Risk of Viral Infection in Patients Using Either Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Inhibitors or Angiotensin Receptor Blockers: A Nationwide Population-based Propensity Score Matching Study.

Background: We hypothesized that renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers have systemic protective effects beyond the respiratory tract and could reduce the risk of viral infections.

Methods: We used the National Health Insurance Research Database and identified 2 study cohorts: the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) cohort and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) cohort. Propensity score matching was applied at a 1:1 ratio by all associated variables to select 2 independent control cohorts for the ARB and ACEI cohorts.

Air pollutants and subsequent risk of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease: A population-based cohort study.

Air pollutants have been reported to be a possible risk factor of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, epidemiologic results regarding acidic gases and CKD have yet to be elucidated. We linked the Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Database (TAQMD) to the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database.

A fitting machine learning prediction model for short-term mortality following percutaneous catheterization intervention: a nationwide population-based study.

Background: A suitable multivariate predictor for predicting mortality following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains undetermined. We used a nationwide database to construct mortality prediction models to find the appropriate model.

Methods: Data were analyzed from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) covering the period from 2004 to 2013.

Risk of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Women Exposed to Fine Air Pollutants and Acidic Gases: A Nationwide Cohort Analysis.

Background: Air pollutants cause endocrine disorders and hormone disruption. The relationship between air pollutants and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) must be carefully investigated using a nationwide cohort.

Methods: Data were extracted from two nationwide databases, namely Longitudinal Health Insurance Database and Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Database, and analyzed.

Association of inflammatory cytokines with mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Aims: Previous study on association between pro-inflammatory cytokines and mortality in PD population is limited. We aimed to investigate here.

Methods: Total 50 patients who underwent incident PD were enrolled in this study.

Increasing risk of cataract in HCV patients receiving anti-HCV therapy: A nationwide cohort study.

Purpose: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with increased systemic oxidative stress, which leads to cardiovascular events, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Similarly, cataract is also associated with increased oxidative stress. The association between HCV infection and increased risk of cataract remains unclear.