ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS

WHAT'S HOT IN THE LITERATURE

Vedolizumab and ustekinumab levels in pregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease and infants exposed in-utero
Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Data on newer biologics, such as vedolizumab and ustekinumab is limited — whilst both drugs have known maternal-fetal transfer, no negative safety signals on pregnancy outcomes have been reported when compared to the general population. Outcomes for infants exposed to vedolizumab or ustekinumab — in particular infant drug clearance, safety for postnatal infant vaccination, risk of allergy/atopy and risk of infection — is limited. read more

Review by Prof. Jonathan O'Donnell (Australia)

The burden of waste generated by endoscopy units
Gastroenterology
In this study the authors prospectively collected data on total waste generation, energy consumption and the use of an intraprocedural audit at a single busy tertiary referral endoscopy unit (a Veterans Affairs Hospital in Kansas City, USA) over a two-month period. During these two months, 450 endoscopic procedures (upper endoscopy and colonoscopy) were performed and generated just under 1400kg of waste (62% going directly to landfill, 33% biohazard waste and 5% sharps) — equivalent to filling two football fields to a height of one foot with waste. read more

Review by Prof. Eamonn Quigley (USA)

GI NEWS AROUND THE WORLD

Effect of probiotics on portal hypertension with cirrhosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Clinics and Research in Hepatology and Gastroenterology via ScienceDirect
There are many options for the reduction of portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients, but all the current ones have side effects. Probiotics are a new approach for ameliorating the hyperdynamic circulation of cirrhotic patients. The aim of this study is to measure the effect of probiotics on PH in cirrhosis for the first time.

WNT2B deficiency causes enhanced susceptibility to colitis due to increased inflammatory cytokine production
Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology via ScienceDirect
Humans with WNT2B deficiency have severe intestinal disease, including significant inflammatory injury, highlighting a critical role for WNT2B. We sought to understand how WNT2B contributes to intestinal homeostasis.

How traditional Chinese medicine impacts inflammatory bowel disease research
Allergologia et Immunopathologia
This study performs a bibliometric analysis of traditional Chinese medicine's role in treating inflammatory bowel disease, identifying research trends and collaborations. A comprehensive review of related literature from significant databases highlights China's leading role and the growing interest in this integrative treatment approach.

Chronic active, atrophic gastritis as significant contributing factor to development of gastric cystica profunda
World Journal of Gastroenterology
Gastric cystica profunda is a rare but significant gastric lesion caused by mucosa injury, chronic active and atrophic gastritis, and atrophic gastritis. Its significance is determined by stomach examination and biopsy samples. Chronic atrophic gastritis can contribute to GCP formation. Endoscopic resection is an effective, minimally invasive treatment.

Ambient long-term exposure to organophosphorus pesticides and the human gut microbiome: An observational study
Environmental Health
Organophosphorus pesticides (OP) have been associated with various human health conditions. Animal experiments and in-vitro models suggested that OP may also affect the gut microbiota. We examined associations between ambient chronic exposure to OP and gut microbial changes in humans.

WGO NEWS

EVENTS CALENDAR

IHPBA World Congress 2024
When: May 15-18, 2024
Location: Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town, South Africa
Organizer(s):International Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Association (IHPBA)
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DDW 2024
When: May 18-21, 2024
Location:Washington, DC, United States
Organizer(s): AASLD, AGA, ASGE and SSAT
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