J Formos Med Assoc
-
To investigate the surface characteristics of titanium (Ti) implant materials, which were coated with different thicknesses of nanoscale tin oxide (SnO2) using the atomic layer deposition technique, and evaluated its biological performance on human embryonic palatal mesenchyme (HEPM) cells. ⋯ The results showed that the cell growth was intensified with rough surfaces. However, the OCN and morphology change was prominent when the nanoroughness was increased, which meant the increased nanoroughness might enhance OCN production and improve the tendency of osseointegration. The nanoscale SnO2 coating could increase the ability of bone formation but not cell growth.
-
Practice Guideline
TASL, TADE, and DAROC consensus for the screening and management of hepatitis C in patients with diabetes.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are prevalent diseases globally and emerging evidence demonstrates the bidirectional association between the two diseases. Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for HCV have a high treatment success rate and can significantly reduce the risks of short and long-term complications of HCV infection. ⋯ Thus, the three major Taiwan medical associations of diabetes and liver diseases endorsed a total of 14 experts in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, diabetology, and epidemiology to convene and formulate a consensus statement on HCV screening and management among patients with diabetes. Based on recent studies and guidelines as well as from real-world clinical experiences, the Taiwan experts reached a consensus that provides a straightforward approach to HCV screening, treatment, and monitoring of patients with diabetes.
-
There is a lack of published research on the impact of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan. We investigated the mortality risk factors among critically ill patients with COVID-19 in Taiwan during the initial wave. Furthermore, we aim to develop a novel AI mortality prediction model using chest X-ray (CXR) alone. ⋯ The mortality rate of COVID-19 patients who receive invasive mechanical ventilation was high. Septic shock and high BRIXIA score were clinical predictors of mortality. The novel AI mortality prediction model using CXR alone exhibited a high performance.
-
The Sarcopenia Quality of Life (SarQoL) questionnaire has been translated into various languages. This study validated the Taiwanese version of the SarQoL (SarQoL-TW) questionnaire. ⋯ The SarQoL-TW questionnaire is a reliable and valid questionnaire, useful for assessing quality of life in older adults with sarcopenia in clinical practice and research.