Herbicidal activity of Pennisetum purpureum (Napier grass)

This study investigates potential herbicidal effects of Pennisetum purpureum extracts on two selected weed bioassay species. Ethyl acetate extract of P. purpureum was able to suppress germination of bioassay species by 41%. Although, it had no phytotoxic activity on the root or shoot growth of bioassay species, it had caused leaf discs of bioassay species to turn dark brown. Chromatographic separation of ethyl acetate extract yielded nine fractions. The highest suppressive ability was exhibited by fraction five where the shoot and root growth of bioassay species was inhibited markedly, while the colour of leaf discs changed from green to dark brown. The germination of the bioassay species is particularly sensitive to the fraction five, exhibiting approximately 20% reduction in germination, relative to the control. These results imply that P. purpureum contains phytotoxic compounds that can be developed as natural herbicide.Key words: Pennisetum purpureum extracts, allelochemicals, phytotoxic, bioassay

Definitive radiotherapy for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva and technical issues: a case report

This case report describes a complex radical 3D-Conformal Radiotherapy treatment planning, dosimetric issues and outcome of definitive treatment of un-resectable carcinoma of the vulvar in a 42-year old lady. The patient presented with large fungating mass of the vulva which was biopsy confirmed as Keratinizing Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Further staging investigation revealed locally advanced disease (T4), with bilateral inguinal lymph nodes involvement. There is no systemic metastasis or intra-pelvic nodes. The patient was seen by Gynae-Oncology team and the disease was deemed un-resectable without significant morbidity. She was treated to a total dose of 64.8Gy in 36 fractions over 7 weeks with concurrent weekly Cisplatinum in 2 phases. 3D-Conformal radiotherapy technique using the modified segmental boost technique (MSBT, large PA and small AP photon fields with inguinal electron matching) was used. TLD chips were used for in-vivo dose verification in phase 1 and 2 of the treatment. At completion of planned radiotherapy, patient had a complete clinical response, grade 2-3 skin toxicity, grade 2 rectal toxicity, and grade 2 dysuria Vulval Squamous Cell Carcinomas are very radiosensitive tumours and the skills of the treating Radiation Oncologist, Dosimetrists, Physicist, Radiation Therapist and also nurses is of foremost importance is ensuring good clinical outcomes