J Formos Med Assoc
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The present study was designed to evaluate the local cardiology infrastructure and services for heart failure (HF) care in Taiwan hospitals and to compare the HF care with the hospitals in European countries. ⋯ Our analysis clearly demonstrated discrepancies in cardiology subspecialties and CRT/ICD accessibilities between European countries and Taiwan. Variations in HF-focused services and facilities plus HF-directed medications have demonstrated significant differences among Taiwanese hospitals with or without HF care team.
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Early detection and timely quarantine measures are necessary to control disease spread and prevent nosocomial outbreaks of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of a quarantine strategy on patient safety and quality of care. ⋯ The quarantine ward is a key measure to prevent nosocomial transmission of COVID-19 but may carry a potential negative impact on patient care and safety. For patients with multiple comorbidities and a bedridden status, healthcare workers should remain alert to rapid deterioration and unexpected adverse events during quarantine.
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Multicenter Study
Characteristics and outcomes of second cancers in patients with childhood cancer: A report from the Taiwan Pediatric Oncology Group.
Patients with childhood cancer are at increased risk for the development of second cancers. ⋯ Children who develop a second cancer have an unfavorable outcome. Early detection and improved treatment for second cancers are needed.
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Controlled Clinical Trial
Long-term cognitive and multimodal imaging outcomes after carotid artery stenting vs intensive medication alone for severe asymptomatic carotid stenosis.
Severe carotid stenosis is associated with cognitive impairment, which may be attributed to asymptomatic microembolism and/or chronic hypoperfusion. We aim to evaluate the long-term cognitive and brain connectivity outcomes of carotid artery stenting (CAS) for asymptomatic ≥70% stenosis of the extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA). ⋯ For asymptomatic extracranial carotid steno-occlusion, successful carotid revascularization in addition to intensive medical treatment may potentially benefit cognitive reserve and connectivity strength which are partly attributed to restoration of non-critical hypoperfusion.
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The association between sex and diagnostic behavior of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and the effects of comorbid mental retardation (MR) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), were explored. ⋯ The general concept of a higher incidence of ASD among males was noted in this study of a Taiwanese population, but disappeared in those with comorbid MR or ADHD, indicating unique vulnerabilities to MR/ADHD or under-identification of high-functioning females with ASD in childhood. Increasing the diagnostic sensitivity of ASD in those with comorbid ADHD is important due to a delayed diagnostic age in this group.