Four new species of Dothideomycetes (Ascomycota) from Pará Rubber (Heveabrasiliensis) in Yunnan Province, China.

The tropical areas in southern and south-western Yunnan are rich in fungal diversity. Additionally, the diversity of seed flora in Yunnan Province is higher than in other regions in China and the abundant endemic species of woody plants provide favourable substrates for fungi. Rubber plantations in Yunnan Province are distributed over a large area, especially in Xishuangbanna. During a survey of rubber-associated fungi in Yunnan Province, China, dead rubber branches with fungal fruiting bodies were collected. Morphological characteristics and multigene phylogenetic analyses (ITS, LSU, SSU, rpb2 and tef1-α) revealed four distinct new species, described herein as Melomastiapuerensis, Nigrogranalincangensis, Pseudochaetosphaeronemalincangensis and Pseudochaetosphaeronemaxishuangbannaensis. Detailed descriptions, illustrations and phylogenetic trees are provided to show the taxonomic placements of these new species.

Prospective comparison of an 18-gauge versus 16-gauge needle for percutaneous liver core-needle biopsy in children.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to analyzed the impact of needle gauge (G) on the adequacy of specimens and hemorrhagic complications in pediatric patients undergoing ultrasound (US)-guided transplanted liver biopsies. METHODS: The study included 300 consecutive biopsies performed in 282 pediatric patients (mean age 6.75 ± 3.82 years, range 0.84-17.90) between December 2020 and April 2022. All pediatric patients that referred to our institution for US-guided core-needle liver biopsy (CNLB) were randomized to undergo 16-G or 18-G CNLB. Hemorrhagic complications were qualitatively evaluated. The number of complete portal tracts (CPTs) per specimen was counted and specimen adequacy was assessed based on the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases guidelines. RESULTS: The incidence of bleeding was 7.00% (n = 21) and adequate specimens for accurate pathological diagnosis were obtained from 98.33% (n = 295) of patients. There was no significant difference in the incidence or amount of bleeding between the 16-G and 18-G groups (11 vs 10, p = 0.821; 35.0 mL vs 31.3 mL, p = 0.705). Although biopsies obtained using a 16-G needle contained more complete portal tracts than those obtained using an 18-G needle (20.0 vs 18.0, p = 0.029), there was no significant difference in specimen inadequacy according to needle gauge (2 vs 3, p = 1.000). CONCLUSIONS: Biopsy with a 16-G needle was associated with a greater number of CPTs but did not increase the adequate specimen rate. There was no significant difference in the complication rate between 16-G biopsy and 18-G biopsy.

Safety and efficacy of microwave ablation for abdominal wall endometriosis: A retrospective study.

Objectives: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation in the treatment of abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE). Background: AWE is a rare form of endometriosis that often results in cyclic abdominal pain. The current treatment algorithm for AWE is not well established. Microwave ablation technology is a promising new thermal ablation technique for treating AWE. Methods: This was a retrospective study of nine women with pathologically proven endometriosis of the abdominal wall. All patients were treated with ultrasound-guided microwave ablation. Grey-scale and color Doppler flow ultrasonography, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, and MRI were used to observe the lesions before and after treatment. The complications, pain relief, AWE lesion volume, and volume reduction rate were recorded 12 months after treatment to evaluate the treatment efficacy. Complications were classified according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events and the Society of Interventional Radiology classification system. Results: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound showed that all lesions underwent successful treatment with microwave ablation. The average initial nodule volume was 7.11 ± 5.75 cm3, which decreased significantly to 1.85 ± 1.02 cm3 at the 12-month follow-up with a mean volume reduction rate of 68.77 ± 12.50%. Periodic abdominal incision pain disappeared at 1 month after treatment in all nine patients. The adverse events and complications were Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade 1 or Society of Interventional Radiology classification grade A. Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of AWE, and further study is warranted.

A radiomics nomogram for the ultrasound-based evaluation of central cervical lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Purpose: To develop and validate a radiomics nomogram based on ultrasound (US) to predict central cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods: PTC patients with pathologically confirmed presence or absence of central cervical LN metastasis in our hospital between March 2021 and November 2021 were enrolled as the training cohort. Radiomics features were extracted from the preoperative US images, and a radiomics signature was constructed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to screen out the independent risk factors, and a radiomics nomogram was established. The performance of the model was verified in the independent test cohort of PTC patients who underwent thyroidectomy and cervical LN dissection in our hospital from December 2021 to March 2022. Results: In the independent test cohort, the radiomics model based on long-axis cross-section and short-axis cross-section images outperformed the radiomics models based on either one of these sections (the area under the curve (AUC), 0.69 vs. 0.62 and 0.66). The radiomics signature consisted of 4 selected features. The US radiomics nomogram included the radiomics signature, age, gender, BRAF V600E mutation status, and extrathyroidal extension (ETE) status. In the independent test cohort, the AUC of the receiver operating curve(ROC) of this nomogram was 0.76, outperformingthe clinical model and the radiomics model (0.63 and 0.69, respectively), and also much better than preoperative US examination (AUC, 0.60). Decision curve analysis indicated that the radiomics nomogram was clinically useful. Conclusions: This study presents an efficient and useful US radiomics nomogram that can provide comprehensive information to assist clinicians in the individualized preoperative prediction of central cervical LN metastasis in PTC patients.

A Review of the Fungi That Degrade Plastic.

Plastic has become established over the world as an essential basic need for our daily life. Current global plastic production exceeds 300 million tons annually. Plastics have many characteristics such as low production costs, inertness, relatively low weight, and durability. The primary disadvantage of plastics is their extremely slow natural degradation. The latter results in an accumulation of plastic waste in nature. The amount of plastic waste as of 2015 was 6300 million tons worldwide, and 79% of this was placed in landfills or left in the natural environment. Moreover, recent estimates report that 12,000 million tons of plastic waste will have been accumulated on the earth by 2050. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an effective plastic biodegradation process to accelerate the natural degradation rate of plastics. More than 400 microbes have been identified as capable of plastic degradation. This is the first paper of the series on plastic-degrading fungi. This paper provides a summary of the current global production of plastic and plastic waste accumulation in nature. A list is given of all the plastic-degrading fungi recorded thus far, based on the available literature, and comments are made relating to the major fungal groups. In addition, the phylogenetic relationships of plastic-degrading fungi were analyzed using a combined ITS, LSU, SSU, TEF, RPB1, and RPB2 dataset consisting of 395 strains. Our results confirm that plastic-degrading fungi are found in eleven classes in the fungal phyla Ascomycota (Dothideomycetes, Eurotiomycetes, Leotiomycetes, Saccharomycetes, and Sordariomycetes), Basidiomycota (Agaricomycetes, Microbotryomycetes, Tremellomycetes, Tritirachiomycetes, and Ustilaginomy-cetes), and Mucoromycota (Mucoromycetes). The taxonomic placement of plastic-degrading fungal taxa is briefly discussed. The Eurotiomycetes include the largest number of plastic degraders in the kingdom Fungi. The results presented herein are expected to influence the direction of future research on similar topics in order to find effective plastic-degrading fungi that can eliminate plastic wastes. The next publication of the series on plastic-degrading fungi will be focused on major metabolites, degradation pathways, and enzyme production in plastic degradation by fungi.

Ferritinophagy-Mediated Ferroptosis and Activation of Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway Were Conducive to EMT Inhibition of Gastric Cancer Cells in Action of 2,2'-Di-pyridineketone Hydrazone Dithiocarbamate Butyric Acid Ester.

In metastasis of cancer cells, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is prerequired. Ferroptosis is an iron-mediated cellular death process, but whether it involves EMT regulation remains elusive. In addition, how stress responders (Nrf2) respond to the redox alteration and cross-talking between them needs to be determined. Our data revealed that DpdtbA (2,2'-di-pyridineketone hydrazone dithiocarbamate butyric acid ester) resisted TGF-ß1-induced EMT in gastric cancer lines (SGC-7901 and MGC-823) through ferritinophagy-mediated ROS production. Furthermore, the depletion of Gpx4 and xCT as well as enhanced lipid peroxidation indicated that DpdtbA acted as Erastin did in ferroptosis induction, which thus provided chance to explore the causal relationship between ferroptosis and EMT. Our data illustrated that ferritinophagy-mediated ferroptosis promoted the EMT inhibition. In addition, activated Nrf2 involved the regulation on both ferroptosis and EMT in response to the alteration in the cellular redox environment. In brief, ferritinophagy-mediated ferroptosis and activation of the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway were conducive to the EMT inhibition.

Transmission of synovial sarcoma from a single multi-organ donor to three transplant recipients: case report.

BACKGROUND: Transmission of malignancy is a notable problem that cannot always be absolutely predicted at the time of transplantation. In particular, donor-derived transmission of synovial sarcoma in solid-organ transplantation is a rare but catastrophic event. CASE PRESENTATION: We are the first to report three cases of synovial sarcoma transmitted from a single multi-organ donor in China. The donor died of respiratory failure caused by an intrathoracic tumor, which was diagnosed as benign at the time of donation. All three recipients developed synovial sarcoma 3-13 months after transplantation; all three cases were confirmed to be donor transmitted. The liver transplant recipient died of tumor metastasis after partial-allograft hepatectomy. The two renal-transplant recipients survived after comprehensive therapy, including allograft nephrectomy, withdrawal of immunosuppressants and targeted therapy with anlotinib. CONCLUSIONS: This report highlights the importance of detailed donor assessment, close follow-up and timely treatment of unexpected donor-transmitted malignancy. Although pathology is the most important evidence for the exclusion of donors for malignant potential, it should be combined with tumor type, tumor size and speed of growth. Organs from donors with malignant potential should be discarded. Allograft nephrectomy should be considered after confirmation of renal-allograft synovial sarcoma. Anlotinib for synovial sarcoma seems to be effective and well tolerated during long-term follow-up.

An Investigation of a Confirmed Imported Case of COVID-19 Infected Abroad - Qingpu District, Shanghai Municipality, China, November 15, 2020.

SUMMARY: What is already known about this topic? A passenger who was from the United States was taken to the hotel for the required isolation on November 13, 2020. During the quarantine she was diagnosed as the COVID-19 patient on November 15, 2020. Controlling the importation of COVID-19 remains a major challenge.What is added by this report? In this study, an epidemiological investigation was conducted for a confirmed case of COVID-19, including the treatment records in the hospital and 14-day travel trajectory before the onset of disease.What are the implications for public health practice? This study described an epidemiological investigation and management process on an imported case of COVID-19 and analyzed the test results, aiming to provide useful warnings to strengthen the capacity of public health system in response to the importation.

Evaluation of Risk Factors for Bleeding After Ultrasound-Guided Liver Biopsy.

PURPOSE: This study was performed to analyze the risk factors for hemorrhagic complications after ultrasound-guided liver biopsies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we reviewed 1193 ultrasound-guided percutaneous liver biopsies performed in our hospital from January 2018 to December 2020. Relevant patient characteristics, indications for biopsy, laboratory findings, biopsy technique, hemorrhagic complications, and pathologic outcomes were collected. RESULTS: We analyzed 834 procedures performed on 807 patients with complete data. The bleeding group comprised 45 patients with post-procedure bleeding, and non-bleeding group comprising the remaining 789 patients. Univariate analysis showed that age (p < 0.001), number of needle passes (p = 0.009), platelet count (p = 0.002), prothrombin time (p < 0.001), and international normalized ratio (p < 0.001) were associated with post-procedure bleeding. Multivariable regression analysis showed that age under 18 years (p < 0.001), low platelet count (p = 0.001), and increased needle passes (p = 0.025) were independent risk factors for bleeding complications. CONCLUSION: Sex and focal liver lesions did not affect the risk of post-procedure bleeding. The international normalized ratio and prothrombin time were associated with an increased incidence of bleeding; however, they had no predictive value. Age, number of needle passes, and platelet count were identified as reliable predictors of bleeding.

Diagnosis and spontaneous healing of asymptomatic renal allograft extra-renal pseudo-aneurysm: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Transplant renal artery stenosis is a relatively frequent vascular complication after transplantation. However, extra-renal pseudo-aneurysms (EPSAs) are rare after transplantation; they can be life-threatening and usually need open surgical repair. We discuss the diagnosis and spontaneous healing of an asymptomatic renal allograft EPSA caused by renal artery anastomotic stenosis, which was diagnosed in a timely manner and managed by conservative treatments. CASE SUMMARY: We present a 37-year-old male patient diagnosed with a renal allograft EPSA caused by renal artery anastomotic stenosis due to multiple atherosclerotic plaques with ultrasonographic examination 6 mo post transplantation. The stenosis rate of 90% and the EPSA were verified by computed tomography angiography. The diagnosis was further confirmed with digital subtraction angiography. Percutaneous transluminal angiography was conducted, and a metallic stent was successfully implanted at the stenosed site of the main renal artery trunk. No further intervention for the EPSA was undertaken due to the difficulty of stenting and the risk of bleeding; regular ultrasonographic follow-ups were recommended. The stenosis was significantly relieved immediately after stent implantation and the EPSA was healed spontaneously by completely filling with hypo-echoic thrombosis 8 mo after stenting. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography combined with a high-frequency linear probe can detect vascular complications post renal transplantation at an early stage and improve prognosis.

Preoperative serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and the incidence of early pulmonary infection after pediatric living donor liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary infection is a common complication in pediatric living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) recipients. It has been suggested that vitamin D has a role in immune defense against infection. Therefore, we investigated the effect of preoperative serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3 ) on the risk of pneumonia in hospitalized patients undergoing LDLT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective review of patient records. Fifty consecutive pediatric patients (aged < 14 years) who underwent LDLT from January 2017 to December 2017 were included. Pulmonary infection in the early postoperative period was diagnosed using clinical, radiological, or laboratory criteria. Preoperative serum 25(OH)D3 level, demographic characteristics, primary diagnosis, ascites, time to extubation, length of intensive care unit stay, and perioperative laboratory values were recorded. Vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency were defined as a serum 25(OH)D3 concentration of less than 10, 10 to 20, and more than 20 ng/mL, respectively. Associations between serum 25(OH)D3 levels and pulmonary infection were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 50 pediatric patients who underwent LDLT, 19 (38%) developed pulmonary infections in the early postoperative period. The mean serum 25(OH)D3 level in these subjects was 18.7 ± 17.2 ng/mL (range, 3.0-70.0 ng/mL). Twenty patients (40%) had severe vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/mL). The mean serum 25(OH)D3 level was significantly decreased (9.3 ± 7.4 vs 24.5 ± 19.1 ng/mL, P = .002) in patients with pulmonary infection compared with those without pulmonary infection. Serum 25(OH)D3 level as a continuous variable (odds ratio [OR], 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84-0.97, P = .008) and a classification variable (≤10 ng/mL) (OR, 7.42, 95% CI, 2.06-26.79, P = .002) were significantly associated with pulmonary infection in univariate analysis. After adjusting for other significant predictors (age, weight, and pediatric end-stage liver disease score), severe 25(OH)D3 deficiency at presentation was independently associated with a higher risk of developing pulmonary infection in the early postoperative period (OR, 5.11, 95% CI, 1.30-20.16, P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: 25(OH)D3 deficiency is common and inversely correlated with pulmonary infection within the first month after pediatric LDLT. Our results indicate that preoperative serum 25(OH)D3 deficiency is a potential biomarker for early pulmonary infection after pediatric LDLT.

DpdtC-Induced EMT Inhibition in MGC-803 Cells Was Partly through Ferritinophagy-Mediated ROS/p53 Pathway.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular process in which epithelial cells are partially transformed into stromal cells, which endows the polarized epithelium cells more invasive feature and contributes cancer metastasis and drug resistance. Ferritinophagy is an event of ferritin degradation in lysosomes, which contributes Fenton-mediated ROS production. In addition, some studies have shown that ROS participates in EMT process, but the effect of ROS stemmed from ferritin degradation on EMT has not been fully established. A novel iron chelator, DpdtC (2,2'-di-pyridylketone dithiocarbamate), which could induce ferritinophagy in HepG2 cell in our previous study, was used to investigate its effect on EMT in gastric cancer cells. The proliferation assay showed that DpdtC treatment resulted in growth inhibition and morphologic alteration in MGC-803 cell (IC50 = 3.1 ± 0.3 µM), and its action involved ROS production that was due to the occurrence of ferritinophagy. More interestingly, DpdtC could also inhibit EMT, leading to the upregulation of E-cadherin and the downregulation of vimentin; however, the addition of NAC and 3-MA could attenuate (or neutralize) the action of DpdtC on ferritinophagy induction and EMT inhibition, supporting that the enhanced ferritinophagic flux contributed to the EMT inhibition. Since the degradation of ferritin may trigger the production of ROS and induce the response of p53, we next studied the role of p53 in the above two-cell events. As expected, an upregulation of p53 was observed after DpdtC insulting; however, the addition of a p53 inhibitor, PFT-α, could significantly attenuate the action of DpdtC on ferritinophagy induction and EMT inhibition. In addition, autophagy inhibitors or NAC could counteract the effect of DpdtC and restore the level of p53 to the control group, indicating that the upregulation of p53 was caused by ferritinophagy-mediated ROS production. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that the inhibition of EMT induced by DpdtC was realized through ferritinophagy-mediated ROS/p53 pathway, which supported that the activation of ferritinophagic flux was the main driving force in EMT inhibition in gastric cancer cells, and further strengthening the concept that NCOA4 participates in EMT process.

Perioperative characteristics and management of liver transplantation for isolated methylmalonic acidemia-the largest experience in China.

BACKGROUND: There are few detailed consensus and guidelines on perioperative clinical characteristics of liver transplantation (LT) in patients with methylmalonic acidemia (MMA). This retrospective study investigated details of the clinical course and individualized treatment plan of the center with largest experience in China. METHODS: A total of 7 MMA patients undergoing LT in Beijing Friendship Hospital from June 2013 to December 2017 were enrolled in the study, whose clinical data (clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, chronological changes in urine MMA levels, treatment, etc.) during perioperative period were analyzed retrospectively. All the patients received strict postoperative management. RESULTS: All the 7 cases were confirmed to have isolated MMA, among which, 3 cases received living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), 4 cases received deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). A wild fluctuate of metabolic condition was observed within the first few days after surgery and two weeks after LT, the mean base excess of blood value (BE-B) restored to normal whereas plasma bicarbonate (HCO3 -) was still below normal value even with intermittent sodium bicarbonate correction. It also showed marked reduction in propionylcarnitine (C3) and C3/C2 level and the mean urine MMA by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was reduced by 81.7% (P<0.01) but remained >72× higher than upper limit of normal. The metabolism-correcting medications were administered as before. The renal function of one case with renal insufficiency before LT (serum creatinine rising) maintained stable by adjusting the immunosuppressive regimen during the observation period. All patients survive to date. CONCLUSIONS: LT is an effective treatment to prevent metabolic crisis, but patients with MMA tend to be metabolically fragile even after surgery. During perioperative period, close monitoring should be given for acidosis episodes so as to implement sodium bicarbonate correction. Metabolism-correcting medications are still needed. Special immunosuppressive regimen is an effective way of maintaining renal function for those with kidney dysfunction.

Rubroshiraia gen. nov., a second hypocrellin-producing genus in Shiraiaceae (Pleosporales).

Shiraiaceae is an important family in Pleosporales (Dothideomycetes), which includes medical fungi and plant pathogens. Two hypocrellin-producing taxa, Shiraia bambusicola and a novel genus Rubroshiraia gen. nov., typified by Rubroshiraia bambusae are treated in this article. Maximum likelihood analysis, generated via RAxML (GTR+G model), using a combined SSU, LSU, TEF1 and RPB2 sequence dataset, shows that Rubroshiraia is close to Shiraia and belongs to the family Shiraiaceae. Descriptions, illustrations and a taxonomic key are provided for the genera in Shiraiaceae. Rubroshiraia morphologically differs from Shiraia in having small and dark ascostromata and filiform ascospores. Production of the ascostromatal metabolites, hypocrellin A and B, were examined by HPLC and spectrophotometer. The content of hypocrellin A and B of specimen HKAS 102255 (R. bambusae) is twice that produced by HKAS 102253 (S. bambusicola). To clarify the relationship between R. bambusae and Hypocrella bambusae, type material of the latter was examined and provided the illustration.

Multimodality-imaging manifestations of primary renal-allograft synovial sarcoma: First case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Primary renal synovial sarcoma (PRSS) is an extremely rare tumor with a poor prognosis. Its imaging and immunohistochemical characteristics may overlap with other renal tumors, which renders its early diagnosis in a dilemma. The diagnosis of primary renal synovial sarcoma requires histopathology and the confirmation of SYT-SSX gene fusion using molecular techniques. Cases of primary renal synovial sarcoma have been previously reported in the literature. However, to our knowledge, primary renal allograft synovial sarcoma was never described. CASE SUMMARY: A 43-year-old male patient who underwent kidney transplantation 9 months ago came to our hospital for regular follow-up. Traditional ultrasonography revealed multiple hypo-echo neoplasms in the renal allograft. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) showed slightly hyper-density masses with slow homogeneous enhancement. Ultrasound-guided biopsy was conducted for accurate pathological diagnosis. The neoplasms were diagnosed as synovial sarcoma by pathological, immunohistochemical, and genetic analyses. Positron emission tomography/CT showed no evidence of metastasis. At approximately one week post biopsy, contrast-enhanced ultrasound was conducted to eliminate active hemorrhage. One month later, CECT showed that the biggest neoplasm grew from 3.3 cm to 5.7 cm in diameter. Parametric imaging was conducted with SonoLiver CAP to conduct further quantitative analysis, which showed that the enhancement pattern was heterogeneous hyper-vascular enhancement. Radical surgical resection of the whole renal allograft and ureter was conducted without additional adjuvant chemotherapy or external radiotherapy. Anlotinib was chosen for targeted therapy with a good response. CONCLUSION: We propose multimodality imaging for accurate diagnosis of renal allograft synovial sarcoma especially when it is formed by spindle-shaped cells.

A New Approach to Accomplish Intraoperative Cholangiography in Left Lateral Segmentectomy of Living Liver Donation.

BACKGROUND There are 2 main methods of bile duct division in harvesting left lateral segment of a living donor: 1) by intraoperative cholangiography through cystic duct with cholecystectomy, or 2) by direct vision with preoperative magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. Here, we present a new approach to cholangiography by using the bile duct stump of the fourth liver segment (B4 stump) to achieve left lateral segmentectomy in pediatric living donor liver transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a prospective study of 221 living donors who had undergone intraoperative cholangiography via the B4 stump in the course of left lateral segmentectomy. We collected and analyzed the clinical data, including the success rate of cholangiography by catheterizing the B4 stump; the associated time cost; the classification of the donor liver's biliary anatomy; the number of bile duct orifices on the graft side; and postoperative complications involving the biliary tract. RESULTS We were successful in catheterizing B4 stumps in all 221 patients. The mean time cost of these procedures was 7.21±3.62 minutes. Variations in the confluence of the right and left lobes were found in 58 patients (26.24%). Overall, sludge was detected in 18 cases (8.14%), gallstones were found in 3 patients (1.36%), and a polypoid gallbladder lesion was found in 1 patient (0.45%). There were 11 cases (4.98%) of bile leakage; no biliary strictures were found in the donors. CONCLUSIONS Intraoperative cholangiography via the B4 stump is an alternative procedure for living donors who undergoes left lateral segmentectomy.

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Microwave Ablation for Subserosal Uterine Myomas.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for symptomatic subserosal uterine myomas. DESIGN: Prospective observational study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). SETTING: A teaching hospital (Department of Interventional Ultrasound, General Hospital of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China). PATIENTS: Sixty-nine patients with symptomatic subserosal uterine myomas treated with ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation. INTERVENTIONS: All 69 patients underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation. The number of patients lost to follow-up at was 21 at 3 months, 34 at 6 months, and 35 at 12 months. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The efficacy of treatment was evaluated based the mean myoma volume shrinkage rate and changes in Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life Questionnaire scores at 3, 6, and 12 months after therapy. Treatment safety was evaluated based on the Society of Interventional Radiology practice guidelines. The mean patient age was 40.3 ± 4.9 years (range, 26-49 years). The mean myoma volume was 221.74 ± 153.18 cm3 before ablation, decreasing to 87.24 ± 45.93 cm3 at 3 months after ablation (p < .001), 46.68 ± 24.7 cm3 at 6 months after ablation (p < .001), and 38.05 ± 24.93 cm3 at 12 months after ablation (p <.001), respectively. Between pretreatment and 3-month follow-up, the mean symptom severity score decreased from 34.53 ± 3.83 to 12.74 ± 3.07 (p < .001), and the mean health-related quality of life score increased from 45.25 ± 10.97 to 78.48 ± 11.39 (p < .001). Both scores remained stable at the 6- and 12-month follow-up time points. No permanent injury or fatal complications were seen in this series. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation of subserosal uterine myomas is a promising treatment method. Further studies with larger sample sizes and a control group are needed.

Multimodality imaging features, treatment, and prognosis of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in renal allografts: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Among patients with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), there is a high incidence of immunosuppressed transplant recipients. It is necessary to make an early diagnosis to increase the likelihood of a good prognosis. PATIENT CONCERNS: We report a case of a 54-year-old female patient who developed PTLD after liver and kidney transplantation. DIAGNOSES: We aimed to analyze the standard diagnosis and follow-up of PTLD with imaging. Radiologists need to be familiar with all imaging modalities when dealing with PTLD, including ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron-emission tomography/computed tomography. INTERVENTIONS: The initial treatment included both reduction of immunosuppression and rituximab. Then the treatment strategy changed to rituximab and chemotherapy. Finally, the treatment strategy combined glucocorticoid therapy. OUTCOMES: The patient was in a stable condition at the 3-month follow-up. LESSONS: Systematic evaluation of the various imaging modalities, treatment options, and prognoses of PTLD in renal allografts suggested that in cases with a poor prognosis, the proper imaging modalities provide essential information with regard to the determination of the appropriate treatment.

Percutaneous microwave ablation with artificial ascites for symptomatic uterine adenomyosis: initial experience.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility, safety and technical efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation with artificial ascites for adenomyosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2015 and May 2016, a total of 25 patients with symptomatic adenomyosis who underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation with artificial ascites were included in this retrospective study. A matching cohort of 50 patients underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation without artificial ascites as controls. The technical efficacy, complications and short-term treatment effectiveness were assessed and compared with the controls. RESULTS: Artificial ascites was successfully achieved in all of the 25 patients with the administration of a median of 550 mL (range, 250-1200 mL) of solution. There was substantial improvement in achieving a better antenna path in 100% (20/20) of the cases with a poor antenna path. The complete separation was achieved in 23 of 25 patients. The mean ablation time was 26.5 ± 7.3 min and the median non-perfusion volume ratio was 76% which was similar to the control group (p > .05). No serious complications were observed. Patient pain scores for dysmenorrhoea showed a statistically significant decline from the baseline of 6.71 ± 0.96 to 2.92 ± 0.79 and the symptom severity score declined statistically significantly from 21.8 ± 5.5 to 16.4 ± 4.8 at 3 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous microwave ablation with artificial ascites is feasible, safe and can be effective in improving access for treatment of adenomyosis.