Anxiety But Not Depression Predicts Poor Outcomes in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Background And Aims: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have high rates of psychiatric comorbidities, but it is not clear whether those with comorbidities are at higher risk of poor outcomes. We aimed to determine whether patients with IBD who have co-existing anxiety and/or depression are more likely to have poor IBD-related outcomes compared with IBD patients without anxiety and/or depression.

Methods: This was a prospective longitudinal follow-up study in Ontario, Canada, from 2008 to 2016.

Characterization of Simultaneous Pressure Waves as Biomarkers for Colonic Motility Assessed by High-Resolution Colonic Manometry.

Simultaneous pressure waves (SPWs) in manometry recordings of the human colon have been associated with gas expulsion. Our hypothesis was that the SPW might be a critical component of most colonic motor functions, and hence might act as a biomarker for healthy colon motility. To that end, we performed high-resolution colonic manometry (HRCM), for the first time using an 84-sensor (1 cm spaced) water-perfused catheter, in 17 healthy volunteers.

Ecobiotherapy Rich in Firmicutes Decreases Susceptibility to Colitis in a Humanized Gnotobiotic Mouse Model.

Background: Alterations in the intestinal microbiota, characterized by depletion of anti-inflammatory bacteria, such as Firmicutes, in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) have prompted interest in microbiota-modulating strategies for this condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of fecal and synthetic human microbial ecosystems, low or enriched in Firmicutes, on colitis susceptibility and host immune responses.

Methods: The microbiota of selected healthy and UC human donors was characterized by culture method and 16S rRNA-based sequencing.

The relationship between intestinal microbiota and the central nervous system in normal gastrointestinal function and disease.

Although many people are aware of the communication that occurs between the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the central nervous system, fewer know about the ability of the central nervous system to influence the microbiota or of the microbiota's influence on the brain and behavior. Within the GI tract, the microbiota have a mutually beneficial relationship with their host that maintains normal mucosal immune function, epithelial barrier integrity, motility, and nutrient absorption. Disruption of this relationship alters GI function and disease susceptibility.

The role of pathogenic microbes and commensal bacteria in irritable bowel syndrome.

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) reflects several pathogenetic entities including a subgroup with low-grade colonic inflammation. We propose that pathogenic bacteria act as triggers and that disturbances of commensal bacteria maintain low-grade inflammation, that in turn leads to dysfunction in the gut or brain.

Methods: Studies were performed in mice under specific pathogen-free conditions.

13C urea breath test for (Helicobacter pylori): evaluation of 10-minute breath collection.

Aim: To determine whether a shortened (13)C urea breath test ((13)C UBT) (breath collection time of 10 min) is as reliable as the standard assay (30 min).

Methods: Two hundred ninety-seven patients (mean +/- SD: 53+/-16 years, 57% female) completed a (13)C UBT. Breath samples were obtained at baseline and at 5 min intervals up to 30 min.

13C urea breath test for (Helicobacter pylori): determination of the optimal cut-off point in a Canadian community population.

Aim: To determine the test characteristics and the optimal cut-off point for the (13)C urea breath test ((13)C UBT) in a Canadian community laboratory setting.

Methods: Of 2232 patients (mean age +/- SD: 51+/-21 years, 56% female) who completed a (13)C UBT, 1209 were tested to evaluate the primary diagnosis of (Helicobacter pylori) infection and 1023 were tested for confirmation of eradication following treatment. Cluster analysis was performed on the (13)C UBT data to determine the optimal cut-off point and the risk of false-positive and false-negative results.