J Formos Med Assoc
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Previous studies have reported on changes in masticatory ability and patient satisfaction after restoration of missing second molars. However, there has been no evaluation of the masticatory ability and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients who did not replace their second molar. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the effects of the loss of a second molar on masticatory ability and OHRQoL. ⋯ Within the limitations of this study, a missing second molar could lead to diminished objective and subjective masticatory ability with poorer OHRQoL. In conclusion, replacement with a suitable implant prosthesis should be performed after the loss of a second molar.
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Diagnosis of Brugada syndrome (BrS) is based on type 1 morphology (coved type) in electrocardiograms from standard (4th) or higher (2nd or 3rd) intercostal spaces (ICSs). However, the clinical implications of being diagnosed only at higher ICSs remains poorly understood. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of higher ICS leads in the Taiwanese Brugada syndrome population and clarify if there is any difference in clinical presentation. ⋯ Using higher intercostal leads could significantly increase the diagnosis rate of BrS in the Taiwanese population, although it would not affect the clinical prognosis.
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Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with increased in-hospital and short-term hypoglycemia risk. However, the impact of non-recovery of renal function before discharge on hypoglycemia risk in AKI survivors after discharge have not been well studied. We aim to analyze the association between non-recovery of AKI and hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia crisis risk, to identify additional risk factors for hypoglycemia, and to examine the impact of AKI non-recovery on HbA1c variability. ⋯ Non-recovery AKI is associated with an increased risk of hypoglycemia, regardless of whether de novo CKD develops, and is linked to lower mean A1c level within two-years post-discharge. Identifying high-risk individuals for post-AKI hypoglycemia is vital for optimal patient care.
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Yunlin County, Taiwan, faces healthcare challenges given its super-aged population, limited medical accessibility, and a rise in chronic wounds. To address these issues, we introduced the "Fight Out to CARE" project, dispatching wound nurses to patients' locations to perform Cleansing, Avoidance, Removal, and Enhancement (CARE) under tele-supervision from a plastic surgeon. The program was conducted weekly in 2018 and twice monthly in 2019 for 53 weeks. ⋯ Pressure injuries (PIs) comprised 67% of all wounds, with 96% of PIs categorized as full-thickness (FTPIs), including Stage 3, Stage 4, and Unstageable. Overall, 174 wounds healed, with 43% of PIs and 41% of FTPIs healed; 37% of PIs healed within 12 weeks. This innovative approach improved accessibility to chronic wound care and demonstrates promising healing outcomes, providing a valuable reference for chronic wound care policy.