Novel tetrahedral copper(I) mixed-ligand complexes of the type [Cu(X)(N(∩)N)(PCN)], 3-10, where X = Cl or Br, N(∩)N = 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (dmp), and dipyrido-[3,2-d:2',3'-f]-quinoxaline (dpq), and PCN = tris-(2-cyanoethyl)phosphine, have been synthetized and characterized by NMR, ESI-MS, and X-ray diffraction on two representative examples, [CuCl(phen)(PCN)]·DMF (5·DMF) and [CuBr(dpq)(PCN)]·2DMF (10·2DMF). Cu(I) complexes were evaluated for their in vitro antitumor properties against a panel of human cancer cell lines, including cisplatin- and multidrug-resistant sublines. The most effective complex, [CuCl(dpq)(PCN)] (9), exhibited nanomolar cytotoxicity toward both sensitive and resistant cancer cells, but it significantly inhibited the growth of cultured normal cells. In vitro DNA assays and single cell gel electrophoresis revealed that 9 induced DNA fragmentation resulting in cell apoptosis. In parallel, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) micronucleus assay attested high levels of genotoxicity following treatment of peripheral blood lymphocytes with complex 9, suggesting that the potential risk posed by diimine metal complexes should be carefully reconsidered.

Cardiofaciocutaneous (CFC) syndrome [Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) #115150] is characterized by craniofacial dysmorphism, heart malformation, ectodermal abnormalities, neuromotor delay and intellectual disability. It is not a frequent disease, about 300 cases have been reported in the medical literature. We describe the case of a 34-year-old patient presenting with CFC syndrome phenotype, monitored since the age of 1 1/2 years. Clinical findings included craniofacial dysmorphism, development delay, heart malformation and severe intellectual disability. The evolution was with progressive intellectual disability, hypogonadism, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, wrinkled palms and soles. Molecular analysis showed a heterozygous variant in the B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) gene (7q34): NM_001354609.2:c.1502A>G, with pathogenic significance. We report this case, observed along a period of 33 years, for illustration of clinical evolutive particularities, and for difficulties in establishing the positive diagnosis.

Chromosome 15q13.3 microduplications are associated with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations ranging from normal to different neuropsychiatric conditions, such as developmental delay (DD), intellectual disability (ID), epilepsy, hypotonia, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia. The smallest region of overlap for 15q13.3 duplications encompasses the Cholinergic Receptor Nicotinic Alpha 7 Subunit (CHRNA7) gene, a strong candidate for the behavioral abnormalities. We report on a series of five patients with 15q13.3 duplications detected by chromosomal microarray. The size of the duplications ranged from 378 to 537 kb, and involved the CHRNA7 gene in all patients. The most common clinical features, present in all patients, were speech delay, autistic behavior, and muscle hypotonia; DD/ID was present in three patients. One patient presented epileptic seizures; EEG anomalies were observed in three patients. No consistent dysmorphic features were noted. Neuroimaging studies revealed anomalies in two patients: Dandy–Walker malformation and a right temporal cyst. 15q13.3 duplications are associated with various neuropsychiatric features, including speech delay, hypotonia, ASD, and ID, also present in our patient group. Our study brings detailed clinical and molecular data from five ASD patients with 15q13.3 microduplications involving the CHRNA7 gene, contributing to the existing knowledge about the association of 15q13.3 duplications with neuropsychiatric phenotypes.

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Synthesis and Biological Properties of a New Series of N-Pyrido Substituted Tetrahydrocarbazoles. -The treatment of unsubstituted pyridotetrahydrocarbazoles with either methyl or ethyl iodide results in the formation of quaternary ammonium iodides (III), (VI), and (VIII). These new compounds show improved antiproliferative and genotoxic activity compared with unsubstituted ones besides better water solubility. These properties make them useful for clinical use. -(FERLIN, M. G.; CHIARELOTTO, G.; MARZANO, C.; SEVERIN, E.; BACCICHETTI, F.; CARLASSARE, F.; SIMONATO, M.; BORDIN, F.; Farmaco 53 (1998) 6, 431-437; Cent. Stud.