Detection and evaluation of the presence of the BRAF V600E mutation in ameloblastomas in an Indian population

Introduction: Ameloblastoma is a benign epithelial odontogenic neoplasm that constitutes approximately 1% of all oral tumors and about 9 to 11% of all odontogenic tumors. They are slow-growing, locally invasive, and demonstrate a potential for metastasis and malignant transformation. The molecular pathogenesis of ameloblastoma is attributed to aberrant activity of the signal transduction pathways relating to developmental stages of odontogenesis including the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. The BRAF V600E mutation was identified as the most frequently mutated gene in this neoplasm. Studies have shown that use of BRAF inhibitors in patients diagnosed with ameloblastomas led to a significant reduction in tumor volume. Aims: To detect the expression of BRAF V600E mutation in ameloblastomas in an Indian population using immunohistochemistry. To compare the difference in the occurrence of the BRAF V600E mutation between mandibular and maxillary cases. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of histopathologically proven cases of ameloblastoma were assessed for the BRAF V600E mutation by immunohistochemistry using the BRAF V600E monoclonal antibody. Patient data such as age, sex, anatomical site, recurrence were documented. Statistical Analysis: The statistical analysis was performed using the Pearson Chi-square test and Student's t-test. Results: The present study revealed a high expression of the BRAFV600E mutation in mandibular cases of ameloblastoma among Indians irrespective of the age, sex, site, recurrence or histological pattern. Conclusions: The identification of this driver mutation opens the possibility of an adjuvant therapeutic modality to reduce the significant facial disfigurement and morbidity following surgical management.

Babesia spp. no líquido peritoneal em cão com ascite - relato de caso / Babesia spp. in the peritoneal fluid in dog with ascites - case report

Babesia canis é um protozoário cosmopolita que parasita eritrócitos de cães domésticos e selvagens. O diagnóstico é realizado mediante a observação direta do microrganismo em hemácias no esfregaço de sangue periférico, métodos sorológicos e técnicas moleculares. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar pela primeira vez a presença de merozoítos de Babesia spp. no líquido peritoneal de um cão com ascite. No Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Viçosa, foi atendido um cão, macho, sem raça definida, de sete meses de idade, com histórico de emaciação, apatia e abaulamento abdominal. No exame físico, foram evidenciadas mucosas hipocoradas, ascite, sopro sistólico grau IV/V e taquipneia. Nos exames laboratoriais, evidenciou-se anemia normocítica/normocrômica, trombocitopenia e hipoproteinemia. No esfregaço sanguíneo, foram observadas estruturas intraeritrocitárias compatíveis com Babesia spp. A avaliação do líquido ascítico foi compatível com transudato modificado e observaram-se inúmeras estruturas intra e extracelulares compatíveis com merozoítas de Babesia spp. A presença de microrganismos intra e extracelular poderia estar relacionada a uma lesão no baço com extravasamento do conteúdo para a cavidade abdominal. A coleta do líquido peritoneal pode ser uma alternativa para o diagnóstico de babesiose quando o animal com suspeita da infecção apresentar ascite.(AU)

Babesia canis is a cosmopolitan protozoan that parasites erythrocytes of domestic and wild dogs. The diagnosis is performed by direct observation of the microorganism in red blood cells in the peripheral blood smear, serological methods and molecular techniques. The aim of this work is to report for the first time the presence of merozoites of Babesia spp. in the peritoneal fluid of a dog with ascites. At the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Viçosa was attended a Mixed-breed seven month old dog, male, with history of emaciation, apathy and abdominal bulging. Pale mucous membranes, ascites, grade IV/V systolic murmur and tachypnea were evidenced in the physical examination. Laboratory tests revealed normocytic/normochromic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and hypoproteinemia. Intra-erythrocyte structures compatible with Babesia spp. were observed in the blood smear. The evaluation of the ascites fluid was compatible with modified transudate where numerous intra and extracellular structures compatible with Babesia spp. merozoites were observed. The presence of intra and extracellular microorganisms could be related to an injury of the spleen with extravasation of the contents into the abdominal cavity. Collection of the peritoneal fluid may be an alternative for the diagnosis of babesiosis when the animal with suspected infection has ascites.(AU)

Linfocitosis infecciosa aguda. / Acute infectious lymphocytosis

Se presentan dos casos de pacientes que cursaron con carcada leucocitosis y linfocitosis extrema. Los estudios iniciales, especificamente la biometria hematica, hizo sospechar leucemia aguda; sin embargo, los examenes tendientes a demostrarla, condujeron al diagnostico de linfocitosis infecciosa aguda. La evolucion clinica observada en los dos ninos fue buena, apreciandose normalizacion en los conteos hematicos (leucocitos, linfocitos), en un periodo de seis semanas