Effect of germanium auto-diffusion on the bond lengths of Ga and P atoms in GaP/Ge(111) investigated by using X-ray absorption spectroscopy.

The germanium auto-diffusion effects on the inter-atomic distance between the nearest neighbors of the Ga atom in GaP epilayers are investigated using high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The GaP layers grown on Ge (111) are structurally coherent and relaxed but they show the presence of residual strain which is attributed to the auto-diffusion of Ge from the results of secondary ion mass spectrometry and electrochemical capacitance voltage measurements. Subsequently, the inter-atomic distances between the nearest neighbors of Ga atom in GaP are determined from X-ray absorption fine-structure spectra performed at the Ga K-edge. The estimated local bond lengths of Ga with its first and second nearest neighbors show asymmetric variation for the in-plane and out-of-plane direction of GaP/Ge(111). The magnitude and direction of in-plane and out-of-plane microscopic residual strain present in the GaP/Ge are calculated from the difference in bond lengths which explains the presence of macroscopic residual tensile strain estimated from HRXRD. Modified nearest neighbor configurations of Ga in the auto-diffused GaP epilayer are proposed for new possibilities within the GaP/Ge hetero-structure, such as the conversion from indirect to direct band structures and engineering the tensile strain quantum dot structures on (111) surfaces.

Study of the microstructure information of GaAs epilayers grown on silicon substrate using synchrotron radiation.

Williamson-Hall (WH) analysis is a well established method for studying the microstructural properties of epilayers grown on foreign substrates. However, the method becomes inapplicable in specific cases where the structure factor considerations and the presence of anti-phase domains forbid the data acquisition for certain reflections in conventional high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) measurements. Here, this limitation is overcome by exploiting the large intensity (25 µW mm(-2)) and high photon energy (15.5 keV) of the X-ray beam obtained from a synchrotron radiation source. The lateral coherence length, vertical coherence length, tilt and micro-strain of GaAs epilayers grown on Si substrate have been successfully measured using the conventional WH analysis. The microstructure information obtained from the conventional WH analysis based on the data acquired at the synchrotron radiation source is in reasonable agreement with the results obtained from atomic force microscope and surface profiler measurements. Such information cannot be obtained on a laboratory-based HRXRD system where modification of the WH method by involving a set of parallel asymmetric crystallographic planes is found to be essential. However, the information obtained from the modified WH method is along a different crystallographic orientation.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome: clinical, endoscopic, histological and anorectal manometry findings in north Indian patients.

BACKGROUND: Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is a chronic, benign defecation disorder often related to excessive straining. SRUS is diagnosed on the basis of clinical symptoms, endoscopic and histological findings. METHODS: All patients diagnosed with SRUS by colonoscopy and confirmed by histopathology from October 2012 to August 2014 in the Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, India, were included in the study. Out of 92 patients, thirty-four patients underwent anorectal manometry. Twenty age-matched healthy volunteers were also studied with anorectal manometry to serve as controls. RESULTS: Mean age of the group was 41 ± 19 years with age range of 10-82 years; males were 58 (63%) with male to female ratio of 1.7:1. Bleeding per rectum was present in 83%, constipation in 46.7%, abdominal pain in 27.2%, and diarrhea in 25% of the patients. On endoscopy, ulcerative lesions were seen in 83% patients of whom solitary and multiple lesions were present in 44% and 39%, respectively. Polypoidal lesions were reported in 17.4% whilst rectal polyps and erythematous mucosa were found in 5.4% and 2.2%, respectively. Histological examination revealed fibromuscular obliteration in 100% of patients, surface ulceration in 70.6% and crypt distortion in 20.65% of patients. Anal relaxation and balloon expulsion test was significantly abnormal in SRUS patients compared to healthy controls (53% vs. 20%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Rectal bleeding was the most common symptom and ulcerative lesions the most common endoscopic finding. Fecal evaluation disorder was more prevalent inpatients with SRUS.

Evaluation of 5α-reductase inhibitory activity of certain herbs useful as antiandrogens.

This study demonstrates 5α-reductase inhibitory activity of certain herbs useful in the management of androgenic disorders. Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst (GL), Urtica dioica Linn. (UD), Caesalpinia bonducella Fleming. (CB), Tribulus terrestris Linn. (TT), Pedalium murex Linn. (PM), Sphaeranthus indicus Linn. (SI), Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. (CR), Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. (CC), Benincasa hispida Cogn. (BH), Phyllanthus niruri Linn. (PN) and Echinops echinatus Linn. (EE) were included in the study. Petroleum ether, ethanol and aqueous extracts of these herbs were tested for their 5α-reductase inhibitory activity against the standard 5α-reductase inhibitor, finasteride. A biochemical method to determine the activity of 5α-reductase was used to evaluate the inhibition of different extracts to the enzyme. The optical density (OD) value of each sample was measured continuously with ultraviolet spectrophotometer for the reason that the substrate NADPH has a specific absorbance at 340 nm. As the enzyme 5α-reductase uses NADPH as a substrate, so in the presence of 5α-reductase inhibitor, the NADPH concentration will increase with the function of time. This method thus implicates the activity of 5α-reductase. The method proved to be extremely useful to screen the herbs for their 5α-reductase inhibitory potential. GL, UD, BH, SI and CR came out to be promising candidates for further exploring their antiandrogenic properties.

Correlation of age and hepatitis B virus DNA levels with histological activity in HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B patients.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between age and serum HBV DNA levels with histological activity in chronic hepatitis B inactive carriers is still unclear. We evaluated the correlation between age and hepatitis B viral DNA levels with Metavir score in inactive chronic HBV carriers. METHODS: 50 patients (30 males and 20 females) were enrolled in the study after informed consent. Their blood samples were taken for routine investigations and specific tests for the study. Serum HBV DNA levels were quantified by real-time PCR. Metavir score was used for histologic grading. RESULTS: A1F0, A1F1, A1F2, A2F2 and A2F3 metavir scores were found in 41 (82%), 4 (8%), 1 (2%), 3 (6%), and 1 (2%) patients, respectively. There was significant correlation between age > 40 years and Metavir scores (p < 0.001). However there was no significant correlation between HBV DNA level with Metavir score (p = 0.074). CONCLUSION: Inactive carriers of 40 years of age or more should undergo liver biopsy to look for presence of significant histological findings despite having low HBV DNA level and normal SGPT level.

Androgenic and spermatogenic activity of alkylamide-rich ethanol solution extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum DC.

Anacyclus pyrethrum (A. pyrethrum) has been used as Vajikaran Rasayana (aphrodisiac) in traditional Indian ayurvedic medicine to treat male sexual dysfunction, including infertility. Aphrodisiac activity may be due to an increase in the production or effect of androgens, so this study sought to evaluate the androgenic and spermatogenic potential of the alkylamide-rich ethanol solution extract. Male Wistar strain rats weighing between 150 and 180 g were completely randomized divided into five groups. The ethanol solution extract of A. pyrethrum was administered to groups of rats in 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg doses for a period of 28 days, and the action was compared with control and testosterone-treated rats. Thirteen N-alkylamides were detected in the extract by using HPLC/UV/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry method. Extract administration at all the doses produced significant increase in body weight, sperm count, motility, and viability along with serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations. Histoarchitecture of testis revealed increased spermatogenic activities. Seminal fructose content was also significantly increased after 28 days of treatment. Our results suggest that the ethanol solution extract of the roots of A. pyrethrum has androgenic potential and may improve male fertility by enhancing spermatogenesis.

Pueraria tuberosa DC extract improves androgenesis and sexual behavior via FSH LH cascade.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ethanolic extract of Pueraria tuberosa (PT) on sexual behaviour and androgenic activity. Male albino rats were divided into four groups of six animals each: control group 1 (2% acacia solution), PT-treated group 2 (50 mg/Kg), PT-treated group 3 (100 mg/Kg), and PT-treated group 4 (150 mg/Kg). Sexual behavior of male rats in the presence of a female rat was recorded. The treated groups were evaluated for sexual parameters. The extract was characterized using LC-MS. The effect of treatment on anabolic and weight of secondary sexual organs was determined. The histological changes in section of testis and epididymis after treatment were observed. Sperm count in epididymis and fructose content in seminal vesicles were also measured. Levels of hormones like FSH, LH, and T were determined. A dose-dependent increase in sexual behaviors was evidenced in the animals of extract treated groups. Increase in testis weight was recorded in PT. At the highest dose PT also affects the hormones level. The four compounds namely puerarin, daidzein, biochanin-A and formononetin were identified in ethanolic extract using LC-MS. It concluded that PT extract possesses androgenic effect and it significantly increased the sexual behaviour and hormones level.

Intrarenal resistance index (RI) as a predictor of early renal impairment in patients with liver cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Despite its functional nature, hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is associated with a poor prognosis and the only effective treatment is liver transplantation. It is very important to diagnose renal impairment in cirrhosis patients at an early stage before overt HRS develops. In patients with cirrhosis the early renal impairment or renovascular vasoconstriction can be predicted by renal arterial resistance index (RI). Our study aimed to compare RI in healthy controls versus patients with liver cirrhosis with and without ascites and assess its value for predicting subsequent renal status. METHODS: Patients were divided into 2 groups with 50 patients in each group. Group 1 contained patients with cirrhosis without ascites and group 2 contained cirrhosis patients with ascites. All patients were subjected to detailed clinical examination, laboratory investigations and abdominal doppler ultrasound with renal RI measurements. Patients were followed for 6 months. RESULTS: RI was significantly higher in cirrhotic patients as compared to healthy controls (0.62 vs. 0.52, p< 0.01). In patients with cirrhosis, RI was significantly greater in patients with ascites than those without ascites (0.70 vs. 0.62, p < 0.01). RI >0.70 was significant independent predictor of subsequent HRS development (p = 0.006) CONCLUSIONS: Intrarenal RI measurement can be used as a predictor of HRS and may be further validated for regular monitoring of cirrhotic patients at risk of developing renal impairment.

Anxiety and depression in Indian patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), are associated with psychological abnormalities, such as anxiety and depression. Though the data on this are plenty in global literature, Indian data are sparse. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of Indian data on anxiety and depression among patients with IBS to estimate their pooled prevalence and to identify the shortcomings so that future areas of research can be identified. METHOD: A comprehensive literature search was performed for studies applying tests for psychological issues in patients with IBS. After applying prospectively decided exclusion criteria, the eligible papers were examined using a meta-analysis approach for the prevalence of anxiety and depression in IBS patients using different tests. The odds ratios (OR) of anxiety and depression among subjects with IBS were calculated compared to controls. RESULTS: Of seven studies (590 IBS patients and 1520 controls) included in the meta-analysis, the pooled OR of anxiety was 8.060 (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.007-16.213) as compared to controls (random-effect model). The pooled OR of depression was 7.049 (95% CI 3.281-15.147) compared to controls (random-effect model). There was significant heterogeneity in the included studies. CONCLUSION: The current meta-analysis shows that the patients with IBS from India have eightfold greater risks of anxiety and sevenfold greater risks of depression than the controls. However, most of these data were from tertiary urban centers, and hence, there might be recruitment bias over-estimating the frequency.

Ameliorative effects of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) on testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia in rats.

The present study investigated the effects of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) (UD) on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) induced by testosterone. In vitro studies were conducted to assess the 5α-reductase inhibitory potential of UD. Two biochemical markers viz., ß-sitosterol and scopoletin, were isolated and characterised in the extracts utilising High-performance thin layer chromatographic, FTIR, NMR and overlain UV spectral studies. Hyperplasia was induced in rats by subcutaneous administration of testosterone (3 mg kg(-1) s.c.) for 28 days in all the groups except the vehicle-treated group. Simultaneous administration of petroleum ether and ethanolic extracts (10, 20 and 50 mg kg(-1) p.o.) and isolated ß-sitosterol (10 and 20 mg kg(-1) p.o.) was undertaken. Finasteride was used as a positive control (1 mg kg(-1) p.o.). Measurement of prostate/body weight ratio, weekly urine output and serum testosterone levels, prostate-specific antigen levels (on day 28) and histological examinations carried out on prostates from each group led us to conclude that UD can be used as an effective drug for the management of BPH.

Ganoderma lucidum is an inhibitor of testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia in rats.

The aim of the present study was to find out whether Ganoderma lucidum (GL) can be used as a clinically effective medicine for the management of prostatic hyperplasia. In vitro studies were conducted to assess the 5α-reductase inhibitory potential of GL. A biochemical marker viz. ß-sitosterol was identified and characterised in the extracts utilising high-performance thin-layer chromatography. Testosterone (3 mg kg(-1) s.c.) was administered to the rats along with the test extracts (10, 20 and 50 mg kg(-1) p.o.) and ß-sitosterol (10 and 20 mg kg(-1) p.o.) for a period of 28 days. Finasteride was used as a positive control (1 mg kg(-1) p.o.). GL extracts attenuated the increase in the prostate/body weight ratio induced by testosterone. Petroleum ether extract exhibiting the best activity. Ethanolic extract also exhibited significant activity. The urine output also improved significantly, which emphasise the clinical implications of the study. Testosterone levels measured weekly and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels measured at the end of the study also support our claims. The PSA levels decreased in the extract-treated groups, indicating their usefulness in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Histological studies have shown a considerable improvement in the prostatic histoarchitecture in the extract-treated groups when compared to the testosterone-treated group.

"Prevention of structural perturbation and aggregation of hepatitis B surface antigen: screening of various additives".

The instability of protein and antigen(s) during encapsulation in biodegradable polymers by water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) encapsulation is well established. The aim of present study is to screen various additives to prevent the inactivation and loss of immunogenicity of HBsAg upon its exposure to the water/CH(2)Cl(2) (methylene chloride) interface by simulating the formulation steps involved in the preparation of microspheres. The secondary structure of HBsAg, recovered under different conditions after primary emulsification, was investigated by FTIR spectroscopy and Circular Dichorism. Subsequently, PLGA microspheres were formulated and characterized for their size, shape, incorporation efficiency, antigen integrity, and immunogenicity. The immunogenicity and the HBsAg recovery under different conditions were tested in BALB/c mice. Inulin and trehalose were found to be better stabilizing agents to prevent the aggregation, the structural perturbations and immunogenicity of HBsAg. This study substantiated that inulin could overcome the aggregation and denaturing effects of the water/CH(2)Cl(2) interface upon HBsAg during emulsification step and upon encapsulation.

Targeted novel surface-modified nanoparticles for interferon delivery for the treatment of hepatitis B.

The purpose of the present work was to develop hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) surface-adsorbed cationic poly (d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) PLGA nanoparticles for interferon alpha (IFNα) delivery targeted to hepatocytes. Cationic PLGA nanoparticles loaded with IFNα were prepared using the double emulsification technique. Delipidated HBsAg was passively adsorbed on the surface of nanoparticles by using the simple dipping and drying method. Surface morphology and size distribution of nanoparticles were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light-scattering method, respectively. The biodistribution behavior of plain and HBsAg-coated (99m)Tc-tagged PLGA nanoparticles was also examined followed by intravenous injection. The results revealed that ∼75% of the radioactivity was recovered in the liver after 4 h of injection that was nearly 3-fold greater in magnitude than the plain PLGA nanoparticles. These data demonstrated that the novel formulation of nanoparticles has potential application in hepatic-targeted drug delivery.

Improvement of penile erection, sperm count and seminal fructose levels in vivo and nitric oxide release in vitro by ayurvedic herbs.

In the present study, the effect of four Vajikaran Rasayana herbs on penile erection, sperm count, seminal fructose content in vivo and nitric oxide (NO) release in vitro was assessed. Lyophilised aqueous extracts of Asparagus racemosus Willd. (AR), Chlorophytum borivilianum Sant. F. (CB), Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. (CO), and Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D. Don) Soo (DH) were orally administered at 100 mg/kg body weight to Wistar strain male albino rats. Penile erection index and sperm count were determined by visual observation; the seminal fructose concentration was measured spectrophotometrically using resorcinol reagent; and NO release was assessed in a mouse macrophage cell line (RAW264) spectrophotometrically using a commercial Griess reagent kit. Penile erection index, sperm count, seminal fructose concentration and in vitro NO release were the parameters measured. A significant effect on the sperm count, seminal fructose content and penile erection index was observed upon treatment with the extracts. The effect of extracts on inducible NO release in vitro directly correlated with the enhanced erectile function in vivo. The aphrodisiac claims attributed to the four Vajikaran Rasayana herbs were tested and a distinctive effect of all extracts tested was observed, with C. borivilianum showing a highly significant response for all parameters measured in vivo and in vitro. The present study also provides a good correlation between the in vivo improvement of penile erection and in vitro NO releasing activity of the extracts. Increase in seminal fructose levels and sperm count further validates the role of these herbs in improving reproductive function.

Development characterizations and evaluation of Poly(-ε-caprolactone)-based microspheres for hepatitis B surface antigen delivery.

The major disadvantage of several currently available vaccines is the need for repeated administrations. The aim of the study was to develop long-acting microspheres based on poly(-ε-caprolactone) (PCL) for delivery of recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (rHBsAg). PCL microspheres were prepared for induction of humoral and cellular immunity by intramuscular administration. Microspheres were characterized for their size, shape, incorporation efficiency, zeta potential, antigen integrity, antigen conformation and immunogenicity. DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) studies revealed that better encapsulation efficiency between high and low mol wt polymer. The Circular Dichorism spectroscopy (CD) of antigen, released from PCL microspheres revealed that the secondary structure of antigen was unperturbed. Antigen integrity was evaluated by SDS-PAGE. Immunization with HBsAg PCL microspheres resulted in upregulation of specific cellular (IFN-γ and IL-2) as well as IgG response in BALB/c mice. Immune responses were found significantly higher than the conventional alum adjuvant following a single intramuscular immunization. These results highlight the enhanced efficiency of these PCL microspheres as an adjuvant and their prospective use in the prevention of hepatitis B.

Expression analysis of aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AHRR) gene in gallbladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AHRR), a member of the growing superfamily, is a basic helix-loop-helix/PerAHR nuclear translocator (ARNT)-Sim (bHLH-PAS) protein. AHRR has been proposed to function as a putative new tumor suppressor gene based on studies in multiple types of human cancers. This current study aims to investigate AHHR expression and its prognostic significance in gallbladder cancer. METHODS: The study includes 48 gallbladder cancer and 34 chronic cholecystitis cases as controls. The expression level of AHRR was analyzed by using semi-quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical staining. The results were correlated with different clinical parameters. RESULTS: We demonstrate that the expression of AHRR is significantly down-regulated in gallbladder cancer tissue samples as compared to that in chronic cholecystitis tissue samples by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) (P = 0.017) and immunohistochemistry analysis (P = 0.002). Interestingly, our RT-PCR data revealed that AHRR mRNA expression is frequently down-regulated (45.8%; 22/48) in cases as compared to 14.7% (5/34) in controls. Similarly, immunohistochemical analysis data show significant down-regulation of AHRR expression in 77.1% (37/48) of gallbladder cancer cases than 44.1% (15/34) in controls (P < 0.017). Reduced mRNA and protein expression is significantly associated with advanced T-stage (P = 0.001), histological differentiation (P = 0.001), and tumors with nodal metastasis (P = 0.001). Decreased expression of AHRR is significantly associated with poor prognosis in gallbladder cancer patients. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the present study suggests that low AHRR expression may be critical in gallbladder cancer development. Our data suggests that AHRR may act as a tumor suppressor gene and its expression profile may be useful as a diagnostic marker in gallbladder cancer.

Effect of Evolvulus alsinoides Linn. on learning behavior and memory enhancement activity in rodents.

In the Ayurvedic system of medicine, the whole herb of 'Shankhpushpi' has been employed clinically for centuries for its memory potentiating, anxiolytic and tranquilizing properties. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of Evolvulus alsinoides (EA), considered as Shankhpushpi on learning and memory in rodents. Nootropic activity using Cook and Weidley's pole climbing apparatus, passive avoidance paradigms and active avoidance tests were used to test learning and memory. The ethanol extract of EA and its ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions were evaluated for their memory enhancing properties. Two doses (100 and 200 mg/kg p.o.) of the ethanol extract and ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions were administered in separate groups of animals. Both doses of all the extracts of EA significantly improved learning and memory in rats. Furthermore, these doses significantly reversed the amnesia induced by scopolamine (0.3 mg/kg i.p.). Nootropic activity was compared using piracetam as the standard. EA also exhibited potent memory enhancing effects in the step-down and shuttle-box avoidance paradigms.

Formulation optimization of serratiopeptidase-loaded PLGA microspheres using selected variables.

Serratiopeptidase-loaded poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres were prepared using the modified double emulsion method. The effect of polymer concentration and external aqueous phase volume on microsphere size and entrapment efficiency was studied by 3(2) full factorial experiments. The results of analysis of variance test for measured responses indicated the test's significance (P < 0.05). The contribution of PLGA concentration on microsphere size and percentage yield was found to be higher than that of external aqueous phase volume, which produced a significant effect on entrapment efficiency. Microspheres demonstrated spherical particles in the size range of 19.08-41.14 microm and entrapment efficiency between 15.37 and 79.86%. The formulation using a medium level of polymer and a low level of external aqueous phase (PLGA: 300 mg; EAP: 100 mL) showed maximum entrapment (75.86 +/- 2.31%). The in vitro release profile of all formulations demonstrated a similar sustained release showing an initial burst followed by diffusion. The bioactivity of the peptide remained intact after microencapsulation as assayed by in vitro proteolytic activity. Response surface graphs are presented to examine the effects of independent variables on the responses studied. In conclusion, controlled-release serratiopeptidase-loaded PLGA microspheres demonstrating maximum entrapment were successfully prepared by an experimental design methodology with a minimum number of runs, representing an economical approach.

Outcome of 150 Consecutive Blumgart's Pancreaticojejunostomy After Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most feared complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) that leads to intra-abdominal abscess, sepsis, or bleeding and remains the single most important source of morbidity and mortality after PD. To minimize this dreaded complication, various surgical techniques and modifications of pancreaticoenteric reconstruction have been proposed. However, still POPF does occur even in experienced hands. We herein describe the outcome of 150 post PD patients who underwent duct-to-mucosa (DM) pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) using a special technique, Blumgart's "through & through" U transpancreatic sutures. The technique is described in detail. Postoperative octreotide and metoclopramide were used in all patients for 3 days. An enhanced recovery (ERAS) protocol was followed in a subset of patients. All patients were ASA grade 1 and had adenocarcinoma of the periampullary region/pancreatic head and underwent standard pylorus resecting PD after due optimization. Eighty-eight (58.7%) patients had pancreatic duct < 3 mm and pancreatic texture was soft to very soft in 112 (74.6%) patients. There was only one International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) grade C POPF with concomitant hemorrhage. Five patients developed ISGPS grade B and two grade C, delayed gastric emptying (DGE). There was no 30-day mortality. The average length of hospital stay was 7.3 ± 4.2 days with a median of 6 days in the ERAS subset of patients. Blumgart's "through & through" DMPJ technique is very helpful in reducing the POPF and other complications even in high-risk pancreas (i.e., soft with a small pancreatic duct) and is easy to learn and perform.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in asymptomatic subjects--a nested PCR based study.

The aim of the study was to see the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in asymptomatic children and adults by using nested PCR which is considered to be more specific than serological methods. Saliva and stool samples of 137 healthy children (aged 8 months to 16 y) and 108 asymptomatic adults (aged 17-60 y) were collected. PCR with primers targeting Hsp60 gene sequence of H. pylori was used. H. pylori positivity with nested PCR was observed in 45.7% (112/245) of the saliva and 42.8% (105/245) of the stool specimens. Prevalence of H. pylori in saliva was found to be 2.1%, 22.7%, 55.9%, 56.0%, 68.9% and 62.9% in the age groups of < 5 y, 6-10 y, 11-16 y, 17-30 y , 31-45 y and 45-60 y, respectively. The detection rates in stool were 4.25% in < 5 y, 13.64% in 6-10 y, 50% in 11-16 y, 64% in 17-30 y, 58.62% in 31-45 y and 61.1% in 45-60 y of age groups. The most favourable age group for acquiring the infection was 11-16 y. H. pylori positivity increased with lowering of socioeconomic status. There was no gender bias in prevalence of the bacterium.