Effects of various aging modes on the optical properties of zirconia with different yttria concentrations in coffee and tea.

Background/purpose: The esthetic performance of dental zirconia may be affected by both material composition and environmental exposure. This study aimed to evaluate how different aging conditions-hydrothermal aging and thermal cycling-influenced the optical properties of dental zirconia containing varying yttria concentrations (3Y-TZP, 4Y-TZP, and 5Y-TZP) in coffee and tea.

Materials And Methods: A total of 120 zirconia specimens were prepared using three yttria concentrations.

A Retrospective Study on Biliary Cooling During Thermal Ablation of Central Liver Tumors in Taiwan.

Thermal ablation of centrally located liver tumors carries an increased risk of bile duct injury due to their proximity to the biliary tree. We aim to evaluate whether biliary cooling using a nasobiliary tube can effectively mitigate bile duct injury during the ablation process. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 322 patients who underwent thermal ablation at Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital from July 2020 to June 2023 and identified those who received prophylactic biliary cooling during thermal ablation for central liver tumors.

The Relationship Between TNF-α Inhibitor Potency and HBV Reactivation in Patients With Rheumatic Disorders.

Background: Rheumatologic patients who test positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or core antibody (HBcAb) are at risk of HBV reactivation when treated with TNF-α inhibitors. The effect of TNF-α inhibitor potency on this risk remains unclear, despite guidelines advising potency-based risk stratification. This study examines how TNF-α inhibitor potency influences the risk of HBV reactivation.

Assessment of the impact of power business intelligence on adenoma detection rate: a prospective observational trial.

Background: Adenoma detection rate (ADR) is a key quality indicator in colonoscopy, with low ADRs linked to higher risks of post-colonoscopy colorectal cancers. Feedback to endoscopists has been shown to improve ADRs; however, many feedback systems lack automation and real-time interactivity. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Power Business Intelligence (Power BI) on ADR enhancement.

Incidence of HBV Reactivation in Psoriasis Patients Undergoing Cytokine Inhibitor Therapy: A Single-Center Study and Systematic Review with a Meta-Analysis.

Background: Psoriasis patients who are seropositive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) face an elevated risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) when treated with cytokine inhibitors. This study aims to elucidate the risk in this population.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted to assess the risk of HBVr in 73 psoriasis patients treated with cytokine inhibitors from 2013 to 2023.

Comparative accuracy of CA-153 and KL-6 as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for interstitial lung disease.

Backgrounds: To discern the potential of KL-6 and CA-153 as diagnostic tools for interstitial lung disease (ILD), understand their relationship with GAP (Gender, Age, and Physiology) stage, and analyze their predictive capacities alongside CT features. This research aims to enhance ILD detection and management in autoimmune patients, emphasizing the diagnostic utility of these biomarkers.

Methods: From Mar 2017 to Mar 2024, 398 patients from Taichung Veterans General Hospital's Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology with autoimmune diseases were prospectively enrolled.

Statin-associated muscle symptoms: A comprehensive exploration of epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and clinical management strategies.

Statins are the first line of treatment for both primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Despite the positive effects of statins on cardiovascular events, not all patients can use them at an optimized dose. The reason for this is the skeletal muscle side effects, termed statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS).

A Real-Time Contact-Free Atrial Fibrillation Detection System for Mobile Devices.

As the global population ages, the death and prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) continue to rise, posing significant concerns due to its strong association with stroke-related disabilities. Detecting AF early before a stroke occurs has become paramount. However, existing methods face challenges in achieving quick, easy, and affordable detection in complex environments characterized by motion interference and varying light conditions.

Laboratory testing consolidation and total laboratory automation improves service efficiency and effectiveness: a study of a medical center in Taiwan.

Background: Test consolidation and total laboratory automation (TLA) were implemented in a core laboratory with a high volume of specimens in a medical center in Taiwan to reduce the costs of laboratory services and improve laboratory workflow and performance.

Methods: Using a retrospective research approach, 5 stat and 7 routine tests were used to analyze the in-laboratory to report turnaround time (IR-TAT). Mean, SD, medium, 90th percentile, outlier percentage of IR-TAT, full-time equivalents, productivity, tube touch moment (TTM), and financial impact were determined and compared pre- and post-TLA.

The impact of base design and restoration type on the resin consumption, trueness, and dimensional stability of dental casts additively manufactured from liquid crystal display 3D printers.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of two base types and three restoration designs on the resin consumption and trueness of the 3D-printed dental casts. Additionally, the study explored the dimensional stability of these 3D-printed dental casts after 1 year of storage.

Materials And Methods: Various types of reference dental casts were specifically designed to represent three types of dental restoration fabrications, including full-arch (FA), long-span (LS), and single-unit (SU) prostheses.

The Risk of Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Receiving Tocilizumab: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Tocilizumab has demonstrated optimal efficacy and safety in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from clinical trials. However, the risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) in these patients remains uncertain because patients with underlying HBV have been excluded in phase III studies.

Methods: Systematical reviews were conducted on PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to 21 February 2023.

Impact of Low Muscle Mass on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Liver-Directed Therapies: Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis.

Background And Aim: Transcatheter liver-directed intra-arterial therapies are mainstream treatment options for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the effect of low skeletal muscle mass (LSMM) on overall survival (OS) in these patients remains uncertain. We aimed to ascertain the prevalence and prognostic effect of LSMM in this population.

Associations between COVID-19 outcomes and asthmatic patients with inhaled corticosteroid.

The impact of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) in the interaction between asthma, COVID-19 and COVID-19 associated outcomes remain largely unknown. The objective of this study is to investigate the risk of COVID-19 and its related outcomes in patients with asthma using and not using inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). We used the TriNetX Network, a global federated network that comprises 55 healthcare organizations (HCO) in the United States, to conduct a retrospective cohort study.

Analytic and Clinical Validity of Myositis-Specific Antibodies by Line-Blot Immunoassay Is Essential.

Objectives: This study assessed the concordance between line blot (LB) and immunoprecipitation (IP) assays for detecting myositis-specific antibodies (MSAs) in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) and their association with IIM subtypes.

Methods: One hundred patients with IIM were enrolled, and MSA was detected using LB and IP. The IIM subtypes, including immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy-like, anti-tRNA synthetase syndrome-like, and clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis-like, were clinically diagnosed.

Comparative analysis of bonding strength between enamel and overlay of varying thicknesses following an aging test.

Abstract: Overlay restorations can be used clinically as a treatment option to preserve natural dentine. However, whether the residual enamel thickness and overlay thickness affect the adhesion between the restoration and tooth is still unknown. This study was to investigate effects of the overlay thickness and residual enamel thickness on bonding strength.

Tofacitinib and pirfenidone as rescue therapies for severe COVID-19 in a patient with previously stable interstitial lung disease associated with Sjögren syndrome.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to pulmonary fibrosis due to the inflammatory process in the lung, resulting in a series of respiratory consequences. Patients with underlying systemic diseases or pre-existing pulmonary diseases are particularly at risk of severe respiratory distress and persistent pulmonary abnormalities. Pirfenidone, a well-known anti-fibrotic agent recognized for its therapeutic effect on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, could be a feasible option in severe COVID-19 cases given the similar pathophysiological features shared with interstitial lung diseases.

Prevalence and Effect of Low Skeletal Muscle Mass among Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Undergoing Systemic Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Low skeletal muscle mass (LSMM) is associated with poor outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. With the emergence of new systemic therapeutics, understanding the effect of LSMM on HCC treatment outcomes is critically important. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the prevalence and effect of LSMM among HCC patients undergoing systemic therapy as reported in studies identified in searches of the PubMed and Embase databases published through 5 April 2023.