A Prospective Randomized Comparison of Concurrent Chemoradiation with Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Chemotherapy with Concurrent Chemoradiation Alone for Locally Advanced Carcinoma Cervix

Aims: The aim of this study was to compare concurrent chemoradiation along with neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy versus concurrent chemoradiation alone in locally advanced cervical cancer regarding treatment response and toxicities. Subjects and Methods: A randomized control study was done on 116 patients with locally advanced carcinoma cervix (Stage IIB to IIIB) registered between January 2014 and February 2015. Patients were randomly divided to receive either one cycle of cisplatin/5-fluorouracil neoadjuvant chemotherapy and two cycles of the same adjuvant chemotherapy with concurrent chemoradiation with weekly cisplatin (Arm A) or only concurrent chemoradiation (Arm B). All patients received three fractions of high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy after completion of the external radiation. Results: A higher proportion of the patients of chemotherapy arm achieved complete response (94%) as compared to the nonchemotherapy arm (56%), and this was statistically significant. There was a trend toward more treatment-related acute toxicity with chemotherapy. Conclusions: These results have corroborated the view that if neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapies are added to concurrent chemoradiation, it could further the effects of concurrent chemoradiation for patients with locally advanced cancer of the uterine cervix.

Pregabalin in the treatment of postmastectomy chronic pain: Results of an open label, single-arm clinical study

Postmastectomy chronic pain (PMCP) is one of the important survivorship issues faced by breast cancer patients. It is a chronic pain which persists for more than 3 months after mastectomy or quadrantectomy and is considered to be neuropathic in nature. An open label, single-arm, prospective study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Pregabalin in relieving clinically significant PMCP (pain score ≥3 on visual analogue scale). Pregabalin brought about significant reductions in pain (visual analogue scale [VAS] Scores; baseline 5.50 ± 1.197, end of 1 month 2.40 ± 1.430, end of 2 months 2.10 ± 1.370) and significant improvement in quality of life.

Comparison of the Seventh and Eighth Editions of the American Joint Committee on Cancer pT and pN Classifications as Predictors of Survival in Patients With Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objectives

We retrospectively compared the seventh and eighth editions of American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM frameworks as disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) predictors in oral squamous carcinomas (OSCCs).

Methods

We restaged the 342 patients with the revised pT and pN criteria and performed survival analyses.

Results

The 3-year DFS (mean follow-up, 364 days; recurrences, 99) was 50%, and the 5-year OS (mean follow-up, 615 days; deaths, 69) was 42%. The eight edition pN classification was an independent multivariate survival predictor. The revised TNM criteria upstaged pT, pN, and stage groupings in 99 (38.8%), 58 (37.3%), and 101 (29.5%) patients. The latter two groups revealed significantly worse DFS and OS compared with those whose categorizations had remained unaltered. In addition, their classification/staging criteria demonstrated superior discrimination, monotonicity, and accuracy for survival estimations.

Conclusions

Of the competing AJCC staging criteria, the revised pN classification was the most powerful system to predict OSCC survivals.

Useful information provided by graphic displays of automated cell counter in hematological malignancies

BACKGROUND

Automated cell counters have become more and more sophisticated with passing years. The numerical and graphic data both provide useful clues for suspecting a diagnosis especially when the workload is very high.

AIM

We present our experience of useful information provided by graphic displays of an automated cell counter in hematological malignancies in a cancer hospital where a large number of complete blood count (CBC) requests are received either before or during chemotherapy. This study was conducted to assess the usefulness of hematology cell counter, viz. WBC-Diff (WBC differential), WBC/BASO (WBC basophil) and IMI (immature myeloid information) channel scatter plots, and the flaggings generated in various hematological malignancies.

MATERIAL & METHODS

The graphic displays have been compiled over a period of 1 year (October 2015-September 2016) from blood samples of various solid and hematological malignancies (approximately 400 per day) received for routine CBC in the laboratory. Approximately 50 000 scattergrams have been analyzed during the study period. The findings were confirmed by peripheral blood smear examination.

RESULTS

The scattergram analysis on XE-2100 is very sensitive as well as specific for diagnosing acute leukemia, viz. acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia; chronic myeloproliferative disorders, viz. chronic myeloid leukemia; and chronic lymphoproliferative disorder especially chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that the laboratories using the hematology analyzers be aware of graphic display patterns in addition to flaggings generated which provide additional information and give clue toward the diagnosis even before peripheral smear examination.

The Impact of Peritumoral Retraction Clefting & Intratumoral Eosinophils on Overall Survival in Oral Squamous Carcinoma Patients

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the impact of peritumoral retraction clefts (RC) and tumor-associated tissue eosinophilia (TATE) as predictors of overall survival (OS) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients. Their relationships with tumor-factors were also examined. Eighty-seven OSCC cases (pTNM: I + II/III + IV; 32/55), post-curative surgery, comprised the study cohort. Three observers independently estimated the percent RC semi-quantitatively in the selected tumor sections. Additionally, stromal eosinophils were counted in ten consecutive high-power fields of intratumoral and peritumoral regions to evaluate the corresponding TATE. The percent RC ranged between 0% -90% (Mean ± SD: 16 ± 24%; Median: 5%). The stromal eosinophils were greater in peritumoral as compared to intratumoral region. The events of death and tumor recurrence were reached in 16 (18.4%) and 36 (41%) cases respectively. The 3-years OS was 69% [Median OS: 1880 days; Mean follow up: 471(Range; 36-1880) days]. Increased percent RC exhibited relationship with pathologic stage (pTNM III&IV), primary tumor (pT III&IV), tumor depth > 4 mm and categorical tumor recurrence. Additionally, peritumoral eosinophilic infiltrates increased with increasing tumor depths and muscle invasion. Kaplan-Meier curves revealed significantly reduced OS in OSCC cases exhibiting: increased percent RC (>2.5%), mild -moderate/absent intratumoral TATE (versus intense TATE) or categorical tumor recurrence. In subsequent multivariate tests, all the three variables retained significance. Additionally, intraclass correlation coefficient demonstrated acceptable internal consistency for the observers who estimated percent RC. In conclusion, RC and intratumoral TATE proved to be independent predictors of OS in our OSCC cohort. Additionally, increased percent RC pointed towards aggressive tumor behaviour.

A semi-quantitative World Health Organization grading scheme evaluating worst tumor differentiation predicts disease-free survival in oral squamous carcinoma patients

We investigated World Health Organization (WHO) grading and pattern of invasion based histological schemes as independent predictors of disease-free survival, in oral squamous carcinoma patients. Tumor resection slides of eighty-seven oral squamous carcinoma patients [pTNM: I&II/III&IV-32/55] were evaluated. Besides examining various patterns of invasion, invasive front grade, predominant and worst (highest) WHO grade were recorded. For worst WHO grading, poor-undifferentiated component was estimated semi-quantitatively at advancing tumor edge (invasive growth front) in histology sections. Tumor recurrence was observed in 31 (35.6%) cases. The 2-year disease-free survival was 47% [Median: 656; follow-up: 14-1450] days. Using receiver operating characteristic curves, we defined poor-undifferentiated component exceeding 5% of tumor as the cutoff to assign an oral squamous carcinoma as grade-3, when following worst WHO grading. Kaplan-Meier curves for disease-free survival revealed prognostic association with nodal involvement, tumor size, worst WHO grading; most common pattern of invasion and invasive pattern grading score (sum of two most predominant patterns of invasion). In further multivariate analysis, tumor size (>2.5cm) and worst WHO grading (grade-3 tumors) independently predicted reduced disease-free survival [HR, 2.85; P=0.028 and HR, 3.37; P=0.031 respectively]. The inter-observer agreement was moderate for observers who semi-quantitatively estimated percentage of poor-undifferentiated morphology in oral squamous carcinomas. Our results support the value of semi-quantitative method to assign tumors as grade-3 with worst WHO grading for predicting reduced disease-free survival. Despite limitations, of the various histological tumor stratification schemes, WHO grading holds adjunctive value for its prognostic role, ease and universal familiarity.

Cedecea lapagei in a patient with malignancy: Report of a rare case

Cedecea lapagei is a member of the family Enterobacteriaceae and is an uncommon pathogen. There are very few reports of isolation of this organism from biological samples; mostly it is found to be a pathogen in elderly or otherwise medically compromised. We present a rare case of a patient with underlying malignancy of buccal mucosa, who developed an oral ulcer superinfected with C. lapagei. According to the available literature, this is the first case of C. lapagei from India detected in a cancer patient.

Multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus hominis subsp. novobiosepticus causing septicemia in patients with malignancy

A new subspecies of Staphylococcus hominis described by Kloos et al. in 1998 and named S. hominis subsp. novobiosepticus (SHN) has been implicated in nosocomial outbreaks. Multidrug resistance, including resistance to novobiocin and oxacillin, is a particularly important feature of SHN. In our institute, we encountered 13 cases of S. hominis subsp. hominis in cancer patients with septicemia, of which seven were methicillin resistant. The isolates were identified by VITEK ® 2 compact automated system, using GP REF 21342 identification card and antimicrobial susceptibility testing card P-628. The biochemical reactions and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the seven methicillin-resistant isolates were re-analyzed and patient details were re-checked to finally identify them as SHN. The increasing number of cases reporting isolation of SHN from biological specimens point to potential virulence and clinical importance of this bacterium.

Surgical Site Infection Caused by Aeromonas hydrophila in a Patient with Underlying Malignancy

Aeromonas skin and soft tissue infections in cancer patients can lead to serious life threatening conditions such as cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis and myonecrosis. We report here a case of surgical site infection, post radical mastectomy, in a 58-year-old female with carcinoma breast. Cultures of exudates from the wound grew Aeromonas hydrophila on repeated occasions. Recovery was uneventful following targeted antimicrobial therapy and regular dressing of the wound. Early suspicion, diagnosis, and treatment with potent antibiotics are needed to prevent any further complications resulting from infection by this emerging pathogen.

Case report and literature review of carbapenem resistant shewanella putrefaciens isolated from ascitic fluid

Shewanella species are Gram-negative, non-fermentative, oxidase positive, motile bacilli with the major phenotypic characteristic of production of large amounts of hydrogen sulfide. Shewanella putrefaciens, primarily considered to be an environmental bacterium, is infrequently recovered from clinical specimens. Herein, we report a case of ascitic fluid infection with carbapenem resistant Shewanella putrefaciens in a patient with underlying liver disorder requiring repeated ascitic fluid tapping. Proper antibiotic therapy helped in complete recovery of the patient.

Non-pigmented strain of serratia marcescens: an unusual pathogen causing pulmonary infection in a patient with malignancy

Serratia marcescens is a member of the family Enterobacteriaceae. It has emerged in recent years as an opportunistic pathogen of nosocomial infections. Some biotypes of Serratia marcescens produce the non-diffusible red pigment prodigiosin. Though both pigmented and non-pigmented biotypes may be pathogenic for humans, the non-pigmented biotypes are more virulent due to cytotoxin production and presence of plasmids mediating antibiotic resistance. However in India only one study done 31 years back has reported on infections caused by non-pigmented strains of Serratia marcescens. We present a case of a patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the left retromolar trigone, soft palate and buccal mucosa, who developed pulmonary infection with non-pigmented strain of Serratia marcescens. According to the available literature, this is the second report on infection with non-pigmented strain of Serratia marcescens from India. It is imperative to accurately detect the non-pigmented biotypes due to their tendency to cause serious and difficult to treat infections.

Usefulness of automated cell counter in detection of malaria in a cancer set up--our experience

BACKGROUND

Malaria diagnosis presents a challenge to all laboratories. In malaria-endemic areas, there is a need for rapid, sensitive and cost-effective method to effectively screen all samples, especially when the workload is very high. Various hematology analyzers have been investigated for detection of malaria in the past. Here, we present our experience of malaria detection in a cancer hospital where a large number of complete blood count requests are received either before or during chemotherapy. Fever, being a very common symptom in cancer patients, causes a suspicion of malaria.

AIM

This study was conducted to assess the usefulness of hematology cell counter, viz. WBC-DIFF and WBC/BASO scatter plots and the flaggings generated in malaria-positive cases. The occurrence of pseudoeosinophilia as reported by previous studies was also assessed. The parasitic index was determined and its correlation with the abnormalities found on the Hematology analyzer was also studied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood samples were collected from 80 out-patient department and inpatients with various solid as well as hematological malignancies, who presented with acute febrile illness during September 2010 and January 2012, and for whom complete blood cell analysis and peripheral smear for malaria parasite had been requested.

RESULTS

Of the 80 patients who presented with fever and suspicion of malaria, 29 patients were positive for malaria and 10 cases were diagnosed incidentally by the findings on the cell counter and were confirmed by Giemsa-stained blood smears. The sensitivity and specificity of the abnormalities detected in the WBC-Diff channel in detecting malaria is 82% and 100% respectively. Using WBC-BASO channel abnormality for initial diagnosis the sensitivity and specificity is 50% and 92.5% respectively. The sensitivity and specificity with respect to pseudoeosinophilia is 18% and 100% respectively. The most common WBC and PLT flags were leukopenia, atypical lymphocytes, lymphopenia, WBC abnormal scattergram, platelet clumps, thrombocytopenia, platelet abnormal distribution flag.

CONCLUSION

The instrument provides significantly valuable diagnostic parameters in detecting acute Plasmodium vivax malaria; however, it is not very useful for acute falciparum malaria infection. It is suggested that the laboratories using the hematology analyzers should be aware of such specific parameters, even in the absence of a clinical request.

Association of GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphism with lipid peroxidation in benign prostate hyperplasia and prostate cancer: a pilot study

Association of glutathione S-transferase (GST) M1 and T1 deletions with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer is well reported. These enzymes metabolize numerous toxins thus protecting from oxidative injury. Oxidative stress has been associated with development of BPH and prostate cancer. The present study was designed to analyze role of GST deletions in development of oxidative stress in these subjects. GSTs are responsible for metabolism of toxins present in tobacco therefore effect of tobacco usage in study groups was also studied. Three groups of subjects: BPH (57 patients), prostate cancer (53 patients) and controls (46 subjects) were recruited. Genotyping was done using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as marker of oxidative stress were estimated by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) in plasma. Based on genotyping, subjects were categorized into: GSTM1+/GSTT1+, GSTM1-/GSTT1+, GSTM1+/GSTT1- and GSTM1-/GSTT1-. Significantly higher plasma MDA levels were noticed in GSTM1-/GSTT1- as compared to GSTM1+/GSTT1+ in all study groups. Double deletion (GSTM1-/GSTT1-) is associated with higher oxidative stress which might play a role in the pathogenesis of BPH and prostate cancer. However, other markers of oxidative stress should be analyzed before any firm conclusion.

CYP 1A1 polymorphism and organochlorine pesticides levels in the etiology of prostate cancer

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polymorphisms of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes are reported to be associated with the possible risk of prostate cancer. OCPs are endocrine disruptors (EDs) which may act by disrupting the physiologic function of endogenous hormones and therefore possibly increase prostate cancer risk. CYP1A1 metabolizes several carcinogens and estrogens, etc. and hence polymorphism of this gene has been reported to be associated with prostate cancer risk. We studied 70 newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients and 61 age-matched healthy male controls. OCP levels in blood were determined by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and CYP1A1 polymorphisms were analyzed by allele-specific PCR and RFLP-PCR methods. Significantly higher levels of β-HCH, γ-HCH and p,p'-DDE were found in cases as compared to controls (p-values=0.04, 0.008, and 0.01, respectively). Higher levels of γ-HCH were observed in advanced stages of prostate cancer cases (<or=T(2) vs. >or=T(3)), (p-value=0.04). Dieldrin was found significantly higher in cases with initial stages (p-value=0.03). We did not observe any correlation between prostate cancer and CYP1A1 polymorphisms. Hence, higher level of OCPs, especially β-HCH, γ-HCH and p,p'-DDE might be associated with prostate cancer risk.

Novel Intramolecular Rearrangement Leading to the Synthesis of Biheterocyclic Indole−Benzoimidazole Derivatives on Solid Phase

[reaction: see text] A novel intramolecular SNAr rearrangement observed during the S-alkylation of benzoimidazole-2-thione with alpha-haloacetophenone is reported. The rearrangement led to the formation of a new benzoimidazole-based intermediate, which is further utilized for the generation of a new biheterocyclic indole-benzimidazole derivatives with a two-point diversity.

Neuroblastoma with concomitant giardiasis: report of a case with diagnosis by fine needle aspiration cytology

BACKGROUND

Diagnosis of two pathologies, including a neoplasm and infectious condition, by fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology in the same patient is rare.

CASE

A 2-year-old, male child presented with fever, abdominal pain and abdominal mass. Imaging findings were strongly in favor of a neuroblastoma. FNA smears from the mass revealed fecal material containing numerous trophozoites of Giardia lamblia. FNA was repeated in view of the imaging findings. Repeat smears showed a small round cell tumor with rosettes and background filamentous/fibrillar material consistent with a neuroblastoma. Chemotherapy reduced the mass considerably. Histopathology of the resected residual mass revealed a ganglioneuroma in addition to remnants of neuroblastoma. The patient was free of disease two years after the initiation of chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

When FNA cytology shows an infectious pathology in the clinical and imaging setting of a tumor, FNA should be repeated so that an important component of the diagnosis is not missed.

Oncoprotein c-erbB-2 in squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix and evaluation of its significance in response of disease to treatment

Tissues from 50 cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix were analysed for immunohistochemical expression of c-erbB-2 oncoprotein and the patients were followed-up for 2 years. Immunopositivity of c-erbB-2 was studied with reference to clinical stage, histopathological differentiation and response to the cancer therapy. Expression of c-erbB-2 protein was found to be higher (37.5%) in cases with stage II disease, whereas more expressions were noticed in poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (33.3%). Among cases who showed complete response to the treatment, 20.8% were positive for c-erbB-2 oncoprotein. On the contrary, 36.8% of prognostically unfavourable cases revealed positivity for c-erbB-2 immunostaining. However, the difference between c-erbB-2 expressions of these two said groups of patients, which were divided in accordance with the response to treatment, did not attain to statistical significance. Study on c-erbB-2 among larger number of patients with cervical carcinoma may prove to be an important factor in response to cancer therapy.

Oral leiomyosarcoma in childhood. Report of a case with fine needle aspiration cytology

BACKGROUND

Leiomyosarcomas are rare tumors in the pediatric age group, and occurrence of this neoplasm in the oral cavity is exceedingly rare. This article highlights the fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology diagnosis of a case of recurrent oral leiomyosarcoma in childhood.

CASE

An 11-year-old male noticed a swelling in the oral cavity near the left lower jaw. It was excised and diagnosed as leiomyosarcoma on histopathology. Four months later the patient presented with a progressive swelling in the oral cavity that extended to the lower jaw. The recurrent swelling was subjected to FNA, and its cytologic features were consistent with leiomyosarcoma. There was a very good initial response to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, because of noncompliance with advice for further therapy, the patient had a second local recurrence and dissemination of the disease to the skeletal system, abdomen and thorax. FNA cytology diagnosis of the second locally recurrent lesion and abdominal mass were consistent with leiomyosarcoma. Immunocytochemical staining revealed a positive reaction in the cytoplasm of tumor cells for vimentin and desmin in the FNA smear and paraffin section, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Fine needle aspiration cytology is a useful technique for detection of recurrence and metastasis during follow-up of childhood oral leiomyosarcoma.

Clinical, haematological and radiological evaluation of fragmented autogenous cortical bone grafting of radius in dogs

In eight clinically healthy dogs, a midshaft diaphyseal defect of 2 cm was created in the right radius ulna. This gap was maintained by fixing a four hole sherman bone plate on the radius. In four dogs, the gap was filled with autogenous cancellous bone grafts (2-5 mm in diameter) harvested from the proximal end of the tibia (group 1). In the remaining 4 dogs, the fracture gap was filled with autogenous cortical bone fragments (ACBF) of 2-5 mm diameter made from the same 2 cm piece of bone removed from the radius. While comparing various clinical observations, it appeared that healing of the wounds and bearing of the weight on the grafted limb in dogs subjected to ACBF graft were similar to those given autogenous cancellous bone graft. In radiographs, taken on the 30th day in group 1, a fairly good amount of callus was found emerging from fracture ends but the whole of the bone graft area was not covered by bony density even on the 60th day. In group 2 (ACBF), 45th day radiograph revealed that the callus from the fracture end was mixing up with the cortical bone fragments, and at the 60th day, the callus was clearly found invading the cortical bone fragments grafted in the fracture gap.

Fine needle aspiration cytology diagnosis of a fungal lesion of the Verticillium species. A case report

BACKGROUND

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology has great potential for the diagnosis of fungal lesions and other opportunistic infections, the frequency of which is rising due to immunosuppression, travel and environmental exposure. However, reports on FNA diagnosis of fungal lesions are rare.

CASE

A 40-year-old male juvenile diabetic presented with a 5 x 4-cm swelling over the upper part of the left arm. He had a recent history of a left nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma followed by radiotherapy. At the time of presentation, he was also receiving chemotherapy and interferon alpha-2a for a suspected pulmonary metastasis. FNA smears from the swelling showed an inflammatory exudate rich in neutrophils and a few septate fungal hyphae that branched at acute angle. Gomori's silver methenamine stain and periodic acid-Schiff stain revealed numerous fungal hyphae. The provisional diagnosis based on the cytomorphologic features was aspergillosis. However, culture of the aspirate confirmed the fungus to be of the Verticillium species. The lesion on the left arm responded to antifungal therapy, and the swelling disappeared gradually.

CONCLUSION

FNA cytology was very useful in the diagnosis of a rare fungal lesion that was not clinically suspected in spite of the fact that the patient was a highly susceptible candidate for it.

Primary pure choriocarcinoma of the ovary

The authors report a case of pure primary choriocarcinoma of the ovary (FIGO stage III A) in a young patient with 24-month follow-up. The patient, an advanced case of choriocarcinoma, was treated with combination chemotherapy comprising vincristine, bleomycin and cisplatinum. It is stressed that at that stage of the disease it is of prime importance to initiate combination chemotherapy for improvement in survival and prognosis of such cases rather than to distinguish the gestational or nongestational origin of the tumor.

Malignant mixed mesodermal tumor of ovary

A case of primary malignant mixed mesodermal tumor (MMMT) of the ovary arising de novo in a post-menopausal multiparous female is reported. The tumor contained heterologous elements in the form of cartilage and fat in addition to carcinosarcomatous areas. Post-operatively, single-agent chemotherapy was administered and up to the time of reporting the patient has been alive and well. Because of the rarity of these tumors the proper treatment remains a dilemma. The differential diagnosis of MMMT of ovary and teratocarcinoma is considered, as the two are confused frequently.

Testicular germ cell tumors. A review of 10 years' experience

Experience with 200 cases of testicular tumors seen over a period of 10 years has been presented. Modes of presentation, response to treatment, and patterns of failure have been analyzed in 186 cases of germ cell tumors. The role of radiation in the overall management of seminomas is reaffirmed, and the need for adjuvant radiation to the supraclavicular region and mediastinum is demonstrated in Stage II cases of seminoma. Results of treatment with radiation alone or combined with chemotherapy were not encouraging in nonseminomas in the current series. The advantages of an aggressive multimodal approach with judicious combination of surgery, radiation treatment, and combination chemotherapy have been discussed, with review of relevant literature.

Effect of fungicides on growth and on DNA, RNA and protein anabolism of a Rhizobium sp

Eleven fungicides were examined for their effect on the growth and anabolism of Rhizobium sp. in pure culture. Of these, only 4 were found to inhibit growth of rhizobia at a concentration as low as 10 micrograms/ml. Growth inhibition by these fungicides appeared to be primarily due to inhibition of respiration, although thiophanate and anilazine also affected DNA and RNA synthesis, respectively. Inhibition is, however, transitory and the bacterium has the ability to overcome this initial inhibition without mutation.

Effect of anilazine on growth, respiration and enzyme activity of Escherichia coli

The effect of anilazine on growth, respiration and enzyme activity of E. coli has been studied. Anilazine delays the growth of E. coli by prolonging the lag period. It inhibits glucose oxidation by 60% and succinate oxidation by 100%. It also inhibits in vitro succinic dehydrogenase activity. It seems that the inhibition of E. coli by anilazine is because of inhibition of respiratory enzymes.

Effect of benomyl and thiophanate-methyl on metabolic activities of Rhizoctonia solani Kühn

Effect of benomyl and thiophanate-methyl on various metabolic activities of Rhizoctonia solani was investigated. Both fungitoxicants strongly reduced endogenous whole cell and mitochondrial respiration by inhibiting one or the other key enzymes of electron transport chain; the activity of cytochrome oxidase being most markedly inhibited. Incorporation of 3II-thymidine was reduced by both while there was little or no inhibition in the rate of incorporation of 14C-uracil and 14C-leucine. Cell permeability was not affected to any appreciable extent and there was a little release of cellular components from the treated cells only at prolonged incubation. It is concluded that benomyl and thiophanate-methyl have a similar mode of action which primarily involves inhibition of respiratory activities, and as a consequence the biosynthesis of DNA is reduced.