Objective:To study the alternation of plasma ghrelin in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) and to evaluate the efficacy of gastric slow wave analysis in predicting the severity of AP.Methods:Clinical data and blood samples of 129 patients with AP and 16 individuals for normal physical examination in the Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangnan University Affiliated Central Hospital (Wuxi No.2 People's Hospital) from September 2018 to August 2024 were prospectively collected. Individuals with normal physical examinations were included in the normal control group, including 9 males and 7 females, aged (50.9±14.2) years. The finally enrolled 125 patients with AP included 82 males and 43 females, aged (49.5±15.6) years, which were grouped according to disease severity. Mild AP (MAP) was included in the MAP group ( n=84), while moderate to severe and severe acute AP were included in the non-MAP group ( n=41). The surface gastrogram of all AP patients was detected on the 2nd and 4th day after admission. The slow waves of gastric electricity were recorded, and gastric growth hormone-releasing hormone, C-reactive protein (CRP), etc. were detected simultaneously. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to analyze the influencing factors of AP severity (MAP or non-MAP). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the indicators in predicting the severity of AP. Results:The levels of gastric growth hormone-releasing hormone in both the non-MAP group and MAP group on the 2nd and 4th day after admission were lower than those in normal control group (all P<0.05). The percentages of normal gastric electrical slow waves in the first and fourth leads, the mean percentages of normal gastric electrical slow waves in the four leads, and the main frequency on the 2nd day of admission in the non-MAP group were lower than those in the normal control group, and the main power and C-reactive protein were higher than those in the MAP group, the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the percentage of normal gastric electrical slow wave in the first lead on the 2nd day of admission ( OR=0.914, 95% CI: 0.869-0.961, P=0.001) and CRP ( OR=1.008, 95% CI: 1.002-1.013, P=0.012) were the influencing factors of the severity of AP. The area under the ROC curve of the percentage of normal gastric electrical slow wave in the first lead on the 2nd day of admission in predicting the severity of AP was 0.705, with a sensitivity of 97.6% and a specificity of 35.7%. Conclusion:The plasma gastric growth hormone-releasing hormone in patients with AP decreases in the early stage. The low percentage of normal slow waves in the first lead of gastric electrocardiogram on the 2nd day of admission is a risk factor for the severity of AP and can be used for the early prediction of the severity.

Objective:To study the alternation of plasma ghrelin in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) and to evaluate the efficacy of gastric slow wave analysis in predicting the severity of AP.Methods:Clinical data and blood samples of 129 patients with AP and 16 individuals for normal physical examination in the Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangnan University Affiliated Central Hospital (Wuxi No.2 People's Hospital) from September 2018 to August 2024 were prospectively collected. Individuals with normal physical examinations were included in the normal control group, including 9 males and 7 females, aged (50.9±14.2) years. The finally enrolled 125 patients with AP included 82 males and 43 females, aged (49.5±15.6) years, which were grouped according to disease severity. Mild AP (MAP) was included in the MAP group ( n=84), while moderate to severe and severe acute AP were included in the non-MAP group ( n=41). The surface gastrogram of all AP patients was detected on the 2nd and 4th day after admission. The slow waves of gastric electricity were recorded, and gastric growth hormone-releasing hormone, C-reactive protein (CRP), etc. were detected simultaneously. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to analyze the influencing factors of AP severity (MAP or non-MAP). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the indicators in predicting the severity of AP. Results:The levels of gastric growth hormone-releasing hormone in both the non-MAP group and MAP group on the 2nd and 4th day after admission were lower than those in normal control group (all P<0.05). The percentages of normal gastric electrical slow waves in the first and fourth leads, the mean percentages of normal gastric electrical slow waves in the four leads, and the main frequency on the 2nd day of admission in the non-MAP group were lower than those in the normal control group, and the main power and C-reactive protein were higher than those in the MAP group, the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the percentage of normal gastric electrical slow wave in the first lead on the 2nd day of admission ( OR=0.914, 95% CI: 0.869-0.961, P=0.001) and CRP ( OR=1.008, 95% CI: 1.002-1.013, P=0.012) were the influencing factors of the severity of AP. The area under the ROC curve of the percentage of normal gastric electrical slow wave in the first lead on the 2nd day of admission in predicting the severity of AP was 0.705, with a sensitivity of 97.6% and a specificity of 35.7%. Conclusion:The plasma gastric growth hormone-releasing hormone in patients with AP decreases in the early stage. The low percentage of normal slow waves in the first lead of gastric electrocardiogram on the 2nd day of admission is a risk factor for the severity of AP and can be used for the early prediction of the severity.

Objective: The study aimed to review the oncological characteristics and treatment of pregnancy-associated cancers and analyze the obstetric and neonatal outcomes to provide evidence-based recommendations for reproductive function preservation, oncological treatment, and obstetric management. Methods: We conducted an observational retrospective cohort study among pregnant patients with cancer in 7 Chinese tertiary A hospitals from 2003 to 2021. We conducted multiple logistic regression to determine the influence of various factors on preterm birth and small-for-gestational-age infants, log-binomial regression to analyze temporal changes, and χ 2 tests to explore the effects of cancer type/treatment. Results: Of 204 women, 17% terminated their pregnancies; 59% received pre-delivery treatment. Every 6 years, the rates of pregnancy termination (relative risk [RR]=0.48;95% confidence interval [CI]=0.35–0.67) and iatrogenic preterm births (RR=0.73; 95% CI=0.54–0.98) reduced, and that of pre-delivery treatment increased, mainly due to increased rates of surgery (RR=1.87; 95% CI=1.31–2.67). Maternal systemic diseases were related to small-for-gestational-age infants (odds ratio [OR]=12.02; 95% CI=1.82–79.43).Chemotherapy with taxanes plus platinum-based agents was related to adverse obstetric outcomes (OR=1.87; 95% CI=1.42–2.46; p<0.05). Thyroid (OR=0.36; 95% CI=0.22–0.57) and ovarian cancer (OR=0.70; 95% CI=0.50–0.98) were associated with fewer cesarean sections.Thyroid cancer was associated with fetal growth restriction (OR=5.21; 95% CI=1.21–22.55). Conclusion Rates of pregnancy termination in cancer declined. Taxane plus platinum-based chemotherapy was associated with adverse obstetric outcomes. Cancer type influenced outcomes.

Tingli Dazao Xiefeitang is a classic formula for treating lung abscesses and thoracic fluid retention， recognized throughout history and included in the Catalogue of Ancient Classic Formulas （Second Batch）. This article employs bibliometric methods to investigate and analyze the source， origin， and key information of Tingli Dazao Xiefeitang， providing a theoretical basis for the development and application of this renowned formula. The results show that Tingli Dazao Xiefeitang first appears in Synopsis of the Golden Chamber （Jin Kui Yao Lue）， where three clinical applications are recorded. The original text clearly states that this formula is used to treat lung abscesses and thoracic fluid retention， with symptoms such as inability to lie down due to wheezing， chest and rib fullness， facial edema， inability to rest due to thoracic fluid retention， and cough inversion. This aligns with findings from ancient application research. In later generations， the methods proposed by ZHANG Zhongjing were predominantly used for medication and formulation. Modern applications of Tingli Dazao Xiefeitang focus primarily on the respiratory system， with pleural effusion being the most common condition. For the preparation and decoction， a single dose of 5 g of Descurainiae Semen Lepidii Semen （dried and mature seeds of Lepidium apetalum） processed as stir-fried seeds and 36 g of Jujubae Fructus （dried and mature fruit of Ziziphus jujuba） prepared as raw materials were recommended. Then 600 mL of water was added and Jujubae Fructus was first boiled until the volume reduced to 400 mL. After filtering out the residue， the supernatant was retained and mixed with stir-fried Descurainiae Semen Lepidii Semen， followed by boiling to 200 mL， which should be consumed all at once. This research provides a theoretical basis for the development and application of this formula.

Objective: The study aimed to review the oncological characteristics and treatment of pregnancy-associated cancers and analyze the obstetric and neonatal outcomes to provide evidence-based recommendations for reproductive function preservation, oncological treatment, and obstetric management. Methods: We conducted an observational retrospective cohort study among pregnant patients with cancer in 7 Chinese tertiary A hospitals from 2003 to 2021. We conducted multiple logistic regression to determine the influence of various factors on preterm birth and small-for-gestational-age infants, log-binomial regression to analyze temporal changes, and χ 2 tests to explore the effects of cancer type/treatment. Results: Of 204 women, 17% terminated their pregnancies; 59% received pre-delivery treatment. Every 6 years, the rates of pregnancy termination (relative risk [RR]=0.48;95% confidence interval [CI]=0.35–0.67) and iatrogenic preterm births (RR=0.73; 95% CI=0.54–0.98) reduced, and that of pre-delivery treatment increased, mainly due to increased rates of surgery (RR=1.87; 95% CI=1.31–2.67). Maternal systemic diseases were related to small-for-gestational-age infants (odds ratio [OR]=12.02; 95% CI=1.82–79.43).Chemotherapy with taxanes plus platinum-based agents was related to adverse obstetric outcomes (OR=1.87; 95% CI=1.42–2.46; p<0.05). Thyroid (OR=0.36; 95% CI=0.22–0.57) and ovarian cancer (OR=0.70; 95% CI=0.50–0.98) were associated with fewer cesarean sections.Thyroid cancer was associated with fetal growth restriction (OR=5.21; 95% CI=1.21–22.55). Conclusion Rates of pregnancy termination in cancer declined. Taxane plus platinum-based chemotherapy was associated with adverse obstetric outcomes. Cancer type influenced outcomes.

Objective: The study aimed to review the oncological characteristics and treatment of pregnancy-associated cancers and analyze the obstetric and neonatal outcomes to provide evidence-based recommendations for reproductive function preservation, oncological treatment, and obstetric management. Methods: We conducted an observational retrospective cohort study among pregnant patients with cancer in 7 Chinese tertiary A hospitals from 2003 to 2021. We conducted multiple logistic regression to determine the influence of various factors on preterm birth and small-for-gestational-age infants, log-binomial regression to analyze temporal changes, and χ 2 tests to explore the effects of cancer type/treatment. Results: Of 204 women, 17% terminated their pregnancies; 59% received pre-delivery treatment. Every 6 years, the rates of pregnancy termination (relative risk [RR]=0.48;95% confidence interval [CI]=0.35–0.67) and iatrogenic preterm births (RR=0.73; 95% CI=0.54–0.98) reduced, and that of pre-delivery treatment increased, mainly due to increased rates of surgery (RR=1.87; 95% CI=1.31–2.67). Maternal systemic diseases were related to small-for-gestational-age infants (odds ratio [OR]=12.02; 95% CI=1.82–79.43).Chemotherapy with taxanes plus platinum-based agents was related to adverse obstetric outcomes (OR=1.87; 95% CI=1.42–2.46; p<0.05). Thyroid (OR=0.36; 95% CI=0.22–0.57) and ovarian cancer (OR=0.70; 95% CI=0.50–0.98) were associated with fewer cesarean sections.Thyroid cancer was associated with fetal growth restriction (OR=5.21; 95% CI=1.21–22.55). Conclusion Rates of pregnancy termination in cancer declined. Taxane plus platinum-based chemotherapy was associated with adverse obstetric outcomes. Cancer type influenced outcomes.

Objective:To explore the regulation effect and possible mechanism of transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA) on the improvement of gastrointestinal motility and inflammation in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP).Methods:A randomized, single-blinded, sham-controlled study was performed. A total of 62 AP patients were randomly divided into the TEA group ( n=31) and sham-TEA group ( n=31), on the basis of regular treatment, who received TEA treatment at Neiguan (PC6) and Zusanli (ST36) or sham-TEA treatment at corresponding pseudo stimulation acupoints for 2 days. Abdominal distension score, time to first defecation, gastric slow wave, heart rate variability (low frequency and high frequency, reflecting sympathetic and vagal activity, respectively), serum level of tumor tecrosis factor (TNF)-α, plasma levels of motilin, ghrelin and vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP) tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay were compared before and after the treatment. Wilcoxon rank test, Mann-Whitney U test, t-test and two factor repeated measurement analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis. Results:After the treatment, abdominal distension score of TEA group was lower than that of sham-TEA group(1 (0 to 2) vs.5(3 to 6)) and time to first defecation was earlier than that of sham-TEA group((55.00±24.27) h vs.(67.95±23.84) h), the percentage of normal gastric slow wave was higher than that of sham-TEA group((57.42±11.16)% vs. (40.92±8.52)%), and the differences were statistically significant ( Z=-4.95、 t=-2.12、 F=61.53, all P<0.05). After the treatment, the serum level of TNF-α of TEA group was significantly lower than that of sham-TEA group((4.27±1.28) ng/L vs.(6.19±2.03) ng/L), and the difference was statistically significant ( F=28.65, P<0.05). The ratio of post/pre-treatment of low frequency heart rate variability of the TEA group was significantly lower than that of sham-TEA group, however, the result of high frequency was opposite (0.87±0.18 vs.1.14±0.16, 1.19±0.18 vs.0.96±0.13), and the differences were statistically significant ( t=-6.22 and 5.74, both P<0.05). After the treatment, the plasma level of ghrelin of TEA group was higher than that of sham-TEA group ((2.02±0.62) μg/L vs. (0.93±0.49) μg/L), the VIP level was lower than of sham-TEA group ((30.58±12.20) μg/L vs.(44.35±29.52) μg/L), and the differences were statistically significant ( F=59.22 and 5.50, both P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in motilin levels between two groups ((24.57±9.58) ng/L vs. (22.75±9.58) ng/L, P>0.05). Conclusion:TEA treatment can improve gastrointestinal motility and inhibit the inflammation in early AP, which may be related with the regulation of autonomic function, gastrointestinal hormone ghrelin and VIP.

Biliary infection is a common disease in the digestive system, can cause serious complications including sepsis. Among them, patients with severe biliary infections often have poor prognosis. It is reported that ghrelin play important roles in regulating inflammatory response, gastrointestinal motility, appetite, and endocrine. Recently the therapeutic role of ghrelin in the biliary infection has been studied. This article reviews the effects of ghrelin on inflammatory reaction and gastrointestinal dysmotility in biliary infections.