Effect of different bedding depths of rice hulls on growth performance and carcass traits of White Pekin ducks.

Duck meat is recognized as a healthier poultry product that contains higher amounts of unsaturated and essential fatty acids, iron, and excellent amounts of protein. It has been found to possess the ability to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and subsequently, blood pressure in the human body; and improve the immunity system. The current study investigated the appropriate bedding depths of rice hulls as a preferred bedding material by evaluating the growth performance and carcass traits of White Pekin ducks raised for 42 days. A total of 288 one-day-old White Pekin ducklings were randomly allotted to floor cages with one of four bedding depths at 4 cm, 8 cm, 12 cm, and 16 cm. Ducklings were fed standard duck starter (days 1-21) and finisher (days 22-42) diets. The birds were stocked at a rate of 6 birds/m2 with 6 replicates per treatment. Growth performance evaluation for the body weight, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake were measured to calculate the weekly feed conversion ratio. Breast, leg, and carcass yield were assessed as carcass traits. The muscle color and proximate composition were also analyzed for meat quality. Footpad dermatitis was also evaluated on day 42. Ducks reared on 16 cm bedding depth over the 42 days recorded higher (p < 0.05) body weight, average daily, average daily feed intake, and improved feed conversion ratios compared to other groups. The crude fat in breast meat also lowered (p < 0.05) in ducks reared at 16 cm (1.02%) when compared to ducks raised at 4 cm bedding depth (2.11%). Our results showed improved redness (p < 0.05) when the depth of bedding materials was elevated. Except for the breast meat fat, the dissimilar bedding depths did not affect (p < 0.05) the breast and leg meat composition, footpad dermatitis, and mortality for the current study. In conclusion, this study indicated that the bedding depths would directly or indirectly affect the growth performance and meat color of White Pekin ducks; and the bedding depth of rice hulls at 16 cm improved the growth performance of White Pekin ducks for 42 days.

Enhancing productivity and sustainability of ravine lands through horti-silviculture and soil moisture conservation: A pathway to land degradation neutrality.

Ravine lands are the worst type of land degradation affecting soil quality and biodiversity. Crop production in such lands is impossible without adopting proper conservation measures. In-situ moisture conservation techniques could play an instrumental role in restoring ravine lands by improving soil moisture. We hypothesized that restoring ravine land through a combination of tree planting, fruit crop cultivation, and in-situ moisture conservation practice would result in significant improvements in productivity, profitability, and soil fertility. An experiment was conducted involving the combination of Malabar Neem (Melia dubia) and Dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) in conjunction with in-situ soil moisture conservation measures specifically involving half-moon structures (HM). The experiment was conducted under randomized block design (RBD) comprising eight treatments. These treatments include sole Melia cultivation (MD 3m × 3m), sole cultivation of dragon fruit (DF 3m × 3m), silviculture system (MDF-3m × 3m), horti-silviculture system with larger spacing (MDF-4m × 4m), sole Melia cultivation with in-situ moisture conservation (MDH-3m × 3m), sole Dragon fruit cultivation with in-situ moisture conservation (DFH-3m × 3m), horti-silviculture system of Melia and Dragon fruit with in-situ moisture conservation (MDFH-3m × 3m), and horti-silviculture system with larger spacing and in-situ moisture conservation (MDFH-4m × 4m). Each treatment was replicated thrice to evaluate their impact on productivity, profitability, soil fertility, and carbon sequestration for 8 years (2016-2023). The results revealed that the horti-silviculture system (MDFH-3 × 3 m) exhibited the highest total tree biomass and total carbon sequestration with an increase of 183.2% and 82.8% respectively, compared to sole Melia cultivation without HM and sole Melia with HM. Furthermore, sole Melia with HM augmented soil nutrients (N, P, K, and SOC) by 74.4%, 66.4%, 35.2%, and 78.3%, respectively, compared to control (no planting), with performance at par with MDFH-3 × 3 m. Similarly, sole Melia with HM enhanced SOC stock and SOC sequestration rate by 79.2% and 248% over control. However, it was found at par with MDFH-3 × 3 m. The horti-silviculture system (MDFH-3 × 3 m) consistently produced the highest fruit yield throughout the years surpassing other treatments. This treatment increased the average dragon fruit yield by 115.3% compared to sole dragon fruit without HM. Hence, the adoption of the horti-silviculture system (MDFH-3 × 3 m) could be a promising strategy for achieving enhanced environmental and economic benefits in ravine lands. Therefore, dragon fruit based horti-silviculture system (MDFH-3 × 3 m) could be recommended for restoration of ravine lands, improving land productivity, and mitigating impact of soil erosion particularly in Western India or similar agro-climatic regions of the world.

Xylanase supplementation in energy-deficient corn-based diets: impact on broiler growth, nutrient digestibility, chyme viscosity and carcass proximates.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of the current study was to investigate the impact of various concentrations of xylanase in energy-deficient corn-based diets on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and digesta viscosity in broilers from 7 to 35 days of age. METHODS: A total of 280 seven-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly allocated to one of the five dietary treatments following a completely randomized design with 8 replicates and 7 birds per cage. The treatments were: i) positive control (PC, without xylanase); ii) NC-1 (80 kcal/kg ME reduced from PC); iii) NC-2 (100 kcal/kg ME reduced from PC); iv) NCX-1 (NC-1 + 2,000 U/kg xylanase); and v) NCX-2 (NC-2 + 3,000 U/kg xylanase). Body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were determined weekly to evaluate growth performance. One bird per pen was sacrificed for ileal digesta collection to determine the viscosity and digestibility of energy, dry matter, crude protein on days 24 and 35, however breast and leg meat samples were obtained for proximate analysis (moisture, crude protein, fat, and ash) on day 35. RESULTS: Birds fed diets supplemented with xylanase regardless of the amount had higher (p<0.05) body weights, daily gains, and improved feed efficiency compared to NC diets all throughout the experimental period. Feed intake was not affected (p>0.05) by the addition of xylanase. Moreover, lowered (p<0.05) viscosity of the ileal digesta were observed upon xylanase inclusion in the diets compared to the birds fed NC diets on day 24. Ileal nutrient digestibility and meat proximate composition were not affected (p>0.05) by xylanase. CONCLUSION: The present study indicated that the xylanase at 2,000 U/kg and 3,000 U/kg levels compensates for the 80 kcal/kg and 100 kcal/kg dietary energy levels, respectively, without having adverse effects on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and digesta viscosity of broilers.

Design of quetiapine fumarate loaded polyethylene glycol decorated graphene oxide nanosheets: Invitro-exvivo characterization.

Quetiapine Fumarate (QF) is an atypical antipsychotic with poor oral bioavailability (9%) due to its low permeability and pH-dependent solubility. Therefore, this study aims to design QF-loaded polyethylene glycol (PEG) functionalized graphene oxide nanosheets (GON) for nasal delivery of QF. In brief, GO was synthesized using a modified Hummers process, followed by ultra-sonication to produce GON. Subsequently, PEG-functionalized GON was prepared using carbodiimide chemistry (PEG-GON). QF was then decorated onto the cage of PEG-GON using the π-π stacking phenomenon (QF@PEG-GON). The QF@PEG-GON nanocomposite underwent several spectral characterizations, in vitro drug release, mucoadhesion study, ex vivo diffusion study, etc. The surface morphology of QF@PEG-GON nanocomposite validates the cracked nature of the nanocomposite, whereas the diffractograms and thermogram of nanocomposite confirm the conversion of QF into an amorphous form with uniform distribution in PEG-GON. Moreover, an ex vivo study of PEG-GON demonstrates superior mucoadhesion capacity due to its surface functional groups and hydrophilicity. The percent drug loading content and percent entrapment efficiency of the nanocomposite were found to be 9.2±0.62% and 92.3±1.02%, respectively. The developed nanocomposite exhibited 43.82±1.65% drug release within 24h, with the Korsemeyer-Peppas model providing the best-fit release kinetics (R2: 0.8614). Here, the interlayer spacing of PEG-GON prevented prompt diffusion of the buffer, leading to a delayed release pattern. In conclusion, the anticipated QF@PEG-GON nanocomposite shows promise as a nanocarrier platform for nasal delivery of QF.

Innovative Application of Cold Plasma Technology in Meat and Its Products.

The growing demand for sustainable food production and the rising consumer preference for fresh, healthy, and safe food products have been driving the need for innovative methods for processing and preserving food. In the meat industry, this demand has led to the development of new interventions aimed at extending the shelf life of meats and its products while maintaining their quality and nutritional value. Cold plasma has recently emerged as a subject of great interest in the meat industry due to its potential to enhance the microbiological safety of meat and its products. This review discusses the latest research on the possible application of cold plasma in the meat processing industry, considering its effects on various quality attributes and its potential for meat preservation and enhancement. In this regard, many studies have reported substantial antimicrobial efficacy of cold plasma technology in beef, pork, lamb and chicken, and their products with negligible changes in their physicochemical attributes. Further, the application of cold plasma in meat processing has shown promising results as a potential novel curing agent for cured meat products. Understanding the mechanisms of action and the interactions between cold plasma and food ingredients is crucial for further exploring the potential of this technology in the meat industry, ultimately leading to the development of safe and high-quality meat products using cold plasma technology.

Exogenous emulsifiers and multi-enzyme combination improves growth performance of the young broiler chickens fed low energy diets containing vegetable oil.

OBJECTIVE: The present study examined the effects of exogenous emulsifiers and multi-enzyme supplementation into a low energy density diet on growth performance, visceral organ parameters, blood metabolites, ileal morphology, and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens from hatch to 21 days. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-eight one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were allocated in a completely randomized design to 24 pens and each pen was assigned to one of four dietary treatments to give six replications with seven chickens in a cage. Dietary treatments were: i) positive control with standard energy level (PC); ii) negative control with 100 kcal/kg lower energy of the standard level (NC); iii) NC diet supplemented 0.05% calcium stearoyl-2 lactylate as an emulsifier (NC+E); and iv) NC diet supplemented with both 0.05% calcium stearoyl-2 lactylate and 0.05% multi-enzyme (NC+E+M). Corn and soybean meal-based control diets containing vegetable oil were formulated to meet the Ross 308 nutrition specification. Chickens were fed ad-libitum with the treatment diets and sampling was conducted on day 21. RESULTS: Our results revealed that emulsifier and multi-enzyme supplementation into NC diets improved (p<0.05) feed efficiency of the broiler chickens compared to the broiler chickens fed NC diets from hatch to 21 days. Supplementation of emulsifier and multi-enzyme into NC diet improved (p<0.05) nutrient digestibility of the broiler chickens. However, emulsifier and multi-enzymesupplementation into diet did not influence (p>0.05) visceral organ weight, blood metabolites, and intestinal morphology in broiler chickens fed NC diets. CONCLUSION: Supplementation of emulsifier and multi-enzyme in the NC diet would support improving growth performance in young broiler chickens with improved feed efficiency and increased nutrient digestibility thereby curtailing the negative impact of energy reduction in the diets.

Agroforestry for controlling soil erosion and enhancing system productivity in ravine lands of Western India under climate change scenario.

Soil erosion in semi-arid climate leading to the development of ravine lands is the most severe form of land degradation. Ravine lands are formed when soil is not fully covered by the vegetation throughout the year and sporadic vegetation is not able to bind the soil particles from being washed away by rainfall. Throughout the globe, ravine lands have severe limitations for their rehabilitation and sustainable utilization as a consequence of its unique topographical features. Climatic and edaphic stresses make crop production extremely challenging in these lands. Practicing sole cropping promotes erosion, produces low crop yield, utilizes high energy, and emits greenhouse gasses (GHGs). Tree cultivation either sole or in combination with crops (agroforestry) has a strong potential to control erosion, produce sustainable economic yield, reduce energy consumption, and sequester greater amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide in biomass and soil carbon pools besides providing various ecosystem services. Therefore, practicing agroforestry could be a promising approach to obtain the greater environmental and economic benefits in the ravine lands. The present study was conducted on three systems, i.e., sole crop cultivation (cowpea + castor), agroforestry (sapota + cowpea + castor), and sole sapota plantation, to evaluate their impact on soil erosion, runoff, system productivity, profitability, energetics, and carbon sequestration during the 4-year period (2017-2020). The results revealed that agroforestry reduced the total soil loss and runoff by 37.7% and 19.1%, respectively, compared to the sole crop cultivation. Likewise, the highest system productivity as cowpea equivalent yield (CEY) was obtained under agroforestry system that increased the CEY by 162% and 81.9%, compared to sole crop and sole tree plantation, respectively. The climate change mitigation potential in terms of net carbon balance was observed highest in sole tree plantation (8.4 t/ha) followed by agroforestry system (5.9 t/ha) and lowest in sole cropping system (-2.8 t/ha). Therefore, an agroforestry system could be recommended for controlling soil erosion, improving system productivity and profitability, and reducing energy consumption as well as mitigating climate change in ravine lands.

Modified Temporal Incision for the Management of Zygomatic Arch fractures-A Retrospective Study for 7 Years.

Study Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Objective: The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of Modified temporal incision in the management of zygomatic arch fractures (ZAF). Patients and Methods: Records of 34 patients who underwent open reduction for zygomatic arch fractures were retrieved and included in the study between 2011 and 2018. These patients were followed up at 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks respectively. Clinical parameters such as post-operative infection, hematoma, scarring, degree of mouth opening, palpability of plates, alopecia and weakness of temporal branch of Facial nerve recorded were analyzed for complications of modified temporal incision in the management of ZAF. Results: A thorough analysis of the clinical parameters revealed that at the end of 4 weeks scarring was present in 4 patients and temporal branch of Facial nerve weakness was present in 21 patients. None of the patients had hematoma, infection or palpability of miniplates. At the end of 8 weeks the only complication recorded was weakness of temporal branch of Facial nerve in 21 patients. By 12 weeks, all patients had complete recovery and none of the patient had weakness of temporal branch of Facial nerve. Conclusion: The results obtained proved that the Modified temporal incision can be considered as a reliable method in the management of zygomatic arch fractures. The incision can be adopted with confidence in suitable cases of zygomatic arch fractures without any permanent morbidity.

High flow arteriovenous malformation with transverse-sigmoid sinus stenosis and congestive venopathy mimicking DAVF.

BACKGROUND: Arteriovenous malformations commonly present with hemorrhage, seizures, headache and other symptomatology. However, AVMs presenting as venous hypertension, owing to downstream stenosis/occlusion of venous sinuses, are very rare. This presentation is much more common in patients with dural AVFs. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present a young lady with left frontal arteriovenous malformation with bilateral transverse-sigmoid sinus stenosis, presenting with features of venous hypertension, which was treated with surgical excision of AVM. This case demonstrates a rare example of AVM with co-existing venous sinus stenosis distal to the nidus. CONCLUSIONS: High flow AVMs may co-exist with venous sinus stenosis or occlusion and lead to congestive venopathy. Treatment of AVM with surgical resection can be performed safely to relieve the hyper-dynamic venous congestion.

Oxidative Stability of Vacuum-Packed Chicken Wings Marinated with Fruit Juices during Frozen Storage.

Antioxidants present in fruits and vegetables have a potential to reduce disease risk, and increase the shelf life of food products by reducing lipid oxidation. The effect of marination with antioxidants-rich fruit juices on quality characteristics of vacuum-packed chicken wings were examined during frozen storage. Chicken wings were mixed separately with marinades containing pineapple juice, June plum juice, and mango juice and kept for 12 h and 24 h. Three best marination conditions were selected based on a sensory evaluation. Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of fruit juices, and marinade uptake, and marinade loss of marinated chicken wings were determined. In addition, vacuum packed marinated chicken wings were tested for pH, water holding capacity (WHC), 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value and antioxidant activity over a 4-wk frozen storage. The best sensory properties were reported from chicken wings marinated with pineapple juice for 24 h, mango juice for 24 h, and June plum juice for 12 h (p<0.05) compared to other marinade-time combinations. Mango juice showed the highest antioxidant activity (92.2%) and total phenolic content (38.45 µg/mL; p<0.05) compared to other fruit juices. The pH and WHC of vacuum-packed chicken wings were slightly decreased over the frozen storage (p<0.05). Moreover, chicken wings marinated with mango juice had the lowest TBARS values and the highest 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate free radical scavenging activity. In conclusion, mango juice was selected among tested as the most effective marinade for enhancing the oxidative stability of lipid while maintaining the other meat quality traits of vacuum-packed chicken wings.

MPdb: Melghat Plant databank.

Melghat Plant databank (MPdb) is the first attempt to review all the past floristic documents and medicinal plants and digitize the Melghat Flora. This curated database contains compiled information about 1028 plants from 139 plant families and 537 genera. Curated medicinal plant information gathered 660 medicinal species records from 128 plant families and 421 genera in MPdb for Melghat Flora. Each plant record is reviewed, scrutinizes, and recorded. More than 9000 records for medicinal uses for nearly 140 diseases, reported phytochemicals, and published cross references. MPdb will serve as a valuable information resource for students, researchers, and aboriginal communities to explore Melghat Flora for better-applied prospects in herbal drug research.

Inulin as a functional ingredient and their applications in meat products.

Inulin, a fructan-type non-digestible carbohydrate, is a natural functional dietary fiber found in selected plants including chicory, garlic, onion, leeks and asparagus. Due to increasing popularity of inulin and rising awareness toward its low calorie value and prebiotic related health implications, consumers are becoming more conscious on consuming inulin incorporated foods. In this review, the scientific studies published in recent years regarding potential applications of inulin in meat products; and their effects on physicochemical and sensory properties, and health implications are discussed. Meat based functional foods with inulin can lead to enhance digestive health by reducing the risk of diseases like constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. Inulin can be an interesting prebiotic ingredient in healthier meat formulations, apart from being a fat replacer and dietary fiber enhancer.

A Clinicoepidemiological Study of Psychiatric Co-Morbidity in Hansen's Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Leprosy is a chronic disease caused by mycobacterium leprae. Chronicity of the disease leads to various psychiatric co-morbidities, which are often undiagnosed and untreated. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the frequency and nature of psychiatric co-morbidity in patients of Hansen's disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy confirmed cases of Hansen's disease between the ages of 18 and 60 years attending the department of dermatology of Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Shimla were evaluated for various manifestations of Hansen's disease and screened for psychiatric co-morbidity using GHQ-12 and diagnosed using ICD-10 checklist. Severity of depression and anxiety was assessed with HAM-D and HAM-A scales, respectively. RESULTS: The prevalence of psychiatric co-morbidity was found in 27.14% of enrolled patients. Depression was most prevalent in (20%) mental disorder; followed by anxiety disorder (7.14%). Moderate depressive episode was the commonest seen in 11.42% patients whereas 5.71% patients had mild depression. Generalized anxiety disorder was seen in 1.42% whereas 5.71% patients had mixed anxiety disorder. Patients with higher education status, positive family history of leprosy, lepromatous leprosy, and hand deformities were significantly associated with higher psychiatric co-morbidity. CONCLUSION: Patients suffering from Hansen's disease have significantly high prevalence of psychiatric co-morbidity complicating the Hansen's disease. High index of suspicion is required to diagnose and treat it.

Effects of Adding Phytase from Aspergillus niger to a Low Phosphorus Diet on Growth Performance, Tibia Characteristics, Phosphorus Excretion, and Meat Quality of Broilers 35 days after hatching.

This study was designed to determine the effect of phytase extracted from Aspergillus niger (Natuphos® E) on growth performance, bone mineralization, phosphorous excretion, and meat quality parameters in broilers fed available phosphorous (aP)-deficient diet. In total, 810 one-day-old Indian River broilers were randomly allotted into one of three dietary treatments, with six replicates per treatment. The three dietary treatments were 1) control group (CON: basal diet with sufficient aP), 2) low phytase (LPY: available phosphorus-deficient diet supplemented with 0.01% phytase), and 3) high phytase (HPY: available phosphorus-deficient diet supplemented with 0.02% phytase). Average daily gain and, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were measured for 35 days. Excreta were collected from each pen on day 35. One broiler from each cage was euthanized to collect visceral organs and tibia samples. Broiler chickens fed LPY and HPY showed improved (P<0.05) growth performance compared to broilers fed CON on day 35. The tibia length of HPY-fed broilers was more than those of broilers fed other diets on day 35 (P<0.05). However, tibia calcium and phosphorous contents in LPY-fed broilers was higher (P<0.05) than in CON and HPY-fed broilers. Tibia length and calcium and phosphorous content showed a positive correlation (P<0.05) with the weight gain of broilers on day 35. Phosphorous level in the excreta of LPY- and HPY-fed broilers was lesser than those of CON broilers on day 35 (P<0.05). Furthermore, HPY-fed broilers showed lower (P<0.05) phosphorous content in the excreta than LPY-fed broilers. LPY- and HPY-fed broilers showed higher (P<0.05) liver weight than the CON broilers. In conclusion, broilers fed aP-deficient diet supplemented with phytase from Aspergillus excreted less phosphorus, which enhanced growth performance and tibia development from time of hatching to day 35 post-hatching.

Physiological impact on layer chickens fed corn distiller's dried grains with solubles naturally contaminated with deoxynivalenol.

OBJECTIVE: An experiment was conducted to investigate the response of laying hens fed corn distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) that are naturally contaminated with deoxynivalenol (DON). METHODS: One hundred and sixty 52-week-old Lohmann Brown Lite hens were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments with 8 replicates per treatment. The dietary treatments were formulated to provide a range of corn DDGS contaminated with DON from 0% to 20% (i.e., 5% scale of increment). All laying hens were subjected to the same management practices in a controlled environment. Body weight, feed intake and egg production were measured biweekly for the entire 8-week experiment. The egg quality was measured biweekly for 8 weeks. On weeks 4 and 8, visceral organ weights, blood metabolites, intestinal morphology, and blood cytokine concentrations were measured. RESULTS: The inclusion of corn DDGS contaminated with DON in the diet did not alter (p> 0.05) the body weight, feed intake, hen-day egg production, egg mass and feed efficiency of the laying hens. No difference was found (p>0.05) in the egg quality of hens that were fed the dietary treatments. Furthermore, hens that were fed a diet containing corn DDGS contaminated with DON showed no change (p>0.05) in the visceral organ weights, the blood metabolites, and the cytokine concentrations. The crypt depth increased (p<0.05) as the amount of corn DDGS contaminated with DON increased. Proportionately, the villus height to crypt depth ratio of the laying hens decreased (p<0.05) with the increasing level of corn DDGS contaminated with DON in the diet. CONCLUSION: The inclusion of corn DDGS contaminated with DON up to 20% in layer diets did not cause changes in egg production performance and egg quality, which indicates that DON is less toxic at the concentration of 1.00 mg DON/kg.

Radiation Oncology Quality Assessment Tool: A proposal for a new audit tool in modern radiation oncology.

INTRODUCTION: As a consequence of the development of improved treatment techniques and utilisation of digital records in radiation oncology, the RANZCR Peer Review Audit Tool has become outdated. The aim of this internal audit was to objectively evaluate the practice of our radiation oncology department to ensure that patients are being treated according to evidence-based national guidelines through the use of a new self-audit algorithm, the Radiation Oncology Quality Assessment Tool (ROQAT). METHODS: Using ROQAT, a retrospective audit was conducted of patients who received definitive treatment within the first six months (June 2017-November 2017) of opening a new radiation oncology department at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital. Data were collected from MOSAIQ® and electronic medical records. RESULTS: Two hundred and six patients were included. The median age was 65 years. Most commonly treated tumour streams included: breast (n = 62), skin (n = 31), colorectal (n = 25), genitourinary (n = 21) and head and neck (n = 21). Documentation was complete for all patients. Seventy-four per cent of patients were discussed in a multidisciplinary team meeting. Fifty-five per cent of patients were treated with inverse planning techniques. Treatment with radiation therapy was indicated in 97% of patients. Dose and fractionation were concordant with protocols in 83% of cases. Thirty-nine per cent received concurrent chemotherapy, and of these, 93% were in accordance with protocols. More than 50% were treated according to published delineation protocols. CONCLUSION: The ROQAT is a proposal for a new audit tool that reflects modern radiation therapy practice, with emphasis on compliance with evidence-based guidelines.

Referral rates to multidisciplinary team meetings: Is there disparity between tumour streams?

INTRODUCTION: The multidisciplinary team meeting (MDTM) approach is accepted as standard of care to optimise treatment for patients diagnosed with cancer. This retrospective audit reviews the proportion of patients whose care is being discussed at cancer MDTMs within the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service (SCHHS). METHODS: Patients included were those diagnosed with cancer within the SCHHS between 2010 and 2015, and subsequently referred to a public MDTM for discussion. Data were extracted from the Queensland Cancer Control Analysis Team (QCCAT) database regarding the incidence of breast, lung, upper gastrointestinal (GI), colorectal, genitourinary and malignant haematological cancers and the number of patients referred to the corresponding MDTM. RESULTS: Data from 2015 show referral rates to MDTMs as follows: lung 100%, upper gastrointestinal 100%, colorectal 64%, breast 60%, malignant haematology 40% and genitourinary 28%. Of the genitourinary presentations, 70% were prostate cases and 14% bladder cases. Review of genitourinary MDTM outcomes found that, of the patients with prostate cancer discussed, 30% were metastatic, 19% were poor surgical candidates and 15% had biochemical recurrence. CONCLUSION: This audit demonstrates variable utilisation of MDTMs between tumour streams. Our study shows a high and increasing referral rate to all tumour stream MDTMs except for genitourinary. This suggests a possible underutilisation of genitourinary MDTMs to discuss treatment options for patients with genitourinary cancer. Collaborative research is warranted to further investigate whether this is a local or widespread issue.

Prevalence of Psychiatric Comorbidity among Patients of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Hilly State of North India.

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric comorbidity with diabetes mellitus is common. Comorbidity of diabetes and psychiatric disorders can present in different patterns, which are associated with impaired quality of life, increased cost of care, poor treatment adherence, poor glycaemia control and increased emergency room visits. The present study was planned to assess the psychiatric comorbidity in type 2 diabetic patients at tertiary care hospital in a hilly state of North India. OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity among patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus and to study the association between psychiatric comorbidity, sociodemographic and clinical variables in such patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted after enrolling the eligible diabetic patients attending outpatient department services of medicine department, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla. The Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire was used to assess the cognitive and emotional aspects of illness, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale for assessment of depression, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale for assessing severity of anxiety and Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview 6.0 for screening all major Axis I disorders. RESULTS: Out of 320 patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus screened, 202 eligible patients were enrolled. Depression was the most common psychiatric comorbid illness present in (41.9%) patients. Depression was slightly higher in female patients and persons aged >50 years. Greater prevalence of depressive episodes was there in people with longer duration of diabetes. CONCLUSION: There were a significant percentage of diabetic patients having psychiatric illnesses. Their attitude towards these comorbidities may be changed by psychiatric counselling at regular intervals.

Efficacy and evaluation of environmental management system to control sandfly vector of Kala-azar.

The established vector for visceral leishmaniasis, Phlebotomus argentipes (Diptera: Psychodidae) breeds inside the human dwellings and cattle shed under crevices at the base of the wall. P. argentipes was controlled by plastering the base of wall (9″height × 9″base). The study was conducted in two phases: (i) Screening of plastering materials (ii) validation of the most suitable material. During the first phase (2014); four intervention materials were evaluated in four different arms: (i) cement (ii) brick chimney fly ash (BCFA i.e. waste material from an oven for backing raw earthen brick in charcoal) mixed with lime (95:5) (iii) wire mesh (25 holes/cm2) and (iv) glazed tiles. Ten houses were selected as test and same as control in four different villages for each arm having similar ecotype and similar density of sandflies. The pre and post intervention density of sandflies were evaluated. Significant reduction in sandfly density was found with cement (46.2%) and BCFA (29.6%) plastering (P < 0.05). In the second phase of the study (2015); the two most effective interventions were validated at village level with one control. A significant reduction in the density of P. argentipes was found with cement; 60.2% (Mean ± S.D. = 2.48 ± 2.78, 95% CI = 1.93-3.02) and BCFA; 48.2% (Mean ± S.D. = 1.98 ± 2.20, 95% CI = 1.55-2.41) (P < 0.05). BCFA was found easily accessible, acceptable and cost effective that can be used in any type of wall materials at own cost. This can be implemented as one of the integrated vector control approach in the programme.