Intestinal motor activity, endoluminal motion and transit.

A programme for evaluation of intestinal motility has been recently developed based on endoluminal image analysis using computer vision methodology and machine learning techniques. Our aim was to determine the effect of intestinal muscle inhibition on wall motion, dynamics of luminal content and transit in the small bowel. Fourteen healthy subjects ingested the endoscopic capsule (Pillcam, Given Imaging) in fasting conditions. Seven of them received glucagon (4.8 microg kg(-1) bolus followed by a 9.6 microg kg(-1) h(-1) infusion during 1 h) and in the other seven, fasting activity was recorded, as controls. This dose of glucagon has previously shown to inhibit both tonic and phasic intestinal motor activity. Endoluminal image and displacement was analyzed by means of a computer vision programme specifically developed for the evaluation of muscular activity (contractile and non-contractile patterns), intestinal contents, endoluminal motion and transit. Thirty-minute periods before, during and after glucagon infusion were analyzed and compared with equivalent periods in controls. No differences were found in the parameters measured during the baseline (pretest) periods when comparing glucagon and control experiments. During glucagon infusion, there was a significant reduction in contractile activity (0.2 +/- 0.1 vs 4.2 +/- 0.9 luminal closures per min, P < 0.05; 0.4 +/- 0.1 vs 3.4 +/- 1.2% of images with radial wrinkles, P < 0.05) and a significant reduction of endoluminal motion (82 +/- 9 vs 21 +/- 10% of static images, P < 0.05). Endoluminal image analysis, by means of computer vision and machine learning techniques, can reliably detect reduced intestinal muscle activity and motion.

Quality of life in young adults having received a BMT during childhood: a GETMON study. Grupo Español de Trasplante de Médula Osea en el Niño.

A quality-of-life questionnaire study was administered in a group of 98 disease-free survivors more than 3 years after BMT. All participants were over the age of 17 years at the time of the survey. The transplants were performed between 1981 and 1993 in eight Spanish hospitals. Eighty-three percent of patients had undergone BMT for neoplastic disease. Seventy-three per cent received an allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. A modified version of a questionnaire applied in Stanford Hospital to evaluate quality of life in adults after BMT was used. A single investigator was responsible for interviewing all subjects by telephone. We compare these results with the same questionnaire applied in a control group of 58 healthy subjects of similar age. The most significant results were: BMT patients valued their quality of life more highly than the control group. The mean score for global quality of life was 8.19+/-0.17 in BMT group as compared to 7.54+/-0.13 in control group (P=0.0013). Studies were cited as the major concern in both groups: 24% in BMT group and in 69% in control group (C.I. 95%=0.59 to 0.30). The patients in the BMT group considered they had fewer problems in comparison with the control group regarding interpersonal relationships with family members and friends, sleep, depression and leisure possibilities. However, they considered they had more problems concerning their physical appearance, studies and work possibilities than their peers. Considerations regarding weight, height, sexual functioning, anxiety, tendency to suffer illness and problems with insurance were similar in both groups.

[Sandhoff's disease (GM2 gangliosidosis, type II). Presentation of a case with a clinical and biochemical study. Carrier detection]. / Enfermedad de Sandhoff (gangliosidosis GM2 tipo II). Presentación de un caso con estudio clínico y bioquímico. Investigación de portadores.

A case affected by Sandhoff's disease is reported, with clinical and biochemical studies. In the propositus, total absence of hexosaminidases is reported. In parents hexosaminidase A is present, but hexosaminidase B is decreased. In the carriers there is a total low activity of hexosaminidase and a lower proportion 20% of hexosaminidase is confirmed.