Increasing Robustness of Intracortical Brain-Computer Interfaces for Recording Condition Changes via Data Augmentation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Intracortical brain-computer interfaces (iBCIs) aim to help paralyzed individuals restore their motor functions by decoding neural activity into intended movement. However, changes in neural recording conditions hinder the decoding performance of iBCIs, mainly because the neural-to-kinematic mappings shift. Conventional approaches involve either training the neural decoders using large datasets before deploying the iBCI or conducting frequent calibrations during its operation. However, collecting data for extended periods can cause user fatigue, negatively impacting the quality and consistency of neural signals. Furthermore, frequent calibration imposes a substantial computational load. METHODS: This study proposes a novel approach to increase iBCIs' robustness against changing recording conditions. The approach uses three neural augmentation operators to generate augmented neural activity that mimics common recording conditions. Then, contrastive learning is used to learn latent factors by maximizing the similarity between the augmented neural activities. The learned factors are expected to remain stable despite varying recording conditions and maintain a consistent correlation with the intended movement. RESULTS: Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed iBCI outperformed the state-of-the-art iBCIs and was robust to changing recording conditions across days for long-term use on one publicly available nonhuman primate dataset. It achieved satisfactory offline decoding performance, even when a large training dataset was unavailable. CONCLUSIONS: This study paves the way for reducing the need for frequent calibration of iBCIs and collecting a large amount of annotated training data. Potential future works aim to improve offline decoding performance with an ultra-small training dataset and improve the iBCIs' robustness to severely disabled electrodes.

Assessment of iodine nutritional status and gestational thyroid function reference ranges during the first trimester of pregnancy in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Iodine nutrition is critical for fetal neurodevelopment in the first trimester of pregnancy, a period associated with dramatic changes in thyroid function. The aim of this study was to evaluate iodine nutritional status and thyroid function reference ranges in the first trimester in Taiwan. METHODS: Pregnant women aged 20 years and above in the first trimester were recruited in Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan from March 2019 to July 2022. Each participant provided a spot urine sample for measurement of urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and a blood sample for check-up of thyroid function and thyroid autoantibodies. A simple food frequency questionnaire was also completed. RESULTS: A total of 209 women with a mean age of 32.9 ± 4.4 years were enrolled. The median UIC was 160.9 µg/L [interquartile range (IQR): 105.0-246.2 µg/L], indicating overall iodine sufficiency. The gestational thyroid function reference ranges were: TSH [median: 0.93 (0.007-2.9) µIU/mL], free T4 [1.3 (0.93-2.2) ng/dL], free T3 [3.0 (2.3-5.0) ng/dL], total T4 [9.9 (6.4-16.9) ng/dL] and total T3 [135 (88-231) ng/dL]. If the non-pregnant reference range of serum TSH was used, eight women (4.8%) would be misclassified as having subclinical hyperthyroidism, and two women (1.2%) with subclinical hypothyroidism would be missed. In multivariate analysis, nulliparous [adjusted odds ratio (OR) from model 1-3: 2.02, 2.05, 2.02; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08-3.77, 1.10-3.81, 1.11-3.66; p = 0.027, 0.023, 0.022, respectively] and multivitamin non-users (adjusted OR from model 1-3: 1.86, 1.85, 1.78; 95% CI: 1.04-3.34, 1.03-3.32, 1.004-3.71; p = 0.038, 0.039, 0.049, respectively) had increased odds of having lower UIC levels <150 µg/L. CONCLUSION: The iodine nutritional status in the first trimester is adequate in Taiwan; however, certain subgroups such as nulliparous and multivitamin non-users are still at risk for iodine deficiency. Gestational thyroid function reference ranges are needed for correct diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy.

Determination of the Elemental Iodine in Human Breast Milk by Inductively Coupled Plasma mass Spectrometry.

Adequate iodine status in lactating women is defined by a maternal median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) ≧ 100 µg/L. However, the above-mentioned criterion does not account for the secretion of iodine into breast milk and could not truly reflect the amount of iodine delivered to the infants. Measuring breast milk median iodine concentration (BMIC) is crucial, but the method to measure BMIC has not been developed and validated in Taiwan. We adopted the ammonia dilution method without prior sample digestion to measure BMIC by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Samples and iodate calibrators were prepared into an aqueous solution containing Triton X-100, 0.5% ammonia solution, and tellurium (128Te) as the internal standard. Precision, accuracy, serial dilution, and recovery tests were performed for method validation. The range of intra-assay and inter-assay coefficient of variation for the four human breast milk samples with different iodine concentrations were 3.2-4.7% and 2.3-5.5%, respectively. The standard NIST 1549 milk powder was prepared into three different concentrations of 50 µg/L, 100 µg/L, and 200 µg/L to assess the accuracy; the bias was < 5%. A recovery of 95-105% was achieved for four human breast milk samples spiked with sodium iodide solution. The serial dilution test confirmed linearity up to 0.998. The limit for detection and quantification was 0.78 µg/L and 2.34 µg/L, respectively. The results of the current study confirmed that this ICP-MS method is accurate and reliable in measuring BMIC.

Iodine Concentration in the Breast Milk and Urine as Biomarkers of Iodine Nutritional Status of Lactating Women and Breastfed Infants in Taiwan.

Breast milk iodine concentration (BMIC) can be different when median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) is similar. The BMIC, UIC/creatinine (Cr), estimated 24-h urinary iodine excretion (24-h UIE) of lactating women in Taiwan is unknown. This study enrolled lactating women from Taipei Veterans General Hospital (August 2021-February 2023). Each participant provided a random spot urine sample, two breast milk samples, a blood sample, and completed a food frequency questionnaire on the same day. Iodine measurement was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The median UIC of the enrolled 71 women was 91.1 µg/L, indicating insufficient iodine status; however, the median BMIC was 166.6 µg/L and this suggested that the amount of iodine delivered through breast milk was adequate for the breastfed infants. BMIC was correlated with UIC/Cr and 24-h UIE (both rs = 0.49) but not with UIC (rs = 0.18) or thyroid stimulating hormone (rs = 0.07). Women who did not consume dairy products (adjusted odds ratio: 24.41, 95% confidence interval: 1.26-471.2) and multivitamins (adjusted odds ratio: 8.26, 95% confidence interval: 1.76-38.79) were at increased odds for having lower BMIC. The results suggest that measuring maternal UIC alone may not be sufficient, as BMIC, UIC/Cr, and 24-h UIE are all important biomarkers. Ingestion of dairy products and multivitamins were independently associated with BMIC.

Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Long-Acting Release Formulations of Pasireotide (SOM230) in a Male Population Who Are Hyperendemic Hepatitis B/C and Chronic Kidney Disease: An Open-Label, Phase I Study.

BACKGROUND: In patients with kidney or hepatic diseases, an increment of circulating pasireotide is also expected. Therefore, this open-label, phase I study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profiles and safety of subcutaneous (SC) and long-acting release (LAR) intramuscular injections of pasireotide in male Taiwanese volunteers who are hyperendemic hepatitis B/C and chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: A total of 45 male volunteers were randomized to receive one of nine treatment sequences, involving a single subcutaneous injection of 300, 600, or 900 µg pasireotide, a multiple SC injection of the same dosage of pasireotide [300, 600, or 900 µg, twice daily (b.i.d.) for 4 days and a single dose for 1 day], and a single dose of 20, 40, or 60 mg LAR pasireotide intramuscular injection. The pasireotide SC and LAR formulations were prepared and supplied to the study center by Novartis. Pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed from both formulations. All adverse events that occurred in participants throughout the study period, including abnormalities in fasting levels of glucose, insulin, and glucagon, as well as laboratory measurements and electrocardiograms, were recorded. RESULTS: Analysis of plasma concentration over time revealed a rapid absorption of pasireotide, with a maximal concentration at 0.5 h after SC injection(s) of pasireotide (300-900 µg). Following a single dose of pasireotide LAR (20-60 mg), a sustained release was observed following an initial increase on day 1, a plateau around day 20, and a decline over the next 7 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Both pasireotide formulations showed dose-proportional pharmacokinetics and 300-900 µg of SC pasireotide and 20-60 mg LAR pasireotide treatment showed favorable safety profiles and was well-tolerated when administered in male Taiwanese volunteers who are hyperendemic hepatitis B/C and CKD.

Clinical characteristics of neutropenic patients under antithyroid drug: Twelve-year experience in a medical center.

BACKGROUND: Thionamide-induced agranulocytosis (TiA) is a rare adverse event with a reported incidence of approximately 0.1% to 1.75%. Prompt recognition of TiA is critical to reduce the mortality rate. However, the differential diagnosis between cases of TiA and non-TiA neutropenia can be challenging due to the potential simultaneous involvement of other causes of neutropenia, such as concomitant chemotherapy, liver dysfunction, or infection. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible factors associated with the development of TiA. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients treated with antithyroid drugs (ATDs) in Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, from 2006 to 2018. Patients who developed a neutropenic event during treatment with ATDs were identified from their medical records. The diagnosis of TiA was based on the following: (1) development of neutropenia during treatment or within 7 days after previous exposure to the same ATDs; (2) complete resolution of neutropenia within 1 month after discontinuation of the culprit drug with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) >1500/µL; and (3) exclusion of other causes of neutropenia. The incidence and risk factors of TiA were analyzed and compared with those of non-TiA neutropenia. RESULTS: Among 6644 patients treated with ATDs, 66 (mean age: 53 ± 15 years; 16.2% men) developed a neutropenic event and 20 were diagnosed with TiA (incidence: 0.3%). In the univariate analysis, compared with non-TiA neutropenia, TiA was associated with a lower Charlson Comorbidity Index, shorter treatment duration, lower cumulative ATD dosage, higher ATD dosage, higher ANC, and higher levels of free T4 at the time of the neutropenic event. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for age, gender and the time to neutropenia, the cumulative ATD dose to neutropenia and ATD dosage at the time of the neutropenic event, Charlson Comorbidity Index, free T4 levels (odds ratio [OR], 4.44; 95% CI, 1.48-13.25), and ANC (OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 1.00-1.01) remained independently associated with TiA. CONCLUSION: Patients with TiA were more likely to have higher levels of free T4 and ANC at the time of the neutropenic event vs those with non-TiA neutropenia.

Measurements of elemental iodine in soy sauces in Taiwan using a modified microplate method.

Background: Soy sauce is widely used in a variety of Asian dishes to enhance flavor. Soybean and most soybean products, including soy sauces, are listed as prohibited foods in a low iodine diet. However, the iodine content in soy sauces is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the iodine content in domestic soy sauces in Taiwan. Methods: Twenty-five different kinds of soy sauces were diluted with distilled water and with a dilution factor of fifty or above. Iodine concentrations of the diluted samples were measured colourimetrically based on the Sandell-Kolthoff reaction by a modified microplate method. All the measurements were repeated twelve times on three different days for determination of mean and standard deviation (SD), and coefficients of variance (CV). Serial dilution and recovery tests were also performed for validation. The results were confirmed by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method. Results: Among the twenty-five surveyed soy sauces, most of them (n=22) were iodine-free (<16 ug/L, and thus un-detectable). The iodine concentrations (mean ± SD) of the three iodine-containing soy sauces were 2.7 ± 0.1, 5.1 ± 0.2, and 10.8 ± 0.6 mg/L, respectively. The inter-assay, intra-assay and total CVs were all <5.3% for the modified microplate method. The results obtained by ICP-MS were consistent with those of the modified microplate method. The recovery rates in the serial dilution test and recovery test ranged from 94.7% to 118.6%. Two of the three iodine-containing soy sauces were supplemented with kelp extract, while the other one without kelp extract had the highest amount of salt among the three iodine-containing soy sauces. Therefore, we postulate that iodized salt instead of kelp extract is the source of higher iodine content in that sauce. Conclusion: The results suggest that most soy sauces are iodine-free and may be allowed during low iodine diets.

Analytical validation of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method for urinary iodine concentration measurements in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) measured by Sandell-Kolthoff spectrophotometric method has been used in the Nutrition and Health Surveys in Taiwan but this method is time consuming and produces toxic waste from arsenic trioxide. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) system to determine UIC in Taiwan. METHODS: Samples and iodine calibrators were diluted 100-fold into an aqueous solution containing Triton X-100, 0.5% ammonia solution, and tellurium (128Te) as an internal standard. Digestion prior to analysis was not necessary. Precision, accuracy, serial dilution, and recovery tests were performed. A total of 1243 urine samples covering a wide range of iodine concentrations were measured by both Sandell-Kolthoff method and ICP-MS. Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman plots were used to compare values across methods. RESULTS: The limit for detection and quantification by ICP-MS was 0.95 µg/L and 2.85 µg/L, respectively. The intra-assay and inter-assay coefficients were <10%, with a recovery range of 95%-105%. The results obtained by ICP-MS and the Sandell-Kolthoff method were highly correlated (Pearson's correlation: r = 0.996, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9950-0.9961, p < 0.001). For UIC between 20 and 1000 µg/L, the y-intercept for the Passing-Bablok regression was -1.9 (95% CI: -2.5599 to -1.3500) and the slope was 1.01 (95% CI: 1.0000-1.0206). CONCLUSION: This validated ICP-MS system can be used for measuring UIC.

Prognostic predictors of adrenocortical carcinoma: A single-center thirty-year experience.

Background: The prognosis of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is poor but highly variable. The present study aimed to characterize patients with ACC at a single center in Taiwan and to determine the prognostic predictors of overall and progression-free survival. Methods: Medical records of patients, who were diagnosed with ACC at Taipei Veterans General Hospital between January 1992 and June 2021, were reviewed. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and subsequent treatment were analyzed with regard to overall survival and progression-free survival using Kaplan-Meier methods and a Cox regression model. Results: Sixty-seven patients were included. Females (65.7%) were more susceptible to ACC, with a younger onset and active hormonal secretion. One-half of the patients exhibited distant metastases at the time of diagnosis. The European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumours (ENSAT) stage (hazard ratio [HR] 3.60 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-10.38]; p=0.018), large vessel invasion (HR 5.19 [95% CI 1.75-15.37]; p=0.003), and mitotane use (HR 0.27 [95% CI 0.11-0.70]; p=0.007) were significantly associated with overall survival (OS). There was no single factor independently associated with progression-free survival. Conclusion: ENSAT stage had a substantial impact on overall survival though there was no difference in OS between patients with stage II and stage III ACC. Large vessel invasion portended poor prognosis and influenced OS significantly. Moreover, mitotane only improved clinical outcomes of patients with stage IV disease.

Selection of Essential Neural Activity Timesteps for Intracortical Brain-Computer Interface Based on Recurrent Neural Network.

Intracortical brain-computer interfaces (iBCIs) translate neural activity into control commands, thereby allowing paralyzed persons to control devices via their brain signals. Recurrent neural networks (RNNs) are widely used as neural decoders because they can learn neural response dynamics from continuous neural activity. Nevertheless, excessively long or short input neural activity for an RNN may decrease its decoding performance. Based on the temporal attention module exploiting relations in features over time, we propose a temporal attention-aware timestep selection (TTS) method that improves the interpretability of the salience of each timestep in an input neural activity. Furthermore, TTS determines the appropriate input neural activity length for accurate neural decoding. Experimental results show that the proposed TTS efficiently selects 28 essential timesteps for RNN-based neural decoders, outperforming state-of-the-art neural decoders on two nonhuman primate datasets (R2=0.76±0.05 for monkey Indy and CC=0.91±0.01 for monkey N). In addition, it reduces the computation time for offline training (reducing 5-12%) and online prediction (reducing 16-18%). When visualizing the attention mechanism in TTS, the preparatory neural activity is consecutively highlighted during arm movement, and the most recent neural activity is highlighted during the resting state in nonhuman primates. Selecting only a few essential timesteps for an RNN-based neural decoder provides sufficient decoding performance and requires only a short computation time.

Prevalence of Dental Caries and Periodontal Disease of High School Students Aged 15 to 18 Years in Taiwan.

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and distribution of dental caries and periodontal disease in Taiwanese high school students aged 15-18. A total of 1069 Taiwanese students participated in a cross-sectional nationwide dental survey. By using a stratified method based on the National Health Insurance administration regions, 24 high schools were randomly sampled in different areas of Taiwan. The participants were examined with dental mirrors and community periodontal index (CPI) probes without using radiographs, to measure dental caries and periodontal status. Demographic information and other relevant risk indicators for the two diseases were gathered via a self-report questionnaire. In this study population, the weighted mean decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) scores for ages 15 to 18 were 5.2, 6.1, 6.1, and 5.7. The weighted mean decayed, missing and filled surfaces (DMFS) scores were 9.0, 12.0, 13.1, and 11.2 at ages 15, 16, 17, and 18, respectively. Additionally, 88.2% of the subjects had periodontal disease, with calculus as the most prevalent type. Moreover, 5.2% of these students showed loss of attachment. There was no significant association between dental caries and periodontal disease. Dental caries and periodontal disease were prevalent among Taiwanese high school students in this national dental survey.

Iodine nutritional status of lactating women in northern Taiwan in 2019.

BACKGROUND: Pregnant and lactating women are vulnerable to iodine deficiency. This study was conducted to evaluate the iodine nutritional status of lactating women in northern Taiwan. METHODS: Women recruited from Taipei Veterans General Hospital (TVGH) in 2019 provided a spot urine sample and completed a Food Frequency Questionnaire. The urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The overall median UIC in 198 women was 120.4 µg/L, indicating a sufficient iodine status. Univariate analysis revealed a lower median UIC in women of younger age (p = 0.004), who were not taking multivitamins (p = 0.004), not on a postpartum nourishment diet (p = 0.04), and whose infant received more breast milk (p = 0.004). The median UIC was <100 µg/L in the group aged 20 to 29 years (UIC: 74.4 µg/L) and in women whose infants' diet was composed of >50% breast milk (UIC: 86.1 µg/L). A postpartum nourishment diet was followed by 73.7% (n = 146) of the women. Nevertheless, a significant decrease in the intake frequency of iodine-containing foods, including seaweeds (p < 0.001), seafood (p < 0.001), dairy products (p = 0.009), and multivitamins (p < 0.001) was observed compared with the intake noted in a previous survey of pregnant women in TVGH. Following multivariate analysis, only younger age (20-29 vs ≥30 years; odds ratio [OR]: 3.38; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.49-7.65), no use of multivitamin (OR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.03-3.48), and infant diet composition (>50% breast milk vs <50% breast milk; OR: 2.93; 95% CI: 1.37-6.25) were independently associated with UIC < 100 µg/L. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the iodine status in lactating women in northern Taiwan is adequate. However, iodine deficiency may continue to be present in certain subgroups, such as women of younger age and those who do not take multivitamins.

Detection of NTRK1/3 Rearrangements in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Using Immunohistochemistry, Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization, and Next-Generation Sequencing.

NTRK1/3 rearrangements have been reported in 2.3-3.4% of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and are regarded as potential therapeutic targets. Recently, the application of immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect NTRK rearrangements has been widely discussed. The current study aimed to characterize the clinicopathological features of PTC with NTRK1/3 fusions, to examine the utility of pan-TRK IHC, and to compare IHC with fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and next-generation sequencing (NGS). In a cohort of 525 consecutive PTC cases, 60 BRAFV600E-negative cases underwent complete analyses of FISH, and 12 (2.3%) cases with NTRK1/3 break-apart were found. A novel ERC1-NTRK3 fusion was identified by NGS in one case. Pathological features of non-infiltrative tumor border, clear cell change, and reduced nuclear elongation and irregularity were significantly more common in NTRK1/3-rearranged PTC when compared with 48 BRAFV600E-negative non-NTRK1/3 PTC cases. In whole tissue sections, pan-TRK IHC was positive in 3/7 (42.9%) cases with an ETV6-NTRK3 rearrangement including 2 cases with low percentage of stained tumor cells, 2/3 (66.7%) with non-ETV6 NTRK3 rearrangements, and 2/2 (100%) with NTRK1 rearrangements. All FISH-negative cases were negative for pan-TRK in tissue microarray sections. As a result, pan-TRK IHC showed a sensitivity of 58.3% and specificity of 100% for NTRK1/3 rearrangements in BRAFV600E-negative PTC. In conclusion, NTRK1/3-rearranged PTC shared some unique morphologic features. Pan-TRK IHC showed high specificity and moderate sensitivity for NTRK1/3-rearranged PTC and should be interpreted with caution due to staining heterogeneity. Based on the above findings, we propose an algorithm integrating morphology, IHC, and molecular testing to detect NTRK1/3 rearrangements in PTC.

Clinical Orodental Anomalies in Taiwanese Children under Age Six: a Study Based on the 1995-1997 National Dental Survey.

There are few published studies that report the prevalence of intraoral anomalies for young children. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and distribution of several congenital oral and paraoral anomalies in Taiwanese children under age six. Twenty-five cities and townships were randomly sampled in different areas of Taiwan using the stratified method. These cities and townships represent cross-sectional samples of geographic locations and socioeconomic levels. A total of 981 Taiwanese children under age six were examined with dental mirrors and explorers as part of the national dental survey. The results of this survey indicated an 11.31% prevalence of geographic tongue. This number is higher than that reported in studies previously performed in different countries. The occurrence of double teeth in primary dentition was found to be 2.14%. Ankyloglossia had a frequency of 1.22%, and primary talon cusp a frequency of 0.61%. Seven (0.71%) children exhibited fissured tongues. Thirteen (1.33%) cases of hypodontia were found. These values were different from those reported in several other countries, which may be attributed to differences in the ethnic and racial composition of the population studied.

Iodine nutritional status of pregnant women in an urban area of northern Taiwan in 2018.

Pregnant women are considered as one of the most vulnerable groups for iodine deficiency. The Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan 2013 revealed that the median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) of non-pregnant women of child-bearing age of 15-44 years was 124 µg/L, which was adequate in general, but insufficient according to pregnancy criteria. The aim of this study was to determine the iodine nutritional status of pregnant women in an urban area of Northern Taiwan. A hospital-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Taipei Veterans General Hospital. Random spot urine samples were collected from January to October, 2018 and UIC was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. A food frequency questionnaire was also delivered to the participants. The overall median UIC was 225.3 µg/L (IQR: 109.1-514.2 µg/L) for 257 pregnant women ranging from 21-47 years-old. The distribution of UIC was as follows: 35.4% with UIC <150 µg/L, 17.1% with UIC within 150-249 µg/L, 21.8% with UIC within 250-499 µg/L, and 25.7% with UIC ≥500 µg/L. The use of prenatal multivitamin was very common among the participants: 79.4% (n = 204) took multivitamin either every day or less frequently, with 52.5% (n = 135) taking one pill every day, and only 20.6% (n = 53) never took multivitamin during their pregnancy. Other commonly consumed iodine-containing foods were dairy products and fish. Our results indicate that the iodine status in the studied women is adequate. However, efforts are still needed to avoid iodine deficiency as well as iodine excess.

Iodine Status of Taiwanese Population in 2013: 10 Years After Changing From Mandatory to Voluntary Salt Iodization.

BACKGROUND: In 2003, Taiwan's iodine policy changed from mandatory to voluntary. The Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT) 2001-2002 for schoolchildren showed adequate iodine nutrition, while NAHSIT 2005-2008 for adults showed the iodine status was at borderline adequacy. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the iodine status of the Taiwanese population from schoolchildren to adulthood 10 years after the change of the salt iodization policy. METHOD: Urinary iodine was measured in samples from subjects in NAHSIT 2013. RESULTS: The median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) of the Taiwanese population aged 6 years and above in 2013 was 96 µg/L, indicating mild iodine deficiency. The median UIC of 6- to 12-year-old schoolchildren was 124 µg/L (interquartile range [IQR]: 92-213 µg/L), and 115 µg/L (IQR: 80-166 µg/L), 125 µg/L (IQR: 74-161 µg/L), 73 µg/L (IQR: 52-131 µg/L), and 78 µg/L (IQR: 52-132 µg/L) in populations aged 13 to 18 years, 19 to 44 years, 45 to 64 years, and ≥65 years, respectively. Declining iodine nutrition in age groups ≥45 years old was noted that the median UIC of populations aged 45 to 64 years and ≥65 years was 99 and 88 µg/L, respectively, in NAHSIT 2005-2008. The median UIC of schoolchildren was not lower than that during the mandatory salt fortification period, but the distribution of urinary iodine levels signified a dietary pattern change. CONCLUSION: Wide-ranging variation in iodine nutrition levels was observed in different age groups. Universal salt iodization, as suggested by the World Health Organization, should be the best strategy to achieve adequate iodine nutrition.

Adherence to guidelines in monitoring amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction.

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Baseline thyroid function testing and regular follow-up of thyroid function under amiodarone usage was recommended by guidelines. Little is known about the status of amiodarone monitoring in real-world clinical care in Taiwan. The objective was to determine the rate of thyroid monitoring and to assess the clinical and physicians' characteristics associated with adequate monitoring in a tertiary referral centre for arrhythmia. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of patients receiving amiodarone during the period 2008-2009 at Taipei Veterans General Hospital. The rate of baseline and follow-up thyroid function monitoring during amiodarone therapy were calculated. Factors associated with guideline adherence to monitoring were analysed. RESULTS: Among the 1319 enrolled cases, 36.4% (n = 480) underwent baseline thyroid function testing and 1.1% (n = 15) received measurement of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody before amiodarone initiation. Regular follow up of thyroid function under amiodarone usage occurred in only 8.6% (n = 114) of cases. Baseline thyroid function was more likely to be present in patients of younger age (P < 0.001), female sex (P = 0.01), and in those who received amiodarone therapy from cardiologists (P < 0.001) or electrophysiologists (P < 0.001) with fewer years of service (P < 0.001). Upon multivariate analysis, only physicians' expertise (cardiologist versus non-cardiologist, OR = 5.67, 95% CI: 2.44-13.16) and years of service (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95-0.998) were significantly associated with adequate thyroid monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of thyroid monitoring with amiodarone therapy had been suboptimal. Strategies to enhance guideline adherence are needed.

Iodine Nutritional Status of School Children in Nauru 2015.

Little is known about iodine nutritional status in island countries in the Pacific Ocean. The primary objective of this study was to report for the first time the iodine nutritional status of people in Nauru. In addition, sources of iodine nutrition (i.e., water and salt) were investigated. A school-based cross-sectional survey of children aged 6-12 years was conducted in three primary schools of Nauru. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was determined by spot urine samples. Available water and salt samples in Nauru were collected for the measurement of iodine content. A food frequency questionnaire was conducted. The median UIC was 142 µg/L, and 25.2% and 7.4% of the population had median UIC below 100 µg/L and 50 µg/L, respectively. Natural iodine-containing foods such as seaweeds and agar were rare. Iodine was undetectable in Nauruan tank water, filtered tap water, and raindrops. Of the analyzed salt products, five kinds were non-iodized, and three were iodized (iodine content: 15 ppm, 65 ppm, and 68 ppm, respectively). The results indicate that the iodine status in Nauruan school children is adequate. Iodized salt may serve as an important source of iodine nutrition in Nauru.