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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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.
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Observational Study
Changes in albuminuria during the spontaneous breathing trial: A prospective observational study.
We hypothesized urine albumin concentration may detect the early increasing cardiac load during the spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). The purpose of our study is to determine whether the changes in urine albumin concentration before and after the SBT correlate with SBT outcome. ⋯ This open label pilot study demonstrates the significant association of the changes in urine albumin concentration with SBT outcome. Further study is warranted to investigate the predictive value of urine albumin concentration.