Resumption of activity in gastroenterology departments. Recommendations by SEPD, AEEH, GETECCU and AEG. / Restablecimiento de la actividad en los servicios de Digestivo. Recomendaciones de la SEPD, AEEH, GETECCU y AEG.

The set of measures proposed by SEPD, AEEH, GETECCU and AEG are aimed to help departments in their resumption of usual activity. We have prepared a number of practical recommendations regarding patient management and the stepwise resumption of healthcare activity. These recommendations are based on the sparse, changing evidence available, and will be updated in the future according to daily needs and the availability of expendable materials to suit them; in each department they will be implemented depending upon the cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in each region, and the burden the pandemic has represented for each hospital. The general objectives of these recommendations include: (a)To protect our patients against the risks of infection with SARS-CoV-2 and to provide them with high-quality care. (b)To protect all healthcare professionals against the risks of infection with SARS-CoV-2. (c)To resume normal functioning of our departments in a setting of ongoing risk for infection with SARS-CoV-2.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Diagnostic Methods in the Middle East and North Africa Region.

Background and Objectives: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is common worldwide and may cause gastroduodenal complications, including cancer. In this review, we examine the prevalence and distribution of various H. pylori genotypes and the risk factors for H. pylori infection, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. We also introduce different global screening methods and guidelines and compare them to those currently in use in the MENA region. Materials and Methods: We searched the Google Scholar, PubMed, and Saudi Digital Library (SDL) databases for clinical trials and articles published in English. The data collection was mainly focused on MENA countries. However, for H. pylori genotypes and diagnostic methods, studies conducted in other regions or reporting global practices and guidelines were also included to allow a comparison with those in the MENA region. We also included studies examining the prevalence of H. pylori infection in healthy participants. Results: H. pylori infection is highly prevalent in the MENA region, mainly because of the accumulation of risk factors in developing countries. Herein, we highlight a lack of good quality studies on the prevalence of various H. pylori genotypes in the MENA region as well as a need for standard diagnostic methods and screening guidelines. Due to the complications associated with H. pylori, we recommend routine screening for H. pylori infection in all gastroenterology patients admitted in the MENA region. Conclusion: Concerted effort will first be required to validate affordable, non-invasive, and accurate diagnostic methods and to establish local guidelines with adapted cut-off values for the interpretation of the test results.

The duodenal tube test is more specific than hepatobiliary scintigraphy for identifying bile excretion in the differential diagnosis of biliary atresia.

PURPOSE: Confirmation of bile excretion into the gastrointestinal tract is important to exclude biliary atresia (BA). We compared the duodenal tube test (DTT) with hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HS) for their efficiency in detecting bile secretion. METHODS: The subjects of this retrospective study were 47 infants who underwent both DTT and HS to diagnose or exclude BA between January 2000 and March 2018. RESULTS: BA was diagnosed in 32 of the 47 patients, and 7 of the remaining 15 non-BA patients underwent intraoperative cholangiography. Among the various DTT parameters, the total bile acid in duodenal fluid (DF-TBA)/serum (S) gamma-glutamyl transferase (γGTP) ratio was found to be the most specific for BA, with sensitivity and specificity of 98.0-100%, respectively. One BA patient in whom cut off values were not met was a premature infant. The sensitivity and specificity of HS were 100-56.3%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of the DF-TBA/S-γGTP parameter was higher than that of HS (98.6% vs. 85.1%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The DTT could be more a specific method than HS to detect bile excretion. Thus, the DTT should be incorporated into the multidisciplinary diagnostic approach for the differential diagnosis of BA to prevent unnecessary intraoperative cholangiography in patients who do not have BA.

Clinical validation of Endofaster® for a rapid diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection.

BACKGROUND: this study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the Endofaster® for the detection of Helicobacter pylori. METHODS: during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, gastric juice was aspirated to perform an analysis using the Endofaster®. This test was considered as positive when the ammonium concentration was > 67 ppm, negative when < 57 ppm and weakly positive between 57 and 67. Biopsy specimens were also taken as the gold standard. RESULTS: among the 86 patients enrolled in the study, the Endofaster® result was positive in 23.7%, negative in 54.7% and weakly positive in 11.6%, whereas infection was detected via histology in 38.4% of patients. The accuracy was 81.4%, with a Kappa value of 0.57. CONCLUSIONS: the Endofaster® could be useful to perform a rapid diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection (area under the curve = 0.81).

Current approaches to instrumental assessment of swallowing in children.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: This article reviews recent developments in the instrumental assessment of swallowing in children with a specific focus on research published between January 2017 and June 2018. RECENT FINDINGS: Instrumental swallowing assessments reported in the time period included: videofluoroscopic study of swallowing, digital cervical auscultation, dynamic ultrasound, high-resolution impedance manometry, nasal airflow thermistry and respiratory inductance plethysmography. Several studies were found exploring tools to objectively quantify videofluoroscopic study of swallowing data; swallowing from the mouth through to stomach was addressed including approaches to analysing mastication as well as evaluating oesophageal motility disorders. SUMMARY: Even though a vast range of instrumentation were studied, lack of clarity on clinical feasibility and objective measures that facilitate medical decision-making in practice mean further research is required to provide guidance on implementation. Promising novel approaches to aid the quantification of swallowing physiology from the mouth, pharynx and through to the oesophagus are emerging.

Blind esophageal brushing offers a safe and accurate method to monitor inflammation in children and young adults with eosinophilic esophagitis.

Patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) require frequent evaluation of mucosal inflammation via endoscopy. Instead of endoscopy, mucosal evaluation in adults with esophageal cancer and candidiasis is achieved using a cytology brush inserted through a nasogastric tube (NGT). We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study in children and young adults scheduled for routine esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) where in Phase 1, we performed esophageal brushing through the endoscope under direct visualization and in Phase 2, we inserted the brush through a Cortrak® NGT prior to endoscopy. Eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) measured by ELISA in the samples extracted from brushes was validated as the sensitive biomarker. We collected 209 esophageal brushing samples from 94 patients and we found that EDN in brushing samples collected via EGD or NGT was significantly higher in patients having active EoE (n = 81, mean EDN 381 mcg/mL) compared with patients having gastroesophageal reflux disease (n = 31, mean EDN 1.9 mcg/mL, P = 0.003), EoE in remission (n = 47, mean EDN 3.7 mcg/mL, P = 0.003), or no disease (n = 50, mean EDN 1.1 mcg/mL, P = 0.003). EDN at a concentration of ≥10 mcg/mL of brushing sample was found to accurately detect active EoE. NGT brushing did not cause any significant adverse effects. We concluded that blind esophageal brushing using an NGT is a fast, less invasive, safe, and well-tolerated technique compared with EGD to detect and monitor EoE inflammation using EDN as the sensitive biomarker.

Assessment of colorectal length using the electromagnetic capsule tracking system: a comparative validation study in healthy subjects.

AIM: We aimed to determine colorectal length with the 3D-Transit system by describing a 'centreline' of capsule movement and comparing it with known anatomy, as determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Further, we aimed to test the day-to-day variation of colorectal length assessed with the system. METHOD: The 3D-Transit system consists of electromagnetic capsules that can be tracked as they traverse the gastrointestinal tract. Twenty-five healthy subjects were examined with both 3D-Transit and MRI. Another 21 healthy subjects were examined with 3D-Transit on two consecutive days. RESULTS: Computation of colorectal length from capsule passage was possible for 60 of the 67 3D-Transit recordings. The length of the colorectum measured with MRI and 3D-Transit was 95 (75-153) cm and 99 (77-147) cm, respectively (P = 0.15). The coefficient of variation (CV) between MRI and 3D-Transit was 7.8%. Apart from the caecum/ascending colon being 26% (P = 0.002) shorter on MRI, there were no other differences in total or segmental colorectal lengths between methods (all P > 0.05). The length of the colorectum measured with 3D-Transit on two consecutive days was 102 (73-119) cm and 103 (75-123) cm (P = 0.67). The CV between days was 7.3%. CONCLUSION: The 3D-Transit system allows accurate and reliable determination of colorectal length compared with MRI-derived colorectal length and between days. Antegrade or retrograde capsule movement relative to this centreline, as well as the length and speed of movements, may be determined by future studies to allow better classification and treatment in patients with dysmotility.

Acceptability of the Cytosponge procedure for detecting Barrett's oesophagus: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the acceptability of the Cytosponge, a novel sampling device to detect Barrett's oesophagus (BE), a precursor to oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), among people with risk factors for this condition. DESIGN: A qualitative study using semistructured interviews and focus group discussions. Data were explored by three researchers using thematic analysis. SETTING: Community setting in London, UK. PARTICIPANTS: A recruitment company identified 33 adults (17 men, 16 women) aged 50-69 years with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a risk factor for BE. The majority of participants were white British (73%). The focus groups were stratified by gender and education. 10 individuals were interviewed and 23 participated in four focus groups. RESULTS: 3 key themes emerged from the data: the anticipated physical experience, preferences for the content of information materials and comparisons with the current gold-standard test. Overall acceptability was high, but there was initial concern about the physical experience of taking the test, including swallowing and extracting the Cytosponge. These worries were reduced after handling the device and a video demonstration of the procedure. Knowledge of the relationship between GERD, BE and EAC was poor, and some suggested they would prefer not to know about the link when being offered the Cytosponge. Participants perceived the Cytosponge to be more comfortable, practical and economical than endoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: These qualitative data suggest the Cytosponge was acceptable to the majority of participants with risk factors for BE, and could be used as a first-line test to investigate GERD symptoms. Concerns about the physical experience of the test were alleviated through multimedia resources. The development of patient information materials is an important next step to ensuring patients are adequately informed and reassured about the procedure. Patient stakeholders should be involved in this process to ensure their concerns and preferences are considered. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN68382401; pre-results.

[Establishment of prediction model of acute gastrointestinal injury classification of critically ill patients based on digital gastrointestinal sounds monitoring].

OBJECTIVE: To develop the prediction model of acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI) classification of critically ill patients. METHODS: The binary channel gastrointestinal sounds (GIS) monitor system was used to gather and analyze the GIS of 60 consecutive critically ill patients who were admitted in Critical Care Medicine of PLA General Hospital from April 2015 to November 2015 (patients with chronic gastrointestinal disease or history of gastrointestinal surgery were excluded). Meanwhile, the AGI grades were evaluated according to the ESICM guidelines of AGI grading system. Correlations between GIS and AGI classification were examined with Spearman rank correlation. Then principal component analysis was performed on the significantly correlated parameters after standardization. The top 3 post-normalized main components were selected for back-propagation (BP) neural network training to establish primary AGI grade model of critically ill patients based on the neural network model. RESULTS: A total of 1 132 GIS and 333 AGI were collected from 60 patients. The number (P = 0.0005), percentage of time (P = 0.0004), mean power (P = 0.0088), maximum power (P = 0.0101) and maximum time (P = 0.0025) of GIS wave from the channel located at the stomach were negatively correlated with the AGI grades, while the parameters of GIS wave from the channel located at the intestine had no significant correlation with the AGI grades(all P > 0.05). Three main components were selected after principal component analysis of these five correlated parameters. An AGI grade network model including 9 hide layers, with a fitting degree of 0.981 64 was built by BP artificial neural network based on the analysis of these three main components of GIS. The accuracy rate of the model to predict the AGI grade was 70.83%. CONCLUSION: The preliminary model based on GIS in classifying AGI grade is established successfully, which can help predict the classification of AGI grade of critically ill patients.

The utility of a handheld metal detector in detection and localization of pediatric metallic foreign body ingestion.

OBJECTIVE: To test the ability of a handheld metal detector (HHMD) to identify the presence and location of ingested metallic foreign bodies (MFBs) in children. METHODS: Prospective case series enrolling children suspected of metallic foreign body ingestion presenting to the Emergency Department. Thirty-eight children were enrolled and the HHMD was used to detect the presence and location of a MFB. Results were compared to standard radiographic studies. RESULTS: Thirty-seven of the 38 ingested foreign bodies were MFBs. Of the 37 MFBs, the HHMD positively identified 33, and 4 were missed by HHMD but identified on radiography. When positive, the location indicated by HHMD correlated 100% with radiograph. There were 33 true positives, 0 false positives, 4 false negatives, and 1 true negative. This resulted in a sensitivity of 89% (95% CI of 75%-96%) and specificity of 100% (95% CI of 2.5%-100%). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates the accuracy of HHMD in the identification and localization of metallic foreign bodies. We propose an emergency room foreign body protocol that uses HHMD as an early screening tool in triage in order to expedite the process of obtaining Otolaryngology consultation and potentially shorten the wait time to the operating room or discharge. In instances were outside films are previously performed, HHMD use may be able to minimize the overall radiation exposure to children by obviating the need for repeat radiographs. As the sensitivity is not 100%, a negative HHMD screening does not negate the need for a standard radiograph in order to avoid missed MFBs. HHMD is best suited for detection of coins, which accounts for the majority of the MFB ingestions, and may not be suitable for all metallic objects since the amount of metal may decrease its sensitivity.

The suitability of the GERDyzer instrument in pH-test-proven laryngopharyngeal reflux patients.

The use of validated patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments for the treatment outcome measure of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is crucial given the lack of objective markers. However, current symptom-based PRO instruments can only partially capture the impact of LPR. The GERD Analyzer (GERDyzer), an existing disease-specific PRO instrument, which measures multidimensional health-related quality of life (HRQL) affected by the illness rather than by any specific symptoms, has been validated in patients with erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration PRO guidance, we cross-culturally adapted the GERDyzer instrument into Chinese, and examined the qualitative and quantitative psychometric properties of the Chinese version GERDyzer in pH-test-proven LPR patients.The GERDyzer comprises 10 dimensions of HRQL, including general well-being, pain/discomfort, physical health, diet, energy, activities, leisure activities, social life, mood, and sleep. To examine the content validity, we recruited 26 pH-test-proven LPR participants to conduct 4 focus group meetings for direct patient input on clinical manifestations and HRQL impacts. We also tested the quantitative psychometric properties, including reliability, validity, and responsiveness in 100 pH-test-proven LPR patients.Saturation of concept elicitation was achieved from the 4 focus groups, and a strong conceptual match was evident between the GERDyzer contents and responses from the focus group participants. Cognitive debriefing assessment showed that the Chinese version GERDyzer was adequate for use by patients as it demonstrated linguistic validation and cultural harmonization. Quantitative psychometric properties showed evidence of high internal consistency (Cronbach α: 0.96), good to excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.84-0.98). Confirmatory factor analysis supported a 2-factor structure. Convergent validity was confirmed by moderate correlation assessments referencing the Reflux Symptoms Index and the Reflux Questionnaire. The discriminant validity was supported by the ability to discriminate moderate-to-severe disease from mild disease. The responsiveness was also high in participants with and without typical GERD symptoms (effect sizes 1.20 and 1.21, respectively).In conclusion, the Chinese version GERDyzer instrument is a reliable, valid, and responsive instrument for assessing HRQL in Taiwanese patients with LPR.

Design and Preliminary Experimental Investigation of a Capsule for Measuring the Small Intestine Contraction Pressure.

A tethered pressure measurement capsule was developed for measuring the small intestine contraction pressure to assist in locating capsules within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and quantifying the contact force between the capsule and the small intestine lumen. The capsule was calibrated statically and dynamically in depth-controlled water at body temperature (37-38 °C). In vitro tests were performed on an intestinal simulator to verify the measurement function of the capsule. To perform a preliminary evaluation of its pressure measuring capabilities, the capsule was tested at a single location in a live pig model. The pressure signal from the live animal test was analyzed in the time domain, and then, the empirical mode decomposition and fast Fourier transformation were applied to analyze the contraction pressure and ambient pressure in the frequency domain. The contraction rate was 9.4 to 11.0 times per minute. The peak value of the contraction pressure was 0.24 ± 0.05 kPa. The successful test of this prototype lays the groundwork for a future untethered, swallowable version of the capsule, which will be capable of measuring dynamic pressures while in transit.

[Normative values for peripheral electrical gastroenterocolonography].

AIM: To elaborate the normative values of peripheral electrical gastroenterocolonography (EGECG). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty apparently healthy young people (14 women and 36 men; mean age 20.2 ± 4.7 years) were examined. Peripheral EGECG was used to study the motor-evacuating function of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). RESULTS: The values of the main indicators and coefficients of GIT electrical activity were defined; the concepts of normal physiological values for GIT electrical activity were identified and their values were determined. CONCLUSION: Peripheral EGECG makes it possible to significantly estimate the bioelectrical activity of the gut. The informative markers of peripheral EGECG are relative electrical activity, ratio coefficient, rhythmicity coefficient, as well as the average amplitude and frequency of bioelectrical activity.

Utilidad de la ecografía endo anal mediante el uso de videoecoendoscopio con transductor rotatorio de 360 / Usefulness of endo-anal ultrasound through the use of videoechoendoscope with 360 rotary transducer

Introducción: La aparición de la ecografía endoanal 360º significó un cambio importante en la Coloproctología de los últimos 20 años.1 Ha ganado popularidad por ser mínimamente invasivo, indoloro y costo/efectivo si se compara con otros estudios por imágenes. Además, es habitualmente realizada por un Coloproctólogo y puede formar parte del examen en la consulta. Objetivo: Comunicar la experiencia de nuestro grupo en el diagnóstico de diferentes patologías anorrectales mediante la utilización del método. Población y métodos: Entre noviembre de 2010 y abril de 2014 realizamos 978 ecografías endoanales de 360º. Las variables analizadas fueron: estudios realizados según diagnósticos de sospecha; variación en la cantidad de estudios solicitados y realizados durante el periodo establecido; especialidad del médico que solicita el estudio. Resultados: En cuanto al diagnóstico sospechado por el médico derivante, de los 978 estudios, 422 (43,1%) correspondieron a fístulas perianales, 311 (31,79%) ecografías fueron realizadas por diagnóstico de incontinencia anal, 93 (9,5%) como evaluación esfinteriana preoperatoria, 48 (4,9%) por proctalgia crónica, 7 (0,71%) fístulas ano-recto-vaginales, y 20 (2,04%) por otras sospechas diagnósticas (disinergias del piso pelviano, control postoperatorio, etc.). En cuanto a la variación de la cantidad de estudios en el tiempo, se realizaron 8 procedimientos en 2010, 146 durante 2011, 254 en 2012, 402 ecografías en 2013 y 168 durante los primeros meses de 2014. En cuanto a la especialidad acreditada por los médicos que prescribieron el estudio, el 84,1% (823) correspondía a cirujanos colorrectales, el 6,64% (65) a cirujanos generales, el 3,6% (36) a gastroenterólogos, el 2,4% (24) a ginecólogos y el 2,04% (20) a otros. Fueron excluidas del presente trabajo las ecografías realizadas para estadificar o reestadificar los tumores del recto inferior y el ano (22 estudios)...

Background: The appeareance of the 360º endoanal ultrasonography as a diagnostic method an improvement for coloproctology in the last 20 years.(1) It has been gaining popularity in virtue of being minimally invasive, painless and cost/effective, especially when compared to other methods. Furthermore, it is mainly realized by coloproctologists, making it almost part of the physical exam at the consult. Objective: To communicate our experience at the diagnostic of different anorectal pathologies. Population and methods: Between November 2010 and April 2014, we performed 978 studies with the 360º endoanal ultrasound. All of the studies were done with the same equipment and by the same operator. We analyzed the followings variables: Studies performed according to different initials diagnostics; variation in the number of studies requested and performed during the 4 years period; specialty of the primary physician who requested the study. Results: From 978 studies performed, 422 (43,1%) correspond to fistula in ano, 311 (31,79%) to anal incontinence, 93 (9,5%) were done for preoperative evaluation of the anal sphincter, 48 (4,9%) for chronic anal pain, 7 (0,71%) for recto vaginal fistula, and 20 (2,04%) for other presumed diagnostics (pelvic floor dyssynergia, post operatory control). As regards to the variation of the number of studies requested during this 4 years period we found that during 2010 we performed 8 procedures, 146 during 2011, 254 in 2012, 402 in 2013 and 168 during the firsts months of 2014. In relation to the specialty of the primary physician who requested the study, 84,1% (823) were solicited by coloproctologists, 6,64% (65) by general surgeons, 3,6% (36) by gastroenterologists, 2,4% (24) by gynecologists, and 2,04% (20) by other specialists. Studies performed for rectal and anal tumors staging (22 studies...

Enhancing the versatility of alternate current biosusceptometry (ACB) through the synthesis of a dextrose-modified tracer and a magnetic muco-adhesive cellulose gel.

Alternate Current Biosusceptometry (ACB) is a promising bio-magnetic method, radiation free and easily performed used for gastric emptying exams. Due to development on its sensitivity level, interesting nature, noninvasiveness and low cost it has attracted a lot of attention. In this work, magnetic nanoparticles of Mn-Zn ferrite as well as dextrose-modified nanoparticles were synthesized to be used as possible tracers in ACB gastric emptying exams. In addition, a magnetic muco-adhesive gel was obtained by modifying the ferrite nanoparticles with cellulose. Based on in-vivo tests in rats, we show that the pure ferrite nanoparticles, whose isoelectric point was found to be at pH=3.2, present a great sensitivity to pH variations along the gastrointestinal tract, while the reduction of the isoelectric point by the dextrose modification leads to suitable nanoparticles for rapid gastric emptying examinations. On the other hand, the in-vivo tests show that the muco-adhesive cellulose gel presents substantial stomach adhesion and is a potential drug delivery system easily traceable by the ACB system.

'Endoflip® evaluation of pharyngo-oesophageal segment tone and swallowing in a clinical population: a total laryngectomy case series'.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate safety of positioning and distending the functional lumen imaging probe in the pharyngo-oesophageal segment in adults with known pharyngo-oesophageal segment dysfunction and to obtain preliminary measurements of pharyngo-oesophageal segment distensibility and opening during swallowing in a clinical group. METHODS: Prospective case series of ten adults post total laryngectomy (61-75 years) recruited from an outpatient ENT clinic. Functional lumen imaging probe was inserted trans-nasally, and the balloon was positioned in the pharyngo-oesophageal segment. Two 20-mL ramp distensions were completed, and subjects performed two dry and two 5-mL and 10-mL liquid swallows at a 12-mL balloon volume. Pharyngo-oesophageal segment distensibility was calculated from cross-sectional area (mm(2) ) and intraballoon pressure (mmHg) measures. During swallowing, extent (mm) and duration (secs) of pharyngo-oesophageal segment opening and intraballoon pressure drop (mmHg) were evaluated. RESULTS: Functional lumen imaging probe could be passed through the pharyngo-oesophageal segment in seven subjects, all of whom completed the protocol. During distensions, pharyngo-oesophageal segment cross-sectional area increased significantly (19.47-148.3 mm(2) , P < 0.001), and intraballoon pressure increased significantly (15- to 20-mL balloon volume, P = 0.005). Pharyngo-oesophageal segment diameter (5.1 mm) increased during dry (7.4 mm), 5-mL (7.3 mm) and 10-mL (7.7 mm) liquid swallows (P = 0.018). Pharyngo-oesophageal segment opening duration varied across dry (1 s), 5-mL (0.8 s) and 10-mL (1.6 s) liquid swallows. Resting intraballoon pressure (25.5 mmHg) did not alter significantly during swallowing (P = 0.656). CONCLUSION: Functional lumen imaging probe provides novel quantitative information regarding pharyngo-oesophageal segment distensibility and opening during swallowing in adults post total laryngectomy. No adverse events were observed in this first clinical study. Data were easy to acquire, and measures may direct candidacy for and establish effectiveness of interventions to alter pharyngo-oesophageal segment tone.

[Current prospects for diagnosis and treatment of food intolerance].

In the study we found most frequent symptoms and pathological conditions associated with food intolerance and their changes when using dietary recommendations established on the results of test-FED (FED). We were determined the frequency of responses by type of food intolerance for the most common foods. We have investigated the possibility of the normalization of body weight in patients with high body mass index.

Ingestible gastrointestinal sampling devices: state-of-the-art and future directions.

Despite the significant contribution of gastrointestinal diseases to the global disease burden and the increasing recognition of the role played by the intestinal microbiota in human health and disease states, conventional methods of exploring and collecting samples from the gastrointestinal tract remain invasive, resource intensive, and often unable to capture all the information contained in these heterogeneous samples. A new class of gastrointestinal sampling capsules is emerging in the literature, which contains the components required for an autonomous intra-luminal device and preserves the spatial and temporal information of the gastrointestinal samples. In this paper, we identify the primary design requirements for gastrointestinal sampling capsules, and we review the state-of-the-art for different components and functionalities. We also suggest two design concepts, and we highlight future directions for this class of biomedical devices.

Sensiprobe--a miniature thermal device incorporating Peltier technology as a diagnostic tool for studying human oesophageal sensitivity.

Heightened perception of gastrointestinal sensation is termed visceral hypersensitivity (VH) and is commonly observed in patients with gastrointestinal disorders. VH is thought to be a major contributory factor in oesophageal disease, particularly gastro-oesophageal reflux disease that does not respond to standard (proton pump inhibitor) treatment, and in functional heartburn. Clinical tools that can help phenotype according to the mechanism of chronic pain and thus allow targeted drug treatment (e.g. with pain modulator therapy) would be very desirable. A technique that produces repeatable and controllable thermal stimuli within the oesophagus could meet this need. The aims of this study were to develop a method for linear control of the heat stimulation in the oesophagus, to assess the reproducibility of this method, and obtain normal thermal sensitivity values in the distal and proximal oesophagus. The 7 mm diameter Peltier-based thermal device was investigated on 27 healthy subjects using a heating ramp of 0.2 °C s(-1). The pain detection threshold (PDT) temperature was recorded. To assess the reproducibility of the device, each subject underwent the procedure twice, with a minimum of two weeks between each procedure. The mean PDT temperature measured in the distal oesophagus, was 53.8 ± 2.9 °C and 53.6 ± 2.6 °C, for visits 1 and 2 respectively. The mean PDT temperature measured in the proximal oesophagus was 54.1 ± 2.4 °C and 54.0 ± 2.8 °C, for visits 1 and 2 respectively. The reproducibility of the PDT temperature in the distal and proximal oesophagus, was good (intra-class correlation >0.6). Future studies should be aimed to determine whether oesophageal thermal sensitivity can act as a biomarker of transient receptor potential vallanoid 1 upregulation.

[Evaluation of intestinal viability on a simulation model of a small ileus based on determination of dielectric parameters].

Interrelationship between dielectric parameters and level of ATPH before and during ischemia, as well as with indices of survival after elimination of strangulation, was estimated on a simulation model of strangulation ileus in rats. The data obtained permit to suppose, that parameter tg δm may be used as effective noninvasive criterion of diagnosis in real time for estimation of the intestinal wall state in strangulation. Resection of the infringed intestine without elimination of strangulation is necessary in tg δm less than 2.20, in tg δm more than 2.36 the elimination of infringement is indicated, because there exist possibility to restore intestinal function after ischemic-reperfusion injury. Tactics of treatment in intermediate meanings of tg δm is not determined, but its measurement before reperfusion may help in estimation of a small intestine viability and choice of surgical tactics in its ischemia.