EREG-secreting THBS1+ tissue monocytes are recruited by C5a to promote rapid liver regeneration in patients and mice during the ALPPS procedure

The first report of human liver local immune microenvironment changes during rapid regeneration induced by ALPPS. THBS1+ tissue monocytes recruit by C5a are significantly enriched in FLR resulting a shift from a macrophage-enriched to monocyte-enriched local immune environment, promoting hepatocyte proliferation via EREG- EGFR interactions.

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Impact of adjuvant therapy on survival outcomes in resected gallbladder cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This meta-analysis assesses the impact of adjuvant therapies (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and chemoradiotherapy) on survival outcomes in resectable gallbladder cancer. The results suggest that chemoradiotherapy is associated with improved survival, especially in patients with high-risk features, highlighting the need for personalized treatment strategies.

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Phase II trial of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy plus bevacizumab and toripalimab for advanced biliary tract cancers: efficacy, safety, and exploratory analysis

HAIC combined with bevacizumab and toripalimab yielded encouraging outcomes as a first-line treatment for advanced BTCs in terms of ORR, PFS, OS, and an acceptable safety profile. Therefore, the triple combination therapy may be an improved first-line treatment for advanced BTC.

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Factors associated with textbook outcome after robotic-assisted pancreatoduodenectomy: a single surgeon’s retrospective cohort

In a single-surgeon cohort of RPD patients, TO was achieved in 57.0% of all patients and in 63.2% after surgeon’s learning curve. Surgeon’s learning curve, ASA score, concomitant diabetes, and dilated pancreatic duct (>3mm) were independently associated with TO.

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Laparoscopic approach reduces the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter overlap propensity score-weighted analysis

Using inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis, this multicenter study demonstrates that laparoscopic hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with a significantly lower incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications compared to open hepatectomy.

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Outcomes of highly urgent living donor liver transplantation in Korean national data

The most common reasons for highly urgent LDLT were hepatic encephalopathy, a MELD score ≥35, and uncontrolled varix bleeding. The survival in the highly urgent adult LDLT group were significantly lower than those in the control group.

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Postoperative outcomes in living donor liver transplant vs. deceased donor liver transplant in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis: a UNOS database analysis

MASH is a leading indication for LT in the United States. Early LT with a LD graft is associated with improved patient survival and similar graft survival when compared to DDLT for these medically complex patients.

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Validation of the Institute Mutualiste Montsouris system for the stratification of laparoscopic liver resections: an international multicenter study

This study sucessfully validated the three IMM complexity grades including the 11 invidual procedures within each grade.

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Sequential hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma with inadequate future-liver-remnant after portal vein ligation in combination with apatinib plus camrelizumab (PLACES): a single-arm prospective pilot study

The PLACES study evaluates combining portal vein ligation (PVL) with Apatinib and Camrelizumab for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with insufficient future liver remnant (FLR). Results show 63.3% 1-year event-free survival, improved outcomes compared to historical ALPPS, and manageable safety profiles.

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Adult living-donor liver transplantation without simultaneous splenectomy

Adult living-donor liver transplantation can be successfully performed without simultaneous splenectomy provided that the graft is properly selected with the appropriate lower limit, however, simultaneous splenectomy or splenic artery ligation could be considered for cases with spleen-graft size disproportion and older donors.

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Performance of major liver resection for gallbladder cancer—a western retrospective single center cohort study

Major liver resection alone for advanced gallbladder cancer does not improve overall survival but was rather associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, it may offer a chance for long-term survival in selected cases.

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Anatomical study of the paracaval branch of the caudate lobe: implications of paracaval portion-preserving right hepatectomy for donors with marginal remnant liver volume

The paracaval branch is categorized into right, left, and bifurcation types based on origin. Paracaval portion-preserving donor right hepatectomy is feasible for left and bifurcation types, seen in over half of cases, and beneficial for large sizes reaching the liver surface.

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Safety and learning curve of robotic pancreatoduodenectomy with limited robotic platform access: a propensity score-matched comparison with open surgery in a high-volume center

The present study demonstrates the safety of Robotic pancreatoduodenectomy (RPD) in the specific context of Limited Access to Robotic Platform (ARP). The CUSUM analysis shows that the learning curve was reached at the 40th procedure as well as with no limited ARP.

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Impact of donor-recipient sex-matching patterns on liver transplantation outcomes: a cohort study based on United Network of Organ Sharing data

We have demonstrated that donor-recipient sex-matching patterns could impact the recipient survival based on the big database of UNOS. And our proposed grading system could be utilized to stratify female donor-male recipient sex group to guide clinical decision to amend allocation process and optimize organ utility.

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Anatomical complexity of the right-lobe grafts: influence on the outcomes in living donor liver transplantation

Anatomical complexities in right-lobe grafts in LDLT do not affect five-year survival, despite of increased biliary complications. Interestingly, graft with multiple IHVs improved survival. Right lobe graft with anatomical complexity can be safely used in LDLT, with vigilant monitoring for biliary complications.

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From NAFPD to MAFPD: a literature review of implications of a nomenclature change

The review aims to discuss our current understanding of pancreatic fat accumulation, taking the naming process for MAFLD as a point of reference. We have investigated the possible benefits and challenges of renaming NAFPD to MAFPD and analyzed the clinical implications of this terminology change.

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Technical performance, surgical workload and patient outcomes of robotic and laparoscopic surgery for pediatric choledochal cyst: a multicenter retrospective cohort and propensity score-matched study

Compared with LS, RS could provide better surgical technical performance in minimally invasive CC surgery, reduce the surgical workload of surgeons, and provide more satisfactory postoperative outcomes, especially with fewer postoperative anastomotic strictures.

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Optimization of ALPPS stage II timing with the APRI/ALBI score—an international, multicenter cohort study

Implementation of repeated APRI/ALBI score measurement leads to optimal timing of ALPPS stage II. Once the score normalized in the interstage phase and stage II was performed, only 3 % clinically relevant PHLF occurred.

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Sarcopenia and gender disparities in liver transplant waiting lists: evaluating predictive scores and delisting risks

The study evaluates different prioritization scores for liver transplantation, identifying GEMA-Na as the most accurate predictor for delisting. However, it overlooks the impact of sarcopenia, disproportionately affecting men. Incorporating sarcopenia into the scoring system is essential to prevent exacerbating gender disparities.

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Development of scoring models to predict early pancreatic cancer risk in new-onset diabetes mellitus patients

New risk models to predict one- and three-year pancreatic risk among patients with new-onset diabetes mellitus among Asian populations have been developed. The high accuracy of the models allow potential clinical application for early detection of pancreatic cancer to improve prognosis.

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Neoadjuvant systemic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: challenges and opportunities—a narrative review

Preoperative neoadjuvant therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma, comprising chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and combined therapy, can delay postoperative relapse and improve overall survival after liver resection or liver transplantation. Further research is needed to identify suitable candidates, predictive biomarkers, optimal regimens, and ideal timing for surgery.

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AME and Wolters Kluwer aim to expand access to global medical research through new collaboration

The agreement broadens the reach of nearly 50 Open Access titles, contributing globally to over 5,000 articles

October 2, 2025 — Wolters Kluwer Health announced a new collaboration with AME Publishing Company, an Open Access publisher specializing in medical journals and books, headquartered in Hong Kong, China.

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Reviewer of the Month (2026)

In 2026, HBSN reviewers continue to make outstanding contributions to the peer review process. They demonstrated professional effort and enthusiasm in their reviews and provided comments that genuinely help the authors to enhance their work.

Hereby, we would like to highlight some of our outstanding reviewers, with a brief interview of their thoughts and insights as a reviewer. Allow us to express our heartfelt gratitude for their tremendous effort and valuable contributions to the scientific process.

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Interviews with Outstanding Authors (2025)

In 2025, many HBSN authors make outstanding contributions to our journal. Their articles published with us have received very well feedback in the field and stimulate a lot of discussions and new insights among the peers.

Hereby, we would like to highlight some of our outstanding authors who have been making immense efforts in their research fields, with a brief interview of their unique perspective and insightful view as authors.

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