P,N ligands are an important class of ligands for asymmetric catalysis. In this tutorial review an up to date account of recent applications of these ligands in asymmetric catalysis is presented. A special focus is given to newer classes of ligands and the application of more established P,N ligands in novel reactions.

Summary This open‐label, dose escalation, multicentre phase 1/2 trial was undertaken to determine the safety and tolerability of the heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) inhibitor tanespimycin (100–340 mg/m2) + bortezomib (0·7–1·3 mg/m2) given on days 1, 4, 8 and 11 in each 21‐d cycle. Phase 2 expansion occurred at the highest tested dose of tanespimycin at 340 mg/m2 and bortezomib at 1·3 mg/m2. Seventy‐two patients (median age, 60 years) with relapsed or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (MM) were enrolled; 63 patients (89%) completed the study. Tanespimycin in combination with bortezomib was well tolerated; few patients experienced significant neutropenia, constipation and anorexia (<10%), and no patients developed severe peripheral neuropathy. Among 67 efficacy‐evaluable patients, there were 2 (3%) complete responses and 8 (12%) partial responses, for an objective response rate (ORR) of 27%, including 8 (12%) minimal responses. Response rates were highest among bortezomib‐naive patients and proved durable in all patient subgroups, including those with bortezomib‐refractory disease. Pharmacodynamic analyses indicated that tanespimycin plus bortezomib effectively inhibited the proteasome, as evidenced by decreased 20S proteasome activity, and inhibited HSP90, as reflected by increased HSP70 expression. The results of this study support additional studies of this combination approach in MM.

The aim of this exploratory study was to assess the safety and clinical effects of autologous umbilical cord blood (AUCB) infusion in children with idiopathic autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Twenty‐nine children 2 to 6 years of age with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD participated in this randomized, blinded, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial. Participants were randomized to receive AUCB or placebo, evaluated at baseline, 12, and 24 weeks, received the opposite infusion, then re‐evaluated at the same time points. Evaluations included assessments of safety, Expressive One Word Picture Vocabulary Test, 4th edition, Receptive One Word Picture Vocabulary Test, 4th edition, Clinical Global Impression, Stanford‐Binet Fluid Reasoning and Knowledge, and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior and Socialization Subscales. Generalized linear models were used to assess the effects of the response variables at the 12‐ and 24‐week time periods under each condition (AUCB, placebo). There were no serious adverse events. There were trends toward improvement, particularly in socialization, but there were no statistically significant differences for any endpoints. The results of this study suggest that autologous umbilical cord infusions are safe for children with ASD. Tightly controlled trials are necessary to further progress the study of AUCB for autism. stem cells translational medicine 2018;7:333–341

A method for the catalytic asymmetric α-arylation of ketones bearing very sterically hindered aryl rings has been developed. This reaction occurs under mild conditions, in short reaction times and has been applied to the first catalytic asymmetric synthesis of isoflavanones.

A modular six-step asymmetric synthesis of two naturally occurring and three non-natural isoflavanones containing tertiary α-aryl carbonyls is reported. This synthetic route, utilising a Pd-catalyzed decarboxylative asymmetric protonation, produces isoflavanones in excellent enantioselectivities from 76-97 %. A switch in the sense of stereoinduction was observed when different H(+) sources were employed, showing the first example of dual stereocontrol in an asymmetric protonation reaction. The first enantioselective synthesis of the naturally occurring isoflavanones sativanone and 3-o-methylviolanone has been accomplished.

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor in children and is associated with a poor outcome. cMYC amplification characterizes a subgroup of MB with very poor prognosis. However, there exist so far no targeted therapies for the subgroup of MB with cMYC amplification. Here we used kinome-wide RNA interference screening to identify novel kinases that may be targeted to inhibit the proliferation of c-Myc-overexpressing MB. The RNAi screen identified a set of 5 genes that could be targeted to selectively impair the proliferation of c-Myc-overexpressing MB cell lines: AKAP12 (A-kinase anchor protein), CSNK1α1 (casein kinase 1, alpha 1), EPHA7 (EPH receptor A7) and PCTK1 (PCTAIRE protein kinase 1). When using RNAi and a pharmacological inhibitor selective for PCTK1, we could show that this kinase plays a crucial role in the proliferation of MB cell lines and the activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. In addition, pharmacological PCTK1 inhibition reduced the expression levels of c-Myc. Finally, targeting PCTK1 selectively impaired the tumor growth of c-Myc-overexpressing MB cells in vivo. Together our data uncover a novel and crucial role for PCTK1 in the proliferation and survival of MB characterized by cMYC amplification.

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We present a case with extremely late diagnosis of type II hereditary angioedema (HAE). Given recent advances in HAE treatment, we want to bring physician awareness to this condition and aid in earlier detection. HAE is a disorder associated with episodes of angioedema of the face, larynx, lips, abdomen, or extremities. Late diagnosis of HAE can lead to significant morbidity and is severely impairing due to recurring attacks. The diagnosis of HAE is ordinarily made during childhood and adolescence. Delayed diagnoses in early and middle adulthood have been documented in the literature. Gastrointestinal symptoms are common features of HAE and can be misdiagnosed as disease of primary gastrointestinal pathology, such as irritable bowel syndrome, recurrent pancreatitis, or appendicitis. These attacks are characterized by recurrent attacks of subcutaneous and submucosal edema without the presence of urticaria.We present a case of an elderly veteran whose diagnoses was extremely delayed into the eighth decade of life subsequent to unexplained abdominal symptoms. After diagnosis, the patient's symptoms were well controlled with medication due to advances in HAE treatment. To prevent further atypically delayed diagnoses, physicians should consider HAE in patients with recurrent attacks of unexplained abdominal pain.