J Formos Med Assoc
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To assess the relationship between gene expressions of the magnesium transporters and glucose parameters in pregnant women. ⋯ The increased maternal expression of the magnesium transporter TRPM7 may be associated with decreased glucose tolerance in pregnant women. In particular, the association between TRPM7 and 1-h post-load glucose levels was found to be independent of the effects of age and BMI. Future studies are needed to determine whether a mechanistic relationship can be demonstrated between TRPM7 and glucose metabolism.
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Practice Guideline
Taiwanese dermatological association consensus for the definition, classification, diagnosis, and management of urticaria: A 2021 update.
Urticaria is a prevalent disease with substantial physical, psychological, and economic impacts. With the advent of understandings of the disease and the emerging evidence of treatments, the international guidelines for treating urticaria have been updated in recent years. In order to update the 2014 edition of the Taiwanese Dermatological Association (TDA) consensus of urticaria, a total of 17 dermatologists with extensive experience in urticaria management were invited to and attended the TDA consensus meetings. ⋯ The approved-dosed, the up-dosed second-generation antihistamines, omalizumab, and cyclosporine were listed as the first-line to the fourth-line treatment, respectively. In addition, the management for patients of special considerations, such as the elderly, children, and pregnant women, were all discussed and mentioned in the consensus. We hope the updated TDA consensus can serve as a reference for all physicians and can help the physicians providing up-to-dated managements for these patients.
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Orthostatic myoclonus (OM) is myoclonic jerks in both legs during standing. It may relate to gait unsteadiness and may be associated with various diagnoses, including neurodegenerative, systemic, and musculoskeletal diseases. Diagnosis is based on the surface electromyography (SEMG). ⋯ OM is a syndrome instead of a diagnosis. It is more prevalent in the elderly with gait disturbance and patients will not necessarily fall. It is associated with central and peripheral nerve system disorders, systemic diseases, and medication use. We hypothesize that OM is a pathological disintegration of motor circuit.
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Adequate decompression is the primary goal during surgical management of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Therefore, it may seem counterintuitive to use minimally-invasive strategies to treat these patients. However, recent studies show that endoscopic-assisted minimally-invasive neurosurgery (MIN) can provide both adequate decompression (which is critical for preserving viable brain tissue) and maximize neurological recovery for patients with TBI. Hence, we reviewed the pertinent literature and shared our experiences on the use of MIN. ⋯ Endoscopic-assisted MIN in TBI is safe and effective in a carefully selected group of patients.
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Gastroparesis is a common but easily overlooked disease. Gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) is one of the third-space endoscopy techniques to treat gastroparesis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of G-POEM for patients with refractory gastroparesis. ⋯ G-POEM is an efficient and safe pylorus-directed endoscopic therapy for refractory gastroparesis with promising results.