J Formos Med Assoc
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Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen is highly sensitive and specific in viremic HCV diagnosis. This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of HCV core antigen (HCVcAg) in community-based screening for active HCV infection. ⋯ Compared to the two-step process in community-based screening, continuous screening with the HCVcAg test as a one-step tool for active HCV infection was cost-effective in areas with low seroprevalence of HCV in Taiwan.
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The restoration longevity depends on a high dentin-composite bond quality. This study investigated learning outcomes when using etch-and-rinse and self-etch adhesives among general practitioners in a hands-on bonding test course. ⋯ Bonding performance is both operator- and product-dependent. The continuing education hands-on course does help dentists to improve the bond strength especially when the self-etch system is used.
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Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a worldwide health problem, leading to high morbidity and mortality, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered a risk factor for CKD. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and identify possible risk factors related to the NFS among Taiwanese subjects. ⋯ A higher NFS is associated with an impaired eGFR in Taiwanese subjects. Controlling risk factors, especially fasting sugar level and waist circumference, may be useful in preventing NFS deterioration, which is negatively correlated with the eGFR.
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Review Case Reports
Clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of a type 1 sialidosis patient with a novel deletion mutation in NEU1 gene.
Type 1 sialidosis is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease caused by Neuraminidase 1 (NEU1) gene mutations. We report a type 1 sialidosis patient with a novel deletion mutation in NEU1 and compared the phenotypes within different ethnicities. ⋯ Our findings suggest a distinct phenotype of infrequent cherry-red spots and abnormal evoked potentials in Asian patients with type 1 sialidosis.
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Although interferon (IFN)-based therapy has been shown to reduce hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development once patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection achieve sustained virologic response (SVR), IFN-based therapy is limited by its multiple adverse effects, non-oral administration, and unsatisfactory SVR rate. In recent years, IFN-free all-oral direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have replaced IFN-based therapy as the standard of care for HCV infection worldwide because of the higher SVR rate and lower incidence of adverse effects. ⋯ Since 2016, the risk of de novo occurrence or recurrence of HCC in hepatitis C patients receiving DAAs has been debatable because of a report addressing an unexpected high early tumor recurrence rate. To solve this important, interesting, yet controversial issue, we thus reviewed the latest and most relevant articles on this subject and proposed recommendations to manage such patients for healthcare providers.