BACKGROUND: The ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine against COVID-19 is a two-dose vaccine spread 3 to 4 weeks apart. This study aims to ascertain the antibody response to each dose with respect to age, previous infection status etc. METHODS: Baseline total COVID-19 antibody level was ascertained using Siemens SARS‑CoV‑2 Total Antibody assay in consenting health care workers before the first dose of vaccination. Adverse effects were noted in each individual and were monitored weekly for the total antibody titre following both doses. Descriptive statistical tests were used to analyse the changes in antibodies levels weekly after both doses. Association of previous COVID infection and age with antibody levels was assessed. RESULTS: Median (range) of age of the 30 study participants was 31.5 years.23% of the participants had a history of previous COVID-19 infection. Mild adverse events following immunisation were reported by 87% participants after first dose whereas only in 7% after second dose. Median baseline antibody titres were significantly higher among those with previous COVID infection as compared to previously uninfected individuals. Antibody titres increased consistently after first dose and showed a declining trend following the second dose in all participants and showed no significant association with previous COVID-19 infection or age. CONCLUSIONS: Antibody titre response was similar amongst the various age groups. Higher response in the previously infected individuals following first dose may make them ideal candidates for a single dose vaccine regimen. Individuals showing lower levels of neutralising antibodies can be ideal candidates for a booster dose.

Background: Pleomorphic adenomas are benign salivary gland tumors predominantly arising from the superficial lobe of the parotid gland and rarely from the small salivary glands located at various locations including parotid, lacrimal duct, lip, floor of the mouth etc. Surgical excision of the tumor mass is the treatment of choice with utmost care taken to preserve the facial nerve in cases involving the parotid gland. Case details: This case series highlights three consecutive cases of pleomorphic adenoma arising from three different locations. Conclusion: Pleomorphic adenoma is the commonest salivary gland tumor characterized by diverse histomorphological features and can occur at any site where salivary tissue is present. Careful histopathological analysis should be done in all tumors arising especially in the head and neck region.

Background: platelets are a rich source of various growth factors and hence platelet rich plasma (PRP) is being used therapeutically in the field of dermatology, orthopaedics and dentistry with promising results. However, methods of preparation of PRP vary with many commercial kits also available. Scoring systems like DEPA score, PAW system and sports medicine criteria score help in determining the quality of the final product and guide therapy. Here we test a simple two step method for preparation of PRP and score it according to the abovementioned criteria while comparing it with the commercial kits analysed in literature. Methods: 10 ml whole blood was collected in 1.5 ml ACD solution from 100 healthy willing participants and analysed for platelet concentration. Sample was then centrifuged at 1600 rpm X 4 minutes in a calibrated laboratory centrifuge and supernatant was collected in a sterile tube using a sterile syringe. The supernatant was further concentrated for platelets by centrifuging at 3600 rpm X 10 minutes to form a platelet pellet at the bottom. All but 1 ml supernatant (Platelet deficient plasma) was discarded and the platelet pellet was suspended again to form platelet rich plasma. Platelet count was estimated in this sample as done with the whole blood sample. The results were compared and analysed using statistical methods to determine the efficacy of concentrating platelets by this method. Results: The tested method gave a final concentration of more than four times the baseline concentration with approximately 30% efficiency of capture and 80% purity. This was comparable to majority of the commercial systems tested in literature at a fraction of the cost. The scores according to various classification systems were determined and reported. Conclusion: Every platelet rich plasma prepared for therapeutic purposes should be classified according to any of the available scoring systems to determine its suitability for the purpose and to maintain uniformity in the quality of the product. The proposed two step method of preparation yields satisfactory quality of PRP by utilizing services of a basic laboratory at a fraction of the cost of commercial systems thereby enabling smaller medical institutions to utilize PRP therapy.