Articles tagged with Digestive Disorders
Researchers will analyze publicly available data using machine learning and computational methods to identify key species in a healthy microbial community. They plan to use this information to design a healthy microbiome model and assess its response to diseases, which could lead to targeted therapies and improved medication absorption.
A new study by the University of Plymouth reveals that chlorine disinfectants used in hospitals are no more effective at killing off hospital superbugs than water. The research highlights the need for alternative strategies to tackle Clostridioides difficile, which causes diarrhoea, colitis and other bowel complications globally.
A large-scale prospective study identified significant variations in the gut microbiome of individuals who developed pre-cancerous colonic lesions. These findings suggest that the microbiome could act as a valuable tool to improve existing tests, advancing early detection methods for colorectal cancer.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found a significant link between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and atopic dermatitis (AD), with adults having a 34% increased risk and children having a 44% increased risk. The severity of AD was also associated with an increased risk of developing IBD.
A large-scale study from three Nordic countries shows that the majority of patients with reflux disease do not have a higher risk of cancer. Only those with changes in the oesophageal mucosa are at increased risk.
A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that older adults with digestive diseases are more likely to report loneliness, moderate to severe depression, and poor-or-fair health. The research emphasizes the importance of considering psychosocial factors in gastrointestinal health care.
A Swedish study of 150,000 patients found female surgeons achieved better outcomes and operated more slowly than their male counterparts. The results may shed light on gender differences in the surgical specialty.
Researchers at Purdue University and NIH have identified 14 understudied T-reg proteins with molecular roles in disease onset, offering new avenues for understanding autoimmune diseases and cancer. Studying these proteins could lead to the development of cell-based therapies to modify their functions.
A team of UVA Health experts warns that surgeon-scientists are struggling to obtain research funding, which could lead to a decline in innovations for patients. The researchers found that internal medicine trainees are six times more likely to secure R01 grants and career development awards.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found a significant association between hormone therapy use and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in postmenopausal women. Estrogen increases stomach acid production, while progesterone relaxes esophageal muscles, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, causing GERD symptoms.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive magnetic stimulation therapy called ThorS-MagNT that targets hyperactive nerves in the midback, potentially reducing debilitating symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis. In a pilot study, patients experienced significant improvements in nausea and vomiting, allowing them to enjoy meals again.
A study presented at Digestive Disease Week found that nearly 40% of TikTok posts about liver disease contain false or misleading information. Inaccurate claims often push fad diets, detox drinks, and herbal remedies as cures, with little engagement compared to accurate posts.
Researchers created organoids from patient tissues to test chemotherapy drugs and identified genetic signatures that predict treatment response, offering high accuracy in personalized drug screening. This breakthrough may help select effective drugs for individual patients, reducing trial and error.
A new Cochrane Review found that stool transplantation can increase the number of people recovering from Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection by 77%, compared to 40% with standard antibiotic treatment. The study also showed a decrease in side effects with stool transplantation.
Researchers found deaths from gallstone disease increased in younger populations and those with Medicaid after Medicaid expansion, highlighting the need for proactive prevention over reactive emergency care. A new healthcare model emphasizing primary care and prevention is proposed to address these inequities.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center identified a genetic variant associated with increased risk of developing perianal Crohn's disease, a debilitating manifestation of Crohn's disease. The study highlights the importance of targeting the alternative complement pathway and Complement Factor B (CFB) in treating this condition.
A UC Riverside-led study found that reduced PTPN2 activity in intestinal epithelial cells leads to decreased Paneth cell antimicrobial peptide production, disrupting the gut microbiota and increasing E. coli. This loss can serve as a marker of IBD disease.
Researchers from the University of North Carolina Health Care announce that patients receiving anti-TNF biologic treatments combined with methotrexate had better outcomes than those treated with adalimumab alone. The study, published in Gastroenterology, provides clear results that can immediately impact patient care.
Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergy caused by lone star tick bites, leading to symptoms like stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea. Patients with suspected alpha-gal should undergo a blood test to check for immunoglobulin E antibodies, and the main treatment is avoiding foods containing alpha-gal.
A vibrating capsule designed to stimulate the colon has been shown to double the number of complete spontaneous bowel movements in adults with debilitating chronic constipation. The device, which is not a drug and works directly in the colon, showed significant improvement in symptoms such as straining and stool consistency.
Researchers have developed a novel prognostic index to predict survival outcomes in gastric cancer patients. The inflammation-combined prognostic index (ICPI) combines three biomarkers - lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio - to provide a personalized prognosis for each patient.
Engineers at MIT and Caltech have developed an ingestible sensor that can track its location as it moves through the digestive tract, revealing where slowdowns in digestion may occur. The sensor uses a magnetic field produced by an electromagnetic coil outside the body to calculate its position.
A study found a link between pain and indigestion medication purchases and ovarian cancer diagnoses, suggesting earlier symptom recognition. The research suggests that loyalty card data can be used to identify potential ovarian cancer cases.
Salk scientists have developed a new therapeutic compound called FexD, which reverses gut inflammation in mouse models of inflammatory bowel disease. By activating the master regulator protein FXR, FexD reduces inflammation and restores balance to the digestive system.
Researchers investigating replacing lost gut nerves with stem cells could restore normal gut health, offering new hope for thousands of people suffering from digestive diseases. The project aims to find alternative treatments for Australians experiencing digestive diseases.
Researchers at UVA Children's will use a sophisticated computer model to better understand and treat Crohn's disease, which can have lifelong consequences for young patients. The team hopes to identify biological markers or metabolic signatures that can be used for early diagnosis and personalized medicine.
A study found that over a third (36%) of post-imaging pancreatic cancer cases were potentially avoidable, highlighting poor detection rates. Researchers analyzed patient records to develop an algorithm to categorize missed cases and identify the most likely explanation for why they were missed.
A new pan-European study reveals a worrying increase in the prevalence of several digestive diseases since 2000, including chronic liver diseases, pancreatitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The report estimates that digestive diseases affect over 300 million people across Europe, with significant economic costs.
A new study found that a protein called apoptosis inhibitor five (API5) protects most people with the mutation linked to Crohn's disease from developing the illness. Norovirus infection blocks API5 production in mice with Crohn's, killing gut-lining cells and tipping the balance towards autoimmune disease.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have identified a universal mechanism for lysosomal repair, known as the PITT pathway, which helps maintain cellular longevity. The study reveals that damaged lysosomes are quickly repaired through the PITT pathway, but defects in this process can contribute to age-related diseases such as Al...
A new study from Duke University suggests that consuming more fiber can lead to improved gut health, regardless of the specific supplement used. Participants who had been eating the least amount of fiber before the study showed the greatest benefit from supplements.
Researchers found high mortality rates in the Midwest/northeastern Great Lakes region and lower risk counties in western/southwestern areas. The study highlights regions warranting further investigation and preventive interventions to address the increasing burden of young-onset colorectal cancer.
Researchers have found a negative correlation between Helicobacter pylori infection and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) prevalence, suggesting the bacterium may protect against IBD. This is supported by studies showing improved gut microbiota diversity and increased abundance of beneficial bacteria in H. pylori-infected individuals.
Researchers found that liver transplants from drug overdose donors increased by 26% during the pandemic, while overall solid organ transplant use from overdose donors rose by 31.2%. This trend suggests that a surge in organ donations from overdose deaths helped stabilize liver transplant numbers despite COVID-19 disruptions.
Research found a significant increase in esophageal cancer and Barrett's esophagus among middle-aged adults, with rates nearly doubling between 2012 and 2019. The study suggests an urgent need for earlier endoscopic screening in this age group, particularly those with multiple risk factors.
Researchers discovered that lean individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases compared to those who are overweight or obese. Despite lower rates of other health conditions, lean patients with NAFLD exhibited increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease.
A study of early-onset colon cancer found that five-year survival rates remained lower for Blacks and Hispanics compared to Whites, despite improvements in White survival over a 20-year span. The disparities persisted even among younger adults with localized disease.
Patients who use cannabis require higher levels of sedation during gastric endoscopies than non-users, according to research. Cannabis use is associated with increased odds of requiring higher total sedation during gastroscopy but not colonoscopy.
A new study found that exposure to dogs, particularly from ages 5 to 15, was linked to healthy gut permeability and balance in the gut microbiome. Additionally, growing up in a large family with three or more siblings may also provide protection against Crohn's disease by influencing microbiome composition.
A study of 2.3 million patient records found that antibiotic use was associated with a higher risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease in older adults. The risk increased substantially with each course of antibiotics, with patients who received five or more courses being over 2.3 times more likely to be diagnosed with the condition.
A study has found that patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are six times more likely to have had gallstone disease within the year prior to diagnosis than non-cancer patients. This association suggests that gallstones could be a warning sign for this aggressive and deadly cancer.
A new study has identified persistent racial and ethnic disparities in five-year survival rates for younger adults with colorectal cancer. White patients had a higher five-year relative survival rate compared to Black, Hispanic, and Asian patients, regardless of disease stage.
A new study suggests that growing up with dogs and in large families may lower the risk of inflammatory bowel disease. Exposure to dogs, particularly between ages 5-15, was linked to healthy gut permeability and a balanced immune response, which may help protect against Crohn's disease.
Patients who use cannabis require more drugs than non-users during gastric endoscopies, according to a study. Researchers found that cannabis use was associated with increased odds of requiring higher sedation levels during gastroscopy but not colonoscopy.
A study of 2.3 million patient records found that antibiotic use was associated with a higher risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease in seniors, particularly those who received multiple courses. The risk increased substantially with each course of antibiotics prescribed.
A new study found that lean individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease compared to those who are overweight or obese. Despite having lower risks for other metabolic and cardiovascular conditions, lean patients with NAFLD were more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
Research suggests gallstone disease may be an early indicator of pancreatic cancer, with patients having gallstones nearly six times more likely to develop the disease. This association could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, potentially improving survival rates for pancreatic cancer patients.
Adults aged 45-64 experienced a nearly doubled rate of esophageal cancer and a 50% increase in Barrett's esophagus between 2012 and 2019. Researchers recommend more frequent screening for middle-aged patients with multiple risk factors.
Researchers have engineered bacteria to act as data loggers, capturing gene activity and metabolic responses in the gut. This allows for non-invasive monitoring of gut health and dietary status, enabling early diagnosis of malnutrition and inflammatory responses.
Most swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) resolve within two months after spine surgery, but perception may persist for longer. Patients with chronic increased neck tissue thickness do not show impairments on x-ray testing despite dysphagia symptoms.
Researchers found that women are less likely to undergo common heart procedures and more likely to die in the hospital after receiving them. The study analyzed data from over 2 million hospitalizations for heart procedures between 2016 and 2019, revealing significant disparities in treatment and outcomes based on sex and race.
Researchers discovered that the levels of Piezo2 decrease with age and its removal from gut serotonin cells slows down gut motility in mice, causing constipation. This finding could be a contributing factor to age-related constipation and provide a path to treatment.
Researchers found that long-term daily cocoa consumption didn't improve exercise-induced digestive issues in male athletes. Only minor changes to their gut microbiomes were observed, indicating cocoa is not an effective exercise supplement.
A recent study identified specific RNA biomarkers linked to gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism. The findings could lead to the development of personalized treatments to ease the pain of these individuals. The research has implications for precision medicine, enabling healthcare providers to track medication effectiveness...
Researchers at MUSC found that fungal infections are common in cirrhosis patients, often resistant to antibiotics. Patients with cirrhosis are immunocompromised and need proactive infection management.
A new review suggests that moderate coffee consumption can stimulate digestive processes and help movement through the colon. The study also found a possible association between coffee consumption and reduced risk of gallstones and certain liver diseases. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has released two new clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of diverticulitis. The guidelines recommend that clinicians manage most patients with uncomplicated disease in outpatient settings without antibiotics, while patients with complicated disease should be referred for colonos...
A study by Kennedy Krieger Institute explores how GI problems in children with autism affect their families. Researchers identified four main themes: anxiety, diet, microbiome imbalance, and medication impact. The findings highlight the need for interventions to address poor gut health and its consequences.
Cleveland Clinic researchers have identified the gut microbial gene cluster responsible for converting carnitine into TMAO, which promotes heart disease and stroke. The study found that dietary modifications may help reduce diet- and TMAO-associated cardiovascular disease risk by targeting the gbu gene cluster.
Research from MUSC suggests that physicians should be cautious when using laboratory tests to diagnose alcoholic cirrhosis due to false negative results. Patients with advanced liver disease often show subtle signs and symptoms in the early stages of cirrhosis.