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During war, sharp high-speed missiles have been driven inside the brain; however, in civilian practice it is rare to see such episodes. An approximately 10-cm long nail was driven inside the brain in an attempt to commit suicide by a schizophrenic patient. The case is being reported for its rarity in civilian practice and as a case of clinical interest. After investigating the patient by plain X-rays and a CT scan, he was operated by a neurosurgical team and the nail was successfully removed. In post-operative phase, patient was given medical and psychiatric care along with psychological counseling. The patient made good uneventful recovery in the post-operative phase.

Background: To compare the effect of continuous epidural infusion of ropivacaine versus ropivacaine-fentanyl for post-operative analgesia and ambulation in patients undergoing major gynaecological surgeries.Methods: A total of 60 patients of age 20 to 50 yrs of body mass index (BMI) within normal range (18.5to24.9 kg/m2) posted for major gynecological surgeries were divided into two equal groups (Group R and RF) in a prospective, randomized, double-blind fashion. In Group RF (n=30) 0.1% Ropivacaine with 2µg/ml Fentanyl and in Group R (n =30) 0.1% ropivacaine were used. General anaesthesia was given to all patients. Continuous epidural infusion using elastomeric pump was started at ‘0’ post-operative hours at 6ml/hour. Post -operative pain (Visual Analogue Scale Score), ambulation (James Modified Bromage Scale) and side effects were noted at 0, 2, 4, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36 and 48hrs.Results: The differences in VAS Score of subjects of both the groups were statistically significant(p

Stethoscopes are essential tools of the medical profession and because of their universal use, might be a source of microorganisms that cause nosocomial infections. Stethoscopes come in direct contact with numerous patients daily and their disinfection after each use is not an established practice. Several studies in medical literature have demonstrated that many physicians’ stethoscopes are contaminated with pathogenic bacteria and could serve as a mode for transmission of infection. In view of contamination and spread of infection by the stethoscope, we have devised a handmade disposable stethoscope which is safe, easy and economical and can be specially used in HIV positive patients.