Epilepsy with auditory features: Contribution of known genes in 112 patients.

Epilepsy with Auditory Features (EAF) is a focal epilepsy syndrome mainly of unknown aetiology. LGI1 and RELN have been identified as the main cause of Autosomal Dominant EAF and anecdotally reported in non-familial cases. Pathogenic variants in SCN1A and DEPDC5 have also been described in a few EAF probands belonging to families with heterogeneous phenotypes and incomplete penetrance. We aimed to estimate the contribution of these genes to the disorder by evaluating the largest cohort of EAF. We included 112 unrelated EAF cases (male/female: 52/60) who underwent genetic analysis by next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques. Thirty-three (29.5%) were familial cases. We identified a genetic diagnosis for 8% of our cohort, including pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (4/8 novel) in LGI1 (2.7%, CI: 0.6-7.6); RELN (1.8%; CI: 0.2-6.3); SCN1A (2.7%; CI: 0.6-7.6) and DEPDC5 (0.9%; CI 0-4.9).This study shows that the contribution of each of the known genes to the overall disorder is limited and that the genetic background of EAF is still largely unknown. Our data emphasize the genetic heterogeneity of EAF and will inform the diagnosis and management of individuals with this disorder.

Chitosan-clodronate nanoparticles loaded in poloxamer gel for intra-articular administration.

This work was based on the study of an intra-articular delivery system constituted by a poloxamer gel vehiculating clodronate in chitosan nanoparticles. This system has been conceived to obtain a specific and controlled release of clodronate in the joints to reduce the arthritis rheumatoid degenerative effect. Clodronate (CLO) is a first-generation bisphosphonate with anti-inflammatory properties, inhibiting the cytokine and NO secretion from macrophages, therefore causing apoptosis in these cells. This is related to its ability to be metabolized by cells and converted into a cytotoxic intermediate as a non-hydrolysable analogue of ATP. Chitosan (CHI) was used to develop nanosystems, by ionotropic gelation induced by clodronate itself. A fractional factorial experimental design allowed us to obtain nanoparticles, the diameter of which ranged from 200 to 300nm. Glutaraldehyde was used to increase nanoparticle stability and modify the drug release profile. The zeta potential value of crosslinked nanopaparticles was 21.0mV±1.3, while drug loading was 31.0%±5.4 w/w; nanoparticle yield was 18.2%±1.8 w/w, the encapsulation efficiency was 48.8%±9.9 w/w. Nanoparticles were homogenously loaded in a poloxamer sol, and the drug delivery system is produced in-situ after local administration, when sol become gel at physiological temperature. The properties of poloxamer gels containing CHI-CLO nanoparticles, such as viscosity, gelation temperature and drug release properties, were evaluated. In vitro studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of these nanoparticles on a human monocytic cell line (THP1). The results showed that this drug delivery system is more efficient, with respect to the free drug, to counteract the inflammatory process characteristic of several degenerative diseases.

Preparation, characterization and in vitro antiviral activity evaluation of foscarnet-chitosan nanoparticles.

A new nanoparticulate system for foscarnet delivery was prepared and evaluated. Nanoparticles were obtained by ionotropic gelation of chitosan induced by foscarnet itself, acting as an ionotropic agent in a manner similar to tripolyphosphate anion. A Doehlert design allowed finding the suitable experimental conditions. Nanoparticles were between 200 and 300nm in diameter (around 450nm after redispersion). Nanoparticle size increased after 5h, but no size increase was observed after 48h when nanoparticles were crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. Zeta potential values of noncrosslinked and crosslinked nanoparticles were between 20 and 25mV, while drug loading of noncrosslinked nanoparticles was about 40% w/w (55% w/w for crosslinked nanoparticles). Nanoparticle yield was around 25% w/w. Crosslinked nanoparticles showed a controlled drug release. Foscarnet released from nanoparticles maintained the antiviral activity of the free drug when tested in vitro against lung fibroblasts (HELF) cells infected with HCMV strain AD-169. Moreover, nanoparticles showed no toxicity on non-infected HELF cells. These nanoparticles may represent a delivery system that could improve the therapeutic effect of foscarnet.

LGI1 microdeletions are not a frequent cause of partial epilepsy with auditory features (PEAF).

Heterozygous mutations of the leucine-rich, glioma-inactivated 1 gene (LGI1) are the major known cause of partial epilepsy with auditory features (PEAF), accounting for roughly 50% of families. Recently, a partial gene microdeletion has been reported in a single family. To assess the contribution of LGI1 microrearrangements to the pathogenesis of PEAF, we screened 50 patients negative for point mutations through multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) analysis. No cryptic imbalances were found in LGI1, suggesting that LGI1 microdeletions are not a frequent cause of PEAF. Despite the small number of examined patients and the need for replication studies, these findings support the hypothesis that diagnostic screening for LGI1 microrearrangements lacks clinical utility, especially for sporadic cases, and further highlight genetic heterogeneity of familial and sporadic PEAF.

Novel FAM126A mutations in hypomyelination and congenital cataract disease.

Hypomyelination and congenital cataract (HCC, OMIM #610532) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder due to FAM126A mutations characterized by congenital cataract, progressive neurologic impairment, and myelin deficiency in the central and peripheral nervous system. We have identified two novel mutations in three affected members of two unrelated families. Two sibs harbouring a microdeletion causing a premature stop in the protein showed the classical clinical and neuroradiologic HCC picture. The third patient carrying a missense mutation showed a relatively mild clinical picture without peripheral neuropathy. A residual amount of hyccin protein in primary fibroblasts was demonstrated by functional studies indicating that missense mutations are likely to have less detrimental effects if compared with splice-site mutations or deletions that cause the full-blown HCC phenotype, including peripheral nervous system involvement.

3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexanols and derived esters: green synthetic procedures, odour evaluation and in vitro skin cytotoxicity assays.

The alcohols 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexanols (cis, trans epimers, cosmetic fragrance) and some derived esters, potential and well-known actives in the cosmetic field, such as Homosalate, were synthesized using fast solvent-free methodologies with the aim of renewing and simplifying the conventional procedures. The alcohols were prepared by reduction of 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexanone (dihydroisophorone) with sodium borohydride/alumina in solid state. The esters from propanoic, butanoic, octanoic, 10-undecenoic, cyclopropanecarboxylic, mandelic and salicylic acids were synthesized with microwave-mediated solvent-free procedures under acidic and basic catalysis. Several experiments were carried out to study advantages and limits of the selected methodologies and the results are reported. Microwave irradiation was carried out using a scientific monomode reactor. In order to evaluate the cosmetic interest of the studied compounds, the sweet-scented substances were submitted to an odour evaluation test; the most promising fragrances and the ester from 10-undecenoic acid, as an example of lipophilic derivatives, were tested to assess their in vitro skin toxicity. Résumé

Eco-friendly methodologies for the synthesis of some aromatic esters, well-known cosmetic ingredients.

Solid-liquid solvent-free phase transfer catalysis (PTC) and acidic catalysis in dry media were applied, with noticeable improvement and simplification over classical procedures in a Green Chemistry context, to the synthesis of some aromatic esters useful as cosmetic ingredients: 3-methylbutyl 4-methoxycinnamate, 2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate, 2-ethylhexyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate and 2-ethylhexyl salicylate, well-known ultraviolet B sunscreen filters; 4-isopropylbenzyl salicylate, UV absorber and cutaneous antilipoperoxidant; propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate and butyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (parabens), antimicrobial agents. The reactions were performed under microwave (MW) activation and conventional heating. The best results for the synthesis of cinnamic, salicylic and 4-(dimethylamino)benzoic esters were achieved by in situ preformed carboxylates alkylation with alkyl bromides using PTC. The 4-hydroxybenzoates were obtained in good yields by classical esterification of the acid with alcohols using a simple heterogeneous mixture of reagents with catalytic amounts of p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA). The comparisons of yields and thermal profiles under either MW or conventional heating were studied and reported.

Varicocele and male subfertility: prognostical criteria in the surgical treatment.

A retrospective analysis of 324 infertile patients who underwent the surgical treatment of varicocele was conducted. Patients were divided into groups according to the presence or not of other pathological conditions, associated with varicocele: genital inflammation, left testicular hypotrophy, elevated FSH, history of cryptorchidism and azoospermia. Age was also considered. The overall pregnancy rate was 34.2% and the semen improvement was obtained in 181 cases (52.7%). Higher percentages were attained in patients with varicocele only: 56.9% pregnancy rate, 78% sperm improvement. The analysis of the results allowed us to define a prognostical index and to offer the criteria of operability in an infertile patient with varicocele.