AI-derived body composition parameters as prognostic factors in patients with HCC undergoing TACE in a multicenter study.

Background & Aims: Body composition assessment (BCA) parameters have recently been identified as relevant prognostic factors for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, we aimed to investigate the role of BCA parameters for prognosis prediction in patients with HCC undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).

Methods: This retrospective multicenter study included a total of 754 treatment-naïve patients with HCC who underwent TACE at six tertiary care centers between 2010-2020.

Altered cytokine levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of adult patients with autism spectrum disorder.

Background: Despite intensive research, the etiological causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain elusive. Immunological mechanisms have recently been studied more frequently in the context of maternal autoantibodies and infections, as well as altered cytokine profiles. For the detection of immunological processes in the central nervous system, analyses of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are advantageous due to its proximity to the brain.

Sarcoidosis and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

Introduction: Autoimmune obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in the context of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) has been observed for decades. The first cases of autoimmune OCD in adulthood were recently described. An association between obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) and systemic autoimmune diseases in the form of connective tissue disease has also been reported.

[Complete response after neoadjuvant therapy: how certain is radiology?].

The concept of total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) means a paradigm shift in the treatment of patients with rectal cancer. In cases in which the TNT induced a complete clinical response (cCR), an organ preserving watch and wait therapy concept can now be provided more often; however, this increases the demand for imaging for the determination of cCR and in the subsequent follow-up. In this article, the performance of radiology in these scenarios will be evaluated and discussed.

Upregulation of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 Levels in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Patients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders.

Immunological explanatory approaches are becoming increasingly important in schizophrenia research. In this context, the function of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier (BCSFB) plays an essential role. Different adhesion molecules, such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), are key elements in sustaining the integrity of the BBB and BCSFB.

Increased GFAP concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with unipolar depression.

Inflammatory processes involving altered microglial activity may play a relevant role in the pathophysiology of depressive disorders. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and calcium-binding protein S100B are considered microglial markers. To date, their role has been studied in the serum and tissue material of patients with unipolar depression but not in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

An observational study investigating cytokine levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Introduction: The role of immunological mechanisms in the pathophysiology of mental disorders has been discussed with increasing frequency. In this context, especially schizophrenia has become the focus of attention after the discovery of autoimmune encephalitis, which might present with psychotic symptoms. Furthermore, multiple studies have identified associations between infections or autoimmune diseases and schizophreniform disorders.

Increased IL-8 concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with unipolar depression.

Introduction: Unipolar depression is a common and debilitating disorder. Immunological explanatory approaches have become increasingly important in recent years and can be studied particularly well in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Previous studies discerned alterations in interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 levels; however, findings regarding IL-8 were partly contradictory.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Findings of 36 Adult Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction, repetitive behavior, and additional features, such as special interests. Its precise etiology is unclear. Recently, immunological mechanisms, such as maternal autoantibodies/infections, have increasingly been the subject of discussion.