J Formos Med Assoc
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In vitro neural cell-based models have been widely used to mimic the in vivo neural tissue environments and quantitatively understand the effects of pharmaceutical molecules on neural diseases. Recently, several biomimetic neural tissue models have been widely developed by using biomaterials or surface modification. However, the complex protocols of material synthesis or surface modification lack an easy execution to fabricate the neuron favorite environment. ⋯ This study shows that the PEMs provided an easily alternative approach to modify the surface properties; and might be a method to obtain a neuron-rich model for the biological/pharmaceutical applications.
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The objective of this study was to create a normative database of 3D cephalometric measurements for adult Chinese in Taiwan to understand the specific features, as well as to provide information for 3-dimensional (3D) orthognathic surgery planning for patients with maxillofacial deformity. ⋯ The normative data helps to serve as a guide for maxillofacial treatment for globally ethnic Chinese, particularly useful for orthodontic treatment, 3D planning of orthognathic surgery and outcome assessment. Gender and ethnic differences need to be taken into consideration.
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Rituximab is effective in treating pemphigus both as the first-line treatment and as an add-on treatment for refractory disease. A high rate of relapse among patients receiving rituximab means that maintenance therapy is frequently required. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the use of azathioprine as maintenance therapy for patients receiving rituximab and to investigate the efficacy and safety of one or multiple cycles of rituximab treatment. ⋯ This study provides an insight that azathioprine could serve as a good choice of maintenance therapy for patients receiving rituximab. The efficacy and safety of rituximab remain favorable even with repeated administration.
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The incidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and the mortality rate of H1N1 influenza pneumonia are unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical features and outcomes of adult patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) with H1N1 pneumonia related ARDS. ⋯ For H1N1 influenza pneumonia patients admitted to ICUs with mechanical ventilation, there is a high probability of developing ARDS with a modest mortality rate. For patients with ARDS due to H1N1 influenza pneumonia, the tidal volume and SOFA score are the predictors of hospital mortality.
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Heavily pretreated pancreatic cancer patients have a grave prognosis. In this case series study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of nab-paclitaxel-based chemotherapy for such patients. ⋯ In heavily pretreated pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients, low-dose nab-paclitaxel-based chemotherapy was fairly tolerable with modest efficacy.