Ezrin Polarization as a Diagnostic Marker for Circulating Tumor Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with no precise method for early detection. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) expressing the dynamic polarity of the cytoskeletal membrane protein, ezrin, have been proposed to play a crucial role in tumor progression and metastasis. This study investigated the diagnostic and prognostic potential of polarized circulating tumor cells (p-CTCs) in HCC patients.

The Power of The (First) Name: Do name tags for operating room staff improve effective communication and patient safety? A proof-of-concept study from an academic medical center in Germany.

Background: Effective and reliable communication is the cornerstone of safe communication in the operating room (OR). The OR is one of the most dynamic places in the hospital where multiple disciplines must work together in perfect harmony to ultimately improve patient outcomes. To create familiarity by name regarding constantly changing team members, individual name tagging was implemented in the OR.

Extracellular vesicles as potential biomarkers for diagnosis and recurrence detection of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant liver tumor and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. However, current diagnostic tools are often invasive and technically limited. In the last decade, non-invasive liquid biopsies have transformed the field of clinical oncology, showcasing the potential of various liquid-biopsy derived analytes, including extracellular vesicles (EVs), to diagnose and monitor HCC progression and metastatic spreading, serving as promising novel biomarkers.

Proteomic analysis of decellularized mice liver and kidney extracellular matrices.

Background: The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a three-dimensional network of proteins that encases and supports cells within a tissue and promotes physiological and pathological cellular differentiation and functionality. Understanding the complex composition of the ECM is essential to decrypt physiological processes as well as pathogenesis. In this context, the method of decellularization is a useful technique to eliminate cellular components from tissues while preserving the majority of the structural and functional integrity of the ECM.

Multi-organ Radiomics-Based Prediction of Future Remnant Liver Hypertrophy Following Portal Vein Embolization.

Background: Portal vein embolization (PVE) is used to induce remnant liver hypertrophy prior to major hepatectomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of baseline computed tomography (CT) data for future remnant liver (FRL) hypertrophy after PVE.

Methods: In this retrospective study, all consecutive patients undergoing right-sided PVE with or without hepatic vein embolization between 2018 and 2021 were included.

Clinical impact of a celiac axis stenosis in patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery.

Background: Celiac axis stenosis (CAS) often is an incidental finding in terms of diagnostic for hepatobiliary surgery since most cases remain asymptomatic. It remains unclear whether CAS is a risk factor for postoperative complications after hepatobiliary surgery. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of an asymptomatic CAS on the postoperative morbidity and survival of patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery.

Robotic-Assisted Esophagectomy Leads to Significant Reduction in Postoperative Acute Pain: A Retrospective Clinical Trial.

Background: Robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) shows promising results regarding postoperative complications in patients with esophageal cancer. To date, no data are available regarding postoperative analgesic consumption. The aim of this work is to evaluate analgesic consumption after esophagectomy.

Liver Resection for Primary Hepatic Angiosarcoma: Bicentric Analysis of a Challenging Entity.

Primary hepatic angiosarcoma (PHA) is a rare malignant tumor of the liver, and data on patient outcome after surgical treatment are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative morbidity and overall survival (OS) of patients who underwent hepatectomy for PHA. This is a bicentric retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients who underwent liver resection in curative intent for PHA between 2012 and 2019 at the University Hospital of Muenster and the University Hospital of Bern.

Hyperspectral imaging for quantitative assessment of hepatic steatosis in human liver allografts.

Introduction: In liver transplantation (LT), steatosis is commonly judged to be a risk factor for graft dysfunction, and quantitative assessment of hepatic steatosis remains crucial. Liver biopsy as the gold standard for evaluation of hepatic steatosis has certain drawbacks, that is, invasiveness, and intra- and inter-observer variability. A non-invasive, quantitative modality could replace liver biopsy and eliminate these disadvantages, but has not yet been evaluated in human LT.

Surgery for Liver Metastasis of Non-Colorectal and Non-Neuroendocrine Tumors.

Surgery has become well established for patients with colorectal and neuroendocrine liver metastases. However, the value of this procedure in non-colorectal and non-neuroendocrine metastases (NCRNNELMs) remains unclear. We analyzed the outcomes of patients that underwent liver surgery for NCRNNELMs and for colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) between 2012 and 2017 at our institution.

Selective Predation by Pond-Breeding Salamanders in Ephemeral Wetlands of Ohio and Illinois.

Larval amphibians are important components of ephemeral wetland ecosystems, where they are abundant and perform important ecological functions. Larval pond-breeding salamanders (genus ) are the primary vertebrate predators in fishless, ephemeral wetland systems, where they consume large amounts of aquatic invertebrate prey. However, the mechanisms in which larval salamanders affect aquatic communities are poorly understood.

[Influence of molecular pathology on oncological surgery of liver and bile duct tumors].

Background: Molecular pathology is increasingly being used to guide treatment in oncology. Approximately 25% of all hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) and 50% of cholangiocarcinomas (CCA) present with known cancer-relevant mutations; however, the impact of the mutations on the treatment of these tumors is not yet sufficiently understood.

Purpose: To evaluate the current literature on molecular pathological advances in HCC/CCA and the potential impact on oncological surgery.

In vitro recellularization of decellularized bovine carotid arteries using human endothelial colony forming cells.

Background: Many patients suffering from peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are dependent on bypass surgery. However, in some patients no suitable replacements (i.e.

Totally implantable venous access port insertion via open Seldinger approach of the internal jugular vein-a retrospective risk stratification of 500 consecutive patients.

Purpose: Modern oncological treatment algorithms require a central venous device in form of a totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP). While most commonly used techniques are surgical cutdown of the cephalic vein or percutaneous puncture of the subclavian vein, there are a relevant number of patients in which an additional strategy is needed. The aim of the current study is to present a surgical technique for TIVAP implantation via an open Seldinger approach of the internal jugular vein and to characterize risk factors, associated with primary failure as well as short- (< 30 days) and long-term (> 30 days) complications.

Robotic Liver Surgery - Current Standards and Future Perspectives.

Background:  Robotic liver surgery is emerging as the future of minimal invasive surgery. The robotic surgical system offers a stable camera platform, elimination of physiologic tremor, augmented surgical dexterity as well as improved ergonomics because of a seated operating position. Due to the theoretical advantages of the robotic assisted system, complex liver surgery might be an especially interesting indication for a robotic approach since it demands delicate tissue dissection, precise intracorporeal suturing as well as difficult parenchymal transection with subsequent need for meticulous hemostasis and biliostasis.

Portal and hepatic vein embolization prior to major hepatectomy.

Purpose:  To analyze safety and effectiveness of simultaneous portal and hepatic vein embolization (PHVE) or sequential hepatic vein embolization (HVE) compared to portal vein embolization (PVE) for future remnant liver (FRL) hypertrophy prior to major hepatic surgery.

Methods:  Patients undergoing PVE, PHVE or HVE at our tertiary care center between 2018 and 2020 were retrospectively included. FRLV, standardized FRLV (sFRLV) and sFRLV growth rate per day were assessed via volumetry, as well as laboratory parameters.

Urinary Biomarkers α-GST and π-GST for Evaluation and Monitoring in Living and Deceased Donor Kidney Grafts.

The aim of this study was to analyze the value of urine α- and π-GST in monitoring and predicting kidney graft function following transplantation. In addition, urine samples from corresponding organ donors was analyzed and compared with graft function after organ donation from brain-dead and living donors. Urine samples from brain-dead ( = 30) and living related ( = 50) donors and their corresponding recipients were analyzed before and after kidney transplantation.

Minimal-invasive versus open hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma: Comparison of postoperative outcomes and long-term survivals using propensity score matching analysis.

Background: Minimal-invasive hepatectomy (MIH) has been increasingly performed for benign and malignant liver lesions with most promising results. However, the role of MIH for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) needs further investigation.

Methods: Clinicopathological data of patients who underwent liver resection for HCC between 2005 and 2016 were assessed.

The role of hepatectomy for synchronous liver metastases from pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Background: The role of hepatectomy for patients with liver metastases from ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas (PLM) remains controversial. Therefore, the aim of our study was to examine the postoperative morbidity, mortality, and long-term survivals after liver resection for synchronous PLM.

Methods: Clinicopathological data of patients who underwent hepatectomy for PLM between 1993 and 2015 were assessed.

Laparoscopic Resection for Adenocarcinoma of the Stomach or Gastroesophageal Junction Improves Postoperative Outcomes: a Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

Background: Minimally invasive resection for upper gastrointestinal tumors has been associated with favorable results. However, the role of laparoscopic surgery (LS) in the multimodal treatment of patients with advanced adenocarcinoma of the stomach or gastroesophageal junction needs further investigation.

Methods: Clinicopathological data of patients who underwent gastrectomy between 2005 and 2017 were assessed.

Blood Biochemical Reference Intervals for Wild Ornate Box Turtles ( Terrapene ornata) during the Active Season.

Blood biochemical and hematology analyses are helpful indicators of the physiologic health of animals, particularly when making conservation and management decisions for threatened species. In this study, we 1) established blood biochemical reference intervals for two populations of threatened, free-ranging ornate box turtles ( Terrapene ornata) in northern Illinois during their active season and 2) examined the effects of individual carapace temperature ( T) on blood biochemical variables by using a Bayesian hierarchical framework. Individual blood variables differed throughout the active season (May-September 2015), but there were few distinct patterns in concentrations over time.

The Predictive Value of the Maximal Liver Function Capacity Test for the Isolation of Primary Human Hepatocytes.

The need for primary human hepatocytes is constantly growing for basic research, as well as for therapeutic applications. However, the isolation outcome strongly depends on the quality of liver tissue, and we are still lacking a preoperative test that allows the prediction of the hepatocyte isolation outcome. In this study, we evaluated the "maximal liver function capacity test" (LiMAx) as predictive test for the quantitative and qualitative outcome of hepatocyte isolation.

Liver Transplantation and Liver Resection for Cirrhotic Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Comparison of Long-Term Survivals.

Background: Both liver transplantation (LT) and liver resection (LR) represent curative treatment options for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with liver cirrhosis. In this study, we have compared outcomes between historical and more recent patient cohorts scheduled either for LT or LR, respectively.

Methods: Clinicopathological data of all patients with HCC and cirrhosis who underwent LT or LR between 1989 and 2011 were evaluated.

Comparison of Single-Port Versus Standard Multiport Left Lateral Liver Sectionectomy.

It remains unclear if single incision laparoscopic liver surgery is superior to standard multiport resections and in what regard patients might benefit from this approach. We retrospectively analyzed the course of all patients undergoing laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy at our center between 2009 and 2017. In total, 11 single incision and 31 multiport left lateral sectionectomies were performed at our center between July 2009 and May 2017.