Association between seropositivity of antibodies against hepatitis a virus and Helicobacter pylori.

Helicobacter pylori and hepatitis A virus (HAV) are documented to share common transmission routes including fecal-oral. This study examined the association between seropositivity of antibodies against H. pylori (anti-HP) and HAV (anti-HAV) via a community-based survey of 40 randomly selected kindergartens in 10 urban and 10 rural areas.

Seroepidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection among preschool children in Taiwan.

Helicobacter pylori is associated with chronic antral gastritis that is related to duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, and probably gastric adenocarcinoma. Infection with H. pylori during childhood is considered an important risk factor for gastric carcinoma in adult life.

Gallbladder volume and contractility in term and preterm neonates: normal values and clinical applications in ultrasonography.

The aim of this study was to establish the normal values and evaluate associated factors of gallbladder volume and contractility in term and preterm neonates by using ultrasonography. Sonographic measurement of gallbladder volume was performed by using the ellipsoid method in 50 preterm and 46 term infants. We collected data soon after delivery and at 6-h fasting, and at 3-h and 6-h fasting following regular milk feeding.

Immune status in preschool children born after mass hepatitis B vaccination program in Taiwan.

A mass hepatitis B vaccination program began in Taiwan in 1984. In order to determine the immune status of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among preschool children, a total of 25 kindergartens in 20 townships and metropolitan precincts in central Taiwan were randomly selected through stratified sampling. Serum specimens of 2130 healthy preschool children aged 2-6 years old were screened for the HBV markers and liver function in 1996.

Comparison of synchronized and conventional intermittent mandatory ventilation in neonates.

Between October 1993 and April 1995, a total of 77 neonates requiring mechanical ventilation were enrolled in this study and were randomly divided into two groups. Group A consisted of 31 premature infants (mean birthweight 1.36 +/- 0.