The efficiency of potential food waste-degrading bacteria under harsh conditions.

AIMS: Investigate the impact of highly adapted bacterial strains and their ability in waste degradation under a wide range of temperatures. METHODS AND RESULTS: Bacteria isolated from soil and food waste were grown in various media under fluctuated temperatures. After screening for organic compound degradation, the seven strongest bacterial strains have been selected for further experiments. Their enzyme activities were expressed in terms of the size of the hydrolysis zone in a wide temperature range of 2·5-70°C. The enzyme production assay was carried out for each protease, cellulase and amylase. The waste degradation was determined with a maximum 80% decrease in the volume of food waste in 21 days compared to the control in lab scale with enriched bacterial cultures and soil bacteria as additives at room temperature around 18-20°C. CONCLUSION: These seven bacteria are promising candidates for food waste biodegradation in composting especially in the winter without heating expense for maintaining ambient temperature. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: It is necessary to coax the uncultured bacteria from the various environments into the laboratory for investigating their valuable functions. Herein, using enrichment culture of consortium and additive of soil has illustrated the significant mean in food waste degradation.

Extended localization and adaptive dose calculation using HU corrected cone beam CT: Phantom study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The practicability of computing dose calculation on cone beam CT (CBCT) has been widely investigated. In most clinical scenarios, the craniocaudal scanning length of CBCT is found to be inadequate for localization. This study aims to explore extended tomographic localization and adaptive dose calculation strategies using Hounsfield unit (HU) corrected CBCT image sets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Planning CT (pCT) images of the Rando phantom (T12-to-midthigh) were acquired with pelvic-protocol using Biograph CT-scanner. Similarly, half-fan CBCT were acquired with fixed parameters using Clinac2100C/D linear accelerator integrated with an on-board imager with 2-longitudinal positions of the table. For extended localization and dose calculation, two stitching strategies viz., one with "penumbral-overlap" (S1) and the other with "no-overlap" (S2) and a local HU-correction technique were performed using custom-developed MATLAB scripts. Fluence modulated treatment plans computed on pCT were mapped with stitched CBCT and the dosimetric analyses such as dose-profile comparison, 3D-gamma (γ) evaluation and dose-volume histogram (DVH) comparison were performed. RESULTS: Localizing scanning length of CBCT was extended by up to 15 cm and 16 cm in S1 and S2 strategies, respectively. Treatment plan mapping resulted in minor variations in the volumes of delineated structures and the beam centre co-ordinates. While the former showed maximum variations of -1.4% and -1.6%, the latter showed maximum of 1.4 mm and 2.7 mm differences in anteroposterior direction in S1 and S2 protocols, respectively. Dosimetric evaluations viz., dose profile and DVH comparisons were found to be in agreement with one another. In addition, γ-evaluation results showed superior pass-rates (≥98.5%) for both 3%/3 mm dose-difference (DD) and distance-to-agreement (DTA) and 2%/2 mm DD/DTA criteria with desirable dosimetric accuracy. CONCLUSION: Cone beam tomographic stitching and local HU-correction strategies developed to facilitate extended localization and dose calculation enables routine adaptive re-planning while circumventing the need for repeated pCT.

Multi-view methods for protein structure comparison using latent dirichlet allocation.

MOTIVATION: With rapidly expanding protein structure databases, efficiently retrieving structures similar to a given protein is an important problem. It involves two major issues: (i) effective protein structure representation that captures inherent relationship between fragments and facilitates efficient comparison between the structures and (ii) effective framework to address different retrieval requirements. Recently, researchers proposed vector space model of proteins using bag of fragments representation (FragBag), which corresponds to the basic information retrieval model. RESULTS: In this article, we propose an improved representation of protein structures using latent dirichlet allocation topic model. Another important requirement is to retrieve proteins, whether they are either close or remote homologs. In order to meet diverse objectives, we propose multi-viewpoint based framework that combines multiple representations and retrieval techniques. We compare the proposed representation and retrieval framework on the benchmark dataset developed by Kolodny and co-workers. The results indicate that the proposed techniques outperform state-of-the-art methods. AVAILABILITY: http://www.cse.iitm.ac.in/~ashishvt/research/protein-lda/. CONTACT: ashishvt@cse.iitm.ac.in.

Influence of Jaw Setting in the Determination of Stereotactic Small-Field Output Factors with Different Detectors.

Background: The experimental determination of relative output factors presents the greatest challenge, especially for small fields with different detectors. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of jaw positions on small-field output factors for the fields defined by micro-multileaf collimator and circular cones with different detectors. Materials and Methods: The stereotactic output factors were measured on Primus linear accelerator with BrainLab micro-multileaf collimator (mMLC) and circular cones as add-on tertiary collimators. Square field sizes ranging from 0.6 cm × 0.6 cm to 9.8 cm × 9.8 cm and circular fields of diameter ranging from 1.0 cm to 4.0 cm were defined by mMLC and circular cones, respectively. The influence of jaw position on output factor was assessed for different geometric configurations with three different detectors. Results: The values obtained with PinPoint ion chamber were consistent with microDiamond detector for fields greater than 24 mm × 24 mm, but an underestimation of 23.9% was noticed in 6 mm x 6 mm field size. For the mMLC defined field size of 6 mm × 6 mm, when the X-Y jaw was moved from 8 mm × 8 mm to 80 mm × 80 mm, an increase in the output by a factor of 1.7 was observed with both microDiamond and stereotactic radiosurgery diode, whereas an increase in output by a factor of 1.9 was noticed with PinPoint ion chamber. Conclusion: Output factors obtained with different detectors show high differences in the smallest field size for all collimating systems. This study confirms that the position of X and Y jaw above the tertiary collimator significantly influences the small-field output factor.

Modeling basal ganglia for understanding Parkinsonian reaching movements.

We present a computational model that highlights the role of basal ganglia (BG) in generating simple reaching movements. The model is cast within the reinforcement learning (RL) framework with correspondence between RL components and neuroanatomy as follows: dopamine signal of substantia nigra pars compacta as the temporal difference error, striatum as the substrate for the critic, and the motor cortex as the actor. A key feature of this neurobiological interpretation is our hypothesis that the indirect pathway is the explorer. Chaotic activity, originating from the indirect pathway part of the model, drives the wandering, exploratory movements of the arm. Thus, the direct pathway subserves exploitation, while the indirect pathway subserves exploration. The motor cortex becomes more and more independent of the corrective influence of BG as training progresses. Reaching trajectories show diminishing variability with training. Reaching movements associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) are simulated by reducing dopamine and degrading the complexity of indirect pathway dynamics by switching it from chaotic to periodic behavior. Under the simulated PD conditions, the arm exhibits PD motor symptoms like tremor, bradykinesia and undershooting. The model echoes the notion that PD is a dynamical disease.

Validation of image registration and fusion of MV CBCT and planning CT for radiotherapy treatment planning.

In areas like adaptive therapy, multi-phase radiotherapy, and single fraction palliative treatment or in the treatment of patients with metal implants where megavoltage(MV) CT could be considered as a treatment planning modality, the reduced contrast in the MV CT images could lead to limited accuracy in localization of the structures. This would affect the precision of the treatment. In this study, as an extension our previous work on bespoke MV cone beam CT (MV CBCT), we propose to register the MV CBCT with kilovoltage (kV) CT for treatment planning. The MV CBCT images registered with kV CT would be effective for treatment planning as it would account for the inadequate soft tissue information in the MV CBCT and would allow comparison of changes in patient dimensions and assist in localization of the structures. The intensity based registration algorithm of the BrainSCAN therapy planning software was used for image registration of the MV CBCT and kV CT images. The accuracy of the registration was validated using qualitative and quantitative measures. The effect of image quality on the level of agreement between the contouring done on both the MV CBCT and kV CT was assessed by comparing the volumes of six structures delineated. To assess the level of agreement between the plans after the registration, two independent plans were generated on the MV CBCT and the planning CT using the posterior fossa of the skull as the target. The dose volume histograms and conformity indices of the plans were compared. The results of this study show that treatment planning with MV CBCT images would be effective, using additional anatomical structure information derived from registering the MV CBCT image with a standard kVCT.

Combined in vitro and in silico approach to evaluate the inhibitory potential of an underutilized allium vegetable and its pharmacologically active compounds on multidrug resistant Candida species.

Candida infections and related mortality have become a challenge to global health. Nontoxic and natural bioactive compounds from plants are regarded as promising candidates to inhibit these multidrug resistant strains. In the present study, in vitro assays and in silico molecular docking approach was combined to evaluate the inhibitory effect of crude extracts from Allium ampeloprasum and its variety A. porrum on Candida pathogens. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids in higher quantity. Spectral studies of the extracts support the presence of phenols, flavonoids and organosulfur compounds. Aqueous extract of A. ampeloprasum showed a total antioxidant capacity of 68 ± 1.7 mg AAE/ g and an IC50 value of 0.88 ± 2.1 mg/ml was obtained for DPPH radicals scavenging assay. C. albicans were highly susceptible (19.9 ± 1.1 mm) when treated with aqueous A. ampeloprasum extract. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were within the range of 19-40 µg/ml and the results were significant (p ≤ 0.05). In silico molecular docking studies demonstrated that bioactive phytocompounds of A. ampeloprasum and A. porrum efficiently interacted with the active site of Secreted aspartyl proteinase 2 enzyme that is responsible for the virulence of pathogenic yeasts. Rosmarinic acid and Myricetin exhibited low binding energies and higher number of hydrogen bond interactions with the protein target. Thus the study concludes that A. ampeloprasum and A. porrum that remain as underutilized vegetables in the Allium genus are potential anti-candida agents and their pharmacologically active compounds must be considered as competent candidates for drug discovery.

Effects of radiation and role of plants in radioprotection: A critical review.

Radiation can be lethal at high doses, whereas controlled doses are useful in medical applications. Other applications include power generation, agriculture sterilization, nuclear weapons, and archeology. Radiation damages genetic material, which is reflected in genotoxicity and can cause hereditary damage. In the medical field, it is essential to avoid the harmful effects of radiation. Radiation countermeasures and the need for radioprotective agents have been explored in recent years. Considering plants that evolve in radiative conditions, their ability to protect organisms against radiation has been studied and demonstrated. Crude extracts, fractioned extracts, isolated phytocompounds, and plant polysaccharides from various plants have been used in radioprotection studies, and their efficiency has been proven in various in vitro and in vivo experimental models. It is important to identify the mechanism of action to develop a potent plant-based radioprotective agent. To identify this protective mechanism, it is necessary to understand the damage caused by radiation in biological systems. This review intends to discuss the effects of ionizing radiation on biological systems and evaluate plant-based radioprotectants that have tested thus far as well as their mechanism of action in protecting against the toxic effects of radiation. From the review, the mechanism of radioprotection exhibited by the plant-based products could be understood. Meanwhile, we strongly suggest that the potential products identified so far should undergo clinical trials for critically evaluating their effects and for developing an ideal and compatible radioprotectant with no side-effects.

Spectral characterization of hydroxyapatite extracted from Black Sumatra and Fighting cock bone samples: A comparative analysis.

At present, chicken business is occupying a major portion in the market and huge amount of bone wastes are dumped into the open places lead in environmental pollution. In this analysis, natural hydroxyapatite was extracted by thermal calcination process at different temperature ranges from 700 °C, 900 °C and 1100 °C and compared its spectral characteristics. The crystalline nature, functional groups and morphological characteristics of hydroxyapatite obtained from both bone samples were studied using XRD, FTIR and SEM analysis. The crystallite size, lattice parameters, specific surface area, volume and degree of crystallinity were measured using XRD data. The mean grain size of Black Sumatra and Fighting Cock bone hydroxyapatite was 62.67 nm and 31.34 nm respectively. The FTIR spectrum showed major peaks at 634.58 cm-1 and 470.63 cm-1, 1413.82 cm-1 and 1460 cm-1 indicates the presence of carbonate group and phosphate groups in both samples. The SEM micrograph confirmed the existence of maximum pores in matrix of fighting cock bone than Black Sumatra bone sample. Thus, the comparative analysis concluded that nano-sized hydroxyapetite obtained from bone wastes of fighting cock can be utilized as a low-cost biomaterial for the production of various implant coating materials and substitute for ceramics in bones and dentistry applications.

Accuracy of relocation, evaluation of geometric uncertainties and clinical target volume (CTV) to planning target volume (PTV) margin in fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for intracranial tumors using relocatable Gill-Thomas-Cosman (GTC) frame.

The present study is aimed at determination of accuracy of relocation of Gill-Thomas-Cosman frame during fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy. The study aims to quantitatively determine the magnitudes of error in anteroposterior, mediolateral and craniocaudal directions, and determine the margin between clinical target volume to planning target volume based on systematic and random errors. Daily relocation error was measured using depth helmet and measuring probe. Based on the measurements, translational displacements in anteroposterior (z), mediolateral (x), and craniocaudal (y) directions were calculated. Based on the displacements in x, y and z directions, systematic and random error were calculated and three-dimensional radial displacement vector was determined. Systematic and random errors were used to derive CTV to PTV margin. The errors were within ± 2 mm in 99.2% cases in anteroposterior direction (AP), in 99.6% cases in mediolateral direction (ML), and in 97.6% cases in craniocaudal direction (CC). In AP, ML and CC directions, systematic errors were 0.56, 0.38, 0.42 mm and random errors were 1.86, 1.36 and 0.73 mm, respectively. Mean radial displacement was 1.03 mm ± 0.34. CTV to PTV margins calculated by ICRU formula were 1.86, 1.45 and 0.93 mm; by Stroom's formula they were 2.42, 1.74 and 1.35 mm; by van Herk's formula they were 2.7, 1.93 and 1.56 mm (AP, ML and CC directions). Depth helmet with measuring probe provides a clinically viable way for assessing the relocation accuracy of GTC frame. The errors were within ± 2 mm in all directions. Systematic and random errors were more along the anteroposterior axes. According to the ICRU formula, a margin of 2 mm around the tumor seems to be adequate.

Vermiconversion of biowastes with low-to-high C/N ratio into value added vermicompost.

Seaweed (T1), sugarcane trash (T2), coir pith (T3) and vegetable waste (T4) with cowdung (1:1, w/w) were vermicomposted using Eudrilus eugeniae (50 days). The pH in vermicomposts showed a decrease while electrical conductivity showed increment. The organic matter content, organic carbon, lignin, cellulose, C/N and C/P ratios in vermicompost was significantly lower than compost. Total NPK contents of vermicompost were significantly elevated (P < 0.05) with 12.04-63.75%, 19.05-31.58% and 22.47-42.55%, respectively. The significantly higher growth rate of 1.41 and 7.74 mg/worm/day was observed in T1 on 10th and 50th day respectively, with 23.91 initial C/N ratio; while it was 0.85 and 4.81 mg/worm/day in T4 with 69.81 initial C/N ratio. A similar pattern was reflected in cocoon production, hatchling success and hatchling number/cocoon. Results revealed that vermicompost quality, worm growth, and reproduction depend on C/N ratio. The study suggests that amendment materials like cowdung are necessary to reduce C/N ratio for effective vermicomposting.

Identification of novel bioactive molecules from garlic bulbs: A special effort to determine the anticancer potential against lung cancer with targeted drugs.

Garlic (Allium sativum L.), is a predominant spice, which is used as an herbal medicine and flavoring agent, since ancient times. It has a rich source of various secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, terpenoids and alkaloids, which have various pharmacological properties. Garlic is used in the treatment of various ailments such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The present study aims to explore the plausible mechanisms of the selected phytocompounds as potential inhibitors against the known drug targets of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The phytocompounds of garlic were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. Subsequently, the identified phytocompounds were subjected to molecular docking to predict the binding with the drug targets, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4-ALK) and group IIa secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2-IIA). Molecular dynamics is used to predict the stability of the identified phytocompounds against NSCLC drug targets by refining the intermolecular interactions formed between them. Among the 12 phytocompounds of garlic, three compounds[1,4-dimethyl-7-(1-methylethyl)-2-azulenyl]phenylmethanone, 2,4-bis(1-phenylethyl)-phenol and 4,5-2 h-oxazole-5-one,4-[3,5-di-t-butyl-4-methoxyphenyl] methylene-2-phenyl were identified as potential inhibitors, which might be suitable for targeting the different clinical forms of EGFR and dual inhibition of the studied drug targets to combat NSCLC. The result of this study suggest that these identified phytocompounds from garlic would serve as promising leads for the development of lead molecules to design new multi-targeting drugs to address the different clinical forms of NSCLC.

Metagenomics for taxonomy profiling: tools and approaches.

The study of metagenomics is an emerging field that identifies the total genetic materials in an organism along with the set of all genetic materials like deoxyribonucleic acid and ribose nucleic acid, which play a key role with the maintenance of cellular functions. The best part of this technology is that it gives more flexibility to environmental microbiologists to instantly pioneer the immense genetic variability of microbial communities. However, it is intensively complex to identify the suitable sequencing measures of any specific gene that can exclusively indicate the involvement of microbial metagenomes and be able to advance valuable results about these communities. This review provides an overview of the metagenomic advancement that has been advantageous for aggregation of more knowledge about specific genes, microbial communities and its metabolic pathways. More specific drawbacks of metagenomes technology mainly depend on sequence-based analysis. Therefore, this 'targeted based metagenomics' approach will give comprehensive knowledge about the ecological, evolutionary and functional sequence of significantly important genes that naturally exist in living beings either human, animal and microorganisms from distinctive ecosystems.

Resource recovery and circular economy from organic solid waste using aerobic and anaerobic digestion technologies.

With the inevitable rise in human population, resource recovery from waste stream is becoming important for a sustainable economy, conservation of the ecosystem as well as for reducing the dependence on the finite natural resources. In this regard, a bio-based circular economy considers organic wastes and residues as potential resources that can be utilized to supply chemicals, nutrients, and fuels needed by mankind. This review explored the role of aerobic and anaerobic digestion technologies for the advancement of a bio-based circular society. The developed routes within the anaerobic digestion domain, such as the production of biogas and other high-value chemicals (volatile fatty acids) were discussed. The potential to recover important nutrients, such as nitrogen through composting, was also addressed. An emphasis was made on the innovative models for improved economics and process performance, which include co-digestion of various organic solid wastes, recovery of multiple bio-products, and integrated bioprocesses.

The adaptation of megavoltage cone beam CT for use in standard radiotherapy treatment planning.

Potential areas where megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) could be used are second- and third-phase treatment planning in 3D conformal radiotherapy and IMRT, adaptive radiation therapy, single fraction palliative treatment and for the treatment of patients with metal prostheses. A feasibility study was done on using MV cone beam CT (CBCT) images generated by proprietary 3D reconstruction software based on the FDK algorithm for megavoltage treatment planning. The reconstructed images were converted to a DICOM file set. The pixel values of megavoltage cone beam computed tomography (MV CBCT) were rescaled to those of kV CT for use with a treatment planning system. A calibration phantom was designed and developed for verification of geometric accuracy and CT number calibration. The distance measured between two marker points on the CBCT image and the physical dimension on the phantom were in good agreement. Point dose verification for a 10 cm x 10 cm beam at a gantry angle of 0 degrees and SAD of 100 cm were performed for a 6 MV beam for both kV and MV CBCT images. The point doses were found to vary between +/-6.1% of the dose calculated from the kV CT image. The isodose curves for 6 MV for both kV CT and MV CBCT images were within 2% and 3 mm distance-to-agreement. A plan with three beams was performed on MV CBCT, simulating a treatment plan for cancer of the pituitary. The distribution obtained was compared with those corresponding to that obtained using the kV CT. This study has shown that treatment planning with MV cone beam CT images is feasible.

A rationale for cone beam CT with extended longitudinal field-of-view in image guided adaptive radiotherapy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of using cone beam CT with extended longitudinal field-of-view (CBCTeLFOV) for image guided adaptive radiotherapy (IGART). METHODS: The protocol acquires two CBCT scans with a linear translation of treatment couch in the patient plane, allowing a 1 cm penumbral overlap (i.e. cone beam abutment) and fused as a single DICOM set (CBCTeLFOV) using a custom-developed software script (coded in MatLab®) for extended localization. Systemic validation was performed to evaluate the geometric and Hounsfield Units accuracy at the overlapping regions of the CBCTeLFOV using a Catphan®-504 phantom. Two case studies were used to illustrate the CBCTeLFOV-based IGART workflow in terms of dosimetric and clinical perspectives. Segmentation accuracy/association between repeat CT (re-CT) and CBCTeLFOV was evaluated. Moreover, the efficacy of the CBCTeLFOV image data in deformable registration was also described. RESULTS: Slice geometry, spatial resolution, line profiles and HU accuracy in the overlapping regions of the CBCTeLFOV yielded identical results when compared with reference CBCT. In patient studies, the dice-similarity-coefficient evaluation showed a good association (>0.9) between re-CT and CBCTeLFOV. Dosimetric analysis of the CBCTeLFOV-based adaptive re-plans showed excellent agreement with re-CT based re-plans. Moreover, a similar and consistent pattern of results was also observed using deformed image data (initial planning CT deformed to CBCTeLFOV) with extended longitudinal projection and the same frame-of-reference as that of the CBCTeLFOV. CONCLUSION: Utilization of CBCTeLFOV proves to be clinically appropriate and enables accurate prediction of geometric and dosimetric consequences within the planned course of treatment. The ability to compute CBCTeLFOV-based treatment plans equivalent to re-CT promises a potential improvement in IGART practice.

Fricke xylenol glycine gel dosimeter for in vivo dosimetry at extended treatment distance.

Fricke xylenol gelatin with glycine (FXGGly) as gel dosimeter was investigated for in vivo dosimetry at extended source-to-surface distance (eSSD) and validated with optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLD). FXGGly dosimeter was calibrated with a low dose rate of 10 cGy/min at eSSD and evaluated using anthropomorphic phantom simulating the actual treatment scenario. The FXGGly dosimeter was demonstrated as a suitable in vivo dosimeter for total body irradiation at eSSD with desirable dosimetric accuracy (±â€¯2%) in comparison with OSLD or ionization chamber.

Identification of phytochemical components from Aerva lanata (Linn.) medicinal plants and its in-vitro inhibitory activity against drug resistant microbial pathogens and antioxidant properties.

This study aimed to determine the phytochemical components, microbial inhibitory effectiveness and antioxidant properties of Aerva lanata plant extracts. The whole plant showed various medicinal applications in folklore and traditional medicine in various parts of the world. The organic extracts such as ethanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform, acetone, water and methanol were subjected for various phytochemical analysis and confirmed for the existence of flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids and alkaloid containing components. Alternatively, the extracts were performed for the antibacterial activities against the microbial pathogens and antioxidant properties. Results indicated that, the solvent extracts showed prominent activity against the tested strains. The MIC concentrations of plant were detected from 5 mg/ml to 40 mg/ml. The plant extract was highly effective against E. coli and E. aerogenes and the MIC was 5 mg/ml. In addition, the extracts noted promising antioxidant activities. The antioxidant activities were dose dependent manner. In conclusion, A. lanata extracts showed that significant major phytochemicals and effective antioxidant and anti-microbial properties.

Adaptation of telecobalt unit for stereotactic irradiation.

We investigated the feasibility of using an isocentric telecobalt unit for advanced treatment techniques, such as stereotactic radiotherapy. To adapt the telecobalt unit (Th780 C) for stereotactic irradiation, collimator inserts of various sizes, collimator mount, and a couch mount suitable for the telecobalt unit were developed, and the characteristics of the narrow beams of Cobalt-60 (60Co) were studied. Comparative study was carried out between the stereotactic radiotherapy plans of 6 MV and 60Co beams using a 3-dimensional (3D) treatment planning system. The beam penumbra of 60Co beams was found to be larger than those of 6 MV beams. The dose-volume histograms (DVH) obtained from the 60Co beam plan were comparable to those obtained from the 6 MV plan. The DVH of nontarget tissue obtained from the plans of the 2 beams were found to be in good agreement to each other. The difference in equivalent fall-off distance (EFOD) for all 3 cases was found insignificant; hence, it can be concluded that the fall-off dose in the dose distribution of the 60Co stereotactic plan is as good as that of the 6 MV stereotactic plan. In all 3 cases for which the treatment plans were compared between 60Co and 6 MV beams, it was observed that the fall-off doses outside the target were similar; therefore, considering 60Co with 5-mm margin is a cost effective alternative for the linac-based stereotactic radiotherapy.