Hepatotoxicity, efficacy and completion rate between 3 months of isoniazid plus rifapentine and 9 months of isoniazid in treating latent tuberculosis infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The mainstay therapy for latent tuberculosis infection is a 9-month regimen of daily isoniazid (9H) and a 3-month regimen of 12 once-weekly doses of isoniazid and rifapentine (3HP). We performed this updated meta-analysis to compare hepatotoxicity, efficacy and completion rate between these two regimens.

Methods: We searched all literature in the major medical databases using the subject search terms "isoniazid" and "rifapentine", and performed a systemic review and meta-analysis.

The association of transporter ABCC2 (MRP2) genetic variation and drug-induced hyperbilirubinemia.

Background: Hyperbilirubinemia is a predictor of severe drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Hepatobiliary ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters play an important role in the transportation of many drugs and bilirubin; however, little is known about these transporters and the risk of DILI. The aim of this study was to explore associations between genetic variations in important ABC transporters and susceptibility to DILI, with a particular focus on hyperbilirubinemia.

Endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation less than three minutes for biliary stone removal increases the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

Objectives: The adequate duration for EPBD was unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of balloon dilatation duration of EPBD on the occurrence of PEP.

Methods: One hundred and ninety-eight patients with common bile duct (CBD) stone treated by EPBD were retrospectively recruited.

Use of proton pump inhibitors and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Worldwide, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used for the treatment of peptic ulcer and gastro-esophageal reflux disease. Recently, concern has arisen over the potential association between PPIs and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of the current study was to evaluate the influence of PPI use on the risk of HCC, through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The role of regular liver function monitoring in antituberculosis drug-induced liver injury.

Background: Antituberculosis (TB) drug-induced liver injury (ATLI) is a common adverse effect of anti-TB drugs. Whether regular monitoring of liver function can ameliorate ATLI has been widely debated. The current study aimed to investigate the liver test monitoring status of patients receiving anti-TB treatment in Taiwan, as well as the impact of scheduled liver function monitoring on the risk of ATLI.

The factors associated with negative colonoscopy in screening subjects with positive immunochemical stool occult blood test outcomes.

Background: The immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) is an alternative method to colonoscopy that can be used for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. If the iFOBT result is positive, a colonoscopy is recommended. In this retrospective study, we identify factors associated with negative colonoscopy and positive iFOBT results obtained during CRC screening.

The susceptibility of anti-tuberculosis drug-induced liver injury and chronic hepatitis C infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Anti-tuberculosis drug-induced liver injury (ATDILI) is a major safety concern in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). The impact of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection on the risk of ATDILI is still controversial. We aimed to assess the influence of CHC infection on ATDILI through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Superoxide Dismutase 2 Genetic Variation as a Susceptibility Risk Factor for Alcoholic Cirrhosis.

Aims: Superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) is an important antioxidant phase 2 enzyme. The associations of SOD2 genetic variation and the risk of advanced alcoholic liver diseases are still debatable. We aimed to investigate the association of the main SOD2 genetic variant (47T>C) and the susceptibility to alcoholic cirrhosis.

Statin-induced liver injury in an area endemic for hepatitis B virus infection: risk factors and outcome analysis.

Aims: Statin-induced liver injury (SILI) is quite rare, but may be severe. Little is known about the impact of chronic hepatitis B infection (CHBI) on SILI. We aimed to investigate the risk factors and outcome of SILI, with special reference to its interaction with CHBI.

Chronic hepatitis B infection and risk of antituberculosis drug-induced liver injury: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Antituberculosis drug-induced liver injury (ATDILI) is a major safety concern for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). The impact of chronic hepatitis B infection (CHBI) on the risk of ATDILI is still controversial. In this study, we aimed to assess systematically the influence of CHBI on the susceptibility to ATDILI.

Fragmentation of CagA Reduces Hummingbird Phenotype Induction by Helicobactor pylori.

Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has been linked to various gastro-intestinal diseases; nevertheless it remains to be clarified why only a minority of infected individuals develop illness. Studies from the West have indicated that the cagA gene and the associated EPIYA genotype of H.

N-Acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) genetic variation and the susceptibility to noncardiac gastric adenocarcinoma in Taiwan.

Background: N-Acetyltransferase (NAT) is an important enzyme with the capacity to metabolize carcinogenic aromatic amines. However, it remains controversial whether the encoded functional NAT2 genetic polymorphism is related to the risk of gastric adenocarcinoma (GA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between NAT2 genetic variation and gastric adenocarcinoma (GA), with special reference to the gastric noncardiac adenocarcinoma (GNA).

Durability of Nucleos(t)ide Analogues Treatment in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B.

Long-term nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs) treatment is usually required for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, whether discontinuation of NUCs is possible in selected patients remains debated. The aim of this study was to assess the durability of NUCs and predictors of sustained response after cessation of NUCs.

Risk of Psychiatric Disorders following Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study.

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder observed in patients who visit general practitioners for GI-related complaints. A high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities, particularly anxiety and depressive disorders, has been reported in patients with IBS. However, a clear temporal relationship between IBS and psychiatric disorders has not been well established.

Early Percutaneous Cholecystostomy in Severe Acute Cholecystitis Reduces the Complication Rate and Duration of Hospital Stay.

The optimal timing of percutaneous cholecystostomy for severe acute cholecystitis is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the timing of percutaneous cholecystostomy and its relationship to clinical outcomes in patients with inoperable acute severe cholecystitis.From 2008 to 2010, 209 consecutive patients who were admitted to our hospital due to acute cholecystitis and were treated by percutaneous cholecystostomy were retrospectively reviewed.

Risk of psychiatric disorders following gastroesophageal reflux disease: a nationwide population-based cohort study.

Background: Recent studies have shown that the peripheral inflammation may cause the up-regulation of central nervous system inflammation and therefore possibly plays a vital role in the pathophysiology of subsequent psychiatric disorders.

Objective: We explored the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and the subsequent development of psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia as well as bipolar, depressive, anxiety, and sleep disorders.

Methods: We investigated patients who were diagnosed with GERD according to the data in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database.

Genetic variations of superoxide dismutase 2 and cytochrome P450 2E1 in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Background & Aims: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most prevalent liver disease in the world. However, the exact mechanisms that lead to development of advanced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are unknown. Oxidative stress may be an important pathogenic factor in NASH.

Risk of depressive disorder following non-alcoholic cirrhosis: a nationwide population-based study.

Background & Aims: To evaluate the risk of depressive disorders among non-alcoholic patients by using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of a matched cohort of 52 725 participants (10 545 non-alcoholic cirrhotic patients and 42 180 control patients) who were selected from the NHIRD. Patients were observed for a maximum of 11 years to determine the rates of newly onset depressive disorders, and Cox regression was used to identify the risk factors associated with depressive disorders in cirrhotic patients.

The risk of cancer among patients with sleep disturbance: a nationwide retrospective study in Taiwan.

Purpose: To investigate the risk of cancer among patients with nonapnea sleep disorders (SDs).

Methods: We included newly diagnosed SD patients aged 20 years and older without antecedent cancer between 2000 and 2010 from the National Health Insurance Research Database. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of cancers were calculated to compare the cancer incidence of patients with SD with that of the general population.

Risk of Parkinson disease after depression: a nationwide population-based study.

Objective: To evaluate the risk of Parkinson disease (PD) among patients with depression by using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of a matched cohort of 23,180 participants (4,634 patients with depression and 18,544 control patients) who were selected from the NHIRD. Patients were observed for a maximum of 10 years to determine the rates of new-onset PD, and Cox regression was used to identify the predictors of PD.

the risk of cancer among Taiwanese female registered nurses: a nationwide retrospective study.

Background: To evaluate the risk of cancer among Taiwanese female registered nurses (RNs) using a nationwide population-based dataset.

Methods: We recruited female RNs without antecedent cancer from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research database during 2000-2010. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of cancer were calculated.

Association of IS605 and cag-PAI of Helicobacter pylori Isolated from Patients with Gastrointestinal Diseases in Taiwan.

Background. The cag pathogenicity island (cag-PAI) is one of the most important virulent determinants of Helicobacter pylori. An insertion sequence (IS) element of cag-PAI (IS605) has been found to generate H.

Application of stent placement or nasojejunal feeding tube placement in patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction: a retrospective series of 38 cases.

Background: Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (MGOO), a late complication of advanced carcinoma of the stomach, duodenum, periampulla or pancreas, causes significant malnutrition and morbidity. The current treatment for MGOO is palliative in nature, with the goal of maintaining the best quality of life possible during the terminal phase of the illness.

Methods: A total of 38 patients with MGOO were enrolled in our institute from January 2007 to December 2011; 18 patients received nasojejunal (NJ) feeding tube placement, and 20 patients received duodenal stent placement.