Background/Aims: Obesity is associated with several gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and has been identified as a potential risk factor for various GI symptoms. Bowel frequency is an important indicator of bowel function. However, the causal link between obesity and gastrointestinal motility remains uncertain. This study aims to determine the causal effect of overall and central obesity on stool frequency. Methods: Four obesity-related anthropometric indicators–body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference (WC), and waist-tohip ratio (WHR)–were investigated. Individual-level baseline information from the UK Biobank was used to explore observational associations between obesity and stool frequency. Additionally, summary-level data from published genome-wide association studies were subjected to two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to examine causal associations. Results: For all 4 indicators of obesity, higher levels of obesity were associated with more frequent bowel movements after adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary factors. After rigorous screening, 482 body mass index single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 7 body fat percentage SNPs, 48 WC SNPs, and 287 WHR SNPs were identified as instrument variables for MR analysis. The MR results were generally consistent with observational findings, proving that the associations observed in the overall obesity indicators were causal. For central obesity, the association between WHR and stool frequency remained consistent in both analysis phases, whereas WC showed a multidirectional association. Conclusions Obesity-related anthropometric indicators were causally associated with increased stool frequency in the overall and central obesity groups. Weight loss could be a potential approach to improve gastrointestinal regularity in individuals with obesity.

Background/Aims: Obesity is associated with several gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and has been identified as a potential risk factor for various GI symptoms. Bowel frequency is an important indicator of bowel function. However, the causal link between obesity and gastrointestinal motility remains uncertain. This study aims to determine the causal effect of overall and central obesity on stool frequency. Methods: Four obesity-related anthropometric indicators–body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference (WC), and waist-tohip ratio (WHR)–were investigated. Individual-level baseline information from the UK Biobank was used to explore observational associations between obesity and stool frequency. Additionally, summary-level data from published genome-wide association studies were subjected to two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to examine causal associations. Results: For all 4 indicators of obesity, higher levels of obesity were associated with more frequent bowel movements after adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary factors. After rigorous screening, 482 body mass index single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 7 body fat percentage SNPs, 48 WC SNPs, and 287 WHR SNPs were identified as instrument variables for MR analysis. The MR results were generally consistent with observational findings, proving that the associations observed in the overall obesity indicators were causal. For central obesity, the association between WHR and stool frequency remained consistent in both analysis phases, whereas WC showed a multidirectional association. Conclusions Obesity-related anthropometric indicators were causally associated with increased stool frequency in the overall and central obesity groups. Weight loss could be a potential approach to improve gastrointestinal regularity in individuals with obesity.

Background/Aims: Obesity is associated with several gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and has been identified as a potential risk factor for various GI symptoms. Bowel frequency is an important indicator of bowel function. However, the causal link between obesity and gastrointestinal motility remains uncertain. This study aims to determine the causal effect of overall and central obesity on stool frequency. Methods: Four obesity-related anthropometric indicators–body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference (WC), and waist-tohip ratio (WHR)–were investigated. Individual-level baseline information from the UK Biobank was used to explore observational associations between obesity and stool frequency. Additionally, summary-level data from published genome-wide association studies were subjected to two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to examine causal associations. Results: For all 4 indicators of obesity, higher levels of obesity were associated with more frequent bowel movements after adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary factors. After rigorous screening, 482 body mass index single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 7 body fat percentage SNPs, 48 WC SNPs, and 287 WHR SNPs were identified as instrument variables for MR analysis. The MR results were generally consistent with observational findings, proving that the associations observed in the overall obesity indicators were causal. For central obesity, the association between WHR and stool frequency remained consistent in both analysis phases, whereas WC showed a multidirectional association. Conclusions Obesity-related anthropometric indicators were causally associated with increased stool frequency in the overall and central obesity groups. Weight loss could be a potential approach to improve gastrointestinal regularity in individuals with obesity.

Objective:In chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with previous 96-week treatment with tenofovir amibufenamide (TMF) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), we investigated the efficacy of sequential TMF treatment from 96 to 144 weeks.Methods:Enrolled subjects who were previously assigned (2:1) to receive either 25 mg TMF or 300 mg TDF with matching placebo for 96 weeks received extended or switched TMF treatment for 48 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated based on virological, serological, biological parameters, and fibrosis staging. Statistical analysis was performed using the McNemar test, t-test, or Log-Rank test according to the data. Results:593 subjects from the initial TMF group and 287 subjects from the TDF group were included at week 144, with the proportions of HBV DNA<20 IU/ml at week 144 being 86.2% and 83.3%, respectively, and 78.1% and 73.8% in patients with baseline HBV DNA levels ≥8 log10 IU/ml. Resistance to tenofovir was not detected in both groups. For HBeAg loss and seroconversion rates, both groups showed a further increase from week 96 to 144 and the 3-year cumulative rates of HBeAg loss were about 35% in each group. However, HBsAg levels were less affected during 96 to 144 weeks. For patients switched from TDF to TMF, a substantial further increase in the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization rate was observed (11.4%), along with improved FIB-4 scores.Conclusion:After 144 weeks of TMF treatment, CHB patients achieved high rates of virological, serological, and biochemical responses, as well as improved liver fibrosis outcomes. Also, switching to TMF resulted in significant benefits in ALT normalization rates (NCT03903796).

Objective:In chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with previous 96-week treatment with tenofovir amibufenamide (TMF) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), we investigated the safety profile of sequential TMF treatment from 96 to 144 weeks.Methods:Enrolled subjects that previously assigned (2:1) to receive either 25 mg TMF or 300 mg TDF with matching placebo for 96 weeks received extending or switching TMF treatment for 48 weeks. Safety profiles of kidney, bone, metabolism, body weight, and others were evaluated.Results:666 subjects from the initial TMF group and 336 subjects from TDF group with at least one dose of assigned treatment were included at week 144. The overall safety profile was favorable in each group and generally similar between extended or switched TMF treatments from week 96 to 144. In subjects switching from TDF to TMF, the non-indexed estimated glomerular filtration rate (by non-indexed CKD-EPI formula) and creatinine clearance (by Cockcroft-Gault formula) were both increased, which were (2.31±8.33) ml/min and (4.24±13.94) ml/min, respectively. These changes were also higher than those in subjects with extending TMF treatment [(0.91±8.06) ml/min and (1.30±13.94) ml/min]. Meanwhile, switching to TMF also led to an increase of the bone mineral density (BMD) by 0.75% in hip and 1.41% in spine. On the other side, a slight change in TC/HDL ratio by 0.16 (IQR: 0.00, 0.43) and an increase in body mass index (BMI) by (0.54±0.98) kg/m 2 were oberved with patients switched to TMF, which were significantly higher than that in TMF group. Conclusion:CHB patients receiving 144 weeks of TMF treatment showed favorable safety profile. After switching to TMF, the bone and renal safety was significantly improved in TDF group, though experienceing change in metabolic parameters and weight gain (NCT03903796).

Background::Biliary tract carcinoma (BTC) is relatively rare and comprises a spectrum of invasive tumors arising from the biliary tree. The prognosis is extremely poor. The incidence of BTC is relatively high in Asian countries, and a high number of cases are diagnosed annually in China owing to the large population. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the epidemiology and high-risk factors for BTC in China. The signs associated with BTC are complex, often require collaborative treatment from surgeons, endoscopists, oncologists, and radiation therapists. Thus, it is necessary to develop a comprehensive Chinese guideline for BTC.Methods::This clinical practice guideline (CPG) was developed following the process recommended by the World Health Organization. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach was used to assess the certainty of evidence and make recommendations. The full CPG report was reviewed by external guideline methodologists and clinicians with no direct involvement in the development of this CPG. Two guideline reporting checklists have been adhered to: Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) and Reporting Items for practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT).Results::The guideline development group, which comprised 85 multidisciplinary clinical experts across China. After a controversies conference, 17 clinical questions concerning the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of BTC were proposed. Additionally, detailed descriptions of the surgical principles, perioperative management, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy, and endoscopic management were proposed.Conclusions::The guideline development group created a comprehensive Chinese guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of BTC, covering various aspects of epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. The 17 clinical questions have important reference value for the management of BTC.

Objective:To investigate the iodine nutritional status of pregnant women in Qingdao and the effect of prevention and treatment of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), so as to provide a basis for residents to supplement iodine scientifically, and take targeted prevention measures and adjust intervention strategies.Methods:In accordance with the requirements of the "National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Surveillance Program (2016 edition)" and "Shandong Iodine Deficiency Disorders Surveillance Program", the cluster sampling method was adopted to select pregnant women from 10 districts (cities) in Qingdao from 2018 to 2020, to investigate their basic information and thyroid disease history. Meanwhile, household edible salt samples and random urine samples were collected to detect iodine content.Results:A total of 3 000 pregnant women were monitored from 2018 to 2020, the median age was 31 years, and the median gestational age was 18 weeks. There were significant differences in the distribution of age, gestational age, whether senile puerpera, and pregnancy in different years ( H/χ 2 = 29.35, 81.03, 65.62, 77.34, P < 0.001). The median salt iodine of edible salt ( n = 3 000) and iodized salt ( n = 2 700) in pregnant women's homes were 23.02 and 23.70 mg/kg, respectively. The qualified rate of iodized salt, the coverage rate of iodized salt and the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt were 89.59% (2 419/2 700), 90.00% (2 700/3 000) and 80.63% (2 419/3 000). The comparison of qualified rate of iodized salt, coverage rate of iodized salt and consumption rate of qualified iodized salt among different years was statistically significant (χ 2 = 48.09, 36.62, 61.08, P < 0.001), the coverage rate of iodized salt and the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt showed a downward trend year by year (χ 2trent = 35.54, 29.50, P < 0.001). A total of 3 000 urine samples were collected from pregnant women and the median urinary iodine of pregnant women was 147.85 μg/L. The urinary iodine level in the third trimester was lower than that in the first and second trimesters ( P < 0.001). The urinary iodine level in the non elderly group was higher than that in the elderly group ( Z = - 6.66, P < 0.001). The urinary iodine level in the group without thyroid disease was higher than that in the group with thyroid disease ( Z = - 1.99, P = 0.047). The urinary iodine level in iodized salt group was higher than that in non-iodized salt group ( Z = - 2.42, P = 0.015). Conclusions:The iodine nutrition of pregnant women in Qingdao is generally at an insufficient level, and the risk of iodine deficiency is high, which needs attention. In recent years, the coverage rate of iodized salt and the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt in Qingdao have shown a downward trend, and have failed to meet the requirements of national standards. In the future, we should strengthen the monitoring and health education of IDD in pregnant women.

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics of superficial neoplasia associated with submucosal tumor (SMT) located at the same position and the efficacy of endoscopic super minimally invasive surgery (SMIS).Methods:Data of 9 patients who were diagnosed as having superficial neoplasia associated with SMT at the same position in the upper digestive tract and treated with digestive endoscopic SMIS at the First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from January 2011 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Data including basic information, endoscopic diagnosis and treatment, pathological results and follow-up of these patients were collected to analyze their clinicopathological characteristics. The postoperative pathology and incidence of complications were used as the gold standard to assess the effectiveness and safety of SMIS.Results:In the 9 patients, there were 8 males and 1 female with mean age of 61.6±11.7 years. The main symptoms were abdominal pain in 3 cases, abdominal discomfort in 2 cases, and dysphagia in 1 case. Seven patients were diagnosed as having superficial neoplasia before surgery, while SMT was found during surgery. One patient with superficial neoplasia associated with SMT and 1 with SMT were diagnosed before the surgery. The common sites of the lesion were esophagus (3 cases), gastric antrum (3 cases), cardia (2 cases) and fundus (1 case). The Paris classification of all lesions was type Ⅰ, Ⅱa or combinations. The most common pathological type was early cancer with leiomyoma in 5 cases. All lesions met the criteria of en bloc resection. One lesion had positive lateral margin with low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia, four were all completely resected. No complications such as bleeding, perforation or infection occurred in this study. Follow-up date were available in all cases with a mean period of 19-81 months and no recurrence or metastasis was discovered.Conclusion:The symptoms of patients with superficial neoplasia associated with SMT located at the same position are often atypical. The endoscopic type of lesions is usually protrusion or partial protrusion. Most are diagnosed as having superficial neoplasia before the surgery, and SMT are usually found coincidentally. The most common pathological type is early cancer with leiomyoma. SMIS is safe and effective for the complex lesion.

Objective:To evaluate the new model of group screening combined with opportunistic screening for the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer.Methods:Group screening combined with opportunistic screening was used for gastric cancer screening. (1) Group screening. Cluster sampling was used to screen gastric cancer by endoscopy in high-risk population (aged 40-<70 years) of rural residents in Weihai from July 2017 to December 2020, and biopsy was obtained for histopathology if necessary. Main collection parameters included the detection rate of advanced gastric cancer, early gastric cancer and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN). (2) Opportunistic screening. The changes of the detection rates of early gastric cancer in opportunistic screening in 2 hospitals in Weihai area were observed during the same period of time.Results:(1) In group screening, from July 2017 to December 2020, the first batch of 8 000 cases of gastric cancer screening were completed. The cases of advanced gastric cancer, early gastric cancer and HGIN were 36, 28, and 62, respectively. The detection rates of gastric cancer and early gastric cancer were 0.80% (64/8 000) and 43.75% (28/64), respectively. The proportion of early gastric cancer+HGIN who received endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was 77.78% (70/90), and the rate of curative resection was 100.00%(70/70). (2) Opportunistic screening: from July 2017 to December 2020, the annual early gastric cancer detection rates in opportunistic screening in Wendeng District Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital were 16.67% (1/6), 20.00% (3/15), 23.53% (4/17), and 33.33% (6/18) in the consecutive 4 years, respectively. The annual detection rates of early gastric cancer in opportunistic screening in Ru Shan Peoples Hospital were 14.74% (14/95), 23.80% (60/252), 25.49% (65/255), and 24.04% (50/208), respectively. The detection rates of opportunistic screening for early gastric cancer in hospitals in Weihai city increased year by year.Conclusion:In areas with high incidence of gastric cancer, a certain scale of group screening can lead to a wider range of opportunistic screening, resulting in the increase of the detection rate of early gastric cancer. The new model of diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer is worth recommendation.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic biliary drainage for biliary fistula.Methods:Data of consecutive 409 biliary fistula patients who were treated and diagnosed at the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from November 2002 to November 2022 were reviewed, and 53 patients who received endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) drainage were finally included. General information, procedural conditions, clinical outcomes and adverse events were analyzed. The patients were categorized into two groups: the endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD) group ( n=46) and the endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) group ( n=7). Procedural characteristics, operation outcomes, and operation time were compared between the two groups. Results:There were 36 males and 17 females, with the age of 52.2±12.7 years, among whom 58.5% (31/53) were secondary to cholecystectomy. Clinical success was achieved in 83.0% (44/53) patients, with the operation time of 27.0 (13.5, 33.5) minutes and the treatment session of 1 (1, 2). The time to resolution was 89 (47, 161) days. The success rate of ERCP for low-grade biliary fistula was higher compared with that of high-grade biliary fistula [96.4% (27/28) VS 68.0% (17/25), χ2=7.57, P=0.006]. Bridging drainage achieved higher success rate compared with that of non-bridging drainage [91.7% (33/36) VS 64.7% (11/17), χ2=5.95, P=0.015], while different diameters of stents (≥10 Fr VS <10 Fr) achieved similar success rate [81.8% (27/33) VS 84.6% (11/13), χ2=0.05, P=0.822]. Adverse events occurred in 10 patients (18.9%), including 6 pancreatitis, 2 bleeding, 1 cholangitis and 1 death. Except for 1 death, 9 other adverse events were mild and managed with conservative treatment without interventions. There was no significant difference in clinical success rate [6/7 VS 82.6% (38/46), χ2=0.04, P=0.838] or the median operation time [28.0 min VS 23.0 min, Z=0.38, P=0.774] between ENBD group and ERBD group. Conclusion:Endoscopic biliary drainage is safe and effective for biliary fistula. ENBD and ERBD have comparable clinical efficacy. ERCP for low-grade biliary fistula may achieve a higher success rate, and bridging drainage may facilitate fistula resolution.