HINT: a novel prognostic model for patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure.

Background: HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) deteriorates rapidly in the short term, which necessitates accurate initial clinical decision making.

Aims: To develop a novel prognostic score for patients with HBV-ACLF and clarify the role of thyroid hormones in HBV-ACLF.

Methods: A retrospective cohort of 635 HBV-ACLF patients was enrolled to develop and validate a novel prognostic score for HBV-ACLF.

Plasma miRNA-122-5p and miRNA-151a-3p identified as potential biomarkers for liver injury among CHB patients with PNALT.

Background: Plasma microRNA (miRNA) levels may be altered during pathological processes; therefore, they may potentially serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of human diseases. This study aimed to explore whether plasma miRNAs may serve as new biomarkers for liver injury among chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with normal or nearly normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels.

Methods: Plasma miRNAs from each of three independent groups (no prominent liver injury and persistently normal ALT levels, NPNALT; significant liver injury with persistently normal ALT levels, SPNALT; and healthy) were profiled by miRNA microarray analysis.

Transcriptome Analysis of Porcine PBMCs Reveals the Immune Cascade Response and Gene Ontology Terms Related to Cell Death and Fibrosis in the Progression of Liver Failure.

Background: The key gene sets involved in the progression of acute liver failure (ALF), which has a high mortality rate, remain unclear. This study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the transcriptional response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) following ALF.

Methods: ALF was induced by D-galactosamine (D-gal) in a porcine model.

Development and validation of a novel score for fibrosis staging in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Background & Aims: Non-invasive assessment methods for liver fibrosis are urgently needed. The present study aimed to develop a novel diagnostic model for fibrosis staging in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Methods: A cross-sectional set of 417 chronic hepatitis B patients who underwent liver biopsy was enrolled and the METAVIR score was adopted as the reference of fibrosis staging.

Effects of Father-Neonate Skin-to-Skin Contact on Attachment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study examines how skin-to-skin contact between father and newborn affects the attachment relationship. A randomized controlled trial was conducted at a regional teaching hospital and a maternity clinic in northern Taiwan. The study recruited 83 first-time fathers aged 20 years or older.