Psychosomatic medicine, consultation-liaison psychiatry, and integrated care in Taiwan: Snapshot 2026.

Methylphenidate may reduce suicide risk among patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Several studies have noted that the association between methylphenidate use and suicidality is weakening. Data were collected from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database to assess the association between methylphenidate exposure and suicide attempt risk across two exposure periods (main analysis: 2001-2002; duplication analysis: 2004-2005). We compared suicide attempt risk between patients who initiated methylphenidate treatment and those with no recorded psychiatric treatment or methylphenidate exposure during the same period. In both the main and duplication analyses, patients receiving methylphenidate exhibited a higher subsequent risk of suicide attempts than unexposed individuals. A duration-response pattern was observed in both cohorts: the hazard ratio of suicide attempts declined with longer cumulative methylphenidate use, from 1.60/1.84 for < 30days to 1.45/1.65 for ≥ 180days. Because hazard ratios were closely aligned across 2001-2002 and 2004-2005, the association of methylphenidate with reduced suicide attempt risk did not appear to decrease over time. Longer use of methylphenidate was associated with a lower risk of subsequent suicide attempts among patients in Taiwan receiving methylphenidate. The beneficial effect of methylphenidate on suicide risk remained consistent over time.

Parent-of-origin effects and cross-disorder transmission in familial psychiatric risk: A nationwide study of 1.77 million offspring.

ABSTRACT This article examines the notable instances of cultural exchange between the Republic of China (ROC, or “Taiwan”), and the Republic of Vietnam (RVN, or “South Vietnam”) during the prolonged 1960s. By focusing on the efforts of the two republics to forge an alliance through the promotion of Confucian heritage, academic research, and multilingual films, the article offers new insights into the “cultural cold war” at the grassroots level. While acknowledging the influence of the rivalry between the United States, Soviet Union, and the People’s Republic of China on international and domestic dynamics, I seek to highlight the agency and autonomy of newly organized states and the experience and involvement of ordinary people who adapted to and navigated Cold War political currents.

This article highlights the historical trajectory of relations between the Republic of Türkiye and the People’s Republic of China. The study demonstrates the periods of rupture during the 20th century and assesses the significance of the post-1971 relations. The research question asks how the direction and nature of Türkiye—China relations have been shaping within an evolving multipolar world order. The analysis structured around two core analytical arguments: strategic ambiguity and pragmatic alignment. Strategic ambiguity constrains the deepening of bilateral cooperation due to persistent, albeit implicit, silent mistrust. In contrast, pragmatic alignment enables cooperation, particularly within multilateral frameworks and international organisations. These dynamics of silent mistrust and cooperation extend beyond bilateral relations. The interaction has to be understood within the broader regional and global policy orientations of both countries. The article ultimately argues that strategic ambiguity and pragmatic alignment are interrelated dynamics that simultaneously generate challenges of silent mistrust and opportunities for cooperation.

Decreased Risk of New-onset Osteoporosis in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes on SGLT-2 Inhibitors.

ABSTRACT The National Public and Private Building Standard Drawings, a compilation of government-issued standard drawings for public and private buildings, was promoted by the Republic of China in 1946 after WWII (1939–1945). These documents considerably influenced postwar urban public works restoration and construction. However, scholarly research on the impact of these technical drawings on postwar reconstruction remains scarce. Therefore, this study aims to investigate how these standard drawings were produced and their impacts on the postwar urban and rural construction practices. Exploring social demands, it discusses three architectural perspectives: the classification criteria for building types, standards within the atlas text and, more importantly, the actual application of the atlas in the contexts of policy. Results ultimately contribute to a more comprehensive and systematic understanding of modern urban and rural construction planning activities that enrich the theoretical connotations of modern Chinese architectural atlases in augmenting the history of postwar urban construction and elucidating the operation and control modalities of modern government construction management functional agencies. The findings hold certain referential value for the practical renewal and renovation of historical buildings and the design of contemporary administrative office buildings.

East Asia has the highest gastric cancer incidence globally [1]. Real-world (rw) treatment patterns and outcomes for HER2-positive (HER2+) advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer (aGC/GEJC) remain poorly understood. This study enrolled adults with HER2+ aGC/GEJC diagnosed since January 2016 who received ≥2 lines of therapies (LOTs) with ≥6 months of follow-up across 31 centers in South Korea (KR), China (CN), Taiwan (TW), and Hong Kong (HK). Data were collected through November 2023. Treatment patterns, rw-efficacy outcomes, and adverse events of interest were analyzed descriptively. Of 356 eligible patients (KR: 119, CN: 137, TW: 75, HK: 25), chemotherapy plus HER2-targeted monoclonal antibody was the most common 1st LOT regimen (61.0%), although utilization varied across countries/regions. Cross-country/region heterogeneity in treatment patterns emerged from the 2nd LOT onward. Median rw-overall survival varied across countries/regions (KR: 37.1; TW: 13.7; HK: 18.1 months); reliable survival estimation was precluded in CN due to ~50% loss to follow-up. Exploratory analyses suggested no survival benefit with trastuzumab use across multiple versus single LOT(s) (nominal p=0.96); however, sequential use of ≥2 HER2-targeted therapy types with distinct mechanisms of action (MoAs) may be associated with longer survival compared to a single type (nominal p=0.009). Cross-country/region heterogeneity in HER2+ aGC/GEJC treatment exists, likely driven by differential drug accessibility. Exploratory analyses suggested possible associations between HER2-targeted therapy and improved outcomes; however, inherent biases preclude causal inference. The sequential use of HER2-targeted therapies with distinct MoAs may be associated with clinical benefit, requiring prospective validation (NCT05606094).

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory systemic disease, and the use of biological agents in the treatment of RA in recent years has significantly improved RA disease activities and clinical outcomes. However, the greatly increased medical costs due to the high costs of biologics are a major concern. We aimed to investigate healthcare utilization and costs in patients with RA pre- to post-initiation of biologics or tofacitinib. We conducted a nationwide, population-based study from 1996 to 2017 using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). In total, 57,084 newly diagnosed RA patients aged ≥ 20years were identified, of whom 10,566 patients using biologics or tofacitinib were selected and included in the final analysis. The dose adjustments of anti-rheumatic drugs and healthcare utilization and costs among RA patients 3months before and 6months after use of biologics were compared. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis evaluating healthcare utilization and costs over a 12-month period pre- to post-initiation of biologics or tofacitinib was conducted. RA patients had more frequent all-cause and RA-related outpatient department (OPD) visits after receiving biologics or tofacitinib, but fewer RA-related emergency room (ER) visits (0.00 ± 0.04 times/month, p = 0.005). There were fewer OPD visits and lower OPD healthcare costs in RA patients using tocilizumab (OPD visits: β - 0.20, p = 0.013; OPD costs: β - 16,366.92, p < 0.001) and abatacept (OPD visits: β - 0.41, p < 0.001; OPD costs: β - 4436.24, p < 0.001), compared with etanercept users. Moreover, significant dose reductions of concomitant anti-rheumatic drugs were observed in RA patients after biologics or tofacitinib, including corticosteroid, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine, and cyclosporin. Between 10.8 and 47.0% of RA patients experienced a reduction in the dose of anti-rheumatic drugs. This nationwide, population-based study revealed that the dose of concomitant anti-rheumatic drugs and RA-related ER visits significantly reduced after initiating biologics or tofacitinib. Compared with etanercept users, patients treated with tocilizumab or abatacept had significantly lower outpatient care-related visit numbers and costs. Key Points •This nationwide population-based study investigated healthcare utilization and costs in RA patients pre- to post-initiation of biologics or tofacitinib. •RA-related emergency room visits and doses of concomitant anti-rheumatic drugs significantly declined after starting biologic or tofacitinib therapy, suggesting improved disease control. •Tocilizumab and abatacept use were associated with fewer outpatient visits and lower costs than etanercept, offering more resource-efficient options for certain patients. • Older age, male sex, and higher comorbidity burden predicted more dose reduction of conventional anti-rheumatic medications, supporting individualized treatment planning and de escalation strategies in clinical practice.

ABSTRACT This paper calls for a recentring of researcher positionality and reflexivity in Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) by foregrounding a historically situated understanding of (de)coloniality in comparative education. Drawing on examples from a recent CDA study of Taiwanese EFL textbooks by scholars based in the People’s Republic of China, we argue that positionality (the social, political, and epistemic location from which scholars produce knowledge) and reflexivity (the practice of interrogating this location) are central to the validity of CDA in Taiwan’s educational contexts. The absence of such engagement risks reinforcing the very geopolitical hierarchies that critical inquiry seeks to dismantle. Our re-reading of selected textbook passages shows how our positionality shapes interpretation less as ideological determination than as a form of pedagogical negotiation. Recognising Taiwan as a distinct site of epistemic production, we call for a reflexive comparative stance that foregrounds plurality and situated understanding over universalist critique.

Metaphors are often used in persuasive political rhetoric. Effective use of metaphor can serve both to aid and to contaminate political discourse. China’s leaders resort to a wide range of metaphors, often drawn from Chinese traditions and folk culture. The distinct personal and political characteristics of these leaders can be identified by the way they have framed metaphors in their political narratives. The concept of ‘struggle’ has been adopted by all these leaders, appearing as a leading thread and surviving as a core theme of the Party’s spirit. This article considers the history of the People’s Republic of China in terms of metaphors used by its three most important CCP leaders: Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, and Xi Jinping.

Kidney Outcomes After Contrast Exposure in Patients Recovering From Dialysis-Requiring Acute Kidney Injury: A Target Trial Emulation Study.

Eugenia caryophyllata Thunb.: A comprehensive review of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and quality control.

Timor-Leste, the first new nation of the 21st century, faces a paradox. Although it achieved diplomatic milestones, joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2025 and the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2024, the government is facing a critical domestic crisis: the “resource curse” of dwindling revenues (Scheiner, 2022). Desperate for survival, the nation-state has adopted a pragmatic strategy of securing support from various international actors. This paper discusses China’s growing presence in this strategy, examining it not merely as a geopolitical alignment but as a multi-layered process. Timor-Leste actively engages with China’s “Global Initiatives” triad, utilizing infrastructure projects under the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and aligning with the broader narratives of the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) and Global Security Initiative (GSI). This approach is explicitly endorsed by President Ramos-Horta in the 2024 Joint Statement between China and Timor-Leste (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, 2024). This research note argues that Timor-Leste’s diplomacy transcends strategic “hedging” (Cheng-Chwee, 2008), by providing an overview of strategic infrastructure projects such as Tasi Mane; soft power instruments ranging from medical teams to education; and the economic impact of Chinese migrants. Instead, the author posits that it is a state-building “patchwork”: a desperate yet pragmatic accumulation of external support designed to maintain autonomy amidst great power competition.

ABSTRACT This article analyses the Uruguayan government’s contact with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1955–6, highlighting the factors that both facilitated and hindered this rapprochement. Despite Luis Batlle Berres’s efforts to seek commercial agreements and advocate for the PRC’s inclusion in the United Nations, the Global Cold War and its influence on Uruguay’s domestic politics ultimately thwarted the establishment of formal diplomatic relations. The study draws on primary sources from Uruguay and China to reveal the complex interaction between global and local dynamics, emphasising how tensions and ideological divisions led to missed opportunities for economic cooperation and diplomatic relations.

Rules governing the effectiveness of real estate registration underpin property security and transaction reliability. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (Hong Kong SAR) common law regime adopts the registration-opposition principle, under which property changes take effect by party agreement and registration mainly operates against third parties. Mainland China's civil law system follows the registration-effectiveness principle, making registration mandatory for valid property changes. Amid the integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), cross-border real estate transactions have increased, while conflicting registration rules have produced persistent disputes over ownership determination and contract enforcement. Focusing on ownership conflicts and performance dilemmas in GBA cross-border real estate deals, this paper compares the theoretical foundations and institutional disparities between the two regimes, draws on Hong Kong SAR's legal-equitable title structure, and proposes feasible pathways for regulatory alignment. The findings help resolve cross-jurisdictional legal frictions, protect transaction security, and support rule-of-law coordination and institutional improvement of real estate registration in the GBA and mainland China.

Reactive molecular dynamics investigation of the first steps of coronavirus (COVID-19) viral-protein ligands fragment (SARS-CoV-2).

ABSTRACT India’s strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific reflects a deliberate effort to offset its vulnerabilities along the enduring border conflict with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on its northern frontier. Unlike other major Indo-Pacific powers such as Japan, Australia and the United States (US), India faces an enduring territorial dispute with the PRC, rooted in the colonial treaty between British and Tibet that Beijing continues to reject. This dispute has produced one of the world’s longest undemarcated borders and has fuelled asymmetric confrontations since the 1962 Indo-Sino war, including the recent crises at Doklam (2017) and the Galwan Valley (2020). Despite the PRC’s superior infrastructure and operational capabilities in high-altitude terrain, India has sought to offset for its disadvantage in the continental theatre by adopting a ‘compensational deterrence’ strategy through naval modernisation, expanded strategic partnerships and a stronger presence in the Indo-Pacific.

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a prevalent metabolic disorder requiring safe, effective interventions. Ligustrum robustum (LR), a Chinese functional tea approved as a general food by the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, was studied for its anti-HUA and renoprotective effects in potassium oxonate and hypoxanthine-induced HUA mice. Results showed that LR significantly reduced serum uric acid and improved renal function in a dose-responsive manner without organ toxicity. Western blot analysis indicated that LR bidirectionally regulated uric acid metabolism by downregulating the expressions of XOD, URAT1, GLUT9, and OAT4 and upregulating ABCG2, OAT1 and OAT3 expressions. Furthermore, transcriptomics combined with RT-qPCR and H&E staining revealed that LR ameliorated renal inflammation by suppressing the TNF/NF-κB pathway. Using spectrum-effect relationship analysis, 20 active compounds were identified, with ligupurpuroside A and verbascoside showing strong XOD inhibitory activity. LR shows promise as a safe, effective functional food for HUA management.

ABSTRACT The November 1963 coup in Saigon resulted in the murder of President Ngô Đình Diệm and his brother Nhu. While there has been research work done about the coup, there has not been a study of the impact of the coup from a Taiwanese perspective. The Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Republic of Vietnam (RVN) had forged closer diplomatic ties through Taiwanese economic aid and technical assistance. This paper traces the investigations by the Taiwanese government and media into the causes of the coup, alleged United States (US) involvement, the state of US-RVN relations and Taiwanese relations with the US and post-coup RVN.