A Study on helicobacter pylori infection in first degree relatives of carcinoma stomach patients.

INTRODUCTION : The relationship between Helicobacter pylori and gastric carcinoma is well documented. Therefore, Helicobacter pylori has been designated as a definite carcinogen by the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) which is a branch of the WHO (World Health Organization). Epidemiological studies show that the H.pylori infected persons have a greater risk of developing gastric adenocarcinoma. In 2001, an analysis of 12 studies involving gastric cancinoma and H.pylori estimated that there was a six times increased risk in the development of adenocarcinoma in the non-cardia regions of the stomach for persons infected with H.pylori than those who were not infected. The intestinal type of gastric carcinoma is thought to occur due to environmental causes such as H.pylori infection. However, the diffuse gastric cancer is thought to occur due to a primary genetic cause. Allocating values to the genetic and the environmental contributions in the developing of the intestinal type of gastric carcinoma is difficult since familial clustering is also seen in H.pylori. AIM OF THE STUDY 1. To assess the prevalence of gastric Helicobacter pylori infection in first degree relatives of gastric carcinoma patients and compare it with the same in the controls. 2. To look for presence of premalignant histological changes in the stomach in the above persons. 3. To look for any association between Helicobacter pylori and presence of premalignant changes in the study subjects CONCLUSION : This study shows that the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori is higher in first degree relatives of patients with gastric carcinoma than that seen in the control group. The presence of premalignant changes (atrophic gastritis) was seen only in a few persons in the the study group. Premalignant changes were seen only in persons who showed the presence of Helicobacter pylori as evidenced by the presence of a positive rapid urease test and positive histological examination. Rapid urease test was slightly more sensitive than histological examination in the detection of H.pylori. This study showed a positive correlation between alcohol intake and tobacco chewing with the prevalence of H.pylori, whereas there was an inconsistent correlation between smoking and H.pylori

Twisted large cellular fibroma of the ovary with pelvic effusion-revisiting incomplete demons Meigs’ syndrome

Fibromas of the ovary are benign tumours arising from the stromal component of the ovary. They represent 1% of ovarian neoplasms and are generally benign. The cellular subtype accounts for around 10% of these and is a tumour of uncertain malignant potential. Recurrence may occur or it could be associated with peritoneal implants. Usually these are solid tumours, sometimes with small areas of cystic degeneration. Occasionally, large fibromas may undergo torsion causing acute abdominal pain and generally tends to occur in post-menopausal women. The solid areas, ORADS and ascites simulated a malignant ovarian tumour on both MRI, USG and gross pathologic examination. Here we present a case of a postmenopausal woman presented with abdominal pain and postprandial vomiting with a large twisted ovarian fibroma leading to diagnostic and therapeutic challenges masquerading as a malignant ovarian neoplasm

Fabrication and In Vitro Characterization of Bioactive Glass/Nano Hydroxyapatite Reinforced Electrospun Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Composite Membranes for Guided Tissue Regeneration

Background: Current resorbable and non-resorbable membranes act as a physical barrier to avoid connective and epithelial tissue downgrowth into the defect, favoring the regeneration of periodontal tissues. These conventional membranes possess many structural and bio-functional limitations. We hypothesized that the next-generation of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) membranes for periodontal tissue engineering will be a biologically active, spatially designed nanofibrous biomaterial that closely mimics the native extra-cellular matrix (ECM). Methods: GTR membranes made of poly(ε-Caprolactone) with a molecular weight of 80,000 reinforced with different weight concentrations of nano-Hydroxyapatite/Bioactive glass (2%, 5%, 10%, 15%) is fabricated by the method of electrospinning. After fabrication, in vitro properties are evaluated. Results: The electrospun nanofibrous membranes possessed excellent mechanical properties initially and after one month of degradation in phosphate buffer solution (PBS). Moreover, none of the fabricated membranes were found to be cytotoxic at lower concentrations and higher concentrations. Comparing the overall properties, PCL (poly(e-caprolactone)) + BG (Bioactive glass) 2% exhibited superior cell attachment and percentage of viable cells, increased fiber and pore diameter which satisfies the ideal properties needed for GTR membranes. Conclusion: Composite nanofibrous membranes prepared by electrospinning are suitable for use as a GTR membrane and are a useful prototype for further development of a final membrane for clinical use