J Formos Med Assoc
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Appropriate storage of fecal samples is a critical step for the unbiased analysis of microbial communities in metagenomic studies. Rapid freezing at -80 °C is usually considered to be best practice, but this approach is challenging. DNA stabilizing kits may provide a more convenient method to preserve and store clinical samples. We evaluated the reliability of two collection kits (Stratec stool collection tube with stabilizer, #1038111200 and OMNIgene.GUT OMR-200) on preserving fecal microbiota. ⋯ Our study reveals that both Stratec and OMNIgene.GUT kits provide good microbiome preservation for up to 7 days in ambient temperature and would represent good options for fecal sample collection in large scale, population-based studies.
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Epidemiological findings showed the increased risk of allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma in the children with preceding atopic dermatitis (AD). In this study, we aimed to observe the development of allergic diseases in infantile AD patients. ⋯ The early-onset-early-resolving AD was not associated with allergic diseases development at age 3. The parental atopy history and early-onset-persistent AD might be the risk factors for development of allergic diseases at age 3.
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The choice of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) as first line treatment for selected early gastric cancer (EGC) patients was proved as effective as surgical treatment in studies over many countries. Yet there is no such cohort comparison in Taiwan. This study is aimed to describe our experience in ESD treated EGC and to compare the outcomes with those underwent surgical treatment. ⋯ ESD is a reasonable first line treatment in selected early gastric cancer in additional to surgery. Pre-treatment evaluation and post-ESD review of curability is crucial to further surveillance program or definite therapy including surgery.
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Post-stroke dysphagia is a frequent complication. Although most patients with dysphagia recover after the acute phase, some patients require long-term enteral feeding, either through a nasogastric (NG) or gastrostomy tube; the effectiveness of using either tube is still under debate. This study elucidated the natural course of NG tube installation and removal and examined the predictors and associating factors based on clinical and brain imaging data. ⋯ In Taiwan, the NG tube removal rate reached a plateau at around 12-16 weeks after stroke onset. Variables related to long-term NG tube use were divided into baseline characteristics of patient and stroke event severity.
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To investigate the cumulative postnatal risk of pediatric sudden death (SD) for each neonate and the temporal/regional differences which are still unclear. ⋯ This study provides the cumulative risk of SD (1 in 1694 newborns) by age 14 years. The time trend underlines the effect of medical advance and education on SD prevention. Distinct regional/ethnic differences in risks of SD and all-cause death in Taiwan and the US indicate the necessity of different strategies to diminish the disparity.