Systemic Inflammation Response Index and weight loss as prognostic factors in metastatic pancreatic cancer: A concept study from the PANTHEIA-SEOM trial

BACKGROUND The prognostic value of the Systemic Inflammation Response Index(SIRI)in advanced pancreatic cancer is recognized,but its correlation with patients´nutritional status and outcomes remains unexplored.AIM To study the prognostic significance of SIRI and weight loss in metastatic pancreatic cancer.METHODS The PANTHEIA-Spanish Society of Medical Oncology(SEOM)study is a multicentric(16 Spanish hospitals),observational,longitudinal,non-interventional initiative,promoted by the SEOM Real World-Evidence work group.This pilot study sought to analyze the association between weight loss and inflammatory status as defined by SIRI.The cohort stems from a proof-of-concept pilot study conducted at one of the coordinating centers.Patients with pathologically confirmed metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma,treated from January 2020 to January 2023,were included.The index was calculated using the product of neutrophil and monocyte counts,divided by lymphocyte counts,obtained within 15 days before initiation chemotherapy.This study evaluated associations between overall survival(OS),SIRI and weight loss.RESULTS A total of 50 patients were included.66%of these patients were male and the median age was 66 years.Metastasis sites:36%liver,12%peritoneal carcinomatosis,10%lung,and 42%multiple locations.Regarding the first line palliative chemotherapy treatments:50%received gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel;28%,modified fluorouracil,leucovorin,irinotecan and oxaliplatin,and 16%were administered gemcitabine.42%had a weight loss>5%in the three months(mo)preceding diagnosis.21 patients with a SIRI≥2.3×10^(3)/L exhibited a trend towards a lower median OS compared to those with a SIRI<2.3×10^(3)/L(4 vs 18 mo;P<0.000).Among 21 patients with>5%weight loss before diagnosis,the median OS was 6 mo,in contrast to 19 mo for those who did not experience such weight loss(P=0.003).Patients with a weight loss>5%showed higher SIRI levels.This difference was statistically significant(P<0.000).For patients with a SIRI<2.3×10^(3)/L,those who did not lose>5%of their weight had an OS of 20 mo,compared to 11 mo for those who did(P<0.001).No association was found between carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels≥1000 U/mL and weight loss.CONCLUSION A higher SIRI was correlated with decreased survival rates in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer and associated with weight loss.An elevated SIRI is suggested as a predictor of survival,emphasizing the need for prospective validation in the upcoming PANTHEIA-SEOM study.

Systemic inflammatory response index is a predictor of prognosis in gastric cancer patients: Retrospective cohort and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The systemic inflammatory response index(SIRI)has been demonstrated to make a significant difference in assessing the prognosis of patients with different solid neoplasms.However,research is needed to ascertain the accuracy and reliability of applying the SIRI to patients who undergo robotic radical gastric cancer sur-gery.AIM To validate the applicability of the SIRI in assessing the survival of gastric cancer patients and evaluate the clinical contribution of preoperative SIRI levels to predicting long-term tumor outcomes in patients,who received robotic radical gastric cancer surgery.METHODS Initially,an exhaustive retrieval was performed in the PubMed,the Cochrane Library,EMBASE,Web of Science,and Scopus databases to identify relevant studies.Subsequently,a meta-analysis was executed on 6 cohort studies iden-tifying the value of the SIRI in assessing the survival of gastric cancer patients.Additionally,the clinical data of 161 patients undergoing robotic radical gastric cancer surgery were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate their clinicopathological characteristics and relevant laboratory indicators.The association between preoperative SIRI levels and 5-year overall survival(OS)and disease-free survival(DFS)was assessed.RESULTS The findings demonstrated an extensive connection between SIRI values and the outcome of patients with gastric cancer.Preoperative SIRI levels were identified as an independent hazard feature for both OS and DFS among those who received robotic surgery for gastric cancer.SIRI levels in gastric cancer patients were observed to be associated with the presence of comorbidities,T-stage,carcinoembryonic antigen levels,the development of early serious postoperative complications,and the rate of lymph node metastasis.CONCLUSION SIRI values are correlated with adverse in the gastric cancer population and have the potential to be utilized in predicting long-term oncological survival in patients who undergo robotic radical gastric cancer surgery.

Biochemical and Physiological Responses of Arabidopsis thaliana Leaves to Moderate Mechanical Stimulation

Mechanical stimulation of plants can be caused by various abiotic and biotic environmental factors.Apart from the negative consequences,it can also cause positive changes,such as acclimatization of plants to stress conditions.Therefore,it is necessary to study the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying the response of plants to mechanical stimulation.Our aim was to evaluate the response of model plant Arabidopsis thaliana to a moderate force of 5 N(newton)for 20 s,which could be compared with the pressure caused by animal movement and weather conditions such as heavy rain.Mechanically stimulated leaves were sampled 1 h after exposure and after a recovery period of 20 h.To study a possible systemic response,unstimulated leaves of treated plants were collected 20 h after exposure alongside the stimulated leaves from the same plants.The effect of stimulation was assessed by measuring oxidative stress parameters,antioxidant enzymes activity,total phenolics,and photosynthetic performance.Stimulated leaves showed increased lipid peroxidation 1 h after treatment and increased superoxide dismutase activity and phenolic oxidation rate after a 20-h recovery period.Considering photosynthetic performance after the 20-h recovery period,the effective quantum yield of the photosystem II was lower in the stimulated leaves,whereas photochemical quenching was lower in the unstimulated leaves of the treated plants.Nonphotochemical quenching was lower in the stimulated leaves 1 h after treatment.Our study suggested that plants sensed moderate force,but it did not induce pronounced change in metabolism or photosynthetic performance.Principal component analysis distinguished three groups–leaves of untreated plants,leaves analysed 1 h after stimulation,while stimulated and unstimulated leaves of treated plants analysed 20 h after treatment formed together the third group.Observed grouping of stimulated and unstimulated leaves of treated plants could indicate signal transduction from the stimulated to distant leaves,that is,a systemic response to a local application of mechanical stimuli.

Dynamic changes in the systemic immune responses of spinal cord injury model mice

Intraspinal inflammatory and immune responses are considered to play central roles in the pathological development of spinal cord injury.This study aimed to decipher the dynamics of systemic immune responses,initiated by spinal cord injury.The spinal cord in mice was completely transected at T8.Changes in the in vivo inflammatory response,between the acute and subacute stages,were observed.A rapid decrease in C-reactive protein levels,circulating leukocytes and lymphocytes,spleen-derived CD4~+interferon-γ+T-helper cells,and inflammatory cytokines,and a marked increase in neutrophils,monocytes,and CD4~+CD25~+FOXP3~+regulatory T-cells were observed during the acute phase.These systemic immune alterations were gradually restored to basal levels during the sub-acute phase.During the acute phase of spinal cord injury,systemic immune cells and factors showed significant inhibition;however,this inhibition was transient,and the indicators of these serious disorders gradually returned to baseline levels during the subacute phase.All experiments were performed in accordance with the institutional animal care guidelines,approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Experimental Animal Center of Drum Tower Hospital,China(approval No.2019 AE01040)on June 25,2019.

Periplaneta americana extract used in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome

BACKGROUND:Periplaneta americana extract is recognized to have a positive effect on gastrointestinal mucosa.This study aimed to investigate the effects of periplaneta americana extract on immune function,nutrition status and gastrointestinal complications of early enteral nutrition patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome(SIRS).METHODS:Patients with SIRS were randomly divided into two groups:treatment and control groups.All patients in the two groups received conventional therapy including enteral nutrition,but periplaneta americana extract,an additional Chinese medicine,was given to the patients in the treatment group.At the beginning of treatment(0 day)and 1,3,and 7 days after treatment,the levels of immunoglobulin(Ig A),total lymphocyte count(TLC),total protein(TP)and prealbumin(PA)were respectively tested in patients'venous blood.The incidences of bloating,diarrhea,aspiration pneumonia and high blood sugar at 7 days after treatment were recorded.The mortality of the patients in 28 days was recorded.RESULTS:At 3 and 7 days after treatment,the levels of Ig A and TLC in the treatment group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).At 7 days after treatment,the levels of TP and PA in the treatment group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The incidences of bloating and diarrhea in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group,the differences were significant(P<0.05).The mortality of treatment group was lower than that of the control group(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:Periplaneta americana extract could reduce gastrointestinal complications and improve immune function and nutritional status in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

Expression and Significance of Toll-like Receptor 2,4 of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Acute Abdomen Patients Associated with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

The changes of Toll-like receptor （TLR） 2, 4 of peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMCs） in the acute abdomen patients associated with systemic inflammatory response syndrome （SIRS） and their potential significance were explored. A clinical study was performed on 103 acute abdomen patients in whom 65 were associated with SIRS. Forty healthy individuals served as normal controls. The mRNA expression of TLR2, 4 was detected by RT-PCR, and the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 by ELISA. The level of plasma endotoxin, hospital stay and mortality were measured. It was found that the endotoxin level was increased to varying degrees in all the acute abdomen patients, and the endotoxin level was and hospital stay longer in SIRS group than in non-SIRS group （P〈0.01）. TLR2 mRNA, TLR4 mRNA, IL-6 and TNF-ct could be detected with low value in normal controls, but they were up-regulated markedly on the 1 st day after admission. Then TLR4 mRNA, IL-6 and TNF-α were decreased gradually, but TLR2 mRNA maintained at a high level till the 5th day. These indexes above in SIRS group were higher than those in non-SIRS group （P〈0.01）. The results of correlation analysis revealed the expression of TLR2, 4 mRNA was positively correlated with the levels of TNF-α and IL-6, and the hospital stay, The results of Logistic regression demonstrated that overexpression of TLR2, 4 mRNA might result in higher risk of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome （MODS）. It was concluded that in the acute abdomen patients associated with SIRS, the expression of TLR2, 4 in PBMCs was increased markedly, suggesting that TLR might play an important role in the pathogenesis of acute abdomen associated with SIRS.

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor as a predictor of poor outcome in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome

BACKGROUND:Urokinase-type plasminogen activator(uPA) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor(uPAR) are known as important factors,which mediate a variety of functions in terms of vascular homeostasis,inflammation and tissue repair.However,their role in systemic inflammatory response syndrome(SIRS) has been less well studied.This study aimed to test the hypothesis that the abnormalities of fibrinolysis and degradation of extracellular matrix mediated by uPA and uPAR are directly related to the patients with SIRS.We therefore analyzed their role and clinicopathological significance in patients with SIRS.METHODS:A case-control study was conducted with 85 patients who were divided into two groups according to the diagnostic criteria of SIRS:SIRS group(n=50) and non-SIRS group(/7=35).The SIRS group was divided into MODS group(n=26) and non-MODS group(n=24) by their severity,and survival group(n=35) and non-survival group(n=15) by their prognosis.Another 30 healthy adults served as normal controls.uPA and uPAR in plasma were detected by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) kits.RESULTS:The plasma level of uPA was lower in the SIRS group than in the non-SIRS group and controls(P<0.001 and P<0.001).It was lower in sepsis patients and the MODS group than in the non-sepsis patients and the non-MODS patients(all P<0.05).However,there was no difference in uPA level between survivors and non-survivors(P>0.05).The plasma level of uPAR increased in the SIRS group compared with the non-SIRS group and controls(P<0.001 and P<0.001).There was a significant elevation of uPAR in sepsis patients,MODS patients and non-survivors as compared with non-sepsis patients,non-MODS patients and survivors respectively(all P<0.05).Plasma uPAR levels were positively correlated with APACHE Ⅱ score(r=0.575,P<0.001) and SOFA score(r=0.349,P=0.013).AUCs for the prediction of SIRS mortality were 0.67 and 0.51,respectively,for uPA and uPAR.CONCLUSION:uPAR could be a predictor of poor outcome in patients with SIRS.

Integrated systemic inflammatory response syndrome epidemic model in scale-free networks

Based on the scale-free network, an integrated systemic inflammatory response syndrome model with artificial immunity, a feedback mechanism, crowd density and the moving activities of an individual can be built. The effects of these factors on the spreading process are investigated through the model. The research results show that the artificial immunity can reduce the stable infection ratio and enhance the spreading threshold of the system. The feedback mechanism can only reduce the stable infection ratio of system, but cannot affect the spreading threshold of the system. The bigger the crowd density is, the higher the infection ratio of the system is and the smaller the spreading threshold is. In addition, the simulations show that the individual movement can enhance the stable infection ratio of the system only under the condition that the spreading rate is high, however, individual movement will reduce the stable infection ratio of the system.

Expression and significance of toll-like receptor 2,4 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome

To explore changes of toll-like receptor (TLR) 2,4 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in acute abdomen patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and their significance.Methods A clinical study was done on 103 patients of which 65 were with SIRS.The mRNA expression of TLR2,4 were detected by RT-PCR;the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 were observed by ELISA;the correlation between TLR2,4 mRNA,the level of TNF-α and IL-6,and the clinical course was evaluated.Results TLR2 mRNA ,TNF-α and IL-6 were upregulated markedly on the first day of hospitalization,then decreased gradually;TLR2 mRNA maintained on high level till the 5th day.The expression of TLR2,4 mRNA was positive correlated with the level of TNF-α and IL-6,and the length of stay.TLR2,4 mRNA expression increased in patients with multiple organ failure.Conclusion In actue abdomen patients with SIRS,the expression of TLR2,4 of PBMC increased markedly,indicating its improtant role in the pathogenesis of SIRS.4 refs,2 figs,2 tabs.

MiR-30a-5p alleviates LPS-induced HPMEC injury through regulation of autophagy via Beclin-1

Background:Sepsis,a type of systemic disease,can impact nearly all organs,tissues and cells.Among them,endothelial cells are amongst thefirst to be affected and respond to the insult.In this study,we investigated the protective effects of microRNA-30a-5p(miR-30a-5p)on human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells(HPMECs)treated with lipolysaccharide(LPS).Methods:An in vitro model of sepsis was established in HPMECs with the use of LPS.Transfecting with different tools(mimetic and inhibitor)to modify miR-30a-5p expression.Cell viability,proliferation and apoptosis were detected by the CCK-8 assay,the EdU kit andfluorescence staining,respectively.The autophagy-related protein and mRNA expression,the number of autophagosomes were separately examined through Western blot analysis,qPT-PCR and confocal microscopy.TargetScan and the luciferase reporter assays were used to probe target genes interacting with miR-30a-5p.Results:LPS caused a reduction in the viability and proliferation of HPMECs,as well as an elevation in the number of apoptotic cells.Subsequently,we observed that miR-30a-5p might play a role in preventing LPS-induced inhibition of cell damage and decreasing HPMEC apoptosis,suggesting the potential function of miR-30a-5p in this injury process.Finally,we confirmed that miR-30a-5p exerts its protective effect by regulating cell autophagy,possibly by targeting Beclin-1.Conclusion:Our study provided evidence that autophagy is a crucial aspect in the protective role of miR-30a-5p against LPS-induced HPMEC injury,identifying a promising target for sepsis-related endothelial cell injury.

Early selective enteral feeding in treatment of acute pancreatitis: A case report

BACKGROUND Early initiation of enteral feeding is recognized to play a crucial role in improving the outcomes of treatment of acute pancreatitis.However,the method of adminis-tration of enteral nutrition remains debatable.We present the experience of treating a patient with moderate-severe acute pancreatitis,at high risk of progressing to a severe or fatal condition,using a novel method of selective feeding with duodenal isolation.CASE SUMMARY A 27-year-old female patient presented to the emergency unit of the hospital with a typical manifestation of acute pancreatitis.Despite a conventional treatment,the patient’s condition deteriorated by day 2 of hospitalization.Using an endoscopic approach,a novel catheter PandiCathffwas placed to the duodenum of the patient,isolating its segment between the duodenal bulb and the ligament of Treitz.In the isolated area created,a negative pressure was applied,followed by introduction of early selective enteral feeding.The patient’s condition subsequently improved in a rapid manner,and no complications often associated with moderate-to-severe acute pancreatitis developed.CONCLUSION Within 48 h of starting treatment with the novel method,it can prevent the development of multiple organ failure and,when combined with minimally invasive drainage methods,help prevent infection.

Effect of flurbiprofen combined with prednisolone on interleukin-6 in elderly surgery patients

Objective: To determine the effect of flurbiprofen combined with prednisolone on interleukin-6 in elderly surgery patients. Methods: In this double-blind randomized controlled study, patients aged 65 to 80 who were undergoing spinal fusion surgery for disc herniation were administered flurbiprofen 100 mg (P group, flurbiprofen group), prednisolone 0.6 mg/kg (D group, prednisolone group), prednisolone 0.6 mg/kg plus flurbiprofen 100 mg (P + D group, flurbiprofen + prednisolone group) or normal saline (S group, saline group) 15 minutes before the induction of anesthesia. Plasma samples were collected before surgery (T0) and on day 1 (T1), day 2 (T2) and day 3 (T3) following surgery. At the same time, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) was assessed by SIRS criteria. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP) for collected samples were measured. Results: Other groups had significantly lower levels of IL-6, CRP and occurrence of SIRS than S group (p < 0.05). Compared to groups P and D, the levels of IL-6 and CRP in P + D group were significantly lower on T1 (p < 0.05). Peak levels of IL-6 in all groups were presented on T1 (p 0.05). The levels of CRP within three days were significantly different but did not show peak levels (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Compared to prednisolone or flurbiprofen, combining flurbiprofen with prednisolone in elderly surgery patients led to an increased suppression of IL-6.

Interactivity software tools for teaching in ophthalmology

The use of interactive audience software,such as audience response systems(ARS),in medical education has become increasingly popular in recent years.This technology allows instructors to engage students in real time,encouraging active participation and promoting effective learning.The benefits of interactive audience software in medical education include increased student engagement,promotion of active learning,and enhanced learning outcomes.However,there are also several challenges to its implementation,including technical difficulties,careful planning and preparation,over-reliance on technology,and ethical concerns related to privacy and data security.The cost of implementing interactive audience software may also be a barrier for some institutions.This paper specifically reviews six interactive software platforms,including Socrative,Quizizz,Pear Deck,Slido,Wooclap and ClassPoint.These platforms allow for real-time assessment of student understanding,feedback,and participation.They also enable instructors to adjust their teaching strategies based on student responses and feedback.Overall,interactive audience software has shown great potential to enhance learning and engagement in medical education.It is important for instructors to carefully consider the benefits and challenges of its implementation.While the cost of implementing interactive audience software may be a barrier for some institutions,there are free and low-cost options available.

Mean platelet volume as a novel predictor of systematic inflammatory response in cirrhotic patients with culturenegative neutrocytic ascites

AIM: To identify a mean platelet volume(MPV) cutoff value which should be able to predict the presence of bacterial infection.METHODS: An observational, analytic, retrospective study. We evaluated medical records of cirrhotic patients who were hospitalized from January 2012 to January 2014 at the Gastroenterology Department of "Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga", we included 51 cirrhotic patients with ascites fluid infection(AFI), and 50 non-infected cirrhotic patients as control group. Receiver operator characteristic curves were used to identify the best cutoff value of several parameters from hematic cytometry, including MPV, to predict the presence of ascites fluid infection.RESULTS: Of the 51 cases with AFI, 48 patients(94.1%) had culture-negative neutrocytic ascites(CNNA), 2(3.9%) had bacterial ascites, and one(2%)had spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Infected patients had greater count of leucocytes and polymorphonuclear cells, greater levels of MPV and cardiac frequency(P < 0.0001), and lower mean arterial pressure compared with non-infected patients(P = 0.009). Leucocytes, polymorphonuclear count, MPV and cardiac frequency resulted to be good or very good predictive variables of presence of AFI in cirrhotic patients(area under the receiving operating characteristic > 0.80). A cutoff MPV value of 8.3 fl was the best to discriminate between cirrhotic patients with AFI and those without infection. CONCLUSION: Our results support that MPV can be an useful predictor of systemic inflammatory response syndrome in cirrhotic patients with AFI, particularly CNNA.

Hepatocellular carcinoma Liver Imaging Reporting and Data Systems treatment response assessment: Lessons learned and future directions

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide,with rising clinical and economic burden as incidence increases.There are a multitude of evolving treatment options,including locoregional therapies which can be used alone,in combination with each other,or in combination with systemic therapy.These treatment options have shown to be effective in achieving remission,controlling tumor progression,improving disease free and overall survival in patients who cannot undergo resection and providing a bridge to transplant by debulking tumor burden to downstage patients.Following locoregional therapy(LRT),it is crucial to provide treatment response assessment to guide management and liver transplant candidacy.Therefore,Liver Imaging Reporting and Data Systems(LI-RADS)Treatment Response Algorithm(TRA)was created to provide a standardized assessment of HCC following LRT.LIRADS TRA provides a step by step approach to evaluate each lesion independently for accurate tumor assessment.In this review,we provide an overview of different locoregional therapies for HCC,describe the expected post treatment imaging appearance following treatment,and review the LI-RADS TRA with guidance for its application in clinical practice.Unique to other publications,we will also review emerging literature supporting the use of LI-RADS for assessment of HCC treatment response after LRT.

EXACT SOLUTIONS FOR STATIONARY RESPONSES OF SEVERAL CLASSES OF NONLINEAR SYSTEMS TO PARAMETRIC AND/OR EXTERNAL WHITE NOISE EXCITATIONS

The exact solutions for stationary responses of one class of the second order and three classes of higher order nonlinear systems to parametric and/or external while noise excitations are constructed by using Fokkcr-Planck-Kolmogorov et/ualion approach. The conditions for the existence and uniqueness and the behavior of the solutions are discussed. All the systems under consideration are characterized by the dependence ofnonconservative fqrces on the first integrals of the corresponding conservative systems and arc catted generalized-energy-dependent f G.E.D.) systems. It is shown taht for each of the four classes of G.E.D. nonlinear stochastic systems there is a family of non-G.E.D. systems which are equivalent to the G.E.D. system in the sense of having identical stationary solution. The way to find the equivalent stochastic systems for a given G.E.D. system is indicated and. as an example, the equivalent stochastic systems for the second order G.E. D. nonlinear stochastic system are given. It is pointed out and illustrated with example that the exact stationary solutions for many non-G.E.D. nonlinear stochastic systems may he found by searching the equivalent G.E.D. systems.

The First-Order Comprehensive Sensitivity Analysis Methodology (1st-CASAM) for Scalar-Valued Responses: I. Theory

This work presents the first-order comprehensive adjoint sensitivity analysis methodology (1st-CASAM) for computing efficiently, exactly, and exhaustively, the first-order sensitivities of scalar-valued responses (results of interest) of coupled nonlinear physical systems characterized by imprecisely known model parameters, boundaries and interfaces between the coupled systems. The 1st-CASAM highlights the conclusion that response sensitivities to the imprecisely known domain boundaries and interfaces can arise both from the definition of the system’s response as well as from the equations, interfaces and boundary conditions defining the model and its imprecisely known domain. By enabling, in premiere, the exact computations of sensitivities to interface and boundary parameters and conditions, the 1st-CASAM enables the quantification of the effects of manufacturing tolerances on the responses of physical and engineering systems. Ongoing research will generalize the methodology presented in this work, aiming at computing exactly and efficiently higher-order response sensitivities for coupled systems involving imprecisely known interfaces, parameters, and boundaries.

Relation or Influence of RVOTO in the Inflammatory Response to Reoxygenation in Patients with Tetralogy of Fallot

Background:This study evaluated differential inflammatory response to cardiopulmonary bypass reoxygenation in tetralogy of Fallot repair.Methods:We performed a retrospective study at a cardiovascular center from 2012 to 2018,including 500 patients aged 1 week–18 years who received complete repair of tetralogy of Fallot.Patients were grouped according to tertiles of preoperative RVOT gradient on echocardiography into mild,moderate,and severe stenosis.We measured the highest perfusate oxygenation(PpO_(2))during aortic occlusion as independent variable.Primary outcome was systemic inflammatory response syndrome(SIRS)within 7 days postoperatively or the time of death or discharge.Results:Overall,rate of SIRS was 24.2% without significant differences among three groups(P>0.05).Older age,male,and smaller indexed left ventricular end-diastolic volume is independent risk factor of SIRS.There were significant interactions between RVOT stenosis and PpO2 on SIRS(P interaction=0.011):higher PpO_(2) was associated with a greater SIRS risk among combined moderate and severe stenotic children(OR 1.46395%CI[1.080,1.981]per-SD increase,P=0.014)but not among mild stenotic children(OR 0.900[0.608,1.333]per-SD increase;P=0.600),independent of covariates.Conclusion:The association of PpO_(2) with SIRS was modified by RVOT obstruction severity in tetralogy of Fallot repair.

The First-Order Comprehensive Sensitivity Analysis Methodology (1^st-CASAM) for Scalar-Valued Responses: II. Illustrative Application to a Heat Transport Benchmark Model

This work illustrates the application of the 1st-CASAM to a paradigm heat transport model which admits exact closed-form solutions. The closed-form expressions obtained in this work for the sensitivities of the temperature distributions within the model to the model’s parameters, internal interfaces and external boundaries can be used to benchmark commercial and production software packages for simulating heat transport. The 1st-CASAM highlights the novel finding that response sensitivities to the imprecisely known domain boundaries and interfaces can arise both from the definition of the system’s response as well as from the equations, interfaces and boundary conditions that characterize the model and its imprecisely known domain. By enabling, in premiere, the exact computations of sensitivities to interface and boundary parameters and conditions, the 1st-CASAM enables the quantification of the effects of manufacturing tolerances on the responses of physical and engineering systems.

FROM MOLECULAR RESPONSE TO CELL RESPONSE-Approaching the complexity of biological systems

I. THE COMPLEXITY OFBIOLOGICAL RESPONSESFor an organism, to be living or notdepends on its response to foreign matters.Facing the increasing amount and diversi-ty of chemicals, natural and synthetic, tounderstand the principles of the biologicalresponses becomes extremely importantin pursuing the way of rational utiliza-tion and governing the foreign matters.However, most biological responses aretoo complex to explore their nature. Forinstance, the risk to human beings andorganisms related to the application ofrare earths in agriculture, forestation, fish-ery and husbandry has been argued