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Stock discrimination study of Atropus atropus, commonly known as the Cleftbelly Trevally, found along the south Konkan coast of Maharashtra was done using the traditional method of Conventional morphometric analysis. The study was based on 90 individuals collected from Harnai, Ratnagiri, and Malvan areas of the South Konkan coast. A comprehensive examination of 17 traditional morphometric metrics was conducted, encompassing measurements such as Snout Length (SnL), Pre-Dorsal Length (PDL), Total Length (TL), Fork Length (FL), Standard Length (SL), Pre-Anal Length (PaL), Pre-Ventral Length (Pre-Pelvic Length) (PvL), Pre-Pectoral Length (PpL), Head Length (HL), Eye Diameter (ED), Head Depth (HD), 1st Dorsal Fin Base (1Dfb), 2nd Dorsal Fin Base (2Dfb), Body Depth (BD), Caudal Peduncle Depth (CPD), Anal Fin Base (AFB), and Post Orbital Distance (POD). Significant differences (p < 0.05) in six, five and eight conventional morphometric assessments led to the categorization of individuals from Harnai-Ratnagiri, Ratnagiri-Malvan and Harnai-Malvan into three distinct groups. Conventional morphometrics, which essentially encompass the entire body in a single direction, proved to be a reliable method for differentiating the A. atropus population in the South Konkan area into three separate stocks. Despite potential limitations in accurately delineating populations, the results suggest that the uniform coverage of the entire body by conventional morphometry establishes its efficacy in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Short neck clam, Paphia malabarica, inhabits the ecologically diverse waters along the South Konkan coast of Maharashtra, serving as a vital resource for local communities. Concerns over the sustainability of clam populations necessitate a thorough investigation into the stock structure of P. malabarica to inform effective conservation and management strategies. This research employs geometric morphometrics to analyze shape variations in key morphological features of the clam, aiming to identify distinct morphotypes indicative of genetically differentiated stocks. The study area's diverse environmental conditions provide an intriguing context for understanding how local hydrodynamics, substrate composition and ecological interactions may influence phenotypic diversity within clam populations. Our findings aim to contribute valuable insights into the stock discrimination of P. malabarica, providing a foundation for informed conservation and fisheries management practices along the South Konkan coast of Maharashtra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphological studies of fishes are vital for enhancing our knowledge about biodiversity, ecology, evolution and fisheries management. The research aims to study the morphological features of Siganus vermiculatus along the Maharashtra coast. Specimens were collected from three distinct viz., Raigad (Alibag), Ratnagiri (Ratnagiri) and Sindhudurg (Malvan) were analyzed for their morphological traits. The morphological studies showed minor variations in the posterior body depth and head shape of the S. vermiculatus specimens from different locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out to observe the mitotic chromosomes in Etroplus suratensis from two different locations viz., Bhatkarwada and Karla along the Ratnagiri coast, Maharashtra, India. To obtain metaphase chromosomes, the fishes were treated with (0.005%) colchicine solution and the gill tissue was used to obtain the metaphase chromosomes. The homologous chromosomes were mapped and measured using software IdeoKar 1.3 provided by the University of Kurdistan, Iraq. The current study showed that the specimens collected from both the locations had the same diploid chromosome number i.e., 2n= 48 sub telocentric/acrocentric chromosomes, with a few differences in other karyomorphological characters. The fundamental arm number in both the cases was 96. The result indicated that the specimens of E. suratensis collected from the two locations along the Ratnagiri coast belonged to the same stock. No sex chromosomes in both the sexes had been found to be dissimilar either in size or shape for E. suratensis from both the stations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish and fish products are valuable sources of animal protein and is now considered a healthy food. But, its spoil very fast as compared to other animal meat. Croaker, locally known as “Dhoma” are sold at low prices, though they are rich in proteins. The croaker fish landings of India was 1,35,750 tons in 2018. Efforts are being made to utilize the uneconomic varieties of fishes through appropriate technological processes and converting them into different kinds of value added products. Efficient utilization of low cost fish in foods may revolutionize the fish industry by standardizing appropriate and economic technology for processing such underutilized fish into value-added meat products that are palatable and economically viable. Present marketing trends reflect a rapidly growing demand for processed foods that are more convenient to handle, store and prepare. Spreadable product is a kind of convenience, ready to eat form of product which is spread on or sandwiched in a base like bread e.g. butter, jam, mayonnaise, cheese spread, and they form a large constituent of the present market. In the present study spreadable products fish spread was developed from low valued Dhoma fish and its organoleptic characteristics were assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: V. Noronha, A. Joshi, V. Patil, B. Bhosale, V. Muddu, S. Banavali, R. Kelkar, K. Prabhash Context: Indian febrile neutropenia (FN) data are limited, especially in adult solid tumor [...]

The Dussumier's thryssa, Thryssa dussumieri is one of the important component of by-catch of trawl and mini purse seine landings at Ratnagiri. The length-weight relationship indicated the isometric growth in T. dussumieri with generalized equation W = 0.0066 L 3.1077. The month-wise relative condition factor showed two peaks coinciding with peak spawning season. All morphometric lengths showed varying degree of correlation with total length. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of food revealed Thryssa dussumieri to be a carnivore, feeding mainly on mysids, copepods, diatoms and juvenile shrimps. The highest GSI value, for females, was observed during March, October, December and January. The male:female ratio was found to be 1:1.4. T. dussumieri has got a prolonged spawning season extending from September to April. The absolute fecundity ranged from 3367 to 14130 eggs with an average of 7420 eggs. Length at sexual maturity has been estimated to be 12.8 cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish is always cooked in different methods before consumption. Cooking improves hygienic quality of the fish by inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms and enhances digestibility of nutrients in the digestive tract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physico-chemical and nutritional properties of Indian Mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) for different cooking methods (Boiling, Frying and Microwave). The Proximate composition of fresh Indian mackerel was observed to be moisture 70.90%, crude protein 20.5%,crude fat 7.40% andash 1.20%. The yield percentage of fresh Indian mackerel was observed to be whole dressed mackerel was 60%. The proximate composition of Indian mackerel for different cooking methods (boiling, frying and microwave) was found to be moisture 70.26%, 67.95%, 65.73%, protein content was found to be 20.8%, 21.78%, 27.46%, fat content was found to be 7.7%, 8.9%, 5.6%, ash content was found to be 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.1% and the yield percentage was observed for Indian mackerel for different cooking methods (boiling, frying and microwave) was 84.82, 84.60, 85.67%, respectively. Organoleptic evaluation score for different cooking methods (boiling, frying and microwave) from Indian mackerel i. e. based on organoleptic characteristics like colour, odour, taste, texture and appearance was found to be overall acceptability for Indian mackerel (boiling, frying and microwave) rated 6.6, 7.6, and8.3 respectively. Using sensory evaluation by trained panellists, the microwave method from Indian mackerelgained higher acceptability as compared to other cooking methods. While cooking methods affected mineral content of Indian mackerel did not affect. The highest value of saturated, polyunsaturated, omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids was found for mackerel in microwave method. Similarly colour, TPA, peroxide value (PV) and Total Plate Count (TPC) changed significantly (p<0.05) between fresh fish and cookingmethods. Effect of different cooking methods for Indian mackerel in microwave method was found greater values than those parameters as compared to other methods. Therefore, it is concluded from present study that good yield and desirable physico-chemical and nutritional properties of microwave cooking method is the best method for Indian mackerel. These findings may recommend for healthy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demand for fresh or minimum processed seafood is increasing in national and international market. The increasing demand for high quality fresh seafood has intensified the search for methods and technologies for better fish utilization. Packaging is an essential requirement virtually for every product, whether it is a food or any manufactured item. The packaging of food and food products and particularly fish, is very complex because of the intrinsic characteristics of such products and the need to retain or preserve them while in the package. Extending the shelf life of fresh fish and seafood such as shrimp and prawn is a particular challenge because of the unique nature of the product. There are many types of fish that have different characteristics and therefore different requirements for packaging. The flesh of fish and shellfish contains more water and protein. Bacteria present in the gut, gills and body surface of fish begin to act on the protein of the tissu every quickly. Active enzymes in the flesh and gut also degrade the tissue. Fish that have a high content of unsaturated fat, such as herring and mackerel, are also susceptible to oxidation by the air resulting in rancidity. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is a technologically viable method developed as a supplement to ice or mechanical refrigeration to reduce quality losses or spoilage and extend the storage life. MAP enables the fresh produce or perishable product to be packaged when it is fresh and then maintains it in that condition, thereby, reducing distribution costs, and enhancing quality and appearance for the consumer. MAP maintains this state for along period of time, during which deterioration is effectively stopped. The application MAP in seafood processing industry is discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alepes djedaba is one of the important carangid species landed as trawl by-catch along the Ratnagiri coast. A total of 577 individuals were studied for the length-weight relationship and it showed isometric growth in A. djedaba. Gut content analysis revealed A. djedaba to be a carnivore fish feeding mainly on Acetus spp., copepods, shrimp larva, isopods, ostracods, amphipods and small sized fishes. Juvenile and moderate size fishes fed on zooplankton dominant food including small sized anchovies, Acetus spp., shrimp larva, copepods, amphipods, ostracods, fish scales, fish eggs and broken appendages. The bigger individuals of A. djedaba were found to feed exclusively on juveniles of small anchovies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish is a very perishable food commodity that requires proper handling and preservation to increase its shelf life and retain its quality and nutritional attributes. Now a day lot of products obtained from fish such as fillets, steaks, chunks etc. are available in market.Packaging is an external means of preservation of a product from spoilage, damage or loss due to external causes. Packaging material may help to further extend the shelf life of the product. Vacuum packaging involves the removal of air from the package, followed by the application of hermetic seal. Vacuum packaging can supplement to ice storage or refrigeration to delay spoilage, extend the shelf life, a high quality, assure the safety and reduce the economic loss of fish and fishery products. It offers an excellent protection against rancidity and also decreases the growth of aerobic spoilage microorganisms. Vacuum packaging has lot of characteristics such as it provide enough strength to prevent the damage while package handling, it also act as oxygen and water vapor barrier, oil and chemical resistant. Application of vacuum in packaging helps to reduce the total psychrophilic microflora. Vacuum packaging of wholesale fresh fish meat is increasinglybeing practiced, it reduces shrink loss, protect meat color and delays microbial spoilage. As far as the fish-processing industry is concerned vacuum packaging is one of the possible approaches to raise profitability since this industry is becoming highly competitive and increasingly expensive. Present article gives an insight into the recent advancements in vacuum packaging of fishery products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish is a good source of high quality proteins and fats as well as vitamins and minerals. It is healthy food, easy to digest. Quality seafood like lobsters, shrimps, crabs etc. have more demand in national and international market. Catch of these quality seafoods are decline from nature resources due over exploitation. Imitated seafood is one of the important tool to meet market demand of theses valued seafoods by utilization of under-utilized, low valued fishes. Surimi is a base material prepared from low valued fish that have been washed, dressed, minced, again washed several times, strained, pressed, mixed with cryoprotectants, packaged and quick frozen usually in some block form. The inherent value of surimi is its unique texture forming properties that makes it an excellent base for manufacturing a variety of value added seafood products like lobster/crab analogue, crab bites, shrimp analogue, fish ball, kamaboko etc. Surimi is active in performing the functions of texture formation or particle cohesion and binding of fat and water in many processed muscle food systems. These textural properties of fish surimi was increased using natural extract of phenolic compounds from seaweed and mango leaves. The prepared surimi of Lesser sardine (containing 4% sugar and 0.2% polyphosphates cryoprotectants) chopped and mixed separately with 2% of seaweed extract (T1), 2.5% of mango leaves extract (T2) then frozen at -40°C and stored at -20°C. Surimi without phenolic extract served as control (T0). The frozen stored these surimi samples were drawn periodically and assessed for nutritional quality. The salient features of change in proximate quality are discussed in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish is always cooked in different methods before consumption. Cooking improves hygienic quality of the fish by inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms and enhances digestibility of nutrients in the digestive tract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physico-chemical and nutritional properties of Catla (Catla catla) for different cooking methods (Boiling, Frying and Microwave). The Proximate composition of fresh Catla was observed to be moisture 78.65%, crude protein 17.44%, crude fat 2.41% and ash 1.50%, respectively. The yield percentage of fresh Catla was observed to be whole dressed catla was 52.5%. The proximate composition of Catla for different cooking methods (boiling, frying and microwave) was found to be moisture 68.36, 69.8, 70% respectively. Protein content was found to be 25.5, 20.93, and 22.03% respectively. Fat content was found to be 4.86, 7.96, and 6.5% respectively. Ash content was found to be 1.26, 1.3, and 1.46% respectively. The yield percentage was observed for Catla different cooking methods (boiling, frying and microwave) was 93.45, 92.75, and 92.26% respectively. Organoleptic evaluation score for different cooking methods (boiling, frying and microwave) for Catla i.e. based on organoleptic characteristics like colour, odour, taste, texture and appearance was found to be overall acceptability for (boiling, frying and microwave) for catla 8.6, 7.6, and 6.0, respectively. Using sensory evaluation by trained panellists, boiling method for catla gained higher acceptability as compared to other cooking methods. While cooking methods affected mineral content of Catla did not affect. The highest value of saturated, polyunsaturated, omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids was found for catla (Catla catla) in boiling method. Similarly colour, TPA, peroxide value (PV) and Total Plate Count (TPC) changed significantly (p<0.05) between fresh fish and cooking methods. Effect of different cooking methods for Catla in boiling method was found greater values than those parameters as compared to other methods. Therefore, it is concluded from present study that good yield and desirable physico-chemical and nutritional properties of boiling is the best method for Catla. These findings may recommend for healthy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: V. Krishna, V. Noronha, K. Prabhash, A. Joshi, V. Patil, B. Bhosale, T. Ravi, H. Menon, S. Gupta, S. Banavali, G. Bakshi, H. Tangaonkar Introduction: Historically, metastatic renal cell [...]

Byline: S. Banavali, N. Patil, V. Nirabhawane, B. Bhosale, S. Desai Cholangiocarcinoma (CCa) is relatively resistant to chemotherapy as well as radiation therapy, and complete resection is the main curative [...]

Byline: V. Noronha, V. Patil, B. Bhosale, A. Joshi, N. Purandare, K. Prabhash Context: Advanced esophageal cancer is aggressive with an expected median survival of 6-7 months. Combination chemotherapy regimens [...]

Byline: V. Patil, V. Noronha, V. Muddu, S. Gulia, B. Bhosale, S. Arya, S. Juvekar, P. Chatturvedi, D. Chaukar, P. Pai, A. D'cruz, K. Prabhash Background: Locally advanced and unresectable [...]

Lesser sardine (Sardinella spp.) is one of the pelagic shoaling fish mainly landed in huge quantity at Ratnagiri coast. This species of fish having high percent of fat and myoglobin, which effects the quality of surimi produced. The gel strength characteristic of surimi can be improve by application of different washing processes. The gel strength characteristic plays important role in preparation of crab/lobsters analogues and other surimi based Effect of washing processes viz., conventional washing process (CWP) and alkaline-saline washing process (ASWP) on surimi was compared with unwashed mince (UWM) prepared from Lesser sardine. In the present investigation, surimi were analysed for parameters like gel strength, whiteness, expressible moisture, pH, solubility and organoleptic characteristics. FLGels strength of unwashed mince (UWM) and different washing processes like CWP and ASWP were depicted as 28.67, 42.00 and 68.00 g/cm, respectively. High values of whiteness and pH with decreasing expressible moisture content was observed in ASWP as compared to others. The results showed that alkaline-saline washing process (ASWP) could improve the gel forming ability of surimi particularly from low quality fatty fish (Sardinella spp.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetes is a small sized shrimp, widely distributed in different parts of the world bordering the Indian Ocean. It is highly perishable and spoils quickly due to autolysis and proteolytic enzymes from hepatopancreas. The fresh utilization of Acetes is very limited. There are constraints in the industrial utilization of Acetes species. It is not possible to peel the shrimp manually or mechanically. Acetes is consumed mostly in fresh and dried form and the entire resources are utilized for internal markets. It is very cheap while considering the present Acetes potential to prepared value added products like chatni. Modified atmospheric packaging is the most natural way to protect perishable food against spoilage, damage or loss due to external causes. It is also extending further the shelf life of the product. The Acetes chutney using coconut powder was prepared and its organoleptic, microbiological, biochemical changes of Acetes chutney (ready-to-eat) packed in Modified Atmospheric Packaging using metallized polyester-poly packs flushed with nitrogen gas and stored at room temperature were studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study studied the coorelation between radiological response to induction chemotherapy and achievement of pCR or near pCR. It was a retrospective analysis in which all patients who received NACT from 2008 till april 2012 were subjected to inclusion criteria. Coorelation analysis was performed between CR + PR and achievement of pCR or near pCR. Twenty four patients were identified. The primary site of tumor was oral cavity in 19 patients (79.2%), maxilla in 2 patients (4.2%), laryngopharynx in 2 patients (4.2%) and oropharynx in 1 patient (4.2%). The clinical stage was stage IVA in 16 patients (66.7%) and IVB in 8 patients (33.3%). The overall response rates ie a combination of CR and PR was seen in 11 patients (45.8%). The pCR was seen in 15 patients (62.5%) and rest had near pCR. There was no linear coorelation between radiological size decrement and tumor response. On coorelation analysis the spearman correlation coefficient was -0.039 (P = 0.857). This suggest that presently used radiological response criterias for response assessment in head and neck cancers severely limit our ability to identify patients who would have pCR or near pCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid rate of urbanization of Aurangabad city due to the expanding industrialization, the problem of noise pollution has become a concern for urban dwellers and government authority too. Noise pollution due to vehicular traffic is one of the growing environmental problems of urban centers. The study deals with the assessment of traffic noise levels in Aurangabad city. With respect to the total number of vehicles passing the road in unit time, which was surveyed by direct count method, six different sites from Aurangabad city, viz., Nagar Naka, Kranti Chowk, CIDCO bus stand, Railway station area, Dhoot Hospital and Baba petrol pump were selected to study the vehicular noise level. Noise measurements were carried out at these six locations on both working day and holiday during the peak traffic hours, i.e. 8:00 a.m. - 11:a.m., 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., in the morning, afternoon and evening sessions, respectively, after 5 minutes time interval. The noise level was monitored using noise level meter. The results obtained from this investigation showed that the Nagar Naka, Kranti chowk and CIDCO bus stand area have dense traffic zones when compared with the Railway station area, Dhoot Hospital and Baba petrol pump. The minimum and the maximum noise levels are 74 and 86 dB, respectively, on working day and 70 and 81 dB, respectively, on holiday. The measured noise level values exceed the prescribed noise level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruthenium(III)-catalysed arsenic(III) oxidation by 12-tungstocobaltate(III) was found to proceed with transfer of an electron from catalyst to oxidant generating an intennediate ruthenium(IV). In the next step ruthenium(IV) abstract an electron from arsenic(III) leading to form arsenic(IV), which further reacts with oxidant to give arsenic(V). The active catalyst species was RuCl5(H2O)² and due to formation of the inactive higher chloro-complex, RuCl63- inhibition of the reaction occurs as chloride ion concentration increases. There was no effect of hydrogen ion concentration on the reaction due to absence of any protonation equilibria under experimental conditions. The reaction was also catalysed by alkali metal cations due to ion pair formation between 12-tungstocobaltate(III) and alkali metal cations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LMC), the metastatic spread of cancer to the leptomeninges, is a rare complication and has a dismal prognosis. Due to limited data available on LMC from India, we conducted a country-wise audit of LMC across 15 centres in India., Methods: The current study conducted in 2020, was a retrospective, multicentric audit of adult patients (aged ≥18 years) with diagnosis of LMC and who received treatment during 2010-2020. Baseline characteristics, details related to previous treatments, cancer sites, LMC diagnosis, treatment pattern and overall survival (OS) were collected. Descriptive statistics were performed, and Kaplan Meier analysis was performed for the estimation of OS., Findings: Among the patients diagnosed with LMC (n = 84), diagnosis was confirmed in 52 patients (61.9%) and 'probable' in 32 (38.1%) patients. The three most common cause of malignancy were non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), breast cancer and gastrointestinal cancer with 45 (53.6%), 22 (26.1%) and 9 (10.7%) patients respectively. Intrathecal therapy was offered in 33 patients (39.3%). The most common intrathecal agent was methotrexate in 23 patients (27.4%). The median OS was 90 days (95% CI 48-128). Among tested variables, intrathecal therapy administration (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.36, 95% CI 0.19-0.68) and primary in lung (HR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.23-0.83) had a favourable impact on OS., Interpretation: Prognosis with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis is poor with a significant burden of morbidity and mortality in India. This data aims to highlight the current outcomes and facilitate further research on LMC., Funding: None., Competing Interests: Authors declare no conflicts of interest., (© 2023 The Authors.)

Management of the neck in oral cavity squamous carcinoma is debatable. There is controversy regarding role of SND in single node positive neck in oral SCC. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of selective neck dissection (SND) for cN1 neck in patients with oral cancer. A retrospective chart review of 266 oral cancer patients who were clinically single node positive from August 2013 to December 2019 was done. Patients having clinical or radiological cN1 disease undergoing SND were included. Two hundred sixty-six patients were analysed with 86% male predominance. Median age was 48 years. The commonest primary site was Bucco-alveolar complex (64%). Total of 319 SNDs were done in 266 patients. At median follow-up of 29 months, 29 patients (9%) had neck recurrence among which 4 patients had recurrence at level V, along with recurrence at other nodal levels. Three-year regional control was 86%, while DFS and OS were 66% and 68% respectively. For oral cancer with single clinically node positive neck (cN1), SND is an effective and oncological safe treatment. Outcomes are similar with modified neck dissection reported in the literature., Competing Interests: Conflict of InterestThe authors declare no competing interests., (© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Indian Association of Surgical Oncology 2023. Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.)

Head and neck cancers are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Indian population. Reconstruction and restoration of function are also of paramount importance in these patients. The aim of this study was to report outcomes for free flaps and pedicle flaps in patients with oral cavity cancers. A retrospective analysis of 628 patients with oral cavity cancers who underwent reconstruction with either free flaps or pedicle flaps during 2014-2020 was done. The median age of the cohort was 49 years. The free flap reconstruction was performed in 481 (76%) and pedicle flap in 147 (24%) patients. Among free and pedicle flaps, 27 (5.6%) and 3 (2.1%) respectively had major flap complications and 25 (5.1%) and 14 (9.9%) respectively had minor complications. CCI score > 4 was associated with higher events ( p  = 0.02) in free flap group. The outcomes of free flaps are similar in comparison to pedicle flaps in patients with oral cavity cancers. The higher CCI score is significantly associated with increased flap-related complications for the free flap group., Competing Interests: Conflict of InterestThe authors declare no competing interests., (© Indian Association of Surgical Oncology 2021.)

T4 b carcinoma of oral cavity has poor outcomes. The aim for analysis is to evaluate the clinical outcomes with infratemporal fossa clearance for stage T4b carcinoma of oral cavity. Fifty four patients out of maintained data of 528 patients of oral cavity carcinoma were evaluated for current retrospective analysis. All had T4b disease on imaging and underwent bite composite resection with ITF clearance. The median age of the cohort was 52 years. At last follow-up, 28 patients were alive. Twenty two patients had loco-regional recurrence (ITF recurrence 7), and 16 patients had distant metastasis. At median follow-up of 29 months, 2-year loco-regional control, DFS and OS were 52%, 54% and 54%, respectively. Perineural invasion, pathological tumour stage, node positive and ITF tissue involvement were associated with poor oncological outcomes. ITF clearance is feasible in clinical practice and provides curative option for this group., Competing Interests: Conflict of InterestThe authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (© Indian Association of Surgical Oncology 2020.)

Background: Cetuximab based treatment is the recommended chemotherapy for head and neck squamous cell cancers in the palliative setting. However, due to financial constraints, intravenous (IV) chemotherapy without cetuximab is commonly used in lesser developed countries. We believe that oral metronomic chemotherapy may be safer and more effective in this setting., Methods: We conducted an open label, superiority, parallel design, randomized phase II trial comparing oral MCT [daily celecoxib (200mg twice daily) and weekly methotrexate (15mg/m(2))] to intravenous single agent cisplatin (IP) (75mg/m(2)) given 3 weekly. Eligible patients had head and neck cancers requiring palliative chemotherapy with ECOG PS 0-2 and adequate organ functions who could not afford cetuximab. The primary end point was progression-free survival., Results: 110 Patients were recruited between July 2011 to May 2013, 57 randomized to the MCT arm and 53 to the IP arm. Patients in the MCT arm had significantly longer PFS (median 101 days, 95% CI: 58.2-143.7 days) compared to the IP arm (median 66 days, 95% CI; 55.8-76.1 days) (p=0.014). The overall survival (OS) was also increased significantly in the MCT arm (median 249 days, 95% CI: 222.5-275.5 days) compared to the IP arm (median 152 days, 95% CI: 104.2-199.8 days) (p=0.02). There were fewer grade 3/4 adverse effects with MCT, which was not significant. (18.9% vs. 31.4%, P=0.14)., Conclusion: Oral metronomic chemotherapy has significantly better PFS and OS than single agent platinum in the palliative setting., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To report safety and efficacy of chemotherapy incorporating the combination of paclitaxel and platinum in patients with advanced penile carcinoma., Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of patient with advanced penile carcinoma undergoing palliative chemotherapy with paclitaxel and platinum combination. The demographic profile, indication of treatment, chemotherapy details, toxicity and survival outcome were noted. Statistical analysis was done for estimation of progression free survival and overall survival. Factors affecting these outcomes were sought for., Results: Eighteen patients with a median age of 47.5 years (31-68 years) were offered palliative intent chemotherapy over a period of 2.5 years. ECOG performance was 1 in 12 patients (66.7%) and 2 in 6 patients (33.3%). The grade of tumor was poorly differentiated in 8 patients (44.4%), moderately differentiated in 5 (27.8%) and we1l differentiated in 5 patients (27.8%). Twelve patients had previous surgical treatment (66.7%), with 2 of them having received groin radiation in past. The indication for treatment was metastatic disease in 7 patients (38.9%) and locally advanced disease in 11 patients (61.1%). Out of 18 patients 13 received chemotherapy. Paclitaxel and carboplatin combination was given in 10 patients (76.9%) while paclitaxel and cisplatin was received by 3 patients (23.1%). The median numbers of cycles received were 3 (1-6 cycles). Response rate was 30.8%. The median estimated progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for patients receiving atleast one cycle of chemotherapy (n = 13) were 96 days and 246 days respectively. Among tested variables the median OS in patients who had received 2 or more cycles was 351 days versus 55 days in those who received less than 2 cycles (P = 0.025). However, after applying Bonferroni correction, the difference was no longer significant. There was no toxicity related death or life threatening complication., Conclusion: Our institutional protocol of platinum-based doublet with paclitaxel is effective, well-tolerated and has the advantage being delivered on an outpatient basis alone. Overall, we believe that paclitaxel-platinum is an effective regimen that needs to be investigated further in larger studies.

Carboplatin and paclitaxel as doublet are the standard therapeutic option for advanced stage ovarian carcinoma in the first line as well as relapse. Carboplatin with its better toxicity profile has replaced cisplatin as the first line drug. However, increase in incidence of carboplatin hypersensitivity is alarming. Severity of carboplatin hypersensitivity varies from a mild rash to life-threatening reactions. With an increase in the number of cycles the risk of hypersensitivity reactions increase, which jeopardizes the use of this highly effective drug in a significant proportion of patients. Prompt diagnosis and rapid therapeutic rescue are the key in severe life-threatening reactions. Managing patients with carboplatin hypersensitivity and planning subsequent therapy is thus a therapeutic challenge.

Introduction: Anthropological studies have document differences in craniofacial features as well as in body characteristics among different populations. The variations in the facial morphology arise through a differential growth and they help us in distinguishing one person from another. These are controlled by a number of factors which include genetic heritage, climate and environment in which we live. Very few researchers from India have worked on these facial features with respect to population and environment. The present work was undertaken to determine whether facial variations were subjected to sexual dimorphism. In addition, comparison of facial indices was made, in order to determine possible variations between south and north Indian populations., Methods: The sample consisted of 200 individuals, 100 each from north and south Indian regions. Various facial parameters were determined on the basis of international anatomical description and facial indices were calculated., Results: North Indian males and females had highest facial height and upper facial height. Facial width of south Indians was more as compared to that of north Indians in both sexes. Regression equation was calculated to compare the probable height with actual height., Conclusion: All the facial parameters and facial indices were found to be statistically highly significant and they showed inter-regional and gender variations. These indices will be beneficial in facial reconstruction surgeries, maxillofacial surgeries, and in forensic medicine, for estimating the stature and sex of an individual.

Metoclopramide (5 to 40 mg/kg, i.p.) induces catalepsy and antagonised apomorphine induced cage climbing behaviour in mice. This further indicate its postsynaptic striatal and mesolimbic D 2 dopamine (DA) receptor blocking activity. Metoclopramide at 1.25 and 2.5 mg/kg, i.p. induced stereotyped cage climbing behaviour in mice. Pretreatment with haloperidol and alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine significantly antagonised metoclopramide (1.25 and 2.5 mg/kg)-induced stereotyped cage climbing behaviour. Metoclopramide at these doses induces stereotyped cage climbing behaviour by releasing DA from the mesolimbic dopaminergic neurons with resultant activation of the postsynaptic mesolimbic D 2 DA receptors by the released DA. DA releasing action of metoclopramide (1.25 and 2.5 mg/kg, i.p.) and the subsequent induction of the stereotyped cage climbing behaviour by these doses of metoclopramide is explained on the basis of selective blockade of the presynaptic D 2 DA autoreceptors by these doses of metoclopramide.

Pentazocine, a kappa opioid receptor agonist, induced catalepsy in mice suggesting thereby that it might possess postsynaptic striatal D 2 dopamine (DA) receptor blocking activity. However, our other findings, that pentazocine pretreatment did not antagonise the cage climbing behaviour induced by the directly acting DA agonist apomorphine in mice and actually potentiated the stereotyped behaviour induced by the indirectly acting DA agonist methamphetamine in mice, indicate that pentazocine does not possess postsynaptic striatal and mesolimbic D 2 DA receptor blocking activity. Pretreatment with naloxone, an antagonist of opioid receptors, antagonised pentazocine-induced catalepsy. This suggests the possible involvement of opioid mechanisms in the induction of catalepsy by pentazocine in mice.

Racemate pentazocine was found to induce stereotyped behaviour (SB) in rats. Pretreatment with haloperidol and alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine significantly antagonised dl-pentazocine induced SB. This indicates that dl-pentazocine induces SB by releasing dopamine (DA) from the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic dopaminergic neurones with resultant activation of the postsynaptic striatal and mesolimbic D2 DA receptors by the released DA. However, pretreatment with naloxone failed to significantly modify dl-pentazocine induced SB indicating thereby that opioid mechanisms are not involved in the DA releasing action of dl-pentazocine. Our findings are explained on the basis of recent reports that the d-isomer of pentazocine releases DA by stimulating sigma receptors located on the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic dopaminergic neurones.