Model combining pre-transplant tumor biomarkers and tumor size shows more utility in predicting hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence and survival than the BALAD models.

Aim: To assess the performance of BALAD, BALAD-2 and their component biomarkers in predicting outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after liver transplant.

Methods: BALAD score and BALAD-2 class are derived from bilirubin, albumin, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive AFP (AFP-L3), and des-gamma-carboxyprothrombin (DCP). Pre-transplant AFP, AFP-L3 and DCP were measured in 113 patients transplanted for HCC from 2000 to 2008.

Combinations of biomarkers and Milan criteria for predicting hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after liver transplantation.

Growing evidence suggests that pretransplant alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) predicts outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with liver transplantation. We aimed to determine whether pretransplant AFP, Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive alpha-fetoprotein (AFP-L3), and des-gamma-carboxyprothrombin (DCP) predicted HCC recurrence after transplantation. A retrospective cohort study of 313 HCC patients undergoing transplantation between 2000 and 2008 was conducted, and 48 (15.

Vitreoretinal lymphoma versus uveitis: cytokine profile and correlations.

Purpose: To compare the cytokine spectrum of vitreoretinal lymphoma to uveitis and correlate cytokine concentrations with disease activity.

Methods: Retrospective case series of 10 patients with vitreoretinal lymphoma and 7 patients with uveitis. Aqueous humor concentration of IFN-γ, TNF-α, TNF-β, IL-1ra, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, MCP-1, G-CSF, GM-CSF, and VEGF-A was determined using a bead-based assay (Luminex).

Effect of intravitreal methotrexate and rituximab on interleukin-10 levels in aqueous humor of treated eyes with vitreoretinal lymphoma.

Intraocular cytokines are promising diagnostic biomarkers of vitreoretinal lymphoma. Here, we evaluate the utility of IL-10, IL-6 and IL-10/IL-6 for discriminating lymphoma from uveitis and report the effects of intraocular methotrexate and rituximab on aqueous cytokine levels in eyes with lymphoma. This is a retrospective case series including 10 patients with lymphoma and 7 patients with uveitis.

Analytical and clinical comparison of anti-CCP assays with rheumatoid factor for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by chronic joint inflammation and extra-articular manifestations, eventually leading to permanent disability without early therapeutic interventions.

Methods: The analytical and clinical performance of an electrochemiluminescent immunoassay (ECLIA) (Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, IN) were determined for cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) in the diagnostic assessment of rheumatoid arthritis compared to a plate-based anti-CCP enzyme immunoassay (EIA) (Inova Diagnostics, Inc.).