BACKGROUND: Limited licensed medications are available for multiple sclerosis (MS) in pediatric patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of alemtuzumab in pediatric patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and disease activity on prior disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). METHODS: LemKids was a multicenter, multinational, single-arm, open-label, switch (from ongoing DMT to alemtuzumab treatment) study in pediatric RRMS patients (aged 10-<18 years), with disease activity on DMT. The primary endpoint was a comparison of the number of new/enlarging T2 lesions on the magnetic resonance imaging of the brain between the prior-DMT period and alemtuzumab treatment. RESULTS: This study was prematurely terminated due to low enrollment and an European Medicines Agency Article-20 pharmacovigilance review of alemtuzumab in adult RRMS. Of 46 screened patients, 16 were enrolled; 12 completed prior-DMT treatment period; 11 received alemtuzumab of whom 7 completed treatment. Patients on alemtuzumab developed fewer new/enlarging T2 lesions compared with prior-DMT (7 vs 178, relative risk (95% confidence interval): 0.04 (0.01-0.14)). No significant pharmacodynamic changes or safety concerns were noted in this limited dataset. CONCLUSION: Alemtuzumab treatment was associated with a low number of new/enlarging T2 lesions in pediatric patients with RRMS and was safe and well tolerated in seven patients during infusion and the initial 4 months.

• MeSH
• Alemtuzumab * adverse effects   MeSH
• Child MeSH
• Immunologic Factors * adverse effects   administration & dosage   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting * drug therapy   diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Treatment Outcome MeSH
• Check Tag
• Child MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Multicenter Study MeSH

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: A critical evaluation of contemporary literature regarding the role of big data, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies in precision cardio-oncology care and survivorship, emphasizing innovative and groundbreaking endeavors. RECENT FINDINGS: Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm models can automate the risk assessment process and augment current subjective clinical decision tools. AI, particularly machine learning (ML), can identify medically significant patterns in large data sets. Machine learning in cardio-oncology care has great potential in screening, diagnosis, monitoring, and managing cancer therapy-related cardiovascular complications. To this end, large-scale imaging data and clinical information are being leveraged in training efficient AI algorithms that may lead to effective clinical tools for caring for this vulnerable population. Telemedicine may benefit cardio-oncology patients by enhancing healthcare delivery through lowering costs, improving quality, and personalizing care. Similarly, the utilization of wearable biosensors and mobile health technology for remote monitoring holds the potential to improve cardio-oncology outcomes through early intervention and deeper clinical insight. Investigations are ongoing regarding the application of digital health tools such as telemedicine and remote monitoring devices in enhancing the functional status and recovery of cancer patients, particularly those with limited access to centralized services, by increasing physical activity levels and providing access to rehabilitation services. SUMMARY: In recent years, advances in cancer survival have increased the prevalence of patients experiencing cancer therapy-related cardiovascular complications. Traditional cardio-oncology risk categorization largely relies on basic clinical features and physician assessment, necessitating advancements in machine learning to create objective prediction models using diverse data sources. Healthcare disparities may be perpetuated through AI algorithms in digital health technologies. In turn, this may have a detrimental effect on minority populations by limiting resource allocation. Several AI-powered innovative health tools could be leveraged to bridge the digital divide and improve access to equitable care.

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

The present study has undertaken the isolation of marine yeasts from mangrove sediment samples and their ability to produce alkaline protease enzymes. A total of 14 yeast isolates were recovered on yeast-malt agar (YMA) and yeast extract peptone dextrose (YEPD) agar medium. After screening for proteolytic activity on skim milk agar, marine yeast isolate, AKB-1 exhibited a hydrolysis zone of 18 mm. Optimal conditions for the enzyme production from yeast isolate AKB-1 were at 30 °C, pH 8, fructose as carbon source, potassium nitrate as nitrogen source, and 25% saline concentration. Under the optimal conditions, the protease enzyme activity of the isolate AKB-1 was observed to be 978 IU/mL. The structural and functional analysis was carried out through FTIR and HPLC analysis for the extracted protease enzyme. Furthermore, the enzyme produced was partially purified by solvent extraction using ethyl acetate and ammonium sulfate precipitation (3.4-fold) followed by dialysis (56.8-fold). The molecular weight of the purified enzyme was observed to be around 60 kDa using SDS-PAGE. The extracted protein showed good antibacterial activity against six different clinical bacterial pathogens and the highest against Bacillus cereus (16 ± 0.5 mm). The extracted protease enzyme was revealed to remove blood stains from cloth within 20 min of application similar to the commercial detergent. The marine yeast isolate was further identified as Candida orthopsilosis AKB-1 (Accession number KY348766) through 18S rRNA sequencing, and a phylogenetic tree was generated.

• MeSH
• Anti-Bacterial Agents pharmacology   metabolism   chemistry   isolation & purification   MeSH
• Bacillus cereus drug effects   MeSH
• Bacterial Proteins * chemistry   pharmacology   metabolism   isolation & purification   MeSH
• Candida * enzymology   isolation & purification   genetics   classification   MeSH
• Endopeptidases * chemistry   metabolism   isolation & purification   pharmacology   MeSH
• Phylogeny MeSH
• Geologic Sediments microbiology   MeSH
• Hydrogen-Ion Concentration MeSH
• Culture Media chemistry   MeSH
• Microbial Sensitivity Tests MeSH
• Molecular Weight MeSH
• Enzyme Stability MeSH
• Temperature MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Během těhotenství dochází k významným fyziologickým změnám, které ovlivňují funkci štítné žlázy. Hormony štítné žlázy jsou klíčové pro vývoj plodu, zejména v prvním trimestru, kdy je plně závislý na mateřských hormonech. Poruchy štítné žlázy, jako je hypotyreóza nebo autoimunitní tyreoiditida, mohou negativně ovlivnit fertilitu a průběh těhotenství a jsou v populaci časté. Od roku 2024 byl proto v ČR zaváděn celoplošný screening tyreopatií v těhotenství, díky kterému podstoupí vyšetření štítné žlázy a ultrazvuk štítné žlázy více těhotných žen než dříve. Vedlejším nálezem, na který screening primárně necílí, pak mohou být uzlové změny ve štítné žláze. Převážná část z nich je benigní, ale vzácně může být zachycen i karcinom štítné žlázy. V této stati je prezentována kazuistika pacientky, u které byl v rámci těhotenského screeningu zachycen papilární karcinom štítné žlázy a která podstoupila totální tyroidektomii ve druhém trimestru gravidity.

During pregnancy, significant physiological changes occur that affect thyroid function. Thyroid hormones are crucial for fetal development, especially in the first trimester when the fetus is fully dependent on maternal hormones. Thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism or autoimmune thyroiditis can adversely affect fertility and the course of pregnancy and and are commonly found in the population. Therefore, since 2024, a nationwide screening for thyroid disease in pregnancy has been introduced in the country, which will result in more pregnant women undergoing thyroid screening and thyroid ultrasound than before. A secondary finding not primarily targeted by screening may be nodular changes in the thyroid gland. The majority of these (99%) are benign, but rarely thyroid cancer may be detected. In this article, we present a case report of a patient who was found to have papillary thyroid carcinoma during pregnancy screening and who underwent total thyroidectomy in the second trimester of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES: The efficacy and safety of macitentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist, were assessed in a 52-week, prospective, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study assessing the efficacy and safety of macitentan in Fontan-palliated adult and adolescent patients (RUBATO-DB) and an open-label extension trial (RUBATO-OL). METHODS: Patients aged 12 years and older with New York Heart Association functional class II or III underwent total cavopulmonary connection more than 1 year before screening and showed no signs of Fontan failure/clinical deterioration. In RUBATO-DB, the primary efficacy end point was change in peak oxygen consumption from baseline to week 16; secondary end points were change from baseline over 52 weeks in peak oxygen consumption and change in mean count/minute of daily physical activity via accelerometer from baseline to week 16. Safety was assessed throughout both studies. RESULTS: In RUBATO-DB, 137 patients were randomized to macitentan 10 mg (n = 68) or placebo (n = 69); 92.7% completed 52-week double-blind treatment. At week 16, mean ± SD change in peak oxygen consumption was -0.16 ± 2.86 versus -0.67 ± 2.66 mL/kg/minute with macitentan versus placebo (median unbiased treatment difference estimate, 0.62 mL/kg/minute [99% repeated CI, -0.62 to 1.85]; P = .19). No treatment effect was observed in either of the secondary end points. During RUBATO-DB, most common adverse events with macitentan were headache, nasopharyngitis, and pyrexia. Across RUBATO-DB and RUBATO-OL, most common adverse events were COVID-19, headache, and fatigue. RUBATO-OL was prematurely discontinued because RUBATO-DB did not meet its primary or secondary end point. CONCLUSIONS: The primary end point of RUBATO-DB was not met; macitentan did not improve exercise capacity versus placebo in patients with Fontan palliation. Macitentan was generally well tolerated over long-term treatment.

• MeSH
• Endothelin Receptor Antagonists therapeutic use   adverse effects   MeSH
• Time Factors MeSH
• Child MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Double-Blind Method MeSH
• Fontan Procedure * adverse effects   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Palliative Care MeSH
• Prospective Studies MeSH
• Pyrimidines * therapeutic use   adverse effects   MeSH
• Oxygen Consumption drug effects   MeSH
• Sulfonamides * therapeutic use   adverse effects   MeSH
• Exercise Tolerance drug effects   MeSH
• Heart Defects, Congenital surgery   physiopathology   MeSH
• Treatment Outcome MeSH
• Check Tag
• Child MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Clinical Trial, Phase III MeSH
• Multicenter Study MeSH
• Randomized Controlled Trial MeSH

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer comprises the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important factors with concern to carcinogenesis and have potential for use as biomarkers. METHODS: This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the microRNA expression in invasive breast carcinoma of no special type tissues compared with benign tissues via large-scale screening and the candidate-specific validation of 15 miRNAs and U6 snRNA applying qPCR and the examination of clinicopathological data. RESULTS: Of the six downregulated miRNAs, let-7c was identified as the most promising miRNA biomarker and its lower expression was linked with Ki-67 positivity, luminal B versus luminal A samples, multifocality, lymph node metastasis, and inferior PFS. Of the 9 upregulated sncRNAs, the data on U6 snRNA, miR-493 and miR-454 highlighted their potential oncogenic functions. An elevated U6 snRNA expression was associated with the tumor grade, Ki-67 positivity, luminal B versus A samples, lymph node metastasis, and worsened PFS (and OS) outcomes. An elevated miR-454 expression was detected in higher grades, Ki-67 positive and luminal B versus A samples. Higher miR-493 levels were noted for the tumor stage (and grade) and worse patient outcomes (PFS, OS). The data also suggested that miR-451a and miR-328 may have tumor suppressor roles, and miR-182 and miR-200c pro-oncogenic functions, while the remaining sncRNAs did not evince any significant associations. CONCLUSION: We showed particular microRNAs and U6 snRNA as differentially expressed between tumors and benign tissues and associated with clinicopathological parameters, thus potentially corresponding with important roles in breast carcinogenesis. Their importance should be further investigated and evaluated in follow-up studies to reveal their potential in clinical practice. INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer comprises the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important factors with concern to carcinogenesis and have potential for use as biomarkers. METHODS: This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the microRNA expression in invasive breast carcinoma of no special type tissues compared with benign tissues via large-scale screening and the candidate-specific validation of 15 miRNAs and U6 snRNA applying qPCR and the examination of clinicopathological data. RESULTS: Of the six downregulated miRNAs, let-7c was identified as the most promising miRNA biomarker and its lower expression was linked with Ki-67 positivity, luminal B versus luminal A samples, multifocality, lymph node metastasis, and inferior PFS. Of the 9 upregulated sncRNAs, the data on U6 snRNA, miR-493 and miR-454 highlighted their potential oncogenic functions. An elevated U6 snRNA expression was associated with the tumor grade, Ki-67 positivity, luminal B versus A samples, lymph node metastasis, and worsened PFS (and OS) outcomes. An elevated miR-454 expression was detected in higher grades, Ki-67 positive and luminal B versus A samples. Higher miR-493 levels were noted for the tumor stage (and grade) and worse patient outcomes (PFS, OS). The data also suggested that miR-451a and miR-328 may have tumor suppressor roles, and miR-182 and miR-200c pro-oncogenic functions, while the remaining sncRNAs did not evince any significant associations. CONCLUSION: We showed particular microRNAs and U6 snRNA as differentially expressed between tumors and benign tissues and associated with clinicopathological parameters, thus potentially corresponding with important roles in breast carcinogenesis. Their importance should be further investigated and evaluated in follow-up studies to reveal their potential in clinical practice.

• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Neoplasm Invasiveness MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Lymphatic Metastasis MeSH
• MicroRNAs * genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Biomarkers, Tumor * genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Breast Neoplasms * pathology   genetics   metabolism   mortality   MeSH
• Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic * MeSH
• RNA, Small Nuclear * genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Purine de novo purine synthesis involves 10 reactions catalysed by six enzymes, including phosphoribosylformyglycinamidine synthase (PFAS). To date, genetic defects of three of these enzymes, namely ATIC, ADSL and PAICS, have been characterised in humans. Here, we report for the first time two individuals with PFAS deficiency. Probands were identified through metabolic and genetic screening of neurologically impaired individuals. The pathogenicity of the variants was established by structural and functional studies. Probands C1 and C2 presented with prematurity, short stature, recurrent seizures and mild neurological impairment. C1 had elevated urinary levels of formylglycineamide riboside (FGAr) and bi-allelic PFAS variants encoding the NP_036525.1:p.Arg811Trp substitution and the NP_036525.1:p.Glu228_Ser230 in-frame deletion. C2 is a 20-year-old female with a homozygous NP_036525.1:p.Asn264Lys substitution. These amino acid changes are predicted to affect the structural stability of PFAS. Accordingly, C1 skin fibroblasts showed decreased PFAS content and activity, with impaired purinosome formation that was restored by transfection with pTagBFP_PFAS_wt. The enzymatic activities of the corresponding recombinant mutant PFAS proteins were also reduced, and none of them, after transfection, corrected the elevated FGAR/r levels in PFAS-deficient HeLa cells. While genetic defects in purine de novo synthesis are typically considered in patients with severe neurological impairment, these disorders, especially PFAS deficiency, should also be considered in milder phenotypes.

• MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Carbon-Nitrogen Ligases with Glutamine as Amide-N-Donor * genetics   deficiency   metabolism   MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Mutation MeSH
• Purine-Pyrimidine Metabolism, Inborn Errors * genetics   MeSH
• Child, Preschool MeSH
• Purines * biosynthesis   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Child, Preschool MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Case Reports MeSH

Angioedém je otok zahrnující podkožní a/nebo submukózní vrstvy tkáně, které postihují obličej, rty, krk a končetiny, dutinu ústní, hrtan a/nebo střevní sliznici. Diferenciální diagnostika angioedémů je mezioborová. Z hlediska patofyziologie může být angioedém klasifikován jako angioedém zprostředkovaný histaminem a angioedém zprostředkovaný bradykininem. Histaminem zprostředkovaný angioedém je častější a souvisí s aktivací a degranulací žírných buněk a bazofilů, bývá provázen svědivou a zarudlou urtikárií. Angiedém zprostředkovaný bradykininem může zahrnovat formy hereditárního angioedému, získaného deficitu C1 inhibitoru a angioedémy spojené s inhibitorem angiotenzin-konvertujícího enzymu či dalších léků. Je charakterizován nadměrnou lokální tvorbou bradykininu se vznikem bolestivého angioedému, není spojen se svědivou kopřivkou, má delší trvání a často břišní příznaky. Je rezistentní vůči standardním terapiím, jako je adrenalin, glukokortikoidy a antihistaminika. V rámci diferenciální diagnostiky v akutní fázi je vhodné provést laboratorní vyšetření tryptázy k odlišení histaminového angioedému v souběhu anafylaxe a C4 složku komplementu jako screening pro bradykininový angioedém. Hereditární angioedém (HAE) je vzácné, geneticky podmíněné onemocnění s autozomálně dominantním přenosem a variabilním spektrem bradykininových angioedémů. V širším kontextu se jedná o imunodeficitní onemocnění, klasifikované na HAE s deficiencí C1 inhibitoru (HAE-C1-INH) a HAE s normální hladinou a funkcí C1 inhibitoru (HAE nC1-INH), s mutacemi jiného (mnohdy ještě neznámého) typu. Vznik center pro diagnostiku a péči o pacienty s HAE a získanými bradykininovými angioedémy (AAE) významně zlepšil životní osudy těchto pacientů. Do center jsou konzilárně odesíláni i pacienti s atypickými angioedémy (s převahou bradykininové etiologie).

Angioedema is swelling involving the subcutaneous and/or submucosal layers of tissue that affects the face, lips, neck and extremities, oral cavity, larynx, and/or intestinal mucosa. The differential diagnosis of angioedema is interdisciplinary. From a pathophysiological perspective, angioedema can be classified as histamine-mediated angioedema and bradykinin-mediated angioedema. Histamine-mediated angioedema is more common and is associated with activation and degranulation of mast cells and basophils, and is often accompanied by pruritic and erythematous urticaria. Bradykinin-mediated angioedema can include forms of hereditary angioedema, acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency, and angioedema associated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or other drugs. It is characterized by excessive local production of bradykinin with the development of painful angioedema, is not associated with pruritic urticaria, has a longer duration, and often has abdominal symptoms. It is resistant to standard therapies such as adrenaline, glucocorticoids, and antihistamines. As part of the differential diagnosis in the acute phase, it is appropriate to perform a laboratory test for tryptase to differentiate histamine angioedema in conjunction with anaphylaxis and the C4 component of complement as a screening for bradykinin angioedema. Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare, genetically determined disease with autosomal dominant transmission and a variable spectrum of bradykinin angioedema. In a broader context, it is an immunodeficiency disease, classified into HAE with C1 inhibitor deficiency (HAE-C1-INH) and HAE with normal levels and function of C1 inhibitor (HAE nC1-INH), with mutations of another (often still unknown) type. The establishment of centers for the diagnosis and care of patients with HAE and acquired bradykinin angioedema (AAE) has significantly improved the lives of these patients. Patients with atypical angioedema (with a predominance of bradykinin etiology) are also referred to the centers.

• MeSH
• Angioedema etiology   classification   therapy   MeSH
• Diagnosis, Differential MeSH
• Child MeSH
• Angioedemas, Hereditary * diagnosis   genetics   physiopathology   therapy   MeSH
• Infant MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Age of Onset MeSH
• Check Tag
• Child MeSH
• Infant MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Case Reports MeSH
• Review MeSH

The human genome contains approximately 20,000 protein-coding genes, of which more than 15,000 (3/4) are expressed, among others, in the central nervous system. Variants that damage the function of these genes (called pathogenic variants) can lead to various forms of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), including speech and language disorders. These can occur alone or in various combinations. In this review article, we provide information on the possibilities, limits and importance of genetic testing in patients with NDD.

• MeSH
• Genetic Variation MeSH
• Genetic Diseases, Inborn diagnosis   genetics   MeSH
• Genetic Testing methods   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Abnormalities, Multiple diagnosis   genetics   MeSH
• Mutation MeSH
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders * diagnosis   etiology   genetics   MeSH
• Language Development Disorders diagnosis   etiology   genetics   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

PURPOSE: Analyze phenotypic data from knockout mice with late-adult retinal pathologic phenotypes to identify genes associated with development of adult-onset retinal diseases. METHODS: The International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC) database was queried for genes associated with abnormal retinal phenotypes in the late-adult knockout mouse pipeline (49-80 weeks postnatal age). We identified human orthologs and performed protein-protein analysis and biological pathways analysis with known inherited retinal disease (IRD) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) genes using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING), PLatform for Analysis of single cell Eye in a Disk (PLAE), Protein Analysis Through Evolutionary Relationships (PANTHER), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). RESULTS: Screening of 587 late-adult mouse genes yielded 12 with abnormal retinal phenotypes, which corresponded to 20 human orthologs. Three of the 12 mouse genes and two of the 20 human orthologs were previously implicated in retinal pathology or physiology in a literature review. Although all of the genes demonstrated retinal pathology when deleted from the mouse genome, most do not have established roles in human retinal disease. Furthermore, human protein-protein analysis and biological pathway analysis yielded only a few relationships between the candidate gene list and that of known IRD and AMD genes, suggesting they may represent novel retinal functions. CONCLUSIONS: We identified 12 mouse genes with significant late-adult abnormal retinal pathology, eight of which have not been previously implicated in either mouse or human retinal physiology or pathology. These serve as novel retinal disease gene candidates for late-onset retinal disease.

• MeSH
• Phenotype MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Macular Degeneration * genetics   MeSH
• Disease Models, Animal MeSH
• Mice, Knockout MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Eye Proteins * genetics   MeSH
• Retina * pathology   metabolism   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH