Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
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Measles is a highly infectious viral illness and is one of the world's most contagious diseases that can affect all people if they have not been vaccinated or have not had it before. Before measles vaccine became available in 1963, major epidemic occurred approximately every 2 to 3 years and thus 99% of the people were thought to have been infected naturally with measles virus and got immune for life. ⋯ As vaccination coverage increases, the average age of measles infection can change to adolescents and young adults. In addition, the protective antibodies derived from vaccination might decrease gradually, and the risk of measles infection in young adults is increasing regardless of international travelling.
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Venomous snakebites are common during hot seasons in Taiwan. However, rarely is venom spat directly into the subject's eyes, causing eye injury. Despite being uncommon, analytical data regarding venom-spit ophthalmia in Taiwan have been lacking. This study thus aimed to conduct an epidemiological survey on Naja atra venom-spit ophthalmia in Taiwan during the past decades to improve future care of such patients. ⋯ Although Naja atra venom-spit ophthalmia in Taiwan is uncommon, the risk for transient ocular symptoms and corneal/conjunctival injury does exists. Prompt ocular irrigation and professional ophthalmic care after envenomation help prevent serious ocular sequelae. Moreover, superior outcomes were not achieved with the use of antivenom. Nonetheless, further studies are required to clarify the role antivenoms play in venom-spit ophthalmia.
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Uterine sarcomas (US) constitute a rare heterogeneous group of gynecological malignancies with aggressive characteristics and poor prognosis. Identifying the histopathological factors that determine the prognosis of the tumor and efficacy of various treatment modalities provides a reliable source for efficient treatment of affected patients. This study presents our 11-year experience with US in the south of Iran. ⋯ Although ESS had the best prognosis, MMMT was the most aggressive tumor with the shortest survival time. Histological type of the tumor, staging, tumor necrosis, and mitotic index had prognostic roles. Adjuvant radiotherapy resulted in a better survival, compared with surgery alone in early stage.
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The change in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels follows a paradox imposed by strenuous endurance exercise. Previous reports showed significant body weight (BW) loss was common in ultramarathon runners. This study investigated whether the BW change and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation contribute to exercise-induced NT-proBNP release. ⋯ The mechanism of NT-proBNP release immediately following the race was multifaceted. During the recovery phase, rehydration might lead to the decrease of NT-proBNP. Our observations with regard to aldosterone and NT-proBNP might be in response to help the body maintains hydration state.
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We previously confirmed the targeting of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) by miR-25. This project aims to further investigate whether miR-25 improves myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in vivo by targeting HMGB1. ⋯ MiR-25 mitigated myocardial IRI-induced damage by targeting HMGB1.