[en] Epimedium elatum (Morren and Decne) belonging to the family Berberidaceae is a rare medicinal plant endemic to the Western Himalayas and is being rare species, it is an ideal case for DNA barcoding. The present study was aimed at molecular identification, authentication, and development of reference DNA barcodes for Epimedium elatum collected from the Western Himalayas of Pakistan. We investigated four reference DNA barcode markers namely, rbcL, matK, trnH-psbA, and ITS for molecular analysis of Epimedium elatum. Three out of the four DNA barcode markers showed 100% amplification and sequencing success rate; matK was the only exception. The nucleotide sequence data were analyzed using Sequencher, BLAST, Muscle alignment, BioEdit, and MEGA6 software. The ITS and TrnH-psbA sequences showed significant similarity to a related species of the genus Epimedium, while rbcL showed low discriminatory power. Further analysis revealed that all barcodes could clearly distinguish Epimedium elatum from its closely related species. We concluded that all three barcodes are powerful tools for the identification of Epimedium elatum. (author)

[en] Background: Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (TAPP) is technically demanding procedure with relatively long learning curve. Procedure is associated with operative and postoperative complications and pain, especially when performed by inexperienced surgeon. Most of the problems are associated with different anatomical environment and technical inadequacy. In order to make TAPP relatively simple with better visibility of landmarks, we used pre peritoneal infiltration of 60-100ml saline with lidocaine and epinephrine before proceeding for TAPP repair. Methods: About 60-100 ml of diluted lidocaine with epinephrine solution was injected in pre peritoneal space below arcuate line and extending to and around hernial sac. Care is taken not to inject in triangle of doom. Laparoscopic aspiration needle was used for injection after lifting peritoneum with grasper. Tumescent TAPP was performed in 35 patients (32 men, 3 women; mean age, 44.3 years). Results: With use of tumescent TAPP, it was relatively simple to identify anatomical landmarks owing to bloodless field. One of the main advantages was demonstration of procedure to residents leading to better understanding and more confident dissection while being performed under supervision. The mean operation time was 95 min. ranging from 55 to 110 minutes. Another advantage was reduced pain in early post-operative period. Conclusions: Tumescent injection before TAPP is easier and safe with advantage of clearer anatomy and reduced postoperative pain. (author)