J Formos Med Assoc
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Among various dental lasers, the erbium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser has great potential for periodontal treatment including soft and hard tissue ablation with minimal thermal side effects under suitable energy densities and it has multiple effects on tissues for wound-healing benefits. In the present study, we sought to reveal the molecular mechanism underlying the impact of Er:YAG laser on PDL fibroblasts. ⋯ These findings indicated that Er:YAG laser may accelerate the regeneration process in periodontal tissues through enhancement of their proliferative and mobile activities. Additionally, the significance of galectin-7 in the Er:YAG laser-elicited benefits was demonstrated.
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Fatty-acid binding protein-4 (FABP4) has been associated with the metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, incident heart failure, and the prognosis of coronary heart disease (CHD). However, recent studies have not reported a significant correlation between FABP4 and cardiovascular (CV) mortality in high-risk patients or those with documented CHD. The present study aimed to evaluate the association between FABP4 and the prognosis in a cohort of patients with CHD who received coronary interventions. ⋯ In conclusion, circulating FABP4 is an independent prognostic predictor for the composite cardiovascular events in the patients with stable CHD after coronary interventions.
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Rosacea has been linked to inflammatory bowel disease and small bowel bacterial overgrowth. We aimed to investigate the fecal microbial profiling and the potential gene functions between rosacea and non-rosacea subjects. ⋯ An altered fecal microbial richness and composition were observed in rosacea patients. The distinct microbial composition might be related to sulfur metabolism, cobalamin and carbohydrate transport.
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The prevalence of young-onset diabetes (YOD) is increasing in Asia, but little is known about the metabolic control, associated complications, or medical behavior in this population. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of young-onset and late-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and their associated risk factors and medical behaviors in Taiwan. ⋯ Our study highlights the rising trend of YOD in Taiwan. National endeavors are urgently needed for early diagnosis, effective management, and primary prevention of diabetes.
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Despite the high prevalence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections, reports on severe life-threatening M. pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) in children are limited. ⋯ M. pneumoniae infection can cause severe life-threatening pneumonia in children. Delayed effective and second-line antibiotic treatments are associated with severe life-threatening MPP.