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Occurrence of Primary intraosseous mucoepidermoid carcinoma (PIOC) within the jaw bones from aberrant salivary tissues is extremely rare. Mandible is more commonly affected but occurrence in maxilla is very rare. The origin of mucoepidermoid carcinoma is controversial and debatable. Primary Intraosseous mucoepidermoid carcinoma is frequently misdiagnosed radiographically and clinically as a benign odontogenic tumor or cyst.Primary Intraosseous Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma has distinct and specic radiological and morphological features for its diagnosis. The main modality of treatment is surgery and appropriate patients are offered adjuvant radiotherapy. This paper reports a case of central mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the Maxilla which was presented as complaints of pain and swelling of upper jaw.Then, he was treated with surgery followed by adjuvant treatment as per specimen pathological report. Here, we have used Simultaneous Integrated Boost technique with helical IMRT for Radiotherapy along with concurrent chemotherapy for treatment of revised margins following positive margins status. Central mucoepider Summary: moid carcinoma is a rare entity with highly selective radiological, histological and immunohistochemical criteria with overall around 150 cases reported. Due to rarity of occurrence, consensus guidelines for treatment protocol have not been established. Here we have described a similar case of a 25yrs old male patient that was diagnosed, surgically resected and has completed adjuvant chemo-radiation therapy at our centre

To evaluate efficacy and late toxicity of intensity-modulated radiotherapy with simultaneous integrated boost (IMRT-SIB) in definitive management of head-and-neck cancers.In this prospective interventional study, histological proven squamous cell carcinoma of oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx with stage T1-3 N0-3 M0 who were not candidates for concurrent chemotherapy were treated with IMRT-SIB with radical intent. Doses prescribed for IMRT-SIB to meet the clinical needs of nodal volumes were either SIB-66 schedule 66 Gray (Gy) prescribed to high risk (HR) planned target volume (PTV), 60 (Gy) to intermediate risk (IR) PTV and 54 Gy to low risk (LR) PTV in 30 fractions or SIB-70 schedule 70 Gy to PTV-HR, 59.4 Gy to PTV-IR and 56 Gy to PTV-LR in 33 fractions.Forty-five patients were included. Forty-two patients were treated with SIB-66 schedule and three patients with SIB-70 schedule. The median follow-up period was 21 (6-68) months. There was residual disease in three patients. Recurrence was observed in 24 patients. Most recurrences were in HR volume (n = 19) and three patients had distant failure. Estimated 2-year locoregional control, disease-free survival, and overall survival were 55.55%, 49.7%, and 51.1%, respectively. Grade 3 late skin toxicity, subcutaneous fibrosis, and xerostomia were observed in three patients.Efficacy and late toxicity of IMRT-SIB observed in our study suggest it as a suitable treatment option for patients who are not fit for chemoradiation.

Introduction:Dosimetric advantages of volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) over three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) are not established in a head-on comparison of a uniform group of locally advanced carcinoma of the cervix (LACC). Therefore, we conducted a dosimetric comparison of these two techniques in LACC patients.Materials and methods:Computed tomography (CT) data of histologically proven de novo LACC, including Stage IIB–IIIB and earlier stages deemed inoperable, were included in this prospective observational dosimetric study. Planning was initially done by 3D-CRT technique (dose of 45–50·4 Gy @ 1·8–2 Gy/# was used in the actual treatment), followed by VMAT planning and appropriate dosimetric comparisons were done in 39 cases.Results:For planning target volume coverage, D95, D98 and D100 (p < 0·0001 for all parameters) and V95 and V100 (p = 0·002 and p = 0·03), while 3D-CRT had a significantly better homogeneity index (HI)(p = 0·003). Dose to the urinary bladder was significantly reduced with VMAT compared to 3D-CRT for V20–V50, except V10. The doses to the rectum and abdominal cavity were significantly reduced with VMAT compared to 3D-CRT plans for all parameters (V10–V50). The number of organs at risks (OARs) for which constraints were met was higher with VMAT plans than with 3D-CRT plans, with at least four out of the five OARs protected in 46·1 versus 5·1% and all constraints achieved in 15·4% versus none.Conclusion:We conclude that in dosimetric terms, VMAT is superior to 3D-CRT for LACC.

Purpose Adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) in buccal mucosa cancers is guided by histopathological factors. The decision to treat ipsilateral or bilateral draining lymph node is on physician discretion and guidelines do not have a defined indication regarding this. We aimed to analyze the failure patterns and survival in buccal mucosa cancers treated with adjuvant ipsilateral RT. Materials and methods One hundred sixteen cases of post-operative buccal mucosa cancers-pT3 or more, node positive, close margins (1-5 mm), lymphovascular invasion positive, perineural invasion positive, depth of invasion >4 mm-treated with RT to primary and ipsilateral nodes from May 2013 to May 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were treated to a dose of 60-66 Gy (44 Gy in the first phase and a coned down boost of 16-22 Gy in the second phase) with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy on a linear accelerator. Primary end point was to assess control rates and secondary end point was to evaluate the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) outcomes. Results Median age was 46 years with male; female ratio of 110:6. The edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer stage distributions were I (3.4%), II (34.4%), III (24.1%), and IV (37.9%). At a median follow-up of 22 months, crude rates of local failure, regional failure, and contralateral neck failure were 9.4%, 10.3%, and 3.4%, respectively. The 2-year contralateral neck control rate was 94.9%. Pathological positive node portended poorer OS (86.6% vs. 68.6%; p = 0.015) and DFS (86.5% vs. 74.9%; p = 0.01). Conclusion Incidence of contralateral recurrence with ipsilateral irradiation in buccal mucosa cancers is low with descent survival outcomes, particularly in node negative cases.

Sebaceous carcinoma of the male breast is an exceedingly rare occurrence. Literature is inadequate about the prognosis and treatment of such malignancies. We report histo-pathological and immuno-histochemical (IHC) findings in a case of sebaceous carcinoma of breast of a 60-year-old male. An initial biopsy suggested sebaceous carcinoma. Total mastectomy was performed, followed by local radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy. The receptor status was triple negative. Pan cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen were positive, whereas S-100 was focally positive and HMB-45 and Melan A were negative. IHC is central to diagnosis and differentiation of these rare kind of tumours from the common invasive ductal carcinomas. The exact line of treatment following excision of the tumour is unclear. Local radiotherapy is generally indicated, whereas the role of adjuvant chemotherapy is uncertain. Wider reporting of such cases will help in widening the horizon of prognosis and management of these tumours.

Verrucous carcinoma (VC) is a locally invasive uncommon histopathological variant of oral squamous cell cancer. There is paucity of literature regarding control rates in these cases. We intend to report the outcomes in terms of administered treatment and control rates. 28 patients of oral cavity verrucous carcinomas treated at our institute from March 2014 to December 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic profile, histopathological features and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS for Mac (version 23.0). Median age was 54 years (range 31-75) with M:F ratio of 25:3. Buccal mucosa was the most common site. All patients underwent surgical resection except one. Of these, 24 had neck dissection; 12 had supra-omohyoid neck dissection, eleven had modified neck dissection and one patient underwent radical neck dissection. Three patients had their histology upgraded to squamous cell carcinomas in the post-operative histopathology. The post-operative staging was as follows: 21% stage I and 35% stage II. One patient opted for non-surgical approach and received radical concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Median follow up was 12 months (range 6-36). Two patients had local failures and one had a regional failure. No distant metastasis was found. There was one death. 14-Months survival rate was 92%. Estimated 18 month loco-regional control rate was 92%. Curative surgical resection remains the cornerstone for VC of oral cavity. Any change of histopathology post-operatively to squamous cell carcinoma is a poor prognostic sign and needs appropriate adjuvant treatment.

Introduction Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CTRT) remains one of the treatment options in patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) unwilling/unsuitable for radical surgery. We evaluated the role of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in MIBC patients treated with definitive CTRT. Material and methods 25 patients of histologically proven transitional cell MIBC (T2-T4a, N0, M0) unwilling/unsuitable for radical surgery (after maximal transurethral resection of bladder tumour) were recruited in this prospective study. Primary clinical target volume (CTV) consisted of the gross tumour and whole bladder. Primary planning target volume (PTV) and nodal PTV were prescribed 60 Gy and 54 Gy (both in 30 fractions). Concurrent chemotherapy was cisplatin (40 mg/m2) weekly. Acute toxicities were assessed as per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.0. Survival estimates were done from the date of registration using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results Median age was 70 years (37-80 years). Median overall treatment time was 45 days (44-51). Median number of chemotherapy cycles was 5 (range 3-6). 5 (20%) and 4 (16%) patients respectively suffered from acute grade ≥ 2 gastrointestinal and grade ≥ 2 genitourinary toxicities during treatment. One patient each had grade 3 anaemia and neutropenia. At a median follow-up of 34 months (10-45 months), 3-year progression-free survival and overall survival were 65.6% and 81.2% respectively. 3-year distant metastasis-free survival was 90.5%. Bladder preservation rate at 3 years was 68%. Conclusions Definitive CTRT with VMAT is well tolerated in patients with MIBC unsuitable for surgery and yields decent survival and bladder preservation outcome.

OBJECTIVES Randomized controlled trials have shown improved loco-regional control (LRC) and disease-free survival (DFS) by modest acceleration using six fractions per-week radiotherapy (RT) as compared to conventional fractionation in patients of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. We aimed to evaluate the role of pure modestly accelerated fractionated radiotherapy (PM-ART) using six fractions per-week in patients of postoperative oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Between May 2015 and July 2016, 40 OCSCC patients with ≥ 1 indication of RT were treated with adjuvant PM-ART, 60 Gray in 30 fractions over 5 weeks by three-dimensional conformal technique on a linear accelerator with a sixth 2 Gray fraction on Saturday using same fields. Primary endpoint was to assess acute toxicity, which was reviewed weekly during RT using Radiation Therapy Oncology Group criteria. RESULTS Maximal grade 3 oral mucositis, pharynx/esophageal toxicity, and skin toxicity were seen in 77.5%, 25%, and 17.5%, respectively. Two patients had grade 4 mucositis. 47.5% were on tube feeding during RT. All the patients were taken off Ryle's tube within 4 weeks of RT completion. The median RT completion duration was 36 days. Three patients had treatment interruptions. With a median follow-up of 21.2 months, the 2-year LRC, DFS, and overall survival rates were 87.5%, 83.5%, and 85%, respectively. There were two distant failures. CONCLUSION PM-ART is feasible and tolerable. The high acute mucositis rates did not result in increased consequential late toxicity.

Myxoid chondrosarcoma is a rare malignant neoplasm of bone or soft tissue origin, characterised by the presence of chondroid and myxoid matrix. These are traditionally radio resistant tumours, so wide surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment. However, radiotherapy is generally advised for high-grade lesions with poor prognostic factors with adjuvant chemotherapy. The treatment decisions are primarily guided by the histological grade, extent of surgical resection, and site of the neoplasm. A case of a 28-year-old male who presented with recurrent painful swelling in the mandibular region is discussed here. To date, very few cases of Extraskeletal Myxoid Chondrosarcoma (EMC) occurring in the mandible region have been reported. So, due to the paucity of available literature, controversies still exist regarding effective treatment approaches in newly diagnosed and recurrent cases. This case reports the clinical presentation, histopathology, radiological characteristics, immune profile, and treatment modalities used in EMC with a comprehensive and relevant review of the literature.

Babesiosis is an economically important tick-borne apicomplexan protozoan disease of cattle in tropical and subtropical regions. In the present study, Rhipicephalus microplus engorged female ticks were collected from 135 apparently healthy cattle from different agro-climatic zones of Punjab, India, to investigate the carrier status of Babesia bigemina infection in vector tick by using microscopy and PCR based assays. PCR when applied on DNA extracted from the egg masses harvested from ticks showed 1.48% (2/135) samples as positive, whereas 4.44% (6/135) samples were positive when product of primary PCR was used as template in nPCR. Further, among the DNA samples isolated from the unfed larval stages that emerged from egg masses laid by ticks, only 1.48% (2/135) samples were detected as positive for B. bigemina in PCR, while 7.41% (10/135) samples were detected positive in nPCR assay. Statistically, non-significant (p > 0.05) difference in prevalence rates was observed across different agro-climatic zones and between different age groups of cattle from which engorged ticks were collected. It can, thus, be concluded that prevalence of B. bigemina in the vector tick, R. microplus in Punjab state of India indicates an endemic status of the organism and a further study is needed for the management and control of the bovine babesiosis.

Background: The standard of care in high grade glioma (HGG) is maximal safe surgical resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) with/without chemotherapy. For anaplastic gliomas, studies have shown use of procarbazine, lomustine, vincristine (PCV) improves overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS). Currently, there is substantial evidence that molecular markers strongly predict prognosis and response to treatment. Methods: Between January 2016 to January 2018, 42 patients were accrued and followed up till April 2019. The primary end points were to correlate molecular markers with response to therapy in terms of OS and PFS in HGG. The secondary end point was to evaluate frequency of 1p/19q codeletion, IDH 1 mutation, ATRX deletion and p53 in HGG patients. Results: The median age was 46 years (range 18-67) with M:F ratio 30:12. The frequency of IDH1 mutation,1p/19q codeletion, p53 mutation and ATRX mutation were 42.8%, 16.6%, 42.8% and 14.2% respectively. All the seven patients with 1p/19q codeletion had IDH1 mutation. Median follow up was 22 months. The 20-months PFS for different mutations were as follows; IDH1-mutated vs wild type: 53.6% vs 29.8%; p-0.035, 1p/19q codeleted vs non-codeleted: 85.7% vs 62.3%; p-0.011, p53 wild type vs mutated 32.1% vs 35.6%; p-0.035 and ATRX lost vs retained: 55.6% vs 53.3%; p- 0.369. The 20-months OS for IDH1 mutated vs wild type: 82.4% vs 30.6%; p-0.014, 1p/19q codeleted vs non-codeleted: 85.7% vs 65.8%; p-0.104, p53 wild-type vs mutated 45.5% vs 73.9%; p-0.036 and ATRX lost vs retained: 100% vs 60.3%; p-0.087. Conclusion: Codeletion of 1p/19q with IDH1 mutation in HGG is associated with a significantly favourable PFS. However, larger studies with longer follow up are required to evaluate OS and PFS in all the molecular subgroups.

Introduction: Image Guided Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy (IG-IMRT) with marker based prostate localisation could potentially reduce the Planning Target Volume (PTV), thus reducing radiation toxicity. Aim: We retrospectively evaluated the influence of PTV reduction on radiation induced toxicity and biochemical control. Materials and Methods: This study was a single institution retrospective evaluation. Patients with histopathologically proven adenocarcinoma of prostate, age 18-80 years, Karnofsky performance status ≥70, T1c-T3bN0M0 and treated with definitive Radiotherapy (RT) were considered in the study. Patients were treated with two different approaches. The HRPTV in the PTV_7 arm was obtained by giving a 7 mm uniform PTV expansion of High-risk Clinical Target Volume (HR-CTV), except posterior margin (6 mm). While the HRPTV in the PTV_5 arm was formed by a 5 mm isotropic expansion. IG-IMRT was delivered in 2 phases with a total dose of 78 Gray in 39 fractions. Acute toxicities were graded weekly as per common terminology criteria for adverse events and late toxicities by the radiation therapy oncology group late morbidity criteria. Biochemical failure was defined by phoenix guideline. Results: Fifty patients (25 each arm) were evaluated with a median age of 68 years. At a median follow-up of 37 months (range 11-76), Grade 1, 2 and 3 overall late (3-year) Genitourinary (GU) toxicities were 68%, 24% and 8%, Gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities were 72%, 18% and 10%, respectively. The PTV_7 group had significantly higher Grade ≥3 chronic GI toxicities (10% vs. 0%, p=0.05), compared to PTV_5 group. However, there was non-significant difference in Grade ≥3 chronic GU toxicities (6% vs. 2%, p=0.6). Acute proctitis was significantly higher (48% vs. 16%, p=0.03) in the PTV_7 arm. The 3-year biochemical progression free survival rates were similar in both arms {89.5% (PTV_5) vs. 85.9% (PTV_7), p=0.47}. Conclusion: PTV reduction can be safely used with dose escalated radiotherapy while using marker based IG-IMRT. This may result in the reduction of chronic GI toxicity without compromising biochemical control.

Summary The aim of the present study was to determine copro-prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and their associated potential risk factors in pigs of Punjab (India). A total of 839 faecal samples were collected from pigs of all age group and sex from different agro-climatic zones of Punjab covering all seasons and subjected to qualitative and quantitative examination. Among the samples examined, 28.4 % were positive for gastrointestinal parasites and their respective prevalences were Ascaris suum (11.1 %), coccidia (9.41 %), Trichuris suis (6.43 %), Balantidium coli (4.5 %), amphistome (3.33 %), strongyle (2.14 %) and Ascarops strongylina (1.78 %). Upon sporulation of coccidian positive samples, 8 species of Eimeria were recorded (Eimeria polita, E. spinosa, E. scabra, E. perminuta, E. suis, E. debliecki, E. neodebliecki and E. porci). Among the various risk factors analysed, season, agro-climatic zones and managemental practices had a signifi cant (pHyostrongylus rubidus and Oesophagostomum species. The results of the current study would be of immense help in formulation and implementation of control strategies for effective control of gastrointestinal parasitism in pigs.

Synchronous cancers are defined as two or more primary cancers diagnosed in the same patient at the same time or within 6 months of diagnosis of each other. The diagnosis of multiple primary malignancies is not uncommon. A 70-year-old male reported to our hospital with chief complaints of change in voice and difficulty in swallowing solid food for 2 months accompanied anorexia since 20 days. The patient revealed occasional consumption of alcohol for 3 years and bidi smoking for 50 years (10 bidis per day). The patient was conscious, cooperative, and well oriented to time, place and person with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group of 0. On physical examination, the oral cavity and oropharynx were unremarkable. Direct laryngoscopy revealed ulceroproliferative growth in right-sided vallecula, right-sided aryepiglottic fold, right side arytenoid and pyriform sinus, and right vocal cord. Biopsy from this growth turned out to be poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the neck and thorax revealed 1.5 cm × 2.6 cm heterogeneously contrast enhancing lesion involving right aryepiglottic fold, pyriform fossa, posterior hypopharyngeal wall, and posterior aspect of both false vocal cords. Few subcentimeter lymph nodes were noted in right side Level II. The CT scan also showed some mass lesion abnormality in the upper section of liver images which could not be properly made out. Hence, triple-phase CT scan of the liver was done which to a great surprise showed 7.7 cm × 6.5 cm × 5.5 cm lesion in segment V and VIII, it showed enhancement on arterial phase, became prominent on portovenous phase and a delayed phase washout. Similar lesion measuring 4.4 cm × 4.1 cm was seen in segment VIII of liver; which was diagnosed radiologically as a multicentric hepatocellular carcinoma. Serum alpha fetoprotein was markedly elevated to a value of 28,600 ng/mL. A multidisciplinary tumor board discussion was done, and an intense literature review was done, and a decision was taken keeping in mind the overall performance score of the patient to commence with a high palliative radiotherapy for laryngeal cancer to a dose of 45 Gray in 15 fractions at a dose of 3 Gray per fraction and tablet tamoxifen at a dose of 60 mg/day till the end of radiation followed by switching over to tablet sorafenib. The patient ultimately developed uremia due to liver failure and died. The patient survived for a period of 3 months from the time of diagnosis of malignancy. Such cases need a meticulous approach for the diagnosis as well as treatment approaches. Keeping in mind the general condition of the patient and available therapeutic options, a patient-based specific approach could be developed.

Multiple primary neoplasms are a rare entity and is a growing concern as cancer survivorship is rapidly increasing with timely diagnosis and treatment. The prognosis depends on the stage of the disease and adequate management results in good outcomes. Here, we present a case of dual metachronous malignancy of colon and breast, with the breast primary developing 3 years after the treatment of adenocarcinoma colon. She received right colectomy with ileo-colostomy for colonic malignancy, followed by 8 cycles of adjuvant Capecitabine and Oxaliplatin. The breast malignancy was infiltrating ductal type, pT1N1 and Estrogen receptor positive. It was treated with breast conservation surgery and subsequently, received adjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy and is currently on hormonal therapy with Tamoxifen 20 mg daily. A detailed family history and genetic testing should be considered in such cases.

Vaginal malignant melanoma is a rare and aggressive neoplasm of the genital tract. It is associated with early dissemination and metastasis. It presents a diagnostic dilemma as it is often confused with squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina and/or cervix, hence, resulting in late diagnosis and poor prognosis. We present a case of malignant melanoma of vagina which was extensively metastatic at diagnosis. It was initially diagnosed after a frontal craniotomy done for a space-occupying lesion in the brain. Subsequently, multiple nodes were detected in axillary and inguinal regions. She was treated with palliative whole brain radiotherapy. Then, she received 6 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy, paclitaxel and carboplatin. Her disease progression is stable and her KPS has improved with the treatment. Prompt detection of metastasis followed by adjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy can control disease progression in metastatic disease.

Middle ear and external ear malignancies are rare. There is lack of consensus in managing such cases. Surgery followed by radiotherapy is the best option for advanced cancers, while radiotherapy alone in radical doses is sufficient for early disease. There is also dearth of literature in management of recurrence or metastasis. We present the case of a 25-year-old boy who had recurrence following surgery and radiotherapy for middle ear Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). He was started on gefitinib and showed remarkable improvement in symptoms within two months of the treatment.

A total of 311 equine faecal samples (190 horses and 121 mules) collected from six districts of Central Plain Zone, Punjab were examined using standard coprological methods. The results showed an overall prevalence of 27.33 % for strongyles with rare to mild type of infection as evident from egg per gram of faeces. In particular, amongst the examined samples, 17.90 % of horses and 42.14 % of mules were infected and the difference was statistically significant (P

Brain metastasis is a common occurrence in many solid malignancies. The radiological diagnosis is often determined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We report a case of a 60-year-old lady who had headaches for two months, followed by seizures. Her MRI showed multiple skull and brain parenchymal lesions simulating an infective etiology. Further investigations revealed a primary carcinoma of the right lung. The patient showed improvement in symptoms once chemotherapy was started. Brain metastases can masquerade as infective lesions and delay the diagnosis of malignancy. A high index of suspicion is required to allow a prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Background: Patients of head-and-neck cancer (HANC) undergoing chemoradiotherapy (CRT) are at high risk of malnutrition due to acute effects of radiotherapy (RT). This study was intended to assess weight loss and change in body mass index (BMI) during CRT with active diet counseling and nutritional supplementation. Aims and Objective: The primary end point was to assess loss of weight and BMI during treatment. The secondary end point is assessment of compliance to stipulated treatment time, frequency of nasogastric tube feeding, intravenous support, and duration of hospital admission. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study performed in Radiation Oncology department of a tertiary care center. Consecutive patients of HANC requiring definitive or adjuvant RT (±chemotherapy) were included. Nutritional status assessment and diet counseling were done before start of RT, and further weekly assessment of body weight and BMI was done. Results: Between December 2017 and December 2018, 128 patients were included in this study. Sitewise distribution were oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx in 69, 33, 9, and 17 patients, respectively. Weight loss and BMI comparison were done at the start and end of RT (mean weight: 53.86 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI]: ± 1.71, mean BMI: 21.52; 95% CI: ± 0.95 [at the start of RT] and mean weight: 48.30 kg; 95% CI: ± 1.58, mean BMI: 19.18; 95% CI: ± 0.88 [at the end of RT]).There was a significant reduction in weight (P

The prevalence of Theileria infection in tick vector Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum collected from healthy animals of Ludhiana district, Punjab was recorded to assess the natural infection level of theilerial parasite in the field condition. A total of 60 semi-engorged H. a. anatolicum were collected from cattle and their salivary glands were dissected out. One half of the salivary gland was stained with methyl green pyronin (MGP) and the other half was utilized for DNA isolation for molecular detection of Theileria infection. A PCR and nested PCR assays were standardized for the detection of T. annulata infection in salivary gland of H. a. anatolicum. The prevalence of T. annulata infection was recorded as 8.3, 20.0 and 60.0 % by MGP staining, primary PCR and nested PCR, respectively. Further, the prevalence was higher in female ticks (8.8 %) than male ticks (6.6 %). The results demonstrated that both primary and nested PCR assays are a valuable technique for detection of T. annulata infection in vector tick under field conditions.

Ticks and tick-borne diseases are a major constraint for the sustainable cattle industry in the tropical and subtropical regions including the Indian subcontinent. The development of resistance to most of the commonly used acaricides leads to an attempt to screen plant extracts and their combinations for their possible acaricidal activity to develop an eco-friendly tick control alternative. An alcoholic and various aqueous extracts of Piper longum, Piper nigrum and Zingiber officinale and their combinations were evaluated for acaricidal activity against the three-host ixodid tick, Hyalomma anatolicum by larval immersion test using 14–21 days old unfed larvae. The efficacy was assessed by measuring larval mortality (%) and the lethal concentrations for 50% (LC50) and 95% (LC95) with their 95% confidence limits (CL) values were estimated by applying regression equation analysis to the probit transformed data of mortality. A concentration-dependent mortality response was recorded in all extracts prepared from seeds of P. longum and P. nigrum and their combinations. The highest acaricidal property was exhibited by the alcoholic extract of P. longum seeds with the minimum LC50 and LC95 (95% CL) values of 0.071% (0.07–0.072) and 0.135% (0.13–0.14), respectively, followed by alcoholic combinations. Interestingly, no acaricidal activity was recorded in extracts prepared from the rhizome of Z. officinale. The results indicated that the ethanolic extracts of P. longum and P. nigrum and their combinations can be used effectively for tick control in an integrated format.

Introduction: Cervical cancer has a high incidence in developing countries including India. Brachytherapy (BT) is an important component in the curative management of carcinoma of the cervix, and significantly improves survival. In gynaecologic BT, correlation between the radiation dose and the normal tissue effects have been assessed using point doses. Since 1985, these points have been defined in the international commission of radiation units and measurements (ICRU-38) report. However GEC-ESTRO recommended volume based treatment planning in their respective series (I-IV). For cervical cancer BT, the correlation of ICRU point doses and volume based treatment planning is investigational till date. Analysis becomes feasible when cross sectional image-based treatment planning for BT using computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is utilised as per GEC-ESTRO recommendation. Methods: It is a retrospective pilot study includes patients (pts.) of carcinoma cervix treated with high dose rate (HDR) BT 9 Gy in 2 fractions 1 week apart. All volume based dosimeteric parameters regarding high risk clinical target volume (HRCTV), intermediate risk clinical target volume (IRCTV) like D90, D100 and for organ at risk (OAR) D 0.1 cc, D 1.0 cc and D 2.0 cc were delineated and dose coverage was analysed in point dose based planning. Results: We have analysed twenty pts. of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cervix. The median age was 52 yrs. (41-65 yrs), stage II B 10 pts. & III B 10 pts. The mean value of D90 & D100 in HRCTV during I and II session were 8.64, 6.75 and 5.76, 4.36 Gy respectively. Same values for IRCTV were 6.31, 4.91 and 3.68, 3.15 Gy respectively. Analysis of OARs demonstrated that mean dose received by 0.1, volume of bladder during I and II session received 10.68, 9.47, by 1 cc volume 8.39, 7.57 and by 2 cc volume 6.84, 6.21 Gy respectively. The mean dose received by 0.1 cc of rectum were 11.59, 10.12, by 1 cc volume 9.53, 8.19 and by 2 cc volume 7.76, 6.81 Gy respectively. In point based analysis mean dose delivered to bladder point during I and II session were 5.63, 6.02 and to rectum point were 5.98, 5.46 Gy respectively. Doses to 0.1 cc volume of bladder and rectum were higher in volume based BT as compared to point based BT in respective fractions. Conclusion: Both HRCTV and IRCTV had better dose coverage in 1st fraction as compared to 2nd fraction. Point doses to bladder and rectum is underestimated in point based (ICRU-38) BT. We need more number of pts in prospective randomized trial for more consistent result.