Orbital malignant melanoma associated with nevus of Ota.

Nevus of Ota (oculodermal melanosis) is a dermal melanocytic hamartoma with bluish hyperpigmentation along the first and second branches of the trigeminal nerve. Extracutaneous involvement, especially ocular, has been reported. A 45-year-old male presented with malignant melanoma of the left orbit in association with nevus of Ota. Being locally invasive, a modified exenteration with frontal flap repair was done on left eye. Adjuvant chemotherapy was given after wound healing. All pigmented lesions of the eye require close monitoring to help in the early diagnosis. Since malignant transformation has been reported in oculodermal melanosis, close follow-up and patient education will facilitate early diagnosis and prompt management. This case is reported for its rarity and unusual presentation.

Interaction of potassium phosphonate fungicide in laterite soil.

Potassium phosphonate is a fungicide widely used to control Phytophthora fungi species in many crops all over the world. In this paper, an attempt has been made to study the interaction of potassium phosphonate with soil under varying pH and calcium level. Several reports available in literature indicate that the phosphonate in organic form adsorb strongly on almost all mineral surfaces and natural materials like soil and sediments. The present study conducted on laterite soil of Kerala using 2 mm sieved sample indicated that phosphonate obeys Freundlich adsorption isotherm. Though at lower concentrations, Langmuir model equally fits well, deviation was observed at higher concentrations. pH and calcium content of the soil had striking influence on the interaction of the chemical with the soil. The calcium source also appeared to influence the adsorption phenomenon. Since potassium phosphonate is extensively used to control Phytophthora fungi species in black pepper (Piper nigrum) plantations in India and liming is a standard practice followed as soil amendment in acid soils to increase the soil pH, this study may help to maintain good soil quality.

HDL-cholesterol--a sensitive parameter of hepatic function in infective hepatitis.

HDL-cholesterol was estimated along with other biochemical parameters of hepatic function in infective hepatitis. Infective hepatitis was characterized by significantly decreased levels of HDL-cholesterol. Follow up studies indicated a good correlation of changes in HDL-cholesterol to severity of disease in all the cases whereas standard liver function tests showed equivocal changes in some cases. HDL-cholesterol may serve as a sensitive indicator of hepatic function in infective hepatitis.