Genetic characterization and authentication of Embelia ribes using RAPD-PCR and SCAR marker.

Embelia ribes Burm. f. (Myrsinaceae) is one of the important plants used in Indian traditional medicine. RAPD-PCR analysis was performed to obtain species-specific DNA fragments. A band of 906 bp that was specific to Embelia ribes irrespective of the geographical source was obtained using the random decamer primer OPF 05. SCAR primers ER 1 (27 mer) and ER 2 (26 mer) were designed from the sequence of the RAPD marker which yielded an expected amplicon of 594 bp with the Embelia ribes DNA only. This methodology can be used for species identification of genuine Embelia ribes and to distinguish it from common substitutes and adulterants. BLAST: basic local alignment search tool ER 1: Embelia ribes forward primer ER 2: Embelia ribes reverse primer RAPD-PCR: random amplification of polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction SCAR: sequence characterized amplified region.

Integration and expression of Bluetongue VP2 gene in somatic embryos of peanut through particle bombardment method.

After pre-culture and treatment of osmosis, zygotic embryos of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) were transformed via particle bombardment with a plasmid containing a Bluetongue VP2 gene (BTVP2) comprising neutralizing epitopes. Selection for Kanamycin resistant calluses and somatic embryos was initiated at 12th day post-bombardment on medium containing 25 mg/L Kanamycin. Under continuous selection, 12.38% Kanamycin resistant plantlets were regenerated from bombarded somatic embryos. The presence and integration of BTVP2 DNA in regenerated Kanamycin resistant plants were confirmed by southern hybridization assay using non-radioactive Digoxiginin BTVP2 probe. Beta-glucuronidase (GUS) enzyme activity was detected in transgenic somatic embryos but not from control, non-transformed embryos. The expression of the BTVP2 protein was confirmed through RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) using the RNA isolated from the transgenic callus employing BTVP2-specific primers. The production of transgenic peanut was mainly focused on evaluating a newly improved somatic embryogenesis regeneration system as well as the gene transfer method and to produce the Bluetongue outer coat protein that comprises the neutralizing epitopes.

Primary malignant melanoma of the lower lip.

Melanomas in the anatomically complex area of the head and neck impose formidable obstacles to treatment. Mucosal melanomas, for reasons which remain uncertain, are associated with a poorer prognosis. Because no systemic treatment is known to be effective, increased awareness by patients and a high index of suspicion is warranted. The disease is potentially curable if diagnosed and treated at an early stage.

Giant pseudopolyps in granulomatous colitis. Report of a case.

A case of giant localized pseudopolyp causing partial large-bowel obstruction and occurring in granulomatous colitis is reported. This represented the first manifestation of the patient's disease. The role of surgery in certain patients is discussed.

Barrett's esophagus.

Barrett's esophagus remains an interesting but incompletely understood entity. Although most authors contend that it is of acquired origin, evidence is presented to substantiate either an acquired or a congenital origin. The possibility exists that Barrett's esophagus may be acquired in some instances and congenital in others. The most characteristic, albeit not exclusive, histologic features of Barrett's esophagus are defined by the presence of three types of columnar epithelium: an atrophic gastric fundic type of epithelium, a junctional type of epithelium and a specialized columnar epithelium. Reversion of columnar epithelium to squamous epithelium after successful antireflux operation demands further confirmation and study. Dysplastic, metaplastic and adenomatous changes in Barrett's esophagus do occur and must be observed carefully with endoscopy during the follow-up period. The possible relationship between these changes and malignant degeneration requires further study. Although the clinical presentation of benign complications occurring in a Barrett's esophagus simulates those occurring with reflux peptic esophagitis, distinctive roentgenographic and endoscopic features suggest the diagnosis. Treatment of the complications of Barrett's esophagus is essentially surgical, although cimetidine has been shown to be effective for healing of Barrett's ulcer. The need remains for further definition and clarification of the natural history of Barrett's esophagus so that its management can be based upon more definitive grounds.

Alkaline reflux gastritis. A study in forty postoperative duodenal ulcer patients.

A study to determine the incidence of alkaline reflux gastritis in forty postoperative duodenal ulcer patients has been presented. Since the majority of patients had evidence of gastritis, the precise role that gastritis plays in the production of symptoms is discussed but needs further clarification. It is suggested that the presence of gastritis may only represent an incidental or associated finding in many patients presenting with symptoms presumably characteristics of alkaline reflux gastritis.