Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
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Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways in which many cells are involved, including mast cells, eosinophils, T lymphocytes, and so on. During the process, many chemokines and mediators are released to engage in recruiting and activating eosinophils and other inflammatory cells. Also, some signaling pathways are involved in the pathobiology of asthma. ⋯ Previous findings from our team reveal that Shh is involved in the asthma pathogenesis. Recombinant Shh could induce the CC chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) overexpressing and Smo inhibitor GDC-O449 could inhibit CCL2 expression in airway epithelial cells, monocytes, or macrophages. Hence, we reviewed the effects of Shh and CCL2 signaling pathways, and the interaction between signaling pathways in asthma.
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Quantitative digital subtraction angiography (DSA) facilitates in-room assessment of flow changes in various cerebrovascular diseases and improves patient safety. The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of quantitative fluoroscopic angiography (FA) and DSA. ⋯ Stenosis facilitated the creation of a bolus by manual injection and therefore increased the accuracy of cerebral flow quantification in FA. Cerebral hemodynamic assessment by FA is quicker and associated with less radiation.
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Some patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms hesitate to undergo surgical treatment until acute urinary retention (AUR) occurs. Some of these patients have been found to have hydronephrosis or even renal insufficiency. This study aimed to analyze the risk factors for hydronephrosis in patients with AUR who needed to receive transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). ⋯ IPP was a significant risk factor for hydronephrosis in BPH patients. If the patients' IPP exceeded 1.95 cm, they had a higher risk of having hydronephrosis when AUR occurred. Hydronephrosis is a risk factor for renal insufficiency, and Serum Cr levels decreased significantly in the patients of our study.
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Low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (LGESS) is, in most cases, a slow-growing malignancy; however, it is related with high recurrence rates. The aim of this study is to determine which factors may be associated with the recurrence rate of LGESS. ⋯ Hormone therapy after surgery should be considered a viable option for decreasing the LGESS recurrence rate, regardless of the disease stage.
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Missed appointments mean appointments neither attended nor canceled by patients. Missed appointments belong to one of the important subjects of hospital management because they would incur the inactivity of medical professionals and devices, occupy the health resources for other patients, and thus impair the quality of healthcare services. The aim of this study was to explore the factors of missed appointments at the outpatient department of an academic medical center in Taiwan. ⋯ The factors of missed appointments were multifaceted. Further measures could be undertaken accordingly to enhance healthcare efficiency.