J Formos Med Assoc
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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.
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The restoration longevity depends on a high dentin-composite bond quality. This study investigated learning outcomes when using etch-and-rinse and self-etch adhesives among general practitioners in a hands-on bonding test course. ⋯ Bonding performance is both operator- and product-dependent. The continuing education hands-on course does help dentists to improve the bond strength especially when the self-etch system is used.
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The risk of recurrence after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is high. Apart from nucleos(t)ide analogues therapy, population-based studies suggest statin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin have chemopreventive effect on recurrence. The role of those drugs on HCC recurrence should be delineated. ⋯ Aspirin use may have chemo-preventive effect on recurrence of hepatitis B virus-related HCC after curative resection.
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Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) is a rare primary liver cancer. Preoperative diagnosis of cHCC-CCA is difficult, and outcome of cHCC-CCA is obscured. Our study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological and radiological features of cHCC-CCA and compare their outcomes with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). ⋯ cHCC-CCA is associated with high risk of recurrence following surgical resection as compared with HCC. Closely post-operative monitoring is highly recommended.
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A three-generation Chinese family with autosomal dominant congenital nuclear cataract was recruited. This study aimed to identify the disease-causing gene for nuclear cataract with functional dissections of the identified mutant. ⋯ This study identified a novel cataract phenotype caused by the p.R76H mutation in Cx50, providing evidence of further phenotypic heterogeneity associated with this mutation. Functional analysis showed that the mutation affected the formation of gap junction channels and led to opacity in the lens.