Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
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Clinical decision-making after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is partially based on hematopoietic chimerism analysis. Short tandem repeat (STR), the current gold standard for quantitative chimerism analysis, has limited sensitivity. Digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) combines precise quantification and high reproducibility with excellent sensitivity (usually ≤ 0.1%) in a wide measurement range. However, the reported dPCR-based chimerism detection methods were developed in non-Chinese cohorts and may not be applicable in a Chinese population. ⋯ Our new system has great repeatability and sensitivity, especially in detecting micro-chimerism and in dual donor samples. It is expected to show good applicability in Chinese transplant patients. Selecting dPCR/STR testing according to each individual's chimerism status facilitates sensitive and accurate analysis, effective early treatment interventions, and relapse monitoring in clinical settings.
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To investigate the association between air pollution and abnormal alanine aminotransferase levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with nucleotide/nucleoside analogs. ⋯ Higher concentrations of particulate matter ≤2.5 µm in diameter caused elevated baseline alanine aminotransferase levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B receiving nucleotide/nucleoside analog therapy. The impact of particulate matter ≤2.5 µm in diameter on abnormal alanine aminotransferase levels was particularly pronounced in patients without cirrhosis.
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Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols incorporating multimodal analgesia (MMA) have become increasingly popular for breast cancer surgery. Our study evaluated an ERAS approach that combined nonintubated general anesthesia with thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) as part of the MMA and compared it to traditional general anesthesia (GA). Postoperative outcomes were assessed using numerical rating scale (NRS) pain scores, total analgesic consumption, and nausea and vomiting (PONV). ⋯ Nonintubated general anesthesia with TIVA and MMA using TPVB is a viable and safe alternative for breast cancer surgery. It results in reduced pain scores and analgesic needs compared with conventional GA, with PONV outcomes comparable to those managed with standard intravenous medications.
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Pediatric drug intoxication is a significant public health issue worldwide. The present study aimed to delineate the epidemiology, exposure-related conditions, and outcome severity of pediatric drug intoxication cases in Taiwan for over a 36-year period. ⋯ This analysis of data obtained from Taiwan's National PCC database for over 36 years reveals bimodal trends in pediatric drug intoxication, showing high rates in young children due to unintentional exposures and peaks in intentional poisoning among adolescent girls. Pharmaceuticals were the predominant toxic agents. Future efforts should focus on age- and sex-targeted preventions, public education on medication safety, and age-specific interventions.
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The manufacturing industry, one of the largest employers of migrant workers in Taiwan, reports a high incidence of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly low back pain (LBP), among its workforce overall. Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of LBP among Indonesian migrant workers, who make up a substantial portion of this workforce, is essential for developing effective preventive programs. ⋯ Trunk flexion, lifting, and whole-body vibration consistently emerged as significant determinants of LBP disability. More detailed assessments of these factors are necessary to clarify their associations.