Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
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Infrared ear thermometry is widely used in clinical practice due to its noninvasive, convenient, and quick sampling. However, its accuracy and feasibility in anesthetized patients have not yet been established. ⋯ The infrared ear temperature is in good agreement with the nasopharyngeal temperature in general anesthetized patients without hyperthermia and has high performance for detecting hypothermia. An infrared ear thermometer can be a diagnostic tool for intraoperative hypothermia.
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In mid-2022, the COVID-19 cases have reached close to 562 million, but its overall infection rate is hard to confirm. Even with effective vaccines, break-through infections with new variants occur, and safe and reliable testing still plays a critical role in isolation of infected individuals and in control of an outbreak of a COVID-19 pandemic. In response to this urgent need, the diagnostic tests for COVID-19 are rapidly evolving and improving these days. ⋯ As noted above, the performance requirements for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid tests are similar between Taiwan, Singapore and the United States. The differences are mainly in two points: the recommended microorganisms for cross-reactivity study, and the specimen requirement for clinical evaluation. This study provides an overview of current requirements of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid tests in Taiwan, Singapore, and the United States.
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Overall survival of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients significantly increased in recent decades, however, the relative risk of mortality is still high. Long-term survival outcome of pediatric SLE remains unclear. This study aims to explore the long-term survival rate and its predictors in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). ⋯ SLE patients with advanced age, malignancy, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, treated with a higher average dosage of glucocorticoids, and admission due to bacterial pneumonia and sepsis have an increased risk of mortality.
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Artery of Percheron (AOP) infarction, a rare cause of acute altered mental status (AMS), is characterized by bilateral paramedian thalamic infarction. The aim of this study was to review the clinical manifestation, radiological patterns, treatment, and prognosis of patients with AOP infarction. This retrospective case series included patients with AOP infarction from 2009 to 2020 from a medical center in Taiwan. ⋯ PCA occlusion, rather than VA and BA occlusion, was common in angiography. Residual symptoms often resulted in significant disability at discharge. Basilar tip syndrome may share indistinguishable thalamic infarct patterns with AOP infarction but could be differentiated by angiography and other infarcted territories.
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Information regarding the design and usage of inferiorly based nasolabial flap for lower lip and commissural defect reconstruction following ablative cancer surgery remains limited. This study aimed to provide our design and experiences for such reconstructive purpose. ⋯ Inferiorly based nasolabial flap is an excellent local flap for lower lip reconstruction following cancer ablative surgery. It is also a viable option for reconstruction of oral commissural defects. Minimal donor side morbidity, good functional recovery, and esthetic outcomes can be achieved with meticulous flap design.