Selenium status is independently related to bone mineral density, FRAX score, and bone fracture history: NHANES, 2013 to 2014.

Selenium is an essential trace mineral element for humans. Although previous in vitro and animal studies have reported the vital role of selenium in bone, the results of the relationship between the selenium status and bone health were inconsistent in epidemiological studies. The risk of selenium deficiency is negligible for U.

Legionnaires' disease caused by Legionella longbeachae in Taiwan, 2006-2010.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the epidemiology of Legionnaires' disease (LD) caused by Legionella longbeachae in Taiwan during 2006-2010. A total of six cases were identified prospectively, accounting for 1.6% of all laboratory-confirmed LD cases and 4.

Efficacy of narrowband ultraviolet phototherapy on renal pruritus.

Aims And Objectives: To test the efficacy of narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy in reducing renal pruritus.

Background: Renal pruritus is a disabling symptom affecting approximately 50% of patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis. Managing refractory pruritus can be a great challenge for healthcare providers and patients as well.

Impact of spiritual and religious activity on quality of sleep in hemodialysis patients.

Background: Sleep disorders are common in hemodialysis (HD) patients. This study examined the relationship between quality of sleep (QoS) and religious/spiritual activity in HD patients.

Methods: The study subjects were 861 HD patients from 14 dialysis clinics in Taiwan.

Sexual dysfunction in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Background/aims: Sexual dysfunction in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) is highly prevalent, but studies addressing this issue are scarce. This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate sexual dysfunction and the determinants among PD patients.

Methods: All chronic PD patients in 8 PD centers were asked to complete a self-reported questionnaire - the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) for men and the Index of Female Sexual Function (IFSF) for women - so that sexual function could be assessed.

The association of higher depressive symptoms and sexual dysfunction in male haemodialysis patients.

Background: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction among male haemodialysis patients is high. Sexual dysfunction is composed of both physiological and psychological factors. However, the role of psychological depression is still obscure.

Sexual dysfunction in female hemodialysis patients: a multicenter study.

Background: Sexual function is one aspect of physical functioning. Sexual dysfunction, no matter the etiology, could cause distress. In female hemodialysis patients, sexual problems have often been neglected in clinical performance and research.