Evaluation of the Anti-Tumor Activity of Small Molecules Targeting Eph/Ephrins in APC /J Mice.

The Eph receptors are the largest receptors tyrosine kinases (RTKs) family in humans and together with ephrin ligands constitute a complex cellular communication system often dysregulated in many tumors. The role of the Eph-ephrin system in colorectal cancer (CRC) has been investigated and different expression of Eph receptors have been associated with tumor development and progression. In light of this evidence, we investigated if a pharmacological approach aimed at inhibiting Eph/ephrin interaction through small molecules could prevent tumor growth in APC /J mice.

Multiple cutaneous granular cell tumors, joint hypermobility and mild facial dysmorphism in a child.

Background: The association of multiple cutaneous granular tumors with systemic defects is extremely rare. To date, 14 cases have been described.

Case Report: A 14-year-old boy presented multiple nodular lesions on his arms and legs; facial dysmorphism and joint hypermobility were also present.

Chlamydia trachomatis in neonatal respiratory distress of very preterm babies: biphasic clinical picture.

We observed 12 very preterm infants (10 males) with a peculiar respiratory syndrome characterized by early onset soon after birth and by a biphasic course. The severe first phase was characterized by a clinical pattern mimicking the idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome of prematurity. Gradually, respiratory symptoms decreased and assisted ventilation with oxygen therapy was reduced.

Prolonged intermittent positive pressure ventilation by nasal prongs in intractable apnea of prematurity.

In order to avoid endotracheal intubation in very small newborn infants requiring prolonged intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV), a method was developed allowing delivery of IPPV by means of nasal prongs (nasal IPPV). A series of 10 newborn infants weighing 1 200 g or less, and requiring nasal IPPV for 5 to 14 days because of intractable apnea has been reported. Five infants survived.

Myocarditis associated with Echo type 7 infection in a leukemic child.

A 3 1/2-year-old boy, during the course of acute lymphocytic leukemia presented clinical, roentgenological and ECG signs of myocarditis, which disappeared completely within 1 1/2 month. ECHO type 7 virus was isolated from the faeces during the acute stage of the disease and rise in ECHO 7 neutralizing antibodies was demonstrated in paired sera of the patient. This unusual pathogenicity of ECHO 7 virus could be explained with the impairment of the host resistance induced by leukemia and immunosuppressive therapy.