Switching to tenofovir alafenamide in virally-suppressed chronic hepatitis B patients with renal/hepatic impairment: Phase 2 study sub-analysis from Taiwan.

Background/purpose: Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) has demonstrated non-inferior efficacy to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) with improved bone and renal safety across diverse populations, including those with mild renal or hepatic impairment. We evaluated TAF efficacy and safety in a subset of Taiwanese chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients enrolled in a phase 2, multicentre study (NCT03180619) of patients with more advanced renal or hepatic impairment.

Methods: In a sub-analysis of virally-suppressed (hepatitis B virus DNA <20 IU/mL) adult Taiwanese CHB patients with renal (chronic kidney disease stage ≥1) or hepatic (Child-Turcotte-Pugh Class B or C) impairment, all participants received open-label TAF 25 mg once daily for 96 weeks.

Nonlinear Absorption in 2D Ruddlesden-Popper Perovskites: Pathways to Ultrafast Optical Applications.

Owing to their distinctive photophysical properties resulting from their larger exciton binding energy and the influence of dielectric and quantum confinement effects, considerable research interest has been directed toward two-dimensional Ruddlesden-Popper halide perovskites (2D RP-HPs). Particularly, 2D RP-HPs exhibit exceptional multiphoton absorption (MPA) effects that reveal versatile applications. In this work, two-photon absorption (2PA) and three-photon absorption (3PA) in 2D RP-HPs, specifically (PEA)PbBr and (BA)PbBr platelets, have been demonstrated through their photoluminescence spectra under multiphoton excitation, revealing a power law relationship with excitation energy.

Management of Crohn's disease in Taiwan: consensus guideline of the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease updated in 2023.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic, fluctuating inflammatory condition that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract. Although the incidence of CD in Taiwan is lower than that in Western countries, the severity of CD presentation appears to be similar between Asia and the West. This observation indicates the urgency for devising revised guidelines tailored to the unique reimbursement system, and patient requirements in Taiwan.

Management of ulcerative colitis in Taiwan: consensus guideline of the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease updated in 2023.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and is characterized by alternating periods of inflammation and remission. Although UC incidence is lower in Taiwan than in Western countries, its impact remains considerable, demanding updated guidelines for addressing local healthcare challenges and patient needs. The revised guidelines employ international standards and recent research, emphasizing practical implementation within the Taiwanese healthcare system.

Association between Cholecystectomy and the Incidence of Pancreaticobiliary Cancer after Endoscopic Choledocholithiasis Management.

(1) Background: Previous studies have raised concerns about a potential increase in pancreaticobiliary cancer risk after cholecystectomy, but few studies have focused on patients who undergo cholecystectomy after receiving endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for choledocholithiasis. This study aims to clarify cancer risks in these patients, who usually require cholecystectomy, to reduce recurrent biliary events. (2) Methods: We conducted a nationwide cohort study linked to the National Health Insurance Research Database, the Cancer Registry Database, and the Death Registry Records to evaluate the risk of pancreaticobiliary cancers.

Artificial intelligence system for the detection of Barrett's esophagus.

Background: Barrett's esophagus (BE), which has increased in prevalence worldwide, is a precursor for esophageal adenocarcinoma. Although there is a gap in the detection rates between endoscopic BE and histological BE in current research, we trained our artificial intelligence (AI) system with images of endoscopic BE and tested the system with images of histological BE.

Aim: To assess whether an AI system can aid in the detection of BE in our setting.

PNU-74654 Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Inhibits EMT Progression in Pancreatic Cancer.

: PNU-74654, a Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitor, has an antiproliferative effect on many cancer types; however, its therapeutic role in pancreatic cancer (PC) has not yet been demonstrated. Here, the effects of PNU-74654 on proliferation and cell cycle phase distribution were studied in PC cell lines. : The cancer-related molecular pathways regulated by PNU-74654 were determined by a proteome profiling oncology array and confirmed by western blotting.

Impact of hepatitis virus infection on inpatient outcomes of acute pancreatitis: A population-based study.

This study aimed to investigate the associations between hepatitis virus infection and inpatient outcomes of acute pancreatitis (AP). In this population-based, retrospective study, hospitalized patients with AP were identified in the 2005 to 2018 United States Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the associations between hepatitis virus infection, death/discharge against medical advice (DAMA), prolonged length of stay (LOS), and occurrence of life-threatening complications including ischemia/infarction of the intestine, portal vein thrombosis, acute organ failure, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and hypovolemic shock.

Co-inhibition of Aurora A and Haspin kinases enhances survivin blockage and p53 induction for mitotic catastrophe and apoptosis in human colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause and mortality worldwide. Aurora A and haspin kinases act pivotal roles in mitotic progression. However, the blockage of Aurora A and Haspin for CRC therapy is still unclear.

Risk factors related to age at diagnosis of pancreatic cancer: a retrospective cohort pilot study.

Background: Increased pancreatic cancer incidence has been observed among younger than in older adults. This pilot study aimed to determine the feasibility of a large study that would compare the age at diagnosis of pancreatic cancer among patients with different risk factors.

Methods: We compared the age at diagnosis of pancreatic cancer between groups of pancreatic cancer patients exposed and not exposed to the identified risk factors.

Intragastric injection of botulinum toxin A for weight loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background And Aim: Intragastric botulinum toxin A (BTA) injection is a potential treatment for weight reduction in obese patients. Current studies yielded conflicting results. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the efficacy of intragastric BTA injection for weight management.

Alpha-fetoprotein response predicts treatment outcomes in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors with or without tyrosine kinase inhibitors or locoregional therapies.

Combined immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) along with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and locoregional therapies have been used increasingly to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Biomarkers are required to predict the treatment efficacy of ICIs with or without combination therapies in patients with unresectable HCC. This study enrolled 95 consecutive patients with unresectable HCC from May 2017 to June 2021 from two hospitals retrospectively.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy as a tool for studying the intra-tumoral microbiome in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a pilot study.

A new approach by investigating the intra-tumoral microbiome raised great interest because they may influence the host immune response and natural history of the disease. However, previous studies on the intra-tumoral microbiome of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) were mostly based on examining the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor specimens. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of using endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) as a complementary procedure of surgical biopsy to obtain adequate fresh pancreatic cancer tissue for intra-tumoral microbial research.

The effect of coffee/caffeine on postoperative ileus following elective colorectal surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Purpose: Postoperative ileus (POI) is the most common complication of elective colon resection. Coffee or caffeine has been reported to be useful in improving gastrointestinal function after abdominal surgery. This study aimed to investigate the effect of coffee/caffeine on POI in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery.

Combination of s-methyl cysteine and protocatechuic acid provided greater lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects in mice liver against chronic alcohol consumption.

Objectives: Protective effects of s-methyl cysteine (SMC) alone, protocatechuic acid (PCA) alone, and SMC plus PCA against chronic ethanol consumption induced hepatic steatosis and inflammation were investigated.

Materials And Methods: Mice were divided into six groups: normal diet (ND) group, Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet without ethanol (LD diet) group, LD diet with ethanol (LED diet) group, SMC group (LED diet plus 0.25% SMC), PCA group (LED diet plus 0.

On-Treatment Albumin-Bilirubin Grade: Predictor of Response and Outcome of Sorafenib-Regorafenib Sequential Therapy in Patients with Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

In the RESORCE study, regorafenib after sorafenib therapy improved survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In total, 88 patients with unresectable HCC who received sorafenib-regorafenib sequential therapy were enrolled. The objective response rate and disease control rate were 19.

The Role of Series Cholecystectomy in High Risk Acute Cholecystitis Patients Who Underwent Gallbladder Drainage.

Cholecystectomy (CCY) is the only definitive therapy for acute cholecystitis. We conducted this study to evaluate which patients may not benefit from further CCY after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) has been performed in acute cholecystitis patients. Acute cholecystitis patients with PTGBD treatment were selected from one million random samples from the National Health Insurance Research Database obtained between January 2004 and December 2010.

Predictors of response and survival in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma treated with nivolumab: real-world experience.

Real-world predictors of the treatment efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are unknown. This retrospective study enrolled 87 consecutive patients with unresectable HCC from May 2017 to December 2019 at two hospitals. Of the 87 patients, 7, 9, 60, and 11 patients had Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stages A, B, C, and D, respectively, and 45, 30, and 10 patients were Child-Pugh class A, B, and C, respectively.

Cholecystectomy reduces subsequent cholangiocarcinoma risk in choledocholithiasis patients undergoing endoscopic intervention.

Background: Cholangiocarcinoma is a disease with a high mortality rate. Our previous study revealed that cholelithiasis patients who undergo endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES)/endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation are at a higher risk for subsequent cholangiocarcinoma than cholelithiasis patients who undergo cholecystectomy.

Aim: To clarify the relationship between recurrent biliary events and subsequent cholangiocarcinoma risk in choledocholithiasis patients.

Effects of Multi-Strain Probiotics on Immune Responses and Metabolic Balance in -Infected Mice.

Chronic inflammation caused by infection increases the risk of developing gastric cancer. Even though the prevalence of infection has been decreased in many regions, the development of antibiotic resistance strains has increased the difficulty of eradicating . Therefore, exploring alternative approaches to combat infection is required.

Elbasvir/grazoprevir is effective and tolerable for the treatment of HCV GT1-infected patients: A real world multicenter observatory study in Taiwan.

Background & Aims: Treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) by elbasvir/grazoprevir (EBR/GZR) was found to be efficacious and well tolerated in clinical trials. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of EBR/GZR in the treatment of HCV genotype 1-infected Taiwanese patients.

Methods: Chronic hepatitis C patients infected with GT1b or 1a without resistance-associated substitution, and treated with 12-week EBR/GZR were enrolled from 10 hospitals in Taiwan between August 2017 and December 2018.

Comorbidities and Outcome of Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis in Taiwan: A Population-Based Study.

The prognosis of different etiologies of liver cirrhosis (LC) is not well understood. Previous studies performed on alcoholic LC-dominated cohorts have demonstrated a few conflicting results. We aimed to compare the outcome and the effect of comorbidities on survival between alcoholic and non-alcoholic LC in a viral hepatitis-dominated LC cohort.