J Formos Med Assoc
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The time required to reach oxygenation equilibrium after positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) adjustments in mechanically ventilated patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is unclear. We used electrical impedance tomography to elucidate gas distribution and factors related to oxygenation status following PEEP in patients with ARDS. ⋯ Late improvements in oxygenation following PEEP escalation are probably due to slow recruitment in ventilated ARDS patients. Electrical impedance tomography may be an appropriate tool to assess recruitment and oxygenation status in patients with changes in PEEP.
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Lung cancer screening using low-dose computed tomography (CT) has been reported to reduce lung cancer-specific mortality for smokers at high risk. However, despite different characteristics of lung cancer in Asia, there are few data concerning this specific population for screening. We aim to analyze the performance of lung cancer screening with low-dose CT concurrent with chest radiography in Taiwan, with reference to international experience. ⋯ Low-dose CT is effective to detect early lung cancers. Further establishment of selection criteria for lung cancer screening, specifically for Asian individuals, is definitely warranted.
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Comparative Study
Patients receiving comprehensive periodontal treatment have better clinical outcomes than patients receiving conventional periodontal treatment.
In Taiwan, more than 90% of people aged 35-44 years have periodontal disease. To reduce periodontal disease in Taiwanese people, the National Health Insurance (NHI) system included the comprehensive periodontal treatment project (CPTP) in 2010. The CPTP mainly emphasizes oral hygiene instruction, plaque control, and check-up compliance, with the goal of providing complete, continual, and high-quality periodontal care to patients. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the patients receiving comprehensive periodontal treatment had better clinical outcomes than those receiving conventional periodontal treatment. ⋯ We conclude that the patients receiving comprehensive periodontal treatment have better clinical outcomes than the patients receiving conventional periodontal treatment.
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Letter Case Reports
The first Clostridium difficile ribotype 027 strain isolated in Taiwan.