Helicobacter pylori infection in non-ulcer dyspepsia: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection has been known to be associated with dyspepsia for more than two decades; however, studies on this topic in India are limited. This study was carried out to estimate the Helicobacter pylori infection rates in non-ulcer dyspepsia. Methods: Helicobacter pylori infection rates detected by rapid urease test (RUT) positivity were analyzed in 235 patients presenting to a tertiary care center with dyspepsia having no evidence of peptic ulcer disease on esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Results: In this study, the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection diagnosed by the RUT was found to be 40.85%. Gender-based prevalence was found to be 40.14% and 41.93% for men and women, respectively. The highest prevalence was found in the age group of 30-39 years. The most common area of involvement was the isolated antrum of the stomach as seen in 93 patients. Conclusion: This study shows a modest RUT positivity rate for Helicobacter pylori infection with the commonest site of involvement being the antrum of the stomach. Further studies will be needed to assess the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in the community to analyze the extent of infection.

Harmonia sedecimnotata (F.): Predatory potential, biology, life table, molecular characterization, and field evaluation against Aphis gossypii Glover.

The ladybird beetle, Harmonia sedecimnotata (F.) was studied in biology, life table, consumption rates, molecular characterization, and field evaluation. The net reproductive rate (R0), based on the age-stage and two-sex life table, was 43.2 eggs/individual. The female adults lived longer (68.1 d) than the male adults (62.9 d). The rate of consumption increased with progress in each stage of development. Compared to the other larval stages of the predator, the fourth stadium consumed most quantities of Aphis gossypii Glover nymphs (Hemiptera: Aphididae) (200.4). Both female (2214.6) and male (1792.4) consumed more prey (nymphs) than larvae. The net rate of consumption was 1458.92 nymphs of melon aphids. There was no variation in the sequences of the two nucleotides out of 583 bp, H sedecimnotata China (EU392410) and India (MG720024). Our investigations demonstrated that inoculative release of 30 or 40 or 50 adults per 100 m2 attained high reduction of aphids (>90%). Thus, it may be recommended the release rate of 40 adults per 100 m2 to suppress the eggplant aphid population. H. sedecimnotata is therefore one of the most promising biological control agents for cotton aphids that can be achieved for instant control through an inoculative release of adults.

Physical entrapment of chitosan in fixed-down-flow column bed enhances triclosan removal from water.

Triclosan (TCS) is an emergent pollutant with wide-ranging deleterious effects on aquatic organisms and humans. There is a growing concern about the development of low-cost and efficient treatment systems for the removal of TCS from water. This report describes the performance of a prototype of a continuous flow, fixed bed column device with physically entrapped industrial by-product chitosan. The effects of initial TCS concentration, adsorbent dose in the column matrix, and flow rate were investigated with regard to removal efficiency (%), adsorption capacity and breakthrough time. To understand the thermodynamic properties of the adsorption process, three kinetic models - Thomas, Yoon-Nelson and Adams-Bohart - were applied to the experimental data for the prediction of characteristic parameters of the adsorption process. The Yoon-Nelson model showed the best agreement between the experimental and calculated values. The column showed a near saturation state (Ct/C0 = 0.92; C0 and Ct are the concentration of TCS before and after treatment.) at 90 mg L-1 TCS concentration after 60 minutes. In view of non-availability of a treatment process for the emergent pollutant TCS, the data of the present investigation will facilitate the development of novel prototypes of column bed reactors for the removal of TCS.

A prototype of novel agro-waste based column bed device for removal of textile dye Optilan Red.

The aim of the study was to assess the potentiality of an agro-waste (sugarcane bagasse) for removal of the textile dye (Optilan Red) using novel column based filtration unit with a packed column of chemically treated sugarcane bagasse. The treated and untreated sugarcane bagasse (biosorbent) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Effect of initial dye concentration on percentage removal of dye, equilibrium adsorption of sugarcane bagasse, kinetic studies, breakthrough point equilibrium and desorption of dye from the column material were studied. An inverse dependence of initial dye concentration on percent removal of dye was observed, whereas the equilibrium adsorption (qe) showed a direct relationship with dye concentration. The time required for reaching breakthrough point was 120 min. Desorption of dye through alkali wash resulted in complete desorption after 1 h washing of the column for its reuse for next cycle. FT-IR analysis shows vibration in valence bands of the hydrogen bond of OH group, and the bands of intra-molecular and intermolecular hydrogen bonds, which results in interaction of treated bagasse with Optilan Red textile dye. The present study showed that more than 93% removal of the dye can be achieved in the concentration range 10-50 ppm (aqueous solution). The removal efficiency of the column remained almost unchanged for the treatment of dye-house wastewater spiked with the dye. The agro-waste based treatment process shows a considerable potential for a low-cost treatment of dye contaminated water.

Neuroanatomical demonstration of calbindin 2a- and calbindin 2b-like calcium binding proteins in the early embryonic development of zebrafish: mRNA study.

Certain calcium binding proteins (CaBPs) are essential for metabolic processes but the role of these proteins in the development is not well known. We have investigated the mRNA expression of CaBPs, calbindin 2a (Calb2a) and calbindin 2b (Calb2b) in the zebrafish embryos 24, 36, 48 and 72h post fertilization (hpf). We have seen very high Calb2a mRNA expression in the tegmentum (Tg), midbrain-hindbrain boundary (Mhb), hindbrain (Hb), spinal cord (Sc), retina and cranial ganglion (Crg). Also very high Calb2b mRNA expression was noted in olfactory cells, cerebellum, Tg, Mhb, Hb, optic tectum, retina, retinal ganglion cell layer, retinal inner nuclear layer, Sc, Neural crest, infraorbital neuromasts, pharyngeal arch 3-7 skeleton and mandibular neuromasts. It is known that many factors are involved in the differentiation of Mhb. Here we are reporting for the first time the mRNA expression of CaBPs (Calb2a and Calb2b) in the Mhb indicating their role in the differentiation of Mhb and development of the brain, eyes and other tissues in the zebrafish. We suggest that Calb2a and Calb2b play an important role in the regulation of zebrafish early embryonic development.

Efficacy of steroidal vs non-steroidal agents in oral lichen planus: a randomised, open-label study.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the therapeutic efficacy of steroidal and non-steroidal agents for treating oral lichen planus. METHODS: Forty patients with clinical and/or histologically proven oral lichen planus were randomly placed into four groups and treated with topical triamcinolone, oral dapsone, topical tacrolimus or topical retinoid for three months. Pre- and post-treatment symptoms and signs were scored for each patient. RESULTS: Patients in all treatment groups showed significant clinical improvement after three months (p 0.05) and for topical retinoid vs topical tacrolimus (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Non-steroidal drugs such as dapsone, tacrolimus and retinoid are as efficacious as steroidal drugs for treating oral lichen planus, and avoid the side effects associated with steroids.

Lipid profile of population of central region of Nepal.

This study was conducted to know the status of Lipid profile in people of central region of Nepal. This study was conducted in College of Medical Sciences & Teaching Hospital, Bharatpur, Nepal from February 2009 to March 2010 which is situated in central region of Nepal. A total of 870 cases, out of which 512(58.85%) male and 358(41.14%) female were included and study was carried out using data retrieved from the register maintained in the Department of Biochemistry. The variables collected were age, sex, lipid profile which includes total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) & low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C). The data was analyzed using excel 2007 and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 16.0. The total mean±SD of TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C were found to be 164.87±49.49, 157.56±79.78, 33.59±11.10, 97.79±40.68 respectively. Total Cholesterol, HDL-C & LDL-C were found to be statistically significant whereas TG was statistically insignificant between male and female. In both male and female, TG & LDL-C were higher in the age group of 21-40 years whereas HDL-C was higher in the age group of >61 years in both the group. Total cholesterol (TC) level was higher in the age group of 21-40 years in male while in female in the age group of 41-60 years. Desirable level of TC was observed in 78.50% of the total subjects while the normal TG, LDL-C were observed in 56.55%, 81.49%, respectively. Very high levels of TC, TG, LDL-C were observed in 4.94%, 0.34% & 1.6% of the total population studied, respectively. More percentage of female (27.65%) had higher HDL-C level than in male (15.62%). High triglycerides (TG) level is the commonest lipid abnormality in our study. HDL-C level was increase with increasing in age. Clinical evaluation can be made according to this study.

Purification and characterization of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase from Raillietina echinobothrida, a cestode parasite of the domestic fowl.

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK, EC 4.1.1.32) is an essential regulatory enzyme of glycolysis in helminths in contrast to its role in gluconeogenesis in their host. Previously we have reported that phytochemicals from Flemingia vestita (Family: Fabaceae), genistein in particular, have vermifugal action and are known to affect carbohydrate metabolism in the cestode, Raillietina echinobothrida. In order to determine the functional differences of PEPCK from the parasite and its avian host (Gallus domesticus), we purified the parasite enzyme apparently to homogeneity, and characterized it. The native PEPCK is a monomer with a subunit molecular weight of 65 kDa. The purified enzyme displayed standard Michaelis-Menten kinetics with Km value of 42·52 µM for its substrate PEP. The Ki for the competitive inhibitors GTP, GMP, ITP and IMP for the carboxylation reaction were determined and discussed. In order to identify putative modulators from plant sources, phytochemicals from F. vestita and Stephania glabra were tested on the purified PEPCK, which resulted in alteration of its activity. From our results, we hypothesize that PEPCK may be a potential target site for anthelmintic action.

Distinct roles for fibroblast growth factor signaling in cerebellar development and medulloblastoma.

Cerebellar granule neurons are the most abundant neurons in the brain, and a critical element of the circuitry that controls motor coordination and learning. In addition, granule neuron precursors (GNPs) are thought to represent cells of origin for medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Thus, understanding the signals that control the growth and differentiation of these cells has important implications for neurobiology and neurooncology. Our previous studies have shown that proliferation of GNPs is regulated by Sonic hedgehog (Shh), and that aberrant activation of the Shh pathway can lead to medulloblastoma. Moreover, we have demonstrated that Shh-dependent proliferation of GNPs and medulloblastoma cells can be blocked by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). But while the mitogenic effects of Shh signaling have been confirmed in vivo, the inhibitory effects of bFGF have primarily been studied in culture. Here, we demonstrate that mice lacking FGF signaling in GNPs exhibit no discernable changes in GNP proliferation or differentiation. In contrast, activation of FGF signaling has a potent effect on tumor growth: treatment of medulloblastoma cells with bFGF prevents them from forming tumors following transplantation, and inoculation of tumor-bearing mice with bFGF markedly inhibits tumor growth in vivo. These results suggest that activators of FGF signaling may be useful for targeting medulloblastoma and other Shh-dependent tumors.

Comorbid psychiatric disorders in substance dependence patients: A control study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the comorbidity of mental disorders among a random sample of substance dependence patients from a psychiatric inpatients department and the general population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Comprehensive data was collected from inpatients with substance abuse/dependence and comorbidity of mental disorders at the Ranchi Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Allied Sciences (RINPAS) and from normal controls from the general population during the period January 2007 to May 2007. RESULTS: The results show that the most prevalent comorbid disorders in substance dependence patients and substance abusers were depressive disorders. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of substance dependence patients suffered from comorbid mental disorders. Comorbidity needs to be taken into account when analyzing the relationship between substance dependence and depression and in planning treatment strategies for comorbid conditions.

Students' perception about mental illness.

BACKGROUND: In developing countries like India, there are evidences that stigma associated with mental illness is increasing. As in parts of the developing world, with advancement of urbanization and rapid industrialization, people tend to react in a very peculiar and biased way when they confront a mentally ill person. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study aimed to find out students' opinion about mental illness. A total of 100 students (50 male and 50 female) from Ranchi University were purposively recruited for the study, and the 51-item Opinion about Mental Illness (OMI) Scale was administered. RESULTS: Majority of the students were from Hindu families, of whom 42 (84%) were males and 38 (68%) were females. With regard to OMI scale, the item, viz., 'The law should allow a woman to divorce her husband as soon as he has been confined in mental hospital with a severe mental illness', both male (46%) and female (56%) students were neutral (significant at 0.014, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Overall no significant level of difference emerged between male and female students with regard to opinion about mental illness.

Subjective burden on spouses of schizophrenia patients.

BACKGROUND: There is limited information from India on subjective burden on spouses of schizophrenia patients. The aim of the present study was to assess and compare patterns of subjective burden on spouses of schizophrenia patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted at the OPD level, and follow-up was done at the Ranchi Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Sciences (RINPAS) during the period May 2008 to November 2008. Tools utilized were sociodemographic data sheet, Family Burden Interview Schedule developed by Pai and R. L. Kapur (1981). The sample comprised of 50 samples of spouses (25 male and 25 female spouses of schizophrenia patients). METHODS: The present study was conducted at the OPD level, and follow-up was done at the Ranchi Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Sciences (RINPAS) during the period May 2008 to November 2008. Tools utilized were sociodemographic data sheet, Family Burden Interview Schedule developed by Pai and R. L. Kapur (1981). The sample comprised of 50 samples of spouses (25 male and 25 female spouses of schizophrenia patients). RESULTS: The findings suggest that both the groups, viz., male and female spouses of schizophrenia patients, showed moderate level of subjective burden, i.e., 13 (52%) and 15 (60%) male and female spouses, respectively, which was statistically found to be insignificant. CONCLUSION: No significant difference was found between male and female spouses of schizophrenia patients with regard to the level of subjective burden.

Possible psychosocial strategies for controlling violence against women.

Women, the fair sex, are considered to be the weaker sex and one of the most powerless and marginalized sections of our society. Violence against women and girls continues to be a global epidemic. It is present in every country, cutting across boundaries of culture, class, education, income, ethnicity and age. A growing body of research studies indicates that 20% to 50% (varying from country to country) of women have experienced domestic violence. A multilayered strategy that addresses the structural causes of violence against women is needed. Strategies and interventions attempting to address violence against women should be guided by 5 underlying principles: Prevention, protection, early intervention, rebuilding the lives of victims/survivors and accountability. When planning interventions, there are a variety of stakeholders who should be borne in mind. Key areas for intervention include encouraging women empowerment; advocacy and awareness raising; education for building a culture of nonviolence; encouraging active participation of women in political system; resource development; direct service provision to victims, survivors and perpetrators; networking and community mobilization; direct intervention to help victims/survivors rebuild their lives; legal reform; monitoring interventions and measures; early identification of 'at risk' families, communities, groups and individuals; and data collection and analysis.

[Increased sensitivity for detection of mutations in exon 15 of the APC gene in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis]. / Zvýsení citlivosti pro detekci mutací v 15. exonu APC genu u pacientu s familiární adenomatózní polypózou.

BACKGROUND: Protein Truncation Test (PTT) was used to detect mutations in exon 15 of the APC gene in patients with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis. This method is limited by its ability to detect polypetide chains up to a certain minimum length. The aim of this study was to increase the sensitivity of detection of mutations in this region by using the technique of Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE). METHODS AND RESULTS: Study were performed on 122 patients without detected mutations in the APC gene. The patients were divided into two independent groups 15A and 15A+15B (with 51 and 71 patients respectively). All the patients were tested with the DGGE and the positive findings were confirmed with sequencing. No mutation was detected in the group 15A (0%). In group 15A+15B one (1.4%) polymorphism and four (5.63%) patients with nonsense mutations were detected. CONCLUSIONS: DGGE is an effective method for detecting mutations in the first part of exon 15 of APC gene. It allows detecting any change in DNA strand. DGGE complements PTT in scanning of the whole exon 15 of APC gene.

Effect of mutations in Gag on assembly of immature human immunodeficiency virus type 1 capsids in a cell-free system.

Studies of HIV-1 capsid formation in a cell-free system revealed that capsid assembly occurs via an ordered series of assembly intermediates and requires host machinery. Here we use this system to examine 12 mutations in HIV-1 Gag that others studied previously in intact cells. With respect to capsid formation, these mutations generally produced the same phenotype in the cell-free system as in cells, indicating the cell-free system's high degree of fidelity. Analysis of assembly intermediates reveals that a mutation in the distal region of CA (322 LDeltaS) and truncations proximal to the second cys-his box in NC block multimerization of Gag at early stages in the cell-free capsid assembly pathway. In contrast, mutations in the region of amino acids 56-68 (located in the proximal portion of MA) inhibit assembly at a later point in the pathway. Other mutations, including truncations distal to the first cys-his box in NC and mutations in the distal half of MA (88HDeltaG, 85YDeltaG, Delta104-115, and Delta115-129), do not affect formation of immature capsids in the cell-free system. These data provide new information on the role of different domains in Gag during the early events of capsid assembly.

A trial of thyroxine in acute renal failure.

UNLABELLED: A trial of thyroxine in acute renal failure. BACKGROUND: Acute renal failure (ARF) remains a serious medical problem with a high mortality rate. Efforts to shorten the course of ARF might reduce this mortality. Since thyroxine has been shown in experimental models to shorten the course of ARF, we designed a trial to determine if a defined course of thyroxine would alter the course or change the mortality of clinical ARF. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of thyroxine was carried out in patients with ARF. End points were the percentage requiring dialysis, the percentage recovering renal function, time to recovery, and mortality. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients were randomized to receive either thyroxine or placebo. The groups were well matched in terms of basal and entry creatinines, age, sex, APACHE II scores at entry, and percentage oliguric. Baseline thyroid functions, including T3, T4, rT3, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, were equal between the two groups and typical of patients with euthyroid sick syndrome. Thyroxine resulted in a progressive and sustained suppression of TSH levels in the treated group, but had no effect on any measure of ARF severity. Mortality was higher in the thyroxine group than the control group (43 vs. 13%) and correlated with suppression of TSH. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to the beneficial effects seen in experimental ARF, thyroxine has no effect on the course of clinical ARF and could have a negative effect on outcome through prolonged suppression of TSH. Critically ill euthyroid sick patients should not be replaced with thyroid hormone.