Publications by authors named "L Keng"

-specific IgG is often used as a diagnostic test for chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA), but few studies have evaluated the performance and serology of IgGs from species other than . In this study, we evaluated the serology and performance of different species-specific IgG antibodies in patients with CPA and at-risk populations and whether different species-specific IgGs could be of clinical utility and aid in the diagnosis of CPA caused by all . A total of 187 participants were included between 2020 and 2022 (12 with CPA, 75 with old tuberculosis [TB], 45 with active TB and 55 with bronchiectasis).

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Background: This study aimed to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of Aspergillus-specific IgG (Asp-IgG) for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in non-neutropenic non-hematologic patients.

Methods: Between November 2019 and February 2022, we recruited 40 non-neutropenic, non-hematologic IPA patients from Taiwan and measured serum Asp-IgG levels using Phadia, Thermofisher. A positive Asp-IgG test was defined as a level > 40 mgA/L.

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Article Synopsis
  • *A study conducted in Taiwan from 2008 to 2017 analyzed the treatment outcomes of patients with both drug-susceptible and isoniazid mono-resistant TB, finding no significant delays in sputum culture conversion or increased mortality for those with mono-resistance compared to drug-susceptible patients.
  • *However, younger, healthier patients without other health issues showed delayed culture conversion and worse outcomes, suggesting a need for early testing for isoniazid resistance in these groups to prevent potential disease spread.
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Background: Lower extremity peripheral artery disease (LE-PAD) has been linked to unfavorable cardiovascular outcomes. The impact of potentially undiagnosed LE-PAD, suspected by abnormal ankle-brachial index (ABI), on the survival of sepsis patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) remains uncertain.

Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study and recruited adult patients admitted to the ICU with a primary diagnosis of sepsis (defined by a quick Sepsis-Related Organ Failure Assessment score of ≥ 2) between November 23, 2017 and July 22, 2018.

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Immunosuppression increases the risk of nosocomial infection in patients with chronic critical illness. This exploratory study aimed to determine the immunometabolic signature associated with nosocomial infection during chronic critical illness. We prospectively recruited patients who were admitted to the respiratory care center and who had received mechanical ventilator support for more than 10 days in the intensive care unit.

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