J Formos Med Assoc
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This study aimed to explore the anatomical and physiological characteristics of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) symptoms, such as hoarseness, throat clearing, throat pain, globus, and chronic cough, with the novel high-resolution impedance manometry (HRIM). ⋯ Our study suggests that esophageal structural factors and LES IRP-4s may contribute to the occurrence of LPR symptoms. Patients with moderate LPR symptoms were more likely to present with failed peristalsis.
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The recent advance in treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has significantly improved the prognosis of RA patients. However, these novel therapies do not work well for all RA patients. The unmet need suggests that the current understanding about how inflammatory response arises and progresses in RA is limited. ⋯ Moreover, in-depth analysis of tissue microenvironment will allow us to identify potential therapeutic targets. Research is now undertaken to explore potential candidates, both cellular and ECM molecules, to develop novel therapies. This article reviews recent advances in knowledge about how changes in cellular and ECM factors within the tissue microenvironment result in propagation of chronic inflammation in RA.
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Multicenter Study
Clinical efficacy and safety of peroral endoscopic myotomy for esophageal achalasia: A multicenter study in Taiwan.
Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), a novel minimally invasive treatment for esophageal achalasia, is becoming more popular globally because of its efficacy and safety. We aimed to clarify the technical concerns, efficacy, and safety of POEM for treating esophageal achalasia in Taiwan. ⋯ POEM is a very effective and safe treatment for Taiwanese patients with achalasia, irrespective of their achalasia subtype or prior treatment failure.
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Recurrent pneumonia is uncommon in children and few studies investigate the clinical impact of underlying diseases on this issue. This study aimed to explore the difference in clinical manifestations, pathogens, and prognosis of recurrent pneumonia in children with or without underlying diseases. ⋯ Children with underlying diseases, prone to have recurrent pneumonia and more susceptible to resistant microorganisms, had more severe diseases and poorer clinical outcomes. Therefore, more attention may be paid on clinical severity and the therapeutic plan.
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Having siblings is a crucial ecological factor in children's language development. Whether siblings play a role in the language development of children with developmental delays remains unknown. This study therefore aimed to assess the association between sibling presence and changes in language trajectories of children with developmental delays before reaching early school age. ⋯ Having siblings does not necessarily positively associate with language development in children with developmental delays. Clinicians should consider the association of sibling presence with language development for these children in a broader familial-ecological context before they reach early school age.