J Formos Med Assoc
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As the population ages, concerns about cognitive decline have become increasingly relevant in medical consultations. This study aims to analyze the interaction between muscle strength, lung function, and cognitive function in Chinese middle-aged and older adults, providing a theoretical basis for better prevention of cognitive decline. ⋯ The study highlights the importance of addressing declines in muscle strength and lung function to identify risk factors associated with cognitive function. Understanding these relationships can provide insights into potential pathways linking these variables and may aid in better prevention of cognitive decline. Further long-term longitudinal cohort studies are needed to explore the causality between these factors.
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Current adult cardiac surgery guidelines recommend against the routine use of prophylactic intravenous corticosteroids during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) due to concerns about myocardial injury, despite their potential to reduce postoperative atrial fibrillation. Traditionally, a high dose of 1,000 mg of methylprednisolone was used to attenuate the inflammatory response associated with CPB. Our institution aligned with guideline recommendations and gradually reduced methylprednisolone dosages; thus, we reevaluated the impact on postoperative clinical outcomes. ⋯ The data indicates that a reduction or discontinuation of steroids during CPB can be performed without compromising patient outcomes. This could support a transition towards a more conservative use of steroids in adult cardiac surgery, aligning with current guidelines, and potentially reducing certain postoperative complications.
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The factors impacting on Gleason score upgrading in prostate cancer with initial low Gleason scores.
This study aims to investigate the factors contributing to the discrepancy in between biopsy Gleason score (GS) and radical prostatectomy GS in patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. ⋯ Smaller PV and elevated PSAD are associated with increased risk of GS upgrading, whereas lead-time bias is not. A cut-off value of PV < 38 ml and PSAD > 0.26 ng/ml2 were further identified to be associated with pathological GS upgrading.
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Norovirus (NoV) has been an emerging pathogen of enteric infections in the post-rotavirus vaccine era. GII.4 have played a major role in NoV infections while other genotypes were reported in sporadic outbreaks. In this study, we reported novel variant NoV GII.12 outbreaks in 2010, Taiwan with their genomic analysis and clinical manifestations compared to GII.4 infections. ⋯ Phylogenetic analysis showed that our GII.12 sequences were closely aligned with reference genomes identified in the United Kingdom and the United States of America. When compared to patients infected by GII.4 NoV, those with GII.12 infection experienced a lower frequency and shorter duration of diarrhea. Continued research is essential to unravel the intricate relationship between NoV genotypes and clinical outcomes, guiding public health interventions and therapeutic strategies.
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Breast cancer treatments often have negative effects on fertility, which pose challenges among patients who want to be parents in the future. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of oocyte cryopreservation, embryo cryopreservation, and ovarian tissue cryopreservation in patients with breast cancer. ⋯ Fertility preservation in patients with breast cancer have promising reproductive outcomes, with embryo cryopreservation being particularly effective. Prompt counseling and individualized fertility preservation strategies are important for improving the likelihood of posttreatment pregnancy. Nevertheless, future research on the long-term psychological and emotional effects of different fertility preservation methods must be performed.