J Formos Med Assoc
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This study measured the acceleration magnitude using a dummy model filled with various air-material ratios to elucidate the mechanism of resonance effect on ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP). ⋯ The mechanism for eliciting oVEMP is via the first-order bone vibration coupled with the second-order resonance effect. Both percentage of air volume (i.e. frontal sinus) and density of filling media (i.e. skull property) may contribute to the resonance effect, which then increases the acceleration magnitude so as to enhance the elicitation of oVEMP.
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The unpredictable condition of cracked teeth warrants further investigation and clinical experiences. The purpose of this study was to collect and record data on demographics, clinical characteristics, different treatment modalities and survival of cracked teeth at 6-month, 1-year and 2-year recalls. ⋯ The absence of pre-operative palpation discomfort, spontaneous pain and minimal mobility, as well as the presence of pulp vitality were associated with higher survival rates of cracked teeth at all recall times. Results are useful for diagnosis and outcomes-based treatment planning of cracked teeth.
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Observational Study
Identification and management of contraindicated drug-drug interactions through pharmaceutical care programs: Experience in direct-acting antivirals therapy.
To investigate the impact of pharmaceutical care programs for the management of contraindicated drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) therapy. ⋯ The implementation of pharmaceutical care programs in DAA therapy provides a favorable outcome and substantial cost avoidance.
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Dental pulp fibroblasts can protect dental pulp from microbial invasion. However, little is known about the interaction between pulp fibroblasts and the immune cells. In this study, the production of proinflammatory cytokines related to inflammatory cell recruitment was evaluated in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-stimulated human dental pulp fibroblasts (HDPFs). The role of TNF-α-stimulated HDPFs in the cell fusion under inflammatory process was determined with the cell co-culture with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). ⋯ Our results indicate that under the stimulation of TNF-α, HDPFs may amplify inflammatory response by cytokines production, which in turn can modulate the differentiation of immune cells.
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Risk factors associated with longer stays in cardiovascular surgical intensive care unit after CABG.
Monitoring ICU length of stay (LOS) after CABG and examining its risk factors can guide initiatives on the improvement of care. But few have evaluated this issue to include personal and clinical factors, and demands of ICU care. This study applied Donabedian model to identify risk factors for longer ICU stays after CABG. Lifestyle, clinical factors during and after CABG, TISS were viewed as structure factors, and infection and organ failures during ICU did as process factors. ⋯ Further quality improvement initiatives to shorten ICU stay after CABG may include the promotion of a smoking cessation program in clinical practice, and better management of the manpower allocation, infection control and renal failure.