Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Too many babies are still dying from serious intestinal disease, as improvements slow and disparities persist

A recent study found that Black infants in the US were disproportionately affected by necrotizing enterocolitis, with higher mortality rates compared to White infants. Despite overall improvements in NEC-related deaths between 1999 and 2020, racial disparities persisted.

SourceNecrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Society·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 3, 2023

American Foregut Society white paper recommends expanding endoscopic classification of esophogastric junction integrity beyond hill grade

The American Foregut Society has proposed a new classification system to assess esophagogastric junction (EGJ) integrity, expanding beyond the Hill grade. The new classification takes into account EGJ disruption and hiatus hernia extent, providing a more comprehensive understanding of GERD.

SourceSAGE·JournalForegut The Journal of the American Foregut Society·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 3, 2023

CU School of Medicine researchers part of national team that identified a new dietary approach to treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis

A new dietary approach has been identified to treat eosinophilic esophagitis by eliminating only dairy products, showing similar effectiveness to the standard six-food elimination diet. This breakthrough study led by CU School of Medicine researchers offers a more patient-friendly treatment option with fewer drawbacks.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateFeb 28, 2023

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients suffer significantly higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation than those without IBS

Research highlights the need for holistic treatment of IBS patients' physical and mental tolls, including anxiety (38%) and depression (27%) rates significantly higher than in the general population. Early evaluation and treatment of both conditions is essential to improve patient quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalIrish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -)·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 22, 2023

Oncotarget | Novel prognostic index to predict survival outcomes in gastric cancer patients

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.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2023

What’s your gut telling you?

Researchers have created a tiny pill-like electromagnetic device that can provide medical professionals with diagnostic information about the inner workings of the gastrointestinal tract. The device, when swallowed, delivers data to a smartphone as it passes through the body using electromagnetic technology similar to MRI machines.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalNature Electronics·DateFeb 13, 2023

NYUAD researcher and colleagues develop novel “smart pills” that improve the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders

Researchers have developed a new system to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders. The ingestible 'smart pill' tracks movement through the GI tract using magnetic fields, allowing for more accurate and efficient diagnosis and targeted therapeutic interventions.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Electronics·DateFeb 13, 2023

UNC health provider ushers in first FDA-approved medication for eosinophilic esophagitis

Dupilumab, an FDA-approved medication, offers new hope for patients with eosinophilic esophagitis, a rising condition in the US. The treatment reduces eosinophil counts and improves symptoms of dysphagia, leading to better endoscopic healing and histologic severity improvements.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 21, 2022

How the gut may help to drive COVID-19

New research from Flinders University found a molecular link between COVID-19 and serotonin cells in the gut. The study suggests that these cells synthesise and release serotonin, which is highly enriched for SARS-CoV-2 receptors, potentially worsening disease outcomes.

SourceFlinders University·JournalGut·TypeObservational study·DateAug 31, 2022

CRISPR therapeutics can damage the genome

A new study from Tel Aviv University found that CRISPR therapeutics can lead to a significant loss of genetic material in treated cells, potentially destabilizing the genome and promoting cancer. The researchers detected up to 10% of cells with lost chromosomes, highlighting the need for extra care when using this technology.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 24, 2022

New AI model for the accurate diagnosis of neoplasia associated with inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers developed an AI system that classifies IBDN lesions accurately, displaying image-based diagnostic ability with 64.5% sensitivity and 89.5% specificity. The correct diagnosis rate of the AI system was 79.0, surpassing that of endoscopists, who achieved a 77.8% accuracy rate.

SourceOkayama University·JournalJournal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 13, 2022

Modeling a devastating childhood disease on a chip

A team of researchers created an in vitro human model of environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) using the Human Organ Chip technology. The EED Chips recapitulate features of EED found in biopsies from human patients, including inflammation and intestinal barrier dysfunction. The study sheds light on the complex interplay between malnu...

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2022

Gut microbiota of wild Assamese macaques become more unique with age

Research on wild Assamese macaques reveals that their gut bacteria composition changes uniquely with age, despite similar lifestyles. This finding suggests that the process is part of natural aging and not due to lifestyle changes, with potential implications for developing personalized therapies against intestinal diseases.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalMicrobiome·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 20, 2022

New Chinese Medical Journal Review elucidates the association between inflammatory bowel disease and Helicobacter pylori

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.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 14, 2022

Microgravity analog culture profoundly affects microbial infection process in 3-D human tissue models, a new study finds

A new study found that microgravity analog culture profoundly affects the microbial infection process in 3-D human tissue models. This is critical for ensuring astronaut health on extended space missions and sheds light on mysterious processes of infection on Earth.

SourceArizona State University·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2022

Ablation therapy applied to stomach disorders

Researchers have shown ablation therapy can correct stomach dysrhythmias, eliminating abnormal electrical activity and restoring normal function. The technique may now be able to treat patients suffering from gastrointestinal disorders.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalAJP Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 1, 2022

Gastrointestinal issues linked with anxiety, social withdrawal for kids with autism

A new study found a bi-directional relationship between gastrointestinal issues and internalized symptoms in children with autism, highlighting the importance of the gut-brain axis. The research aims to develop personalized treatments for individuals with autism experiencing gastrointestinal problems.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 26, 2022

A friend, not foe: Parasite in gastrointestinal system found to promote health

A study discovered that a common gut parasite, Blastocystis ST4, has beneficial properties by stabilizing the bacteria ecosystem and promoting quicker recovery from inflammation. The parasite may potentially be translated into probiotics to treat inflammation in patients.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalCellular and Molecular Life Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2022

Microbiota medicine: towards clinical revolution

A recent report by the International Society of Microbiota confirms a bidirectional interplay between gut microbiota and various organs, highlighting the crucial role of microbiota in disease pathogenesis. The report also explores therapeutic strategies for manipulating gut microbiota to prevent and treat disorders.

SourceMitochondria-Microbiota Task Force·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 31, 2022

Penn-Developed CAR T Cells Suppress GI Solid Tumor Cells, Without Toxicity to Healthy Tissue, in Preclinical Research

Researchers at Penn Medicine have discovered a new approach to treat solid cancers using CDH17CAR T cells, which selectively target and eliminate gastrointestinal (GI) solid tumors like gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers in preclinical models. Unlike other immunotherapies, CDH17CAR T cells do not show toxicity to healthy tissues.

Colonic gene mapping gives insights into intestinal diseases

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet used spatial transcriptomics to create a map of gene expression in the mouse colon, gaining new insights into inflammatory bowel disease. The study's findings suggest that the colon is divided into more segments than previously thought and could lead to the development of new treatments.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022

Hospital admission with liver cirrhosis: highest mortality rate of all chronic diseases

A nationwide study in Germany found that liver cirrhosis has the highest mortality rate among chronic diseases, with 0.94% of hospital admissions affected. The study also showed a decline in mortality rates due to improvements in Hepatitis C treatment, but an increase in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease cases.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 11, 2022