J Formos Med Assoc
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Patients who have symptoms of sicca, such as dry eyes and mouth, may have Sjögren's syndrome (SS). However, the conservative culture makes patients hesitate to undergo an invasive biopsy, which contributes to the difficulty of confirming a diagnosis. We aimed to identify the characteristics of patients with sicca symptoms to develop a better predictive value for each item included in the three different diagnostic criteria for SS and clarify the best diagnostic tools for the local population. ⋯ Our results indicate the cut-off point for defining a positive test result in the Schirmer's test is worth modified to <10 mm/5 minutes in either eye.
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The aims of the study were to examine the role of mental health in peoples' attitude toward same-sex marriage in Taiwan, as well as the moderating effects of gender, age, and sexual orientation on the association between mental health and attitude toward same-sex marriage. ⋯ Our findings suggest that poor mental health was significantly associated with opposition to same-sex marriage. This relationship is more pronounced among older and heterosexual people.
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To analyze the outcomes of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) in terms of different clinical presentations in a tertiary hospital in Taiwan over a 20- year period. ⋯ Even in advanced cases with ring infiltrate, eradication of infection with anti-amoebic drugs is possible. In those requiring keratoplasty, the surgical timing should be made meticulously considering graft size and signs of dilated pupil/iris atrophy in terms of post-operative glaucoma.
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Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is a rare but fatal cause of pulmonary hypertension reported to be linked to mutations of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 4 (EIF2AK4), also known as general control nonderepressible 2 kinase (GCN2). PVOD is difficult to diagnose and often initially misdiagnosed as other types of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). To rapidly and correctly identify PVOD patients and explore the possible pathogenesis, we thoroughly investigated histopathological features and GCN2 protein levels in non-PAH, PVOD and PAH patients. ⋯ Our study is the first to show remarkable histological structures, including the wreath-like arrangement of a hyperplastic muscle bundle in the adventitia of pulmonary arteries, in PVOD patients as a diagnostic clue and to disclose the biological difference between PAH and PVOD in a Taiwanese population.
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Double-lumen endotracheal tubes and bronchial blockers are the two lung separation devices most commonly used for lung resection. The preference and outcomes of choosing different lung separation devices have not been discussed in the literature. ⋯ The use of bronchial blockers is increasing as the experience of anaesthesiologists increases. Although double-lumen endotracheal tubes remain the principal choice for lung separation in Taiwan, clinical outcomes of the bronchial blocker group were not inferior to those of the double-lumen endotracheal tube group.