Identification and characterization of Aspergillus species of fruit rot fungi using microscopy, FT-IR, Raman and UV-Vis spectroscopy.

During the investigation of fungal isolation from fruit, the major genera were Aspergillus, Penicillium, cladosporium, Alternaria, fusarium, Colletotrichum were found. Among them Aspergillus (15 species) was found major dominant on different fruits. Fifteen different Aspergillus species viz. Aspergillus brasiliensis, Aspergillus phoenicis, Aspergillus carbonarius, four Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus acidus, two Aspergillus awamori, Aspergillus aculeatus, Aspergillus eucalypticola, Aspergillus oryzae and two Aspergillus Spp. have been differentiate and identify using morphology (microscopic technique), Fourier Transforms Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman Spectroscopy (RS) and UV-visible spectrophotometry (UV-vis). The fungal mass in powder form was used in present study. In FTIR the finger print region is important for the characterization of Aspergillus because this region is unique and contains peaks indicating the presence of DNA. From the results were found Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) technique and Raman spectroscopy a useful tool, sensitive, fast, economical, accurate, not require sample preparation and successfully used to identify fungi.

Prepubertal presentation of Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome: a case report.

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome represents a complex female genital malformation with uterus didelphys, unilateral low vaginal obstruction, and ipsilateral renal agenesis, all 3 being secondary to mesonephric duct-induced müllerian anomalies. Clinically, this usually presents in postpubertal adolescent or adult women where hematometrocolpos produces a more pronounced mass effect and pain on the side of the obstructed hemivagina. It is extremely rare for this to present in infancy and early childhood because imaging may not show the small prepubertal uteri and vaginas clearly. We describe a 4-year-old girl with all of the features of this syndrome. Ipsilateral renal agenesis with a pelvic mass should raise the level of suspicion for this syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging will confirm the diagnosis, so that early endoscopic resection of the obstructing vaginal septum can be carried out as definitive treatment. Long-term outcome is quite good with expectation of normal fertility.

Biliary atresia associated with choledochal cyst.

Choledochal cyst and biliary atresia are rare but important causes of neonatal jaundice. Both present with jaundice and acholic stool in neonatal period. Treatment and prognosis of both entities are very different. We are presenting a case in which choledochal cyst co-existed with biliary atresia; the antenatal diagnosis was that of choledochal cyst. Patient had cyst excision with hepatojejnostomy, but ultimately required portoenterostomy because of associated biliary atresia. We conclude that choledochal cyst and biliary atresia are two entities with similar antenatal and postnatal presentation; they should be differentiated as management and prognosis are different.

Urethral duplication in children: our experience of eight cases.

OBJECTIVE: Duplication of urethra has varied presentations and multiple techniques have been described for its correction. We present our experience in the management of this anomaly. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed the records of eight patients treated for urethral duplication in 1998-2008. We managed four cases of Y-duplication, three of whom underwent buccal mucosal tube urethroplasty and one urethrourethrostomy. Two patients presented with double stream (type II A2); in one urethrourethrostomy was done and the other child underwent vesicostomy as initial treatment. Two cases were of type II B duplication (two urethra opening as single meatus); one required only dilatation of urethra and the other excision of accessory tract. RESULT: Mean age at presentation was 56.9 months. Associated anomaly was present in only two patients. Single-stage procedure was done in four patients and multi-staged procedure in three patients. Overall mean number of procedures required was 2.8; more were required in the case of Y-duplication compared to the other types. On follow-up all patients were passing urine in single stream. CONCLUSION: Thorough work up to detect any associated anomaly and type of duplication is required for the management of urethral duplication. Single-stage repair with buccal mucosa as tube urethroplasty in cases of Y-duplication is feasible with good outcome.

Rectal diaphragm in a patient with imperforate anus and rectoprostatic fistula.

The association of rectal diaphragm in an imperforate anus has not been reported until now. A 1-year-old male presented with right transverse colostomy for high anorectal malformation. The patient had imperforate anus and a recto-prostatic fistula with rectal diaphragm. We managed the case by an ano-rectal pull through with excision of the diaphragm.

The Bortnick Miller apparatus: a useful alternative to impedance audiometer for assessment of eustachian tube function in chronic suppurative otitis media.

Eustachian tube function was assessed by impedance audiometer and Bortnick Miller apparatus in 60 ears with central perforation in pars tensa. Result of both the instruments were compared and presented.

Posterior urethral valves with vesical calculus: A rare association.

Posterior urethral valve and vesical calculus are individually among the most common causes of obstructive lower urinary complaints in children. There are very few reports of association between posterior urethral valves and bladder calculus. We report three such cases. This association of the vesical calculi with posterior urethral valves may lead to a delay in the diagnosis of the posterior urethral valves. The diagnosis of posterior urethral valves should be suspected in all children with vesical or urethral calculi who have persistence of symptoms even after removal of the calculi.