Hepatitis Monthly最新文献

{"title":"Astragaloside IV Improves Cyclophosphamide-Induced Liver Injury in Mice by Mediating Immunosuppression and Oxidative Stress Through the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway: A Randomized Trial","authors":"Yongkun Sun, Jiahui Cao, Mengtao Li, Jingwen Ma, Weidong Wang","doi":"10.5812/hepatmon-164840","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/hepatmon-164840","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Cyclophosphamide (CTX) can lead to hepatotoxicity and low immunity. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) can enhance the body's immune function. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether AS-IV can improve CTX-induced liver injury in mice through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathways and to explore whether its mechanism is related to immunosuppression and oxidative stress. Methods: Forty-eight BALB/C mice aged 6 - 8 weeks were randomly divided into control groups, CTX group, AS-IV group, CTX+AS-IV low, medium, and high dose treatment groups, CTX+LY294002 group, and CTX+AS-IV-H+LY294002 group (n = 6 mice in each group). Mice in the control group and CTX group were given 1% starch paste by gavage daily. Mice in the AS-IV group and CTX+AS-IV groups were intragastrically administered AS-IV every day. Mice in the LY294002 group were intraperitoneally injected with LY294002 every 2 days. After 14 days, CTX was intraperitoneally injected for 2 consecutive days to induce a mouse liver injury model. The immune function of the mice was evaluated using HE staining and an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit. The degree of oxidative stress and liver injury was detected by DHE fluorescent probe and ELISA kit. The PI3K/Akt axis protein expressions were detected using Western blot. Results: Compared with the CTX group, AS-IV significantly increased the cytokines and immunoglobulin levels (P < 0.05) and reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels reduced from 0.788 nmol/mg to 0.475 nmol/mg, and liver injury indices increased. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels increased from 5.393 U/mg to 9.867 U/mg, and catalase (CAT) levels increased from 4.617 U/mg to 8.248 U/mg, restoring the integrity and clarity of liver cell structure (P < 0.05). The AS-IV also significantly increased protein levels; p-PI3K increased from 0.526 to 0.880, and p-Akt increased from 0.263 to 0.720. After LY294002 was applied on the basis of AS-IV intervention, CTX-caused liver damage was aggravated again. The cytokines, immunoglobulin, SOD, and CAT levels were significantly decreased, and the levels of liver injury indicators were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The AS-IV improved CTX-induced immunosuppression and oxidative damage in mice by activating the PI3K/Akt axis and played a hepatoprotective role.","PeriodicalId":12895,"journal":{"name":"Hepatitis Monthly","volume":"25 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://brieflands.com/articles/hepatmon-164840.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147908917","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Metformin Attenuates Hepatic Fibrosis in Mice by Altering the Gut Microbiota","authors":"Xiuxin Huang, Chunxiu Peng, Zhijian Ye, Ke Wei, Zhiyong Zhang","doi":"10.5812/hepatmon-149965","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/hepatmon-149965","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Metformin is a first-line drug widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It has been shown to improve liver fibrosis; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Objectives: This study investigates the relationship between metformin and gut microbiota in the treatment of liver fibrosis. Methods: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) was injected intraperitoneally to induce liver fibrosis in mice, followed by metformin treatment for 4 weeks. A CCl₄-induced hepatic fibrosis mouse model was established. The mice were divided into two groups: Metformin treatment and control groups. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate the overall liver condition, Sirius red staining to assess the degree of hepatic fibrosis, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) immunohistochemical staining to determine the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), oil red O staining to observe intracellular lipid droplets in hepatocytes, and 16sRNA sequencing to analyze fecal microbiota. Results: In the untreated CCl₄-induced hepatic fibrosis model, hepatic tissue exhibited edema, degeneration, intracellular lipid deposition in hepatocytes, and inflammatory cell infiltration between lobules. Metformin treatment attenuated hepatic fibrosis (area reduced from 1.383% to 0.669%, P < 0.001), decreased inflammatory cell infiltration, reduced intracellular lipid accumulation in hepatocytes (area reduced from 0.457% to 0.086%, P < 0.001), and decreased α-SMA protein expression (area reduced from 1.509% to 0.598%, P < 0.05). Additionally, metformin reduced harmful bacteria and increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract of the mice. Conclusions: These findings indicate that metformin reduces liver inflammation, alleviates liver fibrosis, and alters the intestinal microbiota. The modification of gut flora may be a significant mechanism by which metformin exerts its therapeutic effects on liver fibrosis.","PeriodicalId":12895,"journal":{"name":"Hepatitis Monthly","volume":"24 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://brieflands.com/articles/hepatmon-149965.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147887302","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hepatitis A Chronic Immunity in Iran: A Geographic Information System-Based Study","authors":"K. Bagheri Lankarani, B. Honarvar, Ali Davoodi, Naeimehossadat Asmarian, M. Serati, Mohsen Ali Akbarpour, Erfan Sadeghi, Touba Narimani Moghadam, Hossein Molavi Vardanjani","doi":"10.5812/hepatmon-138329","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/hepatmon-138329","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Chronic immunity to hepatitis A (HA) is largely influenced by environmental factors, such as socioeconomic indicators, public health conditions, and access to safe water. In the past two decades, Iran has witnessed improvements in socioeconomic status, increased urbanization, enhanced health education, improved access to safe drinking water sources, and better public health conditions. However, these changes have not been uniform across all regions of Iran, and varying epidemiological situations are expected. Objectives: This study aimed to delineate the pattern of HA chronic immunity across different regions of Iran using geographical information system (GIS) mapping. Methods: The study included a total of 3255 individuals who tested positive for anti-hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV) immunoglobulin G (IgG). This study analyzed factors such as place of residence, marital status, age, and gender to explore possible relationships. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to identify independently associated factors for HA. A locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOWESS) multivariate model was developed using a backward stepwise approach. Geographical variations in the prevalence of HA chronic immunity in the general population of Iran were assessed to understand spatial effects and risk factors. A Bayesian spatial model was employed to identify the spatial pattern of HA chronic immunity prevalence, using OpenBUGS version 3.2.3. Results: The prevalence of HAV immunity was higher in regions with mild semi-dry climates (aPR = 2.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.30 - 3.33, P< 0.001), medium semi-dry climates (aPR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.14 - 1.63, P< 0.001), dry climates (aPR = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.9 - 1.4), and ultra-dry climates (aPR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.05 - 2.98, P = 0.033), compared to semi-humid climates. Other variables did not exhibit a significant relationship with HA chronic immunity. The GIS analysis map revealed that immunity to HA was generally lower in the capital cities of Iran’s provinces. However, most central regions of Iran exhibit medium endemicity; nevertheless, higher immunity to HA was observed in border areas and coastal regions, particularly in the northern part of the country. Conclusions: Different regions of Iran display distinct patterns of HAV endemicity, influenced by the country’s climatic diversity.","PeriodicalId":12895,"journal":{"name":"Hepatitis Monthly","volume":"65 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138600460","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Salvage Treatment of Nivolumab and Lenvatinib in Patients with Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma","authors":"Lijun Zhou, Wei Peng, Huaxin Duan, Tan Deng","doi":"10.5812/hepatmon-137824","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/hepatmon-137824","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The clinical efficacy of Lenvatinib (a multi‐kinase inhibitor) and Nivolumab (an immune checkpoint inhibitor) have been shown in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, real-life experience data of HCC patients receiving the Nivolumab and Lenvatinib combination are scarce, especially those who experienced the first-line or even multi-line treatment. Methods: Recurrent HCC patients (n = 28) treated with Nivolumab plus Lenvatinib as salvage therapy in Hunan Provincial People's Hospital from December 2016 to March 31, 2020, were analyzed. All patients were treated with Nivolumab (3 mg/kg), and Lenvatinib (8 mg/day), and administered every three weeks. Demographics, clinical statistics, and start and end dates of combination therapy were collected and recorded. In addition, progression-free survival (PFS) and OS were calculated from the start of Nivolumab plus Lenvatinib. Treatment outcomes were scored based on the Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 4.0. SPSS17.0 software and GraphPad Prism were used for statistical analyses. Results: All the patients had portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) who were in Child-Pugh grade A and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage C. 11 patients (39.3%) were treated with sorafenib only, and 17 patients (60.7%) were treated with at least two lines of multi-target treatment. The disease control rate (CR+PR+SD) was 23/28 (82.1%), with the median overall survival (OS) and median progression-free survival (PFS) of 8.7 months and 5.7 months, respectively. Hyperbilirubinemia was the most common adverse event encountered with these combinations. However, no grade 3 or 4 toxicity was found in all HCC patients. Conclusions: The combination salvage therapy of Nivolumab and Lenvatinib was found effective in HCC patients, and most importantly, the side effects were controllable, and no grade 3 - 4 side effects were observed.","PeriodicalId":12895,"journal":{"name":"Hepatitis Monthly","volume":"42 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138605183","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pretreatment of Exosomes Derived from hUCMSCs with LPS Ameliorates Liver Fibrosis by Inhibiting the Smad3C Through Upregulating MiR-126 in the HSC-T6 Cell Line","authors":"Maryam Cheraghzadeh, Emad Matour, Benyamin Kabizadeh, Elham Shakerian, Mojtaba Rashidi","doi":"10.5812/hepatmon-137083","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/hepatmon-137083","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) through the TGF-β signaling pathway are likely to exacerbate liver fibrosis, which is a later stage of NASH, a condition in which, in addition to HSC activation, the overexpression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, specifically collagen-I α and α-SMA, is expected. MicroRNA-126a, a modulator of HSC activation, influences the phosphorylation of Smad2/3. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of exosomes on miRNAs implicated in the progression of liver fibrosis by focusing on the role of miR-126a in the HSC-T6 cell line. Methods: In the present study, we investigated the effects of exosomes derived from LPS-stimulated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on the expression of miR-126a and the phosphorylation of Smad3c in the HSC-T6 cell line. First, HSC-T6 cells were cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS. Next, we isolated exosomes derived from MSCs using the ExoCib kit. Finally, we examined the gene expression levels of collagen-Iα, α-SMA, and miR-126a using real-time PCR. Results: The results showed that treatment with TGFβ1 increased the phosphorylation of p-Smad3c (P < 0.0001), as well as the expression of α-SMA and Collagen-Iα. Conversely, miR-126a expression was down-regulated after treatment with TGFβ1 (P < 0.01). However, exposure to LPS-treated MSC-derived exosomes resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of p-Smad3c phosphorylation (P < 0.001) and the gene expression of α-SMA and Collagen-Iα, accompanied by the up-regulation of miR-126a (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Based on our observations, MSCs-derived exosomes were able to reduce the expression of the genes associated with hepatic fibrosis, such as collagen-Iα and α-SMA. Furthermore, exosomes inhibited Smad3c phosphorylation by increasing miR-126a expression, ultimately hindering the progression of liver fibrosis. Therefore, exosomes should be recognized as a valuable and beneficial therapeutic tool for liver fibrosis.","PeriodicalId":12895,"journal":{"name":"Hepatitis Monthly","volume":"112 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138607297","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Aspartate Aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index Before and After the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Patients with Sofosbuvir/Daclatasvir","authors":"Mohammad Javad Pourgholamali, Parvin Khalili, Vahid Mirzaei, Z. Jamali, Zohreh Rajabi, Afshin Tahmasbi","doi":"10.5812/hepatmon-138049","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/hepatmon-138049","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) is a non-invasive method used to investigate liver fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Objectives: This study aimed to determine the APRI before and after the treatment of HCV patients with sofosbuvir/daclatasvir (Sovodak) in the city of Rafsanjan, southeast Iran. Methods: This study was conducted on 45 patients with HCV from March 2021 to March 2022 in Rafsanjan. Demographic information, including age, gender, a history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and intravenous (IV) drug injection, was collected. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed after treatment with Sovodak to calculate sustained virological response (SVR). Also, the APRI was calculated before and after treatment. Results: Among 45 HCV patients (97.8% = male, 2.2% = female, age range = 26 to 59 years), the administration of Sovodak to all patients resulted in an efficacy of 100% in the assessment of SRV in 12 weeks (SVR12). Also, the APRI level decreased significantly after treatment with Sovodak (0.35 vs. 0.68, P-value: 0.000), even in HCV patients with a history of HIV (0.77 vs. 1.47, P-value: 0.028) or HCV patients with a history of injecting drugs in the last 12 months (0.38 vs. 0.66, P-value: 0.000). Conclusions: The present study indicated that the APRI level in HCV patients decreased significantly after treatment with Sovodak, regardless of having a history of HIV infection or a history of drug injection. Therefore, Sovodak in HCV patients can reduce the odds of liver fibrosis and subsequent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by reducing the APRI level.","PeriodicalId":12895,"journal":{"name":"Hepatitis Monthly","volume":"83 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138606073","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of Complementary Therapy with Hydro-Ethanolic Extract of Aerial Parts of Portulaca oleracea on Clinical and Paraclinical Findings in Patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial Protocol","authors":"Narges Milkarizi, H. Barghchi, Saba Belyani, F. Rajabzadeh, Andisheh Norouzian Ostad, Seyede Yegane Ghelichi Kheyrabadi, Maryam Razavidarmian, L. Goshayeshi, Farkhondeh Farkhondeh, S. Sobhani, Mohsen Nematy, Vahidreza Askari","doi":"10.5812/hepatmon-138692","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/hepatmon-138692","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a serious public health issue. Even though various natural and synthetic therapies are in the advanced stages of development, there is no authorized therapy for NAFLD. The use of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds is one of these natural treatments. Portulaca oleracea aerial parts' extracts have shown various pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and liver protection due to alkaloid compounds, flavonoids, terpenoids, sterols, omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, and many vitamins and minerals. Objectives: We intend to examine the effectiveness of Portulaca oleracea extract in improving the symptoms caused by NAFLD. Methods: A randomized, double-blinded, controlled, parallel clinical trial is designed to study the effects of P. oleracea supplementation on the clinical and paraclinical findings in patients with NAFLD. An intervention group will get 700 mg of P. oleracea supplementation for eight weeks, while a control group will receive a placebo. Throughout the intervention, the clinical and nutritional status will be assessed three times. At the 0, 30, and 60th days of the intervention, anthropometric evaluation, blood pressure, and gastrointestinal problems will be monitored. Transient elastography will be done at the start and end of the research to assess the liver state. In addition, an International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and a 3-day food record will be collected, as well as biochemical variables, such as CBC-diff (complete blood count with differential count), lipid profiles, FBS, Fasting Blood Sugar; serum insulin, hepatic-related parameters, namely enzymes [ALP (alkaline phosphatase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALT (alanine aminotransferase), GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase)], total and direct bilirubin, and inflammatory [hs-CRP (C-reactive protein), ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and IL-6 (interleukin-6)] and oxidative stress markers [SOD (super oxide dismutase), GSH-Px (glutathione peroxidase) and MDA (malondialdehyde)]. Discussion: This is the first randomized clinical trial (RCT) protocol specifically created for patients with NAFLD to evaluate the impact of P. oleracea supplementation. We intend to demonstrate that the suggested procedure is a novel and effective approach to decreasing NAFLD's laboratory and clinical symptoms. We also expect that supplementation with 700 mg of P. oleracea for 60 days will improve liver steatosis and clinical and nutritional status and reduce NAFLD patients' inflammation and oxidative stress.","PeriodicalId":12895,"journal":{"name":"Hepatitis Monthly","volume":"12 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139211016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis and Autoimmune Hepatitis Cirrhosis May Have a Higher Risk of Progression to Hepatocellular Carcinoma","authors":"Z. Khajehahmadi, H. Tavilani, J. Karimi, Mohammad Rafiee, Zahra Arab-Sadeghabadi, Roohollah Mohseni, Sina Mohagheghi","doi":"10.5812/hepatmon-138449","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/hepatmon-138449","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The evaluation of different cell proliferation and apoptosis indicators in cirrhotic tissues caused by different injuries may help recognize the etiology of cirrhosis and the risk of progression to hepatocellular carcinoma. Objectives: This study aimed to measure p53 gene expression and AMPK and pAMPK protein expressions, as well as AgNOR features in cirrhotic tissues associated with five different etiologies in comparison with simple hepatic steatosis and controls. Methods: In this case-control study, AMPK and PAMPK protein expressions, p53 gene expression, and AgNOR features were investigated in 68 cirrhotic liver tissues obtained from patients with NASH (n = 15), HBV/HCV (n = 14), AIH (n = 15), PSC (n = 15), and alcohol toxicity (n = 9) and compared with tissues from individuals with simple steatosis (n = 15) and control subjects (n = 15). Protein and gene expressions were determined using western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Silver nitrate staining was used to assess AgNOR features. Results: Significantly higher levels of AMPK and pAMPK were detected in all cirrhotic tissues compared to controls (P < 0.05). Also, a significantly and simultaneously higher p53 gene expression (P < 0.01) and AgNOR features, including total AgNOR length (TAL) (P < 0.001), total AgNOR number (TAN) (P < 0.01), and total AgNOR area (TAA) (P < 0.01), was detected in the hepatic cirrhotic tissues obtained from patients with PSC, NASH, and AIH. There was a significant positive correlation between p53 gene expression and AgNOR features in cirrhotic tissues (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Increased AMPK and pAMPK protein levels may be a general response to cirrhosis. Cirrhotic patients diagnosed with AIH, PSC, and NASH have a higher risk of progressing to hepatocellular carcinoma than those diagnosed with viral and alcoholic cirrhosis.","PeriodicalId":12895,"journal":{"name":"Hepatitis Monthly","volume":"194 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-11-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139250531","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Determination of Influencers' Characteristics in the Health Sector","authors":"Mohammadreza Pourkarim, Shahnaz Nayebzadeh, Seyed Moayed Alavian, Seyyed Hassan Hataminasab","doi":"10.5812/hepatmon-140317","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/hepatmon-140317","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Modern marketing strategies, accompanied by tools such as social media, mobile platforms, and applications, play a significant role in discovering the healthcare sector's needs and desires of target audiences. Additionally, the emergence of influential individuals, known as influencers, in domains such as marketing, public health promotion, physical and mental well-being, sexual health, beauty, and lifestyle is expanding daily. The inspiration and motivation generated by such influencers tend to offer an attractive opportunity for effective communication with the audience. Objectives: This study aims to extract and identify indicators and factors of influencer marketing in the health domain. Methods: This study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative analyses. Literature in the field was reviewed, coded, and subjected to analysis. Subsequently, influencer marketing indicators were extracted and screened. Based on the identified factors, a questionnaire consisting of 26 questions was developed and distributed as a survey among a study population of 1126 individuals related to medical and non-medical sciences. The extracted factors were then examined through exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. A structural factor model was developed, and the fit of the model and the number of factors were assessed. Results: A total of 26 influencer indicators were identified and categorized into 5 factors: Active and skill-related features, infrastructure actions, consequential features, inherent and intrinsic features, and behavioral characteristics in the health domain. The identified factors were validated through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis. In addition, the fit model was approved. Conclusions: The study revealed that establishing international and local influencers within the health domain, incorporating influencer indicators and features alongside an analysis of environmental conditions, plays a pivotal role in shaping the healthcare system and fostering public health promotion across countries.","PeriodicalId":12895,"journal":{"name":"Hepatitis Monthly","volume":"17 3","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135043219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hepatocellular Carcinoma Diagnosis Based on Ultrasound Images Using Feature Selection Techniques and K-nearest Neighbor Classifier","authors":"Fatemeh Azimi Nanvaee, Saeed Setayeshi","doi":"10.5812/hepatmon-136213","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/hepatmon-136213","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Liver cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, in which early detection plays a significant role in preventing progression and reducing mortality. Ultrasound is one of the methods of liver examination recommended by guidelines due to its performance in detecting focal liver lesions. These small lesions may be missed in the early stages or diagnosed only when the prognosis is poor. Objectives: This study aimed to implement the best classification model for two liver stages by extracting optimal feature subsets to be used in computer-aided diagnosis systems (CAD). Methods: The model classifies the liver into two stages using B-mode ultrasound images of the liver. It involves extracting statistical texture features utilizing Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) and Gray Level Co-Occurrence Matrix (GLCM). This study applied two feature selection methods: T-test and Sequential Forward Floating Selection (SFFS). The subset of selected features was presented to the k-nearest neighbor classifier for incorporation into a CAD system. Results: The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the k-NN classifier were 98.75%, 98.82%, and 99.1%, respectively. Conclusions: Image analysis approaches were successfully performed to extract and select useful features. Therefore, this model is recommended for classifying two liver stages, normal and HCC.","PeriodicalId":12895,"journal":{"name":"Hepatitis Monthly","volume":"19 8","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135043203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}