Discontinuity development patterns and the challenges for 3D discrete fracture network modeling on complicated exposed rock surfaces

Natural slopes usually display complicated exposed rock surfaces that are characterized by complex and substantial terrain undulation and ubiquitous undesirable phenomena such as vegetation cover and rockfalls.This study presents a systematic outcrop research of fracture pattern variations in a complicated rock slope,and the qualitative and quantitative study of the complex phenomena impact on threedimensional(3D)discrete fracture network(DFN)modeling.As the studies of the outcrop fracture pattern have been so far focused on local variations,thus,we put forward a statistical analysis of global variations.The entire outcrop is partitioned into several subzones,and the subzone-scale variability of fracture geometric properties is analyzed(including the orientation,the density,and the trace length).The results reveal significant variations in fracture characteristics(such as the concentrative degree,the average orientation,the density,and the trace length)among different subzones.Moreover,the density of fracture sets,which is approximately parallel to the slope surface,exhibits a notably higher value compared to other fracture sets across all subzones.To improve the accuracy of the DFN modeling,the effects of three common phenomena resulting from vegetation and rockfalls are qualitatively analyzed and the corresponding quantitative data processing solutions are proposed.Subsequently,the 3D fracture geometric parameters are determined for different areas of the high-steep rock slope in terms of the subzone dimensions.The results show significant variations in the same set of 3D fracture parameters across different regions with density differing by up to tenfold and mean trace length exhibiting differences of 3e4 times.The study results present precise geological structural information,improve modeling accuracy,and provide practical solutions for addressing complex outcrop issues.

Combining systemic inflammatory response index and albumin fibrinogen ratio to predict early serious complications and prognosis after resectable gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer has a high incidence and fatality rate,and surgery is the preferred course of treatment.Nonetheless,patient survival rates are still low,and the incidence of major postoperative complications cannot be disregarded.The systemic inflammatory response,nutritional level,and coagulation status are key factors affecting the postoperative recovery and prognosis of gastric cancer patients.The systemic inflammatory response index(SIRI)and the albumin fibrinogen ratio(AFR)are two valuable comprehensive indicators of the severity and prognosis of systemic inflammation in various medical conditions.AIM To assess the clinical importance and prognostic significance of the SIRI scores and the AFR on early postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing radical gastric cancer surgery.METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinicopathological characteristics and relevant laboratory indices of 568 gastric cancer patients from January 2018 to December 2019.We calculated and compared two indicators of inflammation and then examined the diagnostic ability of combined SIRI and AFR values for serious early postoperative complications.We scored the patients and categorized them into three groups based on their SIRI and AFR levels.COX analysis was used to compare the three groups of patients the prognostic value of various preoperative SIRI-AFR scores for 5-year overall survival(OS)and disease-free survival(DFS).RESULTS SIRI-AFR scores were an independent risk factor for prognosis[OS:P=0.004;hazards ratio(HR)=3.134;DFS:P<0.001;HR=3.543]and had the highest diagnostic power(area under the curve:0.779;95%confidence interval:0.737-0.820)for early serious complications in patients with gastric cancer.The tumor-node-metastasis stage(P=0.001),perioperative transfusion(P=0.044),positive carcinoembryonic antigen(P=0.014)findings,and major postoperative complications(P=0.011)were factors associated with prognosis.CONCLUSION Preoperative SIRI and AFR values were significantly associated with early postoperative survival and the occurrence of severe complications in gastric cancer patients.

Complicated calcified alloplastic implants in the nasal dorsum:A clinical analysis

BACKGROUND In rhinoplasty,calcification around silicone implants is frequently observed in the tip dorsum(TD)area.Additionally,based on a review of various literature,it is presumed that calcification in silicone implants occurs due to both inflammatory chemical reactions and physical friction against the tissue.The calcification of nasal silicone implants not only results in the functional loss of the implants,but also leads to material deformation.However,there is a lack of research on calcification of nasal silicone implants in the current literature.AIM To elucidate various clinical characteristics of calcification around nasal silicone implants,using histological and radiological analysis.METHODS This study analyzed data from 16 patients of calcified nasal implants,who underwent revision rhinoplasty for various reasons after undergoing augmentation rhinoplasty with silicone implants.The collected data included information on implant duration,implant types,location of calcification,presence of inflammatory reactions,and computed tomography(CT)scans.RESULTS The most common location of calcification,as visually analyzed,was in the TD area,accounting for 56%.Additionally,the analysis of CT scans revealed a trend of increasing Hounsfield Unit values for calcification with the duration of implantation,although this trend was not statistically significant(P=0.139).CONCLUSION Our study shows that reducing the frequency of calcification may be achievable by using softer silicone implants and by minimizing the damage to perioperative tissues.

Impact of frailty on postoperative outcomes after hepatectomy:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The impact of frailty on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing hepatectomy is still unclear.AIM To study the influence of frailty on postoperative outcomes,such as mortality,rate of complications,and length of hospitalization,following hepatectomy.METHODS PubMed,EMBASE,and Scopus databases were searched for observational studies with adult(≥18 years)patients after planned/elective hepatectomy.A randomeffects model was used for all analyses,and the results are expressed as weighted mean difference(WMD),relative risk(RR),or hazards ratio(HR)with 95%confidence interval(CI).RESULTS Analysis of the 13 included studies showed a significant association of frailty with elevated risk of in-hospital mortality(RR=2.76,95%CI:2.10-3.64),mortality at 30 d(RR=4.60,95%CI:1.85-11.40),and mortality at 90 d(RR=2.52,95%CI:1.70-3.75)in the postoperative period.Frail patients had a poorer long-term survival(HR=2.89,95%CI:1.84-4.53)and higher incidence of“any”complications(RR=1.69,95%CI:1.40-2.03)and major(grade III or higher on the Clavien-Dindo scale)complications(RR=2.69,95%CI:1.85-3.92).Frailty was correlated with markedly lengthier hospital stay(WMD=3.65,95%CI:1.45-5.85).CONCLUSION Frailty correlates with elevated risks of mortality,complications,and prolonged hospitalization,which need to be considered in surgical management.Further research is essential to formulate strategies for improved outcomes in this vulnerable cohort.

Sarcopenia adversely impacts clinical outcomes in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Sarcopenia is a syndrome marked by a gradual and widespread reduction in skeletal muscle mass and strength,as well as a decline in functional ability,which is associated with malnutrition,hormonal changes,chronic inflammation,distur-bance of intestinal flora,and exercise quality.Pancreatoduodenectomy is a com-monly employed clinical intervention for conditions such as pancreatic head cancer,ampulla of Vater cancer,and cholangiocarcinoma,among others,with a notably high rate of postoperative complications.Sarcopenia is frequent in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy.However,data regarding the effects of sarcopenia in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD)are both limited and inconsistent.The PubMed,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,and Embase databases were screened for studies published from the time of database inception to June 2023 that described the effects of sarcopenia on the outcomes and complications of PD.Two researchers independently assessed the quality of the data extracted from the studies that met the inclusion criteria.Meta-analysis using RevMan 5.3.5 and Stata 14.0 software was conducted.Forest and funnel plots were used,respectively,to demonstrate the outcomes of the sarcopenia group vs the non-sarcopenia group after PD and to evaluate potential publication bias.RESULTS Sixteen studies encompassing 2381 patients were included in the meta-analysis.The patients in the sarcopenia group(n=833)had higher overall postoperative complication rates[odds ratio(OR)=3.42,95%confidence interval(CI):1.95-5.99,P<0.0001],higher Clavien-Dindo class≥III major complication rates(OR=1.41,95%CI:1.04-1.90,P=0.03),higher bacteremia rates(OR=4.46,95%CI:1.42-13.98,P=0.01),higher pneumonia rates(OR=2.10,95%CI:1.34-3.27,P=0.001),higher pancreatic fistula rates(OR=1.42,95%CI:1.12-1.79,P=0.003),longer hospital stays(OR=2.86,95%CI:0.44-5.28,P=0.02),higher mortality rates(OR=3.17,95%CI:1.55-6.50,P=0.002),and worse overall survival(hazard ratio=2.81,95%CI:1.45-5.45,P=0.002)than those in the non-sarcopenia group(n=1548).However,no significant inter-group differences were observed regarding wound infections,urinary tract infections,biliary fistulas,or postoperative digestive bleeding.CONCLUSION Sarcopenia is a common comorbidity in patients undergoing PD.Patients with preoperative sarcopenia have increased rates of complications and mortality,in addition to a poorer overall survival rate and longer hospital stays after PD.

COVID-19 and cardiac complications:Myocarditis and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children

Coronavirus is an important pathogen causing disease in humans and animals.At the end of 2019,an investigation into an increase in pneumonia cases in Wuhan,Hubei Province,China,found that the cause was a new coronavirus.This disease,which spread rapidly across China and caused an outbreak worldwide,resulted in a pandemic.Although this virus has previously been referred to as 2019-nCoV,which causes coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),later it was named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.Children were usually asymptomatic and rarely severely affected.In April 2020,reports from the United Kingdom indicated that children may have Kawasaki disease or a clinical condition similar to toxic shock syndrome.This clinical picture was later defined as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children.Since then,similarly affected children as well as cases with other cardiac complications have been reported in other parts of the world.In this review,we aimed to evaluate COVID-19 in terms of cardiac involvement by reviewing the literature.

Impact of frailty on short-term postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer is a major global health challenge that predominantly affects older people.Surgical management,despite advancements,requires careful consideration of preoperative patient status for optimal outcomes.AIM To summarize existing evidence on the association of frailty with short-term postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.METHODS A literature search was conducted using PubMed,EMBASE and Scopus databases for observational studies in adult patients aged≥18 years undergoing planned or elective colorectal surgery for primary carcinoma and/or secondary metastasis.Only studies that conducted frailty assessment using recognized frailty assess-ment tools and had a comparator group,comprising nonfrail patients,were included.Pooled effect sizes were reported as weighted mean difference or relative risk(RR)with 95%confidence intervals(CIs).RESULTS A total of 24 studies were included.Compared with nonfrail patients,frailty was associated with an increased risk of mortality at 30 d(RR:1.99,95%CI:1.47-2.69),at 90 d(RR:4.76,95%CI:1.56-14.6)and at 1 year(RR:5.73,95%CI:2.74-12.0)of follow up.Frail patients had an increased risk of any complications(RR:1.81,95%CI:1.57-2.10)as well as major complications(Clavien-Dindo classification grade≥III)(RR:2.87,95%CI:1.65-4.99)compared with the control group.The risk of reoperation(RR:1.18,95%CI:1.07-1.31),readmission(RR:1.70,95%CI:1.36-2.12),need for blood transfusion(RR:1.67,95%CI:1.52-1.85),wound complications(RR:1.49,95%CI:1.11-1.99),delirium(RR:4.60,95%CI:2.31-9.16),risk of prolonged hospitalization(RR:2.09,95%CI:1.22-3.60)and discharge to a skilled nursing facility or rehabilitation center(RR:3.19,95%CI:2.0-5.08)was all higher in frail patients.CONCLUSION Frailty in colorectal cancer surgery patients was associated with more complications,longer hospital stays,higher reoperation risk,and increased mortality.Integrating frailty assessment appears crucial for tailored surgical management.

Retrospective analysis based on a clinical grading system for patients with hepatic hemangioma:A single center experience

BACKGROUND The optimal approach for managing hepatic hemangioma is controversial.AIM To evaluate a clinical grading system for management of hepatic hemangioma based on our 17-year of single institution experience.METHODS A clinical grading system was retrospectively applied to 1171 patients with hepatic hemangioma from January 2002 to December 2018.Patients were classified into four groups based on the clinical grading system and treatment:(1)Observation group with score<4(Obs score<4);(2)Surgical group with score<4(Sur score<4);(3)Observation group with score≥4(Obs score≥4);and(4)Surgical group with score≥4(Sur score≥4).The clinico-pathological index and outcomes were evaluated.RESULTS There were significantly fewer symptomatic patients in surgical groups(Sur score≥4 vs Obs score≥4,P<0.001;Sur score<4 vs Obs score<4,χ^(2)=8.60,P=0.004;Sur score≥4 vs Obs score<4,P<0.001).The patients in Sur score≥4 had a lower rate of in need for intervention and total patients with adverse event than in Obs score≥4(P<0.001;P<0.001).Nevertheless,there was no significant difference in need for intervention and total patients with adverse event between the Sur score<4 and Obs score<4(P>0.05;χ^(2)=1.68,P>0.05).CONCLUSION This clinical grading system appeared as a practical tool for hepatic hemangioma.Surgery can be suggested for patients with a score≥4.For those with<4,follow-up should be proposed.

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.

Estimation of Physiologic Ability and Surgical Stress scoring system for predicting complications following abdominal surgery: A metaanalysis spanning 2004 to 2022

BACKGROUND Postoperative complications remain a paramount concern for surgeons and healthcare practitioners.AIM To present a comprehensive analysis of the Estimation of Physiologic Ability and Surgical Stress(E-PASS)scoring system’s efficacy in predicting postoperative complications following abdominal surgery.METHODS A systematic search of published studies was conducted,yielding 17 studies with pertinent data.Parameters such as preoperative risk score(PRS),surgical stress score(SSS),comprehensive risk score(CRS),postoperative complications,post-operative mortality,and other clinical data were collected for meta-analysis.Forest plots were employed for continuous and binary variables,withχ2 tests assessing heterogeneity(P value).RESULTS Patients experiencing complications after abdominal surgery exhibited significantly higher E-PASS scores compared to those without complications[mean difference and 95%confidence interval(CI)of PRS:0.10(0.05-0.15);SSS:0.04(0.001-0.08);CRS:0.19(0.07-0.31)].Following the exclusion of low-quality studies,results remained valid with no discernible heterogeneity.Subgroup analysis indicated that variations in sample size and age may contribute to hetero-geneity in CRS analysis.Binary variable meta-analysis demonstrated a correlation between high CRS and increased postoperative complication rates[odds ratio(OR)(95%CI):3.01(1.83-4.95)],with a significant association observed between high CRS and postoperative mortality[OR(95%CI):15.49(3.75-64.01)].CONCLUSION In summary,postoperative complications in abdominal surgery,as assessed by the E-PASS scoring system,are consistently linked to elevated PRS,SSS,and CRS scores.High CRS scores emerge as risk factors for heightened morbidity and mortality.This study establishes the accuracy of the E-PASS scoring system in predicting postoperative morbidity and mortality in abdominal surgery,underscoring its potential for widespread adoption in effective risk assessment.

Comparison of Surgical Techniques Used in Treating Acromioclavicular Dislocation in Patients Participating in Sports: A Systematic Review

Introduction: The acromioclavicular joint is a superficial diarthrodial joint that surrounds the medial articular facet of the acromion and the distal portion of the clavicle. Due to its anatomy and biomechanics, it is highly susceptible to trauma and in young men who play contact sports, acromioclavicular dislocation is common. This article aimed to systematically review the literature and compare the surgical techniques used in the treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation in patients who practice sports. Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to the International Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Eligible studies for this systematic review included articles in English or Spanish published between 2013 and 2023, which mention the occurrence of acromioclavicular dislocation during sports practices. Additionally, only studies that addressed the surgical treatment of acromion-clavicular dislocation and contained original data on the topic were included. Results: We found 144 eligible studies after searching the LILACS and PubMed databases. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and the reviewers’ consensus, we selected four studies for the systematic review. 133 patients with AC joint displacement were evaluated. Mean Age: approximately 31.90 years. 81.92 of these injuries occurred during sports practice. Surgical Procedures Used: titanium plates fixation (49 patients), arthroscopy (24), single tunnel technique (30) and coracoid sling technique (30). The results of the visual analog scale and Constant-Murley scores varied between the techniques used. Twenty-two complications after surgical treatment were identified. Conclusion: A significant variability of operative techniques can be used in the surgical approach of acromioclavicular dislocation, such as arthroscopy, single tunnel, coracoid sling and titanium plates. Although it presented excellent functional results compared to the other three techniques evaluated by this review, using titanium plates is not the gold standard since other techniques not assessed by this work may be more effective.

Liquid Subcutaneous Levodopa-Carbidopa ND0612 Effects on Motor Symptoms in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: In the manuscript titled “Liquid subcutaneous Levodopa-Carbidopa ND0612 effects on motor symptoms in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis”, the objective was to conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis to investigate the effects ND0612 24-hour dosing regimen has on motor symptoms in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Introduction: ND0612 is a novel minimally invasive continuous subcutaneous delivery system of liquid Levodopa-Carbidopa being investigated for the treatment of PD in individuals experiencing motor symptoms. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, and EBSCO databases to identify randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of ND0612 on motor symptoms in individuals with PD. Outcomes included the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Part II and Part III scores. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model with the DerSimonian and Laird method to estimate the effects of the ND0612 24-hour dosing regimen on UPDRS Part II and Part III scores. Results: Three studies were included in our review. There were statistically significant reductions in UPDRS Part II scores (mean difference (MD) −3.299;95% confidence interval (CI) −3.438, −3.159) and in UPDRS Part III scores (MD −12.695;95% CI −24.428, −0.962) in the ND0612 24-hour dosing regimen. Results were based on very low certainty of evidence. Conclusion: Based on very low certainty evidence, the ND0612 24-hour dosing regimen is effective at improving motor symptoms in individuals with PD. Our findings suggest that ND0612 is more effective at improving UPDRS Part II and Part III scores in individuals with PD than other pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, warranting further study.

Correlation Analysis Between Changes of D-Dimer Level and Rheumatoid Arthritis Complicated with Interstitial Lung Disease

Objective:To explore the correlation between the change of D-dimer level and rheumatoid arthritis complicated with interstitial lung disease.Methods:From January 2022 to February 2024,20 rheumatoid arthritis patients complicated with interstitial lung disease(interstitial lung disease group),20 rheumatoid arthritis patients without interstitial lung disease(without interstitial lung disease group),and 20 healthy people(control group)in Xijing Hospital were selected for this study.The fasting venous blood of the three groups of subjects was collected and their D-dimer,C-reactive protein(CRP),rheumatoid factor(RF),and erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR)were detected.Subsequently,the correlation between each index and rheumatoid arthritis complicated with interstitial lung disease was analyzed.Results:The D-dimer level of the interstitial lung disease group was significantly higher than the other two groups(P<0.05).The D-dimer level of the group without interstitial lung disease was significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05).CRP levels in the interstitial lung disease group and the group without interstitial lung disease were significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).The ESR and RF levels of the interstitial lung disease group were significantly higher than the other two groups(P<0.05).The levels of ESR and RF levels of the group without interstitial lung disease were significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:D-dimer levels of rheumatoid arthritis patients are higher than those of healthy individuals,and those complicated with interstitial lung disease present even higher levels.This finding shows that there is a correlation between D-dimer levels and rheumatoid arthritis with interstitial lung disease,which may facilitate the evaluation and diagnosis of this disease.

STUDY FOR THE BIFURCATION TOPOLOGICAL STRUCTURE AND THE GLOBAL COMPLICATED CHARACTER OF A KIND OF NONLINEAR FINANCE SYSTEM(Ⅰ)

Based on the work discussed on the former study, this article first starts from the mathematical model of a kind of complicated financial system, and analyses all possible things that the model shows in the operation of our country's macro_financial system: balance, stable periodic, fractal, Hopf_bifurcation, the relationship between parameters and Hopf_bifurcation, and chaotic motion etc. By the changes of parameters of all economic meanings, the conditions on which the complicated behaviors occur in such a financial system, and the influence of the adjustment of the macro_economic policies and adjustment of some parameter on the whole financial system behavior have been analyzed. This study will deepen people's understanding of the lever function of all kinds of financial policies.

STUDY FOR THE BIFURCATION TOPOLOGICAL STRUCTURE AND THE GLOBAL COMPLICATED CHARACTER OF A KIND OF NONLINEAR FINANCE SYSTEM(Ⅱ)

Based on the work discussed on the former study, this article first starts from the mathematical model of a kind of complicated financial system, and analyses all possible things that the model shows in the operation of our country's macro_financial system: balance, stable periodic, fractal, Hopf_bifurcation, the relationship between parameters and Hopf_bifurcation, and chaotic motion etc. By the changes of parameters of all economic meanings, the conditions on which the complicated behaviors occur in such a financial system, and the influence of the adjustment of the macro_economic policies and adjustment of some parameter on the whole financial system behavior have been analyzed. This study will deepen people's understanding of the lever function of all kinds of financial policies.

RESEARCH ON THE COMPLICATED DYNAMICAL BEHAVIORS OF NONLINEAR ECOSYSTEMS(Ⅱ)

This paper is a further study of reference [1]. In this paper, we mainly discuss the complicated dynamical behaviors resulting from a simple one-dimensional model of nonlinear ecosystems: fixed point motion, periodic motion and chaotic motion etc., and briefly discuss the universality of the complicated dynamical behaviors, which can be described by the first and the second M. Feigenbaun. constants. At last, we discuss the 'one-side lowering phenomenon' due to near unstabilization when the nonlinear ecosystem approaches bifurcation points from unbifurcation side. It is of important theoretical and practical meanings both in the development and utilization of ecological resources ar.d in the design and management of artifilial ecosystems.

Impressive recompensation in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt-treated individuals with complications of decompensated cirrhosis based on Baveno VII criteria

BACKGROUND Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)is the standard second-line treatment option for individuals with complications of decompensated cirrhosis,such as variceal bleeding and refractory ascites.AIM To investigate whether recompensation existed in TIPS-treated patients with decompensated cirrhosis according to Baveno VII criteria.METHODS This retrospective analysis was performed on 64 patients who received TIPS for variceal bleeding or refractory ascites.The definition of recompensation referred to Baveno VII criteria and previous study.Clinical events,laboratory tests,and radiological examinations were regularly conducted during a preset follow-up period.The recompensation ratio in this cohort was calculated.Beyond that,univariate and multivariate regression models were conducted to identify the predictors of recompensation.RESULTS Of the 64 patients with a 12-mo follow-up,20(31%)achieved recompensation.Age[odds ratio(OR):1.124;95%confidence interval(CI):1.034-1.222]and postTIPS portal pressure gradient<12 mmHg(OR:0.119;95%CI:0.024-0.584)were identified as independent predictors of recompensation in patients with decompensated cirrhosis after TIPS.CONCLUSION The present study demonstrated that nearly one-third of the TIPS-treated patients achieved recompensation within this cohort.According to our findings,recompensation is more likely to be achieved in younger patients.In addition,postoperative portal pressure gradient reduction below 12 mmHg contributes to the occurrence of recompensation.

ANALYSIS AND APPLIED STUDY OF DYNAMICCHARA CTERISTICS OF CHAOTIC REPELLER IN COMPLICATED SYSTEM

Fractal characters and fractal dimension of time series created by repeller in complicated system were studied and the time series were reconstructed by applying the theory of phase space reconstruction for chaotic time series. The influence of zero_mean treatment, Fourier filter on prediction for time series were studied. The choice of prediction sample affects the relative error and the prediction length which were also under good concern. The results show that the model provided here are practical for the modeling and prediction of time series created by chaotic repellers. Zero_mean treatment has changed prediction result quantitatively for chaotic repeller sample data. But using Fourier filter may decrease the prediction precision. This is theoretical and practical for study on chaotic repeller in complicated system.

Stone-scoring systems for predicting complications in percutaneous nephrolithotomy:A systematic review of the literature

Objective:Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a treatment of choice for larger stones of the upper urinary tract.Currently,several nephrolithometric nomograms for prediction of post-operative surgical outcomes have been proposed,although uncertainties still exist regarding their roles in the estimation of complications.Methods:We conducted a systematic review on PubMed and Web of Sciences databases including English studies with at least 100 cases and published between January 2010 and December 2021.We identified original articles evaluating correlations between the Guy’s stone score,the stone size(S),tract length(T),obstruction(O),number of involved calices(N),and essence or stone density(E)(S.T.O.N.E.),Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society(CROES),and Seoul National University Renal Stone Complexity(S-ReSC)scores and post-operative complications in adult patients.We also included newly designed nomograms for prediction of specific complications.Results:After an initial search of 549 abstracts,we finally included a total of 18 papers.Of them,11 investigated traditional nephrolithometric nomograms,while seven newly designed nomograms were used to predict specific complications.Overall,7316 patients have been involved.In total,14 out of 18 papers are derived from retrospective single-center studies.Guy’s stone score obtained correlation with complications in five,S.T.O.N.E.nephrolithometry score in four,while CROES score and S-ReSC score in three and two,respectively.None of the studies investigated minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL)and all cases have been conducted in prone position.Considering newly designed nomograms,none of them is currently externally validated;five of them predict post-operative infections;the remaining two have been designed for thromboembolic events and urinary leakage.Conclusion:This review presents all nomograms currently available in the PCNL field and highlights a certain number of concerns.Published data have appeared contradictory;more recent tools for prediction of post-operative complications are frequently based on small retrospective cohorts and lack external validations.Heterogeneity among studies has also been noticed.More rigorous validations are advisable in the future,involving larger prospective patients’series and with the comparison of different tools.

A Method of Reliability Allocation of a Complicated Large System

Aiming at the problem of reliability allocation for a complicated largesystem, a new thought is brought up. Reliability allocation should be a kind of decision-makingbehavior; therefore the more information is used when apportioning a reliability index, the morereasonable an allocation is obtained. Reliability allocation for a complicated large system consistsof two processes, the first one is a reliability information reporting process from bottom to top,and the other one is a reliability index apportioning process from top to bottom. By a typicalexample, we illustrate the concrete process of reliability allocation algorithms.