Health

Functional cure, defined as durable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA titers below the lower limit of detection (LLOD), is associated with better clinical outcomes of chronic HBV infection and regarded as the preferred treatment endpoint of novel therapeutic agents against HBV. Scientists from the College of Medicine of National Taiwan University and National Taiwan University Children’s Hospital identified that the Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion in childhood, high-genetic-barrier nucleos(t)ide analogue(s) therapy before HBeAg seroconversion, and the HBsAg titer < 1000 IU/mL after HBeAg seroconversion are predictors of functional cure. Findings demonstrated the merit of the follow-up and treatment of chronic HBV infection from childhood.

Meta-analysis of medical research with LLMs reveals diagnostic accuracy

Widespread contamination by emerging foodborne pathogen detected in retail chicken meat

Why does dementia affect more women than men? To help solve this mystery, researchers uncovered a new risk factor: age of menopause onset.

Researchers discover that inflammation and aging contribute to non-viral liver cancer development. Green tea's role in reversing some of the pathway dysregulation that may contribute to the cancer development and other therapies explored.

Light conditions in the morning before waking up affect restfulness

New research in model mice suggests low-dose opioids may help improve social interactions in people with autism spectrum disorder.

An Osaka Metropolitan University-led team report on the development of a highly selective isolation medium CT-PS-XR-MacConkey agar for efficient isolation of E. albertii.

The rising trend of high-risk colorectal neoplasia rates in people under 50 in Taiwan is prompting a policy of early colorectal cancer screening.

The study conducted by Prof. Thai-Yen Ling at National Taiwan University underscores the potential of small extracellular vesicle (sEV) therapy and enhances the precision of acute liver failure treatment through the application of click chemistry.

The Ateneo Laboratory for Intelligent Visual Environments (ALIVE) found a way to identify tooth and sinus structures with an accuracy of 98.2%

Examining the effects of the ONIKURU multifunctional facility on daily walking time

A study shows apixaban lowers clot recurrence in dialysis patients post-thrombectomy, with minor bleeding risks.

- A joint research team from DGIST, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, and Dongguk University has revealed the identity of cervical stem cells for the first time in the world - The research presents new possibilities for cervical cancer prevention and treatment using lactic acid bacteria and lactic acid, published in Nature Communications

Researchers at Tohoku University examined the change in brain energy dynamics from induced seizures - which could potentially help us better understand individuals with epilepsy.

By studying cells, tissues and whole organisms using metabolomics – the large-scale study of small molecules known as metabolites – scientists can gain a deeper understanding of how diseases develop and find ways to stop them before they start.

Considerable positive results found in mice with skin condition induced by external factors

* "Survivors of SJS/TEN Face a Higher Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases and Death for Years After the Acute Phase" * "Tailored Strategies Needed for Early Detection, Prevention, and Intervention to Reduce Long-Term Cardiovascular Burdens in SJS/TEN Survivors"

The winning project, a novel contact lens management system for children impressed a panel of clinical and industrial leaders with its potential to transform patient care and address pressing unmet needs.

Effective treatment of gastric cancer-bacterial infections begins with understanding differing clinical methods

Surviving Antarctica, Probiotics ease anxiety, Ancient mariners, Addressing large urban fires, Smart patch & Dying galaxies. Plus Women experts for International Women’s Day 2025. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.

A self-assessment questionnaire has been developed to evaluate on-the-job training progress

Filipino researchers found that traditional "tapuy" rice wine making yields a potential superfood rich in anti-aging compounds and antioxidants.

SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute and Hanoi Medical University launch a new healthcare hub to drive innovation, education and research

Gene mutations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells can guide treatment options, and machine learning can rapidly guess the existence of gene mutations based on images of leukemia cells.

Cerebellar rhythm loss due to climbing fiber regression is a shared pathophysiology of motor deficits across cerebellar ataxias.

Researchers at National Taiwan University have unveiled an innovative diagnostic tool that significantly improves the speed and accuracy of detecting bacterial infections.

Coronavirus 229E is the earliest reported human coronavirus (hCoV-229E). Here, the authors used cryo-EM, glycoproteomics, and modeling to generate the atomic structure of fully glycosylated and membrane-bound hCoV-229E spike protein bound to its host receptor, human aminopeptidase N (hAPN).

Concurrent steatotic liver disease (SLD) is prevalent among patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB); however, the effects of the associated cardiometabolic risk factors on all-cause and cause-specific mortality remain unknown. This study demonstrated that cumulative metabolic burden dose- dependently increased the risks of all-cause, liver-related, and cardiovascular mortality in patients with CHB and SLD. Moreover, new-onset diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and weight gain during the follow-up period further exacerbated these risks. However, patients with SLD had a lower risk of mortality than those without SLD. Thus, routine screening and monitoring of metabolic dysfunctions constitute a key element of daily care for patients with CHB.

Researchers at Tohoku University have found one more reason to quit smoking: the inhalation of first-hand and/or second-hand smoke may lead to placental abruption in pregnant mothers.