An inter-centre quality assurance network for IMRT verification: results of the ESTRO QUASIMODO project.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: IMRT necessitates extension of existing inter-centre quality assurance programs due to its increased complexity. We assessed the feasibility of an inter-centre verification method for different IMRT techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight European radiotherapy institutions of the QUASIMODO network, have designed an IMRT plan for a horseshoe-shaped PTV surrounding a cylindrical OAR in a simplified pelvic phantom. All centres applied common plan objectives but used their own equipment for planning and delivery. They verified the delivery of this plan according to a common protocol with radiographic film and ionisation chamber measurements. The irradiated films, the results of the ionisation chamber measurements and the computed dose distributions were sent to one analysis centre that compared the measured and computed dose distributions with the gamma method and composite dose-area histograms. RESULTS: 4% (relative to the prescribed dose) and 3mm (distance-to-agreement) were decided feasible gamma criteria. The composite dose-area histograms showed a maximum local deviation of 3.5% in the mean dose of the PTV and 5% in the OAR. Systematic differences could be identified, and in some cases explained. CONCLUSIONS: This multi-centre dosimetric verification study demonstrated both the feasibility of a multi-centre quality assurance network to evaluate any IMRT planning and delivery system combination, as well as the validity of the methodology involved.     

Preventive and curative effect of melatonin on mammary carcinogenesis induced by dimethylbenz[a]anthracene in the female Sprague-Dawley rat

Introduction  

It has been well documented that the pineal hormone, melatonin, which plays a major role in the control of reproduction in mammals, also plays a role in the incidence and growth of breast and mammary cancer. The curative effect of melatonin on the growth of dimethylbenz [a]anthracene-induced (DMBA-induced) mammary adenocarcinoma (ADK) has been previously well documented in the female Sprague-Dawley rat. However, the preventive effect of melatonin in limiting the frequency of cancer initiation has not been well documented.     

Development and cross-amplification of thirty microsatellite loci in five diploid and polyploid Central Asian species of Palearctic green toads (Bufo viridis subgroup)

We report 30 polymorphic microsatellite markers for five species of Palearctic green toads (Bufo viridis subgroup): 23 in the diploid B. latastii, 19 in diploid B. turanensis, 20 in diploid B. shaartusiensis, 27 in tetraploid B. pewzowi, and 30 in triploid B. baturae. Genetic diversity at these loci, measured for 10–18 individuals per species, ranged from 2 to 19 alleles. These microsatellite loci will be useful for conservation plans (genetic diversity, population structure, evolutionary units), inheritance patterns, and evolution of green toads.     

Primary infertility associated with schitosoma mansoni: a case report from the Jos plateau,north central Nigeria

Testicular schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma mansoni is very rare and more so when associated with primary infertility. A 40 years old man from the Jos Plateau, North Central Nigeria presented with primary infertility after ten years of marriage. Sperm count revealed oligospermia and he also complained of inability to sustain erection. Testicular biopsy revealed several ova of Schistosoma mansoni in the connective tissue of the testes. Cases of infertility in endemic areas especially when there is no supply of potable water should raise suspicion of schistosomiasis among other pathologies and possible hormonal disturbances when the testes are involved.