Medicine
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Early prediction of pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer patients can help forecast prognosis and guide decisions on adjuvant therapy. This study aimed to determine whether the kinetic parameters of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) with ultrafast imaging can predict pCR following NAC in breast cancer patients and whether these parameters are correlated with histologic microvessel density (MVD). In this retrospective study, 61 breast cancer patients who underwent NAC and surgery between August 2020 and 2022 were analyzed. ⋯ Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-enriched breast cancer with low vascularity on DCE-MRI is more likely to achieve pCR, although MRI kinetic parameters were not independent predictors of pCR in all breast cancer subtypes. The maximum slope on ultrafast MRI was the only kinetic parameter that correlated with histologic MVD. Larger studies focused on molecular subtypes are warranted.
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The issue of obesity has emerged as a significant global health challenge; nevertheless, the association between Bell's palsy (BP) and obesity remains ambiguous. In this study, the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach was employed to investigate their relationship, while network pharmacology methods were utilized to unveil the underlying mechanisms. ⋯ Our study findings suggest that obesity may increase the risk of BP, and its underlying mechanism may potentially involve regulating chemical synaptic transmission through the EFGR/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
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Case Reports
Two case reports of rare Down's syndrome during in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET).
Despite the potential risks, assisted reproductive technology has provided hope and opportunities for individuals and couples struggling with infertility to conceive and have children. This study presents a case report that describes an occurrence where a pregnancy achieved through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer had to be ended because of the presence of trisomy 21 syndrome. ⋯ These 2 cases underscore the significance of genetic counseling and prenatal screening for couples who are undergoing assisted reproductive technologies, with the purpose of detecting and effectively addressing any possible genetic abnormalities that may arise in their progeny.
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Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare delayed allergic reaction, which is mostly caused by drugs, but there are few reports of iodixanol in particular. At present, 4 cases induced by iodixanol have been reported in the literature, but none have been reported in China. ⋯ The reported case is an extremely rare and severe AGEP, typically characterized by pruritus, edema, large erythema/rash, dense white needle-like sterile pustules based on erythema/rash, and desquamation. After discontinuation of exposure to iodixanol, the patient received symptomatic supportive treatment, mainly drug response. She eventually recovered without recurrence. In the future, with the in-depth exploration of more studies, the use of Iodine Contrast Media will be more standardized and scientific.
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Epidemiology shows women have a higher incidence of osteoarthritis (OA) than men. However, there is not enough evidence to suggest a direct correlation between female reproductive factors and OA. Therefore, this study will employ Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate whether there is a causal relationship between the 2. ⋯ Our research shows that there is no reliable causal relationship between an increase in Age at menarche (years) (AAM) and Age at menopause (years) (AM) and OA, that an increase in Age first had sexual intercourse (years) (AFS) is associated with a decreased risk of knee OA and/or hip OA and hand OA, that an increase in Age at first live birth (years) (AFB) is associated with a decreased risk of knee OA and/or hip OA and knee OA, and that an increase in Number of live births (NOB) is associated with an increased risk of knee OA and/or hip OA. This study provides genetic support for an increase in AFS as a reduced knee OA and/or hip OA and hand OA risk factor, an increase in AFB as a reduced knee OA and/or hip OA and knee OA risk factor, and an increase in NOB as an increased knee OA and/or hip OA risk factor. Further studies are needed to elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying the causal associations between AFS, AFB, and NOB and site-specific OA.