Background:Acne vulgaris causes erythematous papulopustular lesions in active stage and often leave behind residual scarring and pigmentation. Its onset in adolescence may add to the emotional and psychological challenges experienced during this period.Aims:To assess the impact of acne on the various psychosocial domains of daily life.Materials and Methods:This was a prospective, cross-sectional study done in the dermatology out-patient department of a tertiary care hospital from January to March 2015. A total of 100 consecutive, newly diagnosed patients of acne vulgaris, aged 15 years and above were included in this study. The relationship between acne vulgaris and its sequelae was analyzed with ten different domains of daily life by using dermatology life quality index (DLQI) questionnaire.Results:Females (56%), 15–20 year olds (61%), facial lesions (60%), and Grade II acne (70%) were most common. Acne scars were noted in 75% patients, whereas 79% cases had post-acne hyperpigmentation. Thirty-seven percent patients had DLQI scores of (6–10) interpreted as moderate effect on patient's life. Statistically significant correlation (P < 0.05) found were as follows: Physical symptoms with grade of acne; embarrassment with site and grade of acne; daily activities with grade of acne and post-acne pigmentation; choice of clothes with site of acne; social activities with gender, site and grade of acne; effect on work/study with grade of acne; interpersonal problems with site and post-acne pigmentation; sexual difficulties with grade of acne.Limitation:It was a hospital-based study with small sample size.Conclusion:Significant impact of acne and its sequelae was noted on emotions, daily activities, social activities, study/work, and interpersonal relationships. Assurance and counseling along with early treatment of acne vulgaris is important to reduce disease-related psychosocial sequelae and increase the efficacy of treatment.

Objective:The objective of the following study is to determine the use of ultrasound as an important adjunct to clinical and laboratory profile in diagnosing dengue fever and in predicting the severity of the disease by correlating imaging features with platelet count. The variation in sonographic features seen in patients from different age groups was also studied.Materials and Methods:This is a retrospective study. 96 patients who were serologically diagnosed as having dengue fever between April and August 2012 were referred for ultrasound scanning of the abdomen and thorax and the imaging findings were analyzed.Results:Out of 96 sero-positive dengue cases, 64 (66.7%) patients showed edematous gallbladder (GB) wall thickening, 62 (64.5%) patients showed ascites, 48 (50%) patients had pleural effusion, 17 (17.7%) patients had hepatomegaly, 16 (16.7%) patients had splenomegaly and in 17 (17.7%) patients ultrasound findings were normal. Edematous GB wall thickening, ascites and pleural effusion were the most common combination of findings in all age groups. Edematous GB wall thickening was seen in 97.8% of patients with platelet count of less than 40,000 along with ascites (86.9%) and pleural effusion (58.6%). In patients with platelet count between 40,000 and 80,000 ascites was more common than edematous GB wall thickening. Significantly no abnormal sonographic finding was detected in patient with platelet count more than 150,000.Conclusion:Sonographic features of thickened GB wall, pleural effusion (bilateral or right side), ascites, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly should strongly favor the diagnosis of dengue fever in patients presenting with fever and associated symptoms, particularly during an epidemic. The degree of thrombocytopenia showed a significant direct relationship to abnormal ultrasound features.

Apoptosis is a process of programmed cell death occurring in multicellular organisms in whom development, maintenance and sculpturing organs and tissues. Taken together, apoptotic processes are of widespread biological significance; being involved in e.g. development, differentiation, proliferation/homoeostasis, regulation and function of the immune system and in the removal of defected harmful cells. Dys regulation of apoptosis can play a primary or secondary role leading to cancer whereas excessive apoptosis contributes to neuro degeneration, autoimmunity, AIDS, and ischemia. Gaining insight into the techniques for detecting apoptotic cells will allow the development of more effective, higher specific and therefore better-tolerable therapeutic approaches. The goal of this review article is to provide a general overview of current knowledge, on the various technical approaches for detecting apoptotic cells.

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Background: Hereditary genodermatoses are characterized by propensity to develop malignancies in cutaneous and ocular structures. Objective: To document in a series of patients with oculocutaneous albinism and xeroderma pigmentosa the histological spectrum of malignant oculocutaneous tumors. Materials and Methods: Biopsies from 6 patients were subjected to histopathological examination for tumor type. Results: A diagnosis of basosquamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) was made in 3 cases, basal cell carcinoma (face) and BSCC (neck) in one, ocular surface squamous neoplasia and SCC in one case each. Conclusion: In the background of genodermatoses, importance of regular and careful follow-up to detect and treat malignancies at an early stage is needed.