Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
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Most existing studies measure atrial septal defect (ASD) outcomes based on morbidity rates such as atrial arrhythmias and heart failure rather than the functional assessment of physical capacity postprocedure. Few studies have evaluated cardiopulmonary function in ASD children. This study represents the largest sample population in the current research, encompassing a total of 122 Taiwanese children with ASD who had undergone treatment, to evaluate cardiopulmonary functional capacity through the implementation of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), and to investigate whether variations in treatment may impact their cardiopulmonary function. ⋯ Taiwanese ASD children exhibited diminished exercise capacity and cardiopulmonary performance compared to their healthy counterparts. Differences among specific ASD treatments in cardiopulmonary tests were non-significant.
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Observational Study
Low preoperative serum uric acid is associated with early acute kidney injury after living donor liver transplantation.
Liver transplantation is treatment option for patients with end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Renal function deterioration significantly impacts the survival rates of liver recipients, and serum uric acid (SUA) is associated with both acute and chronic renal function disorders. Thus, our study aimed to assess the relationship and predictive value of preoperative SUA level and postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). ⋯ AKI after liver transplantation may lead to a deterioration of patient status and increased mortality rates. We determined low preoperative SUA levels as a possible risk factor for early postoperative AKI.
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Current evidence of volume changes in hippocampal subdivisions in schizophrenia remains inconsistent, and few studies have investigated the relationship between regional hippocampal volumes and symptom remission. ⋯ Our results indicated that the pathophysiology and symptomatic remission of schizophrenia are related to changes in the volumes of hippocampal subdivisions. These volume changes might be clinically relevant as biomarkers for schizophrenia identification and treatment.
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Early palliative care (EPC) benefits some cancers, but its clinical outcomes differ depending on patients' racial and ethnic disparities, and customs. To determine whether EPC improves symptoms, emotional distress, and quality of life among Taiwanese patients with early or advanced-stage head and neck cancer (HNC). ⋯ EPC improves symptoms, emotional distress, quality of life, and treatment completion rates in Taiwanese patients with early or advanced-stage HNC. Nonetheless, further extensive clinical studies are required for validation.
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Vascular access dysfunction is a great burden for hemodialysis patients. Early intervention of a dysfunctional arteriovenous shunt is associated with higher technical success and may improve midterm patency. This trial aimed to estimate the feasibility of a new system, the "rapid intervention team" (RIT) strategy. ⋯ The implementation of the RIT strategy improves the quantity and quality of percutaneous transluminal intervention for arteriovenous shunt dysfunction or failure in patients undergoing hemodialysis.