Despite of the widespread use of hydrogen and methane breath test, the variability in testing protocols, gas measurement techniques, and interpretation criteria continues to challenge the reproducibility and comparability across centers, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. The Asian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association hence presents the first Asian monograph guiding application and interpretation of breath test. The monograph was formulated according to the framework of indications, preparatory process, performance, and interpretation of results, as well as future direction for research.

Background/Aims: Chronic constipation is prevalent yet under-diagnosed across Asia, compromising quality of life and burdening healthcare systems. Cultural stigma, varied diets, and limited access to standardized diagnostic tools delay timely care. Methods: The Bali Chronic Constipation Roundtable in November 2024, brought together experts from 11 Asian countries. The group reviewed epidemiological data, analyzed multinational questionnaire on clinical practice pattern, and conducted structured discussions to identify key barriers and propose region-specific recommendations. Results: Chronic constipation prevalence varies across Asia, ranging from 1.8% in India to 16.6% in Japan, with women and the elderly disproportionately affected. Under-reporting persists owing to cultural taboos and widespread self treatment with laxatives and traditional medications. Although the Rome IV criteria remains the global standard, they may not fully reflect Asian symptom profiles, and diagnosis is limited by scarce motility laboratories. First line therapies such as dietary-fiber optimization and osmotic laxatives are widely available, but newer pharmacotherapies (prucalopride, linaclotide, lubiprostone, and elobixibat) remain costly and unevenly accessible. Biofeedback for dyssynergic defecation is underutilized due to limited availability. Experts recommend expanded regional research on to refine diagnostic criteria, coupled with enhanced physician education and public awareness. They advocate accessibility to second-line and novel therapies that incorporate culturally attuned regional guidelines, and improved access to gastrointestinal motility testing. Conclusions The Bali Chronic Constipation Roundtable highlighted Asia’s need for region specific diagnostics and management. Addressing diagnostic and treatment gaps will improve outcomes, while ongoing researcher clinician policy collaboration must standardize guidelines, advance research, and ensure equitable care across Asia.

Objective:To explore the genetic characteristics of a Chinese pedigree with rare mosaic 11q partial duplication and its pathogenetic mechanisms.Methods:A pedigree which underwent prenatal diagnosis at Wenzhou Central Hospital between September 25, 2015 and November 30, 2023 was selected for the study. Clinical data were collected from the pedigree. Peripheral blood samples from the parents, amniotic fluid from the fetus, and peripheral blood sample from the neonate were obtained. Genetic testing was carried out by using G-banded chromosomal karyotyping and single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP-array) technology. Relevant literature was searched in the CNKI, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, and PubMed databases to summarize the clinical phenotypes of patients with 11q partial duplication. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Wenzhou Central Hospital (Ethics No. L2024-07-080).Results:The pregnant woman (G 3) had a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes. During her first pregnancy (G 1), prenatal ultrasound indicated intrauterine growth restriction and a Dandy-Walker variant. Follow-up at 8 years of age showed developmental delays and mild intellectual disability. During her second pregnancy (G 2), prenatal ultrasound revealed nasal bone hypoplasia, and the pregnancy was terminated at 23rd gestational week. During her third pregnancy (G 3), all prenatal tests were normal, and the neonate showed normal growth and development at 4 months of age. The karyotype of amniotic fluid of her first pregnancy was 46, X? , and the SNP-array analysis of neonatal peripheral blood showed arr[GRCh37/hg19]11q13.4q25(70432450_134607121)×2~3, with a mosaicism rate being approximately 40%. The karyotype for her second pregnancy was 46, X? , rec(11)dup(11q)inv(11)(p15q13)dmat[6]/46, X? [27], and the SNP-array result was arr[GRCh38]11q13.4q25(71406636_135067522)×2~3, with a mosaicism rate being approximately 75%. The karyotype for her third pregnancy was 46, X? , inv(11)(p15q13)mat, and the SNP-array result was arr(XN)×1, (1~22)×2. The karyotype of the woman was 46, XX, inv(11)(p15q13), and that of her husband was 46, XY. A review of 12 similar cases (including G 1) from the literature revealed that the common clinical phenotypes of 11q partial duplication included intellectual disability (12/12), developmental delay (12/12), ear abnormalities (12/12), microcephaly (10/12), seizures (8/12), hypotonia (8/12), and congenital heart malformations (7/12). Conclusion:Mosaic partial duplication of 11q may underlie the genetic etiology of this pedigree. The pregnant woman is a carrier of an inversion on chromosome 11, which might have formed the mosaic 11q partial duplication through meiotic errors and mitotic trisomy rescue mechanisms during reproduction.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics of left-sided infective endocarditis (IE) without underlying valvular heart diseases (VHD).Methods:This was a retrospective study. Clinical data of 206 patients with left-sided IE (age: (50.4±16.1) years; 144 males (69.9%)) discharged from Shanghai Sixth People′s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from June 2011 to May 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including 129 cases with underlying VHD (IE+VHD group) and 77 cases without underlying VHD (IE group). The 6-month survival rate of patients after discharge was analyzed with Kaplan-Meier survival curve; and the 6-month survival rates of the patients with different sizes of endocardial vegetation and different treatment modalities in the IE group were further analyzed with log-rank method.Results:The proportions of patients with age ≥65 years old, arrhythmia and aortic valve involvement, and the in-hospital mortality in the IE group were significantly lower than those in the IE+VHD group ( P<0.05). However, the proportion of patients with fever and speech vague/limb movement disorder/headache, those with mitral valve involvement in the IE group were significantly higher than those in the IE+VHD group ( P<0.05). The median value of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the IE group was significantly higher than that in the IE+VHD group ( P<0.05). Nevertheless, the median value of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in the IE group was significantly lower than that in the IE+VHD group ( P<0.05). There were as no significant differences in the positive rates of bacterial/fungal blood cultures and the proportion of patients with mitral and aortic valve involvement of endocardial vegetation between the two groups (all P>0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that there was no significant difference in 6-month survival rate of patients between the IE group and IE+VHD group (88.7% vs. 93.6%, log-rank χ2=0.887, P=0.346). In the IE group, the 6-month survival rate after discharge in patients with maximum diameter of vegetation ≤10 mm was higher than that in patients with maximum diameter of vegetation >10 mm (96.3% vs. 80.7%, log-rank χ2=4.111, P=0.043). There was no significant difference in 6-month survival rate between patients treated with antibiotics combined with surgery and those treated with antibiotics alone (96.2% vs. 78.6%, log -rank χ 2=2.976, P=0.084). Conclusion:Compared to left-sided IE patients with underlying VHD, patients without underlying VHD are likely to have a younger age, more mitral valve involvement and lower in-hospital mortality; for those patients with maximum diameter of vegetation ≤10 mm there is a higher survival rate, and antibiotics combined with surgery may help to improve the survival rate.

Objective:To digitally measure the three-dimensional (3D) size of primary tooth crowns and the dimensions of the dental arch in children with individual normal primary dentition, preliminarily obtaining baseline data on the 3D size of primary tooth crowns as well as the length and width of the dental arch, and their influence factors. This study aims to provide a data foundation for the design of reference models for primary dentition.Methods:From May to June 2021, 122 caries-free children aged 3.5-4.5 years with individual normal occlusion were selected from five kindergartens in Haidian District, Beijing. Impressions were taken and plaster models were cast. After preliminary screening, 67 eligible models were scanned to obtain digital dental models. Digital measurement software was used for landmark-based measurements. Parameters included 3D crown dimensions (mesiodistal diameter, buccolingual diameter, and occlusogingival height), dental arch dimensions (length and width at specific regions), and occlusal measurements (overjet and overbite at the primary central incisors, and Bolton index for anterior and full dentition). Gender differences in crown dimensions and bilateral symmetry of homologous teeth, as well as the correlations between arch dimensions and gender, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were analyzed.Results:The homonymous teeth of 67 children exhibited strong bilateral symmetry in all 3D dimensions ( P>0.05). Gender differences were observed in the buccolingual dimension for all deciduous molars except for the right mandibular first deciduous molar ( P<0.05). For the occlusogingival dimension, gender differences were found in the right maxillary first and second deciduous molars, left maxillary first deciduous molar, and left mandibular first and second deciduous molars ( P<0.05). For the mesiodistal dimension, only the left mandibular second deciduous molar and right mandibular deciduous canine showed gender differences ( P<0.05). All significant differences above indicated larger dimensions in boys compared to girls. In both maxillary and mandibular arches, the lengths and widths at various locations were significantly larger in boys than in girls ( P<0.05). Univariate correlation analysis revealed that body weight was positively correlated with the width of the terminal plane in both the maxilla and mandible and the total length of the mandibular dental arch, while BMI was positively correlated with the width of the maxillary terminal plane and the widths at all measured sites in the mandible ( P<0.05). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that, after controlling for relevant variables, BMI was a significant positive predictor for the lengths and widths at various sites of the dental arch ( P<0.05), and height was a positive predictor for dental arch length ( P<0.05), as well as body weight was a positive predictor for the width in the molar region ( P<0.05). Overjet at the primary central incisors was 2.28 (1.57, 2.66) mm, and overbite was 1.13 (0.75, 1.92) mm. The anterior Bolton index was 0.79±0.03, and the overall Bolton index was 0.94±0.03. Conclusions:Primary tooth crowns of individual normal occlusion children demonstrate strong bilateral symmetry in homologous teeth. Most primary molars exhibit gender differences in buccolingual and occlusogingival dimensions, with larger values in boys. Arch dimensions (length and width) are consistently larger in boys.

Objective:To analyze the association between remnant cholesterol (RC) and the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in community population in Shanghai.Methods:Using baseline and follow-up data from the Shanghai Suburban Adult Cohort and Biobank, individuals with ASCVD (including coronary heart disease, stroke, myocardial infarction, and peripheral artery disease) at baseline were excluded. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was employed to analyze the relationship between RC and ASCVD risk and the association under different LDL-C levels.Results:A total of 57 281 participants were included, with a median follow-up of 5.61 person-years. During the follow-up, 1 436 ASCVD events (2.51%) were recorded. After adjusting for potential confounders, individuals with moderate ( HR=1.18, 95% CI: 1.03-1.36) or high RC levels ( HR=1.32, 95% CI: 1.15-1.51) had an increased risk of ASCVD. The association was stronger in participants younger than 60 years-old (interaction P=0.048). Participants with RC ≥0.97 mmol/L and LDL-C <3.40 mmol/L demonstrated a 19% ( HR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.06-1.35) increased risk of ASCVD. When RC ≥0.97 mmol/L and LDL-C ≥3.40 mmol/L, ASCVD risk increased by 42% ( HR=1.42, 95% CI: 1.21-1.67). Conclusions:Elevated RC increases ASCVD risk, regardless of LDL-C levels. RC can serve as a valuable predictor and intervention target for ASCVD.

Objective:To analyze the mediating effect of cardiovascular health status (CVH) on the association between educational level and cardiovascular disease (CVD).Methods:The participants were from Shanghai Suburban Adult Cohort and Biobank, and questionnaire survey, physical examination, blood biochemistry were conducted from 2016 to 2020 for baseline information collection, and follow up was conducted until March 31, 2024 based on the medical data, CVD incidence data and death surveillance data at different levels. The associations of educational level, CVH and time to CVD onset of the study population were analyzed using the accelerated failure time model to analyze the mediating effects of CVH, health behaviors, and health factors in the association of educational level and time to CVD onset. The mediating effects of educational level, gender, and age moderated associations were also analyzed.Results:A total of 57 312 participants were included, with 2 780 new cases of CVD during a median follow-up of 6.71 (6.71-6.72) years, and a mean incidence density of 7.77/1 000 person-years (95% CI: 7.48/1 000 person-years -8.06/1 000 person-years). In total, the less educational level and the lower CVH, the higher CVD incidence density ( P<0.05). The results of accelerated failure time models showed that the time ratio for CVD-free survival was 1.15 (95% CI: 1.06-1.24) and 1.33 (95% CI: 1.10-1.60) for moderate and high educational level, respectively. The results of the mediation effect analysis showed that the association between moderate and high educational level and time to CVD onset was 29.60% (20.50%-50.00%) and 36.10% (23.80%-59.00%), 9.97% (5.07%-20.00%) and 13.84% (6.84%-29.00%), 15.24% (9.64%-27.00%) and 17.55% (11.58%-33.00%) of mediators mediated by CVH, health behaviors, health factors, respectively. Among them, there was an exposure-mediated interaction of educational level and a positive moderating effect of age. Conclusion:CVH, health behaviors and health factors had a proportionate mediating effect in the association between educational level and risk of CVD development.

Objective To investigate the expression of kinesin family member 23(KIF23)in rectal cancer and its association with prognosis.Methods This study included 90 patients with rectal cancer who underwent surgical treatment at the First Central Hospital of Baoding from May 2017 to October 2019.Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect KIF23 expression,and the results were analyzed in combination with clinical and pathological data.Survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox proportional hazards models to assess the association between KIF23 expression and patient prognosis.Results Compared with adjacent non-tumor tis-sues,the expression level of KIF23 protein was significantly higher in rectal cancer tissues.Positive expression of KIF23 was significantly correlated with TNM stage,lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis in rectal cancer patients(P＜0.05).Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that individuals expressing high levels of KIF23 experienced notably diminished disease-free survival(DFS)and overall survival(OS)relative to those with low KIF23 expression(P＜0.05).Cox regression analysis revealed that advanced TNM stage,lymph node metastasis,distant metastasis,and elevated KIF23 expression served as an independent predictor of adverse outcomes in pa-tients with rectal cancer(P＜0.05).Conclusions The expression level of KIF23 is closely related to the prognosis of rectal cancer.

Objective:To explore the effects of social alienation, psychological distress and family resilience on benefit finding in patients undergoing esophageal cancer surgery.Methods:A total of 180 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent surgical treatment and subsequent visit according to doctor's advice at 1 month after surgery in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were enrolled as the research objects from January 2022 to November 2023.The general data of patients were collected. The social alienation, psychological distress, family resilience and benefits finding were evaluated by general alienation scale (GAS), distress thermometer (DT), family resilience assessment scale (FRAS) and benefit finding scale (BFS), respectively.Data analysis was performed by SPSS 25.0 statistical software. The influencing factors of benefit finding were explored by univariate analysis, Pearson correlation analysis and multiple stepwise linear regression analysis.Results:The total scores of GAS, DT, FRAS and BFS of the patients undergoing esophageal cancer surgery were 38.47±3.53, 5.28±1.15, 79.89±5.17 and 34.71±2.85 respectively. Pearson correlation analysis showed that BFS score was negatively correlated with GAS score and DT score ( r=-0.464, -0.561, both P<0.05), while positively correlated with FRAS score ( r=0.438, P<0.05). There were significant differences in BFS scores among patients with different age, education level, chronic diseases, monthly family income, pathological staging, dysphagia and disease courses ( t=8.226, 11.311, 3.727, 2.484, 3.236, 4.254, F=7.371, all P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age ( β=-0.439), GAS score ( β=-3.481), DT score ( β=-0.264) and FRAS score ( β=2.890) were all influencing factors of BFS score(all P<0.05). Conclusion:The level of benefit finding is low in patients with esophageal cancer.Higher social alienation, psychological distress and lower family resilience are the important influeucing factors.

Objective:To digitally measure the three-dimensional (3D) size of primary tooth crowns and the dimensions of the dental arch in children with individual normal primary dentition, preliminarily obtaining baseline data on the 3D size of primary tooth crowns as well as the length and width of the dental arch, and their influence factors. This study aims to provide a data foundation for the design of reference models for primary dentition.Methods:From May to June 2021, 122 caries-free children aged 3.5-4.5 years with individual normal occlusion were selected from five kindergartens in Haidian District, Beijing. Impressions were taken and plaster models were cast. After preliminary screening, 67 eligible models were scanned to obtain digital dental models. Digital measurement software was used for landmark-based measurements. Parameters included 3D crown dimensions (mesiodistal diameter, buccolingual diameter, and occlusogingival height), dental arch dimensions (length and width at specific regions), and occlusal measurements (overjet and overbite at the primary central incisors, and Bolton index for anterior and full dentition). Gender differences in crown dimensions and bilateral symmetry of homologous teeth, as well as the correlations between arch dimensions and gender, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were analyzed.Results:The homonymous teeth of 67 children exhibited strong bilateral symmetry in all 3D dimensions ( P>0.05). Gender differences were observed in the buccolingual dimension for all deciduous molars except for the right mandibular first deciduous molar ( P<0.05). For the occlusogingival dimension, gender differences were found in the right maxillary first and second deciduous molars, left maxillary first deciduous molar, and left mandibular first and second deciduous molars ( P<0.05). For the mesiodistal dimension, only the left mandibular second deciduous molar and right mandibular deciduous canine showed gender differences ( P<0.05). All significant differences above indicated larger dimensions in boys compared to girls. In both maxillary and mandibular arches, the lengths and widths at various locations were significantly larger in boys than in girls ( P<0.05). Univariate correlation analysis revealed that body weight was positively correlated with the width of the terminal plane in both the maxilla and mandible and the total length of the mandibular dental arch, while BMI was positively correlated with the width of the maxillary terminal plane and the widths at all measured sites in the mandible ( P<0.05). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that, after controlling for relevant variables, BMI was a significant positive predictor for the lengths and widths at various sites of the dental arch ( P<0.05), and height was a positive predictor for dental arch length ( P<0.05), as well as body weight was a positive predictor for the width in the molar region ( P<0.05). Overjet at the primary central incisors was 2.28 (1.57, 2.66) mm, and overbite was 1.13 (0.75, 1.92) mm. The anterior Bolton index was 0.79±0.03, and the overall Bolton index was 0.94±0.03. Conclusions:Primary tooth crowns of individual normal occlusion children demonstrate strong bilateral symmetry in homologous teeth. Most primary molars exhibit gender differences in buccolingual and occlusogingival dimensions, with larger values in boys. Arch dimensions (length and width) are consistently larger in boys.