Comparative Cardiovascular Risks of Febuxostat and Allopurinol in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND Hyperuricemia, which is common in chronic kidney disease and diabetes mellitus patients, raises health concerns. Febuxostat, a first-line urate-lowering agent, prompts cardiovascular risk questions, especially in high-risk patients. This study compared the effects of febuxostat and allopurinol on cardiovascular risk in diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective observational cohort study, conducted using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, focused on patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and diabetes between January 2012 and December 2017. The study population was divided into 2 groups: allopurinol users (n=12 901) and febuxostat users (n=2997). We performed 1: 1 propensity score matching, resulting in subgroups of 2997 patients each. The primary outcomes were assessed using a competing risk model, estimating hazard ratios (HR) for long-term outcomes, including the risks of all-cause hospitalization, hospitalization for heart failure, and hospitalization for cardiovascular interventions. RESULTS Febuxostat users, compared to allopurinol users, had higher all-cause hospitalization (HR: 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25 to 1.42; P<.001), hospitalization for heart failure (HR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.43 to 1.83; P<.001), and hospitalization for cardiovascular interventions (HR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.32 to 1.74; P<.001). Moreover, the adverse effects of febuxostat on cardiac health were consistent across most subgroups. CONCLUSIONS Use of febuxostat in patients with diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease is associated with higher cardiovascular risks compared to allopurinol. Prudent evaluation is essential when recommending febuxostat for this at-risk group.

Brain tumor segmentation based on the U-NET+⁣+ network with efficientnet encoder.

BACKGROUND: Brain tumor is a highly destructive, aggressive, and fatal disease. The presence of brain tumors can disrupt the brain's ability to control body movements, consciousness, sensations, thoughts, speech, and memory. Brain tumors are often accompanied by symptoms like epilepsy, headaches, and sensory loss, leading to varying degrees of cognitive impairment in affected patients. OBJECTIVE: The study goal is to develop an effective method to detect and segment brain tumor with high accurancy. METHODS: This paper proposes a novel U-Net+⁣+ network using EfficientNet as the encoder to segment brain tumors based on MRI images. We adjust the original U-Net+⁣+ model by removing the dense skip connections between sub-networks to simplify computational complexity and improve model efficiency, while the connections of feature maps at the same resolution level are retained to bridge the semantic gap. RESULTS: The proposed segmentation model is trained and tested on Kaggle's LGG brain tumor dataset, which obtains a satisfying performance with a Dice coefficient of 0.9180. CONCLUSION: This paper conducts research on brain tumor segmentation, using the U-Net+⁣+ network with EfficientNet as an encoder to segment brain tumors based on MRI images. We adjust the original U-Net+⁣+ model to simplify calculations and maintains rich semantic spatial features at the same time. Multiple loss functions are compared in this study and their effectiveness are discussed. The experimental results shows the model achieves a high segmention result with Dice coefficient of 0.9180.

Rapid identification of mushroom toxins by direct electrospray probe mass spectrometry for emergency care.

Mushroom poisoning occurs frequently after the ingestion of toxic wild mushrooms misidentified as edible species. The goal of this study is to develop a mass spectrometric platform to bypass the need for morphological recognition of poisonous mushrooms by experts and rapidly identify the toxins in the mushrooms for emergency care. Trace mushroom toxins were collected by penetrating and removing the mushrooms surface for 3 mm with a direct electrospray probe (DEP). The analytes on the DEP were then dissolved in the solution (70% isopropanol containing 0.1% acetic acid) flowing out of a solvent reservoir on the DEP. Electrospray ionization was induced from the sample solution as a high electric field was generated between the DEP and MS inlet. The obtaining mass spectrometric results were further analyzed with principal component analysis (PCA) to classify mushroom toxins. The mass spectrometric platform for detecting mushroom toxins was assessed for its sensitivity, precision, and efficiency by determining its limit-of-detection (LOD), repeatability, and turnaround time, respectively. As a result, the LODs of the mushroom toxins in pure methanol and spiked in human vomitus by DEP/MS were within 0.001-0.5 ng/µL and 0.01-1 ng/µL, respectively. Linear responses of the mushroom toxins in pure methanol with concentrations between 0.01 and 5 ng/µL (R2 between 0.9922 and 0.998) were obtained. The repeatability of the approach (n = 10) was shown in the low relative standard deviation value (<15%) from ten repeat analysis of mushroom toxins standard solution. The corresponding toxic compounds were identified through matching of the obtained mass spectrometric data with those provided by its companion database library of mushroom toxins. Since no time-consuming pretreatment of the samples is required, identification of mushroom toxins with DEP/MS was complete within 1 min. This will be helpful for the emergency physicians to make correct clinical judgment and prescribe appropriate medical treatment in a timely manner.

Associations between MTHFR gene polymorphisms (C677T and A1298C) and genetic susceptibility to prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The association between MTHFR gene polymorphisms (C677T and A1298C) and prostate cancer risk remains controversial. Methods: Two independent researchers searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science databases for all papers published up to 12/19/2023 and used various genetic models to evaluate the relationship between MTHFR polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk. Results: The meta-analysis included 26 case‒control studies with a total of 12,455 cases and 13,900 controls with the C677T polymorphism and 6,396 cases and 8,913 controls with the A1298C polymorphism. Overall, no significant association was found between the MTHFR gene polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk. However, the C677T polymorphism was associated with reduced prostate cancer risk in the Asian population (T allele vs. C allele: OR = 0.759, 95% CI 0.669-0.861, p < 0.001; TT + CT vs. CC: OR = 0.720, 95% CI 0.638-0.812, p < 0.001; TT vs. CC + CT: OR = 0.719, 95% CI 0.617-0.838, p < 0.001; TT vs. CC: OR = 0.620, 95% CI 0.522-0.737, p < 0.001); however, the A1298C polymorphism was associated with an increased risk in the mixed race group from the United States (CC + AC vs. AA: OR = 1.464, 95% CI 1.052-2.037, p = 0.024; AC vs. AA: OR = 1.615, 95% CI 1.037-2.514, p = 0.034). Conclusion: The meta-analysis suggested that MTHFR gene polymorphisms (C677T and A1298C) may have different effects on prostate cancer risk in specific populations.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With a Drug-Eluting Stent Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients Receiving Dialysis: A National Study From Taiwan.

Rationale & Objective: We aimed to study the comparative effectiveness of percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent and coronary artery bypass grafting in patients receiving dialysis. Study Design: This was a retrospective observational cohort study. Setting & Participants: This population-based study identified patients receiving dialysis hospitalized for coronary revascularization between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2015, in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Exposures: Patients received percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent versus coronary artery bypass grafting. Outcomes: The study outcomes were all-cause mortality, in-hospital mortality, and repeat revascularization. Analytical Approach: Propensity scores were used to match patients. Cox proportional hazards models and logistic regression models were constructed to examine associations between revascularization strategies and mortality. Interval Cox models were fitted to estimate time-varying hazards during different periods. Results: A total of 1,840 propensity score-matched patients receiving dialysis were analyzed. Coronary artery bypass grafting was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (coronary artery bypass grafting vs percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent; crude mortality rate 12.5% vs 3.3%; adjusted OR, 5.22; 95% CI, 3.42-7.97; P < 0.001) and longer hospitalization duration (median [IQR], 20 [14-30] days vs 3 [2-8] days; P < 0.001). After discharge, repeat revascularization, acute coronary syndrome, and repeat hospitalization all occurred more frequently in the percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent group. Importantly, with a median follow-up of 2.8 years, coronary artery bypass grafting was significantly associated with a higher risk of all-cause overall mortality (adjusted HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.05-1.35; P = 0.006) in the multivariable Cox proportional hazard model. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses yielded consistent results. Limitations: This was an observational study with mainly Asian ethnicity. Conclusions: Percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent may be associated with better survival than coronary artery bypass grafting in patients receiving dialysis. Future studies are warranted to confirm this finding.

Although coronary artery bypass grafting offers better long-term survival in the general population than percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent, patients receiving dialysis may be too frail to tolerate the increased perioperative mortality risk of coronary artery bypass grafting. In this retrospective study in a national cohort of patients receiving dialysis from Taiwan, percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent is associated with lower in-hospital mortality and better long-term survival when compared with coronary artery bypass grafting. Subsequent acute coronary syndrome, repeat revascularization, and rehospitalization were noted more frequently in the percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent group. These findings may suggest percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent as a safe revascularization strategy for patients receiving dialysis.

Phenolics and Terpenoids Profiling in Diverse Loquat Fruit Varieties and Systematic Assessment of Their Mitigation of Alcohol-Induced Oxidative Stress.

To compare and investigate the phenolic compounds in the peel and flesh of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) and evaluate their ability to protect against alcohol-induced liver oxidative stress, we employed a combination of ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze 22 phenolics and 2 terpenoid compounds in loquat peel and flesh extracts (extraction with 95% ethanol). Among these, six compounds were identified for the first time in loquat, revealing distinct distribution patterns based on variety and tissue. Various chemical models, such as DPPH, FRAP, ORAC, and ABTS, were used to assess free radical scavenging and metal ion reduction capabilities. The results indicate that peel extracts exhibited higher antioxidant capacity compared with flesh extracts. Using a normal mouse liver cell line, AML-12, we explored the protective effects of loquat extracts and individual compounds against ethanol-induced oxidative stress. The findings demonstrate the enhanced cell viability and the induction of antioxidant enzyme activity through the modulation of Nrf2 and Keap1 gene expression. In a C57/BL6 mouse model of alcohol-induced liver damage, loquat extract was found to alleviate liver injury induced by alcohol. The restoration of perturbed serum liver health indicators underscored the efficacy of loquat extract in reclaiming equilibrium. The culmination of these findings significantly bolsters the foundational knowledge necessary to explore the utilization of loquat fruit extract in the creation of health-focused products.

Metabolic Syndrome Predicts Uric Acid Stones in the Upper Urinary Tract: Development and Validation of a Nomogram Model.

BACKGROUND: Accurately identifying uric acid stones is pivotal in determining the appropriate treatment strategy for patients. This study aimed to design an innovative nomogram to predict the occurrence of uric acid stones in the upper urinary tract. METHODS: This retrospective study examined 680 patients with urinary stones from October 2019 to September 2022. Risk factors were identified through univariate and multivariate logistic regression, leading to the development of a nomogram. This model's validity was then assessed internally using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the area under the curve (AUC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS: Our findings revealed that metabolic syndrome (odds ratio (OR) = 4.347, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.306-14.466, p = 0.017), serum urea levels (OR = 1.004, 95% CI 1.143-2.002, p = 0.004), urinary pH (OR = 0.185, 95% CI 0.059-0.583, p = 0.004), urinary potassium (OR = 0.926, 95% CI 0.875-0.981, p = 0.009), and urinary calcium (OR = 0.693, 95% CI 0.492-0.977, p = 0.037) are independent factors for upper urinary tract uric acid stones. Utilizing the five variables, we developed a predictive nomogram. The AUC of the training cohort and the validation cohort were 0.917 (95% CI 0.871-0.963) and 0.914 (95% CI 0.850-0.978), respectively. Calibration curves indicated strong consistency in both cohorts, and the DCA revealed the model's clinical utility. CONCLUSIONS: We devised a reliable and user-friendly nomogram to predict uric acid stones in the upper urinary tract. It is based on metabolic syndrome, serum biochemical markers, and 24-hour urinary parameters. Key determinants include metabolic syndrome, serum urea, urinary pH, urinary potassium and urinary calcium.

Metabolic Syndrome Predicts Uric Acid Stones in the Upper Urinary Tract: Development and Validation of a Nomogram Model

Background: Accurately identifying uric acid stones is pivotal in determining the appropriate treatment strategy for patients. This study aimed to design an innovative nomogram to predict the occurrence of uric acid stones in the upper urinary tract. Methods: This retrospective study examined 680 patients with urinary stones from October 2019 to September 2022. Risk factors were identified through univariate and multivariate logistic regression, leading to the development of a nomogram. This model’s validity was then assessed internally using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the area under the curve (AUC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: Our findings revealed that metabolic syndrome (odds ratio (OR) = 4.347, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.306–14.466, p = 0.017), serum urea levels (OR = 1.004, 95% CI 1.143–2.002, p = 0.004), urinary pH (OR = 0.185, 95% CI 0.059–0.583, p = 0.004), urinary potassium (OR = 0.926, 95% CI 0.875–0.981, p = 0.009), and urinary calcium (OR = 0.693, 95% CI 0.492–0.977, p = 0.037) are independent factors for upper urinary tract uric acid stones. Utilizing the five variables, we developed a predictive nomogram. The AUC of the training cohort and the validation cohort were 0.917 (95% CI 0.871–0.963) and 0.914 (95% CI 0.850–0.978), respectively. Calibration curves indicated strong consistency in both cohorts, and the DCA revealed the model’s clinical utility. Conclusions: We devised a reliable and user-friendly nomogram to predict uric acid stones in the upper urinary tract. It is based on metabolic syndrome, serum biochemical markers, and 24-hour urinary parameters. Key determinants include metabolic syndrome, serum urea, urinary pH, urinary potassium and urinary calcium (AU)

Low-level mosaic trisomy 9 at amniocentesis associated with a positive non-invasive prenatal testing for trisomy 9, maternal uniparental disomy 9, intrauterine growth restriction and a favorable fetal outcome in a pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: We present low-level mosaic trisomy 9 at amniocentesis associated with a positive non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for trisomy 9, maternal uniparental disomy (UPD) 9, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and a favorable fetal outcome in a pregnancy. CASE REPORT: A 41-year-old, gravida 3, para 0, woman underwent amniocentesis at 18 weeks of gestation because of NIPT at 10 weeks of gestation suspicious of trisomy 9 in the fetus. This pregnancy was conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF). Amniocentesis revealed a karyotype of 47,XY,+9 [2]/46,XY[23]. Simultaneous array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis on the DNA extracted from uncultured amniocytes revealed arr (1-22) × 2, (X,Y) × 1 and detected no genomic imbalance. Polymorphic DNA marker analysis showed maternal uniparental heterodisomy 9 in the amniocytes. Prenatal ultrasound was normal. The woman was referred for genetic counseling at 22 weeks of gestation. The soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt)/placental growth factor (PlGF) = 13.1 (normal < 38). There was no gestational hypertension. Continuing the pregnancy was advised. No repeat amniocentesis was performed because of persistent irregular contractions. IUGR was noted. A 2156-g phenotypically normal baby was delivered at 37 weeks of gestation. The cord blood and umbilical cord had a karyotype of 46,XY (40/40 cells). The placenta had a karyotype of 47,XY,+9 (40/40 cells). The parental karyotypes were normal. Quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) on the DNA extracted from parental bloods, cord blood, umbilical cord and placenta revealed maternal uniparental heterodisomy 9 in cord blood and umbilical cord, and trisomy 9 of maternal origin in placenta. When follow-up at age three months, the neonate was normal in development and phenotype. The buccal mucosal cells had 3% (3/101 cells) mosaicism for trisomy 9 by interphase fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. CONCLUSION: Mosaic trisomy 9 at prenatal diagnosis should alert the possibility of UPD 9 and include a UPD 9 testing. Low-level mosaic trisomy 9 at amniocentesis can be associated with UPD 9 and a favorable fetal outcome.

Mosaic 46,XY,dup(14) (q12q22.3)/46, XY at amniocentesis in a pregnancy associated with a favorable fetal outcome and cytogenetic discrepancy in various tissues.

OBJECTIVE: We present mosaic 46,XY,dup (14) (q12q22.3)/46, XY at amniocentesis in a pregnancy associated with a favorable fetal outcome and cytogenetic discrepancy in various tissues. CASE REPORT: A 41-year-old, primigravid woman underwent amniocentesis at 17 weeks of gestation because of advanced maternal age. This pregnancy was conceived by in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Cytogenetic analysis on cultured amniocytes revealed a karyotype of 46,XY, dup (14) (q12q22.3)[7]/46,XY [13], and simultaneous array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis on the DNA extracted from uncultured amniocytes revealed arr 14q12q22.3 × 2-3 with 25% mosaicism for partial 14q duplication. She was referred for genetic counseling. Prenatal ultrasound and parental karyotypes were normal. Repeat amniocentesis at 22 weeks of gestation revealed a karyotype of 46,XY,dup (14) (q12q22.3)[6]/46,XY [14], and in uncultured amniocytes, quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) analysis excluded uniparental disomy (UPD) 14, aCGH revealed arr 14q12q22.3 × 2.3 with 30% mosaicism for dup (14) (q12q22.3), and interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) showed 19.4% (24/124 cells) mosaicism for partial 14q duplication. She was encouraged to continue the pregnancy, and a 2450-g phenotypically normal male baby was delivered at 40 weeks of gestation. The karyotypes of cord blood, umbilical cord and placenta were 46,XY,dup (14) (q12q22.3)[14]/46,XY [26], 46,XY,dup (14) (q12q22.3)[7]/46,XY [33] and 46,XY,dup (14) (q12q22.3)[3]/46,XY [37], respectively. When follow-up at age four months, the neonate was phenotypically normal. The karyotype of peripheral blood was 46,XY,dup (14) (q12q22.3)[27]/46,XY [13], and interphase FISH analysis on 105 buccal mucosal cells detected partial 14q duplication signals in 5 cells (4.8% mosaicism). When follow-up at age nine months, the neonate was phenotypically normal. The karyotype of peripheral blood was 46,XY,dup (14) (q12q22.3)[25]/46,XY [15]. CONCLUSION: Mosaic dup (14) (q12q22.3) with a normal cell line at amniocentesis may be a benign condition, and can be associated with a favorable fetal outcome and cytogenetic discrepancy in various tissues.

Mosaic 45,X/46, XX at amniocentesis with high-level mosaicism for 45,X in a pregnancy with a favorable fetal outcome and postnatal decrease of the 45,X cell line.

OBJECTIVE: We present mosaic 45,X/46, XX at amniocentesis with high-level mosaicism for 45,X in a pregnancy with a favorable fetal outcome and postnatal decrease of the 45,X cell line. CASE REPORT: A 20-year-old, primigravid woman underwent amniocentesis at 17 weeks of gestation because of the non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) result of -4.82 Z score in sex chromosome at 12 weeks of gestation suggestive of Turner syndrome in the fetus. Amniocentesis revealed a karyotype of 45,X [18]/46,XX [15], and simultaneous multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) on the DNA extracted from uncultured amniocytes showed mosaic Turner syndrome. Prenatal ultrasound and parental karyotypes were normal. She was referred for genetic counseling at 24 weeks of gestation, and continuing pregnancy was encouraged. At 39 weeks of gestation, a 2550-g phenotypically normal female baby was delivered. The karyotypes of cord blood, umbilical cord and placenta were 45,X [24]/46,XX [16], 45,X [23]/46,XX [17] and 45,X [28]/46,X,del(X) (q23)[12], respectively. When follow-up at age two months, the neonate was phenotypically normal in development. The peripheral blood had a karyotypes of 45,X [16]/46,XX [24]. Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis on 103 buccal mucosal cells showed normal disomy X signals in all cells. CONCLUSION: High-level mosaicism for 45,X in 45,X/46, XX at amniocentesis can be associated with a favorable fetal outcome, cytogenetic discrepancy in various tissues, and postnatal decrease of the 45,X cell line.

Low-level mosaic trisomy 15 at amniocentesis without uniparental disomy 15 in a pregnancy associated with cytogenetic discrepancy between uncultured amniocytes and cultured amniocytes, a favorable fetal outcome and perinatal decrease of the aneuploid cell line.

OBJECTIVE: We present low-level mosaic trisomy 15 without uniparental disomy (UPD) 15 in a pregnancy associated with cytogenetic discrepancy between uncultured amniocytes and cultured amniocytes, a favorable fetal outcome and perinatal decrease of the aneuploid cell line. CASE REPORT: A 40-year-old, gravida 2, para 0, woman underwent amniocentesis at 16 weeks of gestation because advanced maternal age. This pregnancy was conceived by in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Amniocentesis revealed a karyotype of 47,XX,+15 [7]/46,XX [43]. Simultaneous array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis on the DNA extracted from uncultured amniocytes revealed arr (15) × 2-3 (X) × 2 with 14% mosaicism for trisomy 15, and ME028 multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) methylation test excluded UPD 15. Prenatal ultrasound and parental karyotypes were normal. She was referred for genetic counseling, and repeat amniocentesis performed at 28 weeks of gestation revealed 46, XX (20/20 colonies) in cultured amniocytes, and in uncultured amniocytes, interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) showed 13.7% (16/117 cells) mosaicism for trisomy 15, aCGH analysis revealed arr [GRCh(hg19)] 15q11.22q26.3 (22, 765, 628-102,256,748) × 2.4 with a log2 ratio = 0.26, consistent with 40% mosaicism for trisomy 15, and quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) assays excluded UPD 15. The woman was encouraged to continue the pregnancy. At 37 weeks of gestation, a 2400-g phenotypically normal female baby was delivered without any abnormality. The cord blood had 46, XX (40/40 cells). QF-PCR assays determined maternal origin of trisomy 15 in the placenta. When follow-up at age 5 months, the neonate was normal in physical and psychomotor development. FISH analysis on 102 buccal mucosal cells detected 2 cells (2%, 2/102 cells) with trisomy 15 signals, compared with 1% in normal control. CONCLUSIONS: Low-level mosaic trisomy 15 at amniocentesis without UPD 15 can be a transient and benign condition, and can be associated with a favorable fetal outcome and perinatal decrease of the aneuploid cell line.

Mosaic trisomy 21 at amniocentesis associated with a favorable fetal outcome and perinatal progressive decrease of the trisomy 21 cell line.

OBJECTIVE: We present mosaic trisomy 21 at amniocentesis associated with a favorable fetal outcome and perinatal progressive decrease of the trisomy 21 cell line. CASE REPORT: A 33-year-old woman underwent elective amniocentesis at 17 weeks of gestation because of anxiety, and the karyotype of cultured amniocytes was 47,XX,+21[4]/46,XX[13]. In 17 colonies of cultured amniocytes, four colonies had 47,XX,+21, while the other 13 colonies had 46,XX. Simultaneous array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis on uncultured amniocytes revealed the result of arr (21) × 3 [0.32] consistent with 32% mosaicism for trisomy 21. Repeat amniocentesis performed at 25 weeks of gestation revealed 47,XX,+21[4]/46,XX[24] with four colonies of 47,XX,+21 and 24 colonies of 46, XX on cultured amniocytes, and arr 21q11.2q22.3 × 2.25 by aCGH, 19.2% mosaicism for trisomy 21 (20/104 cells) by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and no uniparental disomy (UPD) 21 by quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) on uncultured amniocytes. The parental karyotypes were normal, and prenatal ultrasound was unremarkable. A phenotypically normal 2815-g female baby was delivered at 38 weeks of gestation. Cytogenetic analysis on the cord blood, umbilical cord and placenta revealed the karyotype of 47,XX,+21[10]/46,XX[30]. 47,XX,+21[5]/46,XX[35] and 47,XX,+21[38]/46,XX[2], respectively. QF-PCR analysis on the DNA extracted from parental bloods, uncultured amniocytes, cord blood, umbilical cord and placenta confirmed a paternal origin of trisomy 21. When follow-up at age two months, the neonate was phenotypically normal, the peripheral blood had a karyotype of 47,XX,+21[6]/46,XX[34], and no trisomy 21 signals by interphase FISH was found on 100 buccal mucosal cells. When follow-up at age 13 months, the neonate was phenotypically normal, and the peripheral blood had a karyotype of 47,XX,+21[3]/46,XX[37]. CONCLUSION: Mosaic trisomy 21 at amniocentesis can be a transient and benign condition, and the abnormal trisomy 21 cell line may decrease and disappear after birth.

Mosaic trisomy 21 at amniocentesis in a twin pregnancy associated with a favorable fetal outcome, maternal uniparental disomy 21 and postnatal decrease of the trisomy 21 cell line.

OBJECTIVE: We present mosaic trisomy 21 at amniocentesis in a twin pregnancy associated with a favorable fetal outcome, maternal uniparental disomy (UPD) 21 and postnatal decrease of the trisomy 21 cell line. CASE REPORT: A 36-year-old woman underwent elective amniocentesis at 16 weeks of gestation because of advanced maternal age, and an abnormal non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) result suggesting trisomy 21. Amniocentesis revealed the karyotype of 46, XX in co-twin A and the karyotype of 47,XY,+21[12]/46,XY[21] in co-twin B in the cultured amniocytes by in situ culture method. Simultaneous array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis on uncultured amniocytes revealed the result of arr (21) × 3 [0.40] in co-twin B, consistent with 40% mosaicism for trisomy 21. Prenatal ultrasound was unremarkable, and the parental karyotypes were normal. Following genetic counseling, the parents decided to continue the pregnancy. At 36 weeks of gestation, a 2140-g female co-twin A and a 1800-g male co-twin B were delivered without any phenotypical abnormality. The karyotypes of the umbilical cord and placenta of co-twin B were 47,XY,+21[16]/46,XY[24] and 47,XY,+21 (40/40 cells), respectively. Quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) analysis on the DNA extracted from parental bloods and umbilical cord, cord blood and placenta and peripheral blood at age five months of co-twin B confirmed a maternal origin of trisomy 21 and maternal uniparental isodisomy 21. aCGH analysis on the cord blood revealed the result of arr 21q11.2q22.3 × 2.25 consistent with 20%-25% (log2 ratio = 0.15-0.2) mosaicism for trisomy 21. When follow-up at age five months, the co-twin B was phenotypically normal. His peripheral blood had a karyotype of 47,XY,+21[3]/46,XY[37]. Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on 100 buccal mucosal cells detected no trisomy 21 signals. The peripheral blood had uniparental isodisomy 21. CONCLUSION: Mosaic trisomy 21 at amniocentesis can be a transient and benign condition and should alert the possibility of UPD 21. The abnormal trisomy 21 cell line in mosaic trisomy 21 at amniocentesis may decrease and disappear after birth.

Mosaic 46,XY,der(15)t(6;15)(q25.1;p12)/46,XY at amniocentesis in a pregnancy associated with a favorable fetal outcome and postnatal decrease of the aneuploid cell line with the unbalanced translocation.

OBJECTIVE: We present mosaic 46,XY,der(15)t(6;15)(q25.1;p12)/46,XY at amniocentesis in a pregnancy associated with a favorable fetal outcome and postnatal decrease of the aneuploid cell line with the unbalanced translocation. CASE REPORT: A 34-year-old primigravid woman underwent amniocentesis at 17 weeks of gestation because of advanced maternal age. Amniocentesis revealed a karyotype of 46,XY,add(15)(p12)[17]/46,XY[5]. A second amniocentesis at 19 weeks of gestation revealed a karyotype of 46,XY,der(15)t(6;15)(q25.1;p12)[12]/46,XY[8], and array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis on the DNA extracted from uncultured amniocytes revealed arr arr 6q25.1q27×2-3 with 40% mosaic level. She was referred for genetic counseling. Prenatal ultrasound and the parental karyotypes were normal. A third amniocentesis at 24 weeks of gestation revealed a karyotype of 46,XY,der(15)t(6;15)(q25.1;p12)[23]/46,XY[1], and in uncultured amniocytes, aCGH analysis revealed arr 6q25.1q27×2.5, interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed 51% mosaicism (51/100 cells) for partial trisomy 6q and quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) analysis determined maternal origin of the aberrant chromosome and excluded uniparental disomy (UPD) 15 and UPD 6. A fourth amniocentesis at 27 weeks of gestation revealed a karyotype of 46,XY,der(15)t(6;15)(q25.1;p12)[21]/46,XY[5], and in uncultured amniocytes, aCGH analysis revealed arr 6q25.1q27×2.46, and interphase FISH revealed 35% mosaicism (35/100 cells) for partial trisomy 6q. At 39 weeks of gestation, a healthy 3028-g male baby was delivered without any phenotypic abnormality. The karyotypes of cord blood, umbilical cord and placenta were 46,XY,der(15)t(6;15)(q25.1;p12)[2]/46,XY,der(15)t(6;15)(q25.1;p12)[29]/46,XY[11] and 46,XY, respectively. When follow-up at age one month, the neonate was phenotypically normal, the peripheral blood had a karyotype of 46,XY (40/40 cells), and FISH analysis on 105 buccal mucosal cells detected five cells with partial trisomy 6q compared with 2% mosaicism (2/100 cells) in the normal control. CONCLUSION: Mosaicism for an unbalanced translocation with a normal cell line without UPD at amniocentesis can be a transient and benign condition, and can be associated with a favorable fetal outcome and postnatal decrease of the aneuploid cell line.

Mosaic tetrasomy 9p at amniocentesis in a pregnancy associated with a favorable fetal outcome, perinatal progressive decrease of the aneuploid cell line and cytogenetic discrepancy in various tissues.

OBJECTIVE: We present mosaic tetrasomy 9p at amniocentesis in a pregnancy associated with a favorable fetal outcome, perinatal progressive decrease of the aneuploid cell line and cytogenetic discrepancy in various tissue. CASE REPORT: A 33-year-old primigravid woman underwent elective amniocentesis at 18 weeks of gestation because of anxiety, and the karyotype of cultured amniocytes was 47,XX,+i (9) (p10)[20]/46,XX [55]. Cordocentesis was performed at 20 weeks of gestation, and the karyotype of cord blood was 47,XX,+i (9) (p10)[7]/46,XX [15]. She was referred for genetic counseling at 23 weeks of gestation, and repeat amniocentesis revealed a karyotype of 47,XX,+i (9) (p10)[1]/46,XX [16] with seven cells in one colony having tetrasomy 9p in cultured amniocytes, and in uncultured amniocytes, quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) analysis excluded uniparental disomy (UPD) 9 and determined paternal origin of the extra i (9p), array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis on the DNA extracted from uncultured amniocytes revealed arr 9p24.3p13.1 × 3.0 consistent with 50% mosaicism for tetrasomy 9p, and interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on uncultured amniocytes showed 22.6% (12/53 cells) mosaicism for tetrasomy 9p. A third amniocentesis at 27 weeks of gestation revealed a karyotype of 46, XX (10/10 colonies) in cultured amniocytes, and interphase FISH analysis on uncultured amniocytes revealed 20% (20/100 cells) mosaicism for tetrasomy 9p. The parental karyotypes and prenatal ultrasound were normal. At 39 weeks of gestation, a phenotypically normal 3388-g female baby was delivered. The karyotypes of cord blood, umbilical cord and placenta were 47,XX,+idic (9) (q12)[19]/46,XX [21] or 47,XX,+idic (9) (pter→q12:q12→pter)[19]/46,XX [21], 47,XX,+idic (9) (q12)[1]/46,XX [39] and 47,XX,+idic (9) (q12)[4]/46,XX [36], respectively. When follow-up at age two months, the neonate was phenotypically normal, the peripheral blood had a karyotype of 47,XX,+idic (9) (q12)[18]/46,XX [22], and interphase FISH analysis on 100 buccal mucosal cells revealed 1% (1/100 cells) mosaicism for tetrasomy 9p. When follow-up at age seven months, the neonate was phenotypically normal, and the peripheral blood had a karyotype of 47,XX,+idic(9)(q12)[14]/46,XX[26]. CONCLUSION: Mosaic tetrasomy 9p at amniocentesis can be a transient and benign condition, and can be associated with a favorable fetal outcome and perinatal progressive decrease of the aneuploid cell line and cytogenetic discrepancy in various tissue.

Nobiletin as a chemopreventive natural product against cancer, a comprehensive review.

As a leading cause of death, second only to heart disease, cancer has always been one of the burning topics in medical research. When targeting multiple signal pathways in tumorigenesis chemoprevention, using natural or synthetic anti-cancer drugs is a vital strategy to reduce cancer damage. However, toxic effects, multidrug resistance (MDR) as well as cancer stem cells (CSCs) all prominently limited the clinical application of conventional anticancer drugs. With low side effects, strong biological activity, unique mechanism, and wide range of targets, natural products derived from plants are considered significant sources for new drug development. Nobiletin is one of the most attractive compounds, a unique flavonoid primarily isolated from the peel of citrus fruits. Numerous studies in vitro and in vivo have suggested that nobiletin and its derivatives possess the eminent potential to become effective cancer chemoprevention agents through various cellular and molecular levels. This article aims to comprehensively review the anticancer efficacy and specific mechanisms of nobiletin, enhancing our understanding of its chemoprevention properties and providing the latest research findings. At the end of this review, we also give some discussion and future perspectives regarding the challenges and opportunities in nobiletin efficient exploitation.

Long-Term Effectiveness of Cilostazol in Patients with Hemodialysis with Peripheral Artery Disease.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of continuous cilostazol use on emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and vascular outcomes in patients with hemodialysis (HD) with peripheral artery disease (PAD). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study recruited 558 adult patients, who had received chronic HD for at least 90 days between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2012, from the National Health Insurance Research Database. Eligible patients were divided into two groups based on continuing or discontinuing cilostazol treatment. Outcome measures were ED visits, hospitalizations, mortality, and vascular outcomes such as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, surgical bypass, lower leg amputation, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and cardiovascular events. RESULTS: Patients with continuous cilostazol use had significantly higher prevalence of stroke, cancer, vintage, and the use of angiotensin receptor blocker and ß-blocker, but significantly lower incidence of ischemic stroke and cardiovascular events, as well as lower mortality, than those without continuous cilostazol use (all p＜.05). Continuous cilostazol use was independently associated with lower risk of ED visits, hemorrhagic stroke, and cardiovascular events (adjusted hazard ratios: 0.79, 0.29, and 0.67; 95% confidence intervals: 0.62-0.98, 0.10-0.84, and 0.48-0.96, respectively; all p＜.05). Continuous cilostazol use was significantly associated with higher ED visit-free and cardiovascular event-free rates (log-rank test; p＜.05). CONCLUSION: Continuous treatment of cilostazol in patients with HD with PAD significantly decreases the risk of ED visits, hemorrhagic stroke, and cardiovascular events and improves ED visit-free and cardiovascular event-free rates during long-term follow-up.

Detection of mosaicism for 46,X,i(Y) (q10) in the blood lymphocytes in a phenotypically normal male neonate with prenatally detected 45,X/46, XY at amniocentesis and cytogenetic discrepancy in various tissues.

OBJECTIVE: We present detection of mosaicism for 46,X,i(Y) (q10) in the blood lymphocytes in a phenotypically normal male neonate with prenatally detected 45,X/46, XY at amniocentesis and cytogenetic discrepancy in various tissues. CASE REPORT: A 35-year-old, gravida 2, para 1, woman underwent amniocentesis at 17 weeks of gestation because of advanced maternal age. Amniocentesis revealed a karyotype of 45,X [8]/46,XY [15]. Simultaneous array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) on uncultured amniocytes revealed the result of arr (Y) × 0-1 with 25.493-Mb mosaic deletion of chromosome Yp11.31-q11.23. Prenatal ultrasound findings were unremarkable. The fetus had normal male external genitalia on fetal ultrasound. Following genetic counseling, the pregnancy was carried to 38 weeks of gestation, and a phenotypically normal male baby was delivered without any abnormalities of the male external genitalia. The cord blood had a karyotypes of 46,X,i(Y) (q10)[8]/45,X[3]/46,XY [29], and placenta had a karyotypes of 45,X [25]/46,X,i(Y) (q10)[7]/46,XY [8]. When follow-up at age two months, the neonate was normal in development. The peripheral blood had a karyotypes of 46,X,i(Y) (q10)[8]/45,X[5]/46,XY [27]. Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis on 101 buccal mucosal cells showed normal X and Y signals in 101/101 cells. CONCLUSION: Fetuses with 45,X/46, XY at amniocentesis can be associated with mosaicism for 46,X,i(Y) (q10) in the blood lymphocytes, cytogenetic discrepancy in various tissues and a favorable outcome.