Salvatore Agnes

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This research looked at bile from liver transplant patients to find better ways to monitor how well the new liver is functioning. Researchers measured different substances in bile, such as glucose and bile acids, to see if they could predict problems like liver rejection. They found that measuring a specific substance in bile called tacrolimus (TACbile) can accurately indicate if a liver transplant is being rejected, with the goal of improving patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients who have undergone liver transplants by improving monitoring and treatment.

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This study looked at the waiting list for liver transplants in Italy, analyzing data from over 12,000 patients from 2012 to 2022. It found that the chance of getting a transplant within a year improved from 67.6% to 73.8%, and failures on the waiting list decreased by 46%. However, patients with liver cancer and those with hepatitis B had a better chance of being transplanted, while older age, high MELD scores, short height, and having blood type O were linked to higher risks of not getting a transplant. Who this helps: This information benefits patients on liver transplant waiting lists and healthcare providers involved in organ allocation.

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This study examined how effective surgical removal of liver tumors is compared to other local treatments for patients whose liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC) returned after a liver transplant. The research found that patients who had surgery had a one-year survival rate of 71%, while those who received local treatments had a survival rate of 62%. This research highlights that surgery may lead to better survival outcomes for patients with recurring liver cancer, emphasizing the importance of tailored treatment plans based on individual patient conditions. Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from liver transplant who experience liver cancer recurrence.

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This study looked at two specific blood markers, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (NPR), to see how well they predict complications after liver transplantation. Researchers found that a higher NLR one day after surgery was linked to serious complications and even death within 30 days, with significant findings at NLR POD 1 (0.03) and POD 7 (0.004), and NPR POD 3 also linked to serious issues. Understanding these markers helps doctors identify patients at greater risk for complications, allowing for better management after surgery. Who this helps: Patients undergoing liver transplantation.

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This study looked at various techniques for using temporary portocaval shunts (PCS) during liver transplantation to help maintain blood flow and reduce complications during surgery. The findings showed that using PCS improved blood stability during the operation, decreased the need for blood transfusions, and helped maintain kidney function, especially for patients with high blood pressure in their portal vein. This is important because it can lead to better immediate recovery for patients and potentially improve the success of the transplant, although more research is needed to understand its effects on long-term survival. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing liver transplantation and their surgeons.

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This study looked at the CAR-OLT score, a tool designed to predict heart problems for patients who need a liver transplant. Among 342 patients evaluated, the CAR-OLT score was able to identify candidates at low risk for heart issues, allowing 25% of them to avoid expensive cardiac stress tests, saving around €574.70 per patient. This is important because it can streamline the evaluation process for liver transplant candidates and reduce unnecessary medical costs. Who this helps: Patients needing liver transplants and healthcare systems.

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This study looked at patients in Italy who had both hepatitis D virus (HDV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) and were on the liver transplant waiting list from 2011 to 2020. Among 1,731 patients, those with both infections had a better chance of surviving five years after transplant (83.2%) than those with only HBV (71.6%). This is important because it shows that patients with both viruses can have positive outcomes and might not need as complicated treatment plans after their transplants. Who this helps: This benefits patients with hepatitis D and B, as well as healthcare providers managing their care.

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This study looked at how well a liver function test called indocyanine green (ICG) clearance can predict outcomes for patients after liver transplantation. It found that if a patient’s ICG clearance rate is below certain levels, their risk of early complications, needing a re-transplant, or even death increases significantly. For example, those with a clearance rate under 10% per minute had a nearly 8 times higher chance of needing re-transplantation or dying within a month. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing liver transplantation and their doctors by providing better tools for predicting recovery and complications.

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This study looked at a new device called the CUSA Clarity Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator, which is used during liver surgeries to help remove tissue and minimize blood loss. Researchers examined 100 patients over a period of 1 year and 8 months and found that surgeons successfully removed all the targeted tissue in 95% of cases, with an average surgery time of about 4 hours and 34 minutes, and no complications reported. This is important because it shows that the CUSA device can effectively make liver surgeries safer and more efficient. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing liver surgery and the surgeons performing the procedures.

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This research studied various treatments for patients with advanced liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) who are waiting for a liver transplant. The findings showed that using a combination of transarterial chemoembolization and radiation therapy improved survival rates, with patients living an average of 24 months compared to 17 months for those receiving other treatments. These results highlight the importance of using combination therapies to help patients survive longer while they wait for their transplants. Who this helps: This helps patients with advanced liver cancer needing a transplant.

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This study looked at the effects of removing lymph nodes during surgery for liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, or HCC) to see if it improves patient survival compared to just doing liver surgery alone. Researchers analyzed data from 32,041 patients and found that those with lymph node metastasis had significantly higher mortality rates, meaning they were more likely to die within one to five years after surgery. However, for patients without lymph node involvement, there was no difference in overall survival whether lymph nodes were removed or not, so routine lymph node removal isn't recommended. Who this helps: This helps doctors make better decisions about surgery for liver cancer patients.

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This study examined new scoring systems for liver transplant allocation to improve outcomes for women, who currently face disadvantages in existing models. Researchers analyzed data from 855 adults in Italy and found that the new score called GEMA-Na was better at predicting which patients would drop out of the transplant list within 90 days, showing a significant increase in accuracy compared to the traditional MELD score. Specifically, using GEMA-Na could potentially save one patient from dropping out for every nine patients listed for a transplant. Who this helps: This benefits patients waiting for liver transplants, especially women.

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This study looked at why many adults referred for liver transplants aren't placed on the transplant list. Out of 314 patients evaluated, 54% were not listed for a transplant, with major reasons including psychological issues (9.3%), heart problems (6.8%), and issues with surgery (5.9%). Many referrals were found to be either inappropriate or too early, making up about 37% of the cases, and those sent from other hospitals were more likely to be non-listed. Who this helps: This information benefits patients needing liver transplants and doctors involved in their care.

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This study looked at patients needing liver transplants in Italy, comparing those with a condition called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) to those without it. Out of nearly 13,200 patients, the number with MASLD waiting for a transplant rose significantly, from 9.5% in 2012 to 11.8% in 2022, and they faced a higher risk of dying while waiting (1.62 times more than those without MASLD). This research highlights the importance of recognizing and prioritizing patients with MASLD on waiting lists to help improve their chances of survival and success after transplant. Who this helps: Patients with MASLD who are waiting for a liver transplant.

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This study looked at the results of liver transplants in older patients (65 years and older) compared to younger patients (50-59 years). It included 693 patients and found that while elderly patients have a higher rate of early complications (23.9% vs 16.8%) and lower survival rates—82.6% at 3 months compared to 91.1% for younger patients—the outcomes are still generally positive. Importantly, older patients are at a greater risk of death and loss of the transplanted organ, especially if the time between organ removal and transplant exceeds 7 hours. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and older patients considering liver transplants.

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This study examines the effects of liver transplantation (LT) on patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver and cannot be surgically removed. The researchers found that patients who received LT had a 5-year survival rate of 70%, compared to just 30% for those who only received chemotherapy. This is important because it suggests that liver transplantation can significantly improve survival for these patients, offering a much better outcome than standard treatment alone. Who this helps: Patients with liver-only metastatic colorectal cancer who are eligible for liver transplantation.

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This study looked at how growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) are involved in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to a more serious condition called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The researchers found that both GH and IGF-1 play important roles in this progression, working together to help control fat and cholesterol levels in the liver. Understanding their roles may lead to new treatment options to prevent NAFLD from worsening into NASH. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes and obesity who are at risk for liver disease.

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This research studied liver transplant patients who got COVID-19 to find out what factors affect their survival and how their medication may impact their risk. The study included 1,343 patients, and it found that mortality rates varied from 0% to 37%. Key risk factors for higher mortality included being over 60 years old, male, and using certain medications like Mofetil, while taking Tacrolimus (TAC) was linked to better survival rates. Understanding these risks is important because it helps doctors manage treatments better during the pandemic. Who this helps: This helps liver transplant patients and their doctors.

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This study looked at liver transplantation as a treatment option for a type of cancer called perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA), which affects the bile ducts and is often diagnosed too late for surgery to be effective. The findings showed that patients who received a liver transplant have a 73% chance of living for five years after the operation, with some groups doing even better, like those with certain liver conditions. This is important because it highlights liver transplantation as a viable solution for patients who cannot have their tumors surgically removed, despite challenges like the shortage of available organs. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from perihilar cholangiocarcinoma and doctors looking for effective treatment options.

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This study looks at how moray eels can create unique challenges for forensic pathologists examining a dead body. The authors describe a case where eels were found inside a corpse, which is the first time this has been documented. This finding is important because it helps forensic experts understand how marine life can impact death investigations and determine if animal activity occurred before or after death. Who this helps: This helps forensic pathologists and investigators clarify death causes.

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This study examined the use of mTOR inhibitors in patients with liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) who received a liver transplant. It found that using mTOR inhibitors led to a lower rate of cancer recurrence after surgery, with significant improvements in kidney function, compared to traditional immunosuppressive drugs. This is important because it not only helps manage cancer growth but also protects kidney health after transplantation. Who this helps: This benefits liver cancer patients undergoing transplantation and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how liver transplant recipients (LTRs) respond to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, compared to other organ transplant patients and the general population in Italy during the first wave of the pandemic. Out of nearly 14,200 liver transplant patients, only 89 were infected with COVID-19, which is lower than the infection rates for other organ transplant patients (361 out of about 30,000) and comparable to the general population. These findings indicate that liver transplant patients may have a unique immune response that protects them from severe COVID-19 illness, similar to people who have not had transplants. Who this helps: This information benefits liver transplant patients and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how a specific enzyme from liver donors, called gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), affects the success of liver transplants in patients. Researchers found that higher levels of donor GGT (160 IU/L or more) were linked to poorer outcomes, with a 23.2% graft loss rate for high GGT compared to 13.9% for lower levels within 90 days after the transplant. This finding is important because it could help doctors assess the quality of donor livers and improve patient outcomes after transplantation by incorporating GGT levels into existing prediction models. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing liver transplants and doctors involved in their care.

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This study reviewed 25 years of experience with split liver transplants (SLT) in Italy, analyzing over 1,700 cases from 1993 to 2019. It found that the success rates of these transplants improved significantly, with patient survival rates showing positive trends, especially for certain types of liver segments. Specifically, survival rates for patients using left lateral segments increased from 2006 to 2014, and overall, factors like quicker freezing times and better patient selection contributed to better outcomes. Who this helps: This research helps patients needing liver transplants and the doctors who perform them.

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This study developed a new model called PDD-U-Net to accurately identify lung areas in CT scans, even when there are problems like nodules or cavities. The model was tested on two different datasets and performed exceptionally well, achieving a 0.983 score on one dataset and a 0.994 score on another, which means it successfully identified lung areas nearly 99% of the time. This advancement is important because it can improve the accuracy of diagnosing lung issues, helping doctors make quicker and more reliable assessments. Who this helps: Patients with lung conditions and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at the impact of using older donors for liver transplants, as more elderly people are being considered due to a shortage of organs. Researchers found that one-year survival rates for liver grafts from donors aged 70 and 80 were similar, showing that age alone shouldn’t disqualify them; in fact, the risks associated with using older donors can be managed by considering other factors. This matters because it suggests more older donors can safely provide organs, potentially increasing the number of successful transplants. Who this helps: This helps patients waiting for liver transplants.

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In Italy, since 2014, a policy has prioritized liver transplant candidates with very high MELD scores (30 or higher), aiming to improve their chances of getting a transplant. The study found that patients with MELD scores of 30 or above waited less time for a transplant (4 days compared to 12 days before the policy), and they were 2.27 times more likely to receive a transplant after the policy was introduced. While the new policy improved access and reduced dropouts from the waiting list, patients with high MELD scores still faced a greater risk of losing the transplanted liver. Who this helps: This helps patients with severe liver disease, especially those with high MELD scores.

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This study looked at the factors that lead to high blood transfusion needs during liver transplants and how these transfusions affect patient recovery. Researchers found that patients who had previous portal vein blockages, low hemoglobin, high INR levels, and those who needed special bypass procedures required more blood during their surgery. Those with higher transfusion needs faced worse outcomes, such as increased rates of infections and longer hospital stays, and they were less likely to survive 90 days post-transplant. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing liver transplants and their doctors in managing transfusion strategies to improve recovery.

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This study looked at how to predict which donated livers might be discarded before transplantation, focusing on factors that affect liver quality. Researchers developed a scoring system called the DROP Score, which was tested on over 4,200 liver donors. They found that a higher score indicated a greater risk of the liver being thrown out, with 82.8% of the livers in the highest risk group failing within three months after transplantation. Who this helps: This helps doctors and transplant centers make better decisions about which livers to use for transplantation.

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This study looked at how well fully covered metal stents work for treating strictures (narrowed areas) in the bile ducts after liver transplants. Researchers found that over half of the 91 patients experienced stent migration, meaning the stent moved from its original place, which led to nearly half needing additional treatments afterward. This matters because, while the stents can be effective and safe, the high rate of migration indicates a need for better options to keep them in place. Who this helps: This helps liver transplant patients who suffer from bile duct strictures.

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This study looked at the factors that affect survival for breast cancer patients who have liver metastases and undergo surgery to remove these tumors. Out of over 2,700 patients analyzed, having positive lymph nodes at the time of breast cancer diagnosis was linked to worse survival, with a risk increase of 74%. The findings highlight the importance of careful patient selection for surgery, focusing on specific features like the number of tumors and the time between the breast cancer diagnosis and liver disease. Who this helps: This helps doctors better identify which breast cancer patients may benefit from liver surgery.

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Researchers developed a new model called MF-3D UNet to automatically identify and outline lung nodules in chest CT scans, which is important for diagnosing and treating lung cancer. This model combines features of different sizes and uses a flexible way to process images, resulting in a high accuracy in identifying different types of nodules. In tests, it showed a strong performance compared to other models, indicating it could improve the reliability of nodule detection. Who this helps: This helps doctors and radiologists involved in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment planning.

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This study looked at the long-term survival rates of 1,854 patients with liver cancer who received liver transplants between 1987 and 2015. Researchers found that after 10 years, about 54% of patients were still alive, and 20% experienced a recurrence of their cancer. The study identifies specific risk factors that affect survival, such as the presence of aggressive tumor characteristics and the patient’s age, and highlights that outcomes have improved significantly for those transplanted in the last decade. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with liver cancer and their doctors, as it provides valuable insights for treatment and follow-up care.

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This study created a publicly available database called the IQAMDB that contains detailed information about 320 types of isoquinoline alkaloids and related compounds, which are found in certain plants. The research involved contributions from several labs and aimed to make it easier for scientists to identify and study these compounds. The database has been tested and shown to be useful for quickly recognizing known compounds, improving efficiency in natural product research. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and chemists studying plant compounds and their potential applications.

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This study looked at different treatment methods for tumors located at the ampulla of Vater, which is where the bile duct and pancreatic duct meet. It found that the most effective treatment for malignant tumors is a major surgery called pancreatoduodenectomy (PD), but this comes with higher risks of complications and affects quality of life. For benign tumors and some early-stage malignant tumors, a less invasive option called endoscopic resection (ER) is preferred and becoming more widely used. Who this helps: This helps patients with tumors at the ampulla of Vater, especially those with early-stage malignant tumors or who are not fit for major surgery.

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This study looked at whether using a T-tube during bile duct surgery after liver transplants helps reduce complications. The researchers found that using a T-tube did not lower overall bile complications or leaks compared to other methods, but it did help prevent strictures (narrowing of the bile ducts) in some cases. Specifically, T-tubes seemed to reduce the risk of strictures by up to 80% in certain patients. This matters because it could guide doctors on when to use T-tubes to improve patient outcomes after liver transplants. Who this helps: Patients undergoing liver transplants, especially those with smaller bile ducts or higher complication risks.

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This study focused on using a special test called the indocyanine green clearance test (IGT) to help determine whether a donated liver is healthy enough for transplant and to assess how well the liver functions after the transplant. The researchers found that a specific cut-off value of 13% for the test can effectively differentiate between viable and non-viable livers. This is important because it could make liver transplants safer by reducing the chances of transplant failure and the need for emergency retransplants. Who this helps: This helps patients awaiting liver transplants and the doctors involved in their care.

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This study looked at trends in liver transplantation waitlists in Italy over 17 years, focusing on the reasons patients were seeking transplants. It found that the percentage of patients waiting for a liver transplant due to cirrhosis dropped from 65.9% to 46.1%, while those waiting for liver cancer (HCC) rose sharply from 28.7% to 48.7%. This shift is important because it highlights changing health challenges, particularly with the decline of hepatitis C but persistence of liver cancer related to other causes. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors understand the evolving landscape of liver disease treatment and the need for targeted interventions.

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This study examined how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to detect and understand hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer. Researchers reviewed 27 articles and found that the quality of studies on AI in diagnosing HCC improved significantly over time, with 41% focused on CT scans and 43% on ultrasound. This improvement is crucial since early and accurate detection can lead to better outcomes for patients with liver cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of liver cancer and doctors involved in their diagnosis and treatment.

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This study looked at how early liver transplantation (eLT) can help patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis (sAH) in Italy. Researchers found that after eLT, all 16 patients survived for at least six months, while only 45% of similar patients who didn't receive a transplant survived that long. This is important because it shows that eLT can drastically improve survival chances for patients who don't respond to medical treatment for severe alcoholic hepatitis. Who this helps: This benefits patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis who do not improve with medical treatments.

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The study developed a new scoring system called the Sarco-Model to predict which liver transplant patients might drop out of the waiting list due to their poor physical condition, specifically low muscle mass. They found that patients with a MELDNa score below 20 and a muscle area below a certain level had a high dropout risk, with the model accurately predicting 93% of these cases within three months. This is important because it helps prioritize the most urgent cases for transplantation and avoids unnecessary procedures for patients unlikely to benefit. Who this helps: This helps patients awaiting liver transplants and their doctors making treatment decisions.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected solid organ transplants (SOTs) worldwide by gathering opinions from medical professionals through an online survey. Out of 1,819 respondents from 71 countries, over 70% believed that SOTs should have some restrictions, while about 20% thought they should continue without limits; 82% agreed to temporarily shift resources from transplants to COVID-19 care. The main concern for those wanting to continue transplants was ensuring that valuable organs were not wasted. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare policymakers making decisions about organ transplants during health crises.

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Researchers studied the use of small T-tubes in adult liver transplants to improve safety and reduce complications. Out of 72 adult patients who received a liver transplant, only 5.6% experienced accidental removal of the T-tube, and 25% had a minor issue with bile output that was easily managed. These findings show that with the right procedures in place, using these T-tubes can safely help patients recover from surgery without major complications. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing liver transplants.

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This study looked at how the CONUT score, which measures nutritional status based on blood parameters, can help predict complications after liver transplantation in 209 patients. It found that patients with higher CONUT scores (median score of 7 for those with complications versus 5 for those without) had a significantly increased risk of severe complications, with an accuracy of 72%. This is important because identifying at-risk patients can help hospitals better prepare for and manage potential complications after surgery. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing liver transplant, as it allows for tailored pre-operative care.