Comparative evaluation of three JAK2V617F mutation detection methods

The correlation of JAK2V617F with a proportion of chronic myeloproliferative disorders has generated numerous studies focused on the development of molecular-based assays for JAK2V617F detection. The current parallel study comparatively evaluated 3 JAK2V617F molecular detection methods. Genomic DNA from blood or bone marrow was assayed by 3 laboratories using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR) or kit-based restriction fragment length polymorphism methods, which used polyacrylamide gel or capillary electrophoresis analysis. In addition, samples were sequenced in 2 of the laboratories. Results found 100% concordance among the 3 methods, with analytic sensitivities of 5% for both kit methods and 0.01% for AS-PCR. The kitbased assays detect JAK2V617F with equal sensitivity regardless of analysis method, and, despite greater sensitivity of AS-PCR, all 3 methods yielded 100% concordant results for this 36-sample set. Consistent with other reports, direct sequencing was insufficiently sensitive to serve as an initial diagnostic tool for JAK2V617F detection.     

Myxoid liposarcoma of the breast in a 25-year-old female as a diagnostic pitfall in fine needle aspiration cytology: report of a rare case

Primary sarcomas of the breast are extremely rare comprising less than 1.0% of all malignant tumors of the breast. It is even rarer to be reported in a 25-year-old female. This can cause a diagnostic dilemma not only for the clinician but also for the cytopathologist. A 25-year-old woman presented with a well defined firm, mobile lump in her right breast. With fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and ultrasonography a diagnosis of fibroadenoma was made. The patient underwent lumpectomy. Histopathologically it was diagnosed as myxoid liposarcoma. This case is reported to highlight the fact that, even though rare in young females but the possibility of a breast lump being a myxoid liposarcoma does exist. This report discusses a primary myxoid liposarcoma of female breast, considers cytologic differential diagnoses with review of the relevant literature.     

Assessment of antibacterial and antifungal potential of Curcuma longa and synthesized nanoparticles: A comparative study

Curcumin nanoparticles were most recently considered in medical research because of their antibacterial properties. The main objective of the study was to develop the green synthesis and antibacterial activity of curcumin nanoparticles using Curcuma longa. The processing of curcumin nanoparticles was carried out after the collection, identification, and extraction of curcumin. The effect of a sample on the synthesis of nanoparticles, such as curcumin aqueous concentrations (5, 10, and 20 mg/ml) and curcumin nanoparticles (5, 10, and 20 mg/ml), and the antibacterial effect of these nanoparticles on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and the fungal strain Aspergillus niger. For examining antibacterial and anti-fungal activity disc diffusion method was performed, followed by the zone of inhibition. According to X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope analysis, nanoparticles have spherical shapes and size of 42.64 nm. Results showed that a high dose of 20 mg/ml curcumin nanoparticles have more antibacterial activity than curcumin extracts in E. coli as it showed the largest diameter of zone of inhibition as compared to other doses. Other bacterial and fungal strains also showed significant results but E. coli was most prominent. The biosynthesis of curcumin nanoparticles using an aqueous extract of C. longa is a clean, inexpensive, and safe method that has not been used any toxic substance and consequently does not have side effects. Since several pathogenic species have acquired antibiotic resistance, the combination of curcumin with various nanoparticles would be beneficial in the cure of pathogenic diseases.     

Interesting anticandidal effects of anisic aldehydes on growth and proton-pumping-ATPase-targeted activity

Attention has been drawn to evaluate the antifungal activity of p-anisaldehyde (1), o-anisaldehyde (2) and m-anisaldehyde (3). To put forward this approach, antifungal activity has been assessed in thirty six fluconazole-sensitive and eleven fluconazole-resistant Candida isolates. Growth and sensitivity of the organisms were significantly effected by test compounds at different concentrations. The rapid irreversible action of compound-1, compound-2 and compound-3 on fungal cells suggested a membrane-located target for their action. We investigated their effect on H⁺ ATPase mediated H⁺-pumping by various Candida species. All the compounds inhibit H⁺- ATPase activity at their respective MIC₉₀ values. Inhibition of H⁺ ATPase leads to intracellular acidification and cell death. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed deep wrinkles, deformity and flowed content. Furthermore, it was also observed that position of methoxy group attached to the benzene ring decides antifungal activity of the compound. The present study indicates that compound-1, compound-2 and compound-3 have significant antifungal activity against Candida, including azole-resistant strains, advocating further investigation for clinical applications in the treatment of fungal infections.     

Phenylketonuria and glycogen storage disease type III in sibs of one family

Hyperphenylalaninemia result from a block in the conversion of phenylalanine into tyrosine due to a defect in either the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (98% of subjects) or in the metabolism of the cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin. Phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency is the most common form of inherited hyperphenylalaninemia disorders, with a prevalence between 1/4,000-1/40,000. Glycogen storage disease (GSD) type III is caused by debranching enzyme deficiency of glycogen degradation. The clinical features vary in relation to the localization of the enzyme defect. Two clinical entities exist: a combined hepatic myogenic form (GSD IIIa) and a purely hepatic form (GSD IIIb). The inheritance is autosomal recessive. We describe a Turkish family in which two girls were found to have phenylketonuria, while in two other sisters glycogen storage disease type III was diagnosed. The parents of these children are cousins and they have had 12 children.     

Intra-incisional liposomal bupivacaine and its impact on postcesarean analgesia: a retrospective study

Purpose: The efficacy of long-acting intraincisional bupivacaine in reducing postoperative opioid use among women who have undergone a cesarean is currently unknown.

Materials and methods: This was a retrospective case-control study with a 1:1 allocation. We identified 40 patients in each group, for a total of 80. The treatment group was administered 266?mg of liposomal bupivacaine after completion of the cesarean and was compared to historical controls. Data regarding anesthesia administered, opioid consumption, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory use, acetaminophen use, type of cesarean, reason for cesarean, and length of postoperative stay were recorded.

Results: The treatment group used 41.51?mg of morphine equivalents, while the control group consumed 69.90?mg (p?p?p?Conclusions: Incisional administration of liposomal bupivacaine may be an effective adjunct in reducing opioid use postoperatively and may be a useful adjunct within an enhanced recovery program.     

Molecular characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hepatozoon canis</Emphasis> from farm dogs in Pakistan

Hepatozoon canis is a tick-borne pathogen of canids, which is distributed worldwide. However, very little is known about this protozoan parasite in Pakistan. This study provides the first molecular evidence of H. canis from farm dogs from three agro-ecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan. A conventional PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene was used to characterize H. canis from farm dogs from three districts, namely Kasur, Rawalpindi, and Muzaffargarh, in Punjab. Of 341 blood samples tested, 155 (45.5%) were positive for H. canis, 73 (61.3%) from Kasur, 46 (42.5%) from Rawalpindi, and 36 (31.5%) from Muzaffargarh. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that 18S rRNA sequences of H. canis from this study clustered in three clades with those of H. canis from previously published studies to the exclusion of all other Hepatozoon spp. included in the analysis. This study provides the first insight into H. canis from farm dogs in Pakistan. Furthermore, it lays a foundation for future studies of the parasite to assess the impact of canine hepatozoonosis in dogs from various agro-ecological zones in Pakistan where pet ownership of dogs is increasing.