Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods useful in the diagnosis and management of Gastroesophageal Reflux. Specifically, the inventions provide a device and methods of using the device for accurately, quantitatively, and non-invasively diagnosing Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in both patients at risk for GERD and patients demonstrating reflux-like symptoms. In particular, the inventions relate to detecting and analyzing upward esophageal movements in patients, such as human infants, children, and adults.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods useful in the diagnosis and management of Gastroesophageal Reflux. Specifically, the inventions provide a device and methods of using the device for accurately, quantitatively, and non-invasively diagnosing Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in both patients at risk for GERD and patients demonstrating reflux-like symptoms. In particular, the inventions relate to detecting and analyzing upward esophageal movements in patients, such as human infants, children, and adults.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods useful in the diagnosis and management of Gastroesophageal Reflux. Specifically, the inventions provide a device and methods of using the device for accurately, quantitatively, and non-invasively diagnosing Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in both patients at risk for GERD and patients demonstrating reflux-like symptoms. In particular, the inventions relate to detecting and analyzing upward esophageal movements in patients, such as human infants, children, and adults.

Abstract: Gastrointestinal tissue injury and infections are treated by orally administering Lactobacilli strains. The Lactobacilli strains prevent neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis tissue injury and necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants. Preterm infants, full-term infants, children and adults as well as animals may be given the Lactobacilli strains. The strains are Lactobacillus salivarius strain ATCC 202196 and Lactobacillus plantarum strain ATCC 202195. Further, the strains may be given individually or as a combination of the two strains. In addition, the strains are useful in treating diarrhea. The Lactobacilli strains normalize and balance bacterial milieu in the gastro-intestinal tract. The Lactobacilli strains may be in lyophilized capsule form. The capsule may be an enteric coated slow-release microcapsule. The Lactobacilli strains may also be administered by means of a naso-gastric tube, especially for preterm infants.

Abstract: A method of preventing necrotizing tissue injury in the gastrointestinal tract comprising orally administering glutamine is disclosed. Glutamine protects tissues along the gastrointestinal tract by blocking translocation of bacterial agents such as gram (-) bacteria, other infectious agents, toxins, chemicals and injurious substances. The intraluminal/apical presence of the glutamine optimizes mucosal defense and increases nutrient absorption. Enteral glutamine is useful in treating neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis for reducing inflammation caused by bacterial translocation and injury. Oral glutamine is also useful in treating gastrointestinal dysfunctions. When glutamine is orally administered, it coats gastrointestinal mucosa thereby treating infectious and/or inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. It is useful in treating pathologic conditions with lowered transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) by acting as a curative agent.