Numerical modeling of heat distribution during laser tissue interaction

Since the invention of Laser, it has been extensively used for various medical purposes. So, some fundamental aspects of laser-tissue interaction is discussed, that includes how fluence rate varies with varying optical parameters, and how temperature distribution occurs within the tissue based on this fluence rate. In all laser-tissue interactions, it is imperative to know the tissue temperature, which is usually achieved by inserting temperature probes into tissue, but can also be calculated by a model for the heating and heat distribution in tissue. This work discusses the optical and thermal properties of laser-tissue interaction. For this, a semi-infinite model has been proposed to study optical and thermal properties of biological tissues, and optical and thermal studies have been done based on the model. Monte-Carlo simulation technique has been used to calculate the fluence rate in a laser-irradiated tissue and further, by using the fluence rate distribution profile, the heat distribution has been calculated. It has been found that, for lower anisotropic coefficient as depth of the laser-tissue interaction site increases, fluence rate also increases and simultaneously Tmax is also higher. But, the same is not true for the higher anisotropic coefficient and instead of increasing Tmax, it has been found to be decreasing. So, depending on the type of tissue to be influenced, the depth and optical parameters can be manipulated so as to achieve the desired laser-tissue interaction result with high precision

Emergence of categorical face perception after extended early-onset blindness

It is unknown whether the ability to visually distinguish between faces and nonfaces is subject to a critical period during development. Would a congenitally blind child who gains sight several years after birth be able to acquire this skill? This question has remained unanswered because of the rarity of cases of late sight onset. We had the opportunity to work with five early-blind individuals who gained sight late in childhood after treatment for dense bilateral cataracts. We tested their ability to categorize patterns as faces, using natural images that spanned a spectrum of face semblance. The results show that newly sighted individuals are unable to distinguish between faces and nonfaces immediately after sight onset, but improve markedly in the following months. These results demonstrate preserved plasticity for acquiring face/ nonface categorization ability even late in life, and set the stage for investigating the informational and neural basis of this skill acquisition.James S. McDonnell FoundationNational Eye InstituteNick Simons Foundatio

Global, regional, and national burden of household air pollution, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Background: Despite a substantial reduction in the use of solid fuels for cooking worldwide, exposure to household air pollution (HAP) remains a leading global risk factor, contributing considerably to the burden of disease. We present a comprehensive analysis of spatial patterns and temporal trends in exposure and attributable disease from 1990 to 2021, featuring substantial methodological updates compared with previous iterations of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study, including improved exposure estimations accounting for specific fuel types. Methods: We estimated HAP exposure and trends and attributable burden for cataract, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ischaemic heart disease, lower respiratory infections, tracheal cancer, bronchus cancer, lung cancer, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and causes mediated via adverse reproductive outcomes for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021. We first estimated the mean fuel type-specific concentrations (in μg/m3) of fine particulate matter (PM2·5) pollution to which individuals using solid fuels for cooking were exposed, categorised by fuel type, location, year, age, and sex. Using a systematic review of the epidemiological literature and a newly developed meta-regression tool (meta-regression: Bayesian, regularised, trimmed), we derived disease-specific, non-parametric exposure–response curves to estimate relative risk as a function of PM2·5 concentration. We combined our exposure estimates and relative risks to estimate population attributable fractions and attributable burden for each cause by sex, age, location, and year. Findings: In 2021, 2·67 billion (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 2·63–2·71) people, 33·8% (95% UI 33·2–34·3) of the global population, were exposed to HAP from all sources at a mean concentration of 84·2 μg/m3. Although these figures show a notable reduction in the percentage of the global population exposed in 1990 (56·7%, 56·4–57·1), in absolute terms, there has been only a decline of 0·35 billion (10%) from the 3·02 billion people exposed to HAP in 1990. In 2021, 111 million (95% UI 75·1–164) global disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) were attributable to HAP, accounting for 3·9% (95% UI 2·6–5·7) of all DALYs. The rate of global, HAP-attributable DALYs in 2021 was 1500·3 (95% UI 1028·4–2195·6) age-standardised DALYs per 100 000 population, a decline of 63·8% since 1990, when HAP-attributable DALYs comprised 4147·7 (3101·4–5104·6) age-standardised DALYs per 100 000 population. HAP-attributable burden remained highest in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia, with 4044·1 (3103·4–5219·7) and 3213·5 (2165·4–4409·4) age-standardised DALYs per 100 000 population, respectively. The rate of HAP-attributable DALYs was higher for males (1530·5, 1023·4–2263·6) than for females (1318·5, 866·1–1977·2). Approximately one-third of the HAP-attributable burden (518·1, 410·1–641·7) was mediated via short gestation and low birthweight. Decomposition of trends and drivers behind changes in the HAP-attributable burden highlighted that declines in exposures were counteracted by population growth in most regions of the world, especially sub-Saharan Africa. Interpretation: Although the burden attributable to HAP has decreased considerably, HAP remains a substantial risk factor, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia. Our comprehensive estimates of HAP exposure and attributable burden offer a robust and reliable resource for health policy makers and practitioners to precisely target and tailor health interventions. Given the persistent and substantial impact of HAP in many regions and countries, it is imperative to accelerate efforts to transition under-resourced communities to cleaner household energy sources. Such initiatives are crucial for mitigating health risks and promoting sustainable development, ultimately improving the quality of life and health outcomes for millions of people. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Comparison of various diagnostic and therapeutic modalities of undescended testis

Background: Undescended testes (UDT), which are defined as the failure of testes to descend in scrotum. It is the most common developmental defect in male infants. It is recorded in 30% of preterm infants compared with 3% of term infants.Methods: Convenient sampling method for data collection, clinical palpation, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), endoscopic ultrasound, laparoscopic methods for detection and therapeutic management.Results: Laparoscopy has proven to be the only diagnostic modality where the findings provide a clear dependable direction for the definitive management of impalpable testes, so it allows an accurate diagnosis and definitive treatment in the same sitting.Conclusions: Diagnostic imaging has no role in the routine evaluation of boys with undescended testes. Laparoscopy in impalpable testes is the procedure of choice and allows definitive management, even when conversion to open procedure is necessary.</jats:p

A rare case of acquired tracheo-esophageal fistula in adult

Acquired trachea-esophageal fistula (TEF) is a rare condition caused by cuffed tracheal tube, surgical trauma and blunt injuries. Surgical approach for the treatment is successful in surgical units with specialized TEF surgery. Herein, we presented such a rare case of post intubation acquired TEF in a 23 year old female patient who presented with cough and regurgitation of food 7 days after extubation. Patient had history of organophosphate poison ingestion after which she was intubated in emergency room and kept on mechanical ventilation for 11 days. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, fibre optic bronchoscopy and computed tomography scan of neck and chest revealed the presence of TEF, 2.5 cm below glottis. Patient was managed with elective single step surgical approach after which patient recovered well. Fistula resection with crico-tracheal anastomosis with primary closure of esophageal defect and suture line buttressed using strap muscle flap cover was done.</jats:p

Gangrenous bowel ischemia-a complication of COVID-19: a case report

The novel virus SARS-CoV2 responsible for ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 since March 2020 has not only been found to cause pneumonia but also involves multiple symptoms such as Gastroinstestinal system, central nervous system, cardiovascular system as a part of multi inflammatory syndrome, which has been increasingly recognized as a part of disease spectrum. COVID-19 associated coagulopathy has emerged as a major cause of high morbidity and mortality, one of which is result being ischemic bowel disease. So herein, we are going to present the first case of probable case of COVID-19 associated ischemic bowel disease in our institute.</jats:p

Case presentation on a rare cause of small bowel obstruction- trichobezoar: a case report

Trichobezoars are concretions of swallowed hairs retained within the digestive tract, most commonly stomach. Most common in young females and with psychiatric illness. Trichobezoar may be a cause of acute abdomen when it is complicated with acute obstruction or perforation. In this report we present a case of young girl who presented as an acute obstruction due to two large ileal trichobezoars.</jats:p

Voiceture [sign language to speech system]

Undergraduate Engineering students are required to complete a group-based, two-course capstone sequence: ENSC 405W and ENSC 440.  Groups form company structures and create an innovative product that potentially acts as a solution to a real-life problem.  This collection archives the following assignments: proposal, design specifications, requirements specifications, and proof of concept

Clinical and diagnostic profile of patients with anal fistula: a cross sectional study from Vilasrao Deshmukh Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Latur, Maharashtra

Background: Anal fistulas are one of the commonest causes for a persistent discharge seropurulent in nature that irritates the skin in the neighbourhood and leads to discomfort. Fistula-in-ano is seen quite frequently in perirectal perianal suppuration. The objective of this study to study the clinical profile and diagnosis of anal fistula at surgical OPD of VDGIMS.Methods: The present cross-sectional observational study was carried out in patients with fistula-in-ano admitted at surgical department of VDGIMS, Latur during the period of 2017-19 in 50 diagnosed patients. Data was analysed by using SPSS 24.0 version IBM USA.Results: Majority of the patients with anal fistula were from 41-50 years age group i.e. 15 (30%) and males were predominantly affected 40 (80%) compared to females i.e. 10 (20%). Male to female ratio was 4:1. Perianal discomfort was the commonest symptom in all patients i.e. 100%. It is followed by perianal discharge complained by 54% and perianal itching in 38% cases. The anterior position of external opening is found to be significant (p&lt;0.05). Fistulogram showed external opening in all patients i.e. 50 cases whereas internal opening in 46 (92%) cases. Findings of MRI revealed that anal fistula was intra sphincteric in 28 cases i.e. 56%, extra sphincteric in 2 cases i.e. 4% and trans sphincteric in 20 cases i.e. 40%.Conclusions: Commonest age group affected in our study was 40-50 years with male predominance. Perianal discomfort and discharge were the commonest symptom. E. coli was the predominant organism isolated. Fistulogram and MRI is useful in detecting the aetiology of fistula in ano.</jats:p