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BackgroundGastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are recognized sequelae of acute respiratory illness (ARI), but their prevalence is not well documented. Our study aim was to assess the incidence of GI symptoms in community ARI cases for persons of all ages and their association with clinical outcomes.MethodsWe collected mid-nasal swabs, clinical, and symptom data from Seattle-area individuals during the 2018–2019 winter season as part of a large-scale prospective community surveillance study. Swabs were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for 26 respiratory pathogens. Likelihood of GI symptoms given demographic, clinical, and microbiological covariates were analyzed with Fisher’s exact, Wilcoxon-rank-sum, and t-tests and multivariable logistic regression.ResultsIn 3183 ARI episodes, 29.4% had GI symptoms (n = 937). GI symptoms were significantly associated with pathogen detection, illness interfering with daily life, seeking care for the illness, and greater symptom burden (all p < 0.05). Controlling for age, > 3 symptoms, and month, influenza (p < 0.001), human metapneumovirus (p = 0.004), and enterovirus D68 (p = 0.05) were significantly more likely to be associated with GI symptoms than episodes with no pathogen detected. Seasonal coronaviruses (p = 0.005) and rhinovirus (p = 0.04) were significantly less likely to be associated with GI symptoms.ConclusionIn this community-surveillance study of ARI, GI symptoms were common and associated with illness severity and respiratory pathogen detection. GI symptoms did not track with known GI tropism, suggesting GI symptoms may be nonspecific rather than pathogen-mediated. Patients presenting with GI and respiratory symptoms should have respiratory virus testing, even if the respiratory symptom is not the primary concern.

Abstract Background Sexual dysfunction is common among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). For lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+) patients, these challenges may be compounded by health disparities related to sexual health, stigma, and fear of discrimination in the clinical setting. There has been little research related to sexual health and IBD among this patient demographic. Methods Patients with IBD who receive care at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Brigham and Women’s Hospital were invited to participate in a 4-part survey on sexual health via an electronic patient portal messaging system and outpatient clinic flyers. Patients from the broader IBD community were invited to participate via social media outlets. Demographic data, IBD disease characteristics, and information related to health care experiences and interactions with IBD providers were collected. Sexual history information was obtained using an adapted version of the IBD-Specific Sexual Dysfunction Scale. Results In total, 340 patients completed the survey, of which 20.3% (n = 69) identified as LGBTQ+. The majority of patients (75%, n = 255) reported distress in their sexual life due to IBD; however, only 5% (n = 17) of respondents had previously discussed the topic of sexual health with their IBD provider. One in 4 LGBTQ+ patients listed fear of discrimination as a source of discomfort in these discussions, and a similar proportion expressed uncertainty regarding whether their sexual and/or gender identity negatively impacted their IBD care. Conclusions Further research and enhanced provider awareness of sexual health challenges related to IBD among LGBTQ+ patients may serve as an important step toward advancing inclusive and culturally sensitive care for this patient population.

Bathroom ban legislation is increasing throughout the United States, and little is known about the effect on transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals with chronic gastrointestinal conditions. Efforts should be made to raise awareness and address the knowledge gaps.

The outbreak of bubonic plague that struck London and Westminster in 1636 provoked the usual frenzied response to epidemics, including popular flight and government-mandated quarantine. The government asserted that plague control measures were acts of public health for the benefit of all. However, contrary to this government narrative of disease prevention there was a popular account that portrayed quarantine and isolation as personal punishment rather than prudent policy. In examining the 1636 outbreak on the parish as well as the individual level, reasons for this inconsistency between official and unofficial perspectives emerge. Quarantine and its effects were not classless, and its implementation was not always strictly in the name of public health. Government application of quarantine was remarkably effective, but it could never be uncontroversial both because of circumstances and because of misuse. The flight of the wealthiest from London and Westminster left only the more socially vulnerable to be quarantined. Though plague policy was financially sensitive to the poorest, it was costly to the middling sort. Another cause of controversy was the government's use of quarantine as a punishment to control individuals found breaking other laws. Though not widely publicized, popular narratives continually included grievances about the cruelty and inequity of quarantine and the militaristic nature of its implementation. Despite these objections, quarantine remained a staple of the government response to plague outbreaks throughout the seventeenth century.

Abstract Background Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals often experience more discrimination and worse health than non-SGM people. Less is known about SGM individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We studied IBD outcomes, discrimination, illness-related stigma, and SGM status in a cross-sectional survey. Methods In total, 1586 IBD Partners e-cohort participants self-reported sexual orientation, gender identity, and prior IBD treatment. They completed the Short Crohn’s Disease Activity Index or Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index, the Everyday Discrimination Scale, and the Paradox of Self Stigma (PASS-24) scale. We performed regression analyses controlling for age, race, disease duration, and IBD type. Results SGM people were 7.8% (n = 124) of the cohort. SGM participants were younger than non-SGM participants (median age 40 vs. 54 years, P < .001). Among SGM individuals, 67% (n = 74) were in remission based on disease activity scores. Among non-SGM individuals, 74% (n = 936) were in remission (P = .097). Similar proportions of SGM and non-SGM persons reported prior IBD-related hospitalization (40% vs. 37%, P = .426; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.62-1.45) and IBD-related surgery (52% vs. 54%, P = .707, aOR 1.25, 95% CI, 0.81-1.94). SGM respondents reported more discrimination (71% vs. 47%, P < .001), and 43% of SGM individuals reported healthcare-related discrimination versus 21% of non-SGM individuals (P < .001). SGM persons also endorsed more internalized stigma (median PASS-24 scores 53 vs. 47, P = .026). Conclusions SGM individuals with IBD are more likely to experience discrimination, including in healthcare, and illness-related stigma. These may significantly impact the quality of life and should be considered in the care of SGM people with IBD. Lay Summary In a national survey, we found that sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals with inflammatory bowel disease are more likely to experience discrimination, including in healthcare, and illness-related stigma than non-SGM individuals.