Four new cuboid species of Entoloma (E. brunneopapillatum, E. brunneosquamulosum, E. griseolimosum, E. brunneocarnosum) are described, illustrated and discussed based on collections made from Kerala State, India by the authors. A key to the known cuboid species of Entoloma from Kerala State is also provided.

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Background: Genital ambiguity is a complex genetic disorder of sexual differentiation into male or female. The purpose of the present study is to correlate the sex of rearing with the genetic sex and to find out the prevalence of chromosomal anomalies in patients with ambiguous genitalia. The findings can help in proper diagnosis, genetic counselling, and the reassignment of sex, if necessary.  Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 22 patients from north Kerala, ranging in age from 17 days to 17 years, were included. All cases were subjected to the following: a detailed history, physical examination, evaluation of clinical data, and cytogenetic analysis. Based on the standard protocol, peripheral blood lymphocyte culture was done. Chromosomal analysis was carried out with the help of an automated karyotyping system after G-banding of chromosomes.Results: Out of the 22 patients with ambiguous genitalia, 12 patients were genetic females with karyotype 46, XX, and nine patients were genetic males with 46, XY karyotype. One was a rare variant of Klinefelter syndrome with karyotype 49, XXXXY. The most common diagnosis was congenital adrenal hyperplasia, followed by partial androgen insensitivity syndrome. Discrepancies between genetic sex and sex of rearing were noted in 27% of the cases.Conclusions: This study unfolds the variable etiology of ambiguous genitalia and emphasizes the importance of karyotyping in diagnosis, proper assignment of the sex, and appropriate management of patients with genital ambiguity.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the skin. In India the prevalence of psoriasis varies from 0.44 to 2.8%, it is twice more common in males compared to females. Beyond the physical dimensions of disease, psoriasis has an extensive emotional and psychosocial effects on patients. Dermatoglyphics is the study of epidermal ridges and grooves on palm and sole which is formed during the third or fourth month of foetal life which remain unchanged till death. The present study is an attempt to correlate the differences in fingertip patterns of psoriasis patients with controls. In this study 54 male patients and 100 controls are included from a tertiary care teaching institution in North Kerala. There were 46.12% whorls, 48.31% ulnar loops, 1.66% radial loops and 3.91% arches among the patients. Among the controls it was 42.8%, 51.2%, 2.4% and 3.6% respectively. When the fingers are individually considered thumb and second and fourth fingers have more whorls in both cases and controls. Of these the increase of whorls on the fourth finger (ring finger) on right side among patients is statistically significant. Pattern intensity index, Dankmeijer’s index and Furuhata’s index are reported. The findings of the study are suggestive of a possible trend and an association of finger print patterns with patients suffering from psoriasis.