Effect of islet alone or islets after kidney transplantation on quality of life in type 1 diabetes: A systematic review.

Background: Pancreatic islet transplantation for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is efficacious in supressing severe hypoglycaemic episodes (SHE) and restoring glycaemic regulation, which are both pivotal in increasing health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Therefore, a systematic assessment of reports detailing HRQoL outcomes is warranted to better understand the benefits of islet transplantation. To this end, we performed a systematic review of the literature to assess the impact of islet transplantation on HRQoL in individuals with T1DM, whether as a standalone procedure (ITA) or following renal transplantation (IAK).

Portosystemic shunting prevents hepatocellular carcinoma in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease mouse models.

Background And Aims: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This association is supported by the translocation of bacteria products into the portal system, which acts on the liver through the gut-liver axis. We hypothesize that portosystemic shunting can disrupt this relationship, and prevent NAFLD-associated HCC.

In Vivo Thermal Ablation of Deep Intrahepatic Targets Using a Super-Convergent MRgHIFU Applicator and a Pseudo-Tumor Model.

Background: HIFU ablation of liver malignancies is particularly challenging due to respiratory motion, high tissue perfusion and the presence of the rib cage. Based on our previous development of a super-convergent phased-array transducer, we aimed to further investigate, in vivo, its applicability to deep intrahepatic targets.

Methods: In a series of six pigs, a pseudo-tumor model was used as target, visible both on intra-operatory MRI and post-mortem gross pathology.

Psychological care of patients during the pancreas transplantation process: issues and prospects.

Pancreas transplantation for patients with type 1 diabetes is a therapeutic option when other treatments are not effective and physical complications occur. Psychological burden is prominent in patients, and non-adherence to treatment is often one manifestation of such difficulties. Time projection is an important factor affected by chronic disease.

Prolonged continuous wound infusion of local anesthetic and steroid after major abdominal surgery to reduce opioid consumption: a randomized, double-blind trial.

Background: Continuous wound infusion (CWI) is effective for post-operative pain management, but the effect of prolonged infusions and the use of steroids in the infused mixture have never been addressed. We investigate the effect of prolonged CWI with ropivacaine 0.2% (R) over seven days and methylprednisolone (Mp) 1 mg/kg infused in the wound in the first 24 hours.

Anti-CD122 antibody restores specific CD8 T cell response in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and prevents hepatocellular carcinoma growth.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can lead to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although immunotherapy is used as first-line treatment for advanced HCC, the impact of NASH on anticancer immunity is only partially characterized. We assessed the tumor-specific T cell immune response in the context of NASH.

Clearing Steatosis Prior to Liver Surgery for Colorectal Metastasis: A Narrative Review and Case Illustration.

Over recent years, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common liver disorder in the developed world, accounting for 20% to 46% of liver abnormalities. Steatosis is the hallmark of NAFLD and is recognized as an important risk factor for complication and death after general surgery, even more so after liver resection. Similarly, liver steatosis also impacts the safety of live liver donation and transplantation.

FGF21 negatively affects long-term female fertility in mice.

Objective: Obesity and associated liver disease are a growing public health concern. Pharmacological agents to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are limited. FGF21, a hormone secreted by the liver and potent metabolic modulator, is a promising therapeutic target for this indication with several analogs currently in clinical development.

Mesenchymal Stromal Cell on Liver Decellularised Extracellular Matrix for Tissue Engineering.

Background: In end-stage chronic liver disease, transplantation represents the only curative option. However, the shortage of donors results in the death of many patients. To overcome this gap, it is mandatory to develop new therapeutic options.

Regenerative medicine technologies applied to transplant medicine. An update.

Regenerative medicine (RM) is changing how we think and practice transplant medicine. In regenerative medicine, the aim is to develop and employ methods to regenerate, restore or replace damaged/diseased tissues or organs. Regenerative medicine investigates using tools such as novel technologies or techniques, extracellular vesicles, cell-based therapies, and tissue-engineered constructs to design effective patient-specific treatments.

From islet of Langerhans transplantation to the bioartificial pancreas.

Type 1 diabetes is a disease resulting from autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. When type 1 diabetes develops into severe secondary complications, in particular end-stage nephropathy, or life-threatening severe hypoglycemia, the best therapeutic approach is pancreas transplantation, or more recently transplantation of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. Islet transplantation is a cell therapy procedure, that is minimally invasive and has a low morbidity, but does not display the same rate of functional success as the more invasive pancreas transplantation because of suboptimal engraftment and survival.

Artificial Intelligence: Present and Future Potential for Solid Organ Transplantation.

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer algorithms used to complete tasks that usually require human intelligence. Typical examples include complex decision-making and- image or speech analysis. AI application in healthcare is rapidly evolving and it undoubtedly holds an enormous potential for the field of solid organ transplantation.

A Novel Concept of a Phased-Array HIFU Transducer Optimized for MR-Guided Hepatic Ablation: Embodiment and First Studies.

Purpose: High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is challenging in the liver due to the respiratory motion and risks of near-/far-field burns, particularly on the ribs. We implemented a novel design of a HIFU phased-array transducer, dedicated to transcostal hepatic thermo-ablation. Due to its large acoustic window and strong focusing, the transducer should perform safely for this application.

Implementation and validation of a competency assessment tool for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Background: Achieving proficiency in a surgical procedure is a milestone in the career of a trainee. We introduced a competency assessment tool for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our residency program. Our aim was to assess the inter-rater reliability of this tool.

[Malignant lesions of the extrahepatic biliary system].

This article provides an overview of recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (EH-CCAs), focusing on the role of endoscopy, surgery, and transplantation. It reviews optimal evaluation and management of patients with EH-CCA, including a careful integration of clinical information, imaging studies, cytology and/or histology, as well as a coordinated multidisciplinary approach. It reviews additional therapy such as radio- or chemotherapy either in the neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting.

The healthcare professionals' support towards organ donation. An analysis of current practices, predictors, and consent rates in Apulian hospitals.

Introduction: The paper investigates the critical care staff's support towards organ donation by analysing how their attitude, knowledge, confidence, engagement, and training can act as predictors of donation consent rates. Our study focused on hospitals in the Apulia Region, Italy.

Material And Methods: The study employs a quantitative methodology based on a survey of healthcare professionals.