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Whitehead Skytte posted an update 13 days ago
Evidence to support a fortnightly scan protocol for monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) pregnancies to detect twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is scarce. Also, TTTS-related mortality in an unselected cohort is not well documented. Finally, common knowledge suggests that a more frequent follow-up may pick up the disease at a milder stage, but little is known on the ultrasound findings before the diagnosis.
We examine if a fortnightly ultrasound scan from 16 weeks onward detects TTTS in time. Also, we document the outcomes in a large unselected cohort of MCDA twins and examine the ultrasound findings within 14 days before diagnosis.
Retrospective cohort of 675 MCDA twin pregnancies followed with a fortnightly scan protocol from 16 weeks onward. Timely detection of TTTS was defined as before fetal demise (stage V), ruptured membranes, or a dilated cervix. We compared the ultrasound findings before the diagnosis between stage I-II and stage III-IV.
A total of 82/675 (12%) pregnancies developed TTTS, of w stage III-IV cases have abnormal Doppler findings before the diagnosis of TTTS.
The objectives were to prepare, characterize and in vivo evaluate different ibuprofen (IBU) nanosuspensions prepared by ultra-homogenization, after oral administration to rabbits.
The nanosuspensions produced by ultra-homogenization were tested and compared with a marketed IBU suspension for particle size, in vitro dissolution and in vivo absorption. Five groups of rabbits received orally 25 mg/kg of IBU nanosuspension, nanoparticles, unhomogenized suspension, marketed product and untreated suspension. A sixth group received 5 mg/kg IBU intravenously. read more Serial blood samples were obtained after IBU administration.
The formulated nanosuspensions showed significant decrease in particle size. Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone K30 (PP) was found to improve IBU aqueous solubility much better than the other tested polymers. Addition of Tween 80 (TW), in equal amount as PP (IBU PPTW, 122 w/w) resulted in much smaller particle size and better dissolution rate. The Cmax achieved were 14.8±1.64, 11.1±1.37, 9.01±0.761, 7.03±1.38The in vivo data supported the in vitro results. Nanosuspensions prepared by ultra-high-pressure-homogenization technique can be used as a good formulation strategy to enhance the rate and extent of absorption of poorly soluble drugs.
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) describes a family of rare genetic blistering skin disorders. Various subtypes are clinically and genetically heterogeneous, and a lethal postpartum form of EB is the generalized severe junctional EB (gs-JEB). gs-JEB is mainly caused by premature termination codon (PTC) mutations in the skin anchor protein LAMB3 (laminin subunit beta-3) gene. The ribosome in majority of translational reads of LAMB3PTC mRNA aborts protein synthesis at the PTC signal, with production of a truncated, nonfunctional protein. This leaves an endogenous readthrough mechanism needed for production of functional full-length Lamb3 protein albeit at insufficient levels. Here, we report on the development of drugs targeting ribosomal protein L35 (rpL35), a ribosomal modifier for customized increase in production of full-length Lamb3 protein from a LAMB3PTC mRNA.
Molecular docking studies were employed to identify small molecules binding to human rpL35. Molecular determinants of small molecule binding to rpL3as candidate compounds binding to ribosomal protein rpL35 and may now be tested for their potential to trigger a rpL35 ribosomal switch to increase production of full-length Lamb3 protein from a LAMB3PTC mRNA for targeted systemic therapy in treating gs-JEB.
Atazanavir and artesunate were identified as candidate compounds binding to ribosomal protein rpL35 and may now be tested for their potential to trigger a rpL35 ribosomal switch to increase production of full-length Lamb3 protein from a LAMB3PTC mRNA for targeted systemic therapy in treating gs-JEB.
HER-2 positive breast cancer has a high risk of for relapse, metastasis and drug resistance, and is related to a poor prognosis. Thus, the study objective was to determine a target gene and explore the associated molecular mechanisms in HER-2 positive breast cancer.
Three RNA expression profiles were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and were used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using R software. A Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network was constructed and hub genes were determined. Subsequently, the relationship between clinical parameters and hub genes was examined to screen target gene. Next, DNA methylation and genomic alterations of the target gene were evaluated. To further explore potential molecular mechanisms, genes co-expressed with the target gene were performed functional enrichment analysis Results The differential expression analysis revealed 217 DEGs in HER-2 positive breast cancer tissues compared to normal breast tissues. RRM2 was the only hub gene closely associated with lymphatic metastasis and prognosis in HER-2 positive breast cancer. Additionally, RRM2 was frequently often amplified and negatively associated with the methylation level. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the co-expression genes were mainly involved in cell cycle.
The present study identified RRM2 as a target gene associated with the initiation, progression and prognosis of HER-2 positive breast cancer, which may contribute to provide a new biomarker and therapeutic target.
The present study identified RRM2 as a target gene associated with the initiation, progression and prognosis of HER-2 positive breast cancer, which may contribute to provide a new biomarker and therapeutic target.
To investigate patient-reported outcome (PRO) usage in phase I oncology clinical trials, including types of PRO measures and changes over time.
We analyzed ClinicalTrials.gov records of phase I oncology clinical trials completed by December 2019.
Of all eligible trials, 2.3% (129/5,515) reported ≥1 PRO, totaling 181 instances of PRO usage. PRO usage increased over time, from 0.6% (trials initiated before 2000) to 3.4% (trials starting between 2015 and 2019). The most common PRO measures were unspecified (29%), tumor-specific (24%), and generic cancer (19%).
Although uncommon in phase I oncology clinical trials, PRO usage is increasing over time. PRO measures were often unspecified on ClinicalTrials.gov, suggesting that more precise reporting and standardization are needed.
Although uncommon in phase I oncology clinical trials, PRO usage is increasing over time. PRO measures were often unspecified on ClinicalTrials.gov, suggesting that more precise reporting and standardization are needed.