Helicobacter pylori infection in chronic smokers with non ulcer dyspepsia

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Both H. pylori infection and smoking are risk factors for acid peptic disorders. There is paucity of data on relationship between smoking and H. pylori infection. Therefore, we studied prevalence of H. pylori infection in smokers with non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

30 smokers with NUD (age 29.5 +/- 1.2 years; all men) and 30 non-smokers with NUD (age 29.2 +/- 1.6 years; all men) were included. None was on antiulcer drugs or antibiotics for more than 2 weeks. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed and antral biopsies obtained were subjected to rapid urease test, Gram's staining, culture and histopathology. Patient was considered H. pylori positive, if culture was positive or combination of histopathology plus rapid urease test or Gram's staining plus rapid urease test was positive.

RESULTS

24 of 30 (80%) smokers and 13 of 30 (43%) non smokers were positive for H. pylori infection (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the positivity of H. pylori in light (78%), moderate (81%) and heavy smokers (80%). All the 37 patients who were positive for H. pylori had histological gastritis compared to 65% in H. pylori negative patients. However there was no difference in presence of histological gastritis among H. pylori negative smokers (33%) and non smokers (70%; p = NS).

CONCLUSIONS

H. pylori infection is more common in smokers with NUD than in non-smokers. However duration and amount of smoking has no relationship with H. pylori positivity.

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction due to neurofibromatosis responding to cisapride

Gastrointestinal involvement in neurofibromatosis presenting with mechanical obstruction, hemorrhage or intussusception is known. Small bowel dysmotility and intestinal pseudo-obstruction due to neurofibromatosis is rare. A 23-year-old man with classical neurofibromatosis presented with intermittent episodes of intestinal pseudo-obstruction, small bowel bacterial overgrowth and steatorrhea. The patient had good symptomatic improvement with cisapride.

Gastrointestinal bleeding due to worm infestation, with negative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings: impact of enteroscopy

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

In cases of hookworm and roundworm infestation, chronic occult bleeding is well known, but acute gastrointestinal bleeding is rarely described. We report five patients with worm infestation who presented with acute massive gastrointestinal bleeding.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Over 1 year, we have encountered 15 patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. All the patients had normal findings on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Push enteroscopy was performed in each patient and evaluation of the proximal 40-50 cm of the jejunum was done.

RESULTS

Five patients (four men, one woman; average age 50 yr, range 40-60) had worm infestation (two hookworm, three roundworm). All the patients had gastrointestinal bleeding (five had melena, one hematemesis, and two hematochezia) for a duration of 7-14 days. Hemoglobin ranged from 2.8 to 9 g/dl. Push enteroscopy revealed fresh blood in the jejunum, multiple erosions, and hookworms in two patients and roundworms in three patients. Hookworms were retrieved endoscopically in two patients whereas roundworms could be retrieved in only one patient. All the patients were treated with mebendazole (100 mg twice a day for 3 days), iron, and folic acid. Gastrointestinal bleeding subsided in all the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In developing countries, worm infestation should be considered an important cause of obscure acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Evaluation of the jejunum using an enteroscope will result in more frequent diagnosis of worms as a cause of acute gastrointestinal bleeding which might have been classified as obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.

Race-related stress among Asian American veterans: a model to enhance diagnosis and treatment

This article addresses theoretical principles and clinical descriptions of the phenomenon of race-related stress and trauma experienced by Asian American Vietnam veterans. A conceptual model of race-based stress is presented, comprised of five principles, by which to understand mental health difficulties that can arise in regard to race-based stressors. The model describes (a) the relationship between life threat and physical similarity to the "enemy," (b) the relationship between fear and prejudice, (c) dehumanization as it impacts race hate and combat indoctrination, (d) additive life threat related to exploitation of one's physical similarity to the "enemy," and (e) race-based remorse. The article delineates factors affecting treatment seeking and disclosure of race-based stresses, guidelines for interviewing veterans about race-related events and ethnic self-worth, and the harmful effects of race hate.

Immunohistochemical localization and correlation of p53 and PCNA expression in breast carcinoma

The object of the present study is to detect the p53 tumour suppressor gene and proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression in breast carcinoma by immunohistochemistry and correlate them with the prognostic parameters. Total 35 cases of primary breast carcinoma were studied and classified histologically. Paraffin sections were stained by using monoclonal antibody D07 for p53 protein and PC-10 for PCNA. Out of 35 cases, 16 (45.7%) were p53 positive and 25 (71.4%) were PCNA positive. The mean PCNA labelling index (PCNA LI +/- SD) was 58.97 +/- 22.72 in tumors positive for both p53+ and PCNA+ while cases negative for p53- and positive for PCNA+ has higher PCNA LI +/- SD (59.24 +/- 18.97). The difference in the two groups was not significant. Most cases were positive for both p53+ and PCNA+ in the age group < 30 with higher mean PCNA LI +/- SD (62.20 +/- 27.13) than in the group > 30 (57.88 +/- 18.47). In the pre-menopausal group 57.1% cases were positive for p53+ with higher PCNA LI +/- SD (59.94 +/- 24.22). Maximum p53 and PCNA positivity was observed in grade III tumors (63.2% and 84.2%). The mean PCNA LI +/- SD was also highest in grade III carcinomas (66.83 +/- 13.97). No significant correlation was found between p53 and PCNA status with morphological type and tumour size except that logistic regression showed a positive correlation with tumour grade. Therefore the present study suggests that both p53 expression and PCNA are markers of poor differentiation in breast cancer.

The efficacy of ECT in mixed affective states

ECT is efficacious in the treatment of both the depressed and manic phases of bipolar disorder. While ECT is believed to be equally efficacious in the treatment of mixed affective states, to our knowledge there are no empirical studies on this issue. A chart review study was conducted to compare treatment response and clinical course in three groups of patients who received ECT in a general hospital service: bipolar depressed (n = 38), bipolar manic (n = 5), and bipolar mixed (n = 10), diagnosed by DSM-IV criteria. All three groups showed robust response rates, but the number of days of hospitalization was significantly longer in the mixed group (mean 30, SD 19.0 days) compared with the depressed group (mean 19.0, SD 10.9 days, t = 2.4, p < 0.03). There was a trend for the number of ECT treatments to be greater in the mixed compared with the depressed group. These findings indicate that patients with mixed affective states do respond well to a course of ECT, but the longer hospital stays and greater number of ECT treatments suggest that they may be more difficult to treat with ECT than patients with pure bipolar depression or bipolar mania.

Adrenergic regulation of myocardial apoptosis

Increased sympathetic nerve activity to the myocardium is a central feature in patients with heart failure. Norepinephrine, the primary transmitter of the sympathetic nervous system, signals via binding to alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors (AR) that are coupled to G-proteins. Pharmacologic studies of cardiac myocytes in vitro demonstrate that beta-AR can stimulate apoptosis. Likewise, in transgenic mice overexpression of beta 1-AR or G alpha s is associated with myocyte apoptosis and the development of dilated cardiomyopathy. Whereas beta 1-AR stimulate apoptosis in vitro and in vivo, beta 2-AR may either stimulate or inhibit apoptosis and myocardial failure depending on the level of expression. Receptors coupling to Gi and Gq may also be able to mediate or modulate apoptosis and the development of myocardial failure, suggesting the potential for interactions between the beta-AR system and numerous remodeling stimuli that act through Gi or Gq signaling pathways. It appears likely that the mitogen-activated protein kinase superfamily plays a key role in mediating the actions of adrenergic pathways on myocyte apoptosis. These observations suggest that the adrenergic nervous system plays an important role in the regulation of myocyte apoptosis, and may thus contribute to the development of myocardial failure.

Effect of different combinations of MGK-264 or piperonyl butoxide with plant-derived molluscicides on snail reproduction

Effect of sublethal treatment (20% and 60% of LC(50)/24 h) of plant-derived molluscicides, viz. Polianthes tuberosa, Trachyspermum ammi, Allium sativum powder; Azadirachta indica oil; oleoresin of Zingiber officinale; and their active molluscicidal component in combination (1:5) with MGK-264 or piperonyl butoxide on the reproduction of snail Lymnaea acuminata have been studied. It was observed that the combination of plant derived molluscicide and their active molluscicidal components, viz. tigogenin, hecogenin, azadirachtin, allicin, thymol, and [6]-gingerol combination with MGK-264 or piperonyl butoxide caused a significant reduction in fecundity, hatchability, and survival of young snails. Withdrawal of snails to fresh water after the above treatment caused a significant recovery in the fecundity of L. acuminata.

Targeted inhibition of osteopontin expression in the mammary gland causes abnormal morphogenesis and lactation deficiency

Osteopontin (OPN) is a sialic acid-rich, adhesive, extracellular matrix (ECM) protein with Arg-Gly-Asp cell-binding sequence that interacts with several integrins, including alpha(v)beta(3). Since the ECM is a key regulator of mammary gland morphogenesis, and mammary epithelial cells express OPN at elevated levels, we sought to determine whether this protein plays a role in the postnatal mammary gland development. By generating transgenic mice that express OPN antisense-RNA (AS-OPN mice) in the mammary epithelia we achieved suppression of OPN production in this organ. The pregnant AS-OPN mice displayed a lack of mammary alveolar structures, a drastic reduction in the synthesis of beta-casein, whey acidic milk protein, and lactation deficiency. In agreement with these findings, we uncovered that a mammary cell line, NMuMG, which undergoes both structural and functional differentiation on ECM-coated plates, when transfected with an antisense OPN-cDNA construct, failed to undergo such differentiation. Furthermore, the results of gel-invasion assays demonstrated that these cells manifest elevated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity when OPN expression is significantly reduced. The identity of this proteinase as MMP-2 is confirmed by Western blotting, zymography, and inhibition of its activity by a specific inhibitor, TIMP-2. Taken together, our results demonstrate, for the first time, an essential role of OPN in mammary gland differentiation and that the molecular mechanism(s) of its action, at least in part, involves down-regulation of MMP-2.

The subspecialty training, practice type, and geographical distribution of recently trained ophthalmologists: a study of male and female physicians

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the distribution of male and female ophthalmologists with regard to practice type, subspecialty training, rural-urban distribution, and regional distribution.

METHODS

Ophthalmology Matching Program files containing the records of residents who began their second year at accredited programs between 1986 and 1990 (inclusive), were compared to membership files of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Practice locations for each individual were classified according to region, stage, and Rural-Urban Continuum County Code, as defined by the US Department of Agriculture.

RESULTS

This cohort comprised 2,494 individuals, 77.1% (1922) of whom were male and 22.9% (572) of whom were female. Group practice was most common (55.9% for women and 61.3% for men). More women were in salaried positions associated with health maintenance organizations (p = 0.006) and academic settings (p < 0.001) than were men. Notable differences in subspecialty choice were restricted to pediatric ophthalmology, chosen three times more frequently by women, and vitreoretinal diseases/surgery, chosen twice as often by men. Only 5.6% of women selected nonmetropolitan practice locales compared to approximately twice that percentage of men. The Middle Atlantic and New England regions attracted more women, while the South Atlantic attracted more men.

Partial characterization of a 36-kDa antigen of Entamoeba histolytica and its recognition by sera from patients with amoebiasis

A 36-kDa antigen of axenically grown pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica (HM1-IMSS) was eluted from the sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE)-resolved crude amoebic extract antigens. The immunoreactivity of this partially purified 36-kDa antigen with monoclonal antibody (MoAb) 3D(10) altered significantly (P<0.01) after heat and trypsin treatment but remained unaltered after treatment with sodium metaperiodate (P0.5), thereby indicating the protein nature of the epitope recognized by MoAb 3D(10). The epitope was found to be localized on the surface as well as in the cytoplasm of the E. histolytica trophozoites with the majority of it in the cytoplasm. In addition, this epitope was also found to be present on the cyst form of the parasite. The 36-kDa molecule was recognized by the sera from 29 (85%) of the 34 patients with amoebic liver abscess and five (83%) of the six patients with amoebic colitis. No serum samples from asymptomatic cyst passers, from patients with non-amoebic hepatic or intestinal disorders and apparently healthy subjects had antibodies that reacted with this 36-kDa molecule. The immune responses in man to this 36-kDa amoebic molecule indicate a potential specific role for this molecule in invasive amoebiasis.

National immunization day to assess nutritional status of underfives in Chandigarh

National Immunization Days (NIDs) are an additional opportunity to reach a large number of children and can be used to undertake additional activities beside immunization. This study highlights an attempt to assess nutritional status of under five children by using a NID. Seven thousand four hundred and thirteen underfives were selected randomly from urban, rural and slums areas of Chandigarh. Nutritional status was assessed by using weight for age criteria. Prevalence of protein energy malnutrition (PEM) was found to be about 42% while 22.7%, 14.5%, 4.1% and 0.7% children had grade I, II, III and IV PEM respectively. The prevalence of PEM was significantly higher among females (47.6%), in 1-3 years age group (53.80%), in slum area (67%) and children of labour class (60.5%) (p < 0.001). With increase in family size, the prevalence of malnutrition also significantly increased, and decreased with high literacy rate in parents (p < 0.001). The prevalence of PEM in present study (42%) was comparable to a community based survey (51.6%) among pre-school children of an ICDS block of Chandigarh. National immunization days can be successfully used to assess nutritional status of children. This approach can be used by others for screening common childhood problems, preparing normogram for a region or country, administering Vitamin A and educating mothers.

Non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis in children

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF) is an infrequent cause of portal hypertension in children. We report 11 children with NCPF, from among 338 with portal hypertension, seen over 6.5 years.

METHODS

The diagnosis was based on patent splenoportal axis on ultrasonography and/or splenoportal venography and liver biopsy showing no evidence of cirrhosis or other diagnosis, in children with portal hypertension. Those with variceal bleed were managed with endoscopic sclerotherapy and/or shunt surgery.

RESULTS

The median age was 11 years (range 5 to 14), and 8 were boys. Presentation was with variceal bleed in 6, lump in left upper abdomen in 5 (though all children had splenomegaly) and esophageal varices on endoscopy. The median spleen enlargement was 8.5 cm; 8 also had hepatomegaly. Hypersplenism was present in 7, and two had developed ascites after bleed. Of 6 children presenting with bleed, variceal obliteration was achieved on sclerotherapy (average 5.6 sessions) in 4 while two underwent shunt surgery for associated hypersplenism. After median follow up of 57.5 months (range 12-78) all are alive and well.

CONCLUSION

NCPF is an uncommon cause of portal hypertension in Indian children. Presentation with variceal bleed is less common than in adults; sclerotherapy is effective.

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates in paediatric diarrhoea

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) are known to cause infantile enteritis. We studied the prevalence of EPEC in paediatric patients with acute and persistent diarrhoea. A total of 56 stool samples from paediatric patients were studied. There were 28 significant bacterial isolates. Of these 21 were untypable E. coli, 5 were typable E. coli, four of which belonged to members considered to be enteropathogenic. Non E. coli isolates grown in pure culture were one each of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Citrobacter freundi. The study reveals the definitive role of EPEC in childhood diarrhoea at all age groups and emphasizes the need for characterisation of all significant E. coli isolates in this age group.

Pleural involvement by Salmonella senftenberg: a report of two cases

Non-typhoidal serovars of salmonella are an unusual cause of pleuropulmonary infections. We report two patients with empyema caused by Salmonella senftenberg. One patient had associated diabetes and gall bladder carcinoma, and infection was acquired in hospital. Both patients responded well to parenteral antibiotics.

Structure-activity relationship of piperine and its synthetic analogues for their inhibitory potentials of rat hepatic microsomal constitutive and inducible cytochrome P450 activities

Inhibitors of drug metabolism have important implications in pharmaco-toxicology and agriculture. We have reported earlier that piperine, a major alkaloid of black and long peppers inhibits both constitutive and inducible cytochrome P450 (CYP)-dependent drug metabolising enzymes. In the present study, an attempt has been made to prepare several novel synthetic analogues so as to relate various modifications in the parent molecule to the inhibition of CYP activities. Two types of mono-oxygenase reactions arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) and 7-methoxycoumarin-O-demethylase (MOCD) have been studied. Inhibition studies were investigated in rat microsomal fraction prepared from untreated, 3MC- and PB- treated rat liver in vitro. Modifications were introduced into the piperine molecule: (i) in the phenyl nucleus, (ii) in the side chain and (iii) in the basic moiety. Thus, 38 compounds have been subjected to such studies, and simultaneously an attempt has also been made to arrive at the structure-activity relationship of synthetic analogues. In general, most of the inhibitory potential of the parent molecule is lost with modification in either of the three components of piperine. Saturation of the side chain resulted in significantly enhanced inhibition of CYP while modifications in the phenyl and basic moieties in few analogues offered maximal selectivity in inhibiting either constitutive or inducible CYP activities. Thus few novel analogues as CYP inactivators have been synthesized which may have important consequences in pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of drugs.

Diagnostic value of push-type enteroscopy: a report from India

OBJECTIVE

We sought to assess the diagnostic value of push-type enteroscopy in relation to indications.

METHODS

Ninety-nine consecutive patients (mean age, 42+/-15 yr; 65 men) with suspected small bowel disorders underwent push enteroscopy. The indications were chronic diarrhea (n = 54), obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (n = 21), abdominal pain (n = 10), abnormal radiological studies of small bowel (n = 5), iron deficiency anemia (n = 5), and others (n = 4). Push enteroscopy was performed using the Olympus SIF-10 (160-cm) enteroscope.

RESULTS

Endoscopic examination of the jejunum was successful in all the patients, except one with a distal duodenal stricture. The length of the jejunum examined ranged from 10 to 70 cm. The time taken to complete the procedure varied from 2 to 30 min. Lesions were found in nine (42.8%) patients with obscure GI bleeding; six (28.5%) had worms (Ascaris lumbricoides [n = 3], Ankylostoma duodenale [n = 3]) in the jejunum, producing multiple erosions and bleeding points. In the chronic diarrhea group, a diagnosis was made in 13 (24%) patients on enteroscopic visualization and jejunal histology: celiac disease (n = 6), tropical sprue (n = 3), Crohn's disease (n = 1), secondary lymphangiectasia (n = 1), strongyloidiasis (n = 1), and nodular lymphoid hyperplasia with giardiasis (n = 1). In patients with abdominal pain, enteroscopy provided a diagnosis in one (10%) patient. No positive diagnosis could be made on enteroscopy in patients with iron deficiency anemia and abnormal radiological studies of small bowel.

CONCLUSION

Push-type enteroscopy is a useful test in the evaluation of patients with obscure GI bleeding and chronic diarrhea. In developing countries, in patients with obscure GI bleeding, the presence of worms in the jejunum is an important finding on enteroscopy. Tropical sprue, giardiasis, and strongyloidiasis are distinct findings in patients with chronic diarrhea in the present series.

Reaction between 8-Hydroxyquinoline and Salicylic Acid in Solid State and Solution

8-Hydroxyquinoline reacts with salicylic acid both in solid state and solution forming a yellow coloured compound. Phase diagram studies have shown the formation of a 1:1 addition compound stable in solid state and dissociated in solution. Differential thermal studies have shown that the reaction products obtained from solution and solid state reaction are almost identical except that there is a possibility of entrapped solvent molecules when the product was prepared from benzene. Also the reaction product shows a thermochromic effect. X-ray diffraction studies have revealed some structural difference between the reaction product obtained from solution and solid state reaction. Spectroscopic studies show the possibility of hydrogen bonding in the reaction product.

The reaction in the solid state is slow and once a thin layer of reaction product is formed at the surface of salicylic acid crystals, the reaction rate becomes practically negligible. This may be due to the compactness of the product layer and unfavourable crystal packing in to the crystal lattice of salicylic acid. Microstructural studies have shown that there are structural changes during solid state reaction.

Diagnostic value of push-type enteroscopy: a report from India

OBJECTIVE

We sought to assess the diagnostic value of push-type enteroscopy in relation to indications.

METHODS

Ninety-nine consecutive patients (mean age, 42+/-15 yr; 65 men) with suspected small bowel disorders underwent push enteroscopy. The indications were chronic diarrhea (n = 54), obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (n = 21), abdominal pain (n = 10), abnormal radiological studies of small bowel (n = 5), iron deficiency anemia (n = 5), and others (n = 4). Push enteroscopy was performed using the Olympus SIF-10 (160-cm) enteroscope.

RESULTS

Endoscopic examination of the jejunum was successful in all the patients, except one with a distal duodenal stricture. The length of the jejunum examined ranged from 10 to 70 cm. The time taken to complete the procedure varied from 2 to 30 min. Lesions were found in nine (42.8%) patients with obscure GI bleeding; six (28.5%) had worms (Ascaris lumbricoides [n = 3], Ankylostoma duodenale [n = 3]) in the jejunum, producing multiple erosions and bleeding points. In the chronic diarrhea group, a diagnosis was made in 13 (24%) patients on enteroscopic visualization and jejunal histology: celiac disease (n = 6), tropical sprue (n = 3), Crohn's disease (n = 1), secondary lymphangiectasia (n = 1), strongyloidiasis (n = 1), and nodular lymphoid hyperplasia with giardiasis (n = 1). In patients with abdominal pain, enteroscopy provided a diagnosis in one (10%) patient. No positive diagnosis could be made on enteroscopy in patients with iron deficiency anemia and abnormal radiological studies of small bowel.

CONCLUSION

Push-type enteroscopy is a useful test in the evaluation of patients with obscure GI bleeding and chronic diarrhea. In developing countries, in patients with obscure GI bleeding, the presence of worms in the jejunum is an important finding on enteroscopy. Tropical sprue, giardiasis, and strongyloidiasis are distinct findings in patients with chronic diarrhea in the present series.