Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
-
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have a great potential for application in patient-specific therapy. The reprogramming method that does not involve c-Myc reduces tumorigenic risk, but also largely reduces the efficiency of generation of iPSCs, especially for those reprogrammed from damaged cells. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (Parp1) catalyzes a reaction of poly(ADP-ribosylation) and has been reported to enhance cell reprogramming. ⋯ In conclusion, we demonstrated that Parp1 promoted reprogramming process to generate the high quality of iPSCs, which could be used as a high quality source of hepatocytes.
-
There are varying perceptions about professionalism and academic integrity, both being influenced by regional, cultural, contextual and religious factors worldwide. Very few studies have compared the variations in understanding about academic integrity among medical faculty and students. This study explored the existing understanding of academic integrity in a Saudi and a UK medical school. ⋯ This study identified some congruence as well as some significant dissimilarities in the sanctions for academic dishonesty. These data can be utilized for standard setting of professionalism that will facilitate the migration of International Medical Graduates by promoting their fitness to practise, especially probity and honesty, as defined by the General Medical Council of UK.
-
Comparative Study
Comparing the reliability and accuracy of clinical measurements using plaster model and the digital model system based on crowding severity.
This study aims to clarify whether 3Shape™ digital model system could be applied in orthodontic diagnostic analysis with certainty, especially under different crowding condition. Reliability, accuracy and efficiency of 3Shape™ digital model system were assessed by comparing them with traditional plaster cast. ⋯ Using 3Shape™ digital model system instead of plaster casts for orthodontic diagnostic measurements is clinically acceptable.
-
A real world cost effectiveness analysis of interferon-based therapy for HCV naïve super-responders.
A direct-acting antiviral (DAA) era in hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment is fast approaching; unfortunately, the availability and affordability of DAAs in Asia-Pacific areas vary, making it difficult to develop universal HCV practice guidelines appropriate for the all Asian populations. This study aimed to evaluate the real-world cost-effectiveness of IFN-based therapy according to the current strategies with PegIFN/RBV for "easy-to-treat" to provide a reference for application of future DAA development for IFN-eligible, treatment naïve HCV patients. ⋯ For a naïve patient in the new DAA era, the PegIFN/RBV treatment might be conserved for those with all favorable risk parameters, considering the treatment duration and cost per SVR, in the resource-constrained countries.
-
Recent studies suggested that the gray-white matter ratio (GWR) determined from brain computed tomography (CT) scans may be a reliable predictor of poor neurological outcomes. The aim of study was to evaluate the association between the GWR and the outcomes in adult comatose cardiac arrest (CA) survivors in Chinese. ⋯ Low GWRs which were obtained from brain CT scans in comatose CA patients after restoration of spontaneous circulation were associated with poor neurological outcomes. GWR from brain CT can be a useful parameter for prognostic prediction aiding to an optimal clinical decision process in comatose CA survivors.