Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of liver metastases from colorectal cancer: Development of a prognostic score to predict overall survival.

Purpose: To develop a model for pretreatment prediction of overall survival (OS) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM).

Method: This retrospective study included 491 patients (median age, 61 years; 348 men) who underwent percutaneous RFA for CRLM between 2000 and 2021. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate OS rates.

Chemoembolization versus radiofrequency ablation for single small (≤ 3 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma: a propensity score matching analysis.

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for patients with single small (≤ 3 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and preserved liver function (Child-Pugh class A).

Materials And Methods: The clinical features of treatment-naïve patients who underwent TACE and RFA as first-line treatment were balanced through propensity score matching (PSM). The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), and the secondary endpoints were local tumor recurrence (LTR) and recurrence-free survival (RFS).

Transcriptome profiles of Streptomyces clavuligerus strains producing different titers of clavulanic acid.

Streptomyces clavuligerus NRRL 3585 is a native producer of clavulanic acid (CA), a clinically used β-lactamase inhibitor, and is widely used as an industrial strain for the production of antibiotics. Selective random mutagenesis has successfully generated the improved CA-producing S. clavuligerus mutant strains as well as the strain with the loss of CA biosynthesis.

Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2018 for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma in alcoholic liver cirrhosis and virus-related cirrhosis.

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance of Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) v2018 for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ≤ 3.0 cm on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI according to the etiology of cirrhosis.

Methods: Thirty-eight patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC) and 37 with hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis (HCV) who underwent preoperative MRI and subsequent surgical resection or transplantation were included.

Radiofrequency ablation of subcapsular versus nonsubcapsular hepatocellular carcinomas ≤ 3 cm: analysis of long-term outcomes from two large-volume liver centers.

Objectives: To compare the safety and efficacy of RFA for single HCCs ≤ 3 cm in subcapsular versus nonsubcapsular locations using a propensity score matched analysis.

Materials And Methods: This retrospective study included patients with solitary HCCs ≤ 3 cm in size who underwent percutaneous RFA from 2005 to 2015 as initial treatment at two large-volume liver centers. Patients were divided into two groups, consisting of those with subcapsular and nonsubcapsular tumor locations.

LI-RADS threshold growth based on tumor growth rate can improve the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma ≤ 3.0 cm.

Objective: Despite the revision of threshold growth (TG) in the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) version 2018, the appropriate time period between the two examinations for TG has not been determined. We compared the accuracy of LI-RADS with TG based on tumor growth rate for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with that of LI-RADS v2018 based on the original TG.

Methods: Patients who underwent preoperative MRI for focal solid lesions (≤ 3.

Gene Regulatory Networks and Signaling Pathways in Palatogenesis and Cleft Palate: A Comprehensive Review.

Palatogenesis is a complex and intricate process involving the formation of the palate through various morphogenetic events highly dependent on the surrounding context. These events comprise outgrowth of palatal shelves from embryonic maxillary prominences, their elevation from a vertical to a horizontal position above the tongue, and their subsequent adhesion and fusion at the midline to separate oral and nasal cavities. Disruptions in any of these processes can result in cleft palate, a common congenital abnormality that significantly affects patient's quality of life, despite surgical intervention.

Suboptimal performance of LI-RADS v2018 on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI for detecting hepatocellular carcinoma in liver transplant candidates.

Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic performance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) detection of the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) version 2018 on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI, comparing liver transplant candidates (LT group) with patients who underwent surgical resection (SR group), and to determine significant clinical factors for diagnostic performance of LI-RADS v2018.

Methods: Patients who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and subsequent SR or LT for HCC were retrospectively included between January 2019 and December 2020. The sensitivity and specificity of LI-RADS LR-5 for HCC were compared between the two groups using generalized estimating equations.

Increased miR-200c levels disrupt palatal fusion by affecting apoptosis, cell proliferation, and cell migration.

The mammalian palate separates the oral and nasal cavities, facilitating proper feeding, respiration, and speech. Palatal shelves, composed of neural crest-derived mesenchyme and surrounding epithelium, are a pair of maxillary prominences contributing to this structure. Palatogenesis reaches completion upon the fusion of the midline epithelial seam (MES) following contact between medial edge epithelium (MEE) cells in the palatal shelves.

LI-RADS version 2018 for hepatocellular carcinoma < 1.0 cm on gadoxetate disodium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

Objectives: We aimed to develop and evaluate a modified Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) version 2018 using significant ancillary features for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) < 1.0 cm on gadoxetate disodium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods: Patients who underwent preoperative gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI for focal solid nodules < 2.

Supraclavicular cephalic vein draining into the internal jugular vein via the external jugular vein.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to report rare anatomical variations of the cephalic vein (CV) in a 77-year-old Korean male cadaver.

Case Report: On the right upper arm, the CV located lateral to the deltopectoral groove passed anterior to the clavicle at the lateral one-fourth of the clavicle without anastomosis to the axillary vein. It was connected to the transverse cervical and suprascapular veins by two communicating branches in the middle of its course at the neck, and opened into the external jugular vein at its junction with the internal jugular veins.

Value of threshold growth as a major diagnostic feature of hepatocellular carcinoma in LI-RADS.

Background & Aims: The Liver Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) version 2018 simplified the definition of threshold growth to '≥50% size increase in a mass in ≤6 months'. However, the diagnostic value of threshold growth for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remained unclear. We evaluated the value of threshold growth, as defined by LI-RADS v2018, in diagnosing HCCs.

Simplified LI-RADS for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Diagnosis at Gadoxetic Acid-enhanced MRI.

Background Although various modifications to the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) at gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI have been suggested, LI-RADS shows suboptimal sensitivity for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is perceived to be too complex. Purpose To evaluate clinical usefulness of a simplified LI-RADS for diagnosing HCCs of 30 mm or smaller at gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI. Materials and Methods Patients who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI examination and subsequent resection, transplantation, or biopsy for focal solid nodules of 30 mm or smaller between January 2019 and December 2020 at a single tertiary referral institution were retrospectively analyzed.

Functional Reaction Times of a Simulated Blocking Test among Para Taekwondo Athletes.

Para taekwondo is a combat sport martial art that requires fast reaction times for successful defense during fighting. The current classification system is based on the function and the effective length of the upper limbs, which affects the athlete's ability to block. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the differences between the different classes in the athlete's ability to block and move around the ring.

New strategy for Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System category M to improve diagnostic performance of MRI for hepatocellular carcinoma ≤ 3.0 cm.

Purpose: We aimed to determine a new strategy for Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System category M (LR-M) criteria to improve the diagnosis of HCC ≤ 3.0 cm on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods: A total of 463 pathologically confirmed hepatic observations ≤ 3.

Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System categories: Long-term imaging outcomes in a prospective surveillance cohort.

Background And Aims: We assessed the imaging outcomes of Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) v2018 categories in prospective hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance cohort and determined imaging features significantly predictive of progression to a malignant LI-RADS category.

Methods: The imaging outcomes of 120 patients (162 observations) prospectively enrolled between November 2011 and August 2012 were analysed according to LI-RADS v2018. Cumulative incidences for progression to a malignant category (LR-5 or LR-M) and LR-4 or higher were calculated for each baseline category and compared using log-rank tests.

Hypervascular transformation of hepatobiliary phase hypointense nodules without arterial phase hyperenhancement on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI: long-term follow-up in a surveillance cohort.

Objectives: With the increasing use of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI for HCC surveillance, hepatobiliary phase (HBP) hypointense nodules without arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE) are frequently encountered. We investigated the rate of these nodules with hypervascular transformation, which suggests hepatocarcinogenesis, by using a prospectively collected longitudinal surveillance cohort data.

Methods: This study included 382 prospectively enrolled patients at high risk for developing HCC who underwent 1-3 rounds of bi-annual surveillance gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI.

Abbreviated magnetic resonance imaging vs ultrasound for surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma in high-risk patients.

Background & Aims: We aimed to compare the performance of gadoxetic acid-enhanced abbreviated MRI (AMRI)-based surveillance and ultrasound-only surveillance in high-risk patients for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods: Prospectively recruited high-risk patients (>5% annual risk of HCC) who underwent one to three rounds of complete gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI (CMRI) and ultrasound at 6-months intervals were retrospectively analysed. AMRI consisted of diffusion-weighted, T2-weighted, and hepatobiliary phase imaging.

Thermal ablation in the treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To summarize the efficacy and safety of thermal ablation for the treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).

Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochran Library, and Web of Science databases were searched for studies reporting outcomes in patients with ICC treated with thermal ablation. Meta-analyses of cumulative overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS), Kaplan-Meier survival rates according to time to local tumor progression (TTLTP), technical efficacy, and incidence of complications were analyzed.

Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation for Recurrent Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma After Curative Resection: Multivariable Analysis of Factors Predicting Survival Outcomes.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors associated with local tumor progression (LTP) and overall survival (OS) in patients who have undergone percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for recurrent intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) after curative resection. Data from 40 patients (mean age, 56.3 years) with 64 recurrent iCCAs (median diameter, 1.

Combined computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging improves diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma ≤ 3.0 cm.

Background/purpose: Imaging diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is important, but the diagnostic performance of combined computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) v2018 is not fully understood. We evaluated the clinical usefulness of combined CT and MRI for diagnosing HCC ≤ 3.0 cm using LI-RADS.

Value of discrepancy of the central scar-like structure between dynamic CT and gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI in differentiation of focal nodular hyperplasia and hepatocellular adenoma.

Purpose: To identify the value of discrepancies in the central scar (CS)-like structure between dynamic CT and gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI for differentiating FNH from HCA.

Methods: This retrospective study included 113 patients with pathologically-diagnosed FNH (n = 80) or HCA (n = 37). CS-like structures were evaluated on arterial phase (AP) CT and hepatobiliary phase (HBP) MRI.

Enhanced production of clavulanic acid by improving glycerol utilization using reporter-guided mutagenesis of an industrial Streptomyces clavuligerus strain.

Clavulanic acid (CA) produced by Streptomyces clavuligerus is a clinically important β-lactamase inhibitor. It is known that glycerol utilization can significantly improve cell growth and CA production of S. clavuligerus.

Classification of the interosseous tarsometatarsal ligaments of the foot.

Background: The aim of this study was to clarify the anatomical features of the interosseous tarsometatarsal ligaments of foot and to classify their types based on the combinations of their ligamentous components.

Methods: Fifty feet from 27 adult Korean cadavers were dissected.

Results: The interosseous tarsometatarsal ligaments were observed in the first, second, and third cuneometatarsal joint spaces.

Accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound liver imaging reporting and data system: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Aim: After the introduction of the contrast-enhanced ultrasound Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (CEUS LI-RADS), several studies have reported on its performance, but the reported data vary considerably. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the diagnostic performance of CEUS LI-RADS in patients at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and investigate the causes of study heterogeneity.

Methods: Original studies published until May 30, 2020, investigating the diagnostic performance of CEUS LI-RADS were identified in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases.