Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and kits for identifying responsiveness or non-responsiveness of a cancer subject to arginine deprivation therapy. The method includes determining the presence of a G/G genotype of rs13338697 of the target nucleic acid in a biological sample derived from the subject by use of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method, in which the presence of the G/G genotype of rs13338697 of the target nucleic acid is an indication that the subject is responsive to the arginine deprivation therapy.

Abstract: An interferon composition is provided for enhancing the platelet count, reducing the recurrence rate of hepatitis, and/or improving the social function of hepatitis patients. The method comprises administering a low dose of IFN (about 5 IU to about 2500 IU of IFN-alpha) to a patient in need thereof. In one embodiment the IFN is alpha IFN or beta IFN, and more particularly, in one embodiment the administered biologically active IFN is human alpha IFN.

Abstract: An interferon composition is provided for enhancing the platelet count, reducing the recurrence rate of hepatitis, and/or improving the social function of hepatitis patients. The method comprises administering a low dose of IFN (about 5 IU to about 2500 IU of IFN-alpha) to a patient in need thereof. In one embodiment the IFN is alpha IFN or beta IFN, and more particularly, in one embodiment the administered biologically active IFN is human alpha IFN.

Abstract: An interferon composition is provided for enhancing the platelet count, reducing the recurrence rate of hepatitis, and/or improving the social function of hepatitis patients. The method comprises administering a low dose of IFN (about 5 IU to about 2500 IU of IFN-alpha) to a patient in need thereof. In one embodiment the IFN is alpha IFN or beta IFN, and more particularly, in one embodiment the administered biologically active IFN is human alpha IFN.

Abstract: An interferon composition is provided for enhancing the platelet count, reducing the recurrence rate of hepatitis, and/or improving the social function of hepatitis patients. The method comprises administering a low dose of IFN (about 5 IU to about 2500 IU of IFN-alpha) to a patient in need thereof. In one embodiment the IFN is alpha IFN or beta IFN, and more particularly, in one embodiment the administered biologically active IFN is human alpha IFN.

Abstract: An interferon composition is provided for enhancing the platelet count, reducing the recurrence rate of hepatitis, and/or improving the social function of hepatitis patients. The method comprises administering a low dose of IFN (about 5 IU to about 2500 IU of IFN-alpha) to a patient in need thereof. In one embodiment the IFN is alpha IFN or beta IFN, and more particularly, in one embodiment the administered biologically active IFN is human alpha IFN.

Abstract: A method for in vitro detection of the presence of a C-terminal truncation mutation of a hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface (S) gene encoding a small S protein in an isolated nucleic acid sample is disclosed. An in vitro diagnostic kit for use in the aforementioned method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An interferon composition is provided for enhancing the platelet count, reducing the recurrence rate of hepatitis, and/or improving the social function of hepatitis patients. The method comprises administering a low dose of IFN (about 5 IU to about 2500 IU of IFN-alpha) to a patient in need thereof. In one embodiment the IFN is alpha IFN or beta IFN, and more particularly, in one embodiment the administered biologically active IFN is human alpha IFN.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microfluidic chip and method using the same. The microfluidic chip comprises a substrate having a surface, and at least a tissue culture area formed on the surface of the substrate. The tissue culture area has a microfluidic channel formed by a plurality of connected geometrical structures (nozzle-type channels) having a predetermined depth. The microfluidic channel has an inlet and an outlet, which are at two ends of the microfluidic channel, for medium inputting and outputting, respectively. Additionally, at least an air-exchange hole is formed on the bottom of the microfluidic channel. By using the microfluidic chip for tissue culture, lateral flow speed and stress can be decreased, so as to prolong survival time of tissues (e.g. liver tissues).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms of a target nucleic acid for predicting whether a patient suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma will respond to a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based combination chemotherapy. In some embodiments, biological sample derived from the patient is processed to determine the presence of a T/T genotype of rs9679162 GALNT14 gene. The presence of the above-identified genotype is an indication that the patient is responsive to the 5-FU-based combination chemotherapy.

Abstract: A method for in vitro detection of the presence of a C-terminal truncation mutation of a hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface (S) gene encoding a small S protein in an isolated nucleic acid sample is disclosed. An in vitro diagnostic kit for use in the aforementioned method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for determining the prognosis of a subject diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma based on the expression level of at least one microRNA in the non-cancerous liver tissue of the subject. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, expression levels of miR-486-3p, miR-876-5p, and miR-381 are positively associated with a favorable prognosis, while expression levels of miR-30c, miR-432, and miR-15b are negatively associated with a favorable prognosis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms of a target nucleic acid for predicting whether a patient suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma will respond to a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based combination chemotherapy. In some embodiments, biological sample derived from the patient is processed to determine the presence of a T/T genotype of rs9679162 GALNT14 gene. The presence of the above-identified genotype is an indication that the patient is responsive to the 5-FU-based combination chemotherapy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microfluidic chip and method using the same. The microfluidic chip comprises a substrate having a surface, and at least a tissue culture area formed on the surface of the substrate. The tissue culture area has a microfluidic channel formed by a plurality of connected geometrical structures (nozzle-type channels) having a predetermined depth. The microfluidic channel has an inlet and an outlet, which are at two ends of the microfluidic channel, for medium inputting and outputting, respectively. Additionally, at least an air-exchange hole is formed on the bottom of the microfluidic channel. By using the microfluidic chip for tissue culture, lateral flow speed and stress can be decreased, so as to prolong survival time of tissues (e.g. liver tissues).

Abstract: A pure polypeptide containing an amino acid sequence at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO:5. The polypeptide, when expressed in a cell, increases susceptibility of the cell to hepatitis C virus infection.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence at least 70% identical to SEQ ID NO:1, or a complementary sequence thereof. Presence of the nucleic acid in a subject predisposes the subject to an abnormal liver condition, an adenocarcinoma, or a combination thereof. Also disclosed are a method of diagnosing such diseases, a method of identifying a compound for treating such diseases, and a method of treating such diseases.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, or the full complementary sequence thereof. Presence of said nucleic acid in a subject predisposes the subject to an adenocarcinoma. Also disclosed are a method of diagnosing an adenocarcinoma.

Abstract: A screening method of identifying a compound for treating hepatitis. Also disclosed is a method for evaluating responsiveness of a subject having hepatitis to a drug.

Abstract: A pure polypeptide containing an amino acid sequence at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO:5. The polypeptide, when expressed in a cell, increases susceptibility of the cell to hepatitis C virus infection.

Abstract: A screening method of identifying a compound for treating hepatitis. Also disclosed is a method for evaluating responsiveness of a subject having hepatitis to a drug.