A Prospective Study of Patients Presenting With Pre-sternal Keloids.

INTRODUCTION: Keloid represents a pathological form of scarring. They are very common in the anterior chest area; nearly 50% of all keloids occur in this location. One of the reasons for this is that folliculitis and acne, known for triggering the development of keloids, are common on the anterior chest. The other reason is the tension load in this area due to the frequent movements of the upper limbs and the respiratory movements. These movements stretch the skin of the anterior chest horizontally. When this cyclical tension is imposed on the anterior chest wounds, there is an exacerbation and prolongation of the inflammation in the reticular dermis of the wound. These stresses induce the growth of keloids along the prevailing lines of skin tension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective study in which patients were recruited over a period of one year. Patients presenting with symptomatic pre-sternal keloids and requesting treatment but were unwilling to undergo surgical intervention were included in this study. Patients with a history of previous thoracic surgery were excluded. Baseline assessment and documentation of the lesion were performed. The study patients received three sessions of intralesional injections of a combination of triamcinolone acetonide and hyaluronidase at four weekly intervals. The final assessment was performed four weeks after the third session. RESULTS: The study included 47 lesions in 47 patients with ages of the patients ranging from 16 to 70 years. Pre-sternal keloids were found to be more common among males than females, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.35:1. Patients presented with pre-sternal keloids that had been present for varying periods ranging from three to 81 months. All of our 47 patients completed the three sessions of the treatment. Following the treatment, there was an improvement in the patient's symptoms, as evidenced by the reduction in the mean pruritis scores and pain scores. There was an overall reduction in the size of the lesion. The decrease in the height of the lesions was more evident than the reduction in the craniocaudal or transverse dimensions of the lesions. There were improvements in Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) vascularity scores and pliability scores following the treatment. CONCLUSION: We conclude that pre-sternal keloids should be considered as a distinct clinico-pathological entity. There are differences with regard to pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and management when compared to keloids elsewhere. Treatment with intralesional injections of a combination of triamcinolone acetonide and hyaluronidase effectively relieves the symptoms and may be considered in patients not willing to undergo surgical intervention. Recurrences can occur and need further treatments.

Knowledge, Awareness and Practice of Artificial Intelligence and Types of Realities Among Healthcare Professionals: A Nationwide Survey From Pakistan.

Background Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, enabling them to perform tasks. The advancements in AI have also improved virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) experience allowing a greater opportunity for use in the field of medicine. Objective To evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of AI and types of realities among Pakistani healthcare professionals (HCPs). Materials and methods This was a prospective, nationwide study designed at the Department of Neurosurgery at Punjab Institute of Neurosciences (PINS), Lahore, was conducted between January 2024 to February 2024. More than 500 HCPs were approached, out of which 176 participated in this survey consensually. A pre-formed general questionnaire based on knowledge, attitude and practices of AI and types of realities was modified according to local conditions. Google Forms (Google Inc., USA) was used to conduct the one-time sign up response. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 24, USA) was used to analyze submitted responses. Results About 69.9% respondents were male HCPs. Most of the respondents were from the fields of neurosurgery, medicine and general surgery, i.e., 10.80%, 10.20% and 4%, respectively. More than 90% HCPs used Internet and electronic devices daily. A majority of 62.50% respondents agreed that AI brings benefits for the patients, while at the same time, 45.50% agreed that they would not trust the assessment of AI more than that of HCPs. 61% HCPs feared that AI-based systems could be manipulated from the outside sources, like terrorists and hackers. Although 90% respondents knew the definition of AR and VR, a strikingly low 40% respondents could only identify the practical applications of these realities when asked in a mini-quiz. About 61.40% HCPs never used any AI-based application throughout their clinical practice, but Google Health was used by 29.50% respondents, followed by Remote Patient Monitoring AI application used by 3.4% individuals. Conclusion There is an evident under-utilization of AI and types of realities in clinical practice in Pakistan. Lack of awareness, paucity of resources and conventional clinical practices are the key reasons identified. Pakistan is on the path towards the point where the developed world is currently. There is a potential to move past the initial stages of AI implementation and into more advanced modes of adopting AI and types of realities.

Reconstruction of Scalp and Forehead Defects: Options and Strategies.

Background Aesthetic reconstruction of scalp and forehead defects with local flaps and minimal donor site morbidity is the primary goal of coverage. While selecting the coverage technique, essential factors such as size, location, and components of a defect, hair-bearing or non-hair-bearing nature of skin, status of the exposed skull, need for radiation, patient condition, availability of local tissue, and the potential for hairline distortion should be kept in mind. Materials and methods This is a retrospective analysis in which 54 patients who underwent soft tissue reconstruction of the scalp and forehead defects were included. The defect size was categorized into four groups: small: <4 cm2, medium: 4-50 cm2, large: 50-200 cm2, and very large: >200 cm2. Reconstruction of all defects was done according to the defect's size, location, and depth. All patients were regularly followed at intervals of two weeks, six weeks, and three months, respectively. The outcome was evaluated in terms of flap survival, flap coverage scale, the requirement of secondary treatment, postoperative complications, and final aesthetic appearance. Results In 54 consecutively treated patients with scalp and forehead defects, the male-to-female ratio was 2:1, and the overall mean age of participants was 34.8 years, ranging from 0.5 to 66 years. The most common etiology of the defect was trauma (16; 29.6%), and the most common location of the defect was combined (16; 29.6%). Rotation flap and primary closure were the most commonly performed procedure, each 12 (22.2%) in number. Out of 12 primary closure cases, two patients developed wound dehiscence because of infection. All cases of skin grafting healed well. All cases of transposition flap with skin grafting at the donor site went uneventful, and the dog ear at the base was revised later. One case of the bipedicle flap in which partial graft loss occurred at the donor area was managed with regrafting. Two cases of single rotation flap, one double rotation flap, and one free latissimus dorsi muscle flap developed distal necrosis. The excellent aesthetic outcome was found in all cases of primary closure and single and double rotation flaps. Conclusions Local flaps have an architecture similar to the recipient site, and low donor site morbidity results in an aesthetically more pleasant outcome. In our experience, scalp defects up to 50 cm2 were covered with the local scalp flaps with primary closure of the donor area. Defects ranging from 50 to 200 cm2 required local scalp flap with skin grafting at the donor area. Free tissue transfers are usually needed when the defect is very large, devoid of the periosteum, or with the calvarial defect.

Subcutaneous Dorsomedial Triangle of Forearm: Surgical Anatomy and Clinical Implication.

Background The purpose of the study was to provide a practical landmark for localizing the dorsal branch of the ulnar artery and nerve, to approach for microsurgical flaps, for harvesting nerve grafts and also to avoid these nerves during insertion of wrist arthroscopy portals. Material and methods Forty adult cadaveric upper limbs (20 right and 20 left) were dissected for localizing the dorsal branches of the ulnar artery and nerve. The ramification patterns of the nerve were mapped. The wrist arthroscopy portals are located radial and ulnar to the tendon of extensor carpi ulnaris at the level of the wrist joint, and their designated names are '6R & 6U', respectively. The distance of branches of the nerve from the 6U and 6R portals for wrist arthroscopy was recorded. Results The present study has delineated a subcutaneous dorsomedial triangular area in the distal forearm. The construction of this triangle uses palpable landmarks, i.e. pisiform bone, styloid process and subcutaneous border of the ulna. The measure of the sides of the triangle uses proportion rather than absolute measurements and hence is person specific. The dorsal branches of the ulnar nerve and artery are consistently given off in the triangle's upper third and middle third, respectively. Four branching patterns have been mapped, with one dominant pattern in 67.5% of limbs. In three-fourths of cases, one branch of the dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve consistently overlies the 6U portal and hence runs a higher risk of injury. Conclusion The study suggests more practical, accurate, reliable and consistent surface landmarks for the localization of the dorsal branch of the ulnar artery and nerve for reconstructive microsurgery for distal hand defects.

Nasopalpebral Lipoma sine Coloboma Syndrome-First Case Report.

The nasopalpebral lipoma-coloboma syndrome was described for the first time in 1982. It is an autosomal dominant syndrome with complete penetrance and is characterized by features like congenital symmetric upper eyelid and nasopalpebral lipomas, bilateral symmetric upper and lower eyelid colobomas, broad forehead, widow's peak, abnormal eyebrow pattern, telecanthus, broad nasal bridge, maxillary hypoplasia, and ophthalmological abnormalities. We report a case of a milder variant of the nasopalpebral lipoma-coloboma syndrome that we have termed "nasopalpebral lipoma sine coloboma syndrome." Such a milder variant is not reported hitherto in the literature. We also describe the surgical correction of the deformity in a case that presented in adulthood, with a satisfactory and pleasing aesthetic outcome.

Reconstruction of Foot and Ankle Defects: A Prospective Analysis of Functional and Aesthetic Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Reconstruction of foot and ankle defects requires selecting an appropriate durable and aesthetically appealing option. From the different options, the procedure's choice depends on the defect's size, location, and donor area's availability. Patients' main goal is to have an acceptable biomechanical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, we have included patients who had undergone reconstruction of the ankle and foot defects between January 2019 and June 2021. Patient demographics, location and size of the defect, different procedures, complications, sensory recovery, ankle hindfoot score, and satisfaction score were recorded. RESULTS: 50 patients with foot and ankle defects were enrolled in this study. All flaps survived except one free anterolateral thigh flap. Five locoregional flaps developed minor complications, and all skin grafts healed well. The Ankle Hindfoot Score outcome has no significant relation with the anatomical location of the defects and the reconstructive procedure. All patients reconstructed using random local flap and with free flap were satisfied with the aesthetic outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Because of limited soft tissue, local flap availability is restricted to small defects. Satisfaction rates are high in local and free flaps and are best suited for reconstructing the weight-bearing part of the foot. Bulky flaps should be avoided over the dorsum and ankle region.

Growth hormone receptor (GHR) in AgRP neurons regulates thermogenesis in a sex-specific manner.

Evidence for hypothalamic regulation of energy homeostasis and thermoregulation in brown adipose tissue (BAT) during aging has been well recognized, yet the central molecular mediators involved in this process are poorly understood. The arcuate hypothalamus, orexigenic agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons control nutrient intake, energy homeostasis, and BAT thermogenesis. To determine the roles of growth hormone receptor (GHR) signaling in the AgRP neurons, we used mice with the AgRP-specific GHR deletion (AgRPΔGHR). We found that female AgRPΔGHR mice were resistant to temperature adaptation, and their body core temperature remained significantly lower when held at 10 °C, 22 °C, or 30 °C, compared to control mice. Low body core temperature in female AgRPΔGHR mice has been associated with significant reductions in Ucp1 and Pgc1α expression in the BAT. Further, neuronal activity in AgRP in response to cold exposure was blunted in AgRPΔGHR female mice, while the number of Fos+ AgRP neurons was increased in female controls exposed to cold. Global transcriptome from BAT identified increased the expression of genes related to immune responses and chemokine activity and decreased the expression of genes involved in triglyceride synthesis and metabolic pathways in AgRPΔGHR female mice. Importantly, these were the same genes that are downregulated by thermoneutrality in control mice but not in the AgRPΔGHR animals. Collectively, these data demonstrate a novel sex-specific role for GHR signaling in AgRP neurons in thermal regulation, which might be particularly relevant during aging.

Muscle Architecture of Leg Muscles: Functional and Clinical Significance.

Background: Architectural properties of the muscles are the prime predictors of functional attributes and force-generating capacity of the muscles. This data is vital for musculoskeletal modelling and selecting the appropriate muscle-tendon units for tendon transfers.Cadaveric data for architectural properties is the gold standard and primary input for musculoskeletal modelling. There is a paucity of these datasets, especially in the leg muscles. Methods: Sixty muscles of the anterior and lateral compartments from twelve formalin-fixed lower limbs were studied for gross architecture, including the peculiar fibre arrangements and architectural properties of muscles. Muscle weight, muscle length, fibre length, pennation angle and sarcomere length were measured. Normalised fibre length, fibre length to muscle length ratio (FL/ML ratio), and the physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA) were calculated from the obtained data. Results: Muscles displayed a combination of architectural strategies and were partly fusiform and partly pennate. The tibialis anterior and peroneus longus were the heaviest muscles in their respective compartments and showed more extensive origin from the nearby deep facial sheets.Long fibre length and less pennation angle were seen in muscles of the extensor compartment. Potential muscle power was highest in the tibialis anterior and peroneus longus and least in the extensor hallucis longus. Conclusions: Arching of the foot and eversion are peculiar to humans and recent in evolution. Due to the functional demand of maintaining the medial longitudinal arch and eversion, the tibialis anterior and peroneus longus have more muscle weight and larger physiological cross-sectional area and are potentially more powerful.Extensor compartment muscles were architecturally more suited for excursions because of the long fibre length and less pennation angle.This study contributes baseline normative data for musculoskeletal modelling platforms and simulation tools - an emerging area in biomechanics and tendon transfers.

Advances in Child Psychiatry Education and Training.

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of child and adolescent psychiatry, including historical background and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It discusses recent advances in theoretical frameworks related to physician burnout, prevention, access to care, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and trauma-informed care. The authors conclude by emphasizing the importance of education and training in improving the lives of youth and families and encourage their colleagues to push the boundaries of education and training for a better today and brighter tomorrow, while honoring and doing justice to those they serve.

Gastrointestinal Dysbiosis in Neuro-Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review of Case-Control Studies.

The human gastrointestinal tract (GIT) has a rich and pre-programmed microbiome. This microbiome is essential for physiological functions such as digestion, immunity, metabolism, and structural integrity, and of prime concern to us in conducting this study is the nervous system communication. This two-way communication between the GIT and central nervous system (CNS) is known as the gut-brain axis (GBA) and has implications for neurocritical disease. A change in any factor relating to this microbiome is known as gut dysbiosis; this can lead to aberrant communication through the GBA and in turn, can contribute to disease states. The primary objective of this study is to determine the cause-specific dysbiotic organisms in neuro-critically ill patients and their effects. We performed this study by searching published literature as per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies that defined gastrointestinal dysbiosis in neuro-critically ill patients were retrieved using Boolean search from 2000 to 2023 via PubMed and Google Scholar and narrowed the results down to five prospective case-control studies. We performed their quality assessment. The results concluded that in neurocritical illnesses such as encephalitis, brain tumors, intracerebral hemorrhage, and ischemic stroke, fluctuations in specific microbiota correlated with disease severity and prognosis. Moreover, the inhabiting population of dysbiotic organisms in neuro-critically ill patients were different in different diseases and there were no similarities in the composition of gut microbiota in these diseases. Taking stroke patients as an example; increased Enterobacteriaceae and lower Lachnospiraceae microbiome levels were found in patients with a higher stroke dysbiosis index (SDI). Those patients who developed stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) displayed higher levels of Enterococcus species. In conclusion, dysbiosis has a major effect on neuro-critically ill patients' disease states and dysbiotic organisms can be used as a biomarker for disease. Further prospective studies on this topic are warranted for potential neurological and prognostic correlations.

Cultural Considerations for Working with South Asian Youth.

South Asian American (SAA) youth are culturally diverse with respect to migration patterns, language, religion, and social determinants of health. Culturally specific stressors related to family, acculturation, discrimination, and intersectionality converge during developmentally sensitive periods, impacting mental health and identity development. "Model minority" stereotypes and somatic expressions of distress contribute to underdetection and limited perceived need for treatment. SAA families navigate structural barriers, including limited access to culturally tailored services, limited English proficiency, referral bias, and stigma, resulting in underutilization of services. Cultural considerations must be integrated into diagnostic conceptualization and treatment recommendations to effectively engage SAA youth and families in treatment.

Reconstruction in Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis Survivors: A Systematic Review.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the entire world tremendously. Particularly during the second wave in India, a dangerous complication followed in the form of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis. On June 7th, 2021, the Indian Union Health Minister stated that 28,252 cases of mucormycosis were reported from 28 states/Union territories in the country. Methods: A PubMed search was conducted for English-language studies published from 1988 through May 22, 2021 using the terms "reconstruction AND mucormycosis." Results: The search yielded 102 results. After excluding the articles not describing reconstruction in mucormycosis, 53 abstracts were screened. Then 34 articles dealing with reconstruction in non-ROC regions were excluded. The full text of 16 articles was reviewed. Additionally, 3 articles were identified from the reference search. Due to the aggressive debridements, rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis survivors may be left with complex tissue defects with significant functional and aesthetic impairments. It is essential to offer reconstructive solutions that improve their quality of life. As far as the timing of reconstruction is concerned, the consensus is in favor of delayed reconstruction after ensuring that the infection has been eliminated/controlled and that there are no recurrences. The most common defects encountered were the ones that resulted from orbital exenteration and excision of a varying extent of the involved contiguous bony and soft tissue structures. Reconstruction with pedicled flaps was preferred rather than free flaps, especially in the cases where the infection was not eliminated completely. Adjuvant antifungal therapy was used in most of the cases. Long-term follow-up was considered essential to detect and treat recurrences. Conclusions: A multitude of options are available for reconstruction in rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis including skin grafts, pedicled flaps, free flaps and in some cases implants and prosthetics. These can be utilized to give as much as functional and aesthetic restoration as possible to the patient.

The Current Status of Antioxidants in the Treatment of Vitiligo in China.

Little is known about the use of antioxidants in the clinical treatment of vitiligo. To investigate the specific use of antioxidants in the treatment of vitiligo and the possible reasons behind its use in China, we conducted a prospective questionnaire-based study using an online questionnaire comprising 26 questions in 5 areas. A total of 323 clinical frontline dermatologists participated in this study. Differences among groups were compared using Pearson's chi-square test. Ordinal logistic regression was used to develop knowledge-use multiple regression models. Among the 323 dermatologists, 293 (90.7%) approved the oxidative stress theory of vitiligo, and 182 (56.3%) encouraged the use of antioxidants for treating vitiligo; nonetheless, only 11.8% frequently treated vitiligo with antioxidants. Insufficient knowledge of antioxidants was a significant predictor of lower frequency of antioxidant usage (adjusted odds ratio, 0.401 [95% confidence interval, 0.256-0.629]; P < .001). The predictors associated with higher antioxidant efficacy included advanced or rapid progression, moderate or moderate-to-severe vitiligo, age of 0-2 years or 13-18 years, segmental vitiligo, oral and topical combination therapy, and course duration of <1 month. The use of antioxidants for treating vitiligo is highly encouraged; however, the rates of their clinical use are considerably low. Insufficient knowledge of antioxidants is associated with a lower frequency of antioxidant usage. The synergistic curative efficacy of antioxidants could be affected by the stage, type, severity, age of patients with vitiligo, and method of using antioxidants.

ECG Changes Occurring During Chest Liposuction for Gynecomastia - Artifacts or a Cause for Concern?

Currently, liposuction alone or combined with various methods of gland excision has become the standard of care in the surgical management of gynecomastia. Although liposuction is considered a safe and straightforward method of body contouring, serious complications related to the procedure, including deaths, have been reported in the literature. We report the occurrence of ECG artifacts intra-operatively while performing chest liposuction under general anesthesia. Patients may receive unnecessary and potentially dangerous therapeutic interventions if these ECG artifacts are not identified correctly. A careful and rational evaluation of the patient and the ECG by the clinician can accurately identify these pseudo-abnormalities and avoid unnecessary therapies.

Bilateral Inferiorly Based Labia Majora Flaps: A Simple Technique for Post Episiotomy Dehiscence Coverage.

Episiotomy dehiscence because of infection is a cause of major physical, psychological and social problems. Management depends on the degree of injury. The loco-regional flap can be considered in recurrent dehiscence with loss of tissue. We report a case of a 26-year-old female who presented with a post episiotomy wound in the perineal region extending from the posterior fourchette to the anal opening. She gave the history of resuturing of dehiscence twice but the result was the same. On examination, there was a loss of skin and subcutaneous tissue between vaginal and anal opening with pouting of the anal and vaginal mucosa. Per rectal examination, the anal tone was normal. Her wound was covered with bilateral inferiorly based labia majora flaps with a good outcome. So, an inferiorly based labia majora flap can be a useful option in coverage of recurrent perineal dehiscence.

Reconstruction of Heel Soft Tissue Defects: An Algorithm Based on Our Experience.

BACKGROUND: Sensory recovery and durability of the flap is the primary goal of heel soft tissue reconstruction. From the different options, the choice of the flap depends on the size of the defect, its location, and the availability of the donor area. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 40 patients having heel defects were included from Jan 2016 to Dec 2018 in which different flaps were used for the reconstruction. The outcome was evaluated in terms of flap survival, recovery of sensation, the durability of coverage, and functional denouement. We also analysed the outcome between neuropathic and non-neuropathic ulcers of the heel. RESULTS: Out of 40 patients' medial plantar artery islanded flap was performed in eight cases, extended reverse sural flap in 16 cases, islanded reverse sural flap in six cases, local flaps in six cases, cross-leg flap in two cases, and free Latissimus Dorsi muscle flaps with Skin Graft cover in two cases. The patients were observed for a mean follow-up time of 15 months (12-20 months). Only two flaps showed marginal necrosis as an immediate complication. The majority of the flaps were tenacious in the follow-up period except for the six flaps that developed delayed ulceration. Return of protective sensation (P=0.006) and mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society subjective score (P=0.025) was significantly higher in the non-neuropathic ulcer group. CONCLUSION: Locoregional flaps can cover most of the heel defects with a satisfactory outcome. The functional outcome was lower in the reconstructed neuropathic heel ulcer group.