Journal of the Formosan Medical Association最新文献

{"title":"Concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of the LAmbre device in patients with large LAA orifice diameter","authors":"Yuan Huang, Qiang Su, Huabin Su, Lihua Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.jfma.2024.07.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfma.2024.07.006","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":17305,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Formosan Medical Association","volume":"124 2","pages":"Pages 200-201"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141563627","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Guide for Authors","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S0929-6646(25)00025-7","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S0929-6646(25)00025-7","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":17305,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Formosan Medical Association","volume":"124 2","pages":"Pages e1-e8"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143093954","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on the collection and use of blood and blood components in Taiwan","authors":"Ling-I Hsu ,&nbsp;Jen-Wei Chen ,&nbsp;Sheng-Tang Wei ,&nbsp;Sheng-Mou Hou","doi":"10.1016/j.jfma.2024.03.017","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfma.2024.03.017","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted the supply and transfusion of blood components. This study aims to evaluate changes in blood collection and transfusions during the period following the nationwide Level 3 alert (May–July 2021).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We retrieved usage data for red blood cells (RBC) from the Taiwan National Health Insurance (NHI) database 2019–2021.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>During the Level 3 alert period, approximately 85% of COVID-19 cases (11,455/13,624) were in Taipei. In Taipei, blood collection declined by 26.34% and RBC transfusions decreased by 17.14% compared to pre-pandemic levels. RBC usage decreased across all service types, with a significant decrease observed in hematology/oncology by 15.62% (-483 patients, -2,425 units). In non-Taipei regions, blood collection declined by 12.54%, rebounding around one month earlier than in Taipei. The decline in RBC transfusions occurred one month later than in Taipei, with a much lower magnitude (4.57%). Strain on the blood supply occurred in May and June in both Taipei and non-Taipei regions. Among 7,532 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, approximately 6.9% patients required a total of 1,873 RBC transfusions. The rapid increase in COVID-19 inpatients did not significantly increase the burden of blood demands.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>During the Level 3 alert, the most significant decline in both RBC collection and transfusions was observed in Taipei. In non-Taipei regions, the decrease in RBC use was only marginal. Notably, there was a significant decrease in RBC use in hematology/oncology in Taipei. This study supports transfusion specialists in seeking efficient ways to address similar future challenges.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17305,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Formosan Medical Association","volume":"124 2","pages":"Pages 151-156"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140318587","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Revisiting the surgical table: An analysis of surgical dose-response in Asian exotropia","authors":"I-Wen Lai ,&nbsp;Li-Li Wu ,&nbsp;Yao-Lin Liu ,&nbsp;Tzu-Hsun Tsai","doi":"10.1016/j.jfma.2024.03.023","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfma.2024.03.023","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Previous research on the factors associated with surgical dose-response in strabismus surgery for exotropia has yielded inconsistent results. This study determined the factors influencing surgical dose-response in exotropia patients who underwent recession and resection (R&amp;R).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Exotropia patients who underwent unilateral R&amp;R at the National Taiwan University Hospital between 2006 and 2021 were evaluated. Deviation-angle differences in prism diopters (PD) were measured preoperatively and at 1 month postoperatively. Surgical dose-response (PD/mm) was defined as the difference in deviation angle (in PD) divided by the surgical dose in millimeters. Linear and non-linear regression models were used to evaluate the influence of variables including age, sex, axial length, and preoperative deviation on surgical dose-response.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Overall, 295 patients (162 children; 133 adults) were included. Average surgical dose-response in the pediatric and adult groups was 2.82 ± 0.60 PD/mm and 3.02 ± 0.62 PD/mm, respectively. Male sex was negatively correlated with surgical dose-response in children. The surgical dose-response was larger in adults with longer axial length (&gt;25.64 mm) and patients with larger preoperative deviation (&gt;42.6 PD and &gt;38.7 PD in pediatric and adult groups, respectively). Surgical dose-responses peaked at 35.1 years.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Age, axial length, and preoperative deviation have a nonlinear effect on surgical dose-responses in exotropia patients undergoing R&amp;R. Surgical dose-responses were larger in patients in young adulthood, with longer axial length and larger preoperative deviation angle. A table with fitted values for surgical dose-response based on age, axial length, and preoperative deviation was established for clinical reference.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17305,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Formosan Medical Association","volume":"124 2","pages":"Pages 164-170"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140850094","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical characteristics and outcomes of children with COVID-19 in pediatric intensive care units during the Omicron wave in Taiwan","authors":"Jeng-Hung Wu ,&nbsp;Ching-Chia Wang ,&nbsp;Frank Leigh Lu ,&nbsp;Shu-Chien Huang ,&nbsp;Ting-Yu Yen ,&nbsp;Chun-Yi Lu ,&nbsp;Luan-Yin Chang ,&nbsp;En-Ting Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.jfma.2024.07.025","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfma.2024.07.025","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Since April 2022, the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has caused a notable increase in pediatric COVID-19 cases in Taiwan. During the acute phase of infection, some children required admissions to pediatric intensive care units (PICU). This study aimed to analyze their clinical presentations and outcomes while exploring associated factors.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Medical records were retrospectively collected from patients with COVID-19 (aged &lt;18 years) admitted to our PICU from April 2022–March 2023. Early stage is defined as the period without adequate vaccination and treatment guidelines for children from April–June 2022, and the remaining months are referred to as late stage. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared between patients in early and late stages.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We enrolled 78 children with COVID-19, with a median length of stay (LOS) in PICU of 3 days and a 5% mortality rate. Patients admitted during the early stage had lower vaccination rates (7% vs. 50%), higher pediatric logistic organ dysfunction scores (2 vs. 0.1), and longer LOS in the PICU (6 vs. 2 days) than those admitted during the late stage. Multivariate analysis identified admission during the early stage as a risk factor for prolonged LOS (&gt;7 days) in the PICU (odds ratio: 3.65, <em>p</em> = 0.047).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Without available vaccinations and suitable treatment guidelines, children with COVID-19 tended to have more severe illness and prolonged LOS in the PICU. These observations highlight the importance of vaccinations and familiarity of medical providers with adequate management of this newly-emerging infectious disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17305,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Formosan Medical Association","volume":"124 2","pages":"Pages 133-138"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141906965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Emerging Norovirus GII.12 infection in 2010 in Northern Taiwan","authors":"Chi-Neu Tsai ,&nbsp;Yu-Chung Chang ,&nbsp;Hsun-Ching Chao ,&nbsp;Yi-Hsiang Hsu ,&nbsp;Yuan-Hung Wang ,&nbsp;Shih-Yen Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.jfma.2024.07.024","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfma.2024.07.024","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Norovirus (NoV) has been an emerging pathogen of enteric infections in the post-rotavirus vaccine era. GII.4 have played a major role in NoV infections while other genotypes were reported in sporadic outbreaks. In this study, we reported novel variant NoV GII.12 outbreaks in 2010, Taiwan with their genomic analysis and clinical manifestations compared to GII.4 infections.</div><div>There were 30.5% (29 out of 95 cases) with NoV infection. The most common genotype was GII.4 (22, 75.9%) followed by GII.12 (5, 17.2%) and GII.3 (2, 6.9%). Phylogenetic analysis showed that our GII.12 sequences were closely aligned with reference genomes identified in the United Kingdom and the United States of America. When compared to patients infected by GII.4 NoV, those with GII.12 infection experienced a lower frequency and shorter duration of diarrhea. Continued research is essential to unravel the intricate relationship between NoV genotypes and clinical outcomes, guiding public health interventions and therapeutic strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17305,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Formosan Medical Association","volume":"124 2","pages":"Pages 186-189"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142000246","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Relationships between muscle strength, lung function, and cognitive function in Chinese middle-aged and older adults: A study based on the China health and retirement longitudinal study (CHARLS)","authors":"Yixuan Ma ,&nbsp;Xinze Wu ,&nbsp;Yinjiao Zhao ,&nbsp;Weihao Hong ,&nbsp;Yisheng Luan ,&nbsp;Peiyu Song ,&nbsp;Bing Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.jfma.2024.04.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfma.2024.04.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>As the population ages, concerns about cognitive decline have become increasingly relevant in medical consultations. This study aims to analyze the interaction between muscle strength, lung function, and cognitive function in Chinese middle-aged and older adults, providing a theoretical basis for better prevention of cognitive decline.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) wave 3, including 13 716 participants aged 45 years or older. Cognitive function was assessed through two dimensions, resulting in a total score ranging from 0 to 31 points, with higher scores indicating better cognitive function. Muscle strength was measured using normalized grip strength and chair-standing time, while lung function was evaluated using peak expiratory flow (PEF).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Total cognitive function scores exhibited significant correlations with grip strength, chair-standing time, and PEF. Muscle strength and lung function demonstrated significant associations with cognitive function, with lung function emerging as a notable mediating factor. This relationship persisted even after adjusting for potential confounding variables. Specifically, PEF played a substantial mediating role in linking grip strength to cognitive function scores (estimated indirect effect = 0.0132, boot-strapped standard error = 0.0015, boot-strapped standard 95% confidence interval = 0.0104, 0.0162). Additionally, PEF served as a significant mediator in the association between chair-standing time and cognitive function scores (estimated indirect effect = −0.0204, boot-strapped standard error = 0.0023, boot-strapped standard 95% confidence interval = −0.0251, −0.0159).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study highlights the importance of addressing declines in muscle strength and lung function to identify risk factors associated with cognitive function. Understanding these relationships can provide insights into potential pathways linking these variables and may aid in better prevention of cognitive decline. Further long-term longitudinal cohort studies are needed to explore the causality between these factors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17305,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Formosan Medical Association","volume":"124 2","pages":"Pages 171-177"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140863456","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Concerns about methodology and findings in coffee and tea consumption and dementia research","authors":"Lihua Yang,&nbsp;Mei Liang,&nbsp;Yuan Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.jfma.2024.07.028","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfma.2024.07.028","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":17305,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Formosan Medical Association","volume":"124 2","pages":"Pages 194-195"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141860164","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Authorship statement","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S0929-6646(25)00027-0","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S0929-6646(25)00027-0","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":17305,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Formosan Medical Association","volume":"124 2","pages":"Pages e10-e11"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143093908","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevention and management of cytomegalovirus infection and disease in kidney transplant: A consensus statement of the Transplantation Society of Taiwan","authors":"Mu-Chi Chung ,&nbsp;Cheng-Hsu Chen ,&nbsp;Shen-Shin Chang ,&nbsp;Chih-Yuan Lee ,&nbsp;Ya-Chung Tian ,&nbsp;Mei-Yi Wu ,&nbsp;Hsu-Han Wang ,&nbsp;Chia-Cheng Yu ,&nbsp;Teng-Wei Chen ,&nbsp;Chien-Chang Kao ,&nbsp;Chih-Yang Hsu ,&nbsp;Yang-Jen Chiang ,&nbsp;Ming-Ju Wu ,&nbsp;Yen-Ta Chen ,&nbsp;Mai-Szu Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.jfma.2024.05.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jfma.2024.05.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Kidney transplant recipients have an increased risk of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease. A strategy for mitigating the risk of CMV infection in kidney transplant recipients has not yet been established in Taiwan. The Transplantation Society of Taiwan aimed to develop a consensus by expert opinion on the prevention and management of CMV infection. Based on the results of Consensus Conference, we suggested low-dose valganciclovir prophylaxis (450 mg once daily) for kidney transplant recipients. The prophylaxis duration was ≥6 months for high-risk (D+/R-) patients and 3 months for moderate-risk (R+) patients. Even for low-risk (D-/R-) patients, prophylaxis for at least 3 months is recommended because of the high seroprevalence of CMV in Taiwan. CMV prophylaxis was suggested after anti-thymocyte globulin treatment but not after methylprednisolone pulse therapy. Routine surveillance after prophylaxis, secondary prophylaxis after CMV disease treatment, and mTOR inhibitors for primary CMV prophylaxis were not recommended. Letermovir and marabavir are emerging CMV agents used for prophylaxis and refractory CMV disease. CMV immunoglobulins have been used to treat refractory CMV disease in Taiwan. We hope this consensus will help professionals manage patients with CMV in Taiwan to improve the quality of care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17305,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Formosan Medical Association","volume":"124 2","pages":"Pages 104-111"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141081674","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}