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Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the second most common hematologic malignancy in children. The incidence of childhood AML is much lower than acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), which makes childhood AML a rare disease in children. The role of genetic abnormalities in AML classification, management, and prognosis prediction is much more important than before. Disease classifications and risk group classifications, such as the WHO classification, the international consensus classification (ICC), and the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) classification, were revised in 2022. The application of the new information in childhood AML will be upcoming in the next few years. The frequency of each genetic abnormality in adult and childhood AML is different; therefore, in this review, we emphasize well-known genetic subtypes in childhood AML, including core-binding factor AML (CBF AML), KMT2Ar (KMT2A/11q23 rearrangement) AML, normal karyotype AML with somatic mutations, unbalanced cytogenetic abnormalities AML, NUP98 11p15/NUP09 rearrangement AML, and acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Current risk group classification, the management algorithm in childhood AML, and novel treatment modalities such as targeted therapy, immune therapy, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy are reviewed. Finally, the indications of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in AML are discussed.

Background Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in tumorigenesis, and lncRNA taurine-upregulated gene 1 ( TUG1 ) has been proven to be associated with several human cancers. However, the mechanisms of TUG1 -involved regulation remain largely unknown. Methods We examined the expressions of TUG1 in a cohort of 89 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to determine the association between TUG1 expression and clinical parameters. We used circular chromosome conformation capture (4C) coupled with next-generation sequencing to explore the genome regions that interact with TUG1 and the TUG1 -mediated regulation. Results TUG1 was significantly downregulated, and the TUG1 downregulation correlated with sex ( p  = 0.006), smoking status ( p  = 0.016), and tumor differentiation grade ( p  = 0.001). Knockdown of TUG1 significantly promoted the proliferation of NSCLC cells. According to the bioinformatic analysis result of TUG1 4C sequencing data, 83 candidate genes and their interaction regions were identified. Among these candidate genes, CUGBP and Elav-like family member 1 ( CELF1 ) are potential targets of TUG1 in-trans regulation. To confirm the interaction between TUG1 and CELF1 , relative expressions of CELF1 were examined in TUG1 knockdown H520 cells; results showed that CELF1 was significantly upregulated in TUG1 knockdown H520 cells. RNA immunoprecipitation was then performed to examine whether TUG1 RNA was bound to PRC2, a TUG1 -involved regulation mechanism reported in previous studies. The results demonstrated that TUG1 RNA was bound to enhancer of zeste protein 2/embryonic ectoderm development (EZH2/EED), which is essential for PRC2. Finally, our designed ChIP assay revealed that the EZH2/EED was bound to the promotor region of CELF1 within 992 bp upstream of the transcript start site. Conclusion TUG1 is downregulated in NSCLC. Using TUG1 4C sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, we found CELF1 to be a potential target of TUG1 RNA in in-trans regulation. Moreover, subsequent experiments showed that TUG1 RNA could bind to PRC2 in the promotor region of CELF1 and negatively regulate CELF1 expressions in H520 cells. Our results may facilitate developing new treatment modalities targeting TUG1 /PRC2/ CELF1 interactions in patients with NSCLC.

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) effectively improves symptoms and exercise ability in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the effectiveness and timing of early PR on hospitalized patients with acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) is still debated. This study conducted a meta-analysis to compare the outcome benefits between early PR and usual care for patient hospitalized due to AECOPD. A systematic search was performed for retrieving randomized control trials (RCTs) from the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library until November 2021. RCTs reporting early PR for AECOPD with hospitalization, either during admission or within four weeks of discharge, were enrolled for systematic review and meta-analysis. Twenty RCTs (1274 participants) were included. Early PR showed significantly improved readmission rate (ten trials, risk ratio 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50-0.92), 6-minute walking distance (6MWD, twelve trials, MD 59.73, 95% CI 36.34-83.12), St George's Respiratory Questionnaire score (eight trials, MD -10.65, 95% CI -14.78 to -6.52), Borg score (eight trials, MD -0.79, 95% CI -1.26 to -0.32), and modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale (eight trials, MD -0.38, 95% CI -0.5 to -0.25). However, the trend of mortality (six trials, risk ratio 0.72, 95% CI 0.39-1.34) benefit was not significant. The subgroup analysis showed non-significant trends of better effect in early PR during admission than those after discharge for outcomes of 6MWD, quality of life, and dyspnea. However, non-significant trends of less benefits on mortality and readmission rate were found in early PR during the admission. Overall, early PR is beneficial for AECOPD with hospitalization, and there was no significant outcome difference between PR initiated during admission or within 4 weeks of discharge.

Purpose: To examine the trajectory of decisional conflict and anxiety experienced by adolescents after the cancer diagnosis, and explore their perceptions on participation in shared decision‐making (SDM). Design: This longitudinal study used incorporated data from questionnaires and interviews. Methods: Participants recruited from an academic hospital in southern Taiwan ranged in age from 13 to 20 years with a cancer diagnosis within 1 month and received cancer treatment. Each participant completed questionnaires on decisional conflict and anxiety at diagnosis, 1, 3, and 6 months later. Individual interviews were to gain an in‐depth understanding of SDM. Findings: Total scores on decisional conflict changed significantly over time (F = 2.98, p = 0.039); the scores at 1 month were higher than 3 months (t = 2.18, p = 0.04) and 6 months (t = 2.97, p = 0.008). Participants perceived significantly different levels of values clarify (F = 9.49, p < 0.01) and support (F = 8.46, p < 0.01) over time. Only 27.3% of participants were anxiety‐free. No significant differences were found in anxiety over time. The perception of SDM was a situational involvement. Conclusions: Decisional conflict changed over time. Participants experienced greater decisional conflict at 4–8 weeks after diagnosis and their anxiety did not decrease over time. The different levels of participation in SDM during their treatment trajectory were found. Clinical Relevance: Participants experienced the highest decisional conflict during diagnosis, and highlighted how their roles in healthcare discussions varied from direct participation to indirect involvement. Further research is needed to develop an SDM model which accommodates different levels of needs and implements timely support.

Background: Data on the neuropsychological outcomes after receiving direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) among chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients have not been well-documented. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the difference in incidence of neuropsychological disorders (NPDs) after treatment completion between CHC patients receiving interferon (IFN) therapy and DAA therapy. Methods: A nationwide retrospective cohort study was performed using Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) between 2010 and 2018. CHC patients without pre-existing mental disorders were included and divided into the treatment (Tx)-naïve DAA group, retreatment (re-Tx) DAA group, and Tx-naïve IFN group based on their HCV therapy. Propensity score matching was used to balance baseline differences between groups. The primary outcome was the incidence of NPDs during 6 months after completion of therapy. Results: After one-to-one matching, there were 6,461 pairs of patients selected from the Tx-naïve DAA group and Tx-naïve IFN group and 3,792 pairs from the re-Tx DAA group and Tx-naïve IFN group. A lower incidence of NPDs was observed in the Tx-naïve DAA group than in the Tx-naïve IFN group (HR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.55–0.94, and p = 0.017). The risk of NPDs did not differ between the re-Tx DAA group and the Tx-naïve IFN group (HR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.52–1.05, and p = 0.092). Conclusion: DAA therapy was associated with lower risk of NPDs when compared with IFN therapy among Tx-naïve CHC patients in a 6-month period after treatment completion, especially among the patients less than 65 years, male gender, and cirrhosis.

Thalassemia is a heterogeneous congenital hemoglobinopathy common in the Mediterranean region, Middle East, Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia with increasing incidence in Northern Europe and North America due to immigration. Iron overloading is one of the major long-term complications in patients with thalassemia and can lead to organ damage and carcinogenesis. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies in both transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) and non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT). The incidence of HCC in patients with thalassemia has increased over time, as better chelation therapy confers a sufficiently long lifespan for the development of HCC. The mechanisms of iron-overloading-associated HCC development include the increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), inflammation cytokines, dysregulated hepcidin, and ferroportin metabolism. The treatment of HCC in patients with thalassemia was basically similar to those in general population. However, due to the younger age of HCC onset in thalassemia, regular surveillance for HCC development is mandatory in TDT and NTDT. Other supplemental therapies and experiences of novel treatments for HCC in the thalassemia population were also reviewed in this article.

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the most prevalent cancer in children, and excessive iron buildup resulting from blood transfusions and chemotherapy potentially has a negative impact on treatment outcomes and prognosis in patients with ALL. Therefore, initiating early iron chelation therapy during ALL treatment is a logical approach. Ideally, the selected iron chelator should also possess anti-leukaemia properties. The aim of the present study was to explore the potential impact and underlying mechanism of deferasirox (DFX) in ALL therapy. This study proved that DFX, an iron chelator, is capable of inducing leukaemia cell death through ferroptosis, which is achievable by increasing the expression of acetylated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2). More specifically, NRF2 acetylation on Lys599 was facilitated by acetyltransferase-p300/CBP. These findings indicate that DFX could serve as a potent adjunctive medication for patients with ALL. Moreover, DFX may offer dual benefits in ALL treatment, functioning as both an iron chelator and NRF2-modulating agent. Further research and clinical trials are necessary to fully elucidate the therapeutic potential of DFX in patients with ALL and incorporate it into treatment protocols.

Background. Rapid antigen tests for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) detection have been authorized for emergency use (EUA); however, the performance has not been fully evaluated in clinical contexts. This study aimed to provide evidence regarding the diagnostic performance of SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen tests compared with the real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test in the emergency department (ED) and community. Methods. Patients who underwent SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen tests using the VTRUST COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test (TD-4531) and real-time RT-PCR on the same day in the ED or community from May 24, 2021, to June 24, 2021, were examined. Results. Paired nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 4022 suspected COVID-19 patients: 800 in the ED and 3222 in the community. Overall, 62 (1.54%) tested positive, 13 tested indeterminate, and 3947 tested negative by real-time RT-PCR. The sensitivity and specificity of the antigen test were 51.61% and 99.44% (overall), 62.50% and 99.61% (ED), and 31.82% and 99.40% (community), respectively. There were 30 false negatives and 22 false positives. Among the false negatives, 16.67% had a cycle threshold (Ct) value of <25. Conclusion. The VTRUST COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test showed comparable specificity as real-time RT-PCR for the ED and community, but the sensitivity was relatively low, especially when the Ct value was >25. This test can be useful for the rapid identification of infected subjects in an epidemic situation.

Transfusion dependent subjects are at a great risk of viral hepatitis infection. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among transfusion-dependent patients in Taiwan. A total of 140 patients (67 thalassemic patients, 70 hemophilic patients, two patients with hereditary spherocytosis and one patient with von Willebrand disease) were prospectively enrolled to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with viral hepatitis and spontaneous HCV clearance. All patients were tested for HBV and HCV serology and virology. Two consecutive serum samples, at least 1 year apart, were collected to clarify HCV seroclearance. The seropositivity rate of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HCV antibody (anti-HCV), and both HBsAg/anti-HCV were 6.4%, 45.7% and 5%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis of factors associated with anti-HCV seropositivity included age (odds ratio/95% confidence interval [OR/CI]: 1.12/1.07-1.18, P<0.001), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (OR/CI: 1.04/1.02-1.06, P<0.001) and platelet counts (OR/CI: 0.995/0.991-0.998, P = 0.002). Age was the only factor independently associated with HBsAg seropositivity (OR/CI: 1.08/1.02-1.14.4, P = 0.007). Compared to patients born before 1992, the seroprevalence of HCV among thalassemic patients decreased dramatically in those born after 1992 (46.0% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.012). The seroprevalence of HCV among hemophilic patients also decreased significantly when comparing patients born before 1987 to those born after 1987 (79.5% vs. 11.5%, p<0.001). Similarly, the seroprevalence of HBV decreased significantly in the post-vaccination cohort compared to its counterpart (13.1%, vs. 1.3%, p = 0.005). The spontaneous clearance of HCV was observed in 25.4% (15/59) of patients, and ALT was the only factor associated with it (OR/CI 0.98/0.96-1.00, P = 0.02). Both HBV and HCV infections are prevalent among transfusion-dependent thalassemic and hemophilic patients in Taiwan. Nevertheless, seroprevalence decreased significantly and dramatically for HCV after universal blood screening and for HBV after implementation of a universal mass vaccination program.

The aims were to develop an integrated electronic medication reconciliation (ieMR) platform, evaluate its effects on preventing potential duplicated medications, analyze the distribution of the potential duplicated medications by the Anatomical Therapeutic and Chemical (ATC) code for all inpatients, and determine the rate of 30-day medication-related hospital revisits for a geriatric unit. The study was conducted in a tertiary medical center in Taiwan and involved a retrospective quasi pre-intervention (July 1–November 30, 2015) and post-intervention (October 1–December 31, 2016) study design. A multidisciplinary team developed the ieMR platform covering the process from admission to discharge. The ieMR platform included six modules of an enhanced computer physician order entry system (eCPOE), Pharmaceutical-care, Holistic Care, Bedside Display, Personalized Best Possible Medication Discharge Plan, and Pharmaceutical Care Registration System. The ieMR platform prevented the number of potential duplicated medications from pre (25,196 medications, 2.3%) to post (23,413 medications, 3.8%) phases (OR 1.71, 95% CI, 1.68–1.74; p < .001). The most common potential duplicated medications classified by the ATC codes were cardiovascular system (28.4%), alimentary tract and metabolism (26.4%), and nervous system (14.9%), and by chemical substances were sennoside (12.5%), amlodipine (7.5%), and alprazolam (7.4%). The rate of medication-related 30-day hospital revisits for the geriatric unit was significantly decreased in post-intervention compared with that in pre-intervention (OR = 0.12; 95% CI, 0.03–0.53; p < .01). This study indicated that the ieMR platform significantly prevented the number of potential duplicated medications for inpatients and reduced the rate of 30-day medication-related hospital revisits for the patients on the geriatric unit.