BACKGROUND: Hepatocytes are an attractive cell source in hepatic tissue engineering because they are the primary cells of the liver, maintaining liver homeostasis through their intrinsic function. Due to the increasing demand for liver donors, a wide range of methods are being studied to obtain functionally active hepatocytes. iPSCs are one of the alternative cell sources, which shows great promise as a tool for generating hepatocytes. METHODS: This study determined whether factors associated with iPSCs contributed to variation in hepatocyte-like cells derived from iPSCs. The factors of concern for the iPSCs included the culture system, the source of iPSCs, and cell seeding density for initiating the differentiation. RESULTS: Our results found iPSC-dependent variances among differentiated hepatocyte-like cells. The matrix used in culturing iPSCs significantly impacts cell morphologies, characteristics, and the expression of pluripotent genes, such as OCT4 and SOX2, varied in iPSCs derived from different sources. These characteristics, in turn, play a consequential role in determining the functional activity of the iPSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells. In addition, cell seeding density was observed to be an essential factor for the efficient generation of iPSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells, with 2- 4 * 10 cells/cm of seeding density resulting in good morphology and functionality. CONCLUSION This study provides the baseline of effective differentiation protocols for iPSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells with the appropriate conditions, including cell culture media, iPSC source, and the seeding density of iPSCs.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocytes are an attractive cell source in hepatic tissue engineering because they are the primary cells of the liver, maintaining liver homeostasis through their intrinsic function. Due to the increasing demand for liver donors, a wide range of methods are being studied to obtain functionally active hepatocytes. iPSCs are one of the alternative cell sources, which shows great promise as a tool for generating hepatocytes. METHODS: This study determined whether factors associated with iPSCs contributed to variation in hepatocyte-like cells derived from iPSCs. The factors of concern for the iPSCs included the culture system, the source of iPSCs, and cell seeding density for initiating the differentiation. RESULTS: Our results found iPSC-dependent variances among differentiated hepatocyte-like cells. The matrix used in culturing iPSCs significantly impacts cell morphologies, characteristics, and the expression of pluripotent genes, such as OCT4 and SOX2, varied in iPSCs derived from different sources. These characteristics, in turn, play a consequential role in determining the functional activity of the iPSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells. In addition, cell seeding density was observed to be an essential factor for the efficient generation of iPSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells, with 2- 4 * 10 cells/cm of seeding density resulting in good morphology and functionality. CONCLUSION This study provides the baseline of effective differentiation protocols for iPSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells with the appropriate conditions, including cell culture media, iPSC source, and the seeding density of iPSCs.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocytes are an attractive cell source in hepatic tissue engineering because they are the primary cells of the liver, maintaining liver homeostasis through their intrinsic function. Due to the increasing demand for liver donors, a wide range of methods are being studied to obtain functionally active hepatocytes. iPSCs are one of the alternative cell sources, which shows great promise as a tool for generating hepatocytes. METHODS: This study determined whether factors associated with iPSCs contributed to variation in hepatocyte-like cells derived from iPSCs. The factors of concern for the iPSCs included the culture system, the source of iPSCs, and cell seeding density for initiating the differentiation. RESULTS: Our results found iPSC-dependent variances among differentiated hepatocyte-like cells. The matrix used in culturing iPSCs significantly impacts cell morphologies, characteristics, and the expression of pluripotent genes, such as OCT4 and SOX2, varied in iPSCs derived from different sources. These characteristics, in turn, play a consequential role in determining the functional activity of the iPSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells. In addition, cell seeding density was observed to be an essential factor for the efficient generation of iPSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells, with 2- 4 * 10 cells/cm of seeding density resulting in good morphology and functionality. CONCLUSION This study provides the baseline of effective differentiation protocols for iPSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells with the appropriate conditions, including cell culture media, iPSC source, and the seeding density of iPSCs.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocytes are an attractive cell source in hepatic tissue engineering because they are the primary cells of the liver, maintaining liver homeostasis through their intrinsic function. Due to the increasing demand for liver donors, a wide range of methods are being studied to obtain functionally active hepatocytes. iPSCs are one of the alternative cell sources, which shows great promise as a tool for generating hepatocytes. METHODS: This study determined whether factors associated with iPSCs contributed to variation in hepatocyte-like cells derived from iPSCs. The factors of concern for the iPSCs included the culture system, the source of iPSCs, and cell seeding density for initiating the differentiation. RESULTS: Our results found iPSC-dependent variances among differentiated hepatocyte-like cells. The matrix used in culturing iPSCs significantly impacts cell morphologies, characteristics, and the expression of pluripotent genes, such as OCT4 and SOX2, varied in iPSCs derived from different sources. These characteristics, in turn, play a consequential role in determining the functional activity of the iPSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells. In addition, cell seeding density was observed to be an essential factor for the efficient generation of iPSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells, with 2- 4 * 10 cells/cm of seeding density resulting in good morphology and functionality. CONCLUSION This study provides the baseline of effective differentiation protocols for iPSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells with the appropriate conditions, including cell culture media, iPSC source, and the seeding density of iPSCs.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocytes are an attractive cell source in hepatic tissue engineering because they are the primary cells of the liver, maintaining liver homeostasis through their intrinsic function. Due to the increasing demand for liver donors, a wide range of methods are being studied to obtain functionally active hepatocytes. iPSCs are one of the alternative cell sources, which shows great promise as a tool for generating hepatocytes. METHODS: This study determined whether factors associated with iPSCs contributed to variation in hepatocyte-like cells derived from iPSCs. The factors of concern for the iPSCs included the culture system, the source of iPSCs, and cell seeding density for initiating the differentiation. RESULTS: Our results found iPSC-dependent variances among differentiated hepatocyte-like cells. The matrix used in culturing iPSCs significantly impacts cell morphologies, characteristics, and the expression of pluripotent genes, such as OCT4 and SOX2, varied in iPSCs derived from different sources. These characteristics, in turn, play a consequential role in determining the functional activity of the iPSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells. In addition, cell seeding density was observed to be an essential factor for the efficient generation of iPSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells, with 2- 4 * 10 cells/cm of seeding density resulting in good morphology and functionality. CONCLUSION This study provides the baseline of effective differentiation protocols for iPSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells with the appropriate conditions, including cell culture media, iPSC source, and the seeding density of iPSCs.

Background/Aims: Despite the high efficacy of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), approximately 1–3% of hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients fail to achieve a sustained virological response. We conducted a nationwide study to investigate risk factors associated with DAA treatment failure. Machine-learning algorithms have been applied to discriminate subjects who may fail to respond to DAA therapy. Methods: We analyzed the Taiwan HCV Registry Program database to explore predictors of DAA failure in HCV patients. Fifty-five host and virological features were assessed using multivariate logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and artificial neural network. The primary outcome was undetectable HCV RNA at 12 weeks after the end of treatment. Results: The training (n=23,955) and validation (n=10,346) datasets had similar baseline demographics, with an overall DAA failure rate of 1.6% (n=538). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, poor DAA adherence, and higher hemoglobin A1c were significantly associated with virological failure. XGBoost outperformed the other algorithms and logistic regression models, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 1.000 in the training dataset and 0.803 in the validation dataset. The top five predictors of treatment failure were HCV RNA, body mass index, α-fetoprotein, platelets, and FIB-4 index. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the XGBoost model (cutoff value=0.5) were 99.5%, 69.7%, 99.9%, 97.4%, and 99.5%, respectively, for the entire dataset. Conclusions Machine learning algorithms effectively provide risk stratification for DAA failure and additional information on the factors associated with DAA failure.

Objective: To explore the quality of life and mental health status of adolescents in Zhengzhou, and to compare with HongKong and Taiwan. Methods: A total of 6 401 students from 12 primary and secondary schools in Zhengzhou City. A total of 3 642 students from HongKong and 1 547 students from Taiwan were selected by cluster sampling. And Padiatric Quality of Life Inventory Version 4.0, Self-Esteem Scale, General Self-efficacy Scale, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale and self-made general situation questionnaire were used to conduct questionnaire survey. Results: The total score of quality of life and the scores of each dimension in Zhengzhou were significantly higher than those in HongKong, while self-esteem and anxiety were lower than those of Taiwan adolescents（P<0.05). In addition to self-esteem, anxiety and stress, the scores of quality of life and mental health of adolescents of different grades and genders in Zhengzhou were statistically different(t=13.53，20.71，10.92，20.26，14.68，-16.03，21.26；6.16，3.81，-2.22，-0.33，8.76，4.16，2.71，P<0.01). The quality of life of adolescents in HongKong and Taiwan in different grades and genders were basically the same as those in Zhengzhou, and the differences of depression and stress scores in grades were the same as those in Zhengzhou. Conclusion The overall quality of life and mental health of adolescents in Zhengzhou is better than that in Hong Kong and Taiwan. It is necessary to explore the relationship between the quality of life and mental health of adolescents in order to improve their quality of life.

BACKGROUND: This investigation was to perform the epidemiological surveillance and genetic analysis on respiratory viral agents from children with acute respiratory infections in Gwangju. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this study, 3,695 specimens obtained from patients with acute respiratory infections were collected by collaboration with pediatric hospitals in Gwangju between 2005 and 2007. Specimens were screened for 8 respiratory viruses including influenza viruses (IFV), human rhinoviruses (HRV), human coronaviruses (HCoV), adenoviruses (ADV), parainfluenza viruses (PIV), human enteroviruses (HEV), respiratory synthitial viruses (RSV) and human bocaviruses (HBoV). Respiratory viruses were detected using multiplex (RT) PCR with viral specific primers. RESULTS: Out of 3,695 specimens, the ratio of virus detection was 24.9% (919). Overall, HRV (35.5%) and IFV (34.9%) were the most common viruses found, followed by HBoV (14.8%), HCoV (10.6%), RSV (3.7%), ADV (3.4%), PIV (3.2%) and HEV (3.0%). In addition, multiple infections were detected in 80 patients (8.7%). When the prevalence was analyzed according to season, HBoV, IFV and HCoV showed two epidemic points in late spring and early winter. ADV, HRV, RSV PIV and HEV, however, were all found to have only one epidemic point, with RSV being most common during winter and the others being most prominent during spring. CONCLUSIONS: Through this epidemiological surveillance, the respiratory viruses prevalent in children in Gwangju area were investigated. We strongly recommend the development of nationwide policy for the management of prevalent respiratory virus that includes long term collection of data and samples, vaccine development and prevention education of the misuse of antibiotics.
Adenoviridae ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Child ; Cooperative Behavior ; Coronavirus ; Enterovirus ; Hospitals, Pediatric ; Human bocavirus ; Humans ; Orthomyxoviridae ; Paramyxoviridae Infections ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prevalence ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; Rhinovirus ; Seasons ; Viruses

BACKGROUND: This investigation was to perform the epidemiological surveillance and genetic analysis on respiratory viral agents from children with acute respiratory infections in Gwangju. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this study, 3,695 specimens obtained from patients with acute respiratory infections were collected by collaboration with pediatric hospitals in Gwangju between 2005 and 2007. Specimens were screened for 8 respiratory viruses including influenza viruses (IFV), human rhinoviruses (HRV), human coronaviruses (HCoV), adenoviruses (ADV), parainfluenza viruses (PIV), human enteroviruses (HEV), respiratory synthitial viruses (RSV) and human bocaviruses (HBoV). Respiratory viruses were detected using multiplex (RT) PCR with viral specific primers. RESULTS: Out of 3,695 specimens, the ratio of virus detection was 24.9% (919). Overall, HRV (35.5%) and IFV (34.9%) were the most common viruses found, followed by HBoV (14.8%), HCoV (10.6%), RSV (3.7%), ADV (3.4%), PIV (3.2%) and HEV (3.0%). In addition, multiple infections were detected in 80 patients (8.7%). When the prevalence was analyzed according to season, HBoV, IFV and HCoV showed two epidemic points in late spring and early winter. ADV, HRV, RSV PIV and HEV, however, were all found to have only one epidemic point, with RSV being most common during winter and the others being most prominent during spring. CONCLUSIONS: Through this epidemiological surveillance, the respiratory viruses prevalent in children in Gwangju area were investigated. We strongly recommend the development of nationwide policy for the management of prevalent respiratory virus that includes long term collection of data and samples, vaccine development and prevention education of the misuse of antibiotics.
Adenoviridae ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Child ; Cooperative Behavior ; Coronavirus ; Enterovirus ; Hospitals, Pediatric ; Human bocavirus ; Humans ; Orthomyxoviridae ; Paramyxoviridae Infections ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prevalence ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; Rhinovirus ; Seasons ; Viruses

The long-term clinical issues in Kawasaki disease are concerned with the coronary artery lesions that result in aneurysmal formation, thrombotic occlusion, progression to ischemic heart disease, and premature atherosclerosis. We here report a 3 month old infant with Kawasaki disease complicated by giant coronary aneurysm with thrombosis. After urokinase(10,000 IU/kg) and heparin(400 IU/kg) were injected for two days as thrombolytic agents, thrombi were successfully dissolved. Even though long-term oral anticoagulation with low-dose aspirin, dipyridamole and coumadin were administered, thrombosis of the left main coronary artery was slowly increased. five years later, coronary angiography showed nearly total occlusion of the left anterior descending artery and collaterals from the right posterior branch and radionuclide scan demonstrated complete reversible perfusion defect of several portions of the left ventricle.
Aneurysm ; Arteries ; Aspirin ; Atherosclerosis ; Child* ; Coronary Aneurysm* ; Coronary Angiography ; Coronary Vessels ; Dipyridamole ; Fibrinolytic Agents ; Follow-Up Studies* ; Heart Ventricles ; Humans ; Infant ; Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome* ; Myocardial Ischemia ; Perfusion ; Thrombolytic Therapy* ; Thrombosis* ; Warfarin