J Formos Med Assoc
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This study aimed to compare our experiences of nonintubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for pneumothorax and lung tumor resections with that of intubated VATS in pediatric patients. ⋯ Nonintubated VATS is feasible and safe in selected children undergoing bullectomy or wedge resections for lung tumors. The nonintubated approach might enhance postoperative recovery.
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Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is worldwide strategy for colorectal cancer screening. The subjects with negative FIT still have the risk of an advanced colorectal neoplasia (AN), including adenoma with villous histology, high grade dysplasia or larger than 1 cm in size, or adenocarcinoma. The study determined the risk factors associated with AN in FIT-negative subjects. ⋯ For the cases with negative FIT, colonoscopy screening should be considered for those male patients over 50 years old, with a history of smoking and metabolic syndrome to detect AN.
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While nocturia has been proposed to be related to various systemic diseases and even mortality, there has been little information of the impact of nocturia in other aspects of physical and mental well-being. We evaluated the impact of nocturia on quality of life (QoL), mental health, work limitation, and health-care seeking behavior. ⋯ Nocturia significantly affects QoL, work productivity, and mental well-being. However, healthcare utilization remains low and warrants increased awareness and education in the patients, caregivers and physicians.
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Evidence for optimizing the first-line chemotherapy for patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) is lacking. This study assessed the utilization patterns of chemotherapy and associated survival outcomes in de novo mTNBC patients. ⋯ Generally, single-agent and combination chemotherapies yielded comparable survival outcomes as the first-line treatment for de novo mTNBC. Younger patients may benefit more from combination regimens, in terms of better survival outcomes. Single-agent chemotherapy may be preferable as the first-line choice for elderly patients who are vulnerable to the toxicity of multiple chemotherapy agents.
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Voice therapy is frequently recommended as the first-line treatment for benign voice disorders. This study investigated the clinical effectiveness of voice therapy and the prognostic factors of treatment outcomes. ⋯ Voice therapy is effective for patients with vocal nodules, polyps, and MTD. Adherence to voice therapy and occupational vocal demand are significant prognostic factors for treatment outcomes.