Visualization of therapeutic intervention for acute liver injury using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound-responsive phase variant nanoparticles.

Acute liver injury (ALI) is a highly fatal condition characterized by sudden massive necrosis of liver cells, inflammation, and impaired coagulation function. Currently, the primary clinical approach for managing ALI involves symptom management based on the underlying causes. The association between excessive reactive oxygen species originating from macrophages and acute liver injury is noteworthy. Therefore, we designed a novel nanoscale phase variant contrast agent, denoted as PFP@CeO2@Lips, which effectively scavenges reactive oxygen species, and enables visualization through low intensity pulsed ultrasound activation. The efficacy of the nanoparticles in scavenging excess reactive oxygen species from RAW264.7 and protective AML12 cells has been demonstrated through in vitro and in vivo experiments. Additionally, these nanoparticles have shown a protective effect against LPS/D-GalN attack in C57BL/6J mice. Furthermore, when exposed to LIPUS irritation, the nanoparticles undergo liquid-gas phase transition and enable ultrasound imaging.

Uterine tumor resembling ovarian sex cord tumor: A rare case report.

RATIONALE: A uterine tumor resembling an ovarian sex cord tumor (UTROSCT) is a clinically rare disease with an unclear origin and biological behavior. PATIENT CONCERNS: We present a case of UTROSCT in a 42-year-old woman who presented with abnormally increased menstrual volume for 2 years. DIAGNOSES: Initially, only ultrasound examination was performed to diagnose uterine fibroids, and then the tumor was surgically removed and sent for pathological examination. The patient was ultimately diagnosed with UTROSCT mainly based on pathological immunohistochemical examination and was further diagnosed with low malignant potential for recurrence based on genetic testing. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES: The patient underwent hysterectomy and bilateral adnexectomy, and no adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy was performed after the surgery. Follow-up to date has indicated that she is in good condition. LESSONS: UTROSCT is a rare disease that requires pathological immunohistochemical examination to confirm the diagnosis and genetic testing when necessary so that a clear diagnosis can inform better decision-making regarding treatment measures.

Catheter-directed thrombolysis plus anticoagulation versus anticoagulation alone in the treatment of proximal deep vein thrombosis - a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the clinical outcomes of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) plus anticoagulation with anticoagulation alone in patients with lower-extremity proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We systematically searched Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception to October, 2014. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies comparing the clinical outcomes between additional CDT and anticoagulation alone were included. The primary outcomes were postthrombotic syndrome and major bleeding complications. The secondary outcomes included the iliofemoral patency rate, deep venous function, mortality, pulmonary embolism, and recurrent DVT. RESULTS: Three RCTs and 3 non-randomized studies were included. Compared with standard anticoagulation treatment, additional CDT was associated with a significantly higher rate of complete lysis within 30 days (OR = 91; 95 % CI 19.28 to 429.46), a higher rate of 6-month patency (OR = 5.77; 95 % CI 1.99 to 16.73), a lower rate of postthrombotic syndrome (OR = 0.4; 95 % CI 0.19 to 0.96), and a lower rate of venous obstruction (OR = 0.20; 95 % CI 0.09 to 0.44). More major bleeding episodes occurred in the CDT group (Peto OR 2.0; 95 % CI 1.62 to 2.62). CDT was not found to reduce mortality, pulmonary embolism, or recurrent DVT. CONCLUSIONS: Additional CDT therapy appeared to be more effective than standard anticoagulation treatment in improving the venous patency and preventing venous obstruction and postthrombotic syndrome. Caution should be taken when performing CDT given the increased risk of major bleeding. However, no evidence supported benefits of CDT in reducing mortality, recurrent DVT, or pulmonary embolism.