Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
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The objective of this study is to evaluate the hormone profile of young men with the chief complaint of erectile dysfunction (ED) and determine the comorbidities in this population. ⋯ The majority of men under the age of 40 with ED exhibit a normal hormonal milieu. Young ED men with BMI > 28.2 kg/m, age >34 years, cancer diagnosis, or depression are at risk for hypogonadism.
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Review
The role of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in prognostic evaluation of heart failure.
Heart failure (HF) is a growing challenge in the Asia Pacific region. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a well-established tool for diagnosis of HF; however, it is relatively underutilized in predicting adverse outcomes in HF. Multiple studies have demonstrated the prognostic role of NT-proBNP in HF. ⋯ NT-proBNP provides the same prognostic information in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) as in those with HFrEF. An expert panel composed of cardiologists mainly from Asia Pacific region was convened to discuss the utility of NT-proBNP in HF prognostication. This article summarizes available scientific evidence and consensus recommendations from the meeting.
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CYP2C19 loss-of-function single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with poor responses of clopidogrel in secondary prevention of ischemic stroke (IS). It is still unclear whether these SNPs, which may result in poor cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) enzymatic activity, affect the occurrence of IS and its subtypes. The present study evaluated the relationship between the CYP2C19 loss-of-function alleles and IS. ⋯ The CYP2C19 poor metabolizer is not associated with IS and its subtypes. Furthermore, CYP2C19*3 may be a protective factor for SVO and its mechanism warrants further investigation.
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Whether the beneficial effects of long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) are better than those of long-acting β2 agonist/corticosteroids (LABA/ICS) in preventing exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the risk of exacerbations in moderate to severe COPD patients receiving LAMA versus LABA/ICS. ⋯ In comparison with LABA/ICS, LAMA is beneficial in reducing exacerbation risk for moderate COPD. Previous exacerbation history independently predicts the future risk of exacerbation regardless of treatment.
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Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and is becoming a growing concern in global epidemiology. Quality of life of patients has become a major outcome for cancer care but limited study investigated quality of life of PCa patients. Our study is to investigate predictors for treatment outcomes of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), nocturia, and the urinary specific quality of life (uQoL) in PCa patients one year following treatment. ⋯ TNM stage and BMI affected the LUTS. Patients undergone a prostatectomy or radiation therapy showed more frequency of nocturia, BMI and PSA were also risk factors for nocturia. Moreover, patients' age, BMI, and PSA affected uQoL. In such patients, we recommend close monitoring of patients' specific characteristics such as TNM stage, BMI, and PSA for a better quality of life.