DO THE INDUSTRY AFFILIATION OF A COMPANY IMPACT ITS EFFECTIVE TAX RATE? - AN ANALYSIS OF INDIAN FIRMS

There are various determinants of the Effective Tax Rate of a company. This study attempts to ?nd out whether industry association impact Effective Tax Rates. Tax Rates and Tax Laws are speci?c to jurisdictions, and the results may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The study focuses on Indian conditions to examine the relationship between industry classi?cation and the Effective Tax Rate (ETR) of companies. The study covers the standalone ?nancials of the top 500 listed companies. Results show a signi?cant impact of the industry association on the Average Effective Tax Rate

Prevalence and Correlates of Vitamin D Deficiency Among Children and Adolescents From a Nationally Representative Survey in India

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and its correlates among apparently healthy children and adolescents. Methods: We carried out a secondary analysis of data of Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey 2016-18 to analyze the pre-valence and predictors of VDD among Indian children and adolescents. Results: The over-all prevalence of VDD in preschool children (1-4 years), school age (5-9 years) children, and adolescents (10-19 years) was 13.7%, 18.2%, and 23.9%, respectively. Age, living in urban area, and winter season were significantly associated with VDD. Vegetarian diet and high-income households were the main risk factors observed in 5-19 years age category. Female sex and less than three hour of physical activity/week were independent risk factors among adolescents. Conclusion: The prevalence and determinants of VDD across different age-groups are reported, and these should be interpreted and addressed to decrease the burden of VDD in India.

Role of polymerase chain reaction–based viral detection in pterygia

Purpose: Pterygium is a fibrovascular disease that originates in the conjunctiva and commonly spreads to the corneal surface, thereby posing a threat to eyesight. Despite intensive research, the pathophysiology of this disease remains unclear. Recent research suggests that oncogenic viruses, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), cytomegalovirus, and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), may play a role in pterygia development. Although there are questions concerning the function of oncogenic viruses in pterygium pathogenesis, existing research shows a lack of consensus on the subject, demonstrating the heterogeneity of pterygium pathophysiology. Therefore, we aimed to simultaneously detect the three common viral pathogens that have been reported in pterygium tissue obtained after excision. Methods: Thirty?five tissue specimens of pterygium from patients undergoing pterygium surgery (as cases) were analyzed for evidence of viral infection with multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and virus?specific real?time quantitative PCR was used for the samples that were detected positive by multiplex PCR. Results: Of the 35 patients, one sample was positive for EBV and two samples were positive for HPV. Further PCR?based DNA sequencing of the HPV PCR?positive product showed identity with HPV?16. Real?time quantitative PCR on samples that showed EBV or HPV positivity did not yield any detectable copy number. Conclusion: Our study results confirmed that PCR positivity could be due to transient flora, but it was not quantitatively significant to conclude as the causative factor of pterygium pathogenesis. However, additional studies with larger sample populations are warranted to fully determine the role of the virus in pterygium.

MORPHOMETRIC STUDY OF THE FRONTAL HORN OF LATERAL VENTRICLES OF BRAIN BY IMAGING USING COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY

Introduction The cerebral ventricular system consists of a series of interconnecting spaces and channels which originate from the central lumen of the embryonic neural tube. The ventricular system ?lled with cerebrospinal ?uid, is an essential part of the brain. Understanding the normal anatomy and the variations of the ventricular system of brain is helpful for clinicians, neurosurgeons and radiologists in day-to-day clinical practice1. Aims And Objectives To determine the average dimensions and variations of the frontal horn of the normal lateral ventricles of brain by CT scan. Materials And Methods The study was conducted in individuals who attended the Department of Radiodiagnosis in Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. Those patients whose brain CT scans were read as normal by the radiologist were taken up for the study. A total of 200 CT brain of individuals above 10 years of age were taken during the period from January 2017 to June 2018.100 males and 100 females were included in the study group. The length of the frontal Results horn of lateral ventricle of brain was found to be more on the left side and in male gender. It was also observed to be increasing with age. The present study outlines the normal values of the length of frontal horn of the lateral ventricles of brain Conclusion using Computerized tomography which would aid in the diagnosis and management of neurological disorders.

Adult hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis triggered by disseminated tuberculosis and Klebsiella pneumoniaeco-infection in an immunocompetent individual-a diagnostic challenge

Here in we report a diagnostically challenging case of adult hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) triggered by disseminated tuberculosis and Klebsiella pneumoniaeco-infection in an immunocompetent Individual. She was a young female presented with complaints of fever, abdominal pain and jaundice. Her evaluation showed cytopenias, hyperbilirubinemia, transaminitis, and hepatosplenomegaly. She progressed to have multi-organ involvement in the form of myocarditis, pleural effusion. Provisional diagnosis of fever with unknown origin and sepsis with multiple-organ dysfunction was made and evaluated for the same. Rapid clinical deterioration with evaluation for sepsis being normal prompted for considering HLH in the differential diagnoses, bone marrow and other criteria have been met resulting in confirmation of the same. Without prior past or family history of HLH, secondary HLH was suspected and substantial evaluation for possible triggers was made, and concomitantly immune suppression was started with corticosteroids. Disseminated tuberculosis was diagnosed and concomitantly Klebsiella pneumoniaewas isolated from the bronchioalveolar lavage cultures. As there was no significant immune response culmination, intravenous immunoglobulins were added along with the treatment for possible triggers-tuberculosis and Klebsiellasimultaneously. Patient showed significant improvement with this approach. In conclusion management of HLH is different from conventional sepsis and the treatment for each cause of HLH also varies. Furthermore, this case report stresses on the importance for initiating treatment rapidly and tailored approach of management therapy for each case.

Aspergillus spp., a versatile cell factory for enzymes and metabolites: Interventions through genome editing

Aspergillus sp. is widely distributed in nature and plays significant roles in the degradation of lignocellulose biomass and extensively used in bioprocess and fermentation technology and many species are also a generally regarded safe. Many of the Aspergillus species are established cell factories due to their inherent capacity in secreting large number of hydrolytic enzymes. With the advent of next generation genomic technologies and metabolic engineering technologies, the production potential of Aspergillus cell factory has improved over the years. Various genome editing tools has been developed for Aspergillus like engineered nucleases, zinc finger nucleases, TALEN and CRISPR-Cas9 system. Currently, the CRISPR/Cas9-based technique is extensively used to enhance the effectiveness of gene manipulation in model system Aspergillus nidulans and other strains like Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus. This review describes the recent developments of genome editing technologies in Aspergillus the synthesis of heterologous proteins and secondary metabolites in the Aspergillus species.

Pleomorpic Adenoma of Infratemporal Fossa Co- Existing with Actinomycosis: A Rare Case Report with Review of Literature

Introduction: Salivary gland tumors account for about 3% of head and neck tumors and the majority are benign in nature. Among these, the most common pathological type is pleomorphic adenoma also called the mixed tumor. It is a kind of tumor containing glandular tissue, myxoid and cartilage-like tissue. As the structure of the tissue is diverse, it is called a “mixed tumor.” Actinomycosis is a chronic suppurative bacterial infection caused by Actinomyces israelii. In this case report, we are presenting a rare co-existence of pleomorphic adenoma and Actinomycosis in the infratemporal fossa. Case description: A 40-year-old female patient complains of pain over the upper left back tooth region for the past 6months. The patient had a past history of a small lesion in 28 region which resulted in constant irritation. The patient had consulted the dentist for the same and underwent extraction of 28 and 38 three years back, which was thought to be the cause of the swell- ing. Conclusion: The case highlights the importance of proper history taking, clinical examination, and histopathological examina- tion in arriving at a precise diagnosis of a lesion irrespective of size and clinical presentation.

ANSA PECTORALIS – ANATOMY AND APPLIED ASPECTS

Ansa pectoralis is the loop of communication between medial and lateral pectoral nerves, seen anterior to the second part of axillary artery. It carries C7 ?bres from the lateral cord to the medial pectoral nerve and supplies sternocostal part of pectoralis major muscle. Its damage can cause weakness of the sternocostal part of pectoralis major muscle. Section of the ansa pectoralis is done as a treatment modality to reduce spasm of pectoralis major after strokes. It is also used as nerve graft. There are only few articles which describe the anatomy of Ansa pectoralis. We conducted a dissection study in 36 pectoral regions of embalmed human cadavers to ?nd out the number, location, formation and branches of Ansa pectoralis. During dissection of the pectoral region, the formation of Ansa was seen to be of four different types. 72.2%(26 out of 36) was either between inferior or deep branch of lateral pectoral nerve and medial pectoral nerve or between the inferior lateral pectoral nerve and medial pectoral nerve (type A). In 6 cases (16.7%) it was between trunk of the lateral pectoral nerve and medial Pectoral nerve (type B). In 3 cases (8.3%), it was arising from lateral cord itself (Type C). In one case (2.7%) it was found to be arising from trunk and inferior branch of lateral pectoral nerve (Type D). The communicating loop was on the axillary artery in about 52.8% percentage of specimens, distal and plastered to the deep surface of pectoralis minor muscle in the 30.5% and multiple in 16.7%. The anatomy of Ansa pectoralis shows many variations. These are important while planning surgeries in pectoral region like breast augmentation, pectoral nerve blocks and harvesting pectoral nerve grafts.

Proteomic profiling of Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 19606 and Malaysian isolated clinical strain AB-13 using 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis

Aims@#Acinetobacter baumannii has been identified as one of the six most pathogenic bacteria that is the cause of most hospital bacterial infections according to Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA). These nosocomial pathogens are notorious worldwide due to its ability in causing lethal infections among immunocompromised patients and its resistance to many strong antibiotics. This study aims to compare the expressed proteins of two A. baumannii strain, ATCC 19606 and a pathogenic clinically isolated strain known as AB-13. @*Methodology and results@#AB-13 clinically strain was isolated from the lower respiratory tract of a patient with pneumonia. In this study, the proteomic profile of both ATCC 19606 and AB-13 are produced using 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The total protein contents were extracted, quantified and separated using 2-DE with a pH range of 4-7 to acquire the proteomic profile for comparison. The final analytical gel was analysed using Delta2D software and among the 324 protein spots successfully resolved, 10 spots exhibited signs of differential expression with 7 spots found to be downregulated and 3 spots upregulated (p< 0.01). These differences could signify the evolution AB-13 has undergone as it acquires traits ultimately aiding in its survivability, antimicrobial resistance and pathogenicity within varied environments especially during infections.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#These findings support the presence of variation in AB-13 from a proteomic perspective, highlighting the pathogen’s evolution improving survivability and pathogenicity, warranting in-depth exploration towards understanding A. baumannii virulence and pathogenicity.

A de novo marker chromosome 15 in a child with isolated developmental delay

We report a rare case of a 14-month-old male child who was referred for developmental delay. Clinical examination revealed a hypotonic infant with speech delay and no dysmorphic features. The banding cytogenetics revealed a small supernumerary marker chromosome. Upon silver staining, the marker showed the presence of satellite regions on either ends. Further, analysis using fluorescence in situ hybridization on marker chromosome revealed its origin from chromosome 15.

Prospective evaluation of fiducial marker placement quality and toxicity in liver CyberKnife stereotactic body radiotherapy

Background@#Evaluate morbidities and “quality” of fiducial marker placement in primary liver tumours (hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]) for CyberKnife. @*Materials and Methods@#Thirty-six HCC with portal vein thrombosis(PVT) were evaluated for “quality” of fiducial placement, placement time, pain score, complications, recovery time and factors influencing placement. @*Results@#One hundred eight fiducials were placed in 36 patients. Fiducial placement radiation oncologist score was “good” in 24(67%), “fair” in 4(11%), and “poor” in 3(8%) patients. Concordance with radiologist score in “poor”, “fair”, and “good” score was 2/2(100%), 4/5(80%), and 24/27(89%), respectively(p=0.001). Child-Pugh score(p=0.080), performance status(PS) (p=0.014) and accrued during “learning curve”(p=0.013) affected placement score. Mean placement time(p=0.055), recovery time(p=0.025) was longer and higher major complications(p=0.009) with poor PS. Liver segment involved(p=0.484) and the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer(BCLC) stage did not influence placement score. “Good” placement score was 30% in first cohort whereas 93% in last cohort(p=0.023). Time for placement was 42.2 and 14.3 minutes, respectively(p=0.069). Post-fiducial pain score 0–1 in 26 patients(72%) and pain score 3–4 was in 2(6%). Five patients (14%) admitted in “day-care”(2 mild pneumothorax, 3 pain). Mortality in 1 patient(3%) admitted for hemothorax. @*Conclusion@#Fiducial placement is safe and in experienced hands, “quality” of placement is “good” in majority. Major complications and admission after fiducial placement are rare. Complications, fiducial placement time, recovery time is more during the “learning curve”. Poor Child-Pugh score, extensive liver involvement, poor PS have higher probability of complications.

Estimation of Effective Radiation Dose to the Eye Lens in Dental Cone Beam Computed Tomography

@#Introduction: Recent advancement in technology, has significantly improved the clinical application of Cone Beam Computed Tomography in the field of dentistry. The main objective of this study is to estimate the effective dose to the eye lens in Cone Bean Computed Tomography. Method: The effective dose to the lens of the eye was estimated using Dose Area Product (DAP) values from i-CAT 17-19 Platinum CBCT scanner during the CBCT examination of either the maxilla or mandible, with an exposure parameters of 120kVp and mAs 37.07. Results: The estimated effective dose for lens of the eye is 8.0±2.49mSv for voxel size 0.2 whereas 6.21±1.55mSv for voxel size 0.25 for CBCT of Mandible and 5.74±1.73mSv for voxel size 0.2 whereas 5.28±1.35mSv for voxel size 0.25 for CBCT of Maxilla. Conclusion: The effective dose to the lens of eyes for a standard protocols 0.2voxel with 26.9 sec and 0.25 voxel with 26.9 sec in CBCT for maxilla and mandible respectively are within the threshold limit of 2.0Gy. Therefore for further reduction of the effective dose to the lens of the eyes we recommend for developing a protocol with lower radiation dose and also implement the application of using an effective protective measures such as bismuth eye shield.

Prospective evaluation of fiducial marker placement quality and toxicity in liver CyberKnife stereotactic body radiotherapy

Background@#Evaluate morbidities and “quality” of fiducial marker placement in primary liver tumours (hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]) for CyberKnife. @*Materials and Methods@#Thirty-six HCC with portal vein thrombosis(PVT) were evaluated for “quality” of fiducial placement, placement time, pain score, complications, recovery time and factors influencing placement. @*Results@#One hundred eight fiducials were placed in 36 patients. Fiducial placement radiation oncologist score was “good” in 24(67%), “fair” in 4(11%), and “poor” in 3(8%) patients. Concordance with radiologist score in “poor”, “fair”, and “good” score was 2/2(100%), 4/5(80%), and 24/27(89%), respectively(p=0.001). Child-Pugh score(p=0.080), performance status(PS) (p=0.014) and accrued during “learning curve”(p=0.013) affected placement score. Mean placement time(p=0.055), recovery time(p=0.025) was longer and higher major complications(p=0.009) with poor PS. Liver segment involved(p=0.484) and the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer(BCLC) stage did not influence placement score. “Good” placement score was 30% in first cohort whereas 93% in last cohort(p=0.023). Time for placement was 42.2 and 14.3 minutes, respectively(p=0.069). Post-fiducial pain score 0–1 in 26 patients(72%) and pain score 3–4 was in 2(6%). Five patients (14%) admitted in “day-care”(2 mild pneumothorax, 3 pain). Mortality in 1 patient(3%) admitted for hemothorax. @*Conclusion@#Fiducial placement is safe and in experienced hands, “quality” of placement is “good” in majority. Major complications and admission after fiducial placement are rare. Complications, fiducial placement time, recovery time is more during the “learning curve”. Poor Child-Pugh score, extensive liver involvement, poor PS have higher probability of complications.

Bioconversion of D-xylose to D-xylonic acid by Pseudoduganella danionis

Sugar acids are organic acids formed by the oxidation of carbonyl or hydroxyl group of monosaccharides to carboxylic acid group. D-xylonic acid derived via bioconversion of D-xylose is a promising platform chemical with various applications in food, chemical, agriculture, and pharmaceutical industries. The efficacy of a newly isolated culture identified as Pseudoduganella danionis to produce D-xylonic acid from D-xylose was investigated. The culture appeared to be potent for a feasible bioprocess development for xylonic acid production. Production medium containing 10 g/L D-xylose resulted in 6.5 g/L D-xylonic acid production after 120 h of incubation with 1% (v/v) inoculum of P. Danionis.

Fecundity Studies Of Andrographis Paniculata On Drosophila Melanogaster

Objective: Andrographis paniculata is widely used in Asia for various medicinal purposes. The plant has a major bioactive chemical constituent Andrographolide, which exhibits various essential pharmacological properties. Recently, to enhance immunity against viral fevers especially dengue viral fever during monsoon season, Tamil Nadu state government has advised rural health centres to provide a tea or kashayam made from a mixture containing this plant leaf along with selected plant roots and leaves. However, there is concern among the general public population that this plant extract may have a negative impact on potency. This study is being done to investigate the toxic effects of Andrographis paniculata on fecundity and physiological properties of Drosophila melanogaster. Methods: The flies were treated and mated in pure and mixed form of Andrographis paniculata separately. Results: The results were obtained in the form of egg count, which was compared to control and the conclusion was obtained that Andrographis paniculata might affect the fecundity and at the same time, it was observed that the developmental span from an egg to an adult fly increased upon treatment in successive generations. More importantly, the effect of pure form plant on the fecundity was found to be significant, while that of the mixed form was not. On mating a treated male with an untreated female and an untreated male with a treated female when the treatment is being discontinued, it can be very well seen that there is no effect on the fecundity of the flies. Conclusion: Since the continuity of the treatment played a major role on the effect of fecundity, highlighting the importance of the period of treatment and the exposure time of the compound on the fly system, therefore this research suggests that the conception of tea or kashayam extracted from mixed plant content could not have the same effect as the similar concentration of pure Andrographis paniculata and it does not have any acute effect on the fecundity when being consumed over a short period of time in Drosophila melanogaster model.

Antimicrobial susceptibilities and random amplified polymorphic DNA-PCR fingerprint characterization of Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis and Candida rugosa from two major hospitals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

@#The purpose of this study is to characterize 3 non-albicans Candida spp. that were collected from two major hospitals in a densely populated area of Kuala Lumpur for their susceptibilities to azole and genetic background. Fifteen non-albicans Candida clinical isolates in two major hospitals in Kuala Lumpur area of Malaysia were collected by convenience sampling during 2007 and 2010. The genetic diversity of 15 non-albicans Candida species comprising C. glabrata (n = 5), C. parapsilosis (n = 5) and C. rugosa (n = 5) were assessed by RAPD-PCR typing. Strains were initially identified using biochemical tests and CHROMagar Candida medium. Fluconazole and voriconazole susceptibilities were determined by E-test method. Commercial kits were used for DNA extraction and amplification with RAPD primers (OPA02, OPA03 and OPA08). PCR conditions were optimized and simultaneous identification was possible by agarose gel electrophoresis of PCR products and the bands obtained were analyzed using BioNumerics Applied Maths v.6.6 software. The RAPD primers used in this study generated 100% polymorphic profile. Cluster analysis using the RAPD-PCR profile showed 12.5-25% similarity among the strains. The genetic diversity was based on the strain susceptibility towards both the azoles, site of isolation and place according to their unique banding patterns. In contrast, strains susceptible to azoles were found to be genetically similar with clonal dissimilarity. The use of OPA02, OPA03 and OPA08 primers in differentiating non-albicans Candida spp. underscores the higher resolution of RAPD-PCR as a reliable tool for strain/species level differentiation.

Serum magnesium levels and mean platelet volume (MPV) as biomarkers in acute myocardial infarction

Background: Myocardial infarction which is an outcome measure in clinical trials, observational studies and quality assurance program have several conventional risk factors which include older age, hypertension, diabetes, decreased physical activity, alcohol intake, smoking, abdominal obesity, highrisk diet, psychological stress. Hypomagnesemia and means platelet volume is now recognized as a significant risk factor for atherogenesis, and thus for hypertension, ischemic heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias, coronary vasospasm, sudden cardiac death, cerebrovascular accident, and myocardial infarction. The aim of the study: To determining the relationship between serum Magnesium levels on platelet reactivity in Acute Myocardial infarction. Therefore in this study, we attempted to find the impact of serum Magnesium level on the Mean Platelet Volume and the use of these parameters as novel biomarkers to predict AMI. Materials and methods: A case-control study was carried out in the Department of Cardiology, Govt. Royapettah Hospital/ Kilpauk Medical College. Totally 88 Acute Myocardial Infarction patients (for the estimated prevalence of 30.36% in urban Indian population) admitted in the Intensive Coronary Care Unit between July to October 2015 and 88 age and sex-matched apparently normal individuals were included. Fasting venous peripheral blood samples were drawn within 48 hours of admission. Blood samples were taken into standardized trisodium citrate tubes (stored at room N. Jayaprakash, V. Madhavan, Aswanaa Kamanuru Govindarajulu. Serum magnesium levels and mean platelet volume (MPV) as biomarkers in acute myocardial infarction. IAIM, 2019; 6(4): 1-8. Page 2 temperature) and a sterile vacutainer which was serum separated, aliquoted into 2 Eppendorf’s and stored at minus 20 º C until further analysis. Results: Both the Systolic and Diastolic Blood pressure was significantly elevated in the cases (p= 0.000) which was statistically significant. The Fasting Blood Glucose levels were raised in AMI patients (p=0.001) although only 38.6% were known Diabetics. Urea levels were increased in cases (p=0.007) which was significant. The serum magnesium values were significantly lower in AMI patients in comparison to the normal individuals (p= 0.000) and the Mean Platelet Volume was significantly elevated in the cases than the control (p=0.004). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that Magnesium levels were reduced in AMI patients and that Mean platelet Volume was elevated in AMI patients however a cause-effect relationship between the two parameters was not established. However, we propose that MPV and Magnesium may be useful biomarkers in identifying patients with increased risk for AMI. Further, a cohort study design including all the confounding variables can better address their relationship and role as adjuvant biomarkers in the diagnosis of AMI.

Toxicological Profile On Ayapodi Elagam - A Siddha Herbomineral Formulation In Wister Albino Rats

Ayapodi Elagam (A.E) was used in Siddha system of medicine for many years to treat Pandu (Anemia). This medicine contains Nellikai, Keezhanelli, Karisalai and Ayam. These herbs are helps to improve the blood to correct the anemia. This study was carried out to evaluate the acute and chronic toxic effect on Ayapodi Elagam and to determine the LD50. The toxicity study was done as per the guidelines of world health organization (WHO) guideline. As the herbs and Ayam were used for treating anemia by traditional practitioners for years together, the toxicity study was also proposed to study in both sexes. In acute study the animals were divided into two groups A.E was administered at 5000mg/kg orally and animals were observed for toxic sign at 0,5,1,4,24 hour and for 14 days. In chronic toxicity study A.E was administered at 450,900 and 1800 mg/kg body weight/day to 3 groups of animal, respectively. The distilled water was administered to control animals. The result showed that the acute toxicity study of A.E. at the dose level of 5000mg/kg does not produce any toxic sign and mortality among the experimental groups and the LD50 value of the drug was found to be more than 5000mg/kg bodyweight. The weight of rats, wellness parameters, mortality, hematological parameters, biochemical parameters and histological analysis of all vital organs were observed to know the chronic toxic effect of the drug. All the parameters of the study do not show the any significant chances between the control and experimental groups.

Culture-positive unilateral panophthalmitis in a serology-positive case of dengue hemorrhagic fever

Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne disease commonly found in the tropics, is one of the most prevalent forms of Flavivirus infection in humans. Symptomatically, it is characterized by fever, arthralgia, headache, and rash. Ophthalmic manifestations can involve both the anterior and posterior segment. Panophthalmitis is rare in dengue hemorrhagic fever, and there is no report of culture-positive panophthalmitis in this setting. Here, we report a case of a serology-positive 33-year-old male patient of dengue hemorrhagic fever who developed sudden onset pain, redness, and proptosis in the right eye. The patient subsequently developed panophthalmitis in his right eye, and Bacillus cereus was isolated from eviscerated sample. This case provides unique insights into pathogenesis of panophthalmitis in dengue and highlights the management options.

Catechin, an active constituent of green tea, preserves skeletal muscle activity in dexamethasone induced cachexia by increasing acetylcholine sensitivity in muscles of Wistar rats

Chronic administration of glucocorticoids produces cachexia like symptoms such as muscular dystrophy, weight loss and skeletal muscle dysfunction. However, only limited options are available for treatment of this disease. One of the tea catechins, epigallocatechin-3-gallate attenuated skeletal muscle atrophy in cancer cachexia. In this context, we explored here (+)-catechin hydrate (catechin) for of its anticachectic activity in dexamethasone induced muscle dystrophy. Dosing of catechin at 100 mg/kg p.o. was continued for 5 days along with a daily dosing of dexamethasone at 0.6 mg/kg i.p. On the 6th day, animals were assessed for cachectic condition using changes in body weight, functional aspect of skeletal muscle such as muscle integrity, locomotor activity, handgrip strength, glucose uptake, responsiveness of skeletal muscle to acetylcholine, by estimating inflammatory parameters such as nitrite, myeloperoxidase in the gastrocnemius muscle and by evaluating plasma biochemical parameters such as triglycerides, total protein, albumin, creatinine, urea and IL-6 levels. Except for a few parameters, such as body weight, glucose uptake by hemi-diaphragm and triglyceride level, remaining parameters were significantly reversed by catechin treatment. The underlying mechanism of the myoprotective action of catechin has been postulated by the increased sensitivity of muscle to acetylcholine as demonstrated in this study, which might be responsible for prevention of muscle inflammation.