J Formos Med Assoc
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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been linked to pediatric asthma patients treated with montelukast. This study is the first to use a nationwide health insurance research database (NHIRD) to study whether asthmatic children using montelukast are at an increased risk of ADHD. ⋯ This nationwide population-based cohort study reveals that asthma children treated with montelukast were not at an increased risk of developing ADHD. Nevertheless, validation of our retrospective survey requires further prospective study.
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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become severe threats to economic, societal, and healthcare systems. To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of the COVID-19 outbreak in Taiwan and evaluate the key interventions, we conducted a retrospective cohort study during January 17-June 30, 2020. ⋯ Travel restrictions with quarantine, resulting in fewer clusters, were also complementary to minimize disease spread. Under combined interventions, Taiwan successfully contained the COVID-19 spread within the country and minimized its impact on the society.
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Observational Study
An observational study on prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection and outcome of 3HP treatment in patients under hemodialysis in Taiwan.
Identification and treatment for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) are of great epidemiological importance of controlling tuberculosis (TB) worldwide. Identification in high-risk population on dialysis and treatment with 12-week weekly rifapentine plus isoniazid (3HP) help improve prevention outcomes effectively. ⋯ Risk factors for LTBI in dialysis patients were identified to prioritize LTBI screening and initiate early treatment. The completion rate in dialysis patients were approximately 2 of 3 patients with mild adverse drug reaction, leading to discontinuation of the treatment.
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There are few studies demonstrating how the effectiveness of various extents of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) before and after vaccination periods. The study aimed to demonstrate such an effectiveness in the alteration of the epidemic curves from theory to practice. ⋯ We demonstrated how various NPIs stamp out and delay the epidemic curve of COVID-19. The optimal implementation of these NPIs has to be planned before wide vaccine uptake worldwide.
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Global burden of COVID-19 has not been well studied, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and value of statistical life (VSL) metrics were therefore proposed to quantify its impacts on health and economic loss globally. ⋯ Global burden of COVID-19 pandemic resulted in substantial health and value of life loss particularly in developed economies. Classifications of such health and economic loss is informative to early preparation of adequate resource to reduce impacts.