Deletion of Tbc1d4/As160 abrogates cardiac glucose uptake and increases myocardial damage after ischemia/reperfusion.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and associated with poor outcome after myocardial infarction (MI). In T2DM, cardiac metabolic flexibility, i.e. the switch between carbohydrates and lipids as energy source, is disturbed. The RabGTPase-activating protein TBC1D4 represents a crucial regulator of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle by controlling glucose transporter GLUT4 translocation. A human loss-of-function mutation in TBC1D4 is associated with impaired glycemic control and elevated T2DM risk. The study's aim was to investigate TBC1D4 function in cardiac substrate metabolism and adaptation to MI. METHODS: Cardiac glucose metabolism of male Tbc1d4-deficient (D4KO) and wild type (WT) mice was characterized using in vivo [18F]-FDG PET imaging after glucose injection and ex vivo basal/insulin-stimulated [3H]-2-deoxyglucose uptake in left ventricular (LV) papillary muscle. Mice were subjected to cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Heart structure and function were analyzed until 3 weeks post-MI using echocardiography, morphometric and ultrastructural analysis of heart sections, complemented by whole heart transcriptome and protein measurements. RESULTS: Tbc1d4-knockout abolished insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in ex vivo LV papillary muscle and in vivo cardiac glucose uptake after glucose injection, accompanied by a marked reduction of GLUT4. Basal cardiac glucose uptake and GLUT1 abundance were not changed compared to WT controls. D4KO mice showed mild impairments in glycemia but normal cardiac function. However, after I/R D4KO mice showed progressively increased LV endsystolic volume and substantially increased infarction area compared to WT controls. Cardiac transcriptome analysis revealed upregulation of the unfolded protein response via ATF4/eIF2α in D4KO mice at baseline. Transmission electron microscopy revealed largely increased extracellular matrix (ECM) area, in line with decreased cardiac expression of matrix metalloproteinases of D4KO mice. CONCLUSIONS: TBC1D4 is essential for insulin-stimulated cardiac glucose uptake and metabolic flexibility. Tbc1d4-deficiency results in elevated cardiac endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress response, increased deposition of ECM and aggravated cardiac damage following MI. Hence, impaired TBC1D4 signaling contributes to poor outcome after MI.

The paradox-breaking panRAF plus SRC family kinase inhibitor, CCT3833, is effective in mutant KRAS-driven cancers.

BACKGROUND: KRAS is mutated in ∼90% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, ∼35% of colorectal cancers and ∼20% of non-small-cell lung cancers. There has been recent progress in targeting G12CKRAS specifically, but therapeutic options for other mutant forms of KRAS are limited, largely because the complexity of downstream signaling and feedback mechanisms mean that targeting individual pathway components is ineffective. DESIGN: The protein kinases RAF and SRC are validated therapeutic targets in KRAS-mutant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, colorectal cancers and non-small-cell lung cancers and we show that both must be inhibited to block growth of these cancers. We describe CCT3833, a new drug that inhibits both RAF and SRC, which may be effective in KRAS-mutant cancers. RESULTS: We show that CCT3833 inhibits RAF and SRC in KRAS-mutant tumors in vitro and in vivo, and that it inhibits tumor growth at well-tolerated doses in mice. CCT3833 has been evaluated in a phase I clinical trial (NCT02437227) and we report here that it significantly prolongs progression-free survival of a patient with a G12VKRAS spindle cell sarcoma who did not respond to a multikinase inhibitor and therefore had limited treatment options. CONCLUSIONS: New drug CCT3833 elicits significant preclinical therapeutic efficacy in KRAS-mutant colorectal, lung and pancreatic tumor xenografts, demonstrating a treatment option for several areas of unmet clinical need. Based on these preclinical data and the phase I clinical unconfirmed response in a patient with KRAS-mutant spindle cell sarcoma, CCT3833 requires further evaluation in patients with other KRAS-mutant cancers.

Internal parasitic burdens in brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) from Grenada, West Indies.

This study identified the endoparasites in Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) during May to July 2017 in Grenada, West Indies. A total of 162 rats, 76 females and 86 males were trapped from St. George and St. David parishes in Grenada. The collected fecal samples were examined for parasitic eggs and/or oocysts using simple fecal flotation technique. Adult parasites found in the intestinal tract were examined for identification. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites among rats was 79 %. Ten helminth species were recovered, several of which were reported for the first time in rodents in Grenada. The internal parasites consist of seven nematodes (Angiostrongylus spp., Nippostrongylus braziliensis, Heterakis spumosa, Strongyloides ratti, Aspiculuris tetraptera, Syphacia spp. and Protospirura spp.), one cestode (Hymenolepsis diminuta), one acanthocephalan (Moniliformis moniliformis) and one protozoa species (Eimeria spp.). The most prevalent zoonotic species were Angiostrongylus spp. (35.2%), Hymenolepsis diminuta (7.4%) and Moniliformis moniliformis (3.1%). Several nonzoonotic endoparasites; which included Nippostrongylus braziliensis (50.6%), Heterakis spumosa (15.4%), Strongyloides ratti (43.2%), Aspiculuris tetraptera (2.5%), Syphacia spp. (1.9%), Protospirura spp. (1.2%) and Eimeria spp. (4.7%) were also identified. The most prevalent parasites were Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (50.6%), Strongyloides ratti (43.2%) and Angiostrongylus spp. (35.2%). Co-infections occurred with up to six species per rat showing different combinations of parasitic infections.

Randomised Phase II Feasibility Trial of Image-guided External Beam Radiotherapy With or Without High Dose Rate Brachytherapy Boost in Men with Intermediate-risk Prostate Cancer (CCTG PR15/ NCT01982786).

AIMS: We conducted a multicentre feasibility study to assess the ability to randomise patients between image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) and IGRT + high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy boost and to adhere to appropriate radiation quality assurance standards. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The primary end point was to determine the ability to randomise 60 patients over an 18 month period. Arm 1 (IGRT) patients received 78 Gy in 39 fractions or 60 Gy in 20 fractions (physician's preference), whereas arm 2 (IGRT + HDR) received 37.5 Gy in 15 fractions with HDR boost of 15 Gy. The secondary end points included >grade 3 acute genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity, using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0 at 3 months, validation of a prospectively defined radiation oncology quality assurance to assess treatment compliance. All analyses were descriptive; no formal comparisons between treatment arms were carried out. RESULTS: Between April 2014 and September 2015, 57 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)-defined intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients were randomised between IGRT alone (arm 1; n = 29) and IGRT plus HDR brachytherapy boost (arm 2; n = 28). Overall, 93% received the treatment as randomised. There were four patients (one on IGRT arm 1 and three patients on the IGRT + HDR arm 2) who were treated differently from randomisation assignment. For the 29 patients receiving IGRT (arm 1), there were 14 cases reported with minor deviations and three with major deviations. For patients on IGRT + HDR (arm 2), there were 18 cases reported with minor deviations and two with major deviations. At 3 months in the IGRT group (arm 1), one patient reported grade 3 diarrhoea, whereas in the IGRT + HDR group (arm 2), two patients reported grade 3 haematuria. No other gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicities were reported. CONCLUSION: The pilot study showed the feasibility of randomisation between treatment with IGRT alone versus IGRT + HDR boost. Treatment compliance was good, including adherence to quality assurance standards.

Identification of locally available structural material as co-substrate for organic waste composting in Tamil Nadu, India.

Owing to the lack in structural strength while composting certain kinds of organic wastes, 11 co-substrates were tested that are generally locally available in rural areas of northern Tamil Nadu, India. In addition to the classical composting parameters such as carbon/nitrogen ratio, moisture content, dry matter and organic dry matter, a compression test was conducted to evaluate the structural strength and the suitability as bulking agent for composting processes. Additionally, with respect to the climatic conditions in India, the water holding capacity was also evaluated.

[Intravitreal dexamethasone implant for treatment of persistent postoperative macular edema after vitrectomy]. / Intravitreales Dexamethason-Implantat zur Behandlung des persistierenden postoperativen Makulaödems nach Vitrektomie.

BACKGROUND: To date, there is no consensus about the management of persistent cystoid macular edema (CME) following vitrectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal dexamethasone implants for the treatment of postoperative CME following vitrectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this multicenter study we retrospectively reviewed the data of 24 patients (25 eyes) who had been treated with intravitreal dexamethasone (Ozurdex®) for the management of persistent postoperative CME following pars plana vitrectomy. The main outcome measure was central retinal thickness (CRT in µm) as assessed by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Secondary outcome measures included change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the presence of metamorphopsia. RESULTS: All 19 eyes which were postoperatively examined within 4-8 weeks after implantation showed a significant decrease in CRT (mean 564 µm to 315 µm) and a reduction of metamorphopsias. Within the same period of time the BCVA improved in 15 out of 19 eyes (79%) which corresponds to an average visual improvement from 0.69 logMAR to 0.46 logMAR (P <0.0001). In eyes examined after 10-16 weeks a slight increase in the average CRT of 351 µm was observed, whereas the BCVA improved to 0.28 logMAR. After 4 months a decrease in average BCVA was noted. Out of 25 eyes 12 required further dexamethasone implantations between 1 and 4 times within the investigation period. The first repeat injections were performed an average of 7.3 months after the initial treatment. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that intravitreal dexamethasone is a safe and effective treatment option for persistent CME following vitrectomy.

A novel protocol for the one-pot borylation/Suzuki reaction provides easy access to hinge-binding groups for kinase inhibitors.

The one-pot borylation/Suzuki reaction is a very efficient means of accessing cross-coupling products of two aryl-halide partners that generally requires the use of specific catalysts or ligands and/or relatively long reaction times. This new microwave-assisted method provides a quick one-pot borylation/Suzuki reaction protocol that we applied to the synthesis of various bi- or poly-aryl scaffolds, including a variety of aryl and heteroaryl ring systems and the core frameworks of kinase inhibitors vemurafenib and GDC-0879.

Whole-genome sequencing reveals complex mechanisms of intrinsic resistance to BRAF inhibition.

BACKGROUND: BRAF is mutated in ∼42% of human melanomas (COSMIC. http://www.sanger.ac.uk/genetics/CGP/cosmic/) and pharmacological BRAF inhibitors such as vemurafenib and dabrafenib achieve dramatic responses in patients whose tumours harbour BRAF(V600) mutations. Objective responses occur in ∼50% of patients and disease stabilisation in a further ∼30%, but ∼20% of patients present primary or innate resistance and do not respond. Here, we investigated the underlying cause of treatment failure in a patient with BRAF mutant melanoma who presented primary resistance. METHODS: We carried out whole-genome sequencing and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array analysis of five metastatic tumours from the patient. We validated mechanisms of resistance in a cell line derived from the patient's tumour. RESULTS: We observed that the majority of the single-nucleotide variants identified were shared across all tumour sites, but also saw site-specific copy-number alterations in discrete cell populations at different sites. We found that two ubiquitous mutations mediated resistance to BRAF inhibition in these tumours. A mutation in GNAQ sustained mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling, whereas a mutation in PTEN activated the PI3 K/AKT pathway. Inhibition of both pathways synergised to block the growth of the cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our analyses show that the five metastases arose from a common progenitor and acquired additional alterations after disease dissemination. We demonstrate that a distinct combination of mutations mediated primary resistance to BRAF inhibition in this patient. These mutations were present in all five tumours and in a tumour sample taken before BRAF inhibitor treatment was administered. Inhibition of both pathways was required to block tumour cell growth, suggesting that combined targeting of these pathways could have been a valid therapeutic approach for this patient.

[Fundus perimetry in functional diagnostics of glaucoma. Applicable in the practice?]. / Fundusperimetrie in der Glaukomdiagnostik. Schon praktisch anwendbar?

Examination of the visual field using static automated perimetry (SAP) is the method of choice for the detection of functional damage secondary to glaucoma. However, with SAP early visual field defects might be missed even if there is already visible damage of the retinal nerve fibre. The microperimetry or beter fundus perimetry provides a detailed examination of the differential luminance threshold within defined retinal areas. However, in contrast to lesions of the retinal receptors, in cases of glaucomatous damage the retinal fibre course has to be considered resulting in a displacement between the structural lesion and the location of the related functional defect. The functional damage may be detected at earlier stages and with enhanced spatial resolution compared to conventional SAP. The extra costs and time associated with the application of fundus perimetry have prevented its widespread use. Current developments are leading to new options.

[Determination of visual function in legal assessment]. / Objektivierung der Sehfunktionen bei Begutachtungen.

For the determination of visual function an objective assessment is essential. Basic ophthalmologic examinations such as measurement of visual acuity and perimetry are dependent on patient statements. If the patient is not being able to provide adequate answers, as is the case for small children or mentally retarded patients, or also if the accuracy of the patient's statements is doubtful or simulation or aggravation is suspected, the denoted function in the evaluation of visual acuity has to be checked on consistency using different examination methods, and the results of objective functional tests, such as electrophysiology and morphological features, have to be taken into account.

[Central serous chorioretinopathy--retinal function and morphology: microperimetry and optical coherence tomography]. / Chorioretinopathia centralis serosa--Netzhautfunktion und -morphologie: Mikroperimetrie und optische Kohärenztomografie im Vergleich.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare retinal function and morphology in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) using fundus perimetry and optical coherence tomography (OCT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 14 eyes of 14 patients with unilateral and first manifestation of CSC, fundus perimetry with the Microperimeter 1 (MP1) as well as OCT were carried out. The average retinal thickness and the average differential light threshold of the corresponding visual field were analyzed. RESULTS: All patients presented a serous detachment of the central neurosensory retina with a maximal retinal thickness of 381+/-82 microm. The microperimetric examination revealed on average a mean defect of 8.3+/-3.8 dB, which showed a good correlation to retinal thickness (r=0.73). Likewise, maximal retinal thickness and mean threshold values in the corresponding visual field displayed a good correlation (r=-0.58). CONCLUSION: The MP1 enables quantification of functional defects in patients with CSC. Although visual acuity was only slightly reduced, all patients showed extensive scotomata in fundus perimetry, which correlated well with retinal thickness.

[Static fundus perimetry in normals. Microperimeter 1 versus SLO]. / Statische Fundusperimetrie bei Probanden. Microperimeter 1 versus SLO.

BACKGROUND: The Microperimeter 1 (MP-1) allows for fundus-controlled static perimetry of the central visual field. The purpose of this study was to compare MP-1 fundus perimetry with the already established scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) fundus perimetry concerning detected threshold values of light increment sensitivity in normals. METHOD: In 31 eyes of 31 healthy volunteers a fundus controlled static threshold perimetry was carried out each with the MP-1 (Nidek Technologies) and the SLO (Rodenstock). In the central 21 degrees x 12 degrees visual field light increment sensitivity threshold values for 40 corresponding stimulus locations were compared in a rectangular 3 degree-grid. RESULTS: The average light increment sensitivity was 19.1+/-0.5 dB with the MP-1 and 17.2+/-0.9 dB with the SLO. On average the threshold values of the 40 corresponding test locations were 1.9+/-1.3 dB higher with the MP-1 than with the SLO. CONCLUSION: Both the MP-1 and SLO offer the possibility of a reproducible functional analysis of the central retina under simultaneous fundus control. For comparison of results of the MP-1 and SLO fundus perimetry, a correction factor of approximately 2 dB should be used.

Exhaled nitric oxide in the diagnosis of asthma: comparison with bronchial provocation tests.

BACKGROUND: Bronchial provocation tests such as exercise, methacholine (MCH), and adenosine-5'-monophosphate (AMP) challenges are used extensively in the diagnosis of asthma. A study was undertaken to determine whether exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) can be used to diagnose asthma in patients with non-specific respiratory symptoms and to compare this test with conventional provocation tests. METHODS: Patients with non-specific respiratory symptoms and normal spirometric parameters were included in the study. eNO was measured and exercise, MCH and AMP challenges performed in all subjects. Patients were defined as asthmatic based on clinical follow up 24 months after testing. RESULTS: Forty patients were considered asthmatic and 45 were not. The area under receiver operating characteristic curves gave values of 0.896 for eNO, 0.781 for exercise, 0.924 for MCH, and 0.939 for AMP (p = 0.033, 0.575 and 0.085 for eNO v exercise, MCH and AMP respectively). From our data, a cut off value of NO > 7 ppb at a flow rate of 250 ml/s best differentiates between asthmatics and non-asthmatics (sensitivity 82.5%, specificity 88.9%). Optimal cut off values for other tests were exercise: deltaFEV1 > or = 10% (sensitivity 57.9%, specificity 100%); PC20-MCH: < or = 3 mg/ml (sensitivity 87.5%, specificity 86.7%); and PC20-AMP: < or = 150 mg/ml (sensitivity 89.5%, specificity 95.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of eNO can be used as a safe, simple and rapid test for the diagnosis of asthma and is as good as bronchial provocation tests.

Adult alpha-mannosidosis: clinical progression in the absence of demyelination.

Alpha-mannosidosis is an inherited lysosomal storage disease. The authors report three siblings (ages 38 to 47 years) with the rare adult variant. All three had late-onset ataxia and retinal degeneration, adding to hearing loss, cognitive impairment, and dysotosis multiplex. One sibling also had psychosis. MRI revealed cerebellar atrophy and predominantly parieto-occipital white matter changes. MR spectroscopy showed no evidence for demyelination. It appears that the disabling course of adult alpha-mannosidosis is caused by lysosomal accumulation rather than demyelination.

[Deep sclerectomy using a hyaluronate implant versus trabeculectomy. A comparison of two glaucoma operations using mitomycin C]. / Tiefe Sklerektomie mit Hyaluronatimplantat vs. Trabekulektomie. Zwei Glaukomoperationen unter Verwendung von Mitomycin C.

BACKGROUND: It was investigated whether a very low target pressure could be achieved by modification of deep sclerectomy without losing the advantages of non penetrating surgery in comparison to conventional filtration surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 22 eyes from 22 patients with advanced open angle glaucoma were randomly assigned to receive a deep sclerectomy or a trabeculectomy. Both groups received 0.02% mitomycin C under the conjunctiva prior to preparation of the scleral flap. In the deep sclerectomy group at least parts of the outer trabecular meshwork were removed until an apparent filtration was achieved. A dry cross-linked hyaluronate served as an implant. In the other group a classical trabeculectomy was performed. RESULTS: The median intraocular pressure 12 months post-operation was 11.5 mm Hg in the deep sclerectomy group compared to 11 mm Hg in the trabeculectomy group; the median of the relative IOP reduction was -47% in the deep sclerectomy group, and -57% in the trabeculectomy group. The best corrected visual acuity was unchanged 12 months postoperatively in both groups. DISCUSSION: As a more aggressive IOP-lowering procedure (intended filtration, use of antimetabolites) deep sclerectomy proved to be as effective as trabeculectomy. Nevertheless, the advantages of the more difficult surgical procedure concerning visual acuity, complications and surgical interventions were lost postoperatively.

Significant differences in biological parameters between prodrugs cleavable by carboxypeptidase G2 that generate 3,5-difluoro-phenol and -aniline nitrogen mustards in gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy systems.

Nine new nitrogen mustard compounds derived from 2,6-difluoro-4-hydroxy- (3a-e) and 2,6-difluoro-4-amino- (4a-d) aniline were synthesized as potential prodrugs. They were designed to be activated to their corresponding 3,5-difluorophenol and -aniline (4)-nitrogen mustards by the enzyme carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2) in gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) models. The compounds were tested for cytotoxicity in the MDA MB-361 breast adenocarcinoma. The cell line was engineered to express stably either CPG2 tethered to the cell surface stCPG2-(Q)3 or beta-galactosidase (beta-Gal) as control. The cytotoxicity differentials were calculated between CPG 2-expressing and -nonexpressing cells and yielded different results for the two series of prodrugs despite their structural similarities. While the phenol compounds are ineffective as prodrugs, their aniline counterparts exhibit outstanding activity in the tumor cell lines expressing CPG2. [3,5-Difluoro-4-[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]phenyl]carbamoyl-l-glutamic acid gave a differential of >227 in MDA MB361 cells as compared with 19 exhibited by 4-[(2-chloroethyl)(2-mesyloxyethyl)amino]benzoyl-l-glutamic acid, 1a, which has been in clinical trials.

What is the role of tests of lung function in the management of infants with lung disease?

This review considers whether there is a role for lung function tests in the clinical management of infants with lung disease. The purpose of testing lung function in older subjects, the tests available for infants, and the practical problems of testing lung function in infants are considered. After reviewing all the facts, we suggest that there are four situations in which lung function testing should be recommended for infants, as follows: (1) the infant who presents with unexplained tachypnea, hypoxia, cough, or respiratory distress in whom a definitive diagnosis is not apparent from physical examination and other, less difficult investigations; (2) the infant with severe, continuous, chronic obstructive lung disease who does not respond to an adequate clinical trial of combined corticosteroid and bronchodilator therapy; (3) the infant with known respiratory disease of uncertain severity in whom there is need to justify management decisions; and (4) research and development. A review of 62 recent publications to determine how lung function tests are being used at the present time showed that they are being used overwhelmingly for research. The role of lung function testing in the clinical management of infants has not been established, and research is needed to clarify this situation. We suggest that such studies should explore the role of lung function tests in infants with specific symptoms, signs, or diagnoses, taking into account information from other types of investigation and the cost/benefit/risk ratios.

A novel vascular endothelial growth factor-directed therapy that selectively activates cytotoxic prodrugs.

We have generated fusion proteins between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the bacterial enzyme carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2) that can activate the prodrug 4-[(2-chloroethyl)(2-mesyloxyethyl)amino]benzoyl-L-glutamic acid (CMDA). Three asparagine residues of CPG2 were mutated to glutamine (CPG2(Q)3) to prevent glycosylation during secretion, and truncations of VEGF(165) were fused to either the C- or N-terminal of CPG2. The K(m) of the fusion proteins (37.5 microM) was similar to that of secreted CPG2(Q)3 (29.5 microM) but greater than that of wild-type CPG2 (8 microM). The affinity of the fusion proteins for VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR2) (K(d)=0.5-1.1 nM) was similar to that of [(125)I]VEGF (K(d)=0.5 nM) (ELISA) or slightly higher (K(d)=1.3-9.6 nM) (competitive RIA). One protein, VEGF(115)-CPG2(Q)3-H(6), possessed 140% of the enzymic activity of secreted CPG2(Q)3, and had a faster half-maximal binding time for VEGFR2 (77 s), than the other candidates (330 s). In vitro, VEGF(115)-CPG2(Q)3-H(6) targeted CMDA cytotoxicity only towards VEGFR-expressing cells. The plasma half-life of VEGF(115)-CPG2(Q)3-H(6) in vivo was 3 h, comparable to equivalent values observed in ADEPT. We conclude that enzyme prodrug therapy using VEGF as a targeting moiety represents a promising novel antitumour therapy, with VEGF(115)-CPG2(Q)3-H(6) being a lead candidate.

Early diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia in a newborn without situs inversus.

UNLABELLED: Primary ciliary dyskinesia has been reported as a rare cause of respiratory distress during the neonatal period. This diagnosis is readily suspected in cases presenting with accompanying situs inversus. The aim of this study was to report on a pair of siblings with primary ciliary dyskinesia. The first case was an infant diagnosed with primary ciliary dyskinesia at the age of 14 d despite lack of situs inversus. The infant had presented with respiratory distress and atelectasis almost immediately after birth. The sibling, born one year later, presented with situs inversus, therefore allowing diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia to be made immediately after birth. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia should be considered in newborns presenting with respiratory distress or atelectasis. Early institution of an adequate treatment programme and follow-up may reduce or prevent further complications of the disease.

A phase I trial of antibody directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT) in patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma or other CEA producing tumours.

Antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy is a targeted therapy in which a prodrug is activated selectively at the tumour site by an enzyme, which has been targeted to the tumour by an antibody (antibody-enzyme conjugate). Previous clinical trials have shown evidence of tumour response, however, the activated drug had a long half-life, which resulted in dose-limiting myelosuppression. Also, the targeting system, although giving high tumour to blood ratios of antibody-enzyme conjugate (10 000 : 1) required administration of a clearing antibody in addition to the antibody-enzyme conjugate. The purpose of this current study therefore was to attempt tumour targeting of the antibody-enzyme conjugate without the clearing antibody, and to investigate a new prodrug (bis-iodo phenol mustard, ZD2767P) whose activated form is highly potent and has a short half-life. Twenty-seven patients were treated with antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy using A5CP antibody-enzyme conjugate and ZD2767P prodrug, in a dose-escalating phase I trial. The maximum tolerated dose of ZD2767P was reached at 15.5 mg m(-2)x three administrations with a serum carboxypeptidase G2 level of 0.05 U ml(-1). Myelosuppression limited dose escalation. Other toxicities were mild. Patients' quality of life was not adversely affected during the trial as assessed by the measures used. There were no clinical or radiological responses seen in the study, but three patients had stable disease at day 56. Human anti-mouse antibody and human anti-carboxypeptidase G2 antibody were produced in response to the antibody enzyme conjugate (A5CP). The antibody-enzyme conjugate localisation data (carboxypeptidase G2 enzyme levels by HPLC on tumour and normal tissue samples, and gamma camera analysis of I-131 radiolabelled conjugate) are consistent with inadequate tumour localisation (median tumour: normal tissue ratios of antibody-enzyme conjugate of less than 1). A clearance system is therefore desirable with this antibody-enzyme conjugate or a more efficient targeting system is required. ZD2767P was shown to clear rapidly from the circulation and activated drug was not measurable in the blood. ZD2767P has potential for use in future antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy systems.