Associations of NOD2 polymorphisms with Erysipelotrichaceae in stool of in healthy first degree relatives of Crohn's disease subjects.

Background: Genetic analyses have identified many variants associated with the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) development. Among these variants, the ones located within the NOD2 gene have the highest odds ratio of all IBD genetic risk variants. Also, patients with Crohn's disease (CD) have been shown to have an altered gut microbiome, which might be a reflection of inflammation itself or an effect of other parameters that contribute to the risk of the disease.

Associations between quantitative evaluation of bowel wall microvascular flow by contrast-enhanced ultrasound and indices of disease activity in Crohn's disease patients using both bolus and infusion techniques.

Purpose: The aim is to investigate whether baseline contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) correlates with indices of activity in Crohn's disease (CD) and can predict response to medical treatment.

Methods: In this prospective study, symptomatic CD patients underwent baseline CEUS performed with Definity using both bolus and infusion methods. Time-intensity curves (TIC), peak intensity (PI), and area under curve (AUC) from a region of interest over the diseased bowel were calculated for both bolus and infusion acquisitions.

Evaluation of Stool frequency and stool form as measures of HIV-related diarrhea.

Purpose: In the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era, HIV-related diarrhea remains common. Our aim was to evaluate stool frequency and form as measures of HIV-related diarrhea.

Method: Forty-eight HIV-infected persons with self-reported diarrhea were studied.

Systematic review of strategies to measure HIV-related diarrhea.

Introduction: In the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era, HIV-related diarrhea remains common. There is no gold standard to measure diarrhea, making comparison across trials difficult. We conducted a systematic review to determine current research practice in measuring HIV-related diarrhea.