Morphologic and Molecular Features of Hepatocellular Adenoma with Gadoxetic Acid-enhanced MR Imaging

Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic performance of imaging features of gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to differentiate among hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) subtypes by using the histopathologic results of the new immunophenotype and genotype classification and to correlate the enhancement pattern on the hepatobiliary phase (HBP) with the degrees of expression of organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP1B1/3), multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP) (MRP2), and MRP 3 (MRP3) transporters. Materials and Methods This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board, and the requirement for informed consent waived. MR imaging findings of 29 patients with 43 HCAs were assessed by two radiologists independently then compared with the histopathologic analysis as the standard of reference. Receiver operating characteristic curves and Spearman rank correlation coefficient were used to test the diagnostic performance of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging features, which included the retention or washout at HBP and degree of transporter expression. Interreader agreement was assessed by using the κ statistic with 95% confidence interval. Results The area under the curve for the diagnosis of inflammatory HCA was 0.79 (95% confidence interval: 0.64, 0.90); for the steatotic type, it was 0.90 (95% confidence interval: 0.77, 0.97); and for the β-catenin type, it was 0.87 (95% confidence interval: 0.74, 0.95). There were no imaging features that showed a significant statistical correlation for the diagnosis of unclassified HCAs. On immunohistochemical staining, OATP1B1/3 expression was the main determinant for the retention, whereas MRP3 was the key determinant for washout of gadoxetic acid at HBP (P < .001). MRP2 appeared to have no role. Conclusion Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging features may suggest the subtype of HCA. The degree of OATP1B1/3 and MRP3 expression correlated statistically with gadoxetic acid retention and washout, respectively, in the HBP. (©) RSNA, 2015 Online supplemental material is available for this article

Mineralogy and Speleogenesis of the Ice-Cave from Poiana Vârtop (Bihor Mountains, Romania)

The cave of Poiana Vârtop in the NW Bihor Mountains hosts the fourth largest underground perennial glacier in Romania with a volume estimated to 12,000 m 3 . The ice accumulated within the cave as a result of trapping of subzero winter air through its single entrance near the top of the cave. The speleothem mineralogy is dominated by calcite, with minor amounts of included aragonite. Crusts of carbonate-hydroxylapatite (associated with bat guano) and goethite (associated with pyrite in the host limestone) are found at a few locations. Based on structural observations, dye traces, and cave galleries orientations, it is inferred that the cave is part of a much larger hydrologic karst system that also includes the nearby Humpleu-Poienita cave network

SPR based hybrid electro-optic biosensor for β-lactam antibiotics determination in water

The present work aims to provide a hybrid platform capable of complementary and sensitive detection of β-lactam antibiotics, ampicillin in particular. The use of an aptamer specific to ampicillin assures good selectivity and sensitivity for the detection of ampicillin from different matrice. This new approach is dedicated for a portable, remote sensing platform based on low-cost, small size and low-power consumption solution. The simple experimental hybrid platform integrates the results from the D-shape surface plasmon resonance plastic optical fiber (SPR-POF) and from the electrochemical (bio)sensor, for the analysis of ampicillin, delivering sensitive and reliable results. The SPR-POF already used in many previous applications is embedded in a new experimental setup with fluorescent fibers emitters, for broadband wavelength analysis, low-power consumption and low-heating capabilities of the sensing platform

Revascularization Strategies in Liver Transplantation

Vascular complications following liver transplantation chan jeopardize the liver graft and recipient survival. Aggressive strategies to diagnose and treat these complications may avoid patient and graft loss. With the evolving knowledge and novel therapies, less invasive strategies are gaining importance in the treatment of post liver transplant vascular complications. Portal, hepatic, and arterial thrombosis may be managed with systemic therapies, endovascular approaches, surgical and lastly with retransplantation. The timing between the diagnosis and the directed treatment is paramount for the success. Revascularization by means of interventional radiology plays an important role in the resolution and long-term patency of arterial and venous complications. This chapter will lead the reader into the most up-to-date treatments of post liver transplant vascular complications

SPR based hybrid electro-optic biosensor platform: SPR-cell with side emitting plastic optical fiber

A novel sensing platform based on a SPR-cell, implemented with side-emitting plastic optical fiber has been design and optimized to work in the 1.36-1.40 refractive index range. The SPR-cell was integrated into a low-cost hybrid platform capable of complementary and sensitive detection of analyte refractive index variation, using electrochemical and optical approach