Increased Serum Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor Predicts Short-Term Outcome in Patients with Hepatitis B-Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure.

Aims: Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) reflects the immune activation in circumstances of inflammation and infection. It has been considered as a risk biomarker associated with poor outcome in various low-grade inflammation and infectious diseases. The study is aimed at investigating whether suPAR has a predictive value with short-term survival in patients with hepatitis B-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HB-ACLF).

Synthesis and wound healing of alternating block polyurethanes based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG).

Alternating block polyurethanes (abbreviated as PULA-alt-PEG) and random block polyurethanes (abbreviated as PULA-ran-PEG) based on biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were prepared. Results showed that alternating block polyurethane gives higher crystal degree, higher mechanical properties, more patterned and rougher surface than the random counterpart, due to the regular and controlled structure. Water absorptions of the polyurethanes were in the range of 620 to 780%.

Baseline prognostic factors and statistic model to predict early virological response in lamivudine-treated patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Lamivudine is a potent nucleoside analogue used in treating chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, resistance to the drug remains a problem. We analyzed all lamivudine recipients in this trial to determine the baseline characteristics and a model to predict early virological response reflecting the long-term effect of lamivudine.

Scaffolds from block polyurethanes based on poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) for peripheral nerve regeneration.

Nerve guide scaffolds from block polyurethanes without any additional growth factors or protein were prepared using a particle leaching method. The scaffolds of block polyurethanes (abbreviated as PUCL-ran-EG) based on poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL-diol) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) possess highly surface-area porous for cell attachment, and can provide biochemical and topographic cues to enhance tissue regeneration. The nerve guide scaffolds have pore size 1-5 μm and porosity 88%.

Baseline prognostic factors and statistic model to predict early virological response in telbivudine-treated patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still a worldwide disease, which may cause liver cirrhosis or even hepatocellular carcinoma. Telbivudine is a potent nucleoside analogue used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB); however, drug resistance has remained a challenge. As early virological response can predict long-term efficacy of nucleotide analogue treatment, numerous studies have been conducted in this area.