A second individual with rhizomelic spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia and homozygous variant in GNPNAT1

Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasias (SEMDs) belong to a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of inherited skeletal disorders defined by a defect in the growth and shape of vertebrae, epiphyses and metaphyses. Rhizomelic SEMD is characterized by a disproportionate small stature caused by severe shortening and deformation of the limbs’ proximal bones, with the cranio-facial sphere unaffected. We report a second individual, an 8-year-old girl, with autosomal recessive rhizomelic SEMD associated with a homozygous exonic missense variant, c.226G > A p.(Glu76Lys), in GNPNAT1 identified by trio genome sequencing. Our data corroborate the recent findings of Ain et al. and further delineate the clinical and radiographic features of this form of SEMD associated with rhizomelic dysplasia while outlining a potential hotspot in this newly described genetic disorder.     

Proteases and their inhibitors as prognostic factors for high-grade serous ovarian cancer

Ovarian carcinoma is one of the most lethal malignancies, but only very few prognostic biomarkers are known. The degradome, comprising proteases, protease non-proteolytic homologues and inhibitors, have been involved in the prognosis of many cancer types, including ovarian carcinoma. The prognostic significance of the whole degradome family has not been specifically studied in high-grade serous ovarian cancer. A targeted DNA microarray known as the CLIP-CHIP microarray was used to identify potential prognostic factors in ten high-grade serous ovarian cancer women who had early recurrence (<1.6 years) or late/no recurrence after first line surgery and chemotherapy. In women with early recurrence, we identified seven upregulated genes (TMPRSS4, MASP1/3, SPC18, PSMB1, IGFBP2, CFI – encoding Complement Factor I – and MMP9) and one down-regulated gene (ADAM-10). Using immunohistochemistry, we evaluated the prognostic effect of these 8 candidate genes in an independent cohort of 112 high-grade serous ovarian cancer women. Outcomes were progression, defined according to CA-125 criteria, and death. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were done to estimate the associations between each protein and each outcome. High ADAM-10 expression (intensity of 2–3) was associated with a lower risk of progression (adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 0.51; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.29-0.87). High complement factor I expression (intensity 2–3) was associated with a higher risk of progression (adjusted HR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.17–4.53) and death (adjusted HR: 3.42; 95% CI: 1.72–6.79). Overall, we identified the prognostic value of two proteases, ADAM-10 and complement factor I, for high-grade serous ovarian cancer which could have clinical significance.     

EMA对药用辅料右旋糖酐新的安全性评价

欧洲药品局（EMA）于2018年11月发布了"人用药品辅料右旋糖酐的包装说明书资料"，该文件引用大量文献全面评价了右旋糖酐的安全性，特别指出含有右旋糖酐辅料的注射和吸入制剂的疫苗与药品，应在说明书中描述有关其过敏反应信息的新要求。介绍该文件的主要内容，期望对我国这类药品说明书的撰写和监管有所帮助。     

Ocular dysfunctions and toxicities induced by antiepileptic medications: Types,pathogenic mechanisms,and treatment strategies

Introduction: Ocular dysfunctions and toxicities induced by antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are rarely reviewed and not frequently received attention by treating physicians compared to other adverse effects (e.g. endocrinologic, cognitive and metabolic). However, some are frequent and progressive even in therapeutic concentrations or result in permanent blindness. Although some adverse effects are non-specific, others are related to the specific pharmacodynamics of the drug.

Areas covered: This review was written after detailed search in PubMed, EMBASE, ISI web, SciELO, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register databases (from 1970 to 2019). It summarized the reported ophthalmologic adverse effects of the currently available AEDs; their risks and possible pathogenic mechanisms. They include ocular motility dysfunctions, retinopathy, maculopathy, glaucoma, myopia, optic neuropathy, and impaired retinal vascular autoregulation. In general, ophthalmo-neuro- or retino-toxic adverse effects of AEDs are classified as type A (dose-dependent), type B (host-dependent or idiosyncratic) or type C which is due to the cumulative effect from long-term use.

Expert opinion: Ocular adverse effects of AEDs are rarely reviewed although some are frequent or may result in permanent blindness. Increasing knowledge of their incidence and improving understanding of their risks and pathogenic mechanisms are crucial for monitoring, prevention, and management of patients’ at risk.     

Evodiamine-inspired dual inhibitors of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) and topoisomerase 2 (TOP2) with potent antitumor activity

A great challenge in multi-targeting drug discovery is to identify drug-like lead compounds with therapeutic advantages over single target inhibitors and drug combinations. Inspired by our previous efforts in designing antitumor evodiamine derivatives, herein selective histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) and topoisomerase 2 (TOP2) dual inhibitors were successfully identified, which showed potent in vitro and in vivo antitumor potency. Particularly, compound 30a was orally active and possessed excellent in vivo antitumor activity in the HCT116 xenograft model (TGI = 75.2%, 150 mg/kg, p.o.) without significant toxicity, which was more potent than HDAC inhibitor vorinostat, TOP inhibitor evodiamine and their combination. Taken together, this study highlights the therapeutic advantages of evodiamine-based HDAC1/TOP2 dual inhibitors and provides valuable leads for the development of novel multi-targeting antitumor agents.     

Recipient hypertonic saline infusion prevents cardiac allograft dysfunction

Objective

Hypertonic saline (HTS) has potent immune and vascular effects. We assessed recipient pretreatment with HTS on allograft function in a porcine model of heart transplantation and hypothesized that HTS infusion would limit endothelial and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction following transplantation.

硫酸镁、硝苯地平和酚妥拉明治疗妊高症

目的探讨对妊娠高血压综合征患者给予硫酸镁联合硝苯地平以及酚妥拉明治疗的临床效果。方法抽取医院在2018年2月-2019年2月所接收的156例妊娠高血压综合征患者,将其按照数字随机表的方法分为单纯组和联合组,每组分别为78例。单纯组给予单纯的硫酸镁进行治疗,联合组在单纯组给予硝苯地平以及酚妥拉明进行联合治疗,比较患者的治疗效果。结果联合组的治疗有效率显著高于单纯组,治疗前血压水平差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),治疗后联合组的收缩压和舒张压水平均低于单纯组,P<0.05,两组差异有统计学意义。结论对妊娠高血压综合征患者给予硫酸镁联合硝苯地平和酚妥拉明进行联合治疗,有效改善患者的血压水平。     

Bismuth Sodium Titanate Based Materials for Piezoelectric Actuators

The ban of lead in many electronic products and the expectation that, sooner or later, this ban will include the currently exempt piezoelectric ceramics based on Lead-Zirconate-Titanate has motivated many research groups to look for lead-free substitutes. After a short overview on different classes of lead-free piezoelectric ceramics with large strain, this review will focus on Bismuth-Sodium-Titanate and its solid solutions. These compounds exhibit extraordinarily high strain, due to a field induced phase transition, which makes them attractive for actuator applications. The structural features of these materials and the origin of the field-induced strain will be revised. Technologies for texturing, which increases the useable strain, will be introduced. Finally, the features that are relevant for the application of these materials in a multilayer design will be summarized.