Accidental entry of foreign bodies into the ear canal is very common. Animate foreign bodies constitute upto 14% of cases, majority being the cockroaches. Not many cases of ticks entering into human ears are found in the scientific literature. Even the available reports are from South Africa, Nepal, Malaysia, Chile and Srilanka. This Indian study discusses the occurence, clinical features, the methods adopted in the removal and the complications of tick infestation of human ear. A total of 144 cases of ticks entering the human ears were studied over a period of two years from Jan 2004 to Dec 2005. This report represents one of the largest recorded series of human otoacariasis available in the Indian literature.

Background. Composites are in great demand due to the esthetic needs of the patients, which explains a wide variation in the types of available composites. However, the mechanical strength of the materials is questionable. Therefore, the mechanical properties of the newly available bulk-fill composites have been tested. Objectives. The main objective of the study was to compare the depth of cure (DOC) and surface roughness of 3 different bulk-fill composites: X-tra fil ® (XTF), Tetric EvoCeram ® Bulk Fill (TEC) and Beautifil ® Bulk Restorative (BBR). Material and methods. Fifty-seven (n = 19 in each group) samples were made using brass molds. All samples were subjected to Vickers hardness testing and profilometry. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used for the data analysis, followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Results. The differences in the mean surface microhardness values of the materials were statistically significant (p < 0.001), with XTF showing the highest value. The TEC composite showed a higher surface roughness as compared to BBR and XTF. Conclusions. The results of the present study indicate that variations in the filler size and amount significantly influence the DOC and surface roughness of dental composites. Among the tested composites, the multi-hybrid composite exhibited superior DOC (XTF), whereas the nanohybrid composite exhibited superior surface finish (TEC).

Knowledge of the anatomy of the maxillary nerve is of relevance to the regional anaesthetic technique of this nerve.

The study was conducted to assess the impact of different nasal surgeries on the nasal mucociliary clearance mechanism. Mucociliary function of the nasal mucosa of patients who were undergoing various nasal surgeries was assessed by the Saccharin test by placing 5 mg saccharin granule on the anterior end of the inferior turbinate 1 day prior to the surgery. The time required for the test subject to experience a sweet taste was measured in minutes. Post-operatively the test was repeated 6 weeks after the surgery and the test times were compared. A total of 60 patients were part of this study. Of the 60 cases, 19 cases had undergone only septoplasty, 13 cases had undergone only functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), 25 cases had undergone septoplasty with FESS, 2 cases underwent septoplasty with bilateral partial inferior turbinectomy (PIT) and one case was submucous resection (SMR). Significant improvement in nasal mucociliary clearance was observed in all the patients after the procedures. Out of the 19 cases of septoplasty, 57.9 % showed improvement on the right side and 47.4 % on the left side. Out of the 13 cases of FESS, 61.5 % showed improvement on the right side and 69.2 % on the left side. Out of the 25 cases of FESS with septoplasty, 76.0 % showed improvement on both sides. The case of SMR did not show improvement. The 2 cases of septoplasty with PIT showed improvement. Statistically, highly significant improvement of test time was seen postoperatively as compared to pre-operatively. Among the surgical procedures, FESS with septoplasty showed better improvement as compared to the other procedures. Based on the study, we can conclude that nasal surgeries done for correction of septal deviation and rhino sinusitis significantly improves nasal mucociliary clearance mechanism thereby improving the physiological functions of the upper airway.

Introduction: Enlarged adenoids may cause obstruction of the nasopharynx and blockage of the Eustachian tube and thereby preventing ventilation of the middle ear – mastoid system. It can also act as a reservoir for bacteria causing frequent middle ear infections. This study was done to assess the middle ear pressure (MEP) and hearing threshold before and after adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four children aged between 4 and 12 years undergoing adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy were included in the study. Pure tone audiometry (PTA) and impedance audiometry were done preoperatively and postoperatively twice, on the 2nd day and at 6th week to assess the changes in hearing threshold and MEP. Statistical analysis was done using paired t-test and Chi-square test to determine the changes in hearing threshold and MEP. P < 0.05 was found to be statistically significant. Results: Of the 54 patients (108 ears) studied, 26 ears (24%) showed air–fluid level and 19 ears (17.6%) had dull-retracted tympanic membrane. The mean preoperative PTA value was 15.95 ± 8.19 dB. The mean preoperative MEP value was −63.69 ± 88.9 mm H2O. Postoperatively on 2nd postday, both the values were higher and at 6th week, there was an improvement as compared to preoperative and immediate postoperative values. At 6th week postoperatively, it was also observed that 52 children had tympanogram as type A, confirming the improvement in MEP. All these changes were statistically significant (P < 0.005). Conclusion: Adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy alone does improve the Eustachian tube function, especially in otitis media with effusion. Myringotomy with grommet insertion may not be necessary in all the cases.