Exploring the diagnostic value of ultrasound radiomics for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) is a prevalent cause of respiratory failure and death among newborns, and prompt diagnosis is imperative. Historically, diagnosis of NRDS relied mostly on typical clinical manifestations, chest X-rays, and CT scans. However, recently, ultrasound has emerged as a valuable and preferred tool for aiding NRDS diagnosis. Nevertheless, evaluating lung ultrasound imagery necessitates rigorous training and may be subject to operator-dependent bias, limiting its widespread use. As a result, it is essential to investigate a new, reliable, and operator-independent diagnostic approach that does not require subjective factors or operator expertise. This article aims to explore the diagnostic potential of ultrasound-based radiomics in differentiating NRDS from other non-NRDS lung disease. METHODS: A total of 150 neonatal lung disease cases were consecutively collected from the department of neonatal intensive care unit of the Quanzhou Maternity and Children's Hospital, Fujian Province, from September 2021 to October 2022. Of these patients, 60 were diagnosed with NRDS, whereas 30 were diagnosed with neonatal pneumonia, meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), and transient tachypnea (TTN). Two ultrasound images with characteristic manifestations of each lung disease were acquired and divided into training (n = 120) and validation cohorts (n = 30) based on the examination date using an 8:2 ratio. The imaging texture features were extracted using PyRadiomics and, after the screening, machine learning models such as random forest (RF), logistic regression (LR), K-nearest neighbors (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), and multilayer perceptron (MLP) were developed to construct an imaging-based diagnostic model. The diagnostic efficacy of each model was analyzed. Lastly, we randomly selected 282 lung ultrasound images and evaluated the diagnostic efficacy disparities between the optimal model and doctors across differing levels of expertise. RESULTS: Twenty-two imaging-based features with the highest weights were selected to construct a predictive model for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. All models exhibited favorable diagnostic performances. Analysis of the Youden index demonstrated that the RF model had the highest score in both the training (0.99) and validation (0.90) cohorts. Additionally, the calibration curve indicated that the RF model had the best calibration (P = 0.98). When compared to the diagnostic performance of experienced and junior physicians, the RF model had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.99; however, the values for experienced and junior physicians were 0.98 and 0.85, respectively. The difference in diagnostic efficacy between the RF model and experienced physicians was not statistically significant (P = 0.24), whereas that between the RF model and junior physicians was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The RF model exhibited excellent diagnostic performance in the analysis of texture features based on ultrasound radiomics for diagnosing NRDS.

[Diagnosis and treatment of a child with alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins due to variant of FOXF1 gene].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the diagnosis, treatment and genetic characteristics of a neonate with severe pulmonary hypertension and respiratory failure. METHODS: Perinatal history, clinical manifestations, laboratory finding and diagnosis and treatment data of the child were collected. Whole exome sequencing was carried out for the child, and Sanger sequencing was used to verify the candidate variants. RESULTS: The female neonate has developed progressive respiratory failure and refractory pulmonary hypertension shortly after birth. Conventional treatment such as mechanical ventilation, vasoactive drugs, and inhaled nitric oxide were ineffective. She has developed sustained pulmonary hypertension after weaning from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy, and had died after the treatment had ceased. Whole exome sequencing revealed that she has harbored a heterozygous de novo variant of c.682_683insGCGGCGGC (p.G234Rfs*148) of the FOXF1 gene, which was predicted as pathogenic based on guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), with evidence items of PVS1_Strong+PM2_Supporting+PS2. Based on her clinical manifestations and result of genetic testing, the child was diagnosed with alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of the pulmonary veins (ACD/MPV). CONCLUSION: Discovery of the c.682_683insGCGGCGGC (p.G234 Rfs*148) variant of the FOXF1 gene has expanded the mutational spectrum of the FOXF1 gene, which has facilitated implementation of specific treatment and provided a basis for clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling.

Detection of a novel SETBP1 variant in a Chinese neonate with Schinzel-Giedion syndrome.

Schinzel-Giedion syndrome (SGS) is a multiple malformation syndrome characterized by typical facial features, severe neurodevelopmental delay, and multiple congenital abnormalities. SGS is associated with de novo pathogenic variants in the SETBP1 gene. In specific, SETBP1 variants in over 50 patients with classical or non-classical SGS were clustered within exon 4. A male Chinese neonate with dysmorphic facial features, nervous system disorders, and organ malformations at birth was examined in this study and long-term followed-up. Whole-exome sequencing was performed to identify any underlying pathogenic variants in the proband. Additionally, we reviewed the literature that documents the main clinical features and underlying variants of all patients genetically diagnosed with SGS. The neonate had a characteristic midface retraction, abnormal electroencephalogram waveforms, and genital abnormalities. The patient did not initially develop hydronephrosis or undergo a comprehensive skeletal assessment. Six months after birth, the patient had an epileptic seizure and experienced persistent neurodevelopmental delay with auditory and visual abnormalities. Color Doppler ultrasonography at 18 months revealed hydronephrosis and bilateral widening of the lateral ventricles. The patient died suddenly 20.5 months after birth. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a heterozygous de novo variant (c.2605A > G:p.S869G) in exon 4 degradation sequence in SETBP1. The reported de novo heterozygous variant in SETBP1 (c.2605A > G:p.S869G) broadens the knowledge of the scientific community's on the possible SGS genetic alterations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of SETBP1 variant (c.2605A > G:p.S869G) in SGS. The clinical manifestations of neonatal SGS are atypical, and genetic testing is crucial for diagnosis. Long-term follow-up should be conducted after diagnosis to optimize the therapeutic interventions.

Water inrush characteristics and hazard effects during the transition from open-pit to underground mining: a case study.

During the transition from open-pit to underground mining in iron ore mines, water inrush is a prominent problem for mine safety and production. In this paper, a comprehensive method that incorporates hydrochemical analysis and numerical simulation is proposed to analyse the characteristics of water inrush during the transition from open-pit to underground mining. The proposed method revealed the migration law of groundwater and analysed the source of mine water inrush in the Yanqianshan iron mine located in Liaoning province, China. The results show that the excavated mine roadway is the primary factor affecting groundwater migration and that the source of the mine water inrush is the groundwater in the aquifer around the mine roadway. Moreover, based on the results of the study, appropriate methods for prevention and treatment of mine water inrush were proposed. This approach provides a novel idea for the assessment of water inrush hazards and will serve as a valuable reference for analogous engineering cases.

Molecular identification, tissue distribution and functional analysis of somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) in red-spotted grouper (Epinephelus akaara).

In the present study, four full-length cDNAs of somatostatin receptor (sstr) were cloned from the forebrain and pituitary of red-spotted grouper. The four full-length cDNAs were designated 2292, 1522, 1873 and 1789 bp and identified as sstr1, sstr2, sstr3, and sstr5 by BLAST analysis; the corresponding sizes of the open reading frames (ORFs) were 1155, 1113, 1467 and 1503 bp, which encoding 384, 370, 488 and 500 aa, respectively. The four receptors have seven transmembrane structures and contain the YANSCANPI/VLY sequence, which is the conserved amino acid sequence of the SSTR family. A tissue distribution study showed that the four sstrs had different expression patterns, suggesting that they may play different roles in regulating different physiological processes. The four receptors mediate ERK1/2 phosphorylation by SS-14 in HEK293 cells, and SS-14 promotes ATK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in primary hepatocytes of red-spotted grouper. These results facilitate the study of SSTRs-mediated intracellular signaling pathways.

Characteristics of scrub typhus, murine typhus, and Q fever among elderly patients: Prolonged prothrombin time as a predictor for severity.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The clinical manifestations of scrub typhus, murine typhus and acute Q fever in the elderly are not clear. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study to identify the characteristics of the elderly aged ≥65 years with a comparison group aged 18-64 years among patients with scrub typhus, murine typhus, or acute Q fever who were serologically confirmed at three hospitals in Taiwan during 2002-2011. RESULTS: Among 441 cases, including 187 cases of scrub typhus, 166 acute Q fever, and 88 murine typhus, 68 (15.4%) cases were elderly patients. The elderly had a higher severe complication rate (10.3% vs. 3.5%, p = 0.022), but did not have a significantly higher mortality rate (1.47% vs. 0.54%, p = 0.396). Compared with those without severe complications, we found the elderly (p = 0.022), dyspnea (p = 0.006), less relative bradycardia (p = 0.004), less febrile illness (p = 0.004), prolonged prothrombin time (PT) (p = 0.002), higher levels of initial C-reactive protein (p = 0.039), blood leukocyte counts (p = 0.01), and lower platelet counts (p = 0.012) are significantly associated with severe complications. Only prolonged prothrombin time was associated with severe complications in multivariate analysis (p = 0.018, CI 95% 0.01-0.66). Among clinical symptoms and laboratory data, multivariate analysis revealed chills was less frequently occurred in the elderly (p = 0.012, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33-9.99). CONCLUSION: The elderly cases with scrub typhus, murine typhus, or acute Q fever would be more likely to have severe complications, for which prothrombin time prolongation is an important predictor for severe complications.

AIDS-related opportunistic illnesses and early initiation of HIV care remain critical in the contemporary HAART era: a retrospective cohort study in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: No study has reported the epidemiology of AIDS-related opportunistic illnesses (AOIs) in patients with newly diagnosed HIV infection in Taiwan in the past decade. Understanding the current trends in AOI-related morbidity/mortality is essential in improving patient care and optimizing current public health strategies to further reduce AOIs in Taiwan in the era of contemporary highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). METHODS: Eligible patients were evaluated at two referral centers between 2010 and 2015. The patients were stratified by date of diagnosis into three periods: 2010-2011, 2012-2013, and 2014-2015. The demographics, HIV stage at presentation according to the United States CDC 2014 case definition, laboratory variables, and the occurrence of AOIs and associated outcomes were compared among the patients. Logistic regression and Cox regression were respectively used to identify variables associated with the occurrence of AOIs within 90 days of HIV enrollment and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Over a mean observation period of 469 days, 1264 patients with newly diagnosed HIV with a mean age of 29 years and mean CD4 count of 275 cells/µL experienced 394 AOI episodes in 290 events. At presentation, 37.7% of the patients had AIDS; the frequency did not significantly differ across groups. The overall proportion of AOIs within the study period was 21.0%, and no decline across groups was observed. The majority of AOIs (91.7%) developed within 90 days of enrollment. All-cause and AOI-related mortality did not significantly differ across groups. Throughout the three study periods, AOIs remained the main cause of death (47/56, 83.9%), especially within 180 days of enrollment (40/42, 95.2%). A CD4 cell count of < 200 cells/µL at presentation was associated with increased adjusted odds of an AOI within 90 days [adjusted odds ratio, 40.84; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 12.59-132.49] and an elevated adjusted hazard of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 11.03; 95% CI, 1.51-80.64). CONCLUSIONS: Despite efforts toward HIV prevention and management, early HIV care in Taiwan continues to be critically affected by AOI-related morbidity and mortality in the era of contemporary HAART. Additional targeted interventions are required for the earlier diagnosis of patients with HIV.

The epidemiology, antibiograms and predictors of mortality among critically-ill patients with central line-associated bloodstream infections.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: For high risk of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in patients of intensive care units (ICUs) and scarcely epidemiology and therapeutic recommendations in Asia, we aimed to evaluate the annual change in epidemiology, antibiogram, and risk factors for 14-day mortality. METHODS: A retrospective study of ICUs patients with CLABSIs at a medical center in Taiwan (2010-2016), where central line care bundle implemented since 2014, by reviewing clinical data, pathogens, and the antibiogram. RESULTS: Gram-negative bacteria (59.3%) were main microorganisms of CLABSIs, and 9.0% of all GNB were MDROs. Acinetobacter spp., Enterobacter spp., and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were the most frequently isolated. In multivariate analysis, malignancy, inadequate empirical antimicrobial therapy, inadequate definite antimicrobial therapy, and infection by fungi or multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) were associated with 14-day mortality (all p < 0.05). The CLABSI incidence rate decreased from 5.54 to 2.18 per 1000 catheter-day (from 2014 to 2015) with improved compliance to care bundle. Carbapenem and aminoglycoside were suitable empirical drugs in the hospital setting when GNB is predominant for CLABSI. Significant decreasing susceptibility of ampicillin/sulbactam in Enterobacter spp. (36.7%-0.0%), and ampicillin/sulbactam (12.5%-0.0%), ceftazidime (100.0%-52.9%), and tigecycline (87.5%-35.3%) in Serratia marcescens. CONCLUSION: We identified Gram-negative bacteria as leading pathogens of CLABSIs in a Taiwan medical center, and good compliance to care bundle is associated with reduced CLABSI incidence rate. Malignancy, infection by MDROs or fungi, inadequate empirical or definite antimicrobial therapy are significant factors for 14-day mortality.

Identification of factors for physicians to facilitate early differential diagnosis of scrub typhus, murine typhus, and Q fever from dengue fever in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Dengue fever, rickettsial diseases, and Q fever are acute febrile illnesses with similar manifestations in tropical areas. Early differential diagnosis of scrub typhus, murine typhus, and Q fever from dengue fever may be made by understanding the distinguishing clinical characteristics and the significance of demographic and weather factors. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study to identify clinical, demographic, and meteorological characteristics of 454 dengue fever, 178 scrub typhus, 143 Q fever, and 81 murine typhus cases in three Taiwan hospitals. RESULTS: Case numbers of murine typhus and Q fever correlated significantly with temperature and rainfall; the scrub typhus case number was only significantly related with temperature. Neither temperature nor rainfall correlated with the case number of dengue fever. The rarity of dengue fever cases from January to June in Taiwan may be a helpful clue for diagnosis in the area. A male predominance was observed, as the male-to-female rate was 2.1 for murine typhus and 7.4 for Q fever. Multivariate analysis revealed the following six important factors for differentiating the rickettsial diseases and Q fever group from the dengue fever group: fever ≥8 days, alanine aminotransferase > aspartate aminotransferase, platelets >63,000/mL, C-reactive protein >31.9 mg/L, absence of bone pain, and absence of a bleeding syndrome. CONCLUSION: Understanding the rarity of dengue in the first half of a year in Taiwan and the six differentiating factors may help facilitate the early differential diagnosis of rickettsial diseases and Q fever from dengue fever, permitting early antibiotic treatment.

Hepatitis D virus infections among injecting drug users with and without human immunodeficiency virus infection in Taiwan.

In Taiwan, injecting drug use has been the main route of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission since 2005, with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV) also having similar transmission routes. This has now become an important public health issue. The aim of this study is to explore the conditions of HDV infections between injecting drug users (IDUs) with and without HIV infection in Southern Taiwan. In this study, 87 IDUs were enrolled, including 27 anti-HDV seronegative IDUs and 60 anti-HDV seropositive IDUs, and the results of their liver function tests, CD4 cell counts, and anti-HIV and HIV RNA levels were analyzed. The prevalence of anti-HDV seropositivity among hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seropositive IDUs in this study was 68.9% (60/87). The prevalence rate of anti-HDV seropositive IDUs among anti-HIV seronegative and anti-HIV seropositive cases was 40.0% (12/30) and 84.2% (48/57), respectively. Anti-HIV seropositivity was related to anti-HDV seropositivity (odds ratio = 9.34, 95% confidence interval = 2.67-31.59, p < 0.001). Among IDUs with HIV infection, there was no significant difference in CD4 cell counts and HIV RNA viral load between HBsAg-positive patients with anti-HDV seronegativity and those with anti-HDV seropositivity. In conclusion, the prevalence of HDV infection among IDUs is higher among IDUs with HIV infection. Because anti-HIV seropositivity is significantly related to anti-HDV seropositivity, HDV infection among IDUs is still important. We suggest that for IDUs, HBsAg and anti-HDV should be monitored closely.

Anti-HIV seropositivity was related to HBsAg seropositivity among injecting drug users in Taiwan.

In Taiwan, the number of new cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection via drug injection has been increasing since 2003. Due to HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) having similar transmission routes, HBV and HIV infections among injecting drug users (IDUs) has become an important public health issue. The aim of this study was explore the prevalence of HBV infection among IDUs with and without HIV infection, and examine whether HIV infection is associated with HBV infection among IDUs in Southern Taiwan. We enrolled 566 IDUs, including 87 anti-HBV positive IDUs and 479 anti-HBV negative IDUs, and also analyzed the results of liver function tests, HBV DNA, anti-HIV, HIV RNA, and CD4 cell count. The results showed that the prevalence of HBV infection among IDUs was 15.4%. The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was higher among individuals born before 1985 (15.9% vs. 4.0%), but this was not significant. Anti-HIV seropositivity was related to HBsAg seropositivity [odds ratio (OR) = 2.47, 95% confidence interval = 1.26-4.82, p = 0.008). Anti-HCV and anti-HIV were risk factors for abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT; OR = 2.11, 95% confidence interval = 1.005-4.42, p = 0.048 and OR = 1.47, 95% confidence interval = 1.02-2.10, p = 0.04, respectively), and HBsAg was not a factor related to abnormal ALT. In conclusion, the prevalence of HBV infection was similar in the general population and in IDUs, and due to anti-HIV seropositivity being significantly related to HBsAg seropositivity, HBV infection among IDUs is still important. We suggest that for IDUs, HBsAg should be monitored closely.

Clinical outcomes of septic patients with diabetic ketoacidosis between 2004 and 2013 in a tertiary hospital in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Infection is the most common predisposing factor for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA); however, studies are rare that have investigated the clinical outcomes of septic patients with infection-precipitated DKA. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary hospital from 2004 to 2013. Patients with DKA in whom the presence of a predisposing infection was confirmed were enrolled. Characteristics at initial presentation, primary infection sources, and causative microorganisms were compared between the nonacute kidney injury (non-AKI) group and acute kidney injury (AKI) group at each stage. Risk factors for the development of failure-stage AKI and its outcomes were also analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty DKA episodes were assessed. The most common infection sites were the urinary and respiratory tracts. The leading causative microorganism was Escherichia coli, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae. A complicated/severe infection state [odds ratio (OR), 15.27; p < 0.001] and a high level of C-reactive protein (OR, 1.012; p < 0.001) were independently associated with bacteremia. Corrected sodium (Na; OR, 1.062; p = 0.039), initial plasma glucose (OR, 1.003; p = 0.041), severe grade of DKA (OR, 13.41; p = 0.045), and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score (OR, 1.08; p = 0.033) were identified as independent risk factors for the development of failure-stage AKI among septic patients with infection-precipitated DKA. Patients with failure-stage AKI had a higher frequency of incomplete recovery of renal function (20.4% of patients in failure vs. 5.9% of patients in risk and injury, p = 0.009). Bacteremia independently predicted the absence of complete recovery of renal function (OR, 5.86; p = 0.038). CONCLUSION: For patients with infection-precipitated DKA, the clinician should aggressively monitor renal function if a patient presents with risk factors associated with failure-stage AKI. Furthermore, bacteremia predicts a poor renal prognosis.

Risk factors for microbiologic failure among Taiwanese adults with Mycobacterium abscessus complex pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: The Mycobacterium abscessus complex is a common cause of pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria infections in Taiwan. We examined the risk factors associated with treatment outcome in Taiwanese adults with pulmonary disease caused by the M. abscessus complex. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients from a southern Taiwan medical center from 2006 to 2012 who had respiratory specimens identified as M. abscessus complex and met the American Thoracic Society criteria for pulmonary disease. RESULTS: Of the 106 included patients, females (58.5%) and nonsmokers (79.2%) predominated. The mean age of patients was 64.8 years. Sixty-three patients (59.4%) had pre-existing lung disease. Previous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (34.9%) was the most common underlying disorder. Chest radiography indicated that bronchiectasis was common (47.2%) and that cavitations were less common (14.2%). Fifty-six patients received antibiotic treatment. Clinicians were more likely to prescribe antibiotics if the initial sputum acid-fast staining was positive (p < 0.001). Treatment outcome was analyzed in 26 patients who were treated for more than 3 months; three of these patients (11.5%) had clinical failure and 18 (69.2%) experienced sputum conversion. Patients with cavitary lesions were more likely to experience microbiologic failure (p = 0.02). Nine patients had positive cultures after antibiotic treatment for > 1 year. Previous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (p = 0.011) and cavitary lesion (p = 0.034) are risk factors for persistence of M. abscessus complex. CONCLUSION: With antimicrobial therapy, previous mycobacterial disease, and cavitary lesion are associated with microbiologic failure in Taiwanese adults with M. abscessus complex pulmonary disease.

Prevalence of and associated factors with chronic kidney disease in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important issue for individuals who live with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) following the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy; however, the prevalence rate of CKD varies between countries. METHODS: The present study screened HIV-infected patients in a medical center and a regional teaching hospital in southern Taiwan from January 2008 to December 2012. CKD was defined as a urine microalbumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g, and/or a protein ≥1 + on urine dipstick examination, and/or an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) for 3 months. The prevalence rate and the analyzed associated factors of CKD were determined. RESULTS: Among 1639 HIV-infected patients, only 512 had adequate data to be enrolled in the study. Thirty-six (7.03%) of these patients had CKD, and 476 did not. In a univariate analysis, CKD was associated with an older age, a higher peak HIV RNA load, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, exposure to antiretroviral therapy, and cholesterol levels ≥240 mg/dL. Multivariate analysis revealed that DM, hypertension, and cholesterol ≥240 mg/dL were statistically significant factors. CONCLUSION: In Taiwan, the prevalence of CKD in HIV-infected patients was low (7.03%). The classical risk factors for CKD, such as DM, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia, were demonstrated to be associated with CKD in Taiwanese HIV-infected patients.

Incidence rates of tuberculosis in chronic hepatitis C infected patients with or without interferon based therapy: a population-based cohort study in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: It is debated whether interferon-based therapy (IBT) would affect the incidence of active tuberculosis (TB) among hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients. Although some case reports have demonstrated a possible association, the results are currently inconclusive. Therefore, we conducted a nation-wide population study to investigate the incidence of active TB in HCV infected patients receiving IBT in Taiwan. METHODS: This 9-year cohort study was based on the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 (LHID 2000) consisting of 1,000,000 beneficiaries randomly selected from all Taiwan National Health Insurance enrollees in 2000 ( >23.7 million). This insurance program covers all citizens in Taiwan. We conducted a retrospective cohort study that identified subjects with HCV infection. IBTs were defined as regimens that included interferon α, peginterferon α2a and peginterferon α2b for at least 2 months. Among them, 621 subjects received IBT, and 2,460 age- and gender-matched subjects were enrolled for analysis. The Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for active TB, and associated confidence intervals (CIs), comparing IBT cohort and untreated cohort. The endpoint in this study was whether an enrolled subject had a new diagnosis of active TB. RESULTS: During the 9-year enrollment period, the treated and untreated cohorts were followed for a mean (± SD) duration of 6.97 ± 0.02 years and 8.21 ± 0.01 years, respectively. The cumulative incidence rate of active TB during this study period was 0.150 and 0.151 per 100 person-years in the IBT treated and untreated cohorts, respectively. There was no significant difference in the incidence of active TB in either cohort during a 1-year follow-up (Adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR): 2.81, 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI): 0.61-12.98) or the long-term follow-up (AHR: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.28-3.78). The Cox proportional hazards model demonstrated that IBT was not a risk factor for active TB . The only risk factor for active TB was the occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that IBT is associated with increased hazard of active TB in HCV infected patients in 1-year follow-up; however, the effect sizes were not statistically significant.

Impacts of a mass vaccination campaign against pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza in Taiwan: a time-series regression analysis.

OBJECTIVES: A multicenter, hospital-wide, clinical and epidemiological study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the mass influenza vaccination program during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, and the impact of the prioritization strategy among people at different levels of risk. METHODS AND RESULTS: Among the 34 359 medically attended patients who displayed an influenza-like illness and had a rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT) at one of the three participating hospitals, 21.0% tested positive for influenza A. The highest daily number of RIDT-positive cases in each hospital ranged from 33 to 56. A well-fitted multiple linear regression time-series model (R(2)=0.89) showed that the establishment of special community flu clinics averted an average of nine cases daily (p=0.005), and an increment of 10% in daily mean level of population immunity against pH1N1 through vaccination prevented five cases daily (p<0.001). Moreover, the regression model predicted five-fold or more RIDT-positive cases if the mass influenza vaccination program had not been implemented, and 39.1% more RIDT-positive cases if older adults had been prioritized for vaccination above school-aged children. CONCLUSIONS: Mass influenza vaccination was an effective control measure, and school-aged children should be assigned a higher priority for vaccination than older adults during an influenza pandemic.

Hepatitis C virus infection among injection drug users with and without human immunodeficiency virus co-infection.

The aim of this study is to explore the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among injection drug users (IDUs) with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in southern Taiwan. For 562 IDUs (265 anti-HIV negative, 297 anti-HIV positive), we analyzed liver function, anti-HIV antibody, anti-HCV antibody, HCV viral loads, and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). HIV RNA viral loads and CD4 cell count for anti-HIV-seropositive IDUs and the HCV genotype for HCV RNA-seropositive IDUs were measured. The seroprevalence rates of anti-HIV, anti-HCV, and HBsAg were 52.8%, 91.3%, and 15.3%, respectively. All the anti-HIV-seropositive IDUs were positive for HIV RNA. Anti-HCV seropositivity was the most important factor associated with HIV infection (odds ratio [OR], 25.06; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 8.97-74.9), followed by male gender (OR, 6.12; 95% CI, 4.05-9.39) and HBsAg seropositivity (OR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.11-3.34). Among IDUs positive for anti-HCV, 80.7% had detectable HCV RNA. HCV viremia after HCV exposure was strongly related to HIV infection (OR, 6.262; 95% CI, 1.515-18.28), but negatively correlated to HBsAg seropositivity (OR, 0.161; 95% CI, 0.082-0.317). HCV genotype 6 was the most prevalent genotype among all IDUs (41.0%), followed by genotypes 1 (32.3%), 3 (12.8%), and 2 (5.6%). In conclusion, about half IDUs were infected with HIV and >90% with HCV infection. Male and seropositivity for HBsAg and anti-HCV were factors related to HIV infection among our IDUs. HIV was positively correlated, whereas hepatitis B co-infection was negatively correlated with HCV viremia among IDUs with HCV exposure. Different HCV molecular epidemiology was noted among IDUs.

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bloodstream infection: comparison between community-onset and hospital-acquired infections.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia has been recognized as an important nosocomial pathogen, but few reports have discussed S. maltophilia infection in the community settings. This study aimed to reveal characteristics of patients with community-onset S. maltophilia bloodstream infection (SMBSI), to specify the subgroup of healthcare-associated (HCA) infection in the community-onset group and to compare them with hospital-acquired (HA) SMBSI patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical charts of adult patients with SMBSI presenting to a medical center in southern Taiwan from May 2008 to October 2011 were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Among 153 patients, we observed a high percentage (38.6%) of SMBSI to be community onset. Among community-onset SMBSI, 45.8% were community-acquired (CA) and 54.2% were HCA. The crude mortality rates were 11.1%, 18.8%, and 60.6% in the CA, HCA, and HA groups, respectively. Structural/mechanical abnormalities were observed in 32.7% of all cases, and 60% of those were related to malignancy. Independent risk factors for mortality in community-onset SMBSI were liver cirrhosis, liver metastasis, and a high Pitt bacteremia score, whereas structural/mechanical abnormalities and a high Pitt bacteremia score related to increased mortality in HA SMBSI. CONCLUSION: Community-onset S. maltophilia infection deserves attention. Patients with community-onset SMBSI have reduced disease severity and lower mortality rate when compared to HA SMBSI. Underlying structural/mechanical abnormalities, especially those caused by malignancies, are common in SMBSI cases and should be investigated when bacteremia occurs.

Acute meningitis caused by Cladosporium sphaerospermum.

Phaeohyphomycosis of the central nervous system is rare but typically associated with high mortality. Treatment has not been standardized, but the combination of antifungal chemotherapy with surgical debridement is recommended. We report a 73-year-old, retired, male timber merchant with acute meningitis caused by Cladosporium sphaerospermum. The patient, who had well-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus, presented with fever and weakness of the lower limbs. No brain abscess was apparent by cranial computed tomography. C. sphaerospermum was isolated from the cerebral spinal fluid and identified based on both morphology and DNA sequencing. He was treated with combination antifungal chemotherapy with amphotericin B and voriconazole for 28 days, followed by voriconazole monotherapy for 46 days. To date, the patient has recovered without significant sequelae. This patient represents the first reported case of cerebral phaeohyphomycosis caused by C. sphaerospermum. Moreover, the therapy was successful for totally less than 3 months of treatment duration.