Due to its relative lower cost, availability and widespread distribution, CT is often the primary imaging modality in the initial evaluation of the liver. However, with comparatively superior lesion-to-liver contrast, ability to utilize hepatocyte-specific contrast agents, and lack of ionizing DAPT datasheet radiation, MRI is realizing an increasingly greater role in this regard. For assessment of the gallbladder and biliary system,

ultrasound (US) remains a basic modality for the prompt diagnosis of stones and acute inflammatory or obstructing processes. Advanced CT & MR techniques are utilized for evaluating equivocal US findings, oncologic staging, preoperative planning and post-operative complications. This chapter reviews the discriminating imaging features of commonly encountered hepatobiliary pathology at cross-sectional imaging. “
“Background and Aim:  Topical mesalamine or corticosteroid has shown efficacy in patients with ulcerative

proctitis, but patients often become refractory see more to these interventions. Xilei San is a herbal preparation with evidence of anti-inflammatory effects. We evaluated the efficacy of topical Xilei San in ulcerative proctitis patients. Methods:  In a double blind setting, 30 patients with intractable ulcerative proctitis despite ≥ 4 weeks of topical mesalamine or corticosteroid were randomly assigned to True (n = 15) and placebo (n = 15). Patients in True received suppository Xilei San (0.1 g/dose per day of Xilei San), the other 15 received placebo suppository. The initial efficacy was evaluated on day 14. Primary endpoint of the trial was avoiding relapse during 180 days, relapse meant recurrence of active disease. Riley’s index was applied for endoscopic and histological evaluations, while patients’ quality of life was evaluated by an inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire. Results:  On day 14, the number of patients who achieved remission, clinical

activity index ≤ 4 in True was significantly higher versus placebo (P < 0.04). Likewise, at day 180, an 81.8% of patients in True were without relapse versus 16.7% in placebo (P < 0.001). Further, Epothilone B (EPO906, Patupilone) significant endoscopic (P < 0.01), histological (P < 0.02) and inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (P < 0.04) improvements were observed in True, but not in placebo. Conclusions:  This is the first controlled investigation showing significant clinical and endoscopic efficacy for Xilei San in patients with intractable ulcerative proctitis. Topical Xilei San was well tolerated, and was without safety concerns. "
“Liver damage in humans is induced by various insults including alcohol abuse, hepatitis B/C virus infection, autoimmune or metabolic disorders and, when persistent, leads to development of liver fibrosis. Because the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) system is activated in response to several of these stresses, we hypothesized that NF-κB activation in hepatocytes may contribute to fibrosis development.