Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The effect of statin treatment on glucose homeostasis in prediabetic individuals: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of rosuvastatin and pravastatin on glucose homeostasis and other biomarkers in individuals at high risk of developing diabetes. ⋯ Among prediabetic individuals with IFG, rosuvastatin treatment was associated with increased insulin resistance and decreased insulin sensitivity compared to pravastatin and control groups. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications of these findings.
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We evaluated the diagnostic ability of macula retinal nerve fiber layer (mRNFL) thickness in preperimetric glaucoma (PPG) patients. ⋯ The diagnostic ability of mRNFL thickness was comparable to that of the best measures of cpRNFL and GCL analysis for eyes with PPG. Therefore, mRNFL thickness could be a new parameter to detect early structural changes in PPG.
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Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) followed by MRI-targeted prostate biopsy is the current standard for diagnosing prostate cancer (PCa). However, studies evaluating the value of biomarkers, including prostate health index (PHI) and its derivatives using this method are limited. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of PHI density (PHID) in guiding MRI-targeted prostate biopsies to identify clinically significant PCas (csPCa). ⋯ PHI-derived biomarkers, including PHID, performed better than other PSA-derived biomarkers in diagnosing PCa in MRI-detected lesions.
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Ligamentous laxity, cartilage wear, and diffuse synovitis are frequently seen in thumb basal joint arthritis. Although these degenerative changes may be mild for the majority, they have the potential to cause discomfort during movement and compromised hand function. This study assesses the long-term outcomes of arthroscopic debridement, synovectomy, and thermal shrinkage in managing early-stage basal joint arthritis. ⋯ The study highlights the benefits of arthroscopic intervention, providing a minimally invasive approach with favorable long-term outcomes for patients with symptomatic basal joint arthritis.
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The shortage and distribution of nurses affect healthcare access in aging societies. Limited research has explored the nursing workforce in clinics, which is vital for healthcare delivery. This study aimed to investigate the shortage and distribution of nurses in clinics in Taiwan, considering geographical, institutional, and specialty variations. ⋯ Clinics in Taiwan showed nursing shortages and maldistribution, with 72.3% RCN and variations based on urbanization and specialty. These factors may be considered in nursing research conducted in other countries to inform future workforce planning.