, MD (Parallel Session) Nothing to disclose Boelsterli, Urs A, P

, MD (Parallel Session) Nothing to disclose Boelsterli, Urs A., PhD (Parallel Session) Nothing to disclose Boyer, Thomas D., MD (AASLD/IASL Symposium) Grant/Research Support: Ikaria, Gore, Gilead, Merck, Globimmune Content of the presentation does not include discussion of off-label/investigative use of medicine(s), medical devices or procedure(s) Brau, Norbert, MD (Meet-the-Professor Luncheon) Advisory Committees or Review Panels: Janssen Grant/Research Support:

BMS, Gilead, Vertex Speaking and click here Teaching: Vertex, Onyx Content of the presentation does not include discussion of off-label/investigative use of medicine(s), medical devices or procedure(s) Brenner, David, MD (Early Morning Workshops) Nothing to disclose Content of the presentation does not include discussion of off-label/investigative use PD332991 of medicine(s), medical devices or procedure(s) Brown, Jeffrey J., MD (AASLD Postgraduate Course) Nothing to disclose Content of the presentation does not include discussion of off-label/investigative use of medicine(s),

medical devices or procedure(s) Brown, Kimberly Ann, MD (AASLD Postgraduate Course) Advisory Committees or Review Panels: CLDF, Merck, Salix, Gilead, Vertex, Novartis, Genentech, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Salix Consulting: Blue Cross Transplant Centers, Salix Grant/Research Support: CLDF, Gilead, Exalenz, CDC, BMS, Bayer-Onyx, Ikaria, Hyperion, Merck Speaking and Teaching: Salix, Merck, Genentech, Gilead, CLDF, Vertex Content of the presentation does not include discussion of off-label/investigative use of medicine(s), medical devices or procedure(s) Brown, Kyle E., MD (Parallel Session) Nothing to disclose

Brunt, Elizabeth M., MD (AASLD Postgraduate 上海皓元医药股份有限公司 Course) Speaking and Teaching: Geneva Foundation Content of the presentation does not include discussion of off-label/investigative use of medicine(s), medical devices or procedure(s) Burra, Patrizia, MD, PhD (AASLD/ILTS Transplant Course) Nothing to disclose Content of the presentation does not include discussion of off-label/investigative use of medicine(s), medical devices or procedure(s) Bzowej, Natalie H., MD, PhD (Parallel Session) Advisory Committees or Review Panels: Vertex Grant/Research Support: Genentech, Merck, Gilead Sciences, Vertex, Bristol Myer Squibb, Pharmasset Speaking and Teaching: Gilead Sciences, Vertex Cabrera, Roniel, MD (Meet-the-Professor Luncheon) Nothing to disclose Content of the presentation does not include discussion of off-label/investigative use of medicine(s), medical devices or procedure(s) Caldwell, Stephen H., MD (AASLD Postgraduate Course, Advances for Practitioners, Early Morning Workshops) Advisory Committees or Review Panels: Vital Therapy Consulting: Wellstat diagnostics Grant/Research Support: Hemosonics, Gilead Sciences Content of the presentation does not include discussion of off-label/investigative use of medicine(s), medical devices or procedure(s) Casey, Carol A.

Its role in pelvic collections remains limited to patients who fa

Its role in pelvic collections remains limited to patients who fail imaging-guided drainage and who are unsuitable for surgery. The positive data from Puri et al.9 are encouraging, and it may become more widely accepted if it is validated by other prospective data. Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery is currently a subject of scientific research.15 It utilizes a similar transluminal approach for surgical procedures and may result in development of accessories

that can facilitate the process of EUS-guided drainage and improve procedural efficacy and safety. “
“The role of serum quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (qHBsAg) in identifying hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers with significant fibrosis is unknown. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic selleck kinase inhibitor value of qHBsAg for hepatic fibrosis in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive HBV carriers. Consecutive Tanespimycin biopsy-proven HBeAg-positive HBV carriers were prospectively recruited in our center from 2009 to 2011 and were randomly divided into training

and validation set. Area under receiver-operator curve (AUC) was used to determine the diagnostic accuracy of simple tests for significant fibrosis (Scheuer stage, F ≥ 2). Overall, a total of 197 eligible patients (median age 31 years; 149 males) were enrolled. The median qHBsAg was 4.20 (log10 IU/mL). Significant fibrosis was confirmed in 112 (56.9%) patients. By logistical regression analysis, qHBsAg and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase were medchemexpress identified as predictors for significant fibrosis in training set (n = 124). Thus, qHBsAg index and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase to qHBsAg ratio (GqHBsR) were selected for the subsequent analysis. In the training set, an AUC of 0.762, 0.826, 0.749, and 0.771 was observed for qHBsAg index, GqHBsR, FIB-4, and aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index, respectively (all P < 0.05).

GqHBsR yielded a higher AUC than aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index and FIB-4 (both P < 0.05). Using the optimal cut-off of 7.78, GqHBsR showed a sensitivity of 78.9% and a specificity of 73.6%. About 80% of liver biopsy could be avoided in the entire cohort. Serum qHBsAg-based simple tests, especially GqHBsR, can accurately and specifically identify significant fibrosis in treatment-naïve HBeAg-positive HBV carriers. "
“Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is a premalignant condition to esophageal adenocarcinoma. It is currently not clear whether cigarette smoking increases the risk of developing BE, and no meta-analysis has been performed on the topic. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, providing a quantitative estimate of the increased risk of BE associated with cigarette smoking, to help clarify whether a relationship exists between smoking and BE. Four electronic databases (Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Current Contents Connect) were searched to May 17, 2013, for observational studies of BE patients.

Statistical significance was declared if P < 005 Semiquantitati

Statistical significance was declared if P < 0.05. Semiquantitative RT-PCR and real-time qPCR methods were used to compare EIF5A2 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression between 81 pairs of primary HCC tumor and nontumorous

surrounding tissues. Overexpression of EIF5A2 was detected in 50/81 (61.7%, P < 0.0001, independent Student's t test) of HCCs as compared to their nontumorous counterparts (Fig. 1A,B), indicating that EIF5A2 was frequently overexpressed in HCC. Among these 81 HCCs, detailed clinicopathological information was available for 45 cases. The association study found that selleck chemicals overexpression of EIF5A2 was positively associated with tumor metastasis (P = 0.036, chi-square test) and negatively associated with tumor encapsulation formation (P = 0.020, chi-square test, Table 1), suggesting that EIF5A2 may play a role in HCC metastasis. Western blot analysis was applied to determine protein expression level of EIF5A2 in 12 cell lines including three immortalized liver cell lines (MIHA, LO2, and Chang Liver) and nine HCC cell lines (H2P, H2M, HepG2, Hep3B, Huh7, BEL7402, QSG7701, QGY7703, and PLC8024). EIF5A2 was undetectable in all three immortalized liver cell lines, whereas high-level expression of EIF5A2 was observed in 6/9 of HCC cell lines, including H2P, H2M, Hep3B, Huh7, BEL7402, and PLC8024

(Fig. 1C). The expression level of EIF5A in these 12 cell lines was also examined and a similar level of expression was observed in all tested cell lines, suggesting that EIF5A2, rather than EIF5A, www.selleckchem.com/products/PD-0332991.html plays an oncogenic role in HCC development and progression. To investigate the role of EIF5A2 in HCC invasion and metastasis, EIF5A2 expression was compared between primary and metastatic HCCs by immunohistochemistry using an HCC tissue microarray containing 47 pairs MCE of HCC specimens. Each pair consisted of primary and metastatic

lesions derived from the same patient. In all, 25 pairs of HCCs (53.2%) showed higher expression of EIF5A2 in metastatic lesions compared with their individually matched primary tumor samples. In a subset of primary tumors, EIF5A2 protein expression was already elevated (18/47, 38.3%). IHC staining of EIF5A2 protein in representative samples of nontumor, primary, and metastatic lesions are shown in Fig. 1D. Moreover, in some metastatic lesions we observed that the expression level of EIF5A2 was obviously higher at the edge of tumor (Fig. 1E) and in tumor cells invading the surrounding tissue (Fig. 1F, indicated by arrows). We have described LO2-EIF5A2, a stable liver cell line overexpressing EIF5A2.11 Overexpression of EIF5A2 in LO2-EIF5A2 cells was determined by RT-PCR and western blot (Fig. 2A). Because cell motility is an important factor regulating cancer invasion and metastasis, the effect of EIF5A2 on cell motility was characterized by wound-healing, transwell migration, and Matrigel invasion assays.

With the development of direct acting antivirals (DAAs) and the i

With the development of direct acting antivirals (DAAs) and the introduction of response

guided therapy patients are eligible for truncated therapy or treatment futility based on detectability of very low levels of HCV RNA at defined time points. As a result, accuracy in assessing HCV viral load at the low end buy Vemurafenib of the dynamic range for commercially available assays can have a tremendous impact on treatment decisions. However, there is a huge variability in plasma collection, storage and shipment to the laboratory. It is unknown to what extend different storage and transport conditions influence HCV RNA test results in samples with low level viremia. Methods: In order to mimic a low viremic setting we created plasma samples with targeted HCV RNA levels of 4-260 IU/ml by using human plasma and the WHO 2nd International HCV RNA standard. Aliquots of these samples were incubated at 4°C, 25°C (room temperature; RT) and 37°C for 2h, 6h, 12h, 24h, 72h, or up to 7d. In each aliquot HCV RNA was measured three times using the

Abbott RealTime HCV viral load assay. Results: HCV RNA was stable at 4°C, 25°C and 37°C even after 7 days of incubation. In samples with low but still quantifiable selleck chemical HCV RNA, HCV viral loads measured after 3-7 days of storage at 4°C and 25°C were nearly equal to baseline levels (mean decline: −0.06log and −0.11log, respectively) and showed only a small decrease if incubated at 37°C (−0.2log). For those samples with an HCV RNA level below the limit of quantification or detection, HCV RNA was detected

in 73% at baseline and in 67%, 58% and 79% of cases after storage at 4°C for 2-6h, 12-24h and 3-7d, respectively. In contrast, a small difference occurred after incubation at room temperature (58%, 67% and 58%) and at 37°C (50%, 56% and 67%). However, there was either exactly the same (25°C; RT) or even a higher (37°C) number of detected HCV RNA results after long incubation for 3-7d compared with only a short incubation period of 2-6h. Conclusions: MCE Storage of HCV RNA plasma samples at 4°C, RT or 37°C for up to 7 days does not have a significant impact on the reported HCV RNA result. Thus according to our data it seems unlikely that treatment decisions are influenced by plasma storage and transport conditions. We are currently investigating HCV RNA stability in serum and full blood as well as in samples obtained from patients receiving antiviral treatment. Data will be presented at the meeting. Disclosures: Benjamin Maasoumy – Advisory Committees or Review Panels: Abbott Molecular; Speaking and Teaching: MSD, Roche Diagnostics, Roche Pharma Gavin A. Cloherty – Employment: Abbott Molecular; Stock Shareholder: Abbott Laboratories Michael P.

Hh signaling was also assessed in primary hepatocytes isolated fr

Hh signaling was also assessed in primary hepatocytes isolated from another 6 adult male mice 24

or 48 hours after sham surgery (n = 2 mice) or PH (n = 4 mice). Standard in situ liver perfusion and density gradient centrifugation techniques were used to isolate hepatocytes.18 Cells were processed immediately for immunocytochemistry or plated onto plastic dishes in 10% serum-supplemented Dulbecco’s modified Eagle medium (Sigma, St. Louis, MO) overnight. Medium containing nonadhered cells was removed the following morning, plates were washed with fresh medium, and adherent cells were harvested for analysis. To assess direct effects of Hh pathway inhibition on cell viability and proliferation, hepatocytes

were BAY 57-1293 supplier similarly isolated from four additional mice 24 hours after sham surgery (n = 2) or PH (n = 2) and cultured with either vehicle or cyclopamine (5 μM) in the presence of BrdU for 24 hours. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded livers and hepatocyte cytospins were prepared selleck chemicals as previously described.16 A detailed protocol and antibodies used are listed in Supporting Materials and Methods. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) was performed using established protocols15; details are provided in Supporting Materials and Methods and Supporting Table 1. Proteins were isolated from whole liver tissue or primary hepatocytes. After quantification,

equal amounts of protein were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and western blot analysis was performed. A detailed list of antibodies is given in Supporting Materials and Methods. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism v5.02 for Windows (GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA). Results of gene expression are grouped into pre-replicative (0-36 hours post-PH), replicative (36–100 hours post-PH), and post-replicative (100–216 hours post-PH) sets, and compared with 0-hour (quiescent) samples. Statistical significance was determined using one-way medchemexpress analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni’s multiple comparisons test. Where mice were treated with either vehicle or cyclopamine, results were compared with respective vehicle-treated or cyclopamine-treated, 0-hour (quiescent) samples. Statistical significance was determined using unpaired, two-tailed Student t test. Significance was accepted at the 5% level, *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, or ***P < 0.001. Hepatic expression of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) that encode Hh-pathway inhibitors (for example, Hh interacting protein [Hip]), Hh ligands (Indian Hh [Ihh], and sonic Hh [Shh]), the receptors that repress (patched [Ptc]) or promote (smoothened [Smo]) Hh signaling, and Hh-inducible transcription factors (glioblastoma [Gli]1 and Gli2) were evaluated at several distinct time points after PH.

The species concerned are in fact conservative in the area of mor

The species concerned are in fact conservative in the area of morphology supposed to help separate them and make them distinctive, despite the variety of form seen in the frills and horns of other ceratopsians. In this case, the exaggerated structures are not unique to specific taxa and do not ‘involve a shift in morphology … that are not only visible to conspecifics and members of the parent species, but may also be visible to us’ (Vrba, 1984) and nor do they fit the claims of Padian & Horner (2011b) that such taxa should ‘evolve so as to

differentiate themselves from other species, not from members of their same species’. Ironically, Main et al. (2005) recognized this, stating that there Ferrostatin-1 should ‘be an advantage in differentiating one’s Dabrafenib order recognition signals from those of related congeners’. We agree, but

that is not what is seen here or in other examples (e.g. sympatric oviraptorosaur crests, tyrannosaur hornlets). Many of the structures seen in non-avialan dinosaurs are large and presumably represented significant investments in growth, maintenance, and transport (Henderson, 1999 estimated the plates of Stegosaurus to be some 15% of the animal’s mass). Numerous other, more ‘cost-effective’ ways of separating two species are apparent (i.e. the ‘zero cost’ signals of Knell & Sampson, 2011, such as colour or scent), any of which, or combination of which, could remove the need for the exaggerated structures seen in these taxa. As such, if we consider these medchemexpress structures purely within the context of the species recognition hypothesis, they are redundant and costly. These features are plastic and potentially subject to rapid evolution: we would predict that

they should either have been lost, or moved towards a zero-cost signal that still benefits both parties (as suggested by Knell & Sampson, 2011; see e.g. Losos, 1985; Alatalo, Gustafsson & Lundberg, 1994). An additional factor that should be mentioned here concerns the sheer number of exaggerated structures present in some non-avialan dinosaur taxa. If the primary selective process driving the presence of such structures was species recognition, we would predict that species would differ with respect to the form of a single structure – additional or elaborate structures would be redundant and pose additional costs. Instead, however, we see numerous different signals that would surely be redundant within this context.

Turtles regularly move between backwaters and the main river chan

Turtles regularly move between backwaters and the main river channel, which highlights the likely disturbance from backwater detachment, a water saving practice in the lower Murray River. “
“In terrestrial animals with rigid protective structures, the ability to upright

after being overturned can make the difference between life and death, especially in suboptimal thermal conditions or in the presence of predators. This trait is assumed to be under strong selection. Different factors can influence righting ability, body dimensions and body mass for instance. As click here these morphological traits diverge among populations, inter-population variability in righting ability is expected. Previous studies on tortoises were performed within single populations and they usually

focused on juveniles raised in captivity, precluding an assessment of the JNK pathway inhibitor inter-population variability in a natural (realistic) context. In the current study, we quantified the righting performance in four populations of free-ranging adult tortoises. We found strong differences in righting success among populations and between genders, suggesting possible adaptations to local conditions. For instance, the topography (e.g. slopes) of each study site varied markedly. On average, males were more successful in righting themselves than females. Body size did not influence righting performances in males, but larger females were less successful compared to smaller ones. MCE公司 The success in righting was positively correlated with carapace domedness (height) and short bridges. “
“Pectoral fin loss

is a dramatic evolutionary phenomenon that has occurred independently in different teleost lineages. Here, we report the first case of pectoral fin loss in the Mastacembelidae (Teleostei: Synbranchiformes), with the discovery of a new species of mastacembelid from Lake Tanganyika (LT), Mastacembelus apectoralis sp. nov. M. apectoralis can be distinguished from all other mastacembelid species by its complete loss of pectoral-fin rays, distal pectoral radials and pectoral radials, as well as a reduction in pectoral girdle elements that include smaller and less well-developed coracoid and minute scapular bones. Other distinguishing characteristics include a near absence of scales, lack of pigmentation and the presence of well-developed adductor muscles. A previous multigene phylogeny of mastacembelids placed M. apectoralis sp. nov. within the LT species flock, having diverged from its sister species Mastacembelus micropectus∼4.5 million years ago. M. micropectus also shows a reduction in the size of its pectoral fin and endoskeletal girdle, and has largely cartilaginous pectoral radials and a reduced number of pectoral-fin rays. Here, we compare the pectoral girdle of M. apectoralis and M. micropectus with LT and non-LT African mastacembelids. M.

Turtles regularly move between backwaters and the main river chan

Turtles regularly move between backwaters and the main river channel, which highlights the likely disturbance from backwater detachment, a water saving practice in the lower Murray River. “
“In terrestrial animals with rigid protective structures, the ability to upright

after being overturned can make the difference between life and death, especially in suboptimal thermal conditions or in the presence of predators. This trait is assumed to be under strong selection. Different factors can influence righting ability, body dimensions and body mass for instance. As selleck chemical these morphological traits diverge among populations, inter-population variability in righting ability is expected. Previous studies on tortoises were performed within single populations and they usually

focused on juveniles raised in captivity, precluding an assessment of the AUY-922 purchase inter-population variability in a natural (realistic) context. In the current study, we quantified the righting performance in four populations of free-ranging adult tortoises. We found strong differences in righting success among populations and between genders, suggesting possible adaptations to local conditions. For instance, the topography (e.g. slopes) of each study site varied markedly. On average, males were more successful in righting themselves than females. Body size did not influence righting performances in males, but larger females were less successful compared to smaller ones. MCE The success in righting was positively correlated with carapace domedness (height) and short bridges. “
“Pectoral fin loss

is a dramatic evolutionary phenomenon that has occurred independently in different teleost lineages. Here, we report the first case of pectoral fin loss in the Mastacembelidae (Teleostei: Synbranchiformes), with the discovery of a new species of mastacembelid from Lake Tanganyika (LT), Mastacembelus apectoralis sp. nov. M. apectoralis can be distinguished from all other mastacembelid species by its complete loss of pectoral-fin rays, distal pectoral radials and pectoral radials, as well as a reduction in pectoral girdle elements that include smaller and less well-developed coracoid and minute scapular bones. Other distinguishing characteristics include a near absence of scales, lack of pigmentation and the presence of well-developed adductor muscles. A previous multigene phylogeny of mastacembelids placed M. apectoralis sp. nov. within the LT species flock, having diverged from its sister species Mastacembelus micropectus∼4.5 million years ago. M. micropectus also shows a reduction in the size of its pectoral fin and endoskeletal girdle, and has largely cartilaginous pectoral radials and a reduced number of pectoral-fin rays. Here, we compare the pectoral girdle of M. apectoralis and M. micropectus with LT and non-LT African mastacembelids. M.

3%) during follow up, however mortality did not differ according

3%) during follow up, however mortality did not differ according to ablative technique (p=0.896). There were no treatment related deaths. Local tumor recurrence occurred in 13/63 (21%) of percutaneously treated patients and 12/42 (29%) of surgical patients (p=0.335).

Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses did not identify statistically significant predictors of local recurrence. Summary and Conclusions: Surgical and percutaneous ablation for early stage HCC have similar safety and efficacy. Patients treated surgically had longer hospital length of stay. The choice of ablative technique should thus be determined by tumor specific factors in addition to center expertise and resources. Disclosures: Jacob Cynamon – Advisory Committees or Review Panels: Foresight imaging; Employment: Delcath; Speaking and Teaching: Angiodynamics The following people have nothing to disclose: Jonathan M. Schwartz, Corbett Shelton, Aws Aljanabi, Mustafa A. Alani, Dina Ginzberg, Bortezomib mouse Akiva J. Marcus, Javier Chapochnick-Friedmann, Sarah Bellemare, Yosef Golowa, Andreas Kaubisch, Nitin Ohri, Milan Kinkhabwala [Background] Instead of dietary modification, surgical management was considered for correcting growth retardation, poor metabolic control, and hepatic adenoma

in glycogen storage disease type I. The role of portocaval shunt (PCS) has been decreased by advent of liver transplantation (LT) with excellent outcomes. In the respect of organ shortage, outcome of selleck products PCS was reassessed as a curative intent treatment. [Patients and Methods] Fifty-five patients with GSD type I were retrospectively reviewed. Thirty-two patients were managed by only dietary modifications (Group D). Seventeen patients underwent PCS, and 13 patients underwent LT (Group S). Changes of growth pattern during 14 years in Group S were analyzed using a longitudinal Z-score and its variations from mean Z-scores based on group D by the age, changes of clinical features including, taking cornstarch, hypoglycemic seizure, metabolic profiles (glucose, cholesterol, uric acid, urine calcium, pH, white blood cell, and creatinine), and

development of de novo adenoma were assessed. [Results] Patients in group S had average 上海皓元医药股份有限公司 effect of + 0.3765 Z-score compared to group D; in subgroup analysis, patients of LT group had additional + 0.7523 effect to those of PCS group (p<0.0001). In LT group, all metabolic profiles have been improved, but there was no significant improvement in PCS group. Adenoma has been detected in 4 patients (13%) of group D, 12 patients (100%) after PCS, but in no one after LT. Adenoma associated complication was noted in 2 patient (6.3%) of group D (each one of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hemorrhages and 4 patients (23.5%) after PCS [fig. 1]. [Conclusions] Growth pattern has been improved in group S beyond the effect of Group D for patients with GSD type I. However, metabolic and adenoma control were better in LT group.

Methods: We reviewed a total of 191 cases of SAP patients admitte

Methods: We reviewed a total of 191 cases of SAP patients admitted to the intensive care unit

of Xijing hospital between Feb 2010 and Apr 2012. From the 191 cases, we identified the patients who received EPCD and classified them into the failure group and the success group according to whether EPCD failed. Failure of EPCD was defined as the need of additional surgery or death. We analyzed the feasibility, safety and efficacy of EPCD and the factors determining the failure of EPCD. Results: There were 17 necrotizing patients receiving EPCD. Thirteen of the 17 patients got gastrointestinal function recovered (GIF score < 2) within 3 days after early PCD. Of the 17 patients, 10 (59%) developed infectious complication, 7 (41%) with infected http://www.selleckchem.com/products/pexidartinib-plx3397.html necrosis, 2 (12%) with bacteremia, 4 (24%) with pneumonia. Two (12%) patients

needed additional surgery. Two (12%) patients died. There were 4 patients in the failure group and 13 patients in the success group. APACHE-II Afatinib concentration score before EPCD was higher in the failure group than the success group (17.3 ± 7.1 vs. 10.5 ± 3.2, P = 0.015). Conclusion: EPCD of peripancreatic collections was feasible and safe in necrotizing pancreatitis. It might improve gastrointestinal function and reduce the rates of bacteremia, pneumonia, the need of surgery and death. It seemed that EPCD increased the risk of the infection of necrosis which could be easily controlled by conservative treatment. High APACHE-II score predicted the failure of EPCD. Our conclusion remains to be evaluated by further well-designed trials. Key Word(s): 1. Acute Pancreatitis; 2. gut failure; 3. Catheter Drainage; Presenting Author: XUJIE ZHANG Additional Authors: BIN XU, JUNJIE ZHU, QUANXIN FENG, CAILIN ZHU, BIN BAI, QINGCHUAN ZHAO Corresponding Author: QINGCHUAN ZHAO Affiliations: Fourth Military Medical University Objective: To our knowledge, the predictors

for the prognosis of acute pancreatitis still can not satisfy clinical practice. This study was to investigate whether 5-grade scoring system for assessment of gastrointestinal function (the Gastrointestinal Failure [GIF] scores) could be used to predict the mortality of patients with acute pancreatitis (AP). Methods: Two hundred medchemexpress forty-one patients with AP admitted into the intensive care unit of the Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases from September 2008 to April 2012 were studied retrospectively. SOFA scores and GIF scores for the first 3 days were calculated. The AUC of ROC was used to evaluate the ability of SOFA scores, GIF scores and the combination of SOFA and GIF scores in predicting the mortality of AP patients. Results: A total of 235 patients were included in the final analysis. A high mean GIF score during the first 3 days was associated with a high rate of mortality. The combination of SOFA and GIF scores had the greatest AUC (0.849), significantly higher than SOFA scores (0.793, P = 0.002) alone. The AUC of GIF scores alone was 0.812.