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Cement dust poses an occupational hazard causing respiratory (owing to its inhalation), dermatological, ocular and hematological problems. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of occupational exposure of cement dust on hematological parameters in construction workers. Apparently healthy sixty five (65) adult male construction workers aged 25-50 years participated in this study. Three (3.0) ml venous blood samples were collected from each participant for hematological analysis at two different time points, one at 8 AM and second at 4 PM at the end of work shift. Differences in means and test of significance were calculated using paired Student's t-test. The results revealed that post shift samples showed statistically significant increase (p<0.05) in mean total leukocyte count (TLC), lymphocyte %, monocyte % and eosinophil % and statistically significant decrease (p<0.05) in mean hemoglobin, red blood cell (RBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV) and platelet count. The present study confirms that hematological parameters are significantly effected in construction workers which may be attributed to the work atmosphere predominated with cement dust.

In today’s world computers are ubiquitous and found in different forms which can effect intraocular pressure (IOP). Present study was undertaken to find out effect of day-to-day exposure to computer screen on IOP in normal individuals. 70 individuals (who met the screening conditions and devoid of obvious ocular pathology and systemic diseases) had their IOP’s checked before and 4 hour after computer session on same day, all working in general day shift, involving reading English printed material. The results showed significant (p<0.005) increase with IOP values before exposure being 17.89±3.25 and 16.99±2.84 and after exposure being 19.67±3.4 and 18.70±2.4 in left and right eye respectively. Increase in IOP was noted in 70% and 67% individuals in left and right eye. Differences in IOP of right and left eye may be due to dominance of eye or direction of script from left to right.

Pseudogout or calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease (CPPD) primarily affects the joints and the periarticular tissues. Tophaceous or tumoral pseudogout is a rare form of this disease which is seen around the joints of extremities. It can be misdiagnosed as a neoplastic condition because of its clinicoradiological similarities, and thus, a proper histopathological examination is indispensable. We report one such case of extra-articular deposition of the CPPD crystals in a 65-year-old man who presented with an asymptomatic swelling around the left ankle. Radiographs showed a dense homogenous calcification, and FNAC revealed dense calcium deposits with numerous rhomboid-shaped crystals. It was managed by en bloc excision, and postoperative biopsy reports confirmed the diagnosis. Possibility of pseudogout should be kept as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with calcified soft tissue swellings and should be subjected to a detailed histopathological examination for confirmation.

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Introduction: Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of vaginal discharge among women in reproductive age. The normal flora of the vagina varies from person to person, but lactobacilli are usually the preponderant organism. Bacterial flora also contains other aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms. Some of these are considered to be pathogenic. It is recognized that, bacterial vaginosis may be associated with pelvic inflammatory disease, preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PROM), post operative gynaecologic infections and abnormal Papanicolaou smear. Objective: 1) to find the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis. 2). To find the most cost effective reliable method for diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis. Method: A total of 360 consecutive women with complaints of vaginal discharge were considered for the study. The study was undertaken from January 2015 till June 2016 at KBN medical college and hospital, Gulbarga, Karnataka. BV was diagnosed based on Amsel's composite criteria and Nugent's scoring system. pH was determined, Whiff amine test for the presence of fishy odor and the presence of the clue cells on vaginal smear were observed. Gram staining was performed for Nugent's method. Result: Prevalence of BV was 44.16%. Most common affected age group was between 24-35 years. Routinely a combination of various methods are used for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV), although nugent criterion is considered as the gold standard method The prevalence rate of BV in present study was high. Conclusion: With limited resources in developing countries, there is a great need for inexpensive diagnostic methods for bacterial vaginosis. Amsel's criteria is as good as Nugent's scoring in diagnosis of BV and it is simple, easy, cost effective, fast and reliable, and can be done in OPD which can be used for precise and fast treatment.

Introduction: As the lower genital tract is directly exposed to the external environment, it is subjected to inflammation as well as infection, which may remain localized or may progress to other areas such as the endometrium, fallopian tubes, peritoneal cavity and, less likely, the ovaries. Vaginitis is a common health problem. The main aim of the present study is to recognize the cytological manifestations in vaginitis and to identify the possible causative agent. Materials and Methods: Cytologic evaluations of vaginal smear were made in 167 patients. Clinical details were obtained by examining the patients and relevant investigations were noted. With the consent of the patient posterior vaginal fornix was swabbed with cotton tipped applicator. PH was determined. Whiff's amine test was done for presence of fishy amine odor. Wet mount preparation was immediately made and examined under microscope. Three smears were made, one each for Gram's, Giemsa and papanicolaou. Result: Out of 167 cases, most common cytological diagnoses offered were Bacterial vaginosis (50.8%), Koilocytotic atypia (13.7%), Trichomonas vaginalis infestations (12.5%), and vaginal candidiasis (4.8%). Majority were in age group 21-30 years (49.59%). Conclusion: There were diverse cytologic manifestations in vaginitis and was useful in identifying the possible etiological factors. Hence the results obtained are useful in screening large population.

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