Incidence and management of acid peptic disorders in sickle cell disease patients in Western Odisha

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic hemolytic disorder characterized by the presence of crescent-shaped red blood cells. Abdominal pain is the common presenting symptom in adults with SCD. Among the patients who are not in crisis, it is estimated that one third of patients with homozygous SCD with chronic recurrent epigastric pain has endoscopic evidence of peptic ulcer disease. Aims and Objectives: This study was undertaken with an aim to analyze the incidence and management of acid peptic disorders among SCD patients in Western Odisha. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was done considering 88 homozygous SCD patients. All the patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) with gastric antral biopsy and rapid urease test (RUT). Cases with Helicobacter pylori were administered a 14 days course of three drug regimen of anti H. pylori drugs and followed-up to 6 weeks of beginning the treatment with repeat UGIE and RUT. Results: Out of 88 cases, 19 cases had duodenal ulcer (21.6%) which was significantly high than patients with gastric ulcer (13.6%). Other findings were gastroesophageal reflux disease and gastritis. About 93.5% of patients became RUT negative after taking anti H. pylori medication. Conclusion: SCD patients with acid peptic disorder constitute a sizeable proportion of patients attending surgical outpatient department and indoor department of surgery. Conservative treatment with life style modification can effectively improve the symptoms of acid peptic disease.

Detection of helicobacter pylori infection by helicobacter pylori IgG serology test in pediatric patients at the Philippine General Hospital

Objective@#To determine the validity of serum H. pylori IgG in the detection of H. pylori-associated gastroduodenitis in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. @*Methods@#Cross-sectional study which included consecutive patients 1-18 years old with upper gastrointestinal symptoms who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy. H. pylori infection was diagnosed by positive tests for both rapid urease test (RUT) and Giemsa stain of gastric biopsies. H. pylori IgG (ELISA) serology was also performed.@*Results@#Twenty-five patients [Mean (SD) age: 12 (4.5) years, 68% females] were included. Majority presented with epigastric pain (64%) and had endoscopic gastritis (84%). Four patients had ulcers (1 antral, 3 duodenal). Giemsa stain was positive in 16 (64%) patients and RUT in one. Prevalence of H. pylori infection was 4%. Serum H. pylori IgG test was positive in two; borderline in three with a 100% sensitivity, 80% specificity, and a positive and negative likelihood ratio of 10.9 and 0.6.@*Conclusion@#The present study showed a low prevalence of H. pylori infection, thus, the validity of the H. pylori serology could not be adequately evaluated. We presently could not recommend the serum IgG in the detection of H. pylori gastroduodenitis in our setting.

Pesquisa pré-operatória de infecção por Helicobater pylori em pacientes bariátricos: a análise histopatológica é necessária? / Pre-operative screening of helicobacter pylori in bariatric patients: is histopathological analysis necessary?

ABSTRACT Background: Helicobacter pylori infection has been reported to lead to post-operative complications after bariatric surgery (BS), especially marginal ulcers. The optimal method for pre-operative screening is yet to be determined. Objective: To analyze the diagnostic accuracy of the endoscopic urease test for the detection of H. pylori in individuals undergoing BS and the main endoscopic and histological changes within this population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out based on a database from medical records of 232 individuals who underwent BS between 2016 and 2019 at a tertiary university hospital. Clinical, anthropometric, and endoscopic data were analyzed. The gold-standard method considered to calculate diagnostic accuracy variables was histopathological examination through hematoxylin-eosin/Giemsa stains. Results: 87.5% of the participants were female; mean age was 38.5±9.5 years and average body mass index was 37.6±3.8 kg/m2. The commonest endoscopic finding was gastritis (50.9%) with a predominance of the mild erosive form (25%). Upon histological examination, 59.1% of the participants had confirmed H. pylori infection. H. pylori infection was associated with higher frequencies of endoscopic duodenitis (23.4% vs 12.6%; P=0.04), histological chronic gastritis (100% vs 56.8%; P<0.0001) and histological acute gastritis (58.4% vs 2.1%; P<0.0001). The urease test had a sensitivity of 79.6% and a specificity of 97.9%, leading to an overall accuracy of 87.1%. Conclusion The endoscopic urease test is highly accurate for pre-operative screening of H. pylori infection in individuals who undergo BS. H. pylori infection was significantly associated with endoscopic (duodenitis) and histopathological (chronic and active gastritis) changes.

RESUMO Contexto: A infecção por Helicobacter pylori tem sido descrita como causa de complicações pós-operatórias após cirurgia bariátrica (CB), especialmente úlceras marginais. O método ideal para a triagem pré-operatória ainda não foi determinado. Objetivo: Analisar a acurácia diagnóstica do teste endoscópico de urease para detecção de H. pylori em indivíduos submetidos à CB e as principais alterações endoscópicas e histológicas observadas nessa população. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal a partir de um banco de dados de prontuários de 232 indivíduos submetidos à CB entre 2016 e 2019 em um hospital universitário terciário. Dados clínicos, antropométricos e endoscópicos foram analisados. Foi considerado como método padrão-ouro para calcular as variáveis de acurácia diagnóstica o exame histopatológico por colorações de hematoxilina-eosina e Giemsa. Resultados: 87,5% dos participantes eram do sexo feminino; a média de idade foi de 38,5±9,5 anos e o índice de massa corporal médio foi de 37,6±3,8 kg/m2. O achado endoscópico mais comum foi gastrite (50,9%) com predomínio da forma erosiva leve (25%). Ao exame histológico, 59,1% dos participantes apresentaram infecção confirmada por H. pylori. A infecção por H. pylori foi associada a maiores frequências de duodenite endoscópica (23,4% vs 12,6%; P=0,04), gastrite crônica histológica (100% vs 56,8%; P<0,0001) e gastrite aguda histológica (58,4% vs 2,1%; P<0,0001). O teste de urease teve sensibilidade de 79,6% e especificidade de 97,9%, levando à acurácia global de 87,1%. Conclusão: O teste endoscópico de urease tem alta acurácia para triagem pré-operatória da infecção por H. pylori em candidatos à CB. A infecção por H. pylori foi significativamente associada a alterações endoscópicas (duodenite) e histopatológicas (gastrite crônica e ativa).

Combined rapid urease test and histology for the diagnosis of helicobacter pylori infection

Significance@#Accurate detection of Helicobacter pylori (HP) is essential for the diagnosis of HP infection. The use of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (PPI) may result in false-negative rapid urease test (RUT) results. We aimed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of RUT compared with histology and assess the detection rate of combined RUT and histology for HP infection. @*Methodology@#Retrospective data collection was performed on 192 patients who were tested for both RUT and histology at the time of upper endoscopy from 2017 to 2018. At least two gastric biopsies (1 from corpus, 1 from antrum) were taken each for RUT and histology. The endoscopy was performed by a single gastroenterologist and a single pathologist was responsible for interpreting the histology with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Giemsa stain. The gold standard test for the diagnosis of HP infection was histology. Demographic profile, RUT and histology results were reviewed. Tests for diagnostic accuracy were computed using SPSSv23. @*Results@#192 patients were tested for RUT and histology. 52(27.1%) were males and 140(72.9%) were females with a mean age of 54±17 years. Epigastric pain was the most common indication (42.7%). 24(12.5%) patients tested positive for HP infection. Among these; 16(8.3%) tested positive for both RUT and histology(true-positive), while 8(4.2%) tested negative for RUT but had positive histology(false-negative). 6 out of 8(75%) patients with false negative results had PPI use. The sensitivity and specificity of RUT for the diagnosis of HP infection were 66.7 and 98.2%, respectively. While the positive and negative likelihood ratio were 37.3 and 0.34, respectively with a diagnostic odds ratio of 110. @*Conclusion@#The HP detection rate of RUT combined with histology increased by 33% compared with RUT alone. RUT is a highly specific test for diagnosing HP infection. Given its modest sensitivity, histology plays an important role in the diagnosis of HP infection, especially in patients taking PPIs. We recommend doing histology when RUT is negative to increase the HP detection rate.

Advances of enzymes related to microbial cement / 生物工程学报

Microbial induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) refers to the natural biological process of calcium carbonate precipitation induced by microbial metabolism in its surrounding environment. Based on the principles of MICP, microbial cement has been developed and has received widespread attention in the field of biology, civil engineering, and environment owing to the merits of environmental friendliness and economic competence. Urease and carbonic anhydrase are the key enzymes closely related to microbial cement. This review summarizes the genes, protein structures, regulatory mechanisms, engineering strains and mutual synergistic relationship of these two enzymes. The application of bioinformatics and synthetic biology is expected to develop biocement with a wide range of environmental adaptability and high performance, and will bring the MICP research to a new height.

Cashmirins A and B, new antifungal and urease inhibitory prenylated coumarins from Sorbus cashmiriana

Abstract Cashmirins A (1) and B (2), new prenylated coumarins, have been isolated from the EtOAc- soluble fraction of the whole plant of Sorbus cashmiriana Hedlung, Monog. along with seselin (3), scopoletin (4), 3-hydroxyxanthyletin (5) and luteolin (6), reported for the first time from this species. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques including MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Both new compounds 1 and 2 were investigated for biological activities and showed significant antifungal and urease inhibitory activities. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited significant activity against Aspergillus flavus, Macrophomina phaseolina, Trichophyton simii, Trichophyton schoenleinii, and Pseudallescheria boydri. Both compounds also exhibited significant inhibitory activity against Jack bean urease with IC50 values of 28.2±0.12 µM and 30.3±0.18 µM, respectively compared to thiourea used as positive control.

Amplification of urea detection based on pH-sensitive liposomes

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to develop an amplification method of urea detection based on pHsensitive liposomes. RESULTS: The urease covalently immobilized on the magnetic particles and the pH-sensitive liposomes encapsulating ferricyanide were added to the cyclic-voltammeter cell solution where urea was distributed. The conversion of urea into carbonic acid seemed to induce a pH decrease that caused a reduction in the electrostatic repulsion between the headgroups of weakly acidic 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero3-succinate. The reduction induced the liposomes to release potassium ferricyanide that was encapsulated inside. The effects of urea concentration and pH value were investigated. A specific concentration (0.5 mg/mL) of the urea solution was set to observe the response. The activity of urease was reversible with respect to the pH change between 7 and 5. The sensitivity of this detection was almost identical to the comparable techniques such as an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a field-effect transistor. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the methodology developed in this study was feasible as a portable, rapid, and sensitive method.

First genome sequence of Chilean Brucella canis SCL strain provides insights on the epidemiology and virulence factors, explaining differences between geographical origins

BACKGROUND: Brucella canis is the etiological agent of canine brucellosis, a worldwide neglected zoonosis that constitutes one of the major infectious causes of infertility and reproductive failure in dogs. Although genomic information available for this pathogen has increased in recent years, here we report the first genome sequencing of a B. canis strain in Chile, and the differences in virulence genes with other B. canis strains. RESULTS: Genome assembly produced a total length of 3,289,216 bp, N50 of 95,163 and GC% of 57.27, organized in 54 contigs in chromosome I, and 21 contigs in chromosome II. The genome annotation identified a total of 1981 CDS, 3 rRNA and 36 tRNA in chromosome I, and 1113 CDS and 10 tRNA in chromosome II. There is little variation between the different strains and the SCL isolate. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Chilean SCL strain is closely related to B. canis and B. suis strains. Small differences were found when compared to the Serbian isolate, but all strains shared the same recent common ancestor. Finally, changes in the sequence of some virulence factors showed that the SCL strain is similar to other South American B. canis strains. CONCLUSIONS: This work sequenced and characterized the complete genome of B. canis strain SCL, evidencing the complete presence of all the genes of the virB operon, and minor changes in outer membrane proteins and in the urease operon. Our data suggest that B. canis was introduced from North America and then spread throughout the South American continent.

Helicobacter spp. and gastric lesions association in minipigs / Associação entre Helicobacter spp. e lesões gástricas em minipigs

ABSTRACT: Due to their similarity to humans, studies regarding gastric ulcers in pigs have become of great interest. It is known that Helicobacter spp. is related to the occurrence of these ulcers, as they possess a high prevalence in pigs. This study aimed to associate gastric lesions findings naturally occurring in minipigs related to or not related to the presence of Helicobacter spp., through the ultra-rapid urease test and immunohistochemical analysis, reaffirming the disease in swine as a natural biomedical model for human cases. For this, samples of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded gastric tissues from 40 minipigs were obtained at the Laboratório de Morfologia e Patologia Animal (LMPA) in the Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense (UENF). Regarding the ultra-rapid urease test, no animal was positive in all regions. However, 18 were positive in at least one: six (15%) were positive in the aglandular region, eight (20%) in the antrum region, 13 (32.5%) in the region of the cardiac gland, and one (2.5%) in the region of the fundic gland. Regarding immunohistochemical analysis, only one animal was positive in all regions, and 32 animals were positive in at least one: four (10%) were positive in the aglandular region, 10 (25%) in the antrum region, 23 (57.5%) in the region of the cardiac gland, and three (7.5%) in the region of the fundic gland. The gastric lesion findings showed a close relationship with Helicobacter spp., enriching the laboratory animal pathologies list. The immunostaining of the bacteria not associated with gastric lesions in certain regions demonstrated the saprophytic and opportunisitic nature of Helicobacter.

RESUMO: Por sua semelhança com a da espécie humana, a úlcera gástrica nos suínos tem despertado muito interesse. Sabe-se que o Helicobacter spp. está relacionado à ocorrência dessas úlceras, apresentando alta prevalência. Este estudo teve como objetivo associar as lesões gástricas, de ocorrência natural em miniporcos, à presença, ou não, de Helicobacter spp., por meio do teste ultra-rápido da urease e da análise imunohistoquímica, reafirmando a enfermidade em suínos como modelo biomédico natural para os casos em humanos. Para este fim, foram utilizados histossetes de tecido gástrico de 40 minipigs obtidos no Laboratório de Morfologia e Patologia Animal (LMPA) da Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense (UENF). Em relação ao teste ultra-rápido da urease, nenhum animal foi positivo em todas as regiões, entretanto, 18 foram positivos em pelo menos uma: seis foram positivos na região aglandular, oito na região do antro, 13 na região das glândulas cárdicas e um na região das glândulas fúndicas. Em relação à análise imuno-histoquímica, somente um animal foi positivo em todas as regiões e 32 animais foram positivos em pelo menos uma: quatro foram positivos na região aglandular, 10 na região do antro, 23 na região das glândulas cárdicas e três na região das glândulas fúndicas. As lesões gástricas demonstraram estreita relação com o Helicobacter spp. em miniporcos, enriquecendo a lista de patologias de animais de laboratório. A imunomarcação da bactéria não associada à lesão, em certas regiões gástricas, demonstra seu caráter saprofítico e oportunista.

Antibacterial activity of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. red flower against antibiotic-resistant strains of Helicobacter pylori and identification of the flower constituents

Utilization of plant resources for treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections is one of the appealing approaches as rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains is occurring throughout the world. Ethanol extract and its fractions from Hibiscus rosa-sinensis red flower were assessed for antibacterial and urease inhibitory activities towards forty-three clinical strains and two reference strains of H. pylori. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the most potent bacteriostatic activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.2-0.25 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of 1.25-1.5 mg/mL against all test strains, including forty-three strains resistant to one to four antibiotics, azithromycin (MICs, 8-256 µg/mL), erythromycin (MICs, 8-128 µg/mL), levofloxacin (MICs, 8-256 µg/mL), and/or metronidazole (MICs, 8-256 µg/mL). The fraction had similar antibacterial activities toward these test strains suggesting the preparation and the antibiotics do not have a common mechanism of anti-H. pylori activity. The fraction also had stronger effects on biofilm formation, morphological conversion, and urease activity of H. pylori than the other fractions and the ethanol extract. These flower preparations were non-toxic to three human cell lines, and nine compounds were also isolated and identified from the ethyl acetate fraction. In vivo research needs to be conducted to confirm the potential usefulness of H. rosa-sinensis flower and its constituents for effective prevention and treatment of H. pylori disease.

Acurácia diagnóstica entre teste rápido da urease e estudo histopatológico para detecção de Helicobacter pylori / Diagnostic accuracy of urease quick test compared to histopathological study for Helicobacter pylori detection

Objetivo: Analisar a acurácia do teste rápido da urease para detecção de Helicobacter pylori comparado com o exame histopatológico. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo e descritivo realizado de abril de 2018 a maio de 2019 em um Serviço de Endoscopia e Biliopancreática e em um laboratório de patologia. A amostra foi composta de 64 pacientes, de ambos os sexos, com idade de 35 a 81 anos, que apresentavam queixas dispépticas. Foram realizados exame histopatológico e teste rápido da urease. Os dados foram analisados pelo R Core team 2019 e submetidos a análises descritivas (variáveis categóricas) e inferenciais (teste de associação de qui-quadrado de Pearson e teste de Mann-Whitney). O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Resultados: O teste rápido da urease demonstrou que dez pacientes foram verdadeiros-positivos, 39 verdadeiros-negativos, três falsos-positivos, 12 falsos-negativos, com sensibilidade de 45,4% (25,1% a 67,3%), especificidade de 92,9% (79,4% a 98,1%), valor preditivo positivo de 76,9% (45,9% a 93,8%), valor preditivo negativo de 76,5% (62,2% a 86,7%), acurácia de 76,6% (64,0% a 85,9%), razão de chance diagnóstica 10,8 (2,56 a 45,9), índice de Youden 0,38 (0,16 a 0,60) e taxa de erro de 23,4% (14,1% a 36,0%). Conclusão: O teste rápido da urease apresentou baixa capacidade de detectar pacientes infectados, menor acurácia em relação ao estudo anatomopatológico e alta especificidade. O teste pode ser útil no momento da realização da endoscopia, por fornecer resultado rápido e barato para detectar H. pylori. O diagnóstico da bactéria apresenta maior confiabilidade com a realização dos dois métodos para pesquisa de H. pylori.

Objective: To analyze the accuracy of the rapid urease test for Helicobacter pylori detection when compared with the histopathological examination. Methods: This is a prospective and descriptive study conducted from April 2018 to May 2019, at an Endoscopy and Biliopancreatic Service and in a pathology laboratory. The sample consisted of 64 male and female patients aged 35 to 81 years old with dyspeptic complaints. Histopathological examination and rapid urease test were performed. Data were analyzed by R Corel team 2019 and underwent descriptive (categorical variables) and inferential (Pearson's Chi-squared association test and Mann-Whitney test) analyzes. The significance level adopted was 5%. Results: The rapid urease test showed that ten patients were true positive, 39 true negative, three false-positive, and 12 false-negative, and sensitivity was of 45.4% (25.1% to 67.3%), specificity 92.9% (79.4% to 98.1), positive predictive value of 76.9% (45.9-93.8%), negative predictive value of 76.5% (62.2% to 86.7%), accuracy of 76.6% (64.0% to 85.9%), diagnostic odds ratio of 10.8 (2.56% to 45.9), Youden index 0.38 (0.38% to 0.60), and error rate 23.4 (14.1% to 36.0%). Conclusion: The rapid urease test showed low ability to detect infected patients, lower accuracy compared to the pathological study, and high specificity. The test may be useful at the time of endoscopy, as it provides a quick and inexpensive result to detect H. pylori. The diagnosis of the bacterium is more reliable when both methods for H. pylori investigation are performed

Adaptación a la realidad de Latinoamérica de la Guía Clínica NASPGHAN/ESPGHAN 2016 sobre Diagnóstico, Prevención y Tratamiento de Infección por Helicobacter pylori en Pediatría / Adaptation to the reality of Latin America of the NASPGHAN/ESPGHAN 2016 Guidelines on the Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Pediatrics

Resumen: Introducción: Las últimas guías clínicas conjuntas de NASPGHAN y ESPGHAN en relación a la infección por H. pylori publicadas el año 2016, contienen 20 afirmaciones que han sido cuestionadas en la práctica respecto a su aplicabilidad en Latinoamérica (LA); en particular en relación a la preven ción del cáncer gástrico. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis crítico de la literatura, con especial énfasis en datos de LA y se estableció el nivel de evidencia y nivel de recomendación de las afirmaciones mas controversiales de las Guías Conjuntas. Se realizaron 2 rondas de votación de acuerdo a la técnica Delfi de consenso y se utilizó escala de Likert (de 0 a 4) para establecer el "grado de acuerdo" entre un grupo de expertos de SLAGHNP. Resultados: Existen pocos estudios en relación a diagnóstico, efectividad de tratamiento y susceptibilidad a antibióticos de H. pylori en pacientes pediátricos de LA. En base a estos estudios, extrapolaciones de estudios de adultos y la experiencia clínica del panel de expertos participantes, se realizan las siguientes recomendaciones. Recomendamos la toma de biopsias para test rápido de ureasa e histología (y muestras para cultivo o técnicas moleculares, cuando estén disponibles) durante la endoscopia digestiva alta sólo si en caso de confirmar la infección por H. pylori, se indicará tratamiento de erradicación. Recomendamos que centros regionales seleccio nados realicen estudios de sensibilidad/resistencia antimicrobiana para H. pylori y así actúen como centros de referencia para toda LA. En caso de falla de erradicación de H. pylori con tratamiento de primera línea, recomendamos tratamiento empírico con terapia cuádruple con inhibidor de bomba de protones, amoxicilina, metronidazol y bismuto por 14 días. En caso de falla de erradicación con el esquema de segunda línea, se recomienda indicar un tratamiento individualizado considerando la edad del paciente, el esquema indicado previamente y la sensibilidad antibiótica de la cepa, lo que implica realizar una nueva endoscopía con extracción de muestra para cultivo y antibiograma o es tudio molecular de resistencia. En niños sintomáticos referidos a endoscopía que tengan antecedente de familiar de primer o segundo grado con cáncer gástrico, se recomienda considerar la búsqueda de H. pylori mediante técnica directa durante la endoscopia (y erradicarlo cuando es detectado). Con clusiones: La evidencia apoya mayoritariamente los conceptos generales de las Guías NASPGHAN/ ESPGHAN 2016, pero es necesario adaptarlas a la realidad de LA, con énfasis en el desarrollo de centros regionales para el estudio de sensibilidad a antibióticos y mejorar la correcta selección del tratamiento de erradicación. En niños sintomáticos con antecedente familiar de primer o segundo grado de cáncer gástrico, se debe considerar la búsqueda y erradicación de H. pylori.

Abstract: Introduction: The latest joint H. pylori NASPGHAN and ESPGHAN clinical guidelines published in 2016, contain 20 statements that have been questioned in practice regarding their applicability in Latin America (LA); in particular in relation to gastric cancer prevention. Methods: We conduc ted a critical analysis of the literature, with special emphasis on LA data and established the level of evidence and level of recommendation of the most controversial claims in the Joint Guidelines. Two rounds of voting were conducted according to the Delphi consensus technique and a Likert scale (from 0 to 4) was used to establish the "degree of agreement" among a panel of SLAGHNP ex perts. Results: There are few studies regarding diagnosis, treatment effectiveness and susceptibility to antibiotics of H. pylori in pediatric patients of LA. Based on these studies, extrapolations from adult studies, and the clinical experience of the participating expert panel, the following recom mendations are made. We recommend taking biopsies for rapid urease and histology testing (and samples for culture or molecular techniques, when available) during upper endoscopy only if in case of confirmed H. pylori infection, eradication treatment will be indicated. We recommend that selected regional centers conduct antimicrobial sensitivity/resistance studies for H. pylori and thus act as reference centers for all LA. In case of failure to eradicate H. pylori with first-line treatment, we recommend empirical treatment with quadruple therapy with proton pump inhibitor, amoxi cillin, metronidazole, and bismuth for 14 days. In case of eradication failure with the second line scheme, it is recommended to indicate an individualized treatment considering the age of the pa tient, the previously indicated scheme and the antibiotic sensitivity of the strain, which implies performing a new endoscopy with sample extraction for culture and antibiogram or molecular resistance study. In symptomatic children referred to endoscopy who have a history of first or se cond degree family members with gastric cancer, it is recommended to consider the search for H. pylori by direct technique during endoscopy (and eradicate it when detected). Conclusions: The evidence supports most of the general concepts of the NASPGHAN/ESPGHAN 2016 Guidelines, but it is necessary to adapt them to the reality of LA, with emphasis on the development of regional centers for the study of antibiotic sensitivity and to improve the correct selection of the eradication treatment. In symptomatic children with a family history of first or second degree gastric cancer, the search for and eradication of H. pylori should be considered.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in dyspeptic patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in a tertiary-care teaching hospital

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is widely prevalent in the world especially in the developing countries. The common clinical presentation of this disease includes peptic and duodenal ulcer. A major post-infection complication of this disease is gastric carcinoma. The scope of this study was to determine the prevalence of active H. pylori infection in the local population by retrospective review of patient records, which can give a better picture of the current situation and estimate the at-risk population of gastric carcinoma. Objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection in biopsy specimens obtained from upper gastrointestinal endoscopy performed in dyspeptic patients in a tertiary-care hospital.Methods: The study was performed as a retrospective review of biopsy reports of 262 dyspeptic patients with previously unknown H. pylori status who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy during the months of January 2018 to May 2018. Biopsy obtained from stomach was evaluated for the presence of H. pylori infection by Rapid Urease Test (RUT) or histopathological examination.Results: The prevalence of H. pylori infection in dyspeptic patients obtained from the above study was 44.7% and was found to be more common in males compared to females.Conclusions: H. pylori is a risk factor for gastric carcinoma. Determining the prevalence with early identification of active infections results in better treatment and post infection monitoring for malignancy.

Does H. pylori therapy augments the effect of iron therapy among children with iron deficiency anemia?

Background: To assess beneficial effects of H. pylori therapy on children with pre-existing Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA).Methods: A total of 218 consecutive patients with iron deficiency anemia (Hb 6-11 gm/dl) were invited to participate in the study. Patients underwent endoscopic biopsy and rapid urease test for H. pylori detection. A total of three groups were formed- Group I (n=13) - positive for H. pylori, underwent treatment for H. pylori therapy and IDA, Group II (n=16) - positive for H. pylori, underwent treatment for IDA only, Group III (n=101) - negative for H. pylori, underwent treatment for IDA only. All the patients were followed up after every 4 weeks till week 12. Change in haematological parameters and anaemic and iron status was assessed. Chi-square paired 't'-test and ANOVA were used using SPSS 21.0.Results: All the 3 groups showed a significant increase in S. Hb, Ferritin and iron levels and a decrease in S. TIBC levels. At 12 weeks, mean S. ferritin and S. iron levels were significantly higher in Groups I and III as compared to Group II while Mean S. TIBC levels were significantly higher in Group II as compared to that in Groups I and II. A total of 73.3% of Group III, 53.8% of Group I and 56.3% of Group II patients had hemoglobin levels >11 g/dl, but difference was not significant (p=0.175).Conclusions: The findings of study showed that H. pylori therapy augments the effect of iron therapy among H. pylori positive children with iron deficiency anemia.

In Silico Screening Of Zinc Database For Discovery Of Novel Urease Inhibitors As A Remedy To Gastro-Duodenal Ulcer Caused By Helicobacter Pylori

Design and synthesis of novel urease inhibitors taking center stage now days with specific attention as a remedy to Helicobacter pylori infection. A number of inhibitors fail in vivo and in clinical trial owing to the toxicity and hydrolytic profile. In the present study, we are making an attempt to screen a large small molecule database, ZINC, for a potential urease inhibitor. The structure based drug discovery approach has been adopted with acceptable ADMET parameters so that the lead molecules may have fair chances of passing in vitro and in vivo trails. The lead molecule in our study, with ID ZINC90446454 is a urea derivative and predicted to be nontoxic. It comes out to be a promising drug candidate with pKd value 7.83, LE 0.429 and LD50 value 10100 mg/kg body weight. Its sulfanyl derivative, with predicted high LD50 (10100 mg/kg body weight), exhibits the feasibility of a disulfide covalent bond with Cys321 in the active site. The derivative may serve as a novel covalent inhibitor with high specificity, high potency and low toxicity. The derivative, in future, may be a successful drug candidate for H. pylori induced gastro-duodenal ulcer.

Abnormal metabolism of gut microbiota reveals the possible molecular mechanism of nephropathy induced by hyperuricemia

The progression of hyperuricemia disease is often accompanied by damage to renal function. However, there are few studies on hyperuricemia nephropathy, especially its association with intestinal flora. This study combines metabolomics and gut microbiota diversity analysis to explore metabolic changes using a rat model as well as the changes in intestinal flora composition. The results showed that amino acid metabolism was disturbed with serine, glutamate and glutamine being downregulated whilst glycine, hydroxyproline and alanine being upregulated. The combined glycine, serine and glutamate could predict hyperuricemia nephropathy with an area under the curve of 1.00. Imbalanced intestinal flora was also observed. , , , , and other conditional pathogens increased significantly in the model group, while and , the short-chain fatty acid producing bacteria, declined greatly. At phylum, family and genus levels, disordered nitrogen circulation in gut microbiota was detected. In the model group, the uric acid decomposition pathway was enhanced with reinforced urea liver-intestine circulation. The results implied that the intestinal flora play a vital role in the pathogenesis of hyperuricemia nephropathy. Hence, modulation of gut microbiota or targeting at metabolic enzymes, , urease, could assist the treatment and prevention of this disease.

Improving applicability of urease from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens JP-21 by site-directed mutagenesis / 生物工程学报

Ethyl carbamate (EC) is a carcinogen detected in fermented foods and alcohol beverages. Excessive intake of EC is possibly harmful to health. Enzymatic degradation is one of the most effective approaches for reducing EC in fermented foods. Urease catalyzes the hydrolysis of both EC and urea. This confers urease a good application prospect in reducing EC and its precursor urea in fermented foods. Currently, degradation of EC in alcohol beverages by urease is inefficient due to its low urethanase activity and poor affinity to EC. Urease from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens JP-21 was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli at the level of 3 292 U/L urease and 227.3 U/L urethanase. Two key residues M326 and M374 were characterized that might block the binding of enzyme to EC, through simulating docking the structure of catalytic subunit UreC of urease with EC. Three mutants (M374A, M374T and M326V) of urease with improved urethanase activity were obtained by performing point saturated mutagenesis approach. Using EC as the substrate, Km values of M374A, M374T and M326V were detected to be 101.8 mmol/L, 129.5 mmol/L and 121.7 mmol/L, respectively, which were decreased by 37.47%-50.82% compared with that of the wild type urease. These mutants can degrade more than 97% of urea in rice wine and mutant M374T shows the highest degradation of EC in rice wine. EC content in rice wine was reduced from 525 μg/L to 393 μg/L by using M374T, and the EC degradation rate of it is 0.97 folds higher than that of the wild type urease. The results are of great significance for engineering the catalytic properties of urease and improving its industrial properties, and lays a good foundation for developing strategies to reducing microbial metabolic ammonia (amine) hazards in fermented foods.

Standardizing Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infection to Improve Diagnostic Accuracy / 胃肠病学

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is important for the prevention and treatment of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer and gastric cancer. The Chinese consensus on the management of Hp infection has taken "confirmed Hp infection" as an indication for eradication. The World Gastroenterology Organisation global guideline states the "test-and-treat strategy" for Hp infection. Accurate diagnosis of Hp infection is a prerequisite for standardized eradication. There are many methods to diagnose Hp infection. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Different methods are suitable for different diseases and patients, and each method has strict requirements for reagents, equipment, testers and patients. Therefore, increasing the awareness of physicians and testers about the standardized diagnosis of Hp infection is essential to improve the diagnostic accuracy.

Enzyme inhibition and antibacterial potential of 4-Hydroxycoumarin derivatives

The 4-Hydroxycoumarin derivatives are known to show a broad spectrum of pharmacological applications. In this paper we are reporting the synthesis of a new series of 4-Hydroxycoumarin derivatives synthesized through Knovenegal condensation; they were characterized by using UV-Vis, FT-IR, NMR spectroscopies. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium strains. The compounds (2), (3) and (8) showed favorable antibacterial activity with zone of inhibitions 26.5± 0.84, 26.0 ± 0.56 and 26.0 ± 0.26 against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) respectively. However, the compounds (5) and (9) were found more active with 19.5 ± 0.59 and 19.5 ± 0.32 zone of inhibitions against Salmonella typhimurium (Gram-negative). Whereas, in urease inhibition assay, none of the synthesized derivatives showed significant anti-urease activity; although, in carbonic anhydrase-II inhibition assay, the compound (2) and (6) showed enzyme inhibition activity with IC50 values 263±0.3 and 456±0.1, respectively.

Biological activity of synthesized 5-{1-[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]piperidin-4-yl}-2-mercapto-1, 3, 4-oxadiazole derivatives demonstrated by in silico and BSA binding studies

We synthesized a series of compounds bearing pharmacologically important 1,3,4-oxadiazole and piperidine moieties. Spectral data analysis by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, IR and EI-MS was used to elucidate the structures of the synthesized molecules. Docking studies explained the different types of interaction of the compounds with amino acids, while bovine serum albumin (BSA) binding interactions showed their pharmacological effectiveness. Antibacterial screening of these compounds demonstrated moderate to strong activity against Salmonella typhi and Bacillus subtilis but only weak to moderate activity against the other three bacterial strains tested. Seven compounds were the most active members as acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors. All the compounds presented displayed strong inhibitory activity against urease. Compounds 7l, 7m, 7n, 7o, 7p, 7r, 7u, 7v, 7x and 7v were highly active, with respective IC50 values of 2.14±0.003, 0.63±0.001, 2.17±0.006, 1.13±0.003, 1.21±0.005, 6.28±0.003, 2.39±0.005, 2.15±0.002, 2.26±0.003 and 2.14±0.002 µM, compared to thiourea, used as the reference standard (IC50 = 21.25±0.15 µM). These new urease inhibitors could replace existing drugs after their evaluation in comprehensive in vivo studies.