Dexmedetomidine-mediated protection against septic liver injury depends on TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling downregulation partly via cholinergic anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Background: Uncontrolled inflammatory responses exacerbate the pathogenesis of septic acute liver injury (ALI), posing a lethal threat to the host. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) has been reported to possess protective properties in inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to investigate whether DEX pretreatment exhibits hepatoprotection against ALI induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rats and determine its possible molecular mechanism.

[The value of diffusion tensor imaging and fiber tractography in cervical spondylotic myelopathy].

Objective: To study the diagnostic value of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Methods: Twenty healthy volunteers and fifty patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy underwent DTI in the Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Ningbo University from January 2014 to April 2015. Healthy volunteers served as controls.

[Diagnostic value of 3D-indirect magnetic resonance arthrography in detecting meniscal tears of the knees].

Objective: To explore the diagnostic value of 3D-indirectmagnetic resonance (MR) arthrography in detecting meniscustears of the knees.

Methods: Form January 2013 to January 2014, routine plain MR of the knees followed by the 3D-indirect MR arthrography was performed in 42 patients with suspected meniscal tears clinically. There were 31 males and 11 females, with an average age of 38.