Metallic nanoparticles have received considerable attention in bioassays and diagnostics due to their unique surface plasmon resonance (SPR) properties. Gold nanoparticles have been employed for the development of SPR-based colorimetric bioassays. In the present report we have described a sensitive colorimetric approach for estimation of proteins, within a detection limit of 10a80 µg/mL, using unmodified silver nanoparticles. Besides the common advantages of colorimetric assay such as simplicity, high sensitivity, and low cost, our method has a label-free design and provides an important and attractive alternative to classical sensing probes and systems. The present work will contribute to the development of nanotechnology-based diagnostic tools. . In the present study we describe a sensitive colorimetric assay for quantification of proteins employing unmodified nanoparticles of silver. Our method is based on unique surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of these particles in dispersed and aggregated states and provides a

Introduction A cholesteatoma is a three-dimensional sac lined by keratinized squamous epithelium containing desquamated keratinized epithelial cell which secretes enzymes that have the tendency to expand and erode the bony structure underlying it and cause intracranial and extracranial complications. This cystic mass is in an abnormal location such as the middle ear, the petrous apex, or the external auditory canal (EAC). It is mostly found in the middle ear and rarely in the EAC. Here we have reported a rare case of unilateral primary EAC cholesteatoma with mild hearing loss in a middle-aged male. Case Report We have reported a case of a 34-year-old male with complaints of right-sided ear discharge and right-sided decreased hearing for the last 5 to 6 years. On examination, right ear EAC was found to be dry, and a sac was observed in posterior wall extending to mastoid present with clear attic, and intact retracted tympanic membrane that was then followed by radiological evaluation to establish the diagnosis of EAC cholesteatoma. This was surgically treated and ear was cleared of all disease. Patient's symptoms improved postoperatively. Conclusion Primary EAC cholesteatoma with disease-free middle ear is a rare finding and there is very less definitive literature available on the pathogenesis of the same.

Background Deep neck space infections (DNIs) are a major medical concern in the Indian community. Owing to the complex anatomy of the neck spaces and their communication with each other, accurate diagnosis becomes challenging. A thorough knowledge of the anatomy as well as the microbiological profile and antibiotic sensitivity is imperative to institute the appropriate surgical and medical management to the patient. Due to the advent of broad-spectrum antibiotics, the incidence of these infections have declined considerably over the last couple of decades. However, due to the extensive and unregulated use, the incidence of antibiotic resistance has also been increasing at an alarming pace. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at a tertiary care government hospital in an urban area. All patients who presented to the OPD or emergency over a period of 18 months and who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were included in the study. Pus was collected from the abscess, aseptically by needle aspiration using wide bore (18G) needle and transported under all aseptic measures within 24 hours for culture and sensitivity, KOH mount, and detection of AFB. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was done using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method and E-test. Results Staphylococcus aureus as the most common infective organism followed by MRSA in the pediatric age group and Klebsiella pneumoniae in adults. Conclusion Primary knowledge of individual antibiotic sensitivity is imperative to ensure prompt and adequate treatment of the patient with higher chances of complete resolution, concomitantly minimizing the risk of resistance. Inadequate and delayed treatment may lead to swift progression of the disease with significant morbidity and mortality.

Objectives This study aimed to clinically evaluate and compare the efficacy of caudal epidural bupivacaine in prolonging the postoperative analgesia, with adjuvants like fentanyl or dexmedetomidine among children of Indian genotype. Materials and Methods A prospective double-blind randomized comparative study. The study population of 68 patients of Indian phenotype were randomly taken from a random number table and divided into two groups with 34 patients in each group. They received single shot caudal epidural blocks, with group A receiving 0.75 mL/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine + 1 mcg/kg fentanyl, group B receiving 0.75 mL/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine + 1 mcg/kg dexmedetomidine. Global Assessment of anesthesia, defined as the time from caudal injection to the first administration of rescue analgesia, will be recorded for both the groups. Results The addition of either fentanyl or dexmedetomidine as adjuvants in caudal block provided excellent postoperative analgesia, and sedation was significantly longer duration with dexmedetomidine (18.0 hours) than fentanyl (13.1 hours). We observed good hemodynamic stability in both the groups. Conclusion Addition of dexmedetomidine over fentanyl to bupivacaine for caudal epidural analgesia in pediatric age group has multiple advantages like better control of intraoperative and postoperative hemodynamics, significantly longer duration of postoperative analgesia, lesser bleeding during surgery, and achieving good surgical satisfaction. As the children are pain-free, calm, quiet, and sedated but arousable, the parents’ satisfaction is rewarding. The caudal epidural dose of 0.25% bupivacaine 0.75 mL/kg with adjuvants like dexmedetomidine or fentanyl is effective for postoperative analgesia in lower abdominal surgeries and is without side effects among the Indian population.