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Ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection is able to make up for the limitations of applying a single growth factor. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of serial ultrasound-guided PRP injections of the appropriate concentration on the treatment of sciatic nerve crush injury, and explore the value of multimodality ultrasound techniques in evaluating the prognosis of crushed peripheral nerve. In vitro, optimal concentration of PRP (from 150%, 250%, 450%, and 650%) was screened due for its maximal effect on proliferation and neurotrophic function of Schwann cells (SCs). In vivo, ninety rabbits were equally and randomly divided into normal control, model, PRP-2.5×, PRP-4.5×, and PRP-6.5× groups. The neurological function and electrophysiological recovery evaluation, and the comparison of the multimodality ultrasound evaluation with the histological results of sciatic nerve crush injury were performed to investigate the regenerative effects of PRP at different concentrations on the sciatic nerve crush injury. Our results showed that the PRP with a 4.5-fold concentration of whole blood platelets could significantly stimulate the proliferation and secretion of SCs and nerve repair. The changes in stiffness and blood perfusion were positively correlated with the collagen area percentage and VEGF expression in the injured nerve, respectively. Thus, serial ultrasound-guided PRP injections at an appropriate concentration accelerates the recovery of axonal function. Multimodality ultrasound techniques provide a clinical reference for prognosis by allowing the stiffness and microcirculation perfusion of crush-injured peripheral nerves to be quantitatively evaluated.

BackgroundAbout 3–9.2% of papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) are found in the isthmus, which has unique anatomic properties, making treatment more challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment and undesirable effects of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for PTC in the isthmus.MethodsThis retrospective case series study assessed 112 patients with single papillary thyroid microcarcinoma in the isthmus, pathologically diagnosed before RFA at the General Hospital of Chinese PLA in 2014–2018. Follow-up was performed by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and ultrasound examinations at 1, 3, and 6 months and every 6 months thereafter. The complete ablation (CAR), disappearance (DR), and volume reduction (VRR) rates of nodules, the incidence of complications, and the rate of lymph-node metastasis were recorded.ResultsThe CAR of the tumors was 100%. During follow-up, the volume of coagulation necrosis gradually decreased. DRs at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after RFA were 0.8% (1/112), 10.7% (12/112), 51.7% (58/112), 91.0% (102/112), and 100% (112/112), respectively. The VRR evaluated by ultrasound and CEUS gradually increased. One recurrent case (0.8%) was found at 7 months after RFA. No complications, lymph node metastasis confirmed by ultrasound, and abnormal thyroid function were observed.ConclusionsThis retrospective study shows that RFA is beneficial for the treatment of PTMC in the isthmus.

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Liver regeneration is the basic physiological process after partial hepatectomy (PH), and is important for the functional rehabilitation of the liver after acute hepatic injury. This study was designed to explore the effects of neurolytic celiac plexus block (NCPB) on liver regeneration after PH. We established a model of PH in rats, assessing hepatic blood flow, liver function, and serum CRP, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 concentrations of the residuary liver after PH. Additionally, histopathological studies, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting were also performed. Our results indicated that NCPB treatment after PH improved liver regeneration and survival rates, increased hepatic blood flow, reduced hepatocyte damage, decreased the secretion and release of inflammatory cytokines, increased the expression of B cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2), and decreased the expression of Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax). Additionally, Western blotting revealed that the expression of NF-κB p65 and c-Jun were decreased in liver after NCPB. In conclusion, the results of our present study indicate that NCPB treatment has a favorable effect on liver regeneration after PH. We suggest that NCPB can be utilized as an effective therapeutic method to help the functional rehabilitation of the liver after acute hepatic injury or liver cancer surgery.