Sequence type (ST) 131 is a dominant multidrug-resistant lineage of extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli responsible for urinary tract infections (UTI) and bacteremia. Although there have been some longitudinal population-based studies on the role of ST131 clone in extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli or fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli in bacteremia, few longitudinal…
It has been known that long-term use of oral corticosteroids (OCS) is associated with subsequent adverse health events. However, few studies have reported the risk of corticosteroid bursts (defined as the use of OCS for 14 or fewer days) in children. Dr. Hui-Ju Tsai from the Institutes of Population Health…
Multipotent human mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) from multiple organs including the bone marrow (BM) and placenta (P‐MSCs) harbor clinically relevant immunomodulation best demonstrated toward T lymphocytes. Surprisingly, little in known on its interactions with B lymphocytes, which originate from the BM where there is a resident MSC. Dr. B. Linju…
Cell replacement therapy has been investigated as a potential treatment for neurological disorders including stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and traumatic brain injury. Intracerebral transplantation may, however, trigger an immune response that results in rejection of the engrafted neurons. Thus, understanding the immune mechanisms of graft rejection is essential to improve cell…
The Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 has ranked unsafe sex as the 13th risk factors. Early sexual initiation (< 16 years) has been associated with various risky sexual practices, such as multiple sexual partners, sex with non regular partners, sex under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and condom…
Mucous membranes serve as the primary barrier against pathogen at respiratory, digestive and reproductive tracts. However, mucosal administration of vaccines induce minuscule immune responses due to mucosal membrane barriers and immune tolerances. Therefore, a safe mucosal adjuvant with high efficacy is necessary for antigen recognition by the mucosal immune system…
Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a difficult to eradicate infectious disease. Although the Bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) has been available for decades, its efficacy is variable and has lessened over time. Furthermore, studies have shown that BCG vaccine no longer protects against newly emerged Beijing strains which…
November 30, 2020 Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly fatal malignant disease. Nearly 80–85% of patients presented with locally advanced or metastatic diseases at the time of diagnosis, and the overall 5-year survival rate is about 8% globally. Systemic chemotherapy is the standard of care for patients with unresectable…
November 23, 2020 The Ministry of Science and Technology has presented its 2020 Future Tech Breakthrough Award (Heterocyclic compounds and use thereof) to the National Health Research Institutes (NHRI) for the discovery of painkilling compounds that are safer and have fewer side effects than morphine. The work was performed by…
Congratulations to President Kung-Yee Liang for receiving 50 Changemakers of Public Health recognition from his Alma meta, University of Washington (UW). President Liang is deemed one of the changemakers for the distinguished service and achievement across public health disciplines and settings in celebration of UW School of Public Health’s 50…
