J Formos Med Assoc
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Both prone positioning and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are used as rescue therapies for severe hypoxemia in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This study compared outcomes between patients with severe influenza pneumonia-related ARDS who received prone positioning and those who received ECMO. ⋯ While the patients receiving prone positioning had better outcome, the causality between prone positioning and the prognosis is unknown. However, the current data suggested that patients with influenza-related ARDS may receive prone positioning before ECMO support.
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Unresectable anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) has a poor prognosis. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy have limited effects on it. Here, we present four cases who underwent immunotherapy for ATC. ⋯ The patient subsequently received dabrafenib (a BRAF inhibitor) and trametinib (a MEK inhibitor) treatment, which was continued for 10.2 months with a best response of partial remission. She died 18 months after the initial diagnosis (11.4 months after treatment with dabrafenib and trametinib). In conclusion, the treatment responses of immunotherapy, either alone or in combination with other therapies, were highly variable in patients with ATC and should be carefully monitored along with the side effects.
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This study aimed to explore the anatomical and physiological characteristics of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) symptoms, such as hoarseness, throat clearing, throat pain, globus, and chronic cough, with the novel high-resolution impedance manometry (HRIM). ⋯ Our study suggests that esophageal structural factors and LES IRP-4s may contribute to the occurrence of LPR symptoms. Patients with moderate LPR symptoms were more likely to present with failed peristalsis.
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Antiplatelet therapy is the cornerstone for acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of P2Y12 receptor inhibitor plus aspirin versus aspirin alone treated within 24 h after acute noncardioembolic ischemic stroke or TIA. ⋯ CRD42020203730.
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The recent advance in treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has significantly improved the prognosis of RA patients. However, these novel therapies do not work well for all RA patients. The unmet need suggests that the current understanding about how inflammatory response arises and progresses in RA is limited. ⋯ Moreover, in-depth analysis of tissue microenvironment will allow us to identify potential therapeutic targets. Research is now undertaken to explore potential candidates, both cellular and ECM molecules, to develop novel therapies. This article reviews recent advances in knowledge about how changes in cellular and ECM factors within the tissue microenvironment result in propagation of chronic inflammation in RA.