Positivity for HBeAg is associated with an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.

BackgroundMany prediction tools for microRNA (miRNA) targets have been developed, but inconsistent predictions were observed across multiple algorithms, which can make further analysis difficult. Moreover, the nomenclature of human miRNAs changes rapidly. To address these issues, we developed a web-based system, miRSystem, for converting queried miRNAs to the latest annotation and predicting the function of miRNA by integrating miRNA target gene prediction and function/pathway analyses.ResultsFirst, queried miRNA IDs were converted to the latest annotated version to prevent potential conflicts resulting from multiple aliases. Next, by combining seven algorithms and two validated databases, potential gene targets of miRNAs and their functions were predicted based on the consistency across independent algorithms and observed/expected ratios. Lastly, five pathway databases were included to characterize the enriched pathways of target genes through bootstrap approaches. Based on the enriched pathways of target genes, the functions of queried miRNAs could be predicted.ConclusionsMiRSystem is a user-friendly tool for predicting the target genes and their associated pathways for many miRNAs simultaneously. The web server and the documentation are freely available at http://mirsystem.cgm.ntu.edu.tw/.

Background: Although cigarette smoking is the major risk factor for lung cancer, only 7% of female lung cancer patients in Taiwan have a history of smoking. The genetic mechanisms of carcinogenesis in nonsmokers are unclear, but semaphorins have been suggested to play a role as lung tumor suppressors. This report is a comprehensive analysis of the molecular signature of nonsmoking female lung cancer patients in Taiwan, with a particular focus on the semaphorin gene family.Methods: Sixty pairs of tumor and adjacent normal lung tissue specimens were analyzed by using Affymetrix U133plus2.0 expression arrays. Differentially expressed genes in tumor tissues were identified by a paired t test and validated by reverse transcriptase-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Functional analysis was conducted by using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis as well as gene set enrichment analysis and sigPathway algorithms. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to evaluate the association of SEMA5A expression and clinical outcome.Results: We identified 687 differentially expressed genes in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Many of these genes, most notably the semaphorin family, were participants in the axon guidance signaling pathway. The downregulation of SEMA5A in tumor tissue, both at the transcriptional and translational levels, was associated with poor survival among nonsmoking women with NSCLC.Conclusions: In summary, several semaphorin gene family members were identified as potential therapeutic targets, and SEMA5A may be useful as a prognostic biomarker for NSCLC, which may also be gender specific in Taiwanese patients.Impact: A novel biomarker for NSCLC is identified. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(10); 2590-7. ©2010 AACR.

The authors examined cross-cultural applicability of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ), the Perceptual Aberration Scale (PAS), and the Continuous Performance Test in community samples of Taiwanese adults and adolescents. The authors tested hypotheses that a 3-factor structure of the SPQ (Cognitive-Perceptual, Interpersonal, and Disorganization: A. Raine et al., 1994) exists for both samples and that the Interpersonal factor is associated with poorer attention. The authors replicated the 3-factor model for both samples, and they externally validated the model in adults: The Interpersonal factor and possibly the Disorganization factor were associated with poorer attention, whereas the Cognitive-Perceptual factor was not. The PAS differed from the Cognitive-Perceptual factor in its consistent association with poorer attention in both samples. These have important implications for the scales in the early detection of the schizotypy in various cultures.

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ABSTRACT.Purpose: This randomized clinical trial assessed the treatment effects of atropine and/or multi-focal lenses in decreasing the progression rate of myopia in children. Methods: Two hundred and twenty-seven schoolchildren with myopia, aged from 6 to 13 years, who were stratified based on gender, age and the initial amount of myopia were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: 0.5% atropine with multi-focal glasses, multi-focal glasses, and single vision spectacles. Each subject was followed for at least eighteen months. These results report on the 188 patients available for the follow-up.

Spontaneous seroclearance of HBV DNA and HBsAg are important predictors of reduced HCC risk.

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