnose COVID 19 infection is reliable, and its use can be recommended. (AU)

Objetivo Un método simple y confiable para diagnosticar infecciones por COVID 19 es necesario. Ya se ha establecido el papel de la saliva en la transmisión de la infección. Método Se tomaron simultáneamente hisopos de saliva y nasofaríngeos de pacientes con sospecha de infección por COVID 19 y se compararon los resultados de la RT-PCR. Resultado Se recogieron 405 muestras, de las cuales 250 hombres y 155 mujeres. En las 391 muestras incluidas para el análisis, se encontró que 370 (94,63%) muestras tenían resultados de concordancia y 21 (5,37%) muestras tenían resultados discordantes. Conclusión El uso de la saliva para diagnosticar la infección por COVID 19 es confiable y se puede recomendar su uso. (AU)

The Benefit of YouTube Videos as a Source of Information on Tinnitus for Patients

Abstract Introduction Tinnitus is one of the most common otological complaints encountered. Patients often use the internet, especially YouTube videos, as a source of information regarding their health condition. There is a need to analyze the standard and quality of information in these videos so that the patients receive correct information. Objective The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the reliability and utility of YouTube videos on tinnitus. Methods The first 100 videos on YouTube using the search terms tinnitus and ringing in the ear were identified. Three subject experts assessed the reliability using the modified five-point DISCERN score and utility using a usefulness score. Various indices like view ratio, like ratio, video power index, and interaction index were also calculated. Results Out of the 100 videos selected, 34 were excluded; collectively the remaining 66 videos were viewed 12,797,730 times. The most common upload sources were hospital/physician (39%), paramedic health care providers (19%), and alternative medicine (19%). The discern score was the highest in hospital/physician group (mean 19.3) and lowest in patient experience group (mean 13.4). A negative correlation was observed between the number of views (correlation coefficient -0.214), number of likes (correlation coefficient -0.242), number of comments (correlation coefficient -0.242), and the usefulness score. Conclusion Although there are multiple videos on YouTube regarding tinnitus, the overall educational content and reliability of the videos are poor. Video popularity is not associated with usefulness. Healthcare providers should counsel patients regarding videos on YouTube and try to create more comprehensive videos.

The Benefit of YouTube Videos as a Source of Information on Tinnitus for Patients.

Introduction Tinnitus is one of the most common otological complaints encountered. Patients often use the internet, especially YouTube videos, as a source of information regarding their health condition. There is a need to analyze the standard and quality of information in these videos so that the patients receive correct information. Objective The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the reliability and utility of YouTube videos on tinnitus. Methods The first 100 videos on YouTube using the search terms tinnitus and ringing in the ear were identified. Three subject experts assessed the reliability using the modified five-point DISCERN score and utility using a usefulness score. Various indices like view ratio, like ratio, video power index, and interaction index were also calculated. Results Out of the 100 videos selected, 34 were excluded; collectively the remaining 66 videos were viewed 12,797,730 times. The most common upload sources were hospital/physician (39%), paramedic health care providers (19%), and alternative medicine (19%). The discern score was the highest in hospital/physician group (mean 19.3) and lowest in patient experience group (mean 13.4). A negative correlation was observed between the number of views (correlation coefficient -0.214), number of likes (correlation coefficient -0.242), number of comments (correlation coefficient -0.242), and the usefulness score. Conclusion Although there are multiple videos on YouTube regarding tinnitus, the overall educational content and reliability of the videos are poor. Video popularity is not associated with usefulness. Healthcare providers should counsel patients regarding videos on YouTube and try to create more comprehensive videos.

Comparative study on Saliva and Nasopharyngeal swabs and the outcome of RT-PCR test in patients with mild symptoms of SARS-CoV-2.

AIM: A simple and reliable method for diagnosing COVID 19 infections is the needed. The role of saliva in the transmission of the infection has already been established. METHOD: Saliva and nasopharyngeal swabs from patients suspected to have COVID 19 infections were taken simultaneously, and the results of the RT-PCR were compared. RESULT: Total 405 samples were collected, of which 250 males and 155 females. In the 391 samples included for analysis, 370 (94.63%) samples were found to have concordance results, and 21 (5.37%) samples had discordant results. CONCLUSION: The use of saliva to diagnose COVID 19 infection is reliable, and its use can be recommended.

A Cross-Sectional Study on the Effect of Chronic Noise Exposure on the Vestibular Function of Traffic Policemen and Automobile Drivers.

Introduction: Noise is a preventable occupational hazard for certain professions like automobile drivers and traffic police personnel. The harmful auditory effects of noise are well known. However, little is known about the status of the vestibular function in chronic noise exposure without noise induced hearing loss. Our objective was to assess the vestibular function in chronic noise exposure. Methodology: : The study was conducted with a sample size of 242 (chronic noise exposure group - 121, group without chronic noise exposure - 121). Noise estimation was carried out across various traffic intersections to assess the noise exposure levels of the exposed group. All participants underwent a detailed vestibular evaluation in the clinical vestibulometry laboratory. Results: There was no difference in nystagmus, saccades, caloric function between the two groups. The latency and amplitude of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) were similar in both the groups. However, dynamic posturography showed a significant difference in the Adaptation test between the two groups (P < 0.05). We also found a statistically significant difference between the static and dynamic subjective visual vertical (SVV) and the dynamic visual acuity (DVA) between the two groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: We did not find any clinical evidence of vestibular dysfunction in the noise exposed group. However, the statistical significance of SVV and DVA as seen in this study needs to be evaluated further as an early marker for vestibular dysfunction. It remains to be seen whether the statistically significant prolongation is reversible after the noise exposure is withdrawn.

Nasal Mucormycosis: Our experience with 24 cases.

<b>Background:</b> Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection affecting people with impaired immunity. The aim of this study is to shed light on the epidemiology, incidence, and outcome of patients with mucormycosis hospitalized at a tertiary care center in Pondicherry. <br><b>Methods:</b> We conducted a retrospective chart review between January 2008 and January 2018. All patients with proven or probable mucormycosis were included. <br><b>Results:</b> A total of 24 patients were included. Their median age was 49 years and the majority were males. Comorbidities included mainly hematologic malignancy and diabetes mellitus. A liposomal amphotericin B formulation alone or in combination with other antifungals was used as a first line agent in all patients. <br><b>Conclusion:</b> The incidence of mucormycosis has significantly increased over the past 10 years at our institution, most likely due to increased risk factors.