J Formos Med Assoc
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Oral verruciform xanthoma (VX) is an uncommon oral mucosal lesion. This retrospective study evaluated the clinical and histopathologic features of 15 oral VXs occurring in Taiwanese patients. ⋯ Oral VXs occur more frequently in the fifth decade of life. The more commonly affected site is the gingiva. The treatment of choice for oral VXs is surgical excision. The prognosis is excellent and recurrence was not seen in this study.
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To evaluate the effect of ulinastatin, a protease inhibitor, on survival and apoptosis in protease-positive Aeromonas hydrophilia (PPAH)-induced sepsis. ⋯ PPAH-induced sepsis has a high mortality that is related to lymphocyte apoptosis. Ulinastatin alone does not significantly reduce caspase 3-mediated lymphocyte apoptosis.
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There is some safety concern about transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) when it is used routinely during cardiac operations. The purpose of this investigation was to study the incidence of intraoperative TEE-associated complications in adult cardiac surgical patients. The study population comprised 6255 consecutive adult cardiac surgical patients with intraoperative TEE examinations. ⋯ Two patients experienced upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Seven patients experienced dental injuries, and TEE probe insertion failed in 10 patients. We conclude that intraoperative TEE-associated complications in cardiac operations is very low; the complication rate we found was comparable to previously reported values.
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Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a newly discovered respiratory pathogen. This prospective hospital-based study investigated the clinical role and features of hMPV in Taiwan. ⋯ Metapneumovirus circulates in children in northern Taiwan during spring and early summer. hMPV was the most common respiratory pathogen in children aged between 18 and 24 months hospitalized with acute respiratory tract infection. Real-time RT-PCR is a sensitive method for investigating the epidemiology and diseases associated with hMPV.
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Various alloplastic materials are used in orbital wall reconstruction. This study investigated the outcome of patients treated with porous polyethylene sheet implants in the reconstruction of orbital floor fracture. ⋯ The study demonstrated that porous polyethylene implants in the repair of orbital wall fractures had good results with few complications.