The Diagnostic Value of Conventional MRI Combined With Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in Microprolactinomas.

Background: Turbo spin-echo (TSE) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequences may reduce susceptibility artifacts and image distortion in sellar region, allowing better visualization of small pituitary lesions, and may be used to assist in the diagnosis of pituitary microadenomas.

Purpose: To explore the application value of conventional MRI combined with DWI sequences in the diagnosis of microprolactinomas.

Study Type: Prospective.

[Effects of Astragalus Membranaceus Injection on TNF-alpha-induced release of inflammatory factors from HUVECs and the molecular mechanisms].

Objective: To investigate the protective effect of Astragalus Membranaceus Injection on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) against tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha).

Methods: Cultured passage 2 HUVECs were stimulated with TNF-alpha with or without a 2-h Astragalus Membranaceus Injection treatment. The expression of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) subunit p65 were evaluated by immuncytochemistical method, and the levels of p65 in the nuclei and the protein Ikappabetaalpha in the cytoplasm were evaluated by Western blotting.

Evaluation of early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the treatment of acute cholecystitis.

Background/aims: The optimal timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in the treatment of acute cholecystitis remains controversial. This retrospective study was undertaken to assess the clinical outcomes, possible advantages and disadvantages of early versus delayed LC for acute cholecystitis.

Materials And Methods: Records of all patients admitted for acute cholecystitis in whom laparoscopic cholecystectomy was attempted between January 2004 and January 2006, at National Taiwan University Hospital were reviewed.