Faun tail nevus: A series of 15 cases and their management with Intense Pulse Light.

BACKGROUND: Localized lumbosacral hypertrichosis presenting as faun tail nevus often represents an underlying spinal occult or overt abnormality. This study was undertaken to study these abnormalities and assess their treatment outcome with Intense Pulse Light (IPL) for permanent hair reduction. METHODS: Patients reporting with localized spinal hypertrichosis underwent clinical examination and radio imaging. Symptomatic neurological deficit underwent definitive neurosurgical intervention (if indicated) before hair removal. IPL was administered as 30 J/cm2 four weekly for six sessions. Treatment assessment was based on a Global Physician Assessment Scale and by averaged terminal hair count at four quadrants in 1 cm2 area as observed through the hair densitometer before starting treatment, every four weeks and at the end of six months of follow up thereafter. Averaged hair count was interpreted with paired t-test. RESULTS: This neurocutaneous marker was observed in 15 patients out of a total of 360,767 patients (0.004%) over a four-year period. Age group of patients ranged from 3 to 26 years, comprising of all female patients. Radio imaging revealed diastematomyelia in 10, spina bifida in 04 and 01 had both as the primary spinal abnormality. Thirteen patients were treated with IPL for a period of six months, assessment after six months revealed a highly statistical significant p > 0.0001 reduction in hair growth consistent when followed up after 18 months. CONCLUSION: This article aims to present a series of this rare neurocutaneous marker and highlight our experience in their management with IPL served as an effective alternative to traditional lasers.

Digital technologies, healthcare and Covid-19: insights from developing and emerging nations.

COVID-19 pandemic created a global health crisis affecting every nation. The essential smart medical devices/accessories, quarantine facilities, surveillance systems, and related digital technologies are in huge demand. Healthcare, manufacturing industries, and educational institutions need technologies that allow working from a safe location. Digital technologies and Industry 4.0 tools have the potential to fulfil these customized requirements during and post COVID-19 crisis. The purpose of this research is to provide understanding to healthcare professionals, government policymakers, researchers, industry professionals, academics, and students/learners of the paradigm of different Digital technologies, Industry 4.0 tools, and their applications during the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital technologies, Industry 4.0 tools and their current and potential applications have been reviewed. The use of different Digital technologies and Industry 4.0 tools is identified. Digital technologies and Industry 4.0 tools (3D Printing, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Autonomous Robot, Biosensor, Telemedicine service, Internet of Things (IoT), Virtual reality, and holography) offer opportunities for effective delivery of healthcare service(s), online education, and Work from Home (WFH) environment. The article emphasises the usefulness, most recent development, and implementation of Digital technologies, Industry 4.0 techniques, and tools in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide.

Alteration in cerebral blood flow, kynurenines with respect to mood profile in freshly recruited armed forces personnel.

The present study is conducted to understand the association of mood profile with the kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolites, and cerebral hemodynamics in freshly recruited central armed forces personnel. Profile of Mood States questionnaire was utilized to assess mood profile, and Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) score was calculated. Transcranial Doppler was used to record blood flow velocity bilaterally of the middle cerebral artery. Chromatographic profile of the kynurenine metabolites was obtained in serum. Further, personnel were stratified according to sociodemographic variables (gender, age and diet) to observe the changes in their KP metabolic status. An activation of the kynurenic acid branch of the KP and the reduction in the mean blood flow velocity, and an increase in Gosling pulsatility index (PI) were observed in females having high TMD score. On gender comparative analysis, kynurenine metabolites of quinolinic acid branch and serotonin were significantly high in males. In males, with increase in age, a significant increase in the quinolinic acid branch of the KP was observed. Furthermore, a significant difference in level metabolites of the KP among the vegetarian and non-vegetarian groups was also observed. In conclusion we observed that increased TMD score was associated with cerebral hypoperfusion and higher vascular resistance along with activation of the KP. Our findings highlighted the importance of multi-facet brain function to showcase the close interaction of various dimensionalities and true picture of the assessee.

Bouveret syndrome: Primary demonstration of cholecystoduodenal fistula on MR and MRCP study.

Bouveret syndrome is an unusual complication of cholelithiasis which results in upper gastrointestinal obstruction due to a gallstone impacted in the duodenum through a bilio-enteric fistula. We present this rare entity which was primarily diagnosed on magnetic resonance (MR) and MR cholangiopancreaticography (MRCP) study.

Anterior sagittal anorectoplasty for anovestibular fistula.

Anterior sagittal anorectoplasty (ASARP) was used for the definitive correction in 107 cases of anovestibular fistula (AVF) between 1996 and 2005. These cases were subjected to three different types of treatment regimes during the same period. Majority of the cases (78) were operated in one stage where postoperatively an early oral feed was started (A). Cases were discharged in 2-4 days. In the second group (B), there were ten cases who were also operated in one stage but with prolonged fasting of 9-10 days postoperatively. Nineteen cases (C) were operated under cover of colostomy during the same period. In the immediate postoperative period, among the group A, one case had a major wound disruption requiring a colostomy and a redo surgery. Three cases had subcutaneous leak. In seven cases there was premature dehiscence of mucocutaneous or skin sutures. In groups B and C, there were no significant complications in the immediate postoperative period. In the follow-up period, out of 107 cases, 63 (58.8%) had constipation at the end of 3 months. However, at the end of one year, only 24.3% (26 cases) cases had constipation. Regarding fecal continence, 86 cases (90.5%) were totally continent. Seven had history of occasional soiling and in two cases, soiling was more frequent. As far as repair or correction of AVF or vestibular anus is concerned, we feel that anterior sagittal approach is more suitable as it requires less pelvic dissection. Separation of posterior vaginal wall from rectum, which is considered, is the most important step of the operation, takes place under direct vision. We also feel that AVF can be repaired in one stage with an early postoperative oral feed, provided we are meticulous in pre and postoperative bowel management. It reduces hospital stay and the cost of treatment. This provides a good option to cases who are not able to afford prolonged hospitalization (fasting) or are not willing for a colostomy.