Review
Rheumatology
Daniel Toro-Dominguez, Marta E. Alarcon-Riquelme
Summary: The potential of precision medicine remains uncertain, but single-cell molecular studies contribute to understanding autoimmune diseases and the focus should shift towards preventive medicine.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Penglei Jiang, Hongyu Jia, Xinyue Qian, Tian Tang, Yingli Han, Zhaoru Zhang, Lingli Jiang, Zebin Yu, Lin Zheng, Guodong Yu, Huan Cai, Shanyan Zhang, Xiaoli Zhang, Jueqing Gu, Chanyuan Ye, Lisha Yang, Yingfeng Lu, Heng Liu, Xiaoqing Lu, Ciliang Jin, Yue Ren, Miaomiao Lu, Lingling Xu, Jiong Yu, Xi Jin, Yida Yang, Pengxu Qian
Summary: This study used single-cell RNA sequencing to investigate the transcriptomic landscape of peripheral immune cells in CHB patients before and after PegIFN-alpha therapy. The study identified specific cell subsets associated with CHB and found that PegIFN-alpha treatment could decrease hyperactivated monocytes, increase long-lived naive/memory T cells, and enhance effector T cell cytotoxicity. Furthermore, the treatment altered the transcriptional profiles of immune cells and enhanced innate antiviral response.
Review
Cell Biology
Adiv A. Johnson, Bradley W. English, Maxim N. Shokhirev, David A. Sinclair, Trinna L. Cuellar
Summary: Although chronological age is related to age-related diseases and conditions, it does not fully reflect an individual's functional capacity, well-being, or mortality risk. In contrast, biological age provides information on overall health and the pace of aging. Research has shown that aging clocks, computational models using inputs like DNA methylation sites, can predict biological age. This predicted biological age is associated with age-related diseases, social factors, and mental health conditions. Age acceleration, indicated by an increase in predicted biological age relative to chronological age, is linked to higher premature mortality risk.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Shirin Biglari, Shevvaa Beiglary, Tiru Arthanari
Summary: This study investigates Iran's capacity as a developing country to achieve sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a conceptual system dynamics (SD) model. The study finds that Iran faces obstacles in achieving SDGs, which not only affect specific goals but also impact other goals. Additionally, the study identifies the most influential SDGs in Iran's context for achieving the desired system behavior.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Editorial Material
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Deepa Bhartiya
Summary: The tissue homeostasis of adult tissues is believed to be maintained by resident stem cells, but isolating these quiescent stem cells has proven difficult. Recent single-cell RNAseq studies have not been able to detect stem cells in several adult tissues, possibly because they were unknowingly discarded during processing.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Stamatia Simati, Alexander Kokkinos, Maria Dalamaga, Georgia Argyrakopoulou
Summary: The obesity paradox refers to the observation that certain chronic diseases show a protective association between body mass index (BMI) and clinical outcomes. However, this association may be influenced by factors such as limitations of BMI, unintended weight loss due to chronic illness, different phenotypes of obesity, and cardiorespiratory fitness levels. Recent evidence suggests that cardioprotective medications, obesity duration, and smoking status also play a role in the obesity paradox.
CURRENT OBESITY REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Benjamin Warren, Jerome Sarris, Roger T. Mulder, Julia J. Rucklidge
Summary: While clinical observations suggest an association between elevated HPL and mental disorders, current research has not definitively proven the robust correlation between elevated HPL and increased mental health symptoms, increased excretion of zinc and B-6 in urine, and the efficacy of high-dose zinc and B-6 as a treatment for mental health problems associated with elevated HPL. Further research is needed in identifying specific clinical populations with elevated HPL, validating the chemistry and testing validity, and conducting controlled trials to establish the efficacy of high-dose zinc and B-6 as a treatment for elevated pyrroles.
JOURNAL OF ALTERNATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biology
Robert H. Cowie, Philippe Bouchet, Benoit Fontaine
Summary: There have been five Mass Extinction events in the history of Earth's biodiversity, and the Sixth Mass Extinction may currently be occurring due to human activities. While some dispute the existence of the Sixth Mass Extinction, arguing that the rate of species loss is not significantly different from background rates, this viewpoint is flawed due to the bias of the IUCN Red List. Incorporating estimates of invertebrate extinctions suggests that the current rate of extinction far surpasses background rates, pointing to the start of the Sixth Mass Extinction.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Farah Deeba, Ashish Kumar, Monalisa Mukherjee, Arun K. Sharma, Manju Sharma
Summary: The review discusses the intricate relationship between obesity and diabetes, highlighting the involvement of endocannabinoid signaling system and CB1 receptor in regulating metabolism and adiposity. However, excessive activation of the EC system may result in severe consequences, such as depression and suicidal thoughts.
DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Neurosciences
Anne-Katrin Proebstel, Lucas Schirmer
Summary: Neurological symptoms and CNS immunopathology have been reported in COVID-19, with debates on whether they are caused by systemic inflammation or CNS-specific viral infection. Further investigation is needed to clarify these mechanisms.
TRENDS IN NEUROSCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Surgery
Giovanni Tomasicchio, Fulvio Salvatore D'abramo, Rigers Dibra, Giuseppe Trigiante, Arcangelo Picciariello, Agnese Dezi, Maria Teresa Rotelli, Nunzio Ranaldo, Alfredo Di Leo, Gennaro Martines
Summary: This study evaluated the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and analyzed patients' weight loss, comorbidities, and quality of life after surgery. The results showed a relatively high incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease, but the surgery significantly improved patients' quality of life.
Article
Computer Science, Cybernetics
Yu-Shan Hsu, Yu-Ping Chen, Jan Selmer, Maria Bastida
Summary: Drawing on the MOA theoretical framework, this study examines the three-way interaction between unique features of VACs (construal level, schedule and location flexibility, and digital competence) to predict knowledge exchange and attendees' thriving during VACs. Findings reveal that all three elements of the MOA framework are crucial in predicting knowledge exchange in VACs, and both knowledge acquisition and sharing mediate the indirect effects of the three-way interaction on thriving. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, along with directions for future research.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manuel Johanns, Louis Hue, Mark H. Rider
Summary: This review addresses the role of AMPK in the control of hepatic gluconeogenesis and explores the potential of targeting AMPK as a strategy for treating type 2 diabetes. The properties of AMPK and different small-molecule AMPK activators are described, and various mechanisms for controlling hepatic glucose production are reviewed. Experimental and genetic models used to investigate the role of AMPK in liver gluconeogenesis are critically discussed. The effects of anti-diabetic drugs, particularly metformin, on hepatic gluconeogenesis are also considered. The main effect of AMPK activation on the control of hepatic gluconeogenesis is to inhibit glucagon signaling and improve insulin sensitivity by reducing hepatic lipid content.
BIOCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Johan Markram, Lizelle Griessel, Brendan Girdler-Brown, Kim Outhoff
Summary: This study assessed the effects of different lubricants on sperm motility. The results showed that all lubricants, except for egg white, significantly reduced sperm forward progression. Additionally, there were significant differences in sperm motility between different commercially available lubricants.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Vikas Hassija, Vinay Chamola, Balindam Chandra Bajpai, Naren, Sherali Zeadally
Summary: Smart healthcare is becoming more integrated with software, allowing control and monitoring of medical devices. However, this connectivity also poses security threats that need to be addressed.
SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Tai-Chung Tseng, Chieh Chiang, Chun-Jen Liu, Chun-Ming Hong, Tung-Hung Su, Hung-Chih Yang, Wan-Ting Yang, Chen-Hua Liu, Pei-Jer Chen, Jia-Horng Kao
Summary: This study aimed to explore the association between spontaneous seroclearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) levels. The results showed that lower HBcrAg levels were associated with an increased likelihood of HBsAg seroclearance. Especially for patients with HBsAg levels >1000 IU/mL, HBcrAg levels <10,000 U/mL served as an independent predictor for HBsAg seroclearance.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Yu-Ming Cheng, Chia-Chi Wang, Jia-Horng Kao
Summary: A new nomenclature for metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) was proposed in 2020, but its coherence with clinical demand remains controversial.
HEPATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Chen-Hua Liu, Cheng-Yuan Peng, Chun-Jen Liu, Chi-Yi Chen, Ching-Chu Lo, Kuo-Chih Tseng, Pei-Yuan Su, Wei-Yu Kao, Ming-Chang Tsai, Hung-Da Tung, Hao-Tsai Cheng, Fu-Jen Lee, Chia-Sheng Huang, Ke-Jhang Huang, Yu-Lueng Shih, Sheng-Shun Yang, Jo-Hsuan Wu, Hsueh-Chou Lai, Yu-Jen Fang, Po-Yueh Chen, Jow-Jyh Hwang, Chi-Wei Tseng, Wei-Wen Su, Chun-Chao Chang, Pei-Lun Lee, Jyh-Jou Chen, Chi-Yang Chang, Tsai-Yuan Hsieh, Chung-Hsin Chang, Yi-Jie Huang, Jia-Horng Kao
Summary: This multicenter study evaluated the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir (SOF/VEL/VOX) for retreating East Asian patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who previously received NS5A direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). The results showed that SOF/VEL/VOX is highly effective and well-tolerated for these patients.
HEPATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Jia-Horng Kao
JOURNAL OF THE FORMOSAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Letter
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Tai-Chung Tseng, Jia-Horng Kao
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Te-Sheng Chang, Chung-Feng Huang, Hsing-Tao Kuo, Ching-Chu Lo, Chien-Wei Huang, Lee-Won Chong, Pin-Nan Cheng, Ming-Lun Yeh, Cheng-Yuan Peng, Chien-Yu Cheng, Jee-Fu Huang, Ming-Jong Bair, Chih-Lang Lin, Chi-Chieh Yang, Szu-Jen Wang, Tsai-Yuan Hsieh, Tzong-Hsi Lee, Pei-Lun Lee, Wen-Chih Wu, Chih-Lin Lin, Wei-Wen Su, Sheng-Shun Yang, Chia-Chi Wang, Jui-Ting Hu, Lein-Ray Mo, Chun-Ting Chen, Yi-Hsiang Huang, Chun-Chao Chang, Chia-Sheng Huang, Guei-Ying Chen, Chien-Neng Kao, Chi-Ming Tai, Chun-Jen Liu, Mei-Hsuan Lee, Pei-Chien Tsai, Chia-Yen Dai, Jia-Horng Kao, Han-Chieh Lin, Wang-Long Chuang, Chi-Yi Chen, Kuo-Chih Tseng, Chao-Hung Hung, Ming-Lung Yu
Summary: The study analyzed the data of Taiwanese patients with chronic hepatitis C infection receiving 8-week glecaprevir/pibrentasvir therapy. The results showed good treatment efficacy with minimal adverse events. This is of great significance for the treatment of patients with compensated cirrhosis.
HEPATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Shang-Chin Huang, Tung-Hung Su, Tai-Chung Tseng, Chi-Ling Chen, Shih-Jer Hsu, Sih-Han Liao, Chun-Ming Hong, Chen-Hua Liu, Ting-Yuan Lan, Hung-Chih Yang, Chun-Jen Liu, Pei-Jer Chen, Jia-Horng Kao
Summary: This study aimed to explore the impact of concurrent MAFLD on the risk of HCC in CHB patients. The study found that concurrent MAFLD reduced the risk of HCC in CHB patients, while an increasing burden of metabolic dysfunction increased the risk of HCC.
HEPATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Tung-Hung Su, Shan-Han Chang, Chi-Ling Chen, Sih-Han Liao, Tai-Chung Tseng, Shih-Jer Hsu, Chun-Ming Hong, Chen-Hua Liu, Hung-Chih Yang, Chun-Jen Liu, Pei-Jer Chen, Jia-Horng Kao
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the controversial use of AFP checkup with abdominal ultrasonography for HCC surveillance. It was found that serial AFP-increase and high AFP levels can predict the occurrence of HCC. AFP levels at 12, 9, and 6 months before the outcome date were evaluated. Group-based trajectory analysis and multivariable regression analysis were performed to identify AFP trajectories as risk predictors for HCC.
HEPATOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Meng-Ju Lin, Tung-Hung Su, Chieh-Chang Chen, Wei-Kai Wu, Shih-Jer Hsu, Tai-Chung Tseng, Sih-Han Liao, Chun-Ming Hong, Hung-Chih Yang, Chun-Jen Liu, Ming-Shiang Wu, Jia-Horng Kao
Summary: This study investigated the gut microbiota of patients with HBV-related liver diseases and found that the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota varies significantly between healthy individuals and patients at different stages of HBV-related liver disease. The study also revealed changes in microbial functions with disease progression, suggesting that understanding the gut microbiota may provide novel therapeutic options for these patients.
Correction
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Meng-Ju Lin, Tung-Hung Su, Chieh-Chang Chen, Wei-Kai Wu, Shih-Jer Hsu, Tai-Chung Tseng, Sih-Han Liao, Chun-Ming Hong, Hung-Chih Yang, Chun-Jen Liu, Ming-Shiang Wu, Jia-Horng Kao
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Pei-Shan Tsai, Yu-Ming Cheng, Chia-Chi Wang, Jia-Horng Kao
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) patients with concomitant chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The results showed that MAFLD patients with HCV infection may have a higher risk of advanced liver fibrosis, but a similar risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease compared to those without HCV infection.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY & HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Chi-Ling Chen, Tai-Chung Tseng, Chun-Jen Liu, Jia-Horng Kao, Pei-Jer Chen, Wei-Shiung Yang
Summary: This study reveals a positive relationship between serum RNase L levels and HBV viral titers or advanced disease status. Further investigation in this area may provide more details of an innate immune response for HBV and opportunity for novel therapeutic strategy.
HEPATOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Tai-Chung Tseng, Jia-Horng Kao
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Letter
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Chia-Chi Wang, Jia-Horng Kao
Article
Oncology
Yi-Cheng Lu, Tung-Hung Su, Tai-Chung Tseng, Shih-Jer Hsu, Sih-Han Liao, Chun-Ming Hong, Chen-Hua Liu, Hung-Chih Yang, Chun-Jen Liu, Jia-Horng Kao
Summary: Protein induced by Vitamin K absence or antagonists-II (PIVKA-II) serves as a diagnostic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we investigated the predictive role of PIVKA-II and ASAP score in the development of HCC within 1 year among untreated chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. The results showed that baseline PIVKA-II level was significantly higher in the HCC group compared to the control group and could predict HCC development within 1 year. Furthermore, the ASAP score, which combines age, sex, alpha-fetoprotein, and PIVKA-II, improved the predictability for HCC within 1 year. The findings suggest that both high PIVKA-II level and ASAP score may serve as predictors for HCC development in untreated CHB patients, particularly in those with normal alpha-fetoprotein levels.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH
(2023)
