Toxicity of Nickel on the Selected Species of Marine Diatoms and Copepods

Toxicity values for nickel on marine diatoms and copepods were derived based on bioassay tests. The 96 h IC₅₀ of nickel on diatoms, Odontella mobiliensis and Coscinodiscus centralis were 0.31?±?0.01 and 0.62?±?0.02 mg/L and LC₅₀ values on copepods, Oithona similis and Acartia danae were 2.78?±?0.14 and 2.34?±?0.32 mg/L, respectively. The species mean chronic values of nickel were 0.016, 0.17, 0.57 and 0.42 mg/L for O. mobiliensis, C. centralis, O. similis and A. danae, respectively. A hazardous concentration was derived and evaluated using the species sensitivity distribution (SSD) method. SSD indicated that 13 µg Ni/L is the maximum allowable concentration for protection of 95% plankton species in coastal and marine ecosystem of India. Diatoms are more sensitive to nickel than copepods by almost an order of magnitude. The toxicity values derived in the present study may be useful to calculate ambient water quality criteria/standard for nickel.     

Iodine deficiency disorders and their prevention in India

New insights on the high prevalence of functional decompensation of the thyroid among newborn and children from several states of India as well as neighbouring countries of Nepal and Bhutan helped to prevent nutritional iodine deficiency and iodine deficiency disorders through country-wide iodized salt prophylaxis. Presently on the basis of scientific studies, salt iodization in India is saving millions of children from neonatal hypothyroidism related psycho-physical retardation.     

Acute recurrence of orbital cavernous hemangioma in a young man: a case report

A 29-year-old man presented with a history of prominent left eye of 6 months' duration. He also reported fluctuating blurred vision since 15 days ago. On examination, proptosis of 3 mm was noted in the left eye. Computed tomography (CT scan) of the orbits showed a well-circumscribed, hyperdense, intraconal mass lesion in left orbit, located in the inferotemporal quadrant. Orbitotomy was performed, and the tumor was delivered with an intact capsule. The clinical diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma was confirmed on histopathologic examination. The presence of intact capsule was confirmed grossly and with histopathology. The patient returned 6 weeks after surgery with recurrent proptosis. Repeated CT scan showed a recurrent intraconal mass of similar characteristics as in the primary presentation. A repeated orbitotomy was done, and the tumor was removed intact. Histopathology of the recurrent tumor confirmed the diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma. We report a rare case of orbital cavernous hemangioma with short-term recurrence (6 weeks).     

First record of Metzgeriinean bryophyte Pantiathallites gondwanensis gen. et sp. nov. in the Glossopteris floral assemblage of late early Permian of India

Beautifully preserved coalified specimens of dichotomously branched elongated, ribbon like thalloid metzgeriinean bryophyte, Pantiathallites gondwanensis gen. et sp. nov. is described from the late early Permian of Gondwana, India. The thalloid bryophytes once or twice forked with wider midrib occur abundantly in a rich assemblage of Glossopteris and Gangamopteris species and diverse sterile and fertile sphenophyte genera, including Annularia spp. in the Saharjuri basin of eastern India. The close association of the bryophytic remains with the rich assemblage of Glossopteris and Gangamopteris species and the diverse sphenophytes (Sphenophyllum, Phyllotheca common in the Saharjuri basin) suggest that P. gondwanensis was growing in tropical, subtropical, wet moist environment as under growth of the Glossopteris forest in lowland areas. The occurrence of microplankton cf. microforaminifera in groups on the thalloid branches suggest, the plants were thriving in estuarine environment.