J Formos Med Assoc
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Predictors of mortality in blunt chest trauma patients have mostly been studied by univariate analysis. This study used multivariate analysis to identify the independent predictors in these patients admitted to a surgical intensive care unit (SICU). ⋯ Blunt chest trauma was usually associated with injuries of other organ systems, especially of the abdomen and head. Besides a decreased PaO2/FIO2, a lower GCS and a presence of shock were also independent prognostic predictors of mortality for these patients admitted to the ICU.
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Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) are X-linked recessive disorders caused by mutations in the DMD gene. We intended to determine the distribution of DMD gene deletions and duplications in local Taiwanese male patients and potential female carriers. ⋯ MLPA was proven to be a powerful tool for the detection of DMD gene deletions and duplications in male patients and female carriers. There was a relatively lower frequency of deletion and a higher frequency of duplication of DMD gene in this population compared to previous reports.
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Controlled Clinical Trial
Treatment effects of occipitomental anchorage appliance of maxillary protraction combined with chincup traction in children with Class III malocclusion.
Little information related to the treatment effects of the occipitomental anchorage (OMA) appliance of maxillary (Mx) protraction combined with chincup traction is available. The aim of this study was to investigate the treatment effects of the OMA orthopedic appliance on patients with Class III malocclusion. ⋯ Our results suggest that the OMA orthopedic appliance can correct the mesial jaw relationship and negative incisal over jet. This appliance is effective for correcting skeletal Class III malocclusion with both midface deficiency and Mn prognathism in growing children.
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Insulinoma in a patient with pre-existing diabetes is extremely rare. A 74-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus who had been treated with a sulfonylurea for 6 years began experiencing frequent episodes of hypoglycemia. Endogenous hyperinsulinism was found 9 months after the sulfonylurea was discontinued, and transabdominal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging identified a pancreatic tumor. ⋯ Thereafter, she required insulin to control her hyperglycemia. Although hypoglycemic agents are the commonest cause of hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes, insulinomas may occur in these patients. This possibility should be considered if the hypoglycemia persists despite dose adjustment or cessation of the drugs.
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Elevation of C-reactive protein (CRP) level is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events. The 1059 G>C polymorphism in exon 2 of the CRP gene has been shown to affect plasma concentration of CRP. We want to elucidate the effect of this polymorphism on the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) among the Chinese population in Taiwan. ⋯ Our data suggest that human CRP gene 1059 G>C polymorphism is associated with plasma CRP concentration among Chinese in Taiwan receiving coronary angiography.