Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
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The pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza emerged in April 2009 and spread rapidly and broadly all over the world. In addition to specific antiviral agents, massive vaccination is thought to be the most effective way of controlling the transmission. To understand the prevaccination status of certain risk groups, this study compared the baseline sero-prevalence of antibodies to the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus among hospital staff with different contact risks and that of the general population. ⋯ The SPR of antibodies against the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus in the hospital staff was higher than that in the general population, reflecting a higher contact risk. Prevaccination surveillance of the immune status of different risk groups may help to prioritize which groups should be vaccinated first.
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Spirometry is a valuable technique for evaluating pulmonary function, but there were few normative reference values for young children in Taiwan, and none for the last 10 years. The objective of our study was to establish updated reference values and equations for children aged 6-11 years in northern Taiwan. ⋯ Our study determined the updated normative values and reference equations for Chinese children aged 6-11 years living in northern Taiwan. These values can be used as normative reference values to evaluate pulmonary function in diseased children with the same ethnicity and lifestyle.
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Infective endocarditis (IE) in intravenous drug users has been increasing in incidence. The major pathogen used to be methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, but resistant isolates have also been increasing. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of IE in intravenous drug users and to evaluate the molecular patterns of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) that cause IE in these drug users. ⋯ Our results suggest that coinfection with hepatitis C was common in intravenous drug users with IE, and that molecular patterns of MRSA isolates had high similarity. SCCmec type III, which is usually hospital-acquired, could have caused the community-associated MRSA endocarditis in our patients.
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Hemangiopericytoma (HPC) is a rare tumor of the central nervous system and is usually found intracranially. Intraspinal HPCs are very rare and mostly involve the extradural bony structures. Primary intradural HPC has only been reported in 10 cases, all of which occurred in the extramedullary region. ⋯ A comparative analysis between intradural and extradural HPCs showed a higher chance of gross-total resection for intradural HPCs, while the recurrence rates showed no difference. The role of adjuvant radiotherapy remains uncertain. Due to the high risk of recurrence and metastasis of HPCs, close follow-up for a long period is mandatory.
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Paraquat is a substance that is highly poisonous to humans. Oral ingestion is the most common pathway of poisoning. Intravenous paraquat poisoning is rare and is strongly associated with attempted suicide. ⋯ Nevertheless, he suffered from dyspnea at around 48 hours post-exposure. His condition improved transiently, but he eventually died from severe hypoxia. The findings from our case and those of previously reported cases indicate the grave prognosis and lack of effective management of intravenous paraquat poisoning.