Efficacy of Citrullus colocynthis seed extract on Earias vittella, Fabricius, (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): environment sustainable approach

Abstract Earias vittellaFabricius, 1794 (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) is deliberated to be one of the most destructive pests of cotton and okra vegetation in the world including Asia. The pest has established resistance to various synthetic insecticides. The use of bio-pesticide is one of the unconventional approaches to develop a vigorous ecosystem without harming non- target pests and beneficial natural insect fauna. In the present study, the toxicity levels of Citrullus colocynthis seed extract have been evaluated against the populations of E. vittellaunder standardized laboratory conditions. The toxic effects of C. colocynthis on development periods, protein contents and esterase activity of the life stages of E. vittella were also evaluated. The toxicity levels of methanol, ethanol, hexane, water and profenofos were evaluated on the 1st instar larvae of E. vittella. LC30 and LC80 concentrations exhibited the effectiveness of methanol-based C. colocynthis seed extract against 1st instar larvae of E. vitella. The enhanced larval and pupal periods were revealed in treated samples during the comparison with untreated samples. The intrinsic rate of increase, net reproductive rate in the LC30 and LC80 concentrations exposed larvae remained less than the control treatment. Fecundity, the esterase activity and protein contents were declined in LC30 and LC80 treated samples as compared to the control. The present findings suggest that C. colosynthis extracts based botanical insecticides are beneficial, ecosystem sustainable and can be integrated with insect management programs from environment safety perspective.

Assessing prescribing patterns for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in the national center for cancer care and research

PURPOSE

Chemotherapy is the mainstay of cancer treatment; however, chemotherapy treatment may cause nausea and vomiting, which could cause 25-50% of patients to consider delaying or refusing further cancer treatment. Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), can be prevented in 70-80% of patients with evidence-based anti-emetic regimen. The purpose of this study is to assess prescribing patterns with regard to prevention of CINV, in the national center for cancer care and research (NCCCR), and develop and implement a standardized evidence-based guideline for the management of CINV.

METHODS

25 anti-emetic prescriptions were audited to assess their conformity with either of the published guidelines; Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC), American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), or the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), to establish baseline data. A multidisciplinary team of clinical pharmacists and oncologists developed and implemented a guideline for the prevention of CINV. The guideline was promoted using a variety of strategies; education, pocket cards, academic detailing and pharmacist intervention. Physician anti-emetic orders were audited by pharmacists, to assess their conformity with NCCCR anti-emetic guidelines. A data collection form was developed to capture relevant information including; patient demographics, type and emetogenic level of chemotherapy, and the conformity of anti-emetic order with NCCCR guidelines. SPSS statistical software was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

The conformity of anti-emetic physician order with NCCCR anti-emetic guidelines increased from 0% baseline in June 2008 to an average of 60.006% (n = 331) by December 2010 and consistently increased reaching 94.3827% (n = 792) by December 2013, (p value 0.0002).

CONCLUSION

The introduction of anti-emetic guidelines succeeded in standardizing CINV management, toward an evidence-based approach.

Assessment of Bioautography and Spot Screening of TLC of Green Tea (Camellia) Plant Extracts as Antibacterial and Antioxidant Agents

This study was carried out as a prerequisite to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Camellia varieties. The crude extracts of six different plants of green tea Camellia assamica and Camellia sinensis were tested against three Gram-positive and four Gram-negative bacteria using agar disk diffusion method at 50 mg/ml concentration. 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) and diphenyl-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)iminoazanium free radical scavenging methods were performed to evaluate the antioxidant potential. Phytochemical constituents and trace metals were detected through thin layer chromatography and Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer, respectively. The maximum inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus was recorded by dimethyl sulphoxide extracts of green tea varieties. The measured zone of inhibition of dimethyl sulphoxide extracts by Qimen was (10.00±0.0 mm), Japanese (10.00±0.0 mm), Turkish (10.00±0.0 mm), Indonesian (8.33±1.0 mm), P3 clone (10.00±0.0 mm) and Sri Lankan (10.00±0.0 mm). Maximum scavenging potential activity was found with ethanol, methanol and dimethyl sulphoxide extracts. Spot screening of TLC-developed plates indicated that the presence of active biological compounds such as flavonoids, proteins, phenols, alkaloids and glycosides also exhibited strong activity against tested bacterial strains. This study reveals the potential biological activities of Camellia assamica and Camellia sinensis having massive phytochemical constituents and trace elements.

Catalyst driven optical properties of the self-assembled ZnS nanostructures

In this paper, we present the effect of different catalysts (Mn, Au and Sn) on the room temperature photoluminescence and Raman spectra of VLS grown ZnS nanostructures. The catalysts found to self-dope the ZnS nanostructures during its growth were confirmed by XRD and XPS results. The extent of self-doping, which depended on the type and size of catalysts, was observed strongly to have affected the optical properties of ZnS nanostructures, particularly intrinsic defects like S and Zn vacancies. Intense broad bands in the visible due to intrinsic defects, namely Zn and S vacancies were observed, which were quite different for each catalyst as well as for the size of the catalyst. Au and Mn catalyzed ZnS nanostructures also showed creation of catalyst related defects, which were absent in the case of Sn. From the PL spectra, an estimation of the Zn and S vacancies was made for each type of catalyzed ZnS nanostructures. Surface optic (SO) phonon modes of the ZnS nanostructures were also observed to behave differently for the three catalysts. The dielectric continuum model was applied to determine the correlation length and variation in the surface potential modulations in these nanostructures. It was deduced from optical studies that the location of dopant in self-doped ZnS nanostructures strongly affected the luminescence properties. Finally it was concluded that self-doping using a suitable catalyst can be a simple and controllable way to dope ZnS nanostructures with tailored optical characteristics.

Relationship of Age at First Live Birth, Parity and Duration of Breast Feeding with Non Familial Breast Cancer in Pakistani Women. A Study of the Cancer Research Group Pakistan

Background and objectives; This multicenter case control study is being conducted at seven different centers in Pakistan in order to find out the association and relationship of different hormonal and reproductive factors with breast cancer. These factors have been identified either as risk factors or protective factors for breast cancer in other communities but not in Pakistani women. Preliminary results from four centers are being reported here.Method; Patients attending these cancer treatment centers were interviewed by the trained medical personals and the findings were recorded in a proforma. Age and area matched unrelated controls were randomly selected and interviewed with same questions and findings were recorded in a corresponding proforma. SPSS version 11.5 was used for statistical analysis.Results; From June, 2008 to May, 2009 six hundred eighty eight cases were compared with an equal number of controls. Median age of cases was 47 years (26-70 years) and controls 47.5 years (25-71 years). One hundred ninety eight of cases (28.78%) and 208 of controls (30.23 %) gave first full term live birth before the age of 20. Sixty two cases (09.01%) and 38 controls (5.52%) gave first full term live birth after the age of 30. Seventy one cases and 65 controls were nulliparous.Fifty cases (07.27%) and 51 controls (07.41%) had only one child whereas 104 (15.12%) cases and 118 controls (17.15%) had more then 7 children.Breast feeding duration was more then 24 months in 410 (72.31%) of all women who had more then 1 child. Duration of breast feeding in cases Vs. control in women with 2-4 children, 5-7 children and more then 7 children was similar. Statistical analysis reveals that first live birth below the age of 20 and duration of breast feeding of greater then 24 months duration are not associated as protective factors in this patient population. Odds ratio of 1.35, 95% CI; 1.01-1.70 and 1.014, 95% CI; 0.80-1.22 respectively. Age at first live birth after 30 years of age seems to be positively associated with breast cancer. Odds ratio of 1.75, 95% CI; 1.15-2.65. These results do not support the young age at first full term pregnancy and prolonged duration of breast feeding as protective factors against the breast cancer.Key Words: Breast Cancer, Breast feeding, Parity, Risk Factor

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 2071.

Treatment of advanced chemo-refractory epithelial ovarian cancer with aromatase inhibitor

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Background: In advanced epithelial ovarian cancer non-steroidal antiestrogens yields clinical responses in a significant number of patients. This raises the possibility of therapeutic effectiveness of aromatase inhibitors in epithelial ovarian cancer in post menopausal women. Therefore this study was carried out to document the effectiveness of an aromatase inhibitor, in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer patients with unknown hormone receptor status. Methods: From January 2006 to April 2007, a total of 38 patients were enrolled. Patients with histopathologically confirmed advanced epithelial ovarian cancer were included. Other eligibility requirements were: postmenopausal women, failure of third-line chemotherapy, age between 50–70 years, bidimensionally measurable disease, and CA-125 of more than 100 u/mL. An adequate hematologic, hepatic, and renal profile, and ECOG performance of 0–2 was required. Tablet letrozole 2.5 mg orally once daily was given for 03 months. CA-125 and Miller criteria were used for response evaluation. Results: No patient showed the evidence of complete or partial clinical response. Four patients had stable disease for 8 weeks. All patients showed progressive disease on week 12. Conclusions: In this small series no evidence of effectiveness of aromatase inhibitor letrozole in chemo refractory epithelial ovarian cancer is documented in patients with unknown hormone receptor status. It is, therefore, recommended that further study should only be carried out in the selected patient population with documented positive ER/PR hormone receptors.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A phase II feasibility study of cytarabine and idarubicin combination in relapsed or refractory adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia

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Background: Most patients with adult ALL eventually relapse. Salvage regimens in these patients and in patients with primary refractory disease are generally based on cytarabine in combination with other agents. Exact merit of each combination remains undefined as these continue to be tested in non randomized trials. This study was conducted with the objectives to find out the efficacy and toxicity of cytarabine and idarubicin combination. Methods: From December 2006 to March 2008, 30 patients were enrolled in this prospective, nonrandomized single institution phase II feasibility study. It was empirically decided that the study will only be considered feasible if more then ten patients achieve a complete remission. Patients who relapsed during maintenance therapy or were refractory and were at least 16-years-old were considered eligible provided they have received at least vincristine and prednisone as induction. No prior cytarabine was allowed. Cytarabine 100 mg/m2 continuous infusion for seven days along with idarubicin 12 mg/m2 day 1 to 3, IV bolus was given. Bone marrow examination was done 15 days after the completion of chemotherapy. Results: All thirty patients completed planned treatment. Five patients died of infection during treatment. Eleven patients achieved complete remission. All patients relapsed within eight months. Conclusions: The regimen of cytrarabine and idarubicin is feasible and sufficiently effective in relapsed or refractory adult ALL with manageable toxicity.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Gemcitabine and concurrent radiation as a salvage treatment of chest wall recurrence in breast cancer

11027

Background: Chest wall recurrences are seen despite postoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy. For patients with unresectable lesions who have previously received radiotherapy no standard treatment is available. We devised a protocol of low dose gemcitabine as radiosensitizer concurrent with low dose of radiation and conducted this study with the objectives to document the efficacy and toxicity of this protocol. Methods: From January 2003 to August 2005, 48 patients were included in this study. A histopthological or cytological evidence of chest wall recurrence was required. Females between 18–70 years, with previous modified radical mastectomy, post operative radiation and adjuvant chemotherapy were included. Patients with metastatic disease were excluded. Written informed consent was obtained. A dose of 150 mg / m2 of gemcitabine in 200 ml of normal saline was infused in 2 hour on day 1, 8, 15 and 22 of radiation. Radiation was delivered 2 hours after the completion of infusion. Conventional fractionation was used to deliver a total dose of 36 Gy given in 3.5 weeks. RECIST and RTOG criteria were used. Results: Twenty recurrences were related to the scar, 10 to the involved internal mammary lymph node region invading sternum and ribs and 18 were associated with the soft tissue masses outside the scar area. All patients were evaluable for response and toxicity. Complete response was seen in 6 (12.5 %) patients, (95 % CI, 13.87_37.16), partial response was seen in 30 (62.5 %) (95 % CI, 44.92 -71.40) with an over all response rate of 75 % (95 % CI, 70.57—91.40) Stable disease was seen in 9 (18.8 %) patients and disease progression in 3 (6.3 %) patients. Grade I skin reaction was seen in 15 (31.2 % ) patients grade II in 11 ( 22.9 % ) and grade III in 3 ( 6.3 % ) patients. No systemic toxicity was seen. Conclusions: Low dose gemcitabine and concurrent radiotherapy is a reasonable salvage treatment in chest wall recurrence in breast cancer patients who have previously received adjuvant chemotherapy and full dose of radiotherapy. This approach has acceptable toxicity.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase II feasibility of concurrent docetaxel and post mastectomy radiation after four cycles of AC chemotherapy in patients with high risk operable breast cancer: A trial of the Cancer Research Group Pakistan

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Background: Sequential use of docetaxel after four cycles of AC chemotherapy delays the postoperative radiation and can compromise loco-regional control. This delay can be avoided by starting radiotherapy concurrent with the docetaxel. We evaluated the feasibility of concurrent docetaxel and radiation therapy to chest wall and peripheral lymphatics after four cycles of AC chemotherapy. The preliminary results were reported in ASCO 2005 (Abstract 858). Methods: Females between 18–50 years, T2-T3 lesions, four or more positive nodes and hormone receptor negative tumors were eligible. Patients were enrolled after MRM. Four cycles of AC at 60/600 mg/m2 were followed by four cycles of docetaxel at 75mg/m2 every 21-days. Concurrent radiation to chest wall and peripheral lymphatics was started with the third cycle of docetaxel. A dose of 50 Gy in 5 weeks or equivalent was delivered. Successful completion of treatment in 18 out of 20 or 25 out of 30 patients was chosen as an index of feasibility. CTC version 2.0 of NCI and RTOG/EORTC Late Radiation Morbidity Scoring Scheme was used. Results: All the 30 enrolled patients successfully completed the planned treatment. Radiation was completed within 6 months of surgery in 27(90%) of the patients. Febrile neutropenia was seen in 5(16.7%). Grade-3 neutropenia and diarrhea in 8(26.7%) and 6(20%) respectively. Grade-3 dermatitis in the radiated area was seen in 2(6.7%) and grade-2 in 5(16.7%). Late toxicity included grade-2 skin atrophy and telangiectasia in radiated area in 6(20%) each. At a median follow up of 20 months (range 9–25 months) two local recurrences and two systemic relapses have been seen. Conclusion: This treatment schedule is feasible and safe in patients with high-risk operable breast cancer. It allows delivery of post mastectomy radiation within 6 months of surgery in patients undergoing sequential AC-docetaxel chemotherapy.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Docetaxel and cisplatin combination chemotherapy for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer with bulky residual disease

15030

Background: The combination of docetaxel and cisplatin as an alternative to the gold standard carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy has not been explored in our patients. Docetaxel is more potent of the taxanes, therefore, this combination might yield a better outcome. This phase II study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of docetaxel and cisplatin combination in epithelial ovarian cancer with bulky residual disease. Methods: Thirty-two new patients were enrolled between November 2003 and August 2005. Eligible patients had histopatholgically confirmed epithelial ovarian cancer, were older than 18 years and had FIGO stage IIC-IV cancer with bulky residual disease after primary cytoreductive surgery. Patients had a KPS >70 with adequate marrow and hepatic function. Patients with creatinine clearance by Cockroft-Gault formula of >60 ml/min were included. Written informed consent was obtained. Patients with diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, or cardiac co morbidity were excluded. Docetaxel and cisplatin were given at a dose of 75 mg/m2 each on day-1 of a 21-day cycle. Dexamethasone 8 mg was given thrice before and thrice after and tropisetron 5mg was given one hour before and 12 hours after chemotherapy. Docetaxel was given in 250 ml of NaCl in one-hour followed by cisplatin 75 mg/m2 in 1L of NaCl in 3 hours with pre and post hydration. NCI toxicity criteria version 2.0 and RECIST was used for evaluation. Results: Thirty patients were evaluable for response and toxicity. Final evaluation revealed CR in 12 (40%) (95% CI, 22.7–59.4%), PR in 14 (46.6%) with an ORR of 86.6% (95% CI, 69.3–96.2%). Three (10%) had SD and 1 (3.33) had PD. Grade 2 toxicity included alopecia 18 (60%), vomiting 6 (20%), diarrhea 7 (23.3%) and stomatitis in 5 (16%). Grade 3 and 4 neutropenia were seen in 12 (40%) and 9 (30%) respectively. Sensory neuropathy of grade 1 and 2 was seen in 4 (13.3%) and 2 (6.7%) respectively. Conclusion: Docetaxel and cisplatin combination chemotherapy is an effective and safe regimen in epithelial ovarian cancer with bulky residual disease. It gives a high overall response rate and has a manageable toxicity profile.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Serological profile of sporadic acute viral hepatitis in an area of hyper-endemic hepatitis B virus infection

BACKGROUND

Located in the south western part of Saudi Arabia, the Gizan region is largely a rural community in which hepatitis B and chronic liver disease including hepatocellular carcinoma are highly prevalent.

AIM OF STUDY

To determine the relative frequencies of acute hepatitis A, B, C and E in acute viral hepatitis in an area of hyperendemic hepatitis B infection.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

In a prospective study 246 consecutive patients (179 males and 67 females) diagnosed in a 2-year period were tested for markers of Hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV).

RESULTS

Of the patients tested, 131 (53.3%) were children ( < 10 years), and 42 (17%) were 11 - 20 years in age. Ig M anti -HAV, IgM anti-HBV, anti- HCV and IgM anti-HEV were positive in 37%, 19.1%, 3.7% and 13.7% respectively. Markers of these viruses were absent in 24.4%. Among 131 children (< 10 years) the commonest cause of AVH was HAV occurring in 57.3% of the cases. In adults (> 21 years) HBV was found in 35.6% and IgM anti -HAV was detected in only 6.8%. In contrast to the age- related decline in the frequency of acute HA, the proportion of acute HE were similar in all age groups (13.7% in children, 16.7% in adolescents and 11.0% in adults).

CONCLUSION

The study indicated that HAV is still a common cause of AVH particularly among children in Gizan. Acute 1-113 had a low occurrence among the children, evidently as a consequence of the integration of HB vaccine into the Saudi Arabian national EPI, 10 years ago. With the availability of combined HB and HA vaccines, It should be possible to graft the vaccination against HAV on to the existing program in Saudi Arabia. Affecting 13.4% of the group studied, sporadic HEV constitute a significant cause of AVH in this population. Until HEV vaccine becomes widely available, its prevention would be mainly by the improvement of socio - economic and hygienic standards of the population.

Anomalous circumflex coronary artery: benign or predisposed to selective atherosclerosis

Anomalous origin of the circumflex coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva is the most common coronary anomaly and is usually considered benign. Although several researchers in the past believed that aberrancy predisposes this vessel to accelerated atherosclerosis, this could not get wide acceptance owing to lack of convincing data. To examine the suggestion that atherosclerosis affects the anomalous circumflex artery more severely, the authors reviewed the clinical and angiographic features of patients with this anomaly identified from 2,684 coronary angiography procedures performed between January 1998 and March 2000 at their institution. The degree of atherosclerotic narrowing in the anomalous artery was compared with that in other coronary arteries in the same patient as well as in the nonanomalous circumflex arteries in controls. For comparison 3 control subjects were selected for each patient with anomalous circumflex artery, matched by age, sex, and clinical presentations. The results showed earlier and greater degree of atherosclerotic narrowing of the anomalous artery as compared to the other coronary arteries in the same patients as well as to nonanomalous circumflex arteries of age- and gender-matched control subjects with similar clinical characteristics. However, this predilection for atherosclerosis was evident only in anomalous vessels arising from the right side and pursuing a retroaortic course. The anomalous artery was responsible for myocardial infarction in 3 patients, all of whom were 60 years or older. Two of the patients with this anomaly and myocardial infarction underwent successful angioplasty with stent placement for symptomatic relief.

Detection of Taenia solium cysticercosis in pigs by ELISA with an excretory-secretory antigen

Serodiagnosis of Taenia solium cysticercosis in pigs was conducted by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with an excretory-secretory antigen. The antigen was obtained by in vitro cultivation of the cysticerci in a synthetic medium RPMI 1640. The sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA in detecting infection in pigs reared on free range was 92% and 100%, respectively. In addition, 33.33% of pigs in which infection could not be detected at meat inspection were found positive by ELISA. However, none of the sera from a group of farm-reared pigs were positive. No cross reactions were observed in pigs that contained either the cysticerci of Taenia hydatigena or hydatid cysts.

The c/b ratio in the radiological monitoring of the hip joint in congenital dislocation of the hip

We report a method of monitoring hip joint development for congenital dislocation of the hip in children. The c/b ratio was measured on serial radiographs of 41 hips in 38 patients. The measurement was compared to c/b ratio obtained from normal hips. It was used to detect concentric reduction or its loss by migration of the femoral head during growth. The age at diagnosis ranged from 8 months to 10 years 6 months. The normal c/b ratio was found to change little with age. Deviation of the c/b ratio from normal in congenital dislocation of the hip resulted in a poor outcome and identified cases requiring further surgical intervention. This measurement of c/b ratio is simple and accurate, using easily determined points. The graphic display promotes critical analysis of situation and allows selection of cases at risk for treatment.

Pathology and clinical features of gastro-intestinal lymphoma in Saudi Arabia

The histopathology and clinical presentation of 19 cases of primary gastrointestinal lymphoma is described. Our patients are similar to others in the Middle East but have a lower incidence of diarrhoea and malabsorption. All revealed a widespread chronic inflammatory background. Four patients with primary gastric lymphoma had endoscopic biopsies from the duodenum; these biopsies were completely free from tumour but showed a moderate to severe diffuse lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. Electron microscopy shows that tumour cells penetrate basement membranes and invade the epithelium which becomes thin and attenuated. Substances which inhibit lymphocyte tropism might be useful in preventing intestinal ulceration. The MALT concept has been found useful in classification of the tumours. Two patients with unusual mesenteric node histology are described and it is thought that the appearances may indicate a substantial capacity for differentiation in the group of tumours.

Case report: CT findings in lumbosacral agenesis

This case describes a newborn paraplegic male with lumbosacral agenesis and related congenital anomalies, including bilateral hip dislocations, arthrogryposis, talipes equinovarus, as well as neurogenic bladder with urine incontinence. An extra-dural tumor, surgically excised and diagnosed as a lipoma, was identified on computed transaxial scans to be adjacent to an abruptly terminating dural sac. Caudal to the sac the scans demonstrated partial fatty replacement of muscle bundles and direct articulation of the iliac wings. A follow-up myelogram delineated the subarachnoid space, but could not distinguish the tumor from a deformed sac secondary to lumbar defects. Computed tomography is thus recommended as part of the general radiologic protocol for fully evaluating the spatial orientation and anomalies of this spinal defect.

Studies on amphistomiasis in Andhra Pradesh (India) VI. Immunization of lambs and kids with gamma irradiated metacercariae of Cercariae indicae XXVI

The life span and the pathogenicity of amphistomes developing from Cercariae indicae XXVI (Paramphistomum epicilitum) were considerably reduced when the metacercariae were gamma-irradiated at 2 krad or 3 krad. The higher irradiation dose resulted in the complete absence of the flukes in infected animals. Single vaccination of lambs and kids with 3000 metacercariae irradiated at 2 krad or 3 krad stimulated a significant degree of resistance against challenge with 5000 non-irradiated metacercariae. The resistance was more pronounced in the group vaccinated with metacercariae irradiated at 3 krad.