Prognostic performance of Hong Kong Liver Cancer with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging systems in hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Accurate staging is necessary for predicting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognosis and guiding patient management. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system has limitations due to heterogeneity observed among patients in BCLC stages B and C. In contrast, the Hong Kong Liver Cancer (HKLC) staging system offers more aggressive treatment strategies. AIM: To compare the prognostic performance of HKLC and BCLC staging systems in Egyptian patients with HCC. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study at the National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Egypt, on 1015 HCC patients. Data was collected from patients' medical records over 10 years (from 2008 to 2018). The BCLC and HKLC stages were identified, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to compare patients' overall survival rates within each staging system. Additionally, we evaluated the comparative prognostic performance of the two staging systems. RESULTS: Hepatitis C was identified as the underlying etiology in 799 patients (78.7%), hepatitis B in 12 patients (1.2%), and non-viral causes in 204 patients (20.1%). The survival analysis demonstrated significant differences across the various stages within both the BCLC and HKLC systems. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves indicated a marginally superior performance of the HKLC system in predicting survival at 1, 2, and 3 years compared to the BCLC system. Furthermore, the HKLC staging provided a slightly enhanced prognostic capability, particularly for patients classified under BCLC stages B and C, suggesting a potential survival benefit. CONCLUSION: HKLC classification had a slightly better prognostic performance than BCLC staging system and may offer a survival advantage for certain patients with HCC in BCLC stage B and C HCC cases.

A novel cellulose-dioctyl phthate-baker's yeast biosorbent for removal of Co(II), Cu(II), Cd(II), Hg(II) and Pb(II).

In this work, dioctyl phthalate (Dop) was used as a highly plasticizing material to coat and link the surface of basic cellulose (Cel) with baker's yeast for the formation of a novel modified cellulose biosorbent (Cel-Dop-Yst). Characterization was accomplished by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) measurements. The feasibility of using Cel-Dop-Yst biosorbent as an efficient material for removal of Co(II), Cu(II), Cd(II), Hg(II) and Pb(II) ions was explored using the batch equilibrium technique along with various experimental controlling parameters. The optimum pH values for removal of these metal ions were characterized in the range of 5.0-7.0. Cel-Dop-Yst was identified as a highly selective biosorbent for removal of the selected divalent metal ions. The Cel-Dop-Yst biosorbent was successfully implemented in treatment and removal of these divalent metal ions from industrial wastewater, sea water and drinking water samples using a multistage microcolumn technique.

Enhanced removal of lead by chemically and biologically treated carbonaceous materials.

Hybrid sorbents and biosorbents were synthesized via chemical and biological treatment of active carbon by simple and direct redox reaction followed by surface loading of baker's yeast. Surface functionality and morphology of chemically and biologically modified sorbents and biosorbents were studied by Fourier Transform Infrared analysis and scanning electron microscope imaging. Hybrid carbonaceous sorbents and biosorbents were characterized by excellent efficiency and superiority toward lead(II) sorption compared to blank active carbon providing a maximum sorption capacity of lead(II) ion as 500 µmol g(-1). Sorption processes of lead(II) by these hybrid materials were investigated under the influence of several controlling parameters such as pH, contact time, mass of sorbent and biosorbent, lead(II) concentration, and foreign ions. Lead(II) sorption mechanisms were found to obey the Langmuir and BET isotherm models. The potential applications of chemically and biologically modified-active carbonaceous materials for removal and extraction of lead from real water matrices were also studied via a double-stage microcolumn technique. The results of this study were found to denote to superior recovery values of lead (95.0-99.0 ± 3.0-5.0%) by various carbonaceous-modified-bakers yeast biosorbents.

Chemically and biologically modified activated carbon sorbents for the removal of lead ions from aqueous media.

A method is described for hybridization of the adsorption and biosorption characteristics of chemically treated commercial activated carbon and baker's yeast, respectively, for the formation of environmental friendly multifunctional sorbents. Activated carbon was loaded with baker's yeast after acid-base treatment. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy were used to characterize these sorbents. Moreover, the sorption capabilities for lead (II) ions were evaluated. A value of 90 µmol g(-1) was identified as the maximum sorption capacity of activated carbon. Acid-base treatment of activated carbon was found to double the sorption capacity (140-180 µmol g(-1)). Immobilization of baker's yeast on the surface of activated carbon sorbents was found to further improve the sorption capacity efficiency of lead to 360, 510 and 560 µmol g(-1), respectively. Several important factors such as pH, contact time, sorbent dose, lead concentration and interfering ions were examined. Lead sorption process was studied and evaluated by several adsorption isotherms and found to follow the Langmuir and BET models. The potential applications of various chemically and biologically modified sorbents and biosorbents for removal of lead from real water matrices were also investigated via multistage micro-column technique and the results referred to excellent recovery values of lead (95.0-99.0 ± 3.0-5.0 %).

Identification of the possible therapeutic targets in the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor pathway in a cohort of Egyptian hepatocellular carcinoma complicating chronic hepatitis C type 4.

BACKGROUND: Molecular targeted drugs are the first line of treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to its chemo- and radioresistant nature. HCC has several well-documented etiologic factors that drive hepatocarcinogenesis through different molecular pathways. Currently, hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of HCC. Therefore, we included a unified cohort of HCV genotype 4-related HCCs to study the expression levels of genes involved in the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) pathway, which is known to be involved in all aspects of cancer growth and progression. AIM: Determine the gene expression patterns of IGF1R pathway genes in a cohort of Egyptian HCV-related HCCs. Correlate them with different patient/tumor characteristics. Determine the activity status of involved pathways. METHODS: Total ribonucleic acid (RNA) was extracted from 32 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of human HCV-related HCCs and 6 healthy liver donors as controls. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) using RT2 Profiler PCR Array for Human Insulin Signaling Pathway was done to determine significantly up- and downregulated genes with identification of most frequently coregulated genes, followed by correlation of gene expression with different patient/tumor characteristics. Finally, canonical pathway analysis was performed using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software. RESULTS: Six genes - AEBP1, AKT2, C-FOS, PIK3R1, PRKCI, SHC1 - were significantly overexpressed. Thirteen genes - ADRB3, CEBPA, DUSP14, ERCC1, FRS3, IGF2, INS, IRS1, JUN, MTOR, PIK3R2, PPP1CA, RPS6KA1 - were significantly underexpressed. Several differentially expressed genes were related to different tumor/patient characteristics. Nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species production pathway was significantly activated in the present cohort, while the growth hormone signaling pathway was inactive. CONCLUSIONS: The gene expression patterns identified in this study may serve as possible therapeutic targets in HCV-related HCCs. The most frequently coregulated genes may serve to guide combined molecular targeted therapies. The IGF1R pathway showed evidence of inactivity in the present cohort of HCV-related HCCs, so targeting this pathway in therapy may not be effective.

Speciation, selective extraction and preconcentration of chromium ions via alumina-functionalized-isatin-thiosemicarbazone.

A method is presented and described for speciation, extraction and preconcentration of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) based on dynamic and static solid phase extraction techniques. Three newly designed alumina phases-physically adsorbed-isatin-thiosemicarbazone (I-III) were synthesized, characterized, tested for stability and applied as inorganic ion exchangers and chelating solid sorbents for various metal ions. The selectivity characteristics incorporated into these alumina phases were studied and evaluated via determination of the distribution coefficients and separation factors of chromium species versus other interacting metal ions. Quantitative recovery of Cr(VI) was accomplished by alumina phases (I-III) in pH 1.0 giving percentage extraction values of approximately 99.9-100.0%, while Cr(III) was found to be quantitatively recovered by these sorbents in pH 7.0 leading to percentage extraction values approximately 100.0% with minimal or no interference between these two species under the studied buffering conditions. Selective solid phase speciation and preconcentration of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in various real water samples were successfully performed and accomplished by newly designed alumina phases (I-III) via a preconcentration micro-column.

Immobilization of Fusarium verticillioides fungus on nano-silica (NSi-Fus): a novel and efficient biosorbent for water treatment and solid phase extraction of Mg(II) and Ca(II).

Biosorption and water treatment of Mg(II) and Ca(II) hardness was designed via surface loading of heat inactivated Fusarium verticillioides fungus (Fus) on nano-silica (NSi) for developing the (NSi-Fus) as a novel biosorbent. Surface characterization was confirmed by FT-IR and SEM analysis. The (NSi), (Fus) and (NSi-Fus) sorbents were investigated for removal of Mg(II) and Ca(II) by using the batch equilibrium technique under the influence of solution pH, contact time, sorbent dosage, initial metal concentration and interfering ion. The maximum magnesium capacity values were identified as 600.0, 933.3 and 1000.0 µmole g(-1) while, the maximum calcium values were 1066.7, 1800.0 and 1333.3 µmole g(-1) for (NSi), (Fus) and (NSi-Fus), respectively. Sorption equilibria were established in ∼20 min and the data were well described by both Langmuir and Freundlich models. The potential applications of these biosorbents for water-softening and extraction of magnesium and calcium from sea water samples were successfully accomplished.

High performance SiO2-nanoparticles-immobilized-Penicillium funiculosum for bioaccumulation and solid phase extraction of lead.

Novel biosorbent systems were designed, investigated and implemented for bioaccumulation of Pb(II) from aqueous solutions. These are based on the combination of SiO(2)-nanoparticles (N-Si) with Penicillium funiculosum fungus (Pen) for the formation of (N-Si-Pen) as well as heat inactivated Penicillium funiculosum (Pen). The SiO(2)-nanoparticles were also investigated as a solid sorbent phase. Surface characterization and immobilization were examined and confirmed by using FT-IR and SEM analysis. A batch equilibrium technique was used to follow-up the adsorption processes of lead under the effect of pH, contact time, sorbent dosage and initial metal concentration. The maximum capacity values were 1200.0 and 1266.7µmolg(-1) for (Pen) and (N-Si-Pen), respectively at pH 5. Sorption equilibria were established in ∼20min and their data were well described by Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich models. The potential applications of these biosorbents for extraction of Pb(II) from real samples contaminated with lead, were successfully accomplished.

Removal and preconcentration of lead (II), copper (II), chromium (III) and iron (III) from wastewaters by surface developed alumina adsorbents with immobilized 1-nitroso-2-naphthol.

The potential removal and preconcentration of lead (II), copper (II), chromium (III) and iron (III) from wastewaters were investigated and explored. Three new alumina adsorbents of acidic, neutral and basic nature (I-III) were synthesized via physical adsorption and surface loading of 1-nitroso-2-naphthol as a possible chelating ion-exchanger. The modified alumina adsorbents are characterized by strong thermal stability as well as resistance to acidic medium leaching processes. High metal up-take was found providing this order: Cu(II)>Cr(III)>Pb(II) owing to the strong contribution of surface loaded 1-nitroso-2-naphthol. The outlined results from the distribution coefficient and separation factor evaluations (low metal ion concentration levels) were found to denote to a different selectivity order: Pb(II)>Cu(II)>Cr(III)) due to the strong contribution of alumina matrix in the metal binding processes. The potential applications of alumina adsorbents for removal and preconcentration of Pb(II), Cu(II), Cr(III) from wastewaters as well as drinking tap water samples were successfully accomplished giving recovery values of (89-100+/-1-3%) and (93-99+/-3-4%), respectively without any noticeable interference of the wastewater or drinking tap water matrices.

Hybrid inorganic/organic alumina adsorbents-functionalized-purpurogallin for removal and preconcentration of Cr(III), Fe(III), Cu(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) from underground water.

Metal pollution is well recognized as one of the major environmental problems that must be imperatively addressed and solved. In this study, three types of alumina adsorbents (I-III) were physically immobilized with purporogallin as a chelating ion exchangers. These were found to exhibit strong capability and selectivity characters for a series of heavy metal ions. Surface modification of hybrid alumina was characterized and identified from the determination of surface coverage and infrared analysis. Hybrid alumina adsorbents were identified for their strong resistivity to acid leaching in pH>2-7 as well as their high thermal stability up to 350 degrees C. The ability of newly synthesized hybrid inorganic/organic alumina adsorbents (I-III) to bind and extract various metal ions was examined and evaluated in various buffer solutions (pH 1.0-7.0) via determination of the metal adsorption capacity values. These were identified as high as 420-560, 500-580 and 500-590 micromol g(-1) for alumina adsorbents (I), (II) and (III), respectively in the case of high concentration levels of Cr(III), Fe(III) and Cu(II). The influence of alumina matrices were highly characterized when low concentration levels (microg ml(-1) and ng ml(-1)) of metal ions were used. Hybrid alumina adsorbents were successfully applied for selective extraction, removal and preconcentration of various heavy metals from underground water samples with percentage recovery values of 92-100+/-1-3%.

Dowex anion exchanger-loaded-baker's yeast as bi-functionalized biosorbents for selective extraction of anionic and cationic mercury(II) species.

Dowex anion exchanger-immobilized-baker's yeast [Dae-yeast] were synthesized and potentially applied as environmental friendly biosorbents to evaluate the up-take process of anionic and cationic mercury(II) species as well as other metal ions. Optimization of mass ratio of Dowex anion exchanger versus yeast (1:1-1:10) in presence of various interacting buffer solutions (pH 4.0-9.0) was performed and evaluated. Surface modification of [Dae-yeast] was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared spectroscopy. The maximum metal biosorption capacity values of [Dae-yeast] towards mercury(II) were found in the range of 0.800-0.960, 0.840-0.950 and 0.730-0.900 mmol g(-1) in presence of buffer solutions pH 2.0, 4.0 and 7.0, respectively. Three possible and different mechanisms are proposed to account for the biosorption of mercury and mercuric species under these three buffering conditions based on ion exchange, ion pair and chelation interaction processes. Factors affecting biosorption of mercury from aqueous medium including the pH effect of aqueous solutions (1.0-7.0), shaking time (1-30 min) and interfering ions were se arched. The potential applications of modified biosorbents for selective biosorption and extraction of mercury from different real matrices including dental filling waste materials, industrial waste water samples and mercury lamp waste materials were also explored. The results denote to excellent percentage extraction values, from nitric acid as the dissolution solvent with a pH 2.0, as determined in the range of 90.77-97.91+/-3.00-5.00%, 90.00-93.40+/-4.00-5.00% and 92.31-100.00+/-3.00-4.00% for the three tested samples, respectively.

Gene deletion of glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 and risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptian patients.

Genetic polymorphic forms of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were found to be associated with risk for various malignancies. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the risks-associated with GSTT1 and GSTM1 gene polymorphisms and hepatitis virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in an Egyptian population. Sixty patients diagnosed with HCC were subdivided into 3 groups: group I, 31 patients with HCC and HCV-related cirrhosis; group II, 19 patients with HCC and HBV- related cirrhosis and group III, 10 patients with HCC and cirrhosis of non-viral aetiology. Fifty cirrhotic patients without HCC were also included as a control group. Patients and controls were subjected to thorough history taking and clinical examination, liver function tests, hepatitis viral markers, anti-Bilharzial antibodies and serum alpha fetoprotein levels. Rectal snip for the diagnosis of active Bilharziasis, abdominal ultra-sonography and CT abdomen were performed for patients as well as liver biopsy when indicated. GSTM1 and GSTT1 were tested in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by PCR. GSTM1 gene deletion (null genotype) was observed in 56.7% of HCC patients and in 38% of the control group (P < 0.05). The GSTT1 null genotype was detected in 41.7% of the HCC patients compared to 22% of control patients (P < 0.05). The double genes null of GSTM1 and GSTT1 was detected in 10% of all HCC patients and in 2% of the control cases (P < 0.05). Comparison between the subgroups of HCC revealed that the GSTM1 null genotype was detected in 67.7% of group I, 47.4% of group II and 40% of group III cases, with a significant increase in group I compared to other HCC subgroups (P < 0.001). In addition, the GSTT1 null gene was observed in 35.5% of group I, 57.9% of group II, and 30% of group III, with a significant increase in group II (P < 0.01). In conclusion, our findings suggest that GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms appear to be associated with a modest increase in the risk of HCC in Egyptian patients. Studies with a larger sample size are still required to confirm the results and to explore the association with risk factors other than HCV and HBV in this population.

Profiles of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum of rabbits after experimentally induced acute pancreatitis.

In a recent study we have demonstrated that interleukin 8 (IL-8) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) serum levels correlate positively with the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP), induced by bile acid injected into the pancreatic duct of rabbits. In this article we describe the effect of an IL-10 analogue IT9302 and a monoclonal anti-IL-8 (mon. IL-8) antibody on the content of several pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum of rabbits, after induction of AP. We found that the serum content of inflammatory cytokines IL-8, IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) are increased during AP. Injection of IT9302 or mon. IL-8 antibody, diminish the concentration of these cytokines in the serum, with the exception that mon. IL-8 antibody actually increased the circulating level of MCP-1. In addition, intravenous administration of IT9302 increased the serum levels of IRAP, an IL-1beta receptor antagonistic cytokine. Furthermore, intravenous injection of mon. IL-8 antibody increased serum levels of IL-4. It can be concluded that both the human IL-10 analogue IT9302 and mon. IL-8 antibody are able to alter the pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in rabbits suffering from experimentally induced AP.