J Formos Med Assoc
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Comparative Study
Comparing image qualities of dental cone-beam computed tomography with different scanning parameters for detecting root canals.
Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a useful device in creating 3-dimensional images in the examining area of dentistry and is one of the most common clinical methods in detecting second mesiobuccal (MB2) canals in maxillary molars. The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the image quality of the small field of view (FOV) CBCT with different rotation arcs and scanning speeds in the use of detecting root canals. ⋯ Slow-speed mode is inevitable in maintaining adequate image quality during taking CBCT. However, endodontists can use the half rotation mode to significantly reduce radiation dose, exposure time, and still maintain sufficient image quality for root canal anatomy assessment.
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Genotype 2 (GT2) hepatitis C virus infection is the second common genotype in Taiwan. Real-world experience of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) for GT2 infection is limited. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of LDV/SOF in patients with GT2 chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection. ⋯ Twelve weeks of LDV/SOF treatment provided an excellent and safe regimen for GT2 CHC infection, particularly in non-cirrhotic patients.
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Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), a multidrug-resistant, difficult-to-treat pathogen of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), is now endemic at many intensive care units (ICUs). Chlorhexidine (CHG) bathing is a simple and highly effective intervention to decrease VRE acquisition, but its effect on VRE-HAIs has not been assessed in prospective studies at ICUs. ⋯ CHG bathing is a highly effective approach to prevent VRE-HAIs at ICUs, in the context of active VRE surveillance with contact isolation.
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Data on the efficacy and safety of balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) in Taiwanese patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) are lacking. In this study, we evaluated the effects of BPA on clinical parameters including hemodynamics, echocardiography and functional status in patients with inoperable CTEPH in Taiwan. ⋯ BPA improved both clinical symptoms and hemodynamic data in inoperable CTEPH Taiwanese patients without major periprocedural complications.
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De novo and early recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been observed in clinical practice after direct antiviral agents (DAA) treatment. The study aims to investigate the change of cytokines and growth factors after hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance by DAAs and their impact on the risk of HCC development. ⋯ This study showed only serum IP-10 level, a risk factor of HCC, was significantly declined after HCV clearance and no change in the markers of growth factors in HCV-related HCC patients, suggesting no promotion of HCC using DAA treatment for HCV-related HCC patients.