CT evaluation of anatomical variations of paranasal sinus region and their clinical importance

Background: Paranasal sinuses are air filled spaces present within the skull and facial bones. Paranasal sinuses region anatomy is highly variable. Knowledge of these variations is very important for radiologists as well as endoscopic surgeons for preoperative evaluation to avoid damage to adjacent vital structures. CT is the best modality to delineate the sinus anatomy as well as soft tissue structures. Thus, this study was undertaken to evaluate the anatomical variations of paranasal sinus region and ascertain their clinical importance.Methods: A total of 142 patients, those referred from various outdoor/indoor departments with the symptoms related to nose and paranasal sinuses were included. Detailed history, appropriate clinical examinations, biochemical investigations and X-ray PNS were recorded. Unenhanced CT scan of the PNS was performed for these patients in the axial planes and reformatted coronal planes. Observation was made and analysed using descriptive tools and scientific methods.Results: Deviated nasal septum was the most common variation followed by middle concha bullosa, Paradoxical middle turbinate, curved uncinate process, overpneumatized ethmoidal bulla, superior concha bullosa, prominent Agger Nasi cells, haller cells, onodi cells, maxillary sinus septae and pneumatization of uncinate process. Incidence of anatomical variation was 75% among the patients showing PNS mucosal changes while it was 94% among patients showing no mucosal changes. Chi square statics revealed that presence of anatomical variation does not mean a predisposition to mucosal changes.Conclusions: The presence of anatomical variants does not indicate predisposition to sinus pathology but may predispose to increased risk of intraoperative complications. It is important to pay close attention to anatomical variations in the preoperative evaluation to avoid possible complications

Knowledge and practice of hand hygiene among the doctors of Patan Hospital, Nepal

Introduction: Hand hygiene is the most effective infection prevention measure. This research aims to find out the knowledge and practice of hand hygiene among the doctors of major departments of Patan Hospital. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among doctors of selected departments of Patan Hospital, Lalitpur, Nepal. The knowledge of hand hygiene was assessed using a WHO knowledge questionnaire. The practice was assessed using a WHO observation checklist. The data was recorded in Epi-info and the analysis was done for knowledge score and compliance with practice using SPSS v15. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: A total of 104 (98%) of the participants completed each part (knowledge and practice) of the study. The overall mean score (± SD) was 64% ± 8 on knowledge questions about hand hygiene. Knowledge of hand hygiene was not significantly different among departments (p=0.351) and gender (p=0.994). Out of 1022 opportunities, the compliance of hand hygiene among the doctors was 532(52%). The highest compliance for hand hygiene was after exposure to body fluids 93%. The mean time taken for hand rub was 8 seconds and the mean steps performed were 4 out of 8. Compliance with hand hygiene was statistically significant among departments (p= 0.001). However, it was not statistically significant among gender(p=0.198). Conclusion: Participants performed relatively well with a moderate score (64%) on knowledge questions but it was not reflected in practice (overall compliance 52%). The majority performed hand hygiene after body fluid exposure (93%) and after touching patients (64%)

Spatial mapping of soil properties in Konkan region of India experiencing anthropogenic onslaught.

Soils of Indian Konkan region, part of ecologically sensitive Western Ghats have been subjected to anthropogenic activities of late. This has endangered the ecological security through conspicuous losses in topsoil quality. The rationale of the present study was to map the soil properties and create management zones for ensuring food and nutritional security. The study was conducted in South Goa district of the state of Goa located in Konkan region. A total of 258 geo-referenced soil samples were collected and analyzed for pH, EC, SOC, available N, P, K and DTPA extractable micronutrients viz., Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn. Soil pH was found to be in acidic range. A wide variability existed in SOC content ranging from 0.12-5.85%. EC was mostly neutral with mean value 0.08±0.37 dSm-1, while available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP) and available potassium (AK) varied in range from 56.4-621.6 kg ha-1, 0.5-49.7 kg ha-1 and 31.5-786.2 kg ha-1 with mean values 211.2±76.9, 8.4±8.2 and 202.3±137.6 kg ha-1, respectively. A wide range was exhibited by cationic DTPA extractable Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn with mean values, 0.22±0.30, 0.44±0.60, 7.78±5.98 and 7.86±5.86 mg kg-1, respectively. Soil pH exhibited significant positive correlation with EC, AP AK and Zn and negative correlation with Fe and Cu. SOC exhibited significantly correlated with AN, AP, AK, Zn and Fe. Geo-statistical analysis revealed J-Bessel as best fit semivariogram model for pH, AP and AK; Rational Quadratic for EC, SOC, Zn and Mn; Hole effect for AN; Stable for Cu and K-Bessel for Fe for their spatial mapping. Four principal components showed eigenvalues more than one and cumulative variability of 59.38%. Three distinct soil management zones showing significant variation in soil properties were identified and delineated for wider scale management of soils. Precision nutrient management based on spatial variation and their mapping would enable refined agricultural and environmental management practices in the region

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Not AvailableSuccess in the outcomes of applied assisted reproductive techniques mainly relies on the quality of the semen. Oxidative stress created by Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Lipid Peroxidation (LPO) generated during different steps of semen preservation reduces semen quality. Melatonin and canthaxanthin are potent antioxidants involved in many biological processes. They have excellent capacity to scavenge free radicals, combat against oxidative stress and improve endogenous antioxidant defenses. Melatonin is well established antioxidant in semen preservation to protect against oxidative stress-induced damage; however, little literature is available on use of canthaxanthin as semen extender additive. Melatonin and its metabolites act as direct or indirect scavenger of free radicals arrest LPO and reduce generation of ROS, hence oxidative stress, thereby shielding seminal quality to prolong sperm morphological and functional attributes. Similar to melatonin, canthaxanthin by virtue of its antioxidant potential has shown promising results in preserving the seminal quality as well as their efficiency to reduce and/or prevent sperm damages during storage. This brief review encapsulated new uncovering related to the beneficial antioxidant effects of melatonin and canthaxanthin on semen preservation along with future perspective in respect of different combination and/or concentration along with fertility trails.Not Availabl