The Role of PIVKA-II as a Predictor of Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence-Free Survival after Liver Transplantation in a Low Alpha-Fetoprotein Population.

Introduction: AFP and the RETREAT score are currently used to predict HCC recurrence after LT. However, superior discriminating models are needed for low AFP populations. The aim of this study is to investigate the predictive value of PIVKA-II on recurrence-free survival after LT in a low AFP population and microvascular invasion on explant.

Formation, Reactivity, and Catalytic Behavior of a Keggin Polyoxometalate/Bipyridine Hybrid in the Epoxidation of Cyclooctene with HO.

The present study further explores the behavior of polyoxometalate-based hybrid compounds as catalysts for liquid-phase cyclooctene epoxidation with HO. Precisely, it unveils the nature of the relevant active species derived from the hybrid based on Keggin polyoxometalate (POM) and bipyridines (bpy) of formula (2,2'-Hbpy)[PWO] (). Whereas (i) it is generally accepted that the catalytic oxidation of organic substrates by HO involving Keggin HPAs proceeds via an oxygen transfer route from a peroxo intermediate and (ii) the catalytically active peroxo species is commonly postulated to be the polyperoxotungstate {PO[W(O)(O)]} complex (PW), we show that the studied epoxidation reaction seems to be more sophisticated than commonly reported.

Androgen receptor signaling regulates follicular growth and steroidogenesis in interaction with gonadotropins in the ovary during mini-puberty in mice.

In females, androgens contribute to ovarian diseases such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), but their action is also crucial for ovarian physiology, i.e., follicular growth and estradiol (E2) synthesis during reproductive life, in interaction with the gonadotropins LH and FSH.

Deciphering the Roles & Regulation of Estradiol Signaling during Female Mini-Puberty: Insights from Mouse Models.

Mini-puberty of infancy is a short developmental phase occurring in humans and other mammals after birth. In females, it corresponds to transient and robust activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis revealed by high levels of gonadotropin hormones, follicular growth, and increased estradiol production by the ovary. The roles of estradiol signaling during this intriguing developmental phase are not yet well known, but accumulating data support the idea that it aids in the implementation of reproductive function.

Management of Malignant Pleural Effusions in U.S. Veterans: A Retrospective Review.

Purpose: To compare malignant pleural effusion (MPE) treatment outcomes and complications among patients receiving indwelling pleural catheter (IPC), talc pleurodesis (TPS), or dual therapy. Outcomes were determined by measuring length of stay (LOS) and post-procedure dyspnea scores. Complications were measured by comparing intervention failures and adverse events.