Association between Attitude towards Wife Beating and Childhood Diarrhea: A Demographic and Health Survey-Based Study in 25 Sub-Saharan African Countries.

BACKGROUND: Childhood diarrhea remains a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Women empowerment reduces child mortality, and wife beating attitude is one of the indicators of women empowerment. There is a dearth of evidence about wife beating attitudes and childhood diarrhea in SSA. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the association between attitude towards wife beating and diarrhea among under-five children. METHODS: We used Demographic and Health Surveys from 25 countries in SSA that were conducted between 2010 and 2020. Using Stata version 14 software, we carried out the analysis on 153,864 children under five. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied, and the results were presented using adjusted odd ratios (aOR) at 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The pooled results show that 71.4% of married women disagreed with wife beating. About 20.5% of under-five children of married women had diarrhea. Childhood diarrhea varied from highest prevalence in Chad (27.9%) to the lowest prevalence in Sierra-Leone (8.5%). The study showed lower odds of diarrhea among children of married women who disagreed with wife beating (aOR = 0.66 95% CI; 0.54-0.80) compared to children of married women who agreed with wife beating. Moreover, the study results show that women's age (35-39 years-aOR = 0.48, 95% CI; 0.31-0.74, 40-44 years-aOR = 0.57, 95% CI; 0.35-0.93, 45-49 years-aOR = 0.35, 95% CI; 0.16-0.79) was negatively associated with childhood diarrhea, while husband's education (primary school-aOR = 1.36, 95% CI; 1.05-1.77), parity (ever born 3-4 children-aOR = 1.36, 95% CI; 1.09-1.70, and 5+ children-aOR = 1.56, 95% CI; 1.14-2.12), and religion (Muslim-aOR = 3.56, 95% CI; 1.44-8.83) were positively associated with diarrhea among under-five children. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows association between women attitude towards wife beating and childhood diarrhea. Therefore, empowering women, especially young women by increasing awareness about domestic violence, their rights, and empowering them through education and economic advancement need to be considered in order to reduce childhood diarrhea. Moreover, fertility control or birth spacing and working closely with religious leaders are important factors to consider in reducing childhood diarrhea.

Psychological factors to predict chronic diarrhea and constipation in Korean high school students.

ABSTRACT: Chronic diarrhea and constipation are common in adolescents and are associated with depression and anxiety. However, the association was not reported in adolescents adjusted for other psychological factors (resilience, personality traits, perceived stress, and suicidal ideation). Therefore, we investigated the significant psychological factors predicting chronic diarrhea and constipation in adjusted individuals for co-variables.A total of 819 Korean high school students who completed bowel health and psychological questionnaires were enrolled in this study. Depression and anxiety were assessed using validated questionnaires. We used multivariate analyses, controlling for demographic, dietary, lifestyle, and psychological variables to predict chronic diarrhea and constipation.Chronic diarrhea and constipation were more common in individuals with depression (22.3% and 18.6%, respectively) than in individuals with no depression (7.0% and 10.9%, respectively). In addition, they were more prevalent in individuals with anxiety (24.5% and 18.6%, respectively) than in individuals with no anxiety (9.1% and 12.7%, respectively). Multivariate analyses showed that resilience (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 0.98, adjusted 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.97-0.99), moderate (aRR = 6.77, adjusted 95% CI = 3.55-12.91), and severe depression (aRR = 7.42, adjusted 95% CI = 3.61-15.27) were associated with chronic diarrhea. Only mild depression was associated with chronic constipation (aRR = 2.14, adjusted 95% CI = 1.36-3.38). However, anxiety was not significantly associated with chronic diarrhea or constipation.Among the psychological factors predicting disordered bowel habits, resilience and moderate and severe depression were significant predictors of chronic diarrhea, but not anxiety. Furthermore, only mild depression was an independent predictor of chronic constipation.

Improved work productivity and health-related quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea receiving eluxadoline following inadequate response to loperamide.

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) is a chronic disorder of gut-brain interaction that negatively affects work productivity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). IBS-D therapeutic options are limited and include loperamide, an over-the-counter µ-opioid receptor agonist commonly used as an antidiarrheal agent, and eluxadoline, a mixed µ- and κ-opioid receptor agonist and δ-opioid receptor antagonist approved in the United States for the treatment of IBS-D in adults. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the effect of eluxadoline on work productivity and HRQOL in patients with IBS-D with previous inadequate response to loperamide. METHODS: The Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire for IBS-D (WPAI:IBS-D), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Healthy Days Core Module (CDC HRQOL-4), and EuroQoL-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) instruments were administered at baseline and week 12 of a phase 4 clinical trial (RELIEF), assessing the efficacy and safety of eluxadoline treatment in adults with IBS-D reporting previous inadequate response to loperamide. Changes from baseline to week 12 for each assessment were evaluated using an analysis of covariance model. Indirect costs were calculated by converting overall work productivity losses into monetary values. RESULTS: A total of 346 patients were randomized to either eluxadoline (n = 172) or placebo (n = 174). From baseline to week 12, compared with placebo, twice-daily treatment with eluxadoline resulted in significantly greater reductions in absenteeism (2.6%; P = 0.046). Numerically greater decreases in presenteeism, overall work productivity loss, and daily activity impairment were also observed in patients receiving eluxadoline compared with those receiving placebo (P = not significant for each). Numerical reductions in overall work productivity loss from baseline to week 12 translate to approximately 2.4 hours per patient per week (123 hours annually) and correspond to an avoided overall work loss of $4,503 annually for an employee with IBS-D treated with eluxadoline. In addition, from baseline to week 12, treatment with eluxadoline led to a significantly greater reduction in the number of unhealthy days experienced (-1.7 days; P = 0.042), as well as numerical improvements in EQ-5D measures in comparison with placebo (P = not significant for each). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with IBS-D reporting inadequate response to loperamide, eluxadoline treatment was associated with significant reductions in absenteeism and the number of unhealthy days experienced. Eluxadoline treatment of IBS-D may lead to significant cost savings via mitigation of losses in work productivity. DISCLOSURES: This study was sponsored by Allergan plc (before acquisition by AbbVie, Inc.). Allergan plc and/or AbbVie, Inc., was involved in the study design, collection, analysis, interpretation of the data, writing of the report, and the decision to submit the report for publication. Abel and Burslem are employees of AbbVie, Inc., and own stock/stock options. Brenner has served as a consultant, speaker, and/or advisor for Allergan plc (before acquisition by AbbVie, Inc.), Alnylam, Alpha Sigma, Arena, Bayer, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Salix Pharmaceuticals, Shire, Synergy, and Takeda Pharmaceuticals. He is also supported in research by an unrestricted gift from the Irene D. Pritzker Foundation. Sayuk has served as a consultant and speaker for Allergan plc (before acquisition by AbbVie, Inc.), Gi Health Foundation, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Salix Pharmaceuticals, and Synergy. Portions of the current work were presented at AMCP Nexus; October 22-25, 2018; Orlando, FL.

A Patient-Centric Tool to Facilitate Goal Attainment Scaling in Neurogenic Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: Path to Individualization.

OBJECTIVES: People with neurogenic bladder and/or bowel dysfunction experience diverse challenges that can be difficult to evaluate with standardized outcome measures. Goal attainment scaling (GAS) is an individualized, patient-centric outcome measure that enables patients/caregivers to identify and track their own treatment goals. Because creating goals de novo can be cumbersome, we aimed to develop a neurogenic bladder/bowel dysfunction goal menu to facilitate goal attainment scaling uptake and use. METHODS: We conducted a workshop with 6 expert clinicians to develop an initial menu. Individual interviews with 12 people living with neurogenic bladder and/or bowel dysfunction and 2 clinician panels with 5 additional experts aided us in refining the menu. A thematic framework analysis identified emergent themes for analysis and reporting. RESULTS: Interview participants were adults (median = 36 years, range 25-58), most with spinal cord injury (75%; 9/12). Of 24 goals identified initially, 2 (8%) were not endorsed and were removed, and 3 goals were added. Most participants listed "Impact on Life" goals (eg, Exercise, Emotional Well-Being) among their 5 most important goals (58%; 35/60). Three main themes emerged: challenges posed by incontinence, limitations on everyday life, and need for personalized care. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a clinical outcome assessment tool following a multistep process of representative stakeholder engagement. This patient-centric tool consists of 25 goals specific to people living with neurogenic bladder and/or bowel dysfunction. Asking people what matters most to them can identify important constructs that clinicians might have overlooked.

Study on the clinical mechanism of Tong-Xie-An-Chang Decoction in the treatment of diarrheal irritable bowel syndrome based on single-cell sequencing technology.

BACKGROUND: Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a kind of functional gastrointestinal disorder with obscure pathogenesis, and exploration about differential gene expression and cell heterogeneity of T lymphocytes in peripheral blood in IBS-D patients still remains unknown. Clinicians tend to use symptomatic treatment, but the efficacy is unstable and symptoms are prone to relapse. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is used frequently in IBS-D with stable and lower adverse effects. Tong-Xie-An-Chang Decoction (TXACD) has been proven to be effective in the treatment of IBS-D. However, the underlying therapeutic mechanism remains unclear. This trial aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of TXACD in IBS-D and elucidate the gene-level mechanism of IBS-D and therapeutic targets of TXACD based on single-cell sequencing technology. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a randomized controlled, double-blind, double-simulation clinical trial in which 72 eligible participants with IBS-D and TCM syndrome of liver depression and spleen deficiency will be randomly allocated in the ratio of 1:1 to two groups: the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group receives Tong-Xie-An-Chang Decoction (TXACD) and Pinaverium bromide tablets placebo; the control group receives pinaverium bromide tablets and TXACD placebo. Each group will be treated for 4 weeks. The primary outcome: the rate of IBS-Symptom Severity Score (IBS-SSS). The secondary outcomes: TCM syndrome score, adequate relief and IBS-Quality of Life Questionnaire (IBS-QOL). Mechanistic outcome is the single-cell sequencing profiling of the T lymphocytes in peripheral blood from IBS-D participants before and after the treatment and healthy individuals. DISCUSSION: This trial will prove the efficacy and safety of TXACD with high-quality evidence and provide a comprehensive perspective on the molecular mechanism of IBS-D by single-cell sequencing profiling, which makes us pinpoint specific biomarkers of IBS-D and therapeutic targets of TXACD.

Microbial and metabolomic profiles in correlation with depression and anxiety co-morbidities in diarrhoea-predominant IBS patients.

BACKGROUND: Psychological co-morbidities in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have been widely recognized, whereas less is known regarding the role of gut microbial and host metabolic changes in clinical and psychological symptoms in IBS. RESULTS: A total of 70 diarrhoea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) patients and 46 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Stool and urine samples were collected from both groups for 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomic analysis. The results showed that fecal microbiota in IBS-D featured depleted Faecalibacterium (adjusted P = 0.034), Eubacterium rectale group (adjusted P = 0.048), Subdoligranulum (adjusted P = 0.041) and increased Prevotella (adjusted P = 0.041). O-ureido-L-serine, 3,4-dihydroxybenzenesulfonic acid and (R)-2-Hydroxyglutarate demonstrated lower urinary concentrations in IBS-D patients. We further built correlation matrices between gut microbe abundance, differentiated metabolite quantities and clinical parameters. Dialister manifested negative association with IBS severity (r = - 0.285, P = 0.017), anxiety (r = - 0.347, P = 0.003) and depression level (r = - 0.308, P = 0.010). Roseburia was negatively associated with IBS severity (r = - 0.298, P = 0.012). Twenty metabolites correlated with anxiety or depression levels, including 3,4-dihydroxymandelaldehyde with SAS (r = - 0.383, P = 0.001), 1-methylxanthine with SDS (r = - 0.347, P = 0.004) and 1D-chiro-inositol with SAS (r = - 0.336, P = 0.005). In analysis of microbe-metabolite relationship, 3,4-dihydroxymandelaldehyde and 1-methylxanthine were negatively correlated with relative abundance of Clostridiumsensu stricto. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated altered microbial and metabolomic profiles associated with clinically and psychological symptoms in IBS-D patients, which may provide insights for further investigations.

Discriminant and convergent validity of the GSRS-IBS symptom severity measure for irritable bowel syndrome: A population study.

BACKGROUND: The Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale-Irritable Bowel Syndrome (GSRS-IBS) is a 13-item measure of IBS symptom severity. The scale has been used in several studies, but its psychometric properties have been insufficiently investigated and population-based data are not available. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to establish the factor structure and discriminant and convergent validity of the GSRS-IBS. METHODS: The study was based on a Swedish population sample (the Popcol study), of which 1158 randomly selected participants provided data on the GSRS-IBS. We used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and compared total and subscales scores in different groups, including IBS diagnostic status, treatment-seeking behavior, and predominant bowel habits. The GSRS-IBS scores were also correlated with quality of life indexes. RESULTS: The sample included 164 participants with a confirmed Rome III IBS diagnosis and 994 participants without the disease. The CFA confirmed the subscales with one exception, in which the incomplete bowel-emptying item belonged to the constipation subscale rather than the diarrhea subscale. The GSRS-IBS total score and subscales were associated with diagnostic status, treatment-seeking behavior, and quality of life dimensions. The relevant subscales scores also differed between the diarrhea- and constipation-predominant subtypes of IBS. CONCLUSION: The GSRS-IBS total score and subscales have high discriminant and convergent validity. The CFA confirmed the overall validity of the subscales but suggest that a sense of incomplete emptying belongs to the constipation rather than the diarrhea symptom cluster. We conclude that the GSRS-IBS is an excellent measure of IBS symptom severity in the general population.

Food-symptom diaries can generate personalized lifestyle advice for managing gastrointestinal symptoms: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms have a heterogeneous pathophysiology. Yet, clinical management uses group-level strategies. There is a need for studies exploring personalized management options in patients with GI symptoms. From diaries of GI symptoms, food intake, and psychological distress, we extracted and validated personalized lifestyle advice. Secondly, we investigated group-level GI symptom triggers using meta-analysis. METHODS: We collected 209 diaries of GI symptoms, food intake, and psychological distress, coming from 3 cohorts of patients with GI symptoms (n = 20, 26, and 163, median lengths 24, 17, and 38 days). Diaries were split into training and test data, analyzed, and the triggers emerging from the training data were tested in the test data. In addition, we did a random effects meta-analysis on the full data to establish the most common GI symptom triggers. KEY RESULTS: Analysis of the training data allowed us to predict symptom triggers in the test data (r = 0.27, P < .001), especially in the subset of patients with a strong global association between lifestyle factors and symptoms (r = 0.45, P < .001). Low exposure to these triggers in the test data was associated with symptom reduction (P = .043). Meta-analysis showed that caloric intake in the late evening or night predicted an increase in GI symptoms, especially bloating. Several food-symptom associations were found, whereas psychological distress did not clearly lead to more severe GI symptoms. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Diaries of GI symptoms, food intake, and psychological distress can lead to meaningful personalized lifestyle advice in subsets of patients.

Efecto del trasplante de microbiota fecal sobre los síntomas psiquiátricos de los pacientes con enfermedad intestinal inflamatoria: estudio experimental / The effect of fecal microbiota transplantation on psychiatric symptoms among patients with inflammatory bowel disease: an experimental study

INTRODUCCIÓN: Durante la última década, se ha obtenido evidencia que respalda la relación entre el microbiota intestinal y el cerebro. El envejecimiento, el estrés, la nutrición y los medicamentos pueden alterar la composición bacteriana de la microbiota intestinal. Esta condición, llamada disbiosis, se puede reparar con prebióticos, probióticos o con trasplante de microbiota fecal (TMF). El TMF es eficaz en el tratamiento de enfermedades inflamatorias intestinales (EII). La información sobre el uso del TMF en los trastornos psiquiátricos es limitada. Este estudio tiene como objetivo investigar los cambios en la severidad de la depresión, la ansiedad y la obsesión de los pacientes que recibieron TMF para el tratamiento de enfermedades inflamatorias intestinales. METODOLOGÍA: Este estudio se realizó con 10 pacientes con EII que se sometieron al TMF entre marzo y septiembre de 2017. El TMF fue realizado por un gastroenterólogo experimentado. Los pacientes completaron el Inventario de Depresión de Beck (IDB), el Listado de Síntomas Revisado (SCL-90-R) y el Inventario Obsesivo-Compulsivo de Maudsley (MOCI) antes del TMF y otra vez un mes después del TMF. RESULTADOS: Se encontraron disminuciones significativas en las puntuaciones del IDB (Z = 2.49, p = 0.013), SCL-90-R (Z = -2.09, p = 0.037) y MOCI (Z = 2.08, p = 0.037) un mes después del TMF. Aunque las puntuaciones de la subescala de ansiedad del SCL-90-R disminuyeron, esta disminución no fue estadísticamente significativa (Z = -1.55, p = 0.121). CONCLUSIONES: La severidad de la ansiedad, la depresión y la obsesión en los pacientes con EII disminuyó después del TMF. La disminución de los síntomas psiquiátricos puede deberse al efecto neuropsiquiátrico directo del TMF (efecto primario), pero también a la mejora de los síntomas gas-trointestinales (efecto secundario). Otra posibilidad es que este resultado sea independiente de estas dos hipótesis. Por lo tanto, los resultados de nuestro estudio no son suficientes para establecer una relación de causa-efecto. Para generalizar estos resultados, se necesitan más ensayos controlados aleatorizados con muestras de más pacientes con ansiedad o depresión, pero sin enfermedades físicas concomitantes

INTRODUCTION: Over the past decade, evidence that supports the relationship between intestinal microbiota and the brain has been obtained. Ageing, stress, nutrition and medi-cines can alter the composition of bacteria in the intestinal microbiota. This condition, called dysbiosis, can be repaired through prebiotics, probiotics or fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). FMT is effective in the tratamiento of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Information on FMT's use with psychiatric disorders is limited. This study aims to investigate changes in the severity of depression, anxiety and obsession of patients who received FMT for the tratamiento of inflammatory bowel diseases. METHODS: This study was conducted with 10 patients with IBD who underwent FMT between March and September 2017. FMT was performed by an experienced gastroen-terologist. The patients completed the Beck Depression In-ventory (BDI), Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) and Maudsley Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (MOCI) be-fore FMT and again at 1 month after FMT. RESULTS: Significant decreases were found in BDI (Z = 2.49, p = 0.013), SCL-90-R (Z = -2.09, p = 0.037) and MOCI (Z = 2.08, p = 0.037) scores after 1 month of FMT. Although he SCL-90-R anxiety subscale scores decreased, this de-crease was not statistically significant (Z = -1.55, p = 0.121). CONCLUSIONS: The severity of anxiety, depression and obsession in IBD patients decreased after FMT. The decrease in psychiatric symptoms may result from the direct neuro-psychiatric effect of FMT (primary effect), but also the im-provement of gastrointestinal symptoms (secondary effect). Another possibility is that this result is independent of these two conditions. Therefore, the results of our study are not sufficient to establish a cause-effect relationship. More ran-domised controlled trials with larger samples from patients with anxiety or depression but without comorbid physical illnesses are needed to generalise these results

Intimate partner violence and childhood illnesses in Cambodia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Around a quarter of Cambodian women reported being victim to intimate partner violence (IPV) from their current partner. Children's exposure to familial IPV impacts psychosocial well-being and emerging research indicates associations with physical health. OBJECTIVE: Investigate associations between maternal experience of IPV and common childhood illnesses in Cambodia. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: Analysis of the Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey (2000, 2005, 2014) using logistic regression, including 5025 children under 5 years of age whose mothers responded to questions about experience of emotional, physical and sexual violence by current partner. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Report of diarrhoea, acute respiratory infection (ARI) or fever, respectively, in children in the two weeks preceding the survey. RESULTS: Children of mothers with experience of any type of IPV had estimated elevated odds of diarrhoea (adjusted OR (aOR)=1.65, 95% CI 1.39 to 1.97), estimated odds of ARI (aOR=1.78, 95% CI 1.47 to 2.16) and estimated odds of fever (aOR=1.51, 95% CI 1.31 to 1.76) compared with children of mothers without reported IPV experience. Exposure to any form of IPV corresponded to an estimated 2.65 times higher odds (95% CI 2.01 to 3.51) for reporting having both diarrhoea and ARI. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the notion that children's susceptibility to diarrhoea, ARI and fever may be affected by mothers' experience of IPV, including emotional violence. Maternal and child health programmes should train healthcare professionals to identify domestic violence and children at risk, and link victims to appropriate health and legal services.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms of and Psychosocial Changes in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Nursing-Led Cross-Sectional Study of Patients in Clinical Remission.

Background and Objectives: Nursing management in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is focused on global patient care. Starting from basic knowledge of diagnostic and therapeutic management, nurses can assess the impact of IBD on patients' quality of life not only at the physical level, but also at the psychological, social, and emotional levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of gastrointestinal symptoms on psychosocial changes in IBD patients in remission through nursing-led Patient-Reported Outcomes. Materials and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of 109 IBD patients in clinical and endoscopic remission. Specialist nurses invited patients to complete questionnaires on gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life through the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). Results: We found that the gastrointestinal symptoms that the patients reported had a significant impact on the analyzed aspects of health. More specifically, belly pain, diarrhea, and bloating were associated with depressive symptoms (p < 0.001), anxiety (p < 0.001), fatigue (p < 0.001), and sleep disturbances (p < 0.001). Moreover, these symptoms also significantly affected patients' social dimension in terms of satisfaction with participation in social roles (p < 0.001, p < 0.05, and p < 0.001 for belly pain, diarrhea, and bloating, respectively) and physical functions (p < 0.001). The results were virtually the same in a multivariable analysis adjusted by age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and disease duration. Conclusions: Even during remission, gastrointestinal symptoms are the main factors that influence quality of life in IBD patients. This exploratory study highlights the need to adopt validated questionnaires in clinical practice, and demonstrates that PROMIS is a valid, objective, and standardized instrument that can help nursing staff to better define the consequences of the disease in a patient's daily life.

Patient preferences for attributes of tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatments for EGFR mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer.

Aim: EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) vary in efficacy, side effects (SEs) and dosing regimen. We explored EGFR-TKI treatment attribute preferences in EGFR mutation-positive metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. Materials & methods: Patients completed a survey utilizing preference elicitation methods: direct elicitation of four EGFR-TKI profiles describing progression-free survival (PFS), severe SE risk, administration; discrete choice experiment involving 12 choice tasks. Results: 90 participated. The preferred profile (selected 89% of times) had the longest PFS (18 months) and the lowest severe SE risk (5%). Patients would need compensation with ≥three-times longer PFS for severe SEs. Patients would accept ≤7 months PFS reduction for oral treatments versus intravenous. Conclusion: Patients preferred longer PFS but were willing to accept reduced PFS for more favorable SEs and dosing convenience.

5-HT6 receptor antagonism reduces defecation in rat: A potential treatment strategy for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea.

Whereas the potential role of serotonin for the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has since long been discussed, the possibility that 5-hydroxytryptamine 6 (5-HT6) receptors may serve as targets for the treatment of this condition has as yet not been explored. The aim of the current study was to assess to what extent defecation in rats is influenced by manipulation of 5-HT6 receptors. Reduced defecation following SB-399885 was observed in non-stressed animals assessed for 7 h after drug administration. While not impacting context-conditioned freezing, three 5-HT6 receptor antagonists (SB-399885, SB-271046 and SB-258585) also markedly reduced the number of faecal boli produced by rats exposed to context-conditioned fear. In contrast, a 5-HT6 receptor agonist, WAY-208466, influenced defecation neither in unstressed animals nor in rats experiencing conditioned fear stress. A clinical study on the possible effect of a 5-HT6 receptor antagonist in IBS with diarrhea appears warranted.

Effects of Irritable Bowel Syndrome on Daily Activities Vary Among Subtypes Based on Results From the IBS in America Survey.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is associated with significant disease burden and decreased quality of life (QOL). We investigated the effects of IBS on different areas of daily function and compared these among disease subtypes. METHODS: The Life with IBS survey was conducted by Gfk Public Affairs & Corporate Communications from September through October 2015. Respondents met Rome III criteria for constipation-predominant or diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-C and IBS-D, respectively). Data were collected from 3254 individuals (mean age, 47 years; 81% female; and 90% Caucasian) who met IBS criteria. RESULTS: Respondents who were employed or in school (n = 1885) reported that IBS symptoms affected their productivity an average of 8.0 days out of the month and they missed approximately 1.5 days of work/school per month because of IBS. More than half the individuals reported that their symptoms were very bothersome. Individuals with IBS-C were more likely than with IBS-D to report avoiding sex, difficulty concentrating, and feeling self-conscious. Individuals with IBS-D reported more avoidance of places without bathrooms, difficulty making plans, avoiding leaving the house, and reluctance to travel. These differences remained when controlling for symptom bothersomeness, age, sex, and employment status. In exchange for 1 month of relief from IBS, more than half of the sample reported they would be willing to give up caffeine or alcohol, 40% would give up sex, 24.5% would give up cell phones, and 21.5% would give up the internet for 1 month. CONCLUSIONS: Although the perceived effects of IBS symptoms on productivity are similar among its subtypes, patients with IBS-C and IBS-D report differences in specific areas of daily function.

Prevalence of diarrheal illness and healthcare-seeking behavior by age-group and sex among the population of Gaza strip: a community-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: In the Gaza strip, diarrhea is one of main reasons for children visiting primary healthcare centers. Hence, we investigate predictors of the diarrheal illness and health care-seeking behavior among different age groups. METHODS: This community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from August 2017 to June 2018 among 1857 households. A pretested structured questionnaire included information about socio-demographic, sanitation, hygiene, source of water, diarrheal illness, and seeking healthcare in households was administered to head of household. To achieve representativeness for the five Gaza's governorates, a cluster random sampling was applied. RESULTS: Of the 1857 household's heads, 421 (22.7%) reported an episode of diarrhea during the 48 h preceding the interview resulting an overall prevalence rate of 3.8 per 100 individuals. The prevalence of diarrhea was statistical significant greater in males (5.4/100) compared to females (1.3/100) in all age groups (p <  0.05). Socio-demographic, economic, water, sanitation, and hygiene factors were predictors of the diarrheal illness and seeking of non-professional healthcare for diarrhea illness treatment among. A transition behavior from professional to non-professional and vice versa in seeking healthcare in each diarrheal episode was found. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend improving the status of water, sanitation, and hygiene in the Gaza strip's households to reduce diarrhea among the population of Gaza strip. Community sensitization about the importance of seeking care at primary health centers because treatment of children is available for free or in low costs.

Effect of the administration of a probiotic with a combination of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains on antibiotic-associated diarrhea / Efecto de la administración de un probiótico con lactobacilos y bifidobacterias en la diarrea asociada a antibióticos

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to analyze the effect, safety and tolerability of a specific probiotic combination of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains (Pearls IC©) on antibiotic associated diarrhea due to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Pilot, unicentric, randomized, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled study (probiotic vs. placebo for 30 days). Target population: Adult patients, both sexes treated with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (850mg / 125mg every 8h /orally) for 7 days who attended the Emergency Department (Dexeus Hospital, Barcelona) between January and April of 2018 with prior signed informed consent with a follow up at 30 days. Variables: The differences between day 0 and day 30 of the number of daily stools and duration of diarrhea were evaluated; Stool consistency according to Bristol Stool Form, Quality of intestinal life. Subjective evaluation and evaluation of adverse effects of the product through a specifically designed questionnaire. RESULTS: Thirty-six subjects were included (18 per group) 25 females and 11 males, average age of 38.5 years (range 19-65 years). Pearls IC© delayed between 4 and 5 days the appearance of the diarrheic episode vs. placebo (p <0.001). The results of the quality of life assessment showed an improvement at the end of the 30 days period but without difference vs placebo. The results of the subjective assessment were in favor of the probiotic with higher rate of like responses than placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Pearls IC© demonstrated its beneficial effect on antibiotic associated diarrhea by delaying the onset of diarrhea and showed a tendency to decrease the number of daily stools vs. placebo

INTRODUCCIÓN: El objetivo es analizar el efecto y la seguridad de una combinación probiótica específica de lactobacilos y bifidobacterias (Pearls IC©) en la diarrea asociada a antibióticos debida al tratamiento con amoxicilina-ácido clavulánico. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio piloto, unicéntrico, aleatorizado, doble ciego, paralelo, controlado con placebo. Población objetivo: pacientes adultos, ambos sexos tratados con amoxicilina-ácido clavulánico (850mg / 125mg cada 8h / oral) durante 7 días que asistieron a un Servicio de Urgencias entre enero y abril de 2018 con consentimiento informado previo firmado con un seguimiento a los 30 días. Variables: se evaluaron las diferencias entre el día 0 y el día 30 del número de deposiciones diarias y la duración de la diarrea; Consistencia de las heces según la forma de heces de Bristol, calidad de vida intestinal. Evaluación subjetiva y evaluación de los efectos adversos del producto a través de un cuestionario específicamente diseñado. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 36 sujetos (18 por grupo), 25 mujeres y 11 hombres, con una edad promedio de 38,5 años (rango 19-65 años). Pearls IC© retrasó entre 4 y 5 días la aparición del episodio diarreico versus placebo (p < 0,001). Los resultados de la evaluación de la calidad de vida mostraron una mejoría al final del período de estudio, pero sin diferencias frente a placebo. Los resultados de la evaluación subjetiva fueron a favor del probiótico con una tasa más alta de respuestas similares que el placebo. CONCLUSIONES: Pearls IC© demostró su efecto beneficioso sobre la diarrea asociada a antibióticos al retrasar el inicio de la diarrea y mostró una tendencia a disminuir el número de deposiciones diarias versus placebo

Cognitive and Behavioral Differences Between Subtypes in Refractory Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal syndrome consisting of different bowel pattern subtypes: diarrhea predominant (IBS-D), constipation predominant (IBS-C), and alternating (IBS-A). This paper aimed to identify whether (a) psychological factors implicated in the cognitive behavioral model of IBS were differentially associated with bowel pattern subtypes, (b) whether there were differences in symptom severity and work and social adjustment across the IBS-subtypes. Analysis was conducted on baseline data of 557 individuals with refractory IBS recruited into the Assessing Cognitive Therapy in Irritable Bowel (ACTIB) randomized controlled trial. Correlations assessed the associations between psychological factors, stool patterns, symptom severity, and work and social adjustment. Hierarchical regressions identified whether cognitive and behavioral factors were significantly associated with frequency of loose/watery stools, hard/lumpy stools and symptom severity while controlling for affective (anxiety and depression) and demographic factors (age, gender, symptom duration). One-way ANOVAs were conducted to assess differences across Rome III classified subtypes (IBS-A, D and C) in cognitive, behavioral, affective, symptom severity, and adjustment measures. Psychological factors were significantly associated with symptom severity and work and social adjustment. Increased avoidance behavior and unhelpful gastrointestinal (GI) cognitions were significantly associated with higher frequency of loose/watery stools. Increased control behaviors were associated with higher frequency of hard/lumpy stools. Cognitive and behavioral differences were significant across the Rome III classified IBS subtypes. There were no differences in anxiety, depression, overall symptom severity, or work and social adjustment. The results are discussed in terms of their utility in tailoring cognitive behavioral treatments to IBS subtypes.

A retrospective cohort study comparing dairy calf treatment decisions by farm personnel with veterinary observations of clinical signs.

Antimicrobials are frequently administered to calves with diarrhea, despite evidence suggesting questionable efficacy. Even if efficacious, providing the appropriate therapy to an animal requires accurate disease detection. The objective of this study was to use previously collected data and compare clinical scoring by a veterinarian to treatment decisions by on-farm personnel. Data describing daily clinical scores and farm treatments were previously collected from 4 farms for calves from birth to age 28 d. In this data set, a total of 460 calves were enrolled. Daily observations and clinical assessments were made on each farm by the same veterinarian, for a total of 12,101 calf observation days. Farm personnel made all treatment decisions based on their own observations, and these treatments were recorded by study personnel. Overall, the cumulative incidence of a calf exhibiting at least one abnormal clinical sign over the 28-d observation period was 0.93, with cumulative incidences of 0.85 and 0.33 for diarrhea and dehydration, respectively. The cumulative incidence of any treatment (including antibiotics and electrolytes) was 0.85, although the majority of treatments used an antimicrobial. The farm-specific probabilities that a calf with clinical signs of dehydration or diarrhea, respectively, received fluid or electrolyte therapy ranged from 0.08 to 0.27 and 0.03 to 0.12. These probabilities were greater for the day a clinical sign was first observed. The farm-specific probabilities that a calf with clinical signs of diarrhea received an antimicrobial was 0.23 to 0.65, and the probability that a calf exhibiting clinical signs of respiratory disease received an antimicrobial was 0.33 to 0.76. The first observation of diarrhea had similar probabilities to those for all observations of diarrhea. There was greater probability of treatment for calves with their first observed abnormal respiratory signs. Probabilities that treatment with antimicrobials, or fluids or electrolytes, was associated with an abnormal clinical sign were low-that is, calves received treatments in the absence of any abnormal clinical signs. This study illustrates incongruity between treatment decisions by calf treaters (the designated personnel on each farm responsible for calf health assessment and treatment decisions) and those of an observer using a clinical scoring system to identify calves with abnormal clinical signs. These findings indicate opportunities and the need for dairy farmers and advisors to evaluate calf treatment protocols, reasons for treatment, and training programs for calf health and disease detection, as well as to develop monitoring programs for treatment protocol compliance and health outcomes following therapy.

Effect of the administration of a probiotic with a combination of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains on antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyze the effect, safety and tolerability of a specific probiotic combination of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains (Pearls IC©) on antibiotic associated diarrhea due to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid treatment. METHODS: Pilot, unicentric, randomized, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled study (probiotic vs. placebo for 30 days). Target population: Adult patients, both sexes treated with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (850mg / 125mg every 8h /orally) for 7 days who attended the Emergency Department (Dexeus Hospital, Barcelona) between January and April of 2018 with prior signed informed consent with a follow up at 30 days. Variables: The differences between day 0 and day 30 of the number of daily stools and duration of diarrhea were evaluated; Stool consistency according to Bristol Stool Form, Quality of intestinal life. Subjective evaluation and evaluation of adverse effects of the product through a specifically designed questionnaire. RESULTS: Thirty-six subjects were included (18 per group) 25 females and 11 males, average age of 38.5 years (range 19-65 years). Pearls IC© delayed between 4 and 5 days the appearance of the diarrheic episode vs. placebo (p <0.001). The results of the quality of life assessment showed an improvement at the end of the 30 days period but without difference vs placebo. The results of the subjective assessment were in favor of the probiotic with higher rate of like responses than placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Pearls IC© demonstrated its beneficial effect on antibiotic associated diarrhea by delaying the onset of diarrhea and showed a tendency to decrease the number of daily stools vs. placebo.

The impact of treatment with eluxadoline on health-related quality of life among adult patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea.

PURPOSE: Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) significantly impacts health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This post hoc analysis of two phase III trials evaluated the effects of eluxadoline treatment on disease-specific HRQOL among patients with IBS-D. METHODS: Adult patients meeting Rome III criteria for IBS-D were randomized to oral eluxadoline (75 mg or 100 mg) or placebo twice daily in two phase III clinical trials for 52 weeks (IBS-3001) and 26 weeks (IBS-3002). The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Quality of Life (IBS-QOL) questionnaire assessed disease-specific HRQOL throughout the study. Changes from baseline to Week 26 in IBS-QOL total and subscale scores were analyzed using an analysis of covariance model. Percentages of IBS-QOL responders with ≥ 14- and 20-point changes were evaluated for IBS-QOL total and subscale scores. A longitudinal mixed-effects model was fitted to evaluate mean IBS-QOL total scores. A cumulative distribution function for change from baseline to Week 26 in IBS-QOL total score was plotted. RESULTS: Mean changes from baseline to Week 26 for the IBS-QOL total and all subscale scores were significantly higher for patients treated with eluxadoline (both doses) compared to placebo. A significantly greater proportion of eluxadoline-treated patients were responders compared to placebo. Mean and mixed-effects model estimated mean IBS-QOL total scores were consistently higher for eluxadoline versus placebo over 52 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to placebo, twice-daily eluxadoline treatment significantly improved HRQOL among patients with IBS-D in two phase III trials.