A static magnetic field attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced neuro-inflammatory response via IL-6-mediated pathway.

An effective method for controlling brain damage and neurodegeneration caused by inflammation remains elusive. Down-expression of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory cytokines resulting in endotoxin tolerance is reported as an alternative anti-infection treatment. Nonetheless, because the dosage and action site are hard to control, endotoxin tolerance caused by low-dose LPS injection in brain tissue may induce side effects.

Effects of functional electrical stimulation cycling exercise on bone mineral density loss in the early stages of spinal cord injury.

Objective: To determine whether bone mineral density loss after spinal cord injury can be attenuated by an early intervention with functional electrical stimulation cycling exercises (FESCE) and to ascertain whether the effect persists after FESCE is discontinued.

Design: A prospective study.

Subjects: Twenty-four individuals with spinal cord injury, 26-52 days after spinal cord injury, were divided into FESCE or control groups.

Defining anatomic variants of the coronary artery in taiwanese subjects using 64-multidetector-row computed tomography.

The newly developed 64-multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) prompted us to evaluate coronary angiography using this noninvasive method. We reviewed 281 images of MDCT coronary angiography in Taiwanese. The origins of the coronary arteries were identified from the luminal aspect of the aorta.

Prophylactic trans-uterine embolization to reduce intraoperative blood loss for placenta percreta invading the urinary bladder.

Reported herein is the case of a 35-year-old multipara woman diagnosed (on sonography) with total placenta previa that had ruptured through the myometrium of the uterus, invading the wall of the urinary bladder. In the 32nd week of gestation the patient underwent an emergency cesarean section due to profuse vaginal bleeding. Due to possible intraoperative massive bleeding during removal of the placenta it was decided to preserve the uterus and placenta temporarily.

Identification of a coronary-to-bronchial-artery communication with MDCT shows the diagnostic potential of this new technology: case report and review.

Development and refinement of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) has brought the potential to replace conventional coronary angiography with a noninvasive technique that has comparable spatial and temporal resolution with a single breath-hold. Although clinical use of MDCT has largely been confined to evaluation of atherosclerotic coronary artery burden and coronary artery anomalies, it can be applied to diagnosis of other problems concerning the thoracic vasculature. We present the case of a middle-aged man who presented with recent-onset exertional angina: 64-detector CT was used as an alternative to cardiac catheterization and identified the underlying anatomic anomaly, a rare coronary-to-bronchial-artery communication.

Evaluation of the effect of partial splenic embolization on platelet values for liver cirrhosis patients with thrombocytopenia.

Aim: To investigate the effect of partial splenic embolization (PSE) on platelet values in liver cirrhosis patients with thrombocytopenia and to determine the effective embolization area for platelet values improvement.

Methods: Blood parameters and liver function indicators were measured on 10 liver cirrhosis patients (6 in Child-Pugh grade A and 4 in grade B) with thrombocytopenia (platelet values < 80 x 10(3)/microL) before embolization. Computed tomography scan was also needed in advance to acquire the splenic baseline.

Retrospective study of the total insertion period of peripherally inserted central catheter: discussion of anti-thrombogenic surface and other biomaterial requirements.

A retrospective study of patients' records on reviewing the purpose of venous catheter insertion (chemotherapy, blood transfusion, antibiotics or parenteral nutrition); total period of insertion; reason for catheter removal. 120 admitted patients who received fluoroscopic guide PICC (4-French single lumen silicone rubber catheter) insertions into distal SVC via antecubital region of forearm. We retrospectively review human factors including the patients' laboratory data of pre- and post-insertion, total insertion period and reasons for withdrawal.

Balthazar computed tomography severity index is superior to Ranson criteria and APACHE II scoring system in predicting acute pancreatitis outcome.

Aim: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a process with variable involvement of regional tissues or organ systems. Multifactorial scales included the Ranson, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) systems and Balthazar computed tomography severity index (CTSI). The purpose of this review study was to assess the accuracy of CTSI, Ranson score, and APACHE II score in course and outcome prediction of AP.

Post-radiation survival time in hepatocellular carcinoma based on predictors for CT-determined, transarterial embolization and various other parameters.

Aim: In this retrospective study of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we have investigated the efficacy of CT-derived parameters, laboratory measurements, clinical assessment and associated transarterial embolization (TAE) as predictors of post-radiotherapy survival time.

Methods: Sixty-six patients diagnosed with unresectable HCC that had undergone radiotherapy at two medical university hospitals in Taipei were enrolled in the study. Using multivariant analysis, pre-treatment parameters including tumor number and CT confirmation of PVT and ascites were compared.