Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
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This study aimed to evaluate whether the role-play (RP) of real patients by medical students as part of interactive clinical reasoning training can improve medical students' clinical performance. ⋯ Medical students who were motivated to RP real patients had better performance scores than those who did not. In addition, RP can enhance their counselling skills and clinical competences.
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Prescribing opioids for patients with chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) remains controversial. This study surveyed Taiwanese physicians who were clinically treating CNCP outpatients with long-term opioids. ⋯ Among the Taiwanese physicians treating the officially registered CNCP patients, nonpain board-certified physicians had fewer patients, less knowledge, and an increased negative attitude toward long-term opioid prescriptions. Better education on chronic pain management is needed for improvement of clinical practice.
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Cardiotocography is a common method of electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) for fetal well-being. Data-driven analyses have shown potential for automated EFM assessment. For this preliminary study, we used a novel artificial intelligence method based on fully convolutional networks (FCNs), with deep learning for EFM evaluation and correct recognition, and its possible role in evaluation of nonreassuring fetal status. ⋯ FCN is a modern technique that may be useful for EFM trace recognition based on its multiconvolutional layered analysis. Our model showed a competitive ability to identify FHR patterns and the potential for evaluation of nonreassuring fetal status.
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Taiwan transitioned to an aged society in 2018. Appropriate dental treatment is important for elderly individuals. Previously, reconstruction of the dentition was thought to help regain chewing function. ⋯ For the elderly population, treatment must be aimed at restoring as much chewing function as possible with minimal changes. Additionally, regular oral hygiene care, proper design of fixed partial dentures, and implant placement greatly reduce the difficulty in adapting to a new prosthesis. These measures allow us to provide better quality of life for elderly individuals.
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Hyperbilirubinemia is a predictor of severe drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Hepatobiliary ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters play an important role in the transportation of many drugs and bilirubin; however, little is known about these transporters and the risk of DILI. The aim of this study was to explore associations between genetic variations in important ABC transporters and susceptibility to DILI, with a particular focus on hyperbilirubinemia. ⋯ Carriage of the ABCC2 (MRP2) rs717620 T variant may increase the risk of hyperbilirubinemia and mortality in patients with DILI. Screening for this variant may help to prevent and mitigate drug-induced hyperbilirubinemia.