Sivaraman Ganesan

The efficacy of radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction of hypertrophied inferior turbinate in allergic rhinitis.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy of radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction (RFVTR) technique in treatment of allergic inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) and to study its effect on nasal mucociliary clearance. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective study was conducted over 50 perenial allergic rhinitis patients with persistent nasal obstruction due to bilateral ITH refractory to medical management received one time RFVTR of both inferior turbinates. Symptoms were subjectively assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and mucociliary clearance was measured by saccharin transit time (STT) pre-operatively, at 1 week, 1, 3, and 6 months post-operatively. RESULTS Forty-seven subjects completed study. All patients had significant symptomatic improvement which started from 1 week post-operatively and persisted up to 3 months. Post-operative VAS scores of nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing, headache, and snoring at 1 week 1, 3 and 6 month follow up visits significantly decreased (P < 0.05) whereas significant decreased in post-operative VAS scores of hyposmia was observed at 1 month follow up (P < 0.05). Though increase in VAS scores was observed during 6 month follow up, the difference between pre-operative and 6 month post-operative mean VAS score was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Symptomatic improvement in nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing, headache, hyposmia, and snoring persisted in 89.4%, 95.6%, 97.8%, 88.5%, 46.7%, and 100% of patients, respectively, during 6 month follow up. There was no significant change in STT following RFVTR except at 1 week follow up (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION RFVTR is safe and effective in treatment of ITH in allergic rhinitis patients.

Endoscopic Repair of CSF Fistulae: A Ten Year Experience

INTRODUCTION Cerebrospinal Fluid (CFF) fistulae are repaired endoscopically with varying degrees of success around the world. Large series are still uncommon, and the results varied primarily because of the different techniques by different surgeons and also because of a variation in the patient profile in each series, for example, many series deal primarily with traumatic CSF leaks where the defects are larger and outcomes poorer. AIM To analyse the surgical outcomes of Endoscopic CSF rhinorrhea closure. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a series of 34 cases operated upon primarily by one surgeon in two different centres over a period of 10 years. RESULTS Of the 34 cases, 76% of the patients were women. Among the patients only 20.6% patients had a history of trauma preceding the CSF leak. The most common site of leak was in the fovea ethmoidalis in 19 (55.8%) followed by 10 (29.4%) in the cribriform plate. An overlay technique of placing the multiple layers of fascia and mucosa was used in 26 (76.5%) patients and underlay technique in the remaining. Postoperative lumbar drain was used in all patients. CONCLUSION Based on the treatment outcome of the 34 patients, it can be concluded that the success rate of a single endoscopic procedure in our experience is 97% and 100% following the second. Endoscopic approach for closure of CSF leak is safe with minimal complications and little morbidity.

Experimental analysis of the effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles on a single-cylinder diesel engine using biofuel blended with diesel as fuel

ABSTRACT Energy demand is the hot topic of all developing and developed countries. Energy demand has been increasing day by day at a high rate. So, it is necessary to find an alternative solution that is eco-friendly. Biodiesel can be the alternative solution for this problem. The main purpose of this paper is to test the engine performance and emission parameters of a diesel engine using pure cinnamon oil blended with diesel and using cerium oxide as a catalyst. The parameters measured are brake power, brake thermal efficiency, specific fuel conception, CO2, CO, NOx and HC.

Evaluation of performance and emission behaviour of DI diesel engine powered by biofuel

ABSTRACT In this experiment, the performance, emission, and combustion characteristics of a diesel engine were tested using bio-fuel (Anise oil) at different loads. The main focus of this study was to compare the existing biodiesel blends with the proposed mixture (anise + cerium oxide) of biodiesel blends in terms of engine parameters, cost, efficiency, and pollution control. The blends used in this experiment are B10 (Biodiesel-10%), B20 (Biodiesel-20%), and B30 (Biodiesel-30%). The emission and performance parameters considered for the test are SFC (specific fuel consumption), CO (carbon monoxide), NOX (nitrogen oxide), and HC (hydrocarbon). These parameters were tested for different load conditions such as 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. From the results, it shows that SFC is lower for B20 blend compared to that of pure diesel fuel, while B10, B30, B40, and B50 blends have slightly higher values. From the experiment, it is found that emissions of the HC and NOx were reduced and CO emission is slightly higher than the pure diesel.

Optimisation of CI engine parameter using blends of biodiesel by the Taguchi method

ABSTRACT Diesel engine is the primary source of fuel consumption around the globe. Diesel is a fossil fuel and is expected to get over by 2050. Diesel is found to be reliable, durable and efficient. Biodiesel like lemon grass oil can play a vital role in such condition. Blends of diesel with biodiesel are expected to provide better efficiency and emission characteristics. Addition of nanoparticles like cerium oxide can make biodiesel more effective. Performance of a diesel engine depends upon various parameters like fuel quantity injected, fuel injection timing, fuel injection pressure, shape and size of combustion chamber and nozzle, fuel spray pattern, air swirl, etc. This study deals with the impact of CeO2 and compression ratio (CR) on the performance of a diesel engine. In the experimental study, different blends of biodiesel are tested at different CRs. Optimisation techniques are applied on the obtained results and verified.

Safety and Efficacy of Autologous Platelet-rich Fibrin on Graft Uptake in Myringoplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction  Chronic suppurative otitis media is a common ailment in developing countries, and it generally presents with otorrhea and hearing loss. Different surgical procedures have been used to treat otitis media; among them is myringoplasty, which is a procedure that includes repair of the tympanic membrane. Platelet concentrates have been used widely in different types of wounds and are found to improve wound healing. Hence, the use of platelet-rich fibrin in myringoplasty will also improve the tympanic membrane healing. Objectives  To assess the safety and efficacy of autologous platelet-rich fibrin on graft uptake in myringoplasty. Methods  Eighty-six patients were observed during the study period of two years. Forty-three patients in the study group underwent myringoplasty aided with platelet-rich fibrin, and 43 patients in the control group went through the same procedure but without the platelet-rich fibrin. The patients were observed for three months postoperatively by a blinded observer. Results  A total of 4.7% of the patients in the study group had postoperative infection, compared with a rate of 19% in the control group ( p  = 0.039). The graft uptake success rate was found to be 97.7% in the study group as compared with 81% in control group ( p  = 0.012). The results were found to be statistically significant. Conclusion  Being autologous in nature, and by comparing the groups, platelet-rich fibrin is safe for patients. The postoperative graft uptake rate is better in cases in which platelet-rich fibrin was used. The postoperative infection rate was also lower in the same group.

Effect of Incudostapedial Reconstruction Using Conchal Cartilage Interposition Graft on Hearing Outcome

Introduction  Chronic otitis media is a widely prevalent condition in developing countries and is a cause of correctable hearing loss. The most frequent ossicular chain defect found during surgery for chronic otitis media has been a discontinuity of the incudostapedial joint. This study observes the effect of incudostapedial reconstruction using conchal cartilage on the hearing of the patient. Objectives  To evaluate improvement in hearing by incudostapedial reconstruction using conchal cartilage interposition graft in tympanoplasty and to identify the independent factors associated with erosion of the long process of incus among patients with chronic suppurative otitis media tubotympanic type. Methods  This study was conducted in the department of ear, nose and throat (ENT) amongst 22 patients with tubotympanic-type chronic suppurative otitis media who were found to have erosion of the long process during tympanoplasty. These patients underwent incudostapedial reconstruction using conchal cartilage. Their hearing was again reassessed at 12 weeks postsurgery, and the changes were observed. Results  A statistically significant improvement in air conduction by 15.14 dB was found after undergoing incudostapedial reconstruction using conchal cartilage ( p  < 0.001). There was no statistically significant change in bone conduction ( p value > 0.05). A total of 59.1% of patients in the study had an improvement in hearing ranging from 11 to 20 dB. It was also found that 50% of the patients had a postoperative hearing of 10 to 20 dB. Conclusion  Conchal cartilage interposition graft effectively improved hearing when used for the reconstruction of the incudostapedial joint during tympanoplasty in patients of chronic suppurative otitis media.

Performance and emission characteristics of biodiesel from black pepper oil

ABSTRACT Biodiesel is considered to be an alternative energy source, which will help to decrease the effects of global greenhouse gases. The extensive use of fossil fuels has led to the depletion of petroleum resources. The gases that emerge out from the diesel engine cause a major impact on the ecological system. In this paper, black pepper oil along with nano-additives was blended with a diesel engine and its performance was analysed in direct injection diesel engine at a constant speed and at different loading conditions. At varying loading conditions, the brake thermal efficiency of biodiesel blends was found to be slightly higher than that of diesel. It is also seen that the unburnt hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide get reduced at different loads and at different blends. It was observed from the result that by using biodiesel emission of CO and HC and smoke decreased while NOx emission increased.

Effects of Nano Additives in engine emission Characteristics using Blends of Lemon Balm oil with Diesel

Economic growth in developing countries has led to enormous increase in energy demand. In India the energy demand is increasing at a rate of 6.5% every year. The crude oil demand of country is meet by bring in of about 70%. Thus the energy safety measures have become key issue for our country. Bio diesel an eco-friendly and renewable fuel alternate for diesel has been getting the consideration of researchers entire world. The main aim of this paper is to evaluate the engine parameters using blend of pure lemon balm oil with diesel. Also nano Additives is used as a catalyst with blends of bio fuel to enhance the Emission Characteristics of various effective gases like CO2, NOx, CO and UHC with various levels of engine process parameters.

Perception of nursing students toward integrated methods of teaching the ENT clinical examination in south India

Context: Assessment of integrated teaching methods are lacking in Indian setup of nursing education. AIM: To assess the perception of nursing students towards integrated methods of teaching ENT Clinical Examination. Materials and Methods: Large group teaching was carried out for teaching ENT examination in a theory class of nursing students. This large group teaching included facilitations such as dividing the one hour session into three short sessions of 20 minutes each, group activity, five minute evaluation, and usage of video. The impact was assessed by scoring the group generated checklist, individual response on a short answer question and obtaining a feedback on video teaching and group activity. Results: At the end of the class after three assessments, the overall mean group score was 85.4%. The students showed positive reaction when they were allowed to solve a specific task in groups as reflected by their feedbacks. Authors found that these factors promoted most of the aspects of the cognitive domain in the students, improved the clarity of the student for a complex topic and improved the attention span of the students. Conclusion: These integrated systems worked out well in our setup and can be used regularly in nursing students teaching.