The HCV-Melanoma Paradox: First Multi-Cohort and Molecular Net-Work Analysis Reveals Lower Incidence but Worse Outcomes-Integrating Clinical, Real-World, and In Silico Data.

Background and Objectives: The relationship between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and melanoma remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the association between HCV and melanoma, assess outcomes in patients with both conditions, and explore potential molecular mechanisms connecting the two diseases. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 142 melanoma patients, including 29 with HCV-related cirrhosis, and analyzed their clinical outcomes. For external validation, we used the TriNetX Global Collaborative Network database, comprising 219,960 propensity-matched patients per group. An in silico analysis was performed to identify the molecular pathways linking HCV and melanoma. Results: In the retrospective cohort, HCV-positive melanoma patients showed an increased risk of early relapse (41.4% vs. 18.6%, p = 0.014), recurrence (65.5% vs. 39.8%, p = 0.020), and mortality (65.5% vs. 23.0%, p < 0.001) compared to HCV-negative patients. TriNetX data analysis revealed that HCV-positive patients had a 53% lower risk of developing melanoma (RR = 0.470, 95% CI: 0.443-0.498, p < 0.001). However, HCV-positive melanoma patients had higher all-cause mortality (HR = 1.360, 95% CI: 1.189-1.556, p < 0.001). An in silico analysis identified key molecular players, including IL-6 and CTLA4, in the HCV-melanoma network. Conclusions: While HCV infection may be associated with a lower risk of melanoma development, HCV-positive patients who develop melanoma have poorer outcomes. The identified molecular pathways provide potential targets for future research and therapeutic interventions.

Evaluation of the efficiency of computerized algorithms to formulate a decision support system for deepbite treatment planning.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of a newly constructed computer-based decision support system (DSS) on the basis of artificial intelligence technology and designed to plan treatment for patients with a deep overbite. METHODS: With the help of information technology, a DSS was developed specifically for treatment planning of deepbite malocclusion. The program inputs were the components and the contributing factors used commonly by the orthodontic clinicians in deepbite diagnosis. The program outputs were the treatment planning options for deepbite treatment. A total of 357 decisions made by the algorithm were evaluated for accuracy by comparing them to the actual treatment changes of 51 patients with a well-treated deepbite. RESULTS: The decisions made by the algorithm were precise, with 94.4% having a very good agreement with actual treatment changes determined using Cohen's kappa coefficient. CONCLUSIONS: The constructed DSS was shown to be an efficient tool for planning treatment of deep overbite malocclusion in the permanent dentition; thus, the artificial intelligence could be used to formulate a customized plan for orthodontic clinicians.

Synchronous bilateral hemifacial spasm: case-report and literature review.

Bilateral hemifacial spasm (biHFS) is an infrequent cranial nerve disorder that causes patients to suffer from severe psychological stress, and there are no reported cases of synchronous biHFS. In this study, a 46-year-old right-handed woman was diagnosed with a synchronous biHFS. After one unilateral microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery, the left facial twitching movements relieved immediately, and the right side twitching movements self-relieved the next day. Although there was a delayed hemorrhage, the patient achieved a satisfactory outcome defined as cessation of the twitching movements without recurrence. Based on the present case and related literature, we speculate that anatomical connections between bilateral facial nuclei and hyperactivity of facial nuclei play important roles in the biHFS, and they may, at least in some cases, be the decisive factors regarding the origin, development, and relief of the consequent contralateral spasm.

Microwave ablation versus transarterial chemoembolization in large hepatocellular carcinoma: prospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Limited therapies are offered for large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It carries dismal prognosis and efforts tried changing its management from a palliative to a curative mode. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a palliative procedure that may have survival benefit if compared to non-management of large lesions. Microwave ablation (MWA) has emerged as a relatively new technique with promise of larger and faster ablation. We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous MWA versus TACE for large tumors (5-7 cm) and to assess their effects on local tumor progression and survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-four patients with large lesions are managed in our multidisciplinary HCC clinic and were divided into two groups treated either by MWA or TACE. Complete response rate, local recurrence, de novo lesions, and overall survival analysis are compared between both procedures. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable as regards the demographic and ultrasonographic features. MWA showed higher rates of complete ablation (75%) with fewer sessions, lower incidence of tumor recurrence (p = 0.02), development of de novo lesions (p = 0.03), occurrence of post-treatment ascites (p = 0.003), and higher survival rates (p = 0.04). The mean survival of the microwave group was 21.7 months with actuarial probability of survival at 12 and 18 months 78.2% and 68.4%, respectively. The mean survival of the TACE group was 13.7 months with actuarial probability of survival at 12 and 18 months being 52.4% and 28.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: MWA showed better results than TACE in the management of large HCC lesions.

Efficacy and survival analysis of percutaneous radiofrequency versus microwave ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma: an Egyptian multidisciplinary clinic experience.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary tumor of the liver with poor prognosis. For early stage HCC, treatment options include surgical resection, liver transplantation, and percutaneous ablation. Percutaneous ablative techniques (radiofrequency and microwave techniques) emerged as best therapeutic options for nonsurgical patients. AIMS: We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency and microwave procedures for ablation of early stage HCC lesions and prospectively follow up our patients for survival analysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One Hundred and 11 patients with early HCC are managed in our multidisciplinary clinic using either radiofrequency or microwave ablation. Patients are assessed for efficacy and safety. Complete ablation rate, local recurrence, and overall survival analysis are compared between both procedures. RESULTS: Radiofrequency ablation group (n = 45) and microwave ablation group (n = 66) were nearly comparable as regards the tumor and patients characteristics. Complete ablation was achieved in 94.2 and 96.1% of patients managed by radiofrequency and microwave ablation techniques, respectively (p value 0.6) with a low rate of minor complications (11.1 and 3.2, respectively) including subcapsular hematoma, thigh burn, abdominal wall skin burn, and pleural effusion. Ablation rates did not differ between ablated lesions ≤ 3 and 3-5 cm. A lower incidence of local recurrence was observed in microwave group (3.9 vs. 13.5% in radiofrequency group, p value 0.04). No difference between both groups as regards de novo lesions, portal vein thrombosis, and abdominal lymphadenopathy. The overall actuarial probability of survival was 91.6% at 1 year and 86.1% at 2 years with a higher survival rates noticed in microwave group but still without significant difference (p value 0.49). CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency and microwave ablations led to safe and equivalent ablation and survival rates (with superiority for microwave ablation as regards the incidence of local recurrence).

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Safety and Efficacy of 0.25% Lotilaner Ophthalmic Solution in the Treatment of Demodex Blepharitis.

Demodex blepharitis is marked by an excessive presence of Demodex mites on the eyelids, particularly in the lash follicles. While these microscopic mites are a natural component of the skin microbiota, their overabundance can lead to ocular complications. Symptoms associated with Demodex blepharitis include eyelid itching, inflammation, and ocular irritation. Our objective is to investigate Lotilaner as a potential treatment for Demodex blepharitis, assessing both the safety and efficacy of the ophthalmic formula in managing this disease. We conducted research in Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus up to November 2023. The quality of studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, and it was employed to evaluate the quality of evidence. Our meta-analysis was executed using Review Manager 5.4. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of Lotilaner ophthalmic solution with a concentration of 0.25%. The following outcomes were assessed: clinically meaningful reduction in collarette, collarette cure, composite cure, drop comfort, erythema cure, mite density, and mite eradication. In the case of dichotomous data, we used the risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). In our analysis, all included studies, comprising a total of 891 participants, consistently reported clinically meaningful reductions in collarettes. The findings were statistically significant, with Lotilaner demonstrating a substantially higher reduction compared to the vehicle group (RR = 3.09, 95% CI [2.65-3.60]; P-value < 0.0001). Notably, results for Drop Comfort outcomes were nonsignificant, indicating no discernible differences compared to the group that used the vehicle (RR = 1.03, 95% CI [0.98-1.07]; P-value = 0.26). However, both mite density and mite eradication outcomes exhibited significant improvements with Lotilaner in comparison to the vehicle (RR = 2.58, 95% CI [2.25-2.95]; P-value < 0.0001) and (RR = 3.80, 95% CI [2.88-5.01]; P-value < 0.0001). The Lotilaner ophthalmic solution at 0.25% showed superior efficacy over the vehicle in reducing collarettes, achieving complete mite eradication within six weeks, and significantly decreasing erythema in Demodex blepharitis. It demonstrated safety with no reported side effects compared to the vehicle. Direct comparative studies with alternative treatments are recommended for a comprehensive assessment of efficacy and safety.

Reviving ancient therapeutics in modern medicine: an immunological and biological narrative review of wet cupping in the management of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Background and Objective: The interwoven immunological, biological, and genetic complexity of thyroid diseases makes suitable targeted therapies particularly challenging to develop. Stemming from ancient practices, al-hijamah, or wet cupping, has achieved notable popularity in recent years, leading to unique applications in modern medicine. By grappling with the current literature that links the effects of wet cupping with the immune system in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), this narrative review aims to compose a comprehensive assessment of this adjunctive treatment based on evidence of its integration into practice. Methods: Between upregulating critical players of the innate immune system, such as immunostimulatory cytokines, white blood cells (WBCs) and natural killer (NK) cells, and downregulating essential thyroid antibodies (anti-thyroid peroxidase and anti-thyroglobulin) and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate), wet cupping practices provide promising complementary therapy for hypothyroidism. Key Content and Findings: Wet cupping manipulates in vivo molecular mechanisms, as outlined in hemodynamic and microparticle clearance theories, to slow disease progression and even development in disease-free populations. Given the established utilization of wet cupping in the context of autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions, the emerging utility of wet cupping continues to gain credibility. Conclusions: This literature review illuminates the documented improvements in immune and biological function due to cupping therapeutic practices and sheds light on its appropriate application in the clinical setting for patients with HT. Furthermore, this review proposes a clear need for implementing future clinical trials, which may effectively bridge pathophysiological causes of hypothyroidism with underrated techniques for enhanced thyroid health.

BCLA CLEAR presbyopia: Management with intraocular lenses.

Cataract surgery including intraocular lens (IOL) insertion, has been refined extensively since the first such procedure by Sir Harold Ridley in 1949. The intentional creation of monovision with IOLs using monofocal IOL designs has been reported since 1984. The first reported implantation of multifocal IOLs was published in 1987. Since then, various refractive and or diffractive multifocal IOLs have been commercialised. Most are concentric, but segmented IOLs are also available. The most popular are trifocal designs (overlaying two diffractive patterns to achieve additional focal planes at intermediate and near distances) and extended depth of focus designs which leave the patient largely spectacle independent with the reduced risk of bothersome contrast reduction and glare. As well as mini-monovision, surgical strategies to minimise the impact of presbyopia with IOLs includes mixing and matching lenses between the eyes and using IOLs whose power can be adjusted post-implantation. Various IOL designs to mimic the accommodative process have been tried including hinge optics, dual optics, lateral shifts lenses with cubic-type surfaces, lens refilling and curvature changing approaches, but issues in maintaining the active mechanism with post-surgical fibrosis, without causing ocular inflammation, remain a challenge. With careful patient selection, satisfaction rates with IOLs to manage presbyopia are high and anatomical or physiological complications rates are no higher than with monofocal IOLs.

Initial versus Staged Thyroidectomy for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Retrospective Multi-Dimensional Cohort Analysis of Effectiveness and Safety.

The optimal surgical approach for differentiated thyroid cancer remains controversial, with debate regarding the comparative risks of upfront total thyroidectomy versus staged completion thyroidectomy following the initial lobectomy. This study aimed to assess the complication rates associated with these two strategies and identify the optimal timing for completion thyroidectomy using a multi-dimensional analysis of four cohorts: an institutional series (n = 148), the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database (n = 39,992), the TriNetX repository (n > 30,000), and a pooled literature review (10 studies, n = 6015). Institutional data revealed higher overall complication rates with total thyroidectomy (18.3%) compared to completion thyroidectomy (6.8%), primarily due to increased temporary hypocalcemia (10% vs. 0%, p = 0.004). The NSQIP analysis demonstrated that total thyroidectomy was associated with a 72% increased risk of transient hypocalcemia (p < 0.001) and a 25% increased risk of permanent hypocalcemia (p < 0.001). TriNetX data confirmed these findings and identified obesity and concurrent neck dissection as risk factors for complications. A meta-analysis showed that total thyroidectomy increased the rates of transient (RR = 1.63) and permanent (RR = 1.23) hypocalcemia (p < 0.001). Institutional and TriNetX data suggested that performing completion thyroidectomy between 1 and 6 months after the initial lobectomy minimized permanent complication rates compared to delays beyond 6 months. In conclusion, for differentiated thyroid cancer, total thyroidectomy is associated with higher risks of transient and permanent hypocalcemia compared to staged completion thyroidectomy. However, performing completion thyroidectomy within 1-6 months of the initial lobectomy may mitigate the risk of permanent complications. These findings can inform personalized surgical decision-making for patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.

Beyond Glycemic Control: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Their Impact on Calcium Homeostasis in Real-World Patients.

Background/Objectives: The effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists on calcium homeostasis is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the association between GLP-1R agonist use and the risk of hypocalcemia and/or hypercalcemia, as well as other clinical outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cohort study used de-identified patient data from the TriNetX Global Collaborative Network, including 15,655 adult patients prescribed GLP-1R agonists and 15,655 propensity-matched controls. Outcomes included hypocalcemia, hypercalcemia, emergency visits, hospitalizations, cardiovascular events, and all-cause mortality. Results: GLP-1R agonist use was associated with a reduced risk of hypocalcemia (2.7% vs. 5.5%, RR 0.49, 95% CI: 0.44-0.55) but an increased risk of hypercalcemia (2.3% vs. 1.1%, RR 2.02, 95% CI: 1.69-2.42). The effect on hypocalcemia was most pronounced during the first six months of treatment. Among individual agents, tirzepatide showed the most pronounced effect, reducing hypocalcemia risk by 63% while increasing hypercalcemia risk by 85%. Semaglutide demonstrated similar effects, while dulaglutide and liraglutide showed modest effects. Furthermore, GLP-1R agonist use was associated with reduced risks of emergency visits (RR 0.57, 95% CI: 0.54-0.60), hospitalizations (RR 0.40, 95% CI: 0.36-0.44), cardiovascular events, and all-cause mortality (HR 0.27, 95% CI: 0.21-0.36). Conclusions: GLP-1R agonists exhibit a complex influence on calcium homeostasis, reducing hypocalcemia risk while increasing hypercalcemia risk. Beyond calcium regulation, these medications significantly reduce healthcare utilization, improve cardiovascular outcomes, and decrease mortality. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind the differential effects of individual GLP-1R agonists, particularly tirzepatide, to optimize personalized treatment approaches and long-term safety.

Spontaneous vanishing of hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report of an extremely rare incident.

One of the very uncommon clinical conditions is the spontaneous remission of tumors, with scarce reports around the world in various types of tumors. Spontaneous remission of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is extremely rare, but it is well documented with a still unclear underlying mechanism. In this case report, we present one of those exceptional incidents of HCC regression with a trial to tackle possible explanations. Our case, which has a history of successfully treated hepatitis C virus, presented with a large infiltrative right lobar mass invading the main portal vein, with markedly elevated alpha fetoprotein (AFP). According to the applied diagnostic and treatment guidelines, the patient was scheduled for conservative management. Although he did not receive any specific treatments for his condition, the mass regressed in size with recanalization of the portal vein and normalization of AFP after 6 months of follow-up and keep the same for the following 3 years. The mechanisms by which spontaneous regression of HCC can occur are still unknown and should be furtherly investigated better to understand the behavior of such aggressive neoplastic disease.

Survival and recurrence rates of hepatocellular carcinoma after treatment of chronic hepatitis C using direct acting antivirals.

BACKGROUND: Conflicting studies were proposed either suggested or denied the relationship between early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence and the use of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for chronic hepatitis C management. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate HCC recurrence rate post-DAAs and potential predictive factors.Study This prospective cohort study included all HCC patients achieved complete response attending our multidisciplinary HCC clinic, Cairo University, from November 2013 to February 2018. Group I (60 patients) who received DAAs after HCC ablation and group II (273 patients) who were DAAs-untreated. We studied factors that could play a role in HCC recurrence. RESULTS: The sustained virological response rate was 88.3% among DAA-treated patients. HCC recurrence rate was 45% in the post-DAA group vs. 19% in the non-DAAs group; P < 0.001. Mean survival was significantly higher in the post-DAA group (34.23 ± 16.16 vs. 23.92 ± 13.99 months respectively; P value <0.001). There was a significant correlation between HCC recurrence rate and age, male gender, mean size of tumors and time interval between complete HCC ablation and occurrence of HCC recurrence. CONCLUSION: Our study reports high rate of HCC recurrence post-DAA therapy in patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization but not in those treated with curative measures. DAA therapy after curative treatment for HCC led to significantly earlier HCC recurrence, which correlated with specific clinic-pathologic features in our prospective single-institution study. However, future independent prospective randomized studies are warranted to evaluate this correlation which may lead to a change in the current standard-of-care approach to patients with hepatitis C virus-related HCC.

Meta-learning algorithm development to predict outcomes in patients with hepatitis C virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Prediction of prognosis and treatment outcomes for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is complex for most patients. Machine learning predictive analysis can be used to explore the rich information in electronic health records to discover hidden patterns and relationships. We aimed to develop a noninvasive algorithm for predicting outcome treatment options for patients with HCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1298 patients with Hepatitis C virus-related HCC attending an HCC multidisciplinary clinic, Kasr Al-Aini Hospital, Cairo University, between 2009 and 2016. Using machine learning analysis, we constructed Reduced Error Pruning (REP) decision tree algorithms and applied Auto-WEKA to select the best classifier out of 39 algorithms. RESULTS: The REP-tree algorithm predicted HCC management outcomes with a recall (sensitivity) of 0.658 and a precision (specificity) of 0.653 using only routine data. 854 (65.8%) instances were correctly identified, and 444 (34.2%) instances were incorrectly classified. Out of 31 attributes, liver decompensation was selected by REP-tree as the best predictor of HCC outcome (root node). With Auto-WEKA, the random subspace classifier was chosen as the best predictive algorithm with a recall (sensitivity) of 0.750 and a precision (specificity) of 0.75. There were 974 (75%) correctly classified instances and 324 (25%) incorrectly classified instances, which was better than REP-tree. CONCLUSION: Machine learning analysis explores data to discover hidden patterns and trends and enables the development of models to predict HCC treatment outcomes utilizing simple laboratory data. The random subspace classifier predicted the outcome more accurately than REP-tree.

Schistosoma mansoni infection and the occurrence, characteristics, and survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: an observational study over a decade.

Schistosoma mansoni infection (SMI) is suspected to be directly and indirectly involved in hepato-carcinogenesis. This study evaluated the association of a previous SMI with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development, patients, tumor characteristics, treatment outcomes, and survival. This observational study included patients with HCC with and without previous SMI who presented to the multidisciplinary HCC clinic, Kasr-Alainy hospital (November 2009 to December 2019). It also included 313 patients with liver cirrhosis without HCC. Clinical and laboratory features of the patients (complete blood count, liver/renal functions , alpha-fetoprotein, and hepatitis B/C status), tumor characteristics (Triphasic CT and/or dynamic MRI), liver stiffness (transient elastography), HCC treatment outcome, and overall survival were studied. This study included 1446 patients with HCC; 688(47.6%) composed group-1, defined by patients having a history of SMI, and 758(52.4%) were in group-2 and without history of SMI. Male sex, smoking, diabetes mellitus, splenomegaly, deteriorated performance status, synthetic liver functions, and platelet count were significantly higher in group-1. The groups did not differ with regard to liver stiffness, tumor characteristics, or the occurrence of post-HCC treatment hepatic decompensation or recurrence. HCC treatment response was better in group-2. Group-1 showed lower sustained virological response to hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) compared with group-2 (60% versus 84.3%, respectively, P = 0.027). Prior SMI was associated with HCC (adjusted odds ratio = 1.589, 95% confidence interval = 1.187-2.127), and it was concluded that it increases the risk of HCC. In addition, it significantly affects the performance status, laboratory characteristics, response to DAAs, and overall survival.

Usability of End-to-End Encryption in E-Mail Communication.

This paper presents the results of a usability study focused on three end-to-end encryption technologies for securing e-mail traffic, namely PGP, S/MIME, and Pretty Easy Privacy (pEp). The findings of this study show that, despite of existing technology, users seldom apply them for securing e-mail communication. Moreover, this study helps to explain why users hesitate to employ encryption technology in their e-mail communication. For this usability study, we have combined two methods: 1) an online survey, 2) and user testing with 12 participants who were enrolled in tasks requiring e-mail encryption. We found that more than 60% of our study participants (in both methods) are unaware of the existence of encryption technologies and thus never tried to use one. We observed that above all, users 1) are overwhelmed with the management of public keys and 2) struggle with the setup of encryption technology in their e-mail software. Nonetheless, 66% of the participants consider secure e-mail communication as important or very important. Particularly, we found an even stronger concern about identity theft among e-mail users, as 78% of the participants want to make sure that no other person is able to write e-mail on their behalf.

NOVEL OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY FINDINGS OF A CASE OF SYMPATHETIC OPHTHALMIA AFTER 23-GAUGE VITRECTOMY.

PURPOSE: Sympathetic ophthalmia (SO) is a rare panuveitis after trauma to one eye. We present a case of SO after 23-gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy, including optical coherence tomography evidence of response to treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first SO case report to include spectral domain optical coherence tomography images of Dalen-Fuchs nodules. METHODS: Observational case report of a case of SO after two pars plana vitrectomies in the fellow eye. RESULTS: A 67-year-old woman who had an operation for her pseudophakic left eye for a macula-off retinal detachment. She had two surgeries and later on had a total retinal detachment with vision of no perception of light. Eighteen months later, she presented back with a panuveitis with vitritis in her other eye and a visual acuity of 6/18. Dalen-Fuchs denoting SO was found. Treatment was commenced, and multimodal imaging was performed. CONCLUSION: Sympathetic ophthalmia is a known complication after vitrectomy. Optical coherence tomography can be invaluable in monitoring diagnosis and progression of Dalen-Fuchs nodules.

Machine Learning Prediction Models for Diagnosing Hepatocellular Carcinoma with HCV-related Chronic Liver Disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Considered as one of the most recurrent types of liver malignancy, Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) needs to be assessed in a non-invasive way. The objective of the current study is to develop prediction models for Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC)-related HCC using machine learning techniques. METHODS: A dataset, for 4423 CHC patients, was investigated to identify the significant parameters for predicting HCC presence. In this study, several machine learning techniques (Classification and regression tree, alternating decision tree, reduce pruning error tree and linear regression algorithm) were used to build HCC classification models for prediction of HCC presence. RESULTS: Age, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), alkaline phosphate (ALP), albumin, and total bilirubin attributes were statistically found to be associated with HCC presence. Several HCC classification models were constructed using several machine learning algorithms. The proposed HCC classification models provide adequate area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and high accuracy of HCC diagnosis. AUROC ranges between 95.5% and 99%, plus overall accuracy between 93.2% and 95.6%. CONCLUSION: Models with simplistic factors have the power to predict the existence of HCC with outstanding performance.

Predictors of recurrence and survival of hepatocellular carcinoma: A prospective study including transient elastography and cancer stem cell markers.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: To investigate whether the measurement of liver stiffness (LSM) using fibroscan and the serum Cancer Stem Cells (CSC): Ep-CAM and cytokeratin-19, could predict the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their impact on clinical outcome and overall survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a prospective study, including 179 HCV-related HCC patients. All patients were treated following the BCLC guidelines. All HCC patients had transient elastography, measurements of Ep-CAM and cytokeratin-19 before and six months post-treatment. We looked for predictors of recurrence and performed a survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier estimates. RESULTS: TACE was the most common procedure (77.1%), followed by microwave ablation (15.6%). Complete ablation was achieved in 97 patients; 55 of them developed HCC recurrence. After treatment, LSM increased significantly with a significant reduction in CSCs levels in complete and partial response groups. The median time to observe any recurrence was 14 months. LSM increased significantly post-treatment in patients with recurrence versus no recurrence. Higher levels of CSCs were recorded at baseline and post-treatment in patients with recurrence but without statistical significance. We used univariate analysis to predict the time of recurrence by determining baseline CK-19 and platelet levels as the key factors, while the multivariate analysis determined platelet count as a single factor. The univariate analysis for prediction of overall survival included several factors, LSM and EpCAM (baseline and post-ablation) among them, while multivariate analysis included factors such as Child score B and incomplete ablation. CONCLUSION: Dynamic changes were observed in LSM and CSCs levels in response to HCC treatment and tumour recurrence. Child score and complete ablation are factors that significantly affect survival.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma Multidisciplinary Clinic-Cairo University (HMC-CU) score: A new simple score for diagnosis of HCC.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The risk of hepatocarcinogenesis depends on background liver factors, of which fibrosis is a major determinant. Serum markers and scores are of increasing importance in non-invasive diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis. Our aim was to predict the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using a non-invasive fibrosis score calculated using routine patient data. PATIENTS AND MTHODS: Our retrospective study included 1,291 hepatitis C related-HCC Egyptian patients (Group 1) recruited from the multidisciplinary HCC clinic, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University in the period between February 2009 and June 2016 and 1072 chronic hepatitis C-naïve patients (Group 2) with advanced fibrosis (≥F3) and cirrhosis (F4). King score, Fibro Q score, Aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), AST to ALT ratio (AAR), LOK score, Göteborg University Cirrhosis Index (GUCI), Fibro-α and Biotechnology Research Center (BRC) scores were calculated for all patients. Regression analysis and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were used to calculate the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values for significant scores with the best cut-off for predicting HCC. A regression equation was used to calculate predicted probabilities of HCC using the following variables; age, gender, haemoglobin, international normalised ratio (INR), albumin and alpha fetoprotein. The appropriate score cut-off points yielding optimal sensitivity and specificity were determined by ROC curve analysis. RESULTS: There was a highly significant difference between the two groups for all calculated scores (P = 0.0001). Our new score, the Hepatocellular Carcinoma Multidisciplinary Clinic-Cairo University (HMC-CU) score (Logit probability of HCC =  - 2.524 + 0.152*age - 0.121*Hb - 0.696*INR - 1.059*Alb + 0.022*AFP + 0.976*Sex. Male = 1, Female = 0), with a cut-off of 0.559 was superior to other scores for predicting HCC, having a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 80.6%. CONCLUSION: The HMC-CU score is a promising, easily calculated, accurate, cost-effective score for HCC prediction in chronic HCV patients with advanced liver fibrosis.