Neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 of vaccinated healthcare workers in Taiwan.

Background: Vaccination is one of the best ways to control the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. In Taiwan, healthcare workers were prioritized for vaccination, but the effectiveness of these vaccines for them remains unclear. Thus, it's essential to examine their neutralizing antibodies after prime-boost vaccinations.

Novel multiple Z-score models for detection of coronary artery dilation: application in Kawasaki disease.

Background: This study aims to develop Z-Score models to normalize measurements of three coronary arteries and enhance the diagnosis of Kawasaki disease (KD) in children from newborns to 10 years old. Developing a reliable Z-Score model is challenging, as some existing models fail the normality test. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for improving KD diagnosis.

Risk of Uveitis in Dengue Fever Patients: A Population-Based Cohort Study in Taiwan.

Dengue-related ocular complications were considered rare, but recent evidence points to a broader spectrum of manifestations, including uveitis. This study utilized the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) to investigate the incidence of uveitis in dengue patients, aiming to fill this research gap. This population-based, retrospective cohort study utilized the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) and included patients with and without Dengue fever.

IL-33/ST2 axis mediates diesel exhaust particles-induced mast cell activation.

Background: Mast cells are implicated in the pathogenesis and severity of asthma in children and adults. The release of proinflammatory mediators and cytokines from activated mast cells (MC) is associated with Type 2 (T2) cell-skewed inflammation.

Methods: We obtained the airway tissues of Balb/c mice with or without intra-tracheal diesel exhaust particles (DEP) instillation to measure the extent of tryptase MCs infiltration and interleukin (IL)-33 expression.

A Decision Tree Model Using Urine Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers for Predicting Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction in Females.

Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) was associated with bladder inflammation and tissue hypoxia with oxidative stress. The objective of the present study was to investigate the profiles of urine inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in females with LUTD and to develop a urine biomarker-based decision tree model for the prediction. Urine samples were collected from 31 female patients with detrusor overactivity (DO), 45 with dysfunctional voiding (DV), and 114 with bladder pain syndrome (BPS).