Duen-Wei Hsu

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This study looked at how boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) are using heart medications to manage heart problems associated with their condition. It followed 265 patients, with about 57.7% showing decreased heart function and 25.3% experiencing moderate or severe issues. Of those with more severe problems, 73.1% were on the recommended combination of medications, but many weren't getting the full doses they needed. Who this helps: This helps patients with DMD and their doctors by highlighting the importance of proper heart medication management.

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This study looks at chorioretinal folds, which are wrinkles in the eye's layers that can affect vision. Researchers found that these folds can happen for several reasons, including some that are common and others that are related to pressure or pulling on the eye. Understanding the causes helps doctors decide how to treat patients and can prevent vision loss, especially from related conditions like choroidal folds-related maculopathy. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing vision problems related to these eye conditions.

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This study looked at the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei, which causes melioidosis, a disease found mainly in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. Researchers analyzed nearly 800 cases of melioidosis in Taiwan and found that a specific area accounted for 61% to 72% of these cases, with annual rates between 0.3 and 4.0 per 100,000 people. They also discovered that after heavy rainfall, the presence of the bacteria in the soil jumped from 77.7% to 97.4%, showing how environmental conditions influence its spread. Who this helps: This research helps public health officials and medical professionals better manage and prevent melioidosis outbreaks.

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This study looked at bloodstream infections (BSIs) in patients who have received solid organ transplants compared to those who haven't. Researchers analyzed data from over 15,000 patients and found three main subtypes of BSIs. Although transplant patients had higher rates of drug-resistant infections, they had a lower chance of dying within 30 days (9.0% for transplant patients versus 12.8% for non-transplant patients), particularly in one group where the death rate was 18.3% compared to 33.1% in the other group. Who this helps: This research helps doctors understand the differences in infections between transplant and non-transplant patients, improving treatment strategies.

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This study looked at the presence of certain antibodies related to Sjögren's disease in patients with dry eye disease. Out of 304 patients, 38 were diagnosed with Sjögren's disease, and they showed higher rates of specific antibodies compared to those without it—21% had one type of antibody compared to 10% in the other group. These findings are important because they highlight a connection between these antibodies and the inflammatory nature of dry eyes, which could help doctors provide better treatments for affected patients. Who this helps: Patients with dry eye disease, especially those at risk for Sjögren's disease.

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This study looked at how a team-based approach to palliative care for patients with motor neuron disease affected their overall care in Hong Kong over ten years. It found that patients who received this multidisciplinary care had more access to support services like occupational and speech therapy, more help from community organizations, and were more likely to complete important end-of-life documents. These patients also lived longer, with a 46% reduced risk of death compared to those who did not receive multidisciplinary care. Who this helps: This benefits patients with motor neuron disease and their families.

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This study focused on how quickly and effectively patients with tumors can receive stereotactic radiation therapy (SRS/SBRT) on the same day they are assessed. Researchers treated 97 patients, finding that while most treatments were completed by 6 PM, the time to finish simulation often ran over an expected schedule, averaging about 18 minutes late. This streamlined approach is important because it allows patients with urgent treatment needs to receive care more efficiently, improving their overall experience and potentially their outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients who need immediate radiation therapy for their cancer.

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The ASCEND-CRC trial is studying how colorectal cancer changes over time and how these changes affect treatment. The researchers are looking for new ways to track the tumor's evolution and identify specific markers that can help doctors make better treatment choices. This research is important because it aims to create a more personalized approach to cancer treatment that keeps pace with how the disease adapts, potentially improving outcomes for patients. Who this helps: Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

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This study focuses on patients who have undergone the Fontan procedure, a surgery for congenital heart disease that improves survival but can lead to heart failure as patients age. Researchers found that the causes of heart failure in these patients are complex, often involving issues like poor blood flow and abnormalities in heart function, with common symptoms being fluid buildup and decreased blood circulation. Improving our understanding of these factors and finding effective treatments is crucial, as many patients face significant health challenges and limited options now. Who this helps: This helps patients living with congenital heart disease and their doctors.

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This study looked at a rare eye condition called secondary multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) that occurred alongside central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) in a 35-year-old man who was experiencing vision problems. The patient's CSCR and MEWDS improved on their own after two months without treatment. This finding is important because it highlights the potential link between different eye conditions and how they can affect each other. Who this helps: This helps patients with eye conditions and doctors who treat them.

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This study looked at heart performance in young patients with muscular dystrophy (MD) by measuring how well their hearts interacted with their blood vessels. Researchers found that nearly half of the patients had decreased heart function at follow-up, with heart performance getting worse over time—28% had a low ejection fraction (less than 55%) at diagnosis, which rose to 44% by their last check-up. This is important because it shows that heart problems are common in MD patients and worsen as the disease progresses, and that losing the ability to walk is linked to worse heart health. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with muscular dystrophy and their doctors by highlighting the need for heart monitoring.

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This research paper looks at how 3D printing could change the way medicines are made and prescribed, moving away from the standard approach that treats everyone the same. The study found that 3D printing can create customized medications tailored to individual patient needs, which could improve healthcare outcomes and make pharmacy practice more innovative. For example, it can produce pills with the exact doses patients require or combine multiple medications into one tablet. Who this helps: This benefits patients who need personalized treatments and pharmacists who will have new roles in healthcare.

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This study looked at how well a new treatment combining atezolizumab with standard chemotherapy (mFOLFOX6) works for patients with stage III colon cancer that has a specific genetic feature (mismatch repair-deficient, or dMMR). Researchers found that after 3 years, 86.3% of patients receiving the combined therapy were free from disease compared to 76.2% of those receiving chemotherapy alone, showing that the combination treatment significantly lowers the risk of cancer returning. However, more severe side effects were reported in the combination group (84.1%) compared to chemotherapy alone (71.9%). Who this helps: This benefits patients with stage III dMMR colon cancer by offering them a more effective treatment option.

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This study looked at why there are high rates of melioidosis, a serious infection, in a specific area of southern Taiwan, particularly after severe typhoons. Researchers found that over 20 years, 782 cases were reported, with outbreaks happening more often when it rained heavily (over 200 mm) and winds were strong (over 20 m/sec). The hilly landscape trapped contaminated air from nearby farms, which helped the infection spread locally. Who this helps: This research benefits public health officials and local communities by providing insights for better prevention strategies during typhoon season.

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This study looked at how well certain medications designed to stop bleeding, called pro-haemostatic agents, work for patients who suffer from serious brain bleeds while taking specific blood thinners, known as factor Xa inhibitors, between 2015 and 2021. The findings showed that the death rate from these brain bleeds was nearly the same for patients who received these agents (90%) as those who did not (93%), and there was little difference in bleeding volume. This matters because it suggests that these agents may not effectively reduce the risk of death in these patients, which challenges earlier studies that claimed they could help. Who this helps: This information is important for doctors treating patients with bleeding complications from blood thinners.

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This study looked at a rare condition called encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis (ECCL), which can cause severe seizures that don’t respond to medication. Researchers presented a case of a 4-year-old girl with this condition who had been suffering from difficult-to-control seizures and found that a surgical procedure called functional hemispherectomy successfully relieved her seizures. This finding is important because it highlights a new surgical option for patients with ECCL who experience medication-resistant epilepsy, a common issue in up to 70% of these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis and their families.

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This study looked at the procedures performed by Pediatric Emergency Medicine (PEM) fellows during their training. Researchers analyzed data from 104 fellows across 11 training programs and found that while common procedures like resuscitations and intubations were frequently reported, many fellows did not consistently perform all required procedures, with some less common ones like nasal packing reported even less. This matters because understanding these trends can help improve training methods and ensure fellows develop the skills needed for real-life emergencies. Who this helps: This helps pediatric emergency medicine fellows and the training programs to better prepare for their roles.

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This study looked at over 3,000 cancer patients who had brain metastases to understand where these tumors usually occur in the brain. The researchers found that these metastases often cluster near areas with lots of blood flow and noted that different types of cancer, like lung and breast cancers, tend to spread to specific brain regions, with deep brain structures being less affected. This research is important because it helps create a new model to target treatments more effectively, which could lead to fewer cognitive side effects for patients. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients by improving treatment approaches and reducing side effects.

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Researchers studied how to predict whether patients under 60 with a specific type of wrist fracture (distal radius fracture) would need surgery or not. Using a computer system called a convolutional neural network, they analyzed x-rays from 163 patients and found that their model could accurately predict treatment choices 88% of the time, which could lead to faster care by identifying those who need surgery sooner. This is important because the current average wait for surgery exceeds 19 days, which can worsen recovery for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with wrist fractures by speeding up their treatment process.

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This study looked at a surgical method called the Extended Flexor Carpi Radialis (EFCR) approach for fixing wrist fractures. Researchers followed 100 patients and found that after about 14 months, patients had good wrist movement, with an average range of motion of 72 degrees for bending and 60 degrees for straightening, and a healthy grip strength averaging 28 kg. The overall complication rate was low at 9%, indicating that this approach is safe and effective for treating these types of fractures. Who this helps: This helps patients with wrist fractures and their doctors by providing a reliable surgical option.

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This study looked at pediatric fellows graduating from their training programs to see if they were meeting the minimal supervision levels necessary for providing direct patient care. Out of 1,480 fellows, 117 (or nearly 8%) did not meet these supervision requirements for at least one assessment. Importantly, while most of them (70.9%) still passed their certification exam, those who met all supervision levels had a higher success rate of 80.6%. This finding shows that some fellows may need more training before they are fully ready to work independently. Who this helps: This helps medical training programs and future pediatric patients by identifying areas for improvement in fellow readiness.

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This study looked at how certain platinum (Pt) compounds behave when they get excited, specifically focusing on the way they change shape and form bonds very quickly. Researchers found that when these Pt compounds were excited, the distance between Pt atoms decreased by about 0.25 angstroms and showed different patterns of vibrations depending on the linking materials used. Understanding these rapid changes is important because it sheds light on how to control energy transfer in chemical reactions, which could lead to advances in fields like energy storage and conversion. Who this helps: This research benefits chemists and material scientists looking to improve energy conversion technologies.

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Researchers studied melioidosis, a serious illness caused by a bacterium found in soil and water, in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. They found that 14.6% of residents tested positive for exposure to the bacteria, especially among those aged 10-19 and 80-99. The disease cases were mainly located in urban areas, with peaks occurring after major typhoons, suggesting that flooding from these storms may increase the risk of infection for about 454,000 to 513,000 people in the affected regions. Who this helps: This research assists public health officials and local communities in preventing melioidosis outbreaks.

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This study looked at how metastatic cervical cancer (mCC) is treated in the Asia-Pacific region and the challenges patients face in getting care. They found that about 11% of cervical cancer patients had metastatic disease, mostly affecting those aged 41 to 60. Major treatment methods include systemic therapy alone (44%) and a combination of radiotherapy with systemic therapy (33%), but issues like high costs and limited treatment options create significant barriers. Who this helps: This helps patients with metastatic cervical cancer by highlighting the need for better access to treatments.

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This study looked at how a specific tool, called the International Classification of Cognitive Disorders in Epilepsy (IC-CoDE), can be used to understand cognitive problems in young people (ages 8-18) with newly diagnosed epilepsy compared to those without epilepsy. Researchers tested 222 youths and found that those with epilepsy had different cognitive impairment profiles, showing much higher rates of issues in areas like language and attention, with 25% experiencing difficulties in just one cognitive area versus only 8% in the control group. This is important because it helps identify how epilepsy affects mental functioning in kids, paving the way for better care and targeted interventions. Who this helps: This benefits patients with epilepsy and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how well supervision scales work for assessing the training of pediatric specialists in the U.S. Researchers collected supervision ratings for 3,312 fellows over four years and found that most program directors found the scales easy to use. The results showed a strong link between higher supervision levels and better performance in key skills needed for their work, indicating that the scales are reliable and valid tools for evaluating the training of pediatric fellows. Who this helps: This benefits pediatric fellows and their training programs.

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Researchers studied a type of pancreatic tumor called nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PanNETs) to find out more about markers that can indicate how aggressive these tumors are. They discovered that 7% of the tumors had a gene fusion involving BEND2, which was linked to worse outcomes – specifically, patients with tumors showing this gene fusion lived significantly shorter times without disease reoccurrence and had lower overall survival rates. This matters because identifying these gene changes helps predict which patients may have more aggressive forms of this cancer and could inform treatment decisions. Who this helps: Patients with nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

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This study focused on developing new treatments for Chagas disease, a serious illness caused by a parasite, by using a collaborative approach involving students from several universities around the world. Researchers successfully created 74 new compounds and found some promising candidates that showed effectiveness without harming healthy cells. This research is important because it could lead to better treatments for neglected tropical diseases, which often lack funding and attention. Who this helps: Patients suffering from Chagas disease and other neglected tropical diseases.

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This study looked at how well two medications, ustekinumab and vedolizumab, worked for children and young adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) over 6 months and 1 year. It found that after one year, 61% of patients using vedolizumab, compared to 32% using ustekinumab, were able to stay off steroids and maintain clinical remission. Both treatments were generally safe, with adverse effects reported in about 7% of patients using vedolizumab and 10% using ustekinumab. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and young patients with inflammatory bowel disease by providing insights into effective treatment options.

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This study looked at adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) to understand the other health issues, known as comorbidities, they face. It found that 88.5% of these adults had at least one other health condition, and 76% had multiple, with the most common being diabetes, hypertension, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. This is important because it highlights the need for better health management and support for this growing group of patients to reduce health risks. Who this helps: Adults with congenital heart disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study focused on linking assessment tools used in pediatric training, specifically Milestones 2.0 and Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs), for 15 pediatric subspecialties. The researchers found that only 40% of subspecialties successfully matched all Milestone competencies to their EPAs, and trainees were generally not expected to work independently without supervision until they reached the highest level of expertise. This collaboration led to the creation of a new online tool that helps educators determine appropriate milestone expectations based on supervision levels, enhancing training quality. Who this helps: This benefits pediatric training programs and educators who mentor future doctors.

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This study looked at how much pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) fellows earn when they start their first jobs. Out of 107 fellows surveyed, the average starting salary was $255,000, but there was a noticeable pay gap where men earned about $25,628 more than women, and non-minority fellows earned about $20,440 more than those from underrepresented backgrounds. This is important because understanding salary differences can help promote fair pay practices and improve financial support for all doctors. Who this helps: This helps new doctors, especially women and those from diverse backgrounds, by highlighting the need for fair compensation.

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This study looked at the use of MRI during surgery for children with drug-resistant epilepsy, aiming to ensure that all of the affected brain area was removed. They found that 73% of the patients showed incomplete removal of the targeted area before extra surgery was done, but after surgery, 90% experienced a reduction in seizures, with 80% becoming seizure-free. This is important because it shows that using MRI during surgery helps prevent incomplete procedures, leading to better outcomes for young epilepsy patients. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and their families.

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This study focused on how to better diagnose and treat atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) when other health issues, called "triggers," complicate the situation. Experts from several Asia-Pacific countries created step-by-step guides to help doctors identify aHUS quickly and provide the right treatment with specific drugs, called C5 inhibitors, to prevent serious damage to the kidneys and other organs. The study is essential because it offers clear recommendations for healthcare professionals to enhance patient care and outcomes in the presence of these triggers. Who this helps: This helps patients with aHUS and their doctors by providing clear guidelines for treatment.

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Researchers studied the effects of giving a second dose of the mRNA-1345 vaccine, designed to protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), to adults aged 50 and older, one year after their first dose. They found that the revaccination was mostly safe and well-tolerated, with mild to moderate side effects that lasted about two days. The antibody response to the vaccine was strong, with 77.5% of participants showing a significant increase in immunity against RSV-A and 47.5% against RSV-B after the second dose. Who this helps: This helps older adults by providing them with enhanced protection against RSV.

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In this study, researchers looked at a chemical reaction called the Stetter reaction to create complex molecules known as bicyclic and tricyclic spirocarbocycles, using a combination of two catalysts: N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and urea. They found that this reaction worked effectively at room temperature, producing the desired compounds in yields ranging from 27% to 96%. This research is significant because it offers a new way to synthesize intricate molecules, which could be important for developing new drugs or materials. Who this helps: This helps chemists and pharmaceutical researchers looking to create new compounds for medical treatments.

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This study looked at how well pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) fellows can perform important procedures like fixing cuts, putting tubes in patients' airways, and sedating children. Researchers found that second-year fellows were nearly five times more likely, and third-year fellows over ten times more likely, to receive higher scores for their skills compared to first-year fellows. This matters because using this evaluation tool can help ensure consistent and effective training, improving the quality of care for children in emergencies. Who this helps: Patients, particularly children needing emergency medical care.

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This study focused on a new cancer treatment called fadraciclib, which targets specific proteins that help control cell division and gene activity in advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). Researchers tested fadraciclib on 18 patient-derived models and found that it was more effective than traditional chemotherapy, resulting in significant tumor growth inhibition and minimal side effects. This is important because it suggests a new, potent option for treating aggressive CRC that may help patients whose cancer does not respond to standard treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

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This study looked at how pharmacy students and their teachers felt about a program called ELSA, which helps students develop their professional identity and well-being over their four years of training from 2019 to 2024. The survey results showed that more than 70% of students were happy with the program, and the average agreement rates were very high: 91% for first-year, 86.6% for second-year, and 90.4% for third-year students. Faculty also reported that over 56% found the program engaging and useful, indicating that ELSA is effectively helping students grow personally and professionally. Who this helps: This helps pharmacy students and their teachers.

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This study looked at how different nursing cart handle designs affect the strain on nurses’ muscles and wrist movements. Researchers tested five handle styles with ten female participants and found that one particular design significantly reduced extreme wrist positions and muscle activity. This means that a better handle design can help nurses feel more comfortable and less strained while working, which is important for their well-being and can lead to safer patient care. Who this helps: Nurses who use emergency carts.

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This study looked at two rare conditions, Sturge-Weber syndrome and encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis (ECCL), which both affect the brain and skin. A 15-month-old boy with severe seizures had no visible skin or eye symptoms, but brain scans revealed changes that pointed to these syndromes. After surgery to disconnect part of his brain, genetic testing confirmed he had ECCL, highlighting that this condition can appear without typical symptoms and needs to be considered in similar cases. Who this helps: This information helps doctors diagnose and manage children with hard-to-treat epilepsy.

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This study looked at how gender and race affect the evaluations of pediatric subspecialty fellows, who are specialized doctors in training. Researchers analyzed assessment data from 561 fellows and found that Asian fellows were less likely to receive high supervision ratings compared to White fellows, with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.48, meaning they had almost half the likelihood of receiving a top rating. Overall, there were no significant differences based on gender and only this one racial difference, which is important because it shows that most trainees are assessed fairly using this evaluation method. Who this helps: This helps pediatric fellows and their educators by highlighting areas of potential bias and ensuring fair assessments.