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Epilepsy and mental retardation limited to females (EFMR) is a disorder with an X-linked mode of inheritance and an unusual expression pattern. Disorders arising from mutations on the X chromosome are typically characterized by affected males and unaffected carrier females. In contrast, EFMR spares transmitting males and affects only carrier females. Aided by systematic resequencing of 737 X chromosome genes, we identified different protocadherin 19 (PCDH19) gene mutations in seven families with EFMR. Five mutations resulted in the introduction of a premature termination codon. Study of two of these demonstrated nonsense-mediated decay of PCDH19 mRNA. The two missense mutations were predicted to affect adhesiveness of PCDH19 through impaired calcium binding. PCDH19 is expressed in developing brains of human and mouse and is the first member of the cadherin superfamily to be directly implicated in epilepsy or mental retardation.
Highlights d Therapy-resistant melanoma cells restore myosin II activity to increase survival d High myosin II activity identifies targeted and immunotherapy-resistant melanomas d ROCK-myosin II inhibition increases ROS-DNA damage and decreases PD-L1 and Tregs d ROCK inhibition enhances efficacy of MAPK inhibitors and immunotherapies
Objective: Chemotherapy and hormone treatments carry significant implications on the fertility of young women with breast cancer. Increasingly, nulliparous women experience fertility dilemmas due to rising survival rates and pregnancy delay. This qualitative study investigated women's responses to being told that treatments affected their fertility and how their interactions with health services impacted on their experiences.Methods: Twenty-four women under 40 years participated in three focus groups using a flexible interview structure. Data were analysed using content analysis and participants subsequently member checked the themes generated.Results: The priority for most women was survival, although women without children were more willing to take risks. Many women felt that pregnancy after breast cancer and methods of egg harvesting carried a significant risk to survival and fears appeared to be increased by conflicting advice from health professionals. Overall, the women felt the cancer, its treatment options and the health service itself had each robbed them of choice. Hence, with hindsight, many said they would have welcomed an open and honest discussion with a fertility expert to maximise their options.Conclusions: Young women with breast cancer face complex decisions regarding their fertility and treatment options. Survival remains the priority for the majority of women. Although there is a paucity of evidence concerning many fertility issues, it is essential that available options and any potential risks are discussed in a coherent, objective fashion. Early referral to specialist fertility services that provide clear, cohesive advice can aid informed decision making.
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