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Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive and irreversible fibroinflammatory disorder, accompanied by pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and dysregulated gut microbiota. Recently, accumulating evidence has supported a correlation between gut dysbiosis and CP development. However, whether gut microbiota dysbiosis contributes to CP pathogenesis remains unclear. Herein, an experimental CP was induced by repeated high-dose caerulein injections. The broad-spectrum antibiotics (ABX) and ABX targeting Gram-positive (G+) or Gram-negative bacteria (G–) were applied to explore the specific roles of these bacteria. Gut dysbiosis was observed in both mice and in CP patients, which was accompanied by a sharply reduced abundance for short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-producers, especially G+ bacteria. Broad-spectrum ABX exacerbated the severity of CP, as evidenced by aggravated pancreatic fibrosis and gut dysbiosis, especially the depletion of SCFAs-producing G+ bacteria. Additionally, depletion of SCFAs-producing G+ bacteria rather than G– bacteria intensified CP progression independent of TLR4, which was attenuated by supplementation with exogenous SCFAs. Finally, SCFAs modulated pancreatic fibrosis through inhibition of macrophage infiltration and M2 phenotype switching. The study supports a critical role for SCFAs-producing G+ bacteria in CP. Therefore, modulation of dietary-derived SCFAs or G+ SCFAs-producing bacteria may be considered a novel interventive approach for the management of CP.

Summary: Background: The disease burden of gastrointestinal disease (GD) in China is high, with significant variation across provinces. A comprehensive agreed set of indicators could guide rational resource allocation to support better GD outcomes. Methods: This study collected data from multiple sources, including national surveillance, surveys, registration systems, and scientific research. Literature reviews and Delphi methods were used to obtain monitoring indicators; the analytic hierarchy process was used to determine indicator weights. Findings: The China Gastrointestinal Health Index (GHI) system consisted of four dimensions and 46 indicators. The weight of the four dimensions from high to low included the prevalence of gastrointestinal non-neoplastic diseases and gastrointestinal neoplasms (GN) (0.3246), clinical treatment of GD (0.2884), prevention and control of risk factors (0.2606), and exposure to risk factors (0.1264). The highest indicator weight of GHI rank was the successful smoking cessation rate (0.1253), followed by the 5-year survival rate of GN (0.0905), and the examination rate of diagnostic oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (0.0661). The overall GHI for China in 2019 was 49.89, varying from 39.19 to 76.13 across all sub-regions. The top five sub-regions in the total GHI score were in the eastern region. Interpretation: GHI is the first system designed to monitor gastrointestinal health systematically. In the future, data from sub-regions of China should be used to test and improve the GHI system for its impact. Funding: This research was supported by the National Health Commission of China, the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (2019YXK006), and the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (21Y31900100).

Background/ObjectivesAutoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a distinct form of pancreatic inflammatory disease that responds well to glucocorticoid therapy. Knowledge on AIP has rapidly evolved over the past two decades. Based on bibliometric analysis, this study aimed to assess the research status of AIP over the past two decades and determine the research focus and emerging topics.MethodsAIP-related publications published between January 1, 2002, and June 6, 2022, were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Bibliometric data were analyzed using HisCite, VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and bibliometrix package. Annual output, leading countries/regions, active institutions and authors, core journals and references, and keywords of AIP were evaluated.ResultsOverall, 1,772 publications were retrieved from 501 journals by 6,767 authors from 63 countries/regions. Japan published articles on AIP the most (n=728, 41.1%), followed by the United States (n=336, 19%), Germany (n=147, 8.3%), China (n=127, 7%), and Italy (n=107, 6%). The top three most prolific authors were Terumi Kamisawa from Tokyo Metropolitan Komagome Hospital (n=117), Kazuichi Okazaki from Kansai Medical University (n=103), and Shigeyuki Kawa from Matsumoto Dental University (n=94). Pancreas was the most productive journal regarding AIP research (n=95), followed by the Journal of Gastroenterology (n=67), Internal Medicine (n=66), Pancreatology (n=63), and World Journal of Gastroenterology (n=62). “Diagnosis” was the most mentioned keyword. “Risk,” “malignancy,” “outcome,” “22-gauge needle,” and “fine-needle aspiration” were recognized as emerging topics.ConclusionJapan was the leading country in AIP research. Research papers were mainly published in specialized journals. Diagnosis was the research focus. Long-term outcomes and pancreatic tissue acquisition were recognized as research frontiers for AIP.

Summary: Background: Functional constipation (FC) is an intractable disease that carries large financial burden as well as emotional and physical stress. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the newly developed smartphone-controlled vibrating capsule (VC) in patients with FC. Methods: From December 2018 to February 2020, we did a multicenter, blinded, placebo-controlled randomised trial in six top general hospitals in China focusing on patients aged 18 to 80 with FC. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive VCs or placebo treatment for six weeks (two capsules per week) after a two-week baseline period. The primary outcome was the responder rate, defined as the proportion of patients with an increase of at least one complete spontaneous bowel movement (CSBM) per week during treatment compared to baseline in the full analysis set. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT04671264, and is completed. Findings: 107 patients aged from 18 to 74 were randomly assigned to receive VC (n = 53) or placebo treatment (n = 54). The responder rate in the VC group was significantly higher than that in the placebo group (64·2% vs. 35·8%; difference, 27·7% [95% CI, 10·4–45·1]; P = 0·005). More patients in the VC group reported weekly CSBMs ≥ 1 for at least four weeks during treatment (difference, 22·7% [95% CI, 8–46]; P = 0·022) and follow-up period (difference, 17.3% [95% CI, 0–35]; P = 0·048). The mean Patient Assessment of Constipation-Symptoms score and Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life score differed significantly from the baseline in both groups (all P

Background/Aims: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in Billroth II gastrectomy patients is technically demanding and factors affecting its technical difficulty have not yet been clarified. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of ERCP in Billroth II gastrectomy patients and identify potential factors affecting its technical failure. Patients and Methods: A large retrospective study of 308 consecutive patients (391 procedures) with Billroth II gastrectomy—who underwent ERCP from January 2002 to December 2016—was conducted. The outcomes of ERCP and potential factors affecting its technical failure were analyzed. Results: The success rate of duodenal ampullary access, selective duct cannulation and the accomplishment of expected procedures was 81.3% (318/391), 86.5% (275/318) and 97.3% (256/263), respectively, and the technical success rate was 70.3% (275/391). The overall ERCP-related complication rate was 15.3% (60/391). The multivariate analysis indicated that first-time ERCP attempt [odds ratio (OR) 4.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.34–7.85, P < 0.001], Braun anastomosis (OR 3.65, 95% CI 1.38–9.64, P < 0.009), and no cap-assisted gastroscope (OR 3.05, 95% CI 1.69–5.51, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with technical failure. Conclusions: ERCP is safe, effective and feasible for Billroth II gastrectomy patients. Previous ERCP history, absence of Braun anastomosis and the use of a cap-assisted gastroscope are the predictive factors for its technical success.

Abstract Background Pancreatic extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (P-ESWL) is the first-line therapy for large pancreatic duct stones. Although it is a highly effective and safe procedure for the fragmentation of pancreatic stones, it is still not complication-free. Just like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), pancreatitis is the most common complication. To date, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have proven to be the only effective prophylactic medication for post-ERCP pancreatitis and the European, American and Japanese Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines have recommended prophylactic rectally administered indomethacin for all patients undergoing ERCP. Given the little research about effective prevention for post P-ESWL pancreatitis, we aim to determine whether rectally administered indomethacin can reduce post-ESWL-pancreatitis. Methods/design The RIPEP study is a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. One thousand three hundred and seventy patients with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic stones (>5 mm in diameter) treated with P-ESWL at Changhai Hospital will be randomly allocated to rectally administered indomethacin or placebo therapy before the procedure. The primary endpoint is the incidence of post-ESWL pancreatitis. Secondary endpoints include the severity of pancreatitis, occurrence rate of asymptomatic hyperamylasemia and other complications. Discussion The RIPEP trial is designed to show that rectally administered indomethacin reduces the development and severity of post-ESWL pancreatitis and benefits patients treated with P-ESWL. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02797067 . Registered on 17 November 2016.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) usually suffer from acid reflux and duo-denogastroesophageal reflux (DGER) simultaneously. The question of whether DGER has an important effect on the development of GERD remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of DGER in the pathogenesis of GERD and its value for the diagnosis of nonerosive reflux disease (NERD).

Aims. We attempted to establish some guidelines for the selection of transmural stents during endoscopic drainage of PFCs by retrospective review of the clinical data obtained from three tertiary hospitals. Patients and Methods. Clinical data of 93 patients with attempted endoscopic drainage of symptomatic PFCs were obtained through chart review and prospective follow-up. Results. Treatment success for acute pseudocyst (n=67), chronic pseudocyst (n=9), and WOPN (n=17) was 95.3%, 100%, and 88.2%, respectively (P=0.309). Clinical success for single-stent drainage was 93.9% (46/49) versus 97.4% (37/38) for multiple-stent drainage (P=0.799). Secondary infection for single-stent drainage was 18.4% (9/49) versus 5.3% (2/38) for multiple-stent drainage (P=0.134). Secondary infection for stent diameter less than or equal to 8.5 F was 3.4% (1/29) versus 17.2% (10/58) for stent diameter larger than or equal to 10 F (P=0.138). Conclusion. EUS-guided transmural drainage is an effective therapy for PFCs. Single-stent transmural drainage of PFCs is enough and does not seem to influence clinical success. The number or diameter of stents does not seem to be associated with secondary infection.

The epidemiology of lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) in Western populations has been reported; however, there are scant Asian reports. The aim of the present study was to determine the etiology of LGIB in a Chinese population by reporting a retrospective case series and a systematic analysis of Chinese literature. A large colonoscopy database in a tertiary endoscopic center was searched to identify all patients with the indication of LGIB. The data, including patients' sex, age, endoscopic and pathological findings, were collected and analyzed. A comprehensive database search of the Chinese literature was carried out to obtain all relevant studies. In our series, a total of 720 patients with LGIB were included. There were 425 males and 295 females with a median age of 50 years, the most common etiologies of LGIB were inflammatory bowel disease (IBD; 30.2%), polyps (23.4%) and cancer (10.7%). In 30.2% of all the patients, no obvious causes were identified. A systematic analysis of Chinese literature found an additional 160 studies providing relevant data in 53 951 patients. Overall, colorectal cancer (24.4%), colorectal polyps (24.1%), colitis (16.8%), anorectal disease (9.8%) and IBD (9.5%) were the most common etiologies of LGIB. The main etiologies were different between adults, the elderly and children. The study shows colorectal cancer, colorectal polyps, colitis, anorectal disease and IBD were the most common etiologies of LGIB in the Chinese adult and elderly population, whereas colorectal polyps, chronic colitis and intussusception were the main causes of LGIB in Chinese children. Whereas diverticulum, the most common cause of LGIB in Western populations, is uncommon in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES:Data on therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for chronic pancreatitis (CP) in children and adolescents, especially with long-term follow-up of consequences, are rarely reported. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term follow-up results of therapeutic ERCP for CP in children and adolescents.METHODS:All patients with CP who received therapeutic ERCP at Changhai Hospital from January 1997 to May 2009, with the age at first onset of pain being less than 18.0 years, were included. Attempts were made to contact all adolescents and follow-up data were recorded. Clinical data were assessed before and after every ERCP.RESULTS:Follow-up information was available in 42 (91.3%) of the 46 patients who received therapeutic ERCP. There were 20 boys and 22 girls, with the age at first onset being 11.8±4.5 years. A total of 110 therapeutic ERCP sessions were performed in the 42 patients. The post-ERCP complication rate was 17.3%, including mild and moderate pancreatitis (n=17) and mild cholangitis (n=2). The mean follow-up period of time was 61.4 (range: 24–132) months. Five patients underwent subsequent surgery because of refractory abdominal pain after endotherapy. Of the remaining 37 patients who received therapeutic ERCP alone, abdominal pain improved in 30 (81.1%) patients, and was completely relieved in 24 (64.9%) patients during the period of follow-up.CONCLUSIONS:Therapeutic ERCP may offer long-term improvement in pain in children and adolescents with CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of the reported methodology for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the major gastrointestinal and surgical endoscopy journals has never been reported. Generation of the allocation sequence, allocation concealment, double blinding, sample size calculation, number of patients, and funding source included in methodologic quality were retrieved from each trial, and all the relevant trials were identified by a search of all clinical trials published in 2008 in four major gastrointestinal and surgical endoscopy journals. A total of 64 trials were included in the final analysis, which found that 50% (32/64) of all trials reported adequate generation of the allocation sequence, 58% (37/64) reported adequate allocation concealment, 47% (30/64) reported adequate blinding, 47% (30/64) reported adequate sample size calculation, and 67% (43/64) failed to disclose the funding source. The study showed that the quality of the reported methodology in the major gastrointestinal and surgical endoscopy journals needs great improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Though trials evaluating the effect of intrapyloric botulinum toxin injection on gastroparesis have been reported, there is no agreement whether botulinum toxin can effectively relieve the symptoms and improve the results of gastric emptying study in patients with gastroparesis. We performed a systematic literature review to address this issue. Methods: Databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library and Science Citation Index were searched. Two reviewers independently identified relevant trials. Outcome measures were the improvement of subjective symptoms and objective measurement. Results: 15 reports were included; only 2 randomized controlled trials were available. Almost all the non-randomized trials reported significant improvement in subjective symptoms and objective gastric emptying study after botulinum toxin injection. While the 2 randomized controlled trials did not confirm the efficacy of botulinum toxin injection, none of the individual trials showed that there was statistically significant subjective and objective improvement in the active patients when compared with patients receiving placebo. Conclusions: Available high-quality trials showed that intrapyloric botulinum toxin injection could not significantly relieve subjective symptoms and improve objective measurement in patients with gastroparesis, and there is no evidence to recommend botulinum toxin injection for the treatment of gastroparesis. Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Data on informed consent procedures in endoscopy centers in China are lacking. The aim of this study was to record the current status of informed consent procedures in four tertiary endoscopy centers in China. Methods: All patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopic examinations in four tertiary endoscopy centers in China from August 2006 to October 2006. Data on patients’ age, gender, education level, type of endoscopic procedures, complication rates, and satisfaction were recorded prospectively. Results: Totally, 1,303 patients were included (mean age 47.7 years, 50.2% males, 88.3% outpatients, 13.1% with university education) and underwent 1,308 endoscopic procedures. Of these patients, 994 were informed prior to the endoscopic procedures; the remaining patients were not asked for their oral or written informed consent before the procedure. No serious complications occurred, but 9 patients were not satisfied with the procedures and 5 patients refused to complete the endoscopic examination. Conclusions: Gastrointestinal endoscopic examinations, especially diagnostic gastroscopy, are safe, carrying minimal patient risk, but the current practice of informed consent procedures in China is suboptimal. More efforts should be made to improve the standards of informed consent for endoscopic procedures in China. Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: There is no agreement whether intravenous prophylactic antibiotics can reduce infected pancreatic necrosis and mortality in acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP). We performed a meta-analysis comparing intravenous antibiotics with placebo or no treatment in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: Databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane controlled trials register, the Cochrane Library, and Science Citation Index were searched to find relevant trials. Outcome measures were infected necrosis and mortality. RESULTS: Seven trials involving 467 patients were included. Analysis suggested infected pancreatic necrosis rates were not significantly different (antibiotics 17.8%, controls 22.9%), RR 0.81 (95% CI 0.54–1.22). There was nonsignificantly decreased mortality with antibiotics (9.3%) versus controls (15.2%), RR 0.70 (95% CI 0.42–1.17). Subsequent subgroup analysis confirmed antibiotics were not statistically superior to controls in reduction of infected necrosis and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic antibiotics cannot reduce infected pancreatic necrosis and mortality in patients with ANP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visceral hypersensitivity is highly prevalent in most functional bowel disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and activation of intestinal mast cells (MC) may play a role because they have been found in close proximity to gastrointestinal mucosal sensory nerve terminals containing neuropeptides and a bi-directional pathway connecting the central nervous system, gut, and MC has been demonstrated. The current study appraised the status of rectal visceral perception, as well as the changes in the MC and substance P (SP) in the intestinal mucosa of patients with IBS. The study group comprised 42 patients with IBS and 19 healthy subjects who underwent anorectal manometry and rectal perception thresholds to balloon distension. The MC and the SP-ergic terminals in the mucosa were stained for respective histochemical and immunohistochemical investigations. The results were presented both qualitatively and quantitatively by color image analyzer, based on analysis of the intensity and area of stained fibrils. The structural relationship between the MC and nerve terminals was studied by electron microscopy, using an in situ embedding technique. The anorectal resting pressure, squeezing pressure and relaxation pressure were normal in both groups. The sensation threshold, defecation threshold and pain threshold in diarrhea-predominant IBS and the pain thresholds in constipation-predominant IBS were much lower than in the controls. Rectal compliance decreased in IBS. The number of MC in the terminal ileum, the ileocecal junction and the ascending colon was significantly elevated in IBS ( P < 0.01), and the MC showed great variation. A significantly increased concentration of SP was found in the colon of the IBS patients compared with the controls. There was a positive correlation between the profiles of mucosal MC and the SP-ergic terminals, and MC were closely adjacent to SP-ergic terminals in the lamina propria. As altered rectal perception is present in almost all patients with IBS, it might be a reliable biological characteristic of the disease. Alterations in the MC and SP of the intestinal mucosa may be important factors in visceral hypersensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers an update on the study that investigated the role of prophylactic antibiotics in the treatment of acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP). The study suggested that mortality rates and infected necrosis of the pancreas were not significantly different between the control group and the antibiotics group. It notes that the updated meta-analysis confirmed that mortality rates and infected pancreatitic necrosis in patients with ANP cannot be reduced with prophylactic antibiotics.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to comments made to the authors' article on the use of perfusion computed tomography to predict the development of necrosis in severe acute pancreatitis.

A response by Yu Bai and colleagues to a letter to the editor about their article "Prophylactic antibiotics cannot reduce infected pancreatic necrosis and mortality in acute necrotizing pancreatitis: Evidence from a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials," in a 2008 issue, is presented.

OBJECTIVE: The failure of dysmotility to explain the symptoms of pain in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) led to studies on visceral hypersensitivity. Mucosal mast cells (MC) may be one factor influencing the response of visceral afferents to mechanical and chemical stimuli because they are found in close proximity to gastrointestinal mucosal sensory nerve terminals containing neuropeptides and a bi-directional pathway linking the central nervous system, gut and MC has been demonstrated. METHODS: The present study investigated the extent of MC and the neuropeptides, substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), in the intestinal mucosa of patients with IBS, as well as the location of the MC. The MC and neuropeptidergic terminals were stained histochemically and immunohistochemically, respectively, neuropeptide concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA), and the results were investigated qualitatively and quantitatively by color image analyzer. The structural relation between the MC and neuropeptide terminals was studied by ultramicroscopy using in situ embedding technique. RESULTS: In IBS, the number of MC in the terminal ileum, the ileocecal junction, and the ascending colon was significantly increased (P < 0.01), and the MC had great variations in their extent and size. Significantly increased concentrations of VIP and SP were found in the colon of IBS patients compared with controls. A correlation between mucosal MC and the SP(VIP)-ergic terminals was found, and the MC were close to these terminals in the lamina propria, which demonstrated SP (VIP)-ergic terminals. CONCLUSIONS: Mast cells and the neuropeptides of intestinal mucosa may play a central role in gut hypersensitivity, resulting in both the motor response and visceral perceptions that occur with IBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]