Socioeconomic inequality and urban-rural disparity of antenatal care visits in Bangladesh: A trend and decomposition analysis.

BACKGROUND: Socioeconomic inequality in antenatal care visits is a great concern in developing countries including Bangladesh; however, there is a scarcity of investigation to assess the factors of inequality and these changes over time. In this study, we investigated the trend of socioeconomic inequalities (2004-2017) in 1+ANC and 4+ANC visits, and extracted determinants contributions to the observed inequalities and urban-rural disparities in Bangladesh over the period from 2011 to 2017. METHODS: The data from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys (BDHS) conducted in 2004, 2007, 2011 and 2017 were analyzed in this study. The analysis began with exploratory and bivariate analysis, followed by the application of logistic regression models. To measure the inequalities, the Erreygers concentration index was used, and regression-based decomposition analyses were utilized to unravel the determinant's contribution to the observed inequalities. The Blinder-Oaxaca type decomposition is also used to decompose the urban-rural disparity into the factors. RESULTS: Our analysis results showed that the prevalence of 1+ANC and 4+ANC visits has increased across all the determinants, although the rate of 4+ANC visits remains notably low. The magnitudes of socioeconomic inequality in 4+ANC visits represented an irregular pattern at both the national and urban levels, whereas it increased gradually in rural Bangladesh. However, inequalities in 1+ANC visits declined substantially after 2011 across the national, rural and urban areas of Bangladesh. Decomposition analyses have suggested that wealth status, women's education, place of residence (only for 4+ANC visits), caesarean delivery, husband education, and watching television (TV) are the main determinants to attribute and changes in the level of inequality and urban-rural disparity between the years 2011 and 2017. CONCLUSIONS: According to the findings of our study, it is imperative for authorities to ensure antenatal care visits are more accessible for rural and underprivileged women. Additionally, should focus on delivering high-quality education, ensuring the completion of education, reducing income disparity as well as launching a program to enhance awareness about health facilities, and the impact of caesarean delivery.

Heptanuclear Mixed-Valence Co4IIICo3II Molecular Wheel─A Molecular Analogue of Layered Double Hydroxides with Single-Molecule Magnet Behavior and Electrocatalytic Activity for Hydrogen Evolution Reactions.

We present a bifunctional heptanuclear cobalt(II)/cobalt(III) molecular complex formulated as [Co7(µ3-OH)4(H2L1)2(HL2)2](NO3)6·6H2O (1) (where H5L1 is 2,2'-(((1E,1'E)-((2-hydroxy-5-methyl-1,3-phenylene)bis(methanylylidene))bis(azanylylidene))bis(propane-1,3-diol)) and H2L2 is 2-amino-1,3-propanediol). Compound 1 has been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis along with other spectral and magnetic measurements. Structural analysis indicates that 1 contains a mixed-valence Co7 cluster where a central Co(II) ion is connected to six different Co centers (four CoIII and two CoII ions) by four µ3-OH groups, giving rise to a planar heptanuclear cluster that resembles a molecular fragment of a layered double hydroxide (LDH). Two triply deprotonated (H2L1)3- ligands form the outer side of the cluster while two singly deprotonated (HL2)- ligands are located at the top and bottom of the central heptanuclear core. Variable temperature magnetic measurements indicate the presence of weak ferromagnetic CoII···CoII interactions (J = 3.53(6) cm-1) within the linear trinuclear CoII cluster. AC susceptibility measurements show that 1 is a field-induced single-molecule magnet (SMM) with τ0 = 8.2(7) × 10-7 s and Ueff = 11.3(4) K. The electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity of 1 in homogeneous phase shows an overpotential of 455 mV, with a Faradaic efficiency of 81% and a TOF of 8.97 × 104 µmol H2 h-1 mol-1.

Impacts of a lead smelter in East Java, Indonesia: degree of contamination, spatial distribution, ecological risk, and health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in soils.

This study investigates the characteristics of potentially toxic elements in soils collected from the vicinity of a lead smelter in East Java, Indonesia. The objective is to assess the impact of the lead smelter on the surrounding soil. The study involves chemical composition analysis, spatial distribution mapping, and potential ecological and health risk assessments. Soil samples were collected from the surface area (0-10 cm) and subsurface (15-30 cm) within radii of 1.5 km, 3 km, and 5 km from the lead smelter. The samples were analyzed for As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to identify the sources of potentially toxic elements in the soil. The results indicate severe Pb contamination within a 1.5 km radius of the smelter, with an average contamination factor (Cf) value of 22.0, posing a high potential health risk. The contamination factor indicated that the soils were heavily polluted by As and Pb and moderately polluted by Cu, Ni, and Zn. The results of PCA showed that smelter releases are the main source of potentially toxic element contamination in the soil, accounting for 66.2%. The health risk assessment suggested that the children and adults in the study region were exposed to non-carcinogenic risks caused by As and Pb. Oral ingestion was identified as the primary exposure route impacting health risks. The carcinogenic risk from potentially toxic elements in soil was found to exceed the acceptable level for children and adults in the study region. Therefore, it is necessary for the government to take effective measures, including designing regulations and interventions, and improving lead smelter management to mitigate potential contamination and minimize the impact of lead smelter releases on the surrounding environment, especially to protect human health, particularly that of children.

Anion-directed structural tuning of two azomethine-derived Zn2+ complexes with optoelectronic recognition of Cu2+ in aqueous medium with anti-cancer activities: from micromolar to femtomolar sensitivity with DFT revelation.

Herein, two novel mononuclear transition metal Zn2+ complexes i.e. [Zn(HL)(N3)(OAc)] (NS-1) & [Zn(HL)2(ClO4)2] (NS-2) have been synthesised using a tridentate clickable Schiff base ligand, HL (2-methyl-2-((pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)propan-1-ol), and the polyatomic monoanions N3- and ClO4- for NS-1 and NS-2 respectively. Interestingly, NS-1 and NS-2 have been explored for the detection of Cu2+ with an LOD of 48.6 fM (response time ∼6 s) and 2.4 µM respectively through two mutually independent pathways that were studied using sophisticated methods like UV-Vis, cyclic voltammetry, ESI-MS etc. with theoretical DFT support. Herein, both chemosensors are equally responsive towards the detection of Cu2+ in aqueous as well as other targeted real field samples with appreciable recovery percentage (74.8-102%), demonstrating their practical applicability. Moreover, the detection of unbound Cu2+ in a human urine specimen was also analysed which may be helpful for the diagnosis of Cu2+-related disorders like Wilson's disease. Taking one step ahead, TLC strips have been employed for on-field detection of the targeted analytes by contact mode analysis. Additionally, the anti-cancer activity of these complexes has also been studied on breast cancer cells with the help of the MTT assay. It has been found that at a 0.5 mM dose, both NS-1 and NS-2 could kill 81.4% and 73.2% of cancer cells respectively. However, it has been found that NS-1 destroys normal cells together with cancer cells. Hence, NS-2 could be administered as a better anticancer drug for MDA-MB-231 cancer cells in comparison with NS-1. In a nutshell, the present work describes how anion-directed synthesis of two architecturally different metal complexes leads toward the detection of the same analyte via an independent chemodosimetric pathway along with their anti-cancer activities on breast cancer cells.

Report on "The Second United Nations World Geospatial Information Congress (UN-WGIC) Pre-Event".

The United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (GGIM) organises the World Geospatial Information Congress (UN-WGIC) once every four years bringing together member states of the UN-GGIM, experts in the field of Geospatial Technologies and its various application domains, commercial geospatial sector, academia, researchers and practitioners from across the globe. India is the proud host of the Second UN-WGIC scheduled for 10-14 October 2022 in Hyderabad, India. The Second UN-WGIC is organised by the United Nations and the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. Through a series of online virtual pre-events, DST intends to collect and collate various ideas and resource materials including applications and innovations in the field of Geospatial information generation to highlight the vibrant Indian Geospatial Ecosystem. One of the Pre events in India was held during 26th and 27th May, Co-ordinated by Prof. Biplab Biswas, Department of Geography, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan, West Bengal, India. The whole UN-WGIC pre-event was structured into-Inauguration; five technical sessions with presentations from various stakeholders like Government, Industry, Youth, Academics, others; and Conclusion with a detailed discussion over the nature, development and future trend of geospatial ecosystem in India and other countries.

Low-Cost and Scalable Ni-Prussian Blue Analogue//Functionalized Carbon Based Na-Ion Systems for all Climate Operations.

Herein, we have developed a sodium ion based aqueous energy storage device with nickel prussian-blue-analogue (Ni-PBA) positive and functionalized carbon-black negative electrodes in 1 M Na2 SO4 electrolyte solution. The components required to develop the device, i. e., stainless steel (SS) current-collectors, absorbent-glass-mat separator, electrolyte, carbon-black, and precursors of Ni-PBA, are all environmentally benign and inexpensive. To minimize the corrosion of pristine-SS, polyaniline coating on the SS surface is applied by in situ electrodeposition method. The full cell exhibits a specific capacity of 28 mAh g-1 with 90 % Coulomb efficiency (@0.2C), an energy density of 34 Wh kg-1 (@20 W kg-1 ), a power density of 100 W kg-1 (@18 Wh kg-1 ) and a good life cycle (70 % capacity-retention over 500 cycles @1.0C rate) within the 0-1.2 V window. The cell performance is further tested under variable temperatures, and 0-50 °C range is reported to be the working window for this cell.

Arsenic, iron, and manganese in groundwater and its associated human health risk assessment in the rural area of Jashore, Bangladesh.

This study investigated groundwater pollution and potential human health risks from arsenic, iron, and manganese in the rural area of Jashore, Bangladesh. Study results show that the mean value of groundwater pH is 7.25 ± 0.31, with a mean conductivity of 633.94 ± 327.41 µs/cm, while about 73, 97, and 91% of groundwater samples exceeded the Bangladesh drinking water standard limits for As, Fe, and Mn, respectively. Groundwater pollution evaluation indices, including the heavy metal pollution index, the heavy metal evaluation index, the degree of contamination, and the Nemerow pollution index, show that approximately 97, 82, 100, and 100% of samples are in the high degree of pollution category, respectively. Spatial distribution exhibited that the study area is highly exposed to As (73%), Fe (82%), and Mn (46%). In the case of non-carcinogenic health risk via oral exposure, about 94% of samples suggest a high category of risk for infants, and 97% of samples are found to be at high risk for children and adults. The carcinogenic risk of arsenic via an oral exposure pathway suggests that approximately 97% of the samples are found to be at high risk for infants, and all of the samples are at high risk for both adults and children.

Geographical Appraisal of COVID-19 in West Bengal, India.

Study shows that COVID-19 cases, deaths and recoveries vary in macro level. Geographical phenomena may act as potential controlling factor. The present paper investigates spatial pattern of COVID-19 cases and deaths in West Bengal (WB), India and assumes Kolkata is the source region of this disease in WB. Thematic maps on COVID related issues are prepared with the help of QGIS 3.10 software. As on 15th January 2021, WB has 564032 number of COVID-19 cases which is 0.618% to the total population of the state. However, the COVID-19 case for India is 0.843% and for world is 1.341% to its total population. Lorenz Curve shows skewed distribution of the COVID-19 cases in WB. 17 (90%) districts hold 84.11% of the total population and carry 56.30% of the total COVID-19 cases. However, the remaining two districts-Kolkata and North 24 Parganas-hold remaining 43.70% COVID-19 cases. Correlation coefficient with COVID-19 cases and Population Density, Urban Population and Concrete Roof of their house are significant at 1% level of significance.

Air quality during three covid-19 lockdown phases: AQI, PM2.5 and NO2 assessment in cities with more than 1 million inhabitants.

Implemented quarantine due to the ongoing novel coronavirus (agent of COVID-19) has an immense impact on human mobility and economic activities as well as on air quality. Since then, and due to the drastic reduction in pollution levels in cities across the world, a large discussion has been magnetized regarding if the lockdown is an adequate alternative counter-measure for enhancing air quality. This paper aimed at studying the Air Quality Index (AQI), PM2.5, and tropospheric NO2 levels in three lockdown phases (before, during, and after) among 21 cities around the world. Simple before/after comparison approach was carried out to capture the declining trend in air pollution levels caused by the lockdown restrictions. The results showed that the frequency distribution for NO2 is more variable than that for PM2.5, and the distribution is flatter from 2020 to the baseline 2018-2019 period. Besides, AQI, in most of the cities, has varied from high to mild pollution during the lockdown and was moderate before. Although during the lockdown, a reduction of 3 to 58% of daily NO2 concentrations was observed across the cities, an increase was detected in three cities including Abidjan (1%), Conakry (3%), and Chengdu (10%). Despite this mixed trend, the NO2 time series clearly showed the effect of the unlocking phase where the NO2 levels increased in almost all cities. Similarly, PM2.5 concentrations have increased in the post-lockdown period, with 50% of the cities reporting significant positive differences between the lock and the unlock phase. Then, the levels of PM2.5 were higher at the pre-lockdown phase than at any other time exhibiting a "U" shape. In addition, during Ramadan, it was noted that altered patterns of daily activities in some Islamic cities have a significant negative impact on air quality.

Long-term exposure to indoor air pollution and risk of tuberculosis.

Indoor air pollution (IAP) is a recognized risk factor for various diseases. This paper examines the role of indoor solid fuel exposure in the risk of mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) in Delhi Metropolitan, India. Using a cross-sectional design, subjects were screened for a history of active TB and lifelong exposure to IAP sources, such as solid fuel burning and kerosene. The TB prevalence rate in the study area was 1117 per 100 000 population. Every year, increase in solid fuel exposure was associated with a three percent higher likelihood of a history of active TB. Subjects exposed to solid fuel and kerosene use for both heating home and cooking showed significant associations with TB. Age, household expenditure (a proxy of income), lung function, and smoking also showed significant associations with TB. Smokers and solid fuel-exposed subjects were four times more likely to have a history of active TB than non-smoker and unexposed subjects. These finding calls strategies to mitigate solid fuel exposure, such as use of clean cookstove and ventilation, to mitigate the risk of TB which aligns with the United Nations' goal of "End TB by 2030."

Exploratory studies on azido-bridged complexes (Ni2+ and Mn2+) as dual colourimetric chemosensors for S2- and Ag+: combined experimental and theoretical outcomes with real field applications.

We report two isostructural dinuclear transition metal complexes [M2(HL)2(N3)4], where M = Ni2+ (BS-1), Mn2+ (BS-2), and HL is (2-methyl-2-((pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)propan-1-ol) and investigate them as molecular sensors towards hazardous entities. BS-1 shows high selectivity towards the S2- and Ag+ ions, easily observed by the naked eye colour change and its detection limit in aqueous solutions for the S2- ion was calculated as 0.55 µM with a binding constant of 3.28 × 105 M-1, while the limit for the Ag+ ion is 21.8 µM. Notably, BS-2 shows good selectivity towards the Ag+ ion with a detection limit of 10.84 µM. Spectroscopic and DFT studies shed light on the mechanistic course of interaction between the host and guest entities, suggesting a sulphide-mediated reduction of the azide mechanism. In a nutshell, these simple transition metal complexes were exploited for discriminately detecting hazardous analytes with real field applications in analytical science (via. "Dip-Stick" approach) as well as engineering science, which provides a significant contribution in the recent advancement of supramolecular chemistry.

Anion-mediated bio-relevant catalytic activity of dinuclear nickel(ii) complexes derived from an end-off compartmental ligand.

Four dinuclear nickel(ii) complexes, namely [Ni4(L)2(H2O)8(µ2-H2O)2](NO3)6(H2O)6 (1), [Ni2(L)Cl2(µ-Cl)(CH3OH)] (2), [Ni2(L)(OAc)2(H2O)2]Br (3) and [Ni2(L)(H2O)4(µ2-OH)] (H2O)X(I)X (4), have been synthesized using a template synthesis technique by adding nickel(ii) salts (nitrate/chloride/bromide/iodide) to the N4O donor end-off compartmental ligand (HL) obtained via the condensation of 2-(2-pyridyl)ethylamine and 2,6-diformyl-4-isopropyl phenol in methanol. All complexes were characterized with the help of typical physicochemical techniques, and their solid-state structures were assigned from single crystal X-ray analysis. The variable temperature magnetic study reveals that the two nickel centers are antiferromagnetically coupled with J values ranging from -5 to -15 cm-1 in the complexes. The catecholase-like activity of complexes 1-4 was studied using 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol (3,5-DTBC) as the model substrate in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) medium. Complex 1 shows the catecholase activity, while the other complexes were found to be inactive. The phosphatase-like activity of the complexes was also investigated in a 97.5% (v/v) DMF-water mixture using the disodium salt of 4-nitrophenylphosphate (4-NPP) as the model substrate and the reactivity trend was 4 > 1 > 3 > 2. The reasons behind the activity, inactivity and activity trend have been explored. It has been assumed that the anions associated with the complexes are supposed to play a crucial role in the whole event. Complex 1 showed catalytic promiscuity, whereas complexes 2, 3 and 4 should be considered only as the potential hydrolytic catalyst.

Clinico-Pathological Study of Cutaneous Granulomatous Lesions- a 5 yr Experience in a Tertiary Care Hospital in India.

BACKGROUND: Granulomatous dermatoses are common skin pathology, often need histopathological confirmation for diagnosis. Histologically six sub-types of granulomas found in granulomatous skin diseases- tuberculoid, sarcoidal, necrobiotic, suppurative, foreign body & histoid type. The aims of the present study were clinico-pathological evaluation of granulomatous skin lesions and their etiological classification based on histopathological examination. METHODS: It was a five years (Jan 2009- Dec 2013) retrospective study involving all the skin biopsies. Detailed clinical and histopathological features were analyzed and granulomatous skin lesions were categorized according to type of granuloma & etiology. Special stains were used in few cases for diagnostic purpose. RESULTS: Among 1280 skin biopsies, 186 cases (14.53%) were granulomatous skin lesions with a ratio 1:24. In histopathological sub-typing, tuberculoid granuloma was most common type (126 cases, 67.74%). Most common etiology of granuloma in the study was leprosy (107 cases, 57.52%). Other etiologies were cutaneous tuberculosis, foreign body granulomas, fungal lesions, cutaneous leishmaniasis, sarcoidosis and granuloma annulare. CONCLUSION: Histopathology is established as gold standard investigation for diagnosis, categorization and clinico-pathological correlation of granulomatous skin lesions.

Isolated Hepatic Tuberculoma - A Case Report.

Isolated hepatic tuberculoma is localized hepatic tuberculosis (TB) without bile duct involvement, which presents as solitary or multiple nodular mass lesion of liver mimicking a neoplastic lesion in radiological evaluation. Clinical presentation and biochemical tests for liver functions show non-specific abnormality, which is not helpful for diagnosis. As the treatment, modality of isolated hepatic tuberculoma is anti-tubercular drugs. Prognosis is very good in comparison to other differential diagnoses. We are presenting such a rare case of isolated hepatic tuberculoma from tribal area of Bankura district, West Bengal, India in a 38-yr female patient presenting as fever, abdominal pain and solitary nodular lesion on radiological evaluation. Even different imaging modalities cannot make accurate diagnosis of isolated hepatic tuberculoma where simple biopsy and histopathology of the lesion can confirm the diagnosis.

Evaluation of Clinico-Radio-Pathological Features of Tubular Adenoma of Breast: a Study of Ten Cases with Histopathological Differential Diagnosis.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Tubular adenomas are rare benign epithelial tumours of breast affecting predominantly females of child bearing age group. Till now, very small number of cases have been reported in the literature. Present study was carried out to evaluate the clinico-pathological features of tubular adenoma cases diagnosed during three years study period along with discussion of possible differential diagnoses. METHODS: Overall, 346 female breast biopsies were diagnosed as benign lesions in three years (2010-2012), of which 10 cases of tubular adenomas were identified. Available clinical, radiological and cytological data of these cases were analysed retrospectively in detail. RESULT: Tubular adenomas were identified from 16 to 48 years of age with a predilection to younger age group (60% within 30 years). Most of the tubular adenomas were small and circumscribed mimicking fibroadenoma in almost all the cases. Diagnosis of tubular adenoma in each case was possible only after histological examination. Pre-operative diagnosis of tubular adenoma was not established by cytological and radiological evaluation in any case. CONCLUSION: Tubular adenomas are clinically indistinguishable from other benign breast neoplasms and it should be considered as potential differential diagnosis during histopathological evaluation of breast biopsies.

Cytodiagnosis of Extra-nasal Rhinosporidiosis: A Study of 16 Cases from Endemic Area.

CONTEXT: Extra-nasal rhinosporidiosis is not uncommon in endemic region like India. Clinical presentations of extra-nasal rhinosporidiosis lesion often lead to diagnostic dilemma. Cytology can help in the preoperative diagnosis of such lesions. AIMS: The aims of our study were to find the clinico-pathological presentation of extra-nasal rhinosporidiosis and to evaluate the role of cytology in diagnosing these lesions preoperatively. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Fine-needle aspiration cytology is often used for preoperative diagnosis of sub-cutaneous lesions of the head and neck region. This retrospective study was designed to include the cytologically diagnosed cases of rhinosporidiosis and to compare with final histopathology of the lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 21 cases of extra-nasal rhinosporidiosis were diagnosed in our study period of 18 months. Cytology was approached in 17 cases and 16 cases were diagnosed as rhinosporidiosis, which were included in the study group. Twelve cases were sampled by fine-needle aspiration and four cases by scrap technique. Histopathological confirmation was possible in all cytologically diagnosed cases. RESULTS: Head and neck region were involved in 15 cases and only one case was on the skin of right upper arm. Orbital region was the most common extra-nasal site of involvement. Most of the cases (13 cases, 81.25%) belonged to the age group of 11-30 years. All cytologicaly diagnosed cases of rhinosporidiosis were concordant with histopathology. Only one false-negative case was cytologically diagnosed as suppurative inflammatory lesion. Sensitivity and specificity of cytology in diagnosis of extra-nasal rhinosporidiosis were 94.11% and 100% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Extra-nasal rhinosporidiosis is an important differential diagnosis of nodular, polypoid mass of head-neck-face region. Cytology can be used as an important tool in preoperative diagnosis of extra-nasal rhinosporidiosis.

Preoperative Diagnosis of Tubular Adenoma of Breast - 10 years of experience.

BACKGROUND: Tubular adenomas are rare benign neoplasms of female breast affecting women, predominantly of child-bearing age group. Definitive diagnosis of this tumor is usually achieved after histopathological study. Clinical, radiological, and even cytological features are often insufficient for accurate diagnosis. AIM: The aim of the present study was planned to analyze clinical and radiological features of histologically confirmed cases of tubular adenoma of breast to find out a clue for accurate preoperative cytological diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our 10-year research program, all histologically confirmed tubular adenoma cases of breast were studied. Clinico-radio-cytological features, if available, were analyzed and tabulated. RESULTS: Thirty-three cases of tubular adenoma of breast were studied. Radiological and cytological assessments are available for 12 and 26 cases, respectively. Tubular adenoma could be diagnosed in only two cases (7.7%) by cytological assessment, but in none by radiological assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Clinico-cyto-radiological assessment could identify the benign nature of the tumors in most cases, but final confirmation was possible only after histopathological study.

Ventral herniation due to tuberculosis at space of Retzius: a rare presentation.

Tuberculosis may involve any organ in the body and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis is commonly seen in immuno-compromised patients mostly in developing countries. Here we report an unusual case of tuberculosis of space of retzius (pre-peritoneal space) forming a lump, this lump caused weakness of anterior abdominal wall which later developed ventral hernia, corrected by surgery in a 62-year immuno-competent person. This type of presentation of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis at space of Retzius has been rarely reported.

Fine-needle aspiration cytology of retroperitoneal lesions: a 5-year experience with an emphasis on cytohistological discrepancy.

BACKGROUND: The retroperitoneal space contains various organs which can be affected by various non-neoplastic and neoplastic pathological processes. A diagnosis of these retroperitoneal lesions is often difficult. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) under image guidance is now becoming an effective tool for the initial evaluation of retroperitoneal lesions. OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the role of ultrasound-guided FNAC in the diagnosis of retroperitoneal lesions in comparison to histopathology and to assess the probable causes of failure in cases of pitfalls in cytodiagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the study period of 5 years, a total of 104 cases of retroperitoneal lesions were aspirated under USG guidance. Seven cases yielded inadequate material, the remaining 97 cases were included in the study group. RESULTS: Out of 97 cases, the kidney was the most common organ aspirated (27 cases; 27.8%). Malignant lesions (68 cases; 70.1%) were much more frequent than benign or non-neoplastic lesions (29 cases; 29.9%). Tuberculosis was the most common non-malignant lesion (14 cases) and renal cell carcinoma was the most frequent malignant lesion encountered (15 cases). In 5 cases (7.9%), the histological diagnosis showed inconsistent results in comparison to cytodiagnosis. CONCLUSION: USG-guided FNAC is a safe, rapid, relatively cheap and fairly accurate procedure for the assessment of retroperitoneal lesions.

Rhinosporidiosis in southwest Bengal.

Rhinosporidiosis is a non-contagious chronic granulomatous disease that is prevalent in southern India and Sri Lanka. It has been known for centuries, but the details of the disease and the precise manner of its transmission have, until recently, remained unknown. Our institution sees many cases of this disease and we investigate the management protocol and its recent advances and include a review of the published literature. A total of 152 patients who were treated at Bankura Sammilani Medical College were studied between 2005 and 2011. The most common age group affected were those aged between 11 and 20 years of age and the male-to-female ratio was 1.9:1. Three patients suffered recurrent disease - one experienced it on the same site and the others on distant sites. Eleven patients with inadequate excision in which the margins were not free from disease were treated with dapsone therapy without any reported recurrence. It is a common disease in southwestern West Bengal. Surgical excision with electrocoagulation of the base is the main treatment, and dapsone therapy is recommended in order to prevent recurrences in multiple sites of affection and inadequate surgically excised cases. Although the disease occurs sporadically in most parts of the world, we see many patients in our area.