J Formos Med Assoc
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Observational Study
Clinical outcomes and prognostic factors for prolonged mechanical ventilation in patients with acute stroke and brain trauma.
Neurological dysfunction is a common condition necessitating prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV). We investigated the clinical features and outcomes of patients with acute neurological diseases requiring PMV. ⋯ Reduced RCC GCS score is an independent prognostic factor for weaning failure, and is associated with increased in-hospital mortality rates in patients with acute stroke and brain trauma requiring PMV.
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To the best of our knowledge, no studies have examined longitudinal changes in the accessibility of suicide-related content on Chinese-language websites. We investigated changes between 2016 and 2019 in suicide-related materials likely to be accessed by individuals through websites in Taiwan. ⋯ Harmful suicide-related information circulating on websites remained easily accessible to internet users in Taiwan, particularly through user-generated and news websites. Proper site moderation and implementation of online suicide reporting guidelines are still warranted.
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Esophageal acid burden in reflux patients with normal endoscopy: Does esophageal peristalsis matter?
A majority of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have normal endoscopy. We aimed to investigate whether esophageal primary and secondary peristalsis influence esophageal reflux parameters in patients with normal endoscopy. ⋯ In the setting of normal endoscopy, acid reflux burden is more profound in patients with absent primary peristalsis, as well as in patients lacking a secondary peristaltic response to esophageal air distension.
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The frontier of onco-nephrology, particularly renal complications of cancer and treatment, remains unexplored. We revisit the fundamental tool of diagnosing kidney disease, renal biopsy, in cancer patients with renal manifestation. ⋯ Renal biopsy may improve diagnostic accuracy and assist in treatment guidance of cancer patients with renal manifestation. Renal biopsy should be encouraged with clinical indication. Collaboration between oncologists and nephrologists is of paramount importance to provide more comprehensive care for caner patients.
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Major trauma has been one of the leading causes of morbidity, mortality, and functional disability, resulting in substantial societal burden. The aim of this study was to estimate the trends in burden of adult major trauma in Taiwan during 2003-2015. ⋯ There is a consistently increasing trend in incidence and mortality of major trauma in Taiwan, especially among elderly people. For Taiwan, an aged society beginning since 2018, the challenge should be tackled more effectively in the coming decades.