17 HCV-RNA was determined using the COBAS TaqMan HCV test (Roche Diagnostics, Basel, Switzerland). The serum samples stored at −80°C before IFN therapy were used. The linear dynamic range of the assay was 1.2-7.8 log IU/mL, and the undetectable samples were defined selleckchem as negative. A sustained virological response (SVR) was defined as clearance of HCV-RNA using the COBAS TaqMan HCV test 6 months after

the cessation of IFN therapy. Status of liver was mainly determined on the basis of peritoneoscopy and/or liver biopsy. Liver biopsy specimens were obtained using a modified Vim Silverman needle with an internal diameter of 2 mm (Tohoku University style; Kakinuma Factory, Tokyo, Japan), fixed in 10% formalin, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson’s trichrome, silver impregnation, and periodic acid-Schiff after diastase digestion. The size of specimens for examination was more than six portal areas.18 The observation Smad inhibitor starting point was 6 months after the termination of IFN therapy. After that, patients were

followed up at least twice a year in our hospital. Physical examination and biochemical tests were conducted at each examination together with a regular checkup. In addition, annual examinations during follow-up were undertaken. When a patient had complaints during follow-up, the physician check details in charge performed additional examinations based on symptoms.

Four hundred eighteen patients were lost to follow-up. The final date of follow-up in 418 patients with loss of follow-up was regarded as the last consulting day. In addition, 881 patients were retreated with IFN. The final date of follow-up in 881 patients re-treated with IFN were regarded as the time of the initiation of IFN retreatment. Thus, 418 patients with loss of follow-up and 881 patients retreated with IFN were counted censored data in statistical analysis.19 The mean follow-up period was 6.8 (SD 4.3) years in 418 patients with loss of follow-up and 7.5 (SD 4.8) years in 881 patients retreated with IFN. Censored patients were counted in the analysis. Clinical differences among three groups of patients with HCC with malignancies other than HCC without events were evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The cumulative development rates of malignancies were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier technique, and differences in the curves were tested using the log-rank test.20,21 Independent risk factors associated with malignancies were studied using the stepwise Cox regression analysis.

17 HCV-RNA was determined using the COBAS TaqMan HCV test (Roche Diagnostics, Basel, Switzerland). The serum samples stored at −80°C before IFN therapy were used. The linear dynamic range of the assay was 1.2-7.8 log IU/mL, and the undetectable samples were defined Alvelestat solubility dmso as negative. A sustained virological response (SVR) was defined as clearance of HCV-RNA using the COBAS TaqMan HCV test 6 months after

the cessation of IFN therapy. Status of liver was mainly determined on the basis of peritoneoscopy and/or liver biopsy. Liver biopsy specimens were obtained using a modified Vim Silverman needle with an internal diameter of 2 mm (Tohoku University style; Kakinuma Factory, Tokyo, Japan), fixed in 10% formalin, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson’s trichrome, silver impregnation, and periodic acid-Schiff after diastase digestion. The size of specimens for examination was more than six portal areas.18 The observation selleck compound starting point was 6 months after the termination of IFN therapy. After that, patients were

followed up at least twice a year in our hospital. Physical examination and biochemical tests were conducted at each examination together with a regular checkup. In addition, annual examinations during follow-up were undertaken. When a patient had complaints during follow-up, the physician selleck chemicals in charge performed additional examinations based on symptoms.

Four hundred eighteen patients were lost to follow-up. The final date of follow-up in 418 patients with loss of follow-up was regarded as the last consulting day. In addition, 881 patients were retreated with IFN. The final date of follow-up in 881 patients re-treated with IFN were regarded as the time of the initiation of IFN retreatment. Thus, 418 patients with loss of follow-up and 881 patients retreated with IFN were counted censored data in statistical analysis.19 The mean follow-up period was 6.8 (SD 4.3) years in 418 patients with loss of follow-up and 7.5 (SD 4.8) years in 881 patients retreated with IFN. Censored patients were counted in the analysis. Clinical differences among three groups of patients with HCC with malignancies other than HCC without events were evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The cumulative development rates of malignancies were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier technique, and differences in the curves were tested using the log-rank test.20,21 Independent risk factors associated with malignancies were studied using the stepwise Cox regression analysis.

Control specimens http://www.selleckchem.com/products/azd9291.html were fabricated using all nonengaging components. Specimens were attached to internally connected 3.5 (diameter) × 13 mm (length) implants, torqued to 32 Ncm, and embedded into epoxy resin. Specimens were tested in cyclic fatigue with a 2 Hz sine wave and 0.1 min/max load ratio. Load amplitude started at 1.8 N and increased by 1.8 N every 60 cycles until fracture. Log-rank statistic, ANOVA, Spearman’s correlation, and LIFETEST procedures were used to evaluate level of statistical significance within the results. Results: In the control group, the mean number of cycles to fracture was 31,205 ± 2639. Mean axial force at fracture was 932 ± 78 N.

In group A, these numbers were 38,160 ± 4292 and 1138 ± 128 N, and in group B, 31,810 ± 3408 and 949 ± 101 N. Statistical significance levels for number of cycles to fracture were: Control versus group A, p= 0.0117, and groups A versus B, p= 0.0156 (statistically significant). Control versus group B, p= 0.357 (not statistically significant). Log-rank statistic for the survival curves is greater than would be expected by chance; there was a FK866 cost statistically significant difference between survival curves (p= 0.012). The location and mode of

failure were noteworthy (always in the abutment screw). Conclusions: The position of the engaging component had significant effects on the results. Within the limitations of this investigation, it can be concluded that using an engaging abutment in a screw-retained fixed cantilevered FDP provides a mechanical advantage, and engaging the implant furthest from the cantilever when designing a screw-retained cantilever FDP increased resistance to fracture of the distal abutment screw. “
“The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiopacity of eight contemporary luting cements using direct digital radiography. Ten specimens, (5 mm diameter, 1 mm high) were prepared for each material tested (RelyX ARC, RelyX U100, RelyX Unicem, Nexus 2, Nexus 3, Metacem, Breeze, Adhesor zinc phosphate). The specimens were stored in a moist

chamber at 37°C until completely set, then radiographed using a Kodak digital sensor and an aluminum step wedge with variable thicknesses (1 to 13 mm in 1-mm increments) used for reference. A Kodak 2100 intraoral X-ray unit was operated at 60 kV, 7 mA, and 0.20 seconds. According to international learn more standards, the radiopacity of the specimens was compared with that of the aluminum step wedge using the equal-density area tool of the Kodak Dental Imaging software (ver. 6.7). Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey’s test. Adhesor zinc phosphate cement showed the highest radiopacity of all materials and dentin. Breeze showed the lowest radiopacity (p < 0.05). No significant difference in radiopacity was observed between dentin and RelyX ARC, Nexus 2, or Metacem (p > 0.05). The radiopacities of Nexus 3 and RelyX Unicem were significantly higher than those of other resin cements and dentin (p < 0.05).

Control specimens selleck screening library were fabricated using all nonengaging components. Specimens were attached to internally connected 3.5 (diameter) × 13 mm (length) implants, torqued to 32 Ncm, and embedded into epoxy resin. Specimens were tested in cyclic fatigue with a 2 Hz sine wave and 0.1 min/max load ratio. Load amplitude started at 1.8 N and increased by 1.8 N every 60 cycles until fracture. Log-rank statistic, ANOVA, Spearman’s correlation, and LIFETEST procedures were used to evaluate level of statistical significance within the results. Results: In the control group, the mean number of cycles to fracture was 31,205 ± 2639. Mean axial force at fracture was 932 ± 78 N.

In group A, these numbers were 38,160 ± 4292 and 1138 ± 128 N, and in group B, 31,810 ± 3408 and 949 ± 101 N. Statistical significance levels for number of cycles to fracture were: Control versus group A, p= 0.0117, and groups A versus B, p= 0.0156 (statistically significant). Control versus group B, p= 0.357 (not statistically significant). Log-rank statistic for the survival curves is greater than would be expected by chance; there was a PF-6463922 ic50 statistically significant difference between survival curves (p= 0.012). The location and mode of

failure were noteworthy (always in the abutment screw). Conclusions: The position of the engaging component had significant effects on the results. Within the limitations of this investigation, it can be concluded that using an engaging abutment in a screw-retained fixed cantilevered FDP provides a mechanical advantage, and engaging the implant furthest from the cantilever when designing a screw-retained cantilever FDP increased resistance to fracture of the distal abutment screw. “
“The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiopacity of eight contemporary luting cements using direct digital radiography. Ten specimens, (5 mm diameter, 1 mm high) were prepared for each material tested (RelyX ARC, RelyX U100, RelyX Unicem, Nexus 2, Nexus 3, Metacem, Breeze, Adhesor zinc phosphate). The specimens were stored in a moist

chamber at 37°C until completely set, then radiographed using a Kodak digital sensor and an aluminum step wedge with variable thicknesses (1 to 13 mm in 1-mm increments) used for reference. A Kodak 2100 intraoral X-ray unit was operated at 60 kV, 7 mA, and 0.20 seconds. According to international learn more standards, the radiopacity of the specimens was compared with that of the aluminum step wedge using the equal-density area tool of the Kodak Dental Imaging software (ver. 6.7). Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey’s test. Adhesor zinc phosphate cement showed the highest radiopacity of all materials and dentin. Breeze showed the lowest radiopacity (p < 0.05). No significant difference in radiopacity was observed between dentin and RelyX ARC, Nexus 2, or Metacem (p > 0.05). The radiopacities of Nexus 3 and RelyX Unicem were significantly higher than those of other resin cements and dentin (p < 0.05).

No statistically significant differences were found between histology findings and quantification of HBV and HDV in MAPK inhibitor serum and liver. Conclusions HDV RNA is stable in FFPE-LS for more than 10 years and can be quantified by real-time PCR. A good correlation was found between intrahepatic and serum HDV RNA, suggesting

that serum HDV RNA may be an excellent marker for viral replication in untreated patients. Further studies looking at the effect of therapy on intrahepatic HDV RNA loads are needed to better evaluate this correlation. CHD Pt SERUM LIVER HBV DNA (IU/mL) HBeAg ALT HDV RNA (copies/uL) Ishak HDV RNA (copies/mg) 1 1,20E+03 N 204 4,50E+05 1 1,99E+08 2 1,70E+03 N 73 2,28E+10 1 9,20E+08 3 1,50E+05 N 94 6,00E+06 3 1,12E+07 4 <20 N 130 3,15E+07 3 1,65E+08

5 5,60E+03 N 223 5,33E+07 3 8,18E+06 6 1,30E+05 N 203 1,70E+06 4 8,02E+07 7 1,70E+03 N 155 1,70E+07 5 7,93E+05 8 <20 N 44 6,34E+05 6 4,08E+05 9 1,30E+06 N 47 4,05E+05 6 2,90E+06 10 1,50E+04 N 70 7,46E+08 6 2,32E+07 11 l,60E+07 p 57 1,02E+04 6 2,00E+05 12 1,10E+05 N 125 1,20E+04 6 3.85E+04 13 <20 P 49 3.49E+06 6 2.21E+08 Disclosures: Rafael Esteban - Speaking and Teaching: MSD, BMS, Novartis, Gilead, Glaxo, MSD, BMS, AP24534 Novartis, Gilead, Glaxo, Janssen Maria Buti – Advisory Committees or Review Panels: Gilead, Janssen, Vertex; Grant/Research Support: Gilead, Janssen; Speaking and Teaching: Gilead, Janssen, Vertex, Novartis The following people have nothing to disclose: Maria Homs, Maria Blasi, Maria Teresa Salcedo, Francisco Rodriguez-Frias, David Tabernero, Marc Luetgehetmann, Maura Dandri Background: MicroRNAs are small endogenous RNA molecules with specific expression patterns for some diseases. Some miR-NAs were reported to be differentially expressed in hepatitis B virus (HBV) serum. This study examines

whether the serum expression levels of miRNAs by deep sequencing can serve as biomarkers and clarify the mechanism of miRNA with chronic hepatitis B (CH-B) infection. selleck chemicals llc Methods: We detected circulating miRNAs using an Illumina deep sequencer. 20 cases of CH-B were enrolled, and 30 cases of CH-C and healthy subjects as a control. 1) Short read sequences of 32-mer were generated. The sequence reads were mapped with miRBase. ANOVA was applied to extract differentially expressed miRNAs among the three groups. Adjustment of the p-value by multiple comparisons was performed by calculating FDR. 2) The validation study of differentially expressed miRNA was conducted by qRT-PCR with TaqMan MicroRNA assay. 3) Computer software RNAhybrid 2.2 was used to scan the genome of HBV for the presence of target sites for the differentially expressed miRNA. 4) To investigate interfering activity of miRNA in cultured hepatic cells, HepG2 and Huh-7 cells were transfected with the luciferase-based reporter plasmid psiCheck-2 containing the HBV genomic segment.

No statistically significant differences were found between histology findings and quantification of HBV and HDV in see more serum and liver. Conclusions HDV RNA is stable in FFPE-LS for more than 10 years and can be quantified by real-time PCR. A good correlation was found between intrahepatic and serum HDV RNA, suggesting

that serum HDV RNA may be an excellent marker for viral replication in untreated patients. Further studies looking at the effect of therapy on intrahepatic HDV RNA loads are needed to better evaluate this correlation. CHD Pt SERUM LIVER HBV DNA (IU/mL) HBeAg ALT HDV RNA (copies/uL) Ishak HDV RNA (copies/mg) 1 1,20E+03 N 204 4,50E+05 1 1,99E+08 2 1,70E+03 N 73 2,28E+10 1 9,20E+08 3 1,50E+05 N 94 6,00E+06 3 1,12E+07 4 <20 N 130 3,15E+07 3 1,65E+08

5 5,60E+03 N 223 5,33E+07 3 8,18E+06 6 1,30E+05 N 203 1,70E+06 4 8,02E+07 7 1,70E+03 N 155 1,70E+07 5 7,93E+05 8 <20 N 44 6,34E+05 6 4,08E+05 9 1,30E+06 N 47 4,05E+05 6 2,90E+06 10 1,50E+04 N 70 7,46E+08 6 2,32E+07 11 l,60E+07 p 57 1,02E+04 6 2,00E+05 12 1,10E+05 N 125 1,20E+04 6 3.85E+04 13 <20 P 49 3.49E+06 6 2.21E+08 Disclosures: Rafael Esteban - Speaking and Teaching: MSD, BMS, Novartis, Gilead, Glaxo, MSD, BMS, CHIR-99021 cost Novartis, Gilead, Glaxo, Janssen Maria Buti – Advisory Committees or Review Panels: Gilead, Janssen, Vertex; Grant/Research Support: Gilead, Janssen; Speaking and Teaching: Gilead, Janssen, Vertex, Novartis The following people have nothing to disclose: Maria Homs, Maria Blasi, Maria Teresa Salcedo, Francisco Rodriguez-Frias, David Tabernero, Marc Luetgehetmann, Maura Dandri Background: MicroRNAs are small endogenous RNA molecules with specific expression patterns for some diseases. Some miR-NAs were reported to be differentially expressed in hepatitis B virus (HBV) serum. This study examines

whether the serum expression levels of miRNAs by deep sequencing can serve as biomarkers and clarify the mechanism of miRNA with chronic hepatitis B (CH-B) infection. this website Methods: We detected circulating miRNAs using an Illumina deep sequencer. 20 cases of CH-B were enrolled, and 30 cases of CH-C and healthy subjects as a control. 1) Short read sequences of 32-mer were generated. The sequence reads were mapped with miRBase. ANOVA was applied to extract differentially expressed miRNAs among the three groups. Adjustment of the p-value by multiple comparisons was performed by calculating FDR. 2) The validation study of differentially expressed miRNA was conducted by qRT-PCR with TaqMan MicroRNA assay. 3) Computer software RNAhybrid 2.2 was used to scan the genome of HBV for the presence of target sites for the differentially expressed miRNA. 4) To investigate interfering activity of miRNA in cultured hepatic cells, HepG2 and Huh-7 cells were transfected with the luciferase-based reporter plasmid psiCheck-2 containing the HBV genomic segment.

Additionally, NHANES participants enrolled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

were only United States residents with addresses, and therefore does not include the homeless population, which IDH inhibitor is expected to have high prevalence of HCV infection without insurance coverage. Given these limitations, our results may underrepresent both HCV prevalence as well as rates of insurance coverage in the HCV population. Finally, we were unable to link insurance coverage to treatment receipt in this analysis. Therefore, we cannot indicate which patients had already received treatment. However, current data suggest that less than 25% of patients diagnosed with HCV have ever been treated. This low treatment rate is especially true for the uninsured, who are even less likely to have received treatment previously. Future studies should look into these issues in more depth. It is important to note that some of the contraindications to treatment used

in this study, such as active congestive heart failure, may be considered as an absolute contraindication by most health care providers. However, other conditions (such as depression and diabetes) could potentially be temporary and reversible. On the other hand, some patients with relative contraindications—who may have been classified as treatment candidates under our study assumption—may develop absolute contraindication Selleckchem BTK inhibitor or may not be treated by their physicians in the community. Furthermore, there are other reasons that physicians and patients might choose to forego treatment. HCV is a slowly progressing and often asymptomatic condition, and its treatment has significant adverse effects and results in a response in only approximately half of the patients. Thus, a number of patients with early liver disease may be counseled against treatment or elect not to receive treatment. In addition, patients’ compliance with their physicians’ recommendations and their history of unsuccessful treatment may further reduce these treatment

candidacy rates. These determinations (regarding relative treatment contraindications, patient click here acceptance, and patient compliance) require a comprehensive and HCV-specific evaluation. Therefore, our estimate of treatment-eligible patients, although likely biased upward, may be taken as a best-case scenario with the largest possible denominator that will require a targeted evaluation in order to accurately ascertain treatment eligibility. In conclusion, a high proportion of HCV+ individuals in the United States are currently uninsured, and many have publicly funded health insurance. Among those who could potentially be candidates for treatment, the rate of insurance coverage is even lower. Although newer treatment regimens with direct acting antivirals may increase efficacy, it will certainly increase the costs of antiviral treatment in HCV—thus further limiting access to treatment for the uninsured/underinsured.

Additionally, NHANES participants enrolled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

were only United States residents with addresses, and therefore does not include the homeless population, which p38 MAPK signaling pathway is expected to have high prevalence of HCV infection without insurance coverage. Given these limitations, our results may underrepresent both HCV prevalence as well as rates of insurance coverage in the HCV population. Finally, we were unable to link insurance coverage to treatment receipt in this analysis. Therefore, we cannot indicate which patients had already received treatment. However, current data suggest that less than 25% of patients diagnosed with HCV have ever been treated. This low treatment rate is especially true for the uninsured, who are even less likely to have received treatment previously. Future studies should look into these issues in more depth. It is important to note that some of the contraindications to treatment used

in this study, such as active congestive heart failure, may be considered as an absolute contraindication by most health care providers. However, other conditions (such as depression and diabetes) could potentially be temporary and reversible. On the other hand, some patients with relative contraindications—who may have been classified as treatment candidates under our study assumption—may develop absolute contraindication Daporinad in vitro or may not be treated by their physicians in the community. Furthermore, there are other reasons that physicians and patients might choose to forego treatment. HCV is a slowly progressing and often asymptomatic condition, and its treatment has significant adverse effects and results in a response in only approximately half of the patients. Thus, a number of patients with early liver disease may be counseled against treatment or elect not to receive treatment. In addition, patients’ compliance with their physicians’ recommendations and their history of unsuccessful treatment may further reduce these treatment

candidacy rates. These determinations (regarding relative treatment contraindications, patient find more acceptance, and patient compliance) require a comprehensive and HCV-specific evaluation. Therefore, our estimate of treatment-eligible patients, although likely biased upward, may be taken as a best-case scenario with the largest possible denominator that will require a targeted evaluation in order to accurately ascertain treatment eligibility. In conclusion, a high proportion of HCV+ individuals in the United States are currently uninsured, and many have publicly funded health insurance. Among those who could potentially be candidates for treatment, the rate of insurance coverage is even lower. Although newer treatment regimens with direct acting antivirals may increase efficacy, it will certainly increase the costs of antiviral treatment in HCV—thus further limiting access to treatment for the uninsured/underinsured.

5E) could be important not only for development of HCCs but also for other tumor types. The inverse correlation between selenium levels and tumor size described here in HCC patients is consistent with several epidemiologic studies. An inverse relation between plasma selenium levels and HCC risk was observed in Taiwan.18 Based on previous animal experiments60 an intervention trial was performed in Quidong/China, a region with low selenium intake. Daily doses of 200 μg selenium decreased HCC rates by 35% and cessation of selenium supplementation brought tumor rates back to initial values.17,

60-62 Consistently, an intervention study in the USA demonstrated protection by selenium against prostate cancer.63 In contrast, GS-1101 chemical structure the more recent SELECT study did not show any benefit of selenium

supplementation.64 This might, however, be due to the high baseline CHIR 99021 plasma levels of selenium observed in this study that could conceal potentially beneficial effects of selenium supplementation. Although comparison of selenium levels between different studies is difficult because of inconsistent methodologies, conclusions can be drawn from environmental parameters. In particular, low selenium concentrations in the serum have been documented for the Austrian population that are due to low selenium in the soil.65 In conclusion, the mechanistic data in the present study support the notion that the inverse correlation between selenium levels and the risk to develop HCC may have a causal click here basis. Therefore, selenium supplementation could be considered a strategy for chemoprevention or additional therapy for HCC patients

with low selenium levels. We thank M. Seif, E. Hangelmann, M. Eisenbauer, and N. Kandler for excellent technical assistance, M. Vidali for help in optimization of LOOH-Ab detection, M. Jakupec for help in selenium quantification, B. Marian for critical reading of the article, and A. Kaider for statistical evaluation of the data. Additional Supporting Information may be found in the online version of this article. “
“Aim:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the ablative margin of radiofrequency (RF) ablation to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods:  RF ablation was performed in the livers of six pigs after the i.v. administration of Gd-EOB-DTPA 20 min before ablation. Three pigs were killed 2 h after administration (group A), and the other pigs were killed 7 days after ablation (group B). Thereafter, correlation between pathological findings and MRI was investigated. Moreover, the Gd concentrations were examined in ablated and non-ablated regions. An initial clinical evaluation was conducted for 28 HCC nodules.

5E) could be important not only for development of HCCs but also for other tumor types. The inverse correlation between selenium levels and tumor size described here in HCC patients is consistent with several epidemiologic studies. An inverse relation between plasma selenium levels and HCC risk was observed in Taiwan.18 Based on previous animal experiments60 an intervention trial was performed in Quidong/China, a region with low selenium intake. Daily doses of 200 μg selenium decreased HCC rates by 35% and cessation of selenium supplementation brought tumor rates back to initial values.17,

60-62 Consistently, an intervention study in the USA demonstrated protection by selenium against prostate cancer.63 In contrast, Galunisertib solubility dmso the more recent SELECT study did not show any benefit of selenium

supplementation.64 This might, however, be due to the high baseline Selleckchem Temozolomide plasma levels of selenium observed in this study that could conceal potentially beneficial effects of selenium supplementation. Although comparison of selenium levels between different studies is difficult because of inconsistent methodologies, conclusions can be drawn from environmental parameters. In particular, low selenium concentrations in the serum have been documented for the Austrian population that are due to low selenium in the soil.65 In conclusion, the mechanistic data in the present study support the notion that the inverse correlation between selenium levels and the risk to develop HCC may have a causal selleck chemicals basis. Therefore, selenium supplementation could be considered a strategy for chemoprevention or additional therapy for HCC patients

with low selenium levels. We thank M. Seif, E. Hangelmann, M. Eisenbauer, and N. Kandler for excellent technical assistance, M. Vidali for help in optimization of LOOH-Ab detection, M. Jakupec for help in selenium quantification, B. Marian for critical reading of the article, and A. Kaider for statistical evaluation of the data. Additional Supporting Information may be found in the online version of this article. “
“Aim:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the ablative margin of radiofrequency (RF) ablation to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods:  RF ablation was performed in the livers of six pigs after the i.v. administration of Gd-EOB-DTPA 20 min before ablation. Three pigs were killed 2 h after administration (group A), and the other pigs were killed 7 days after ablation (group B). Thereafter, correlation between pathological findings and MRI was investigated. Moreover, the Gd concentrations were examined in ablated and non-ablated regions. An initial clinical evaluation was conducted for 28 HCC nodules.