The procalcitonin-to-cortisol ratio is a potential prognostic predictor in sepsis with abdominal source: a retrospective observational study.

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the procalcitonin-to-cortisol ratio (P/C ratio) as a prognostic predictor among septic patients with abdominal source.

Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 132 post-surgery patients between 18 and 90 years old with sepsis of the abdominal source. On the second day of sepsis onset, cortisol, procalcitonin (PCT), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, C-response protein (CRP), and other baseline characteristics were collected.

Endoscopic gastric fenestration of debriding pancreatic walled-off necrosis: A pilot study.

Background: Endoscopic drainage of walled-off necrosis (WON) is still a challenge due to stent-associated problems. We explored endoscopic gastric fenestration (EGF) as an innovative alternative intervention.

Aim: To assess the feasibility, efficacy and safety of EGF for WON.

Discrete element modeling of a mining-induced rock slide.

Slopes are subjected to stress redistributions during underground mining activities, and this may eventually cause deformation or landslide. This paper takes Madaling landslide in Guizhou Province, China as a case study to investigate the failure mechanism and its run-out behaviours by using discrete element method. Previous qualitative analysis indicated that the slope experienced four stages of failure mechanisms: (1) development of tension cracks, (2) development of stepped-like creep cracks, (3) development of potential rupture surfaces, and (4) occurrence of the landslide.

Effect of biliary drainage on inducible nitric oxide synthase, CD14 and TGR5 expression in obstructive jaundice rats.

Aim: To investigate the effect of biliary drainage on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), CD14 and TGR5 expression in rats with obstructive jaundice (OJ).

Methods: Male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups: OJ, sham operation (SH), internal biliary drainage (ID) and external biliary drainage (ED). Rat models were successfully established by two operations and succumbed for extraction of Kupffer cells (KCs) and liver tissue collection on the 8(th) and 15(th) day.

Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES): patients' perceptions and attitudes.

Background: Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has generated a surge of enthusiasm among researchers by virtue of its challenge to the dogma and potential benefits. However, no data is available in the medical literature about NOTES' acceptance by patients in Asia. The aim of the study is to survey patients' perceptions and attitudes towards NOTES.

[Combined transgastric and transcolonic endoscopic salpingectomy: experiment with pigs].

Objective: To compare the feasibility and safety of combined transgastric and transcolonic dual approach and those of transgastric single approach in endoscopic salpingectomy.

Methods: Two female Chinese Nongda miniature pigs underwent gastric and colonic lavage with tap water followed by disinfection of mucosa with 1:10 iodophor. An endoscope was inserted and the colonic wall was punctured with a needle knife, dilated with a balloon-dilator and a double-channel endoscope was advanced into the peritoneal cavity.