A case-control study comparing methylene blue directed biopsies and random biopsies for detecting pre-cancerous lesions in the follow-up of gastric cancer patients.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the accuracy of Methylene Blue (MB) targeted biopsies with random biopsies in detecting intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia in the follow-up of patients after gastrectomy for gastric cancer. METHODS: Thirty patients (21 Billroth II, 9 Billroth 1) for cancer, referred to the Gastroenterology Unit for an elective esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), were enrolled. All endoscopies were performed with a high-resolution videoendoscope with an adjustable image magnification: EG-485ZH (Fujinon, Omiya, Japan). During EGD three random biopsies were taken in the stomach and, after staining with MB, three targeted biopsies were taken from every stained area. RESULTS: In 28 patients traditional endoscopy showed hyperemia of the anastomosis, in 2 patients a lesion. After MB in 6/30 there were stained area (2 lesions seen with traditional endoscopy and 4 blue areas in other patients). As regards histology: 24 patients showed inflammation, while 2 patients with alterations in traditional endoscopy and with MB showed metaplasia and high grade dysplasia. In 4/30 (13.3%) patients MB guided biopsies showed significant lesions (3 intestinal metaplasia, 1 low grade dysplasia) while random biopsies showed only inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: After partial gastrectomy, the mucosa of the residual stomach usually undergoes severe changes, and these lesions are known to be pre-cancerous. The diagnostic accuracy of the MB technique seems to be superior to random biopsies for identification of intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and may be helpful in targeting biopsies and early endoscopic treatment.

Validación de sustratos atractivos a oviposición para la detección de Aedes Aegypti

Objetivo: Comparar tres tipos de atrayentes a oviposición para la detección de Aedes aegypti (agua local, infusión de pasto Stenotaphrum secundatum y solución acuosa de propionato de metilo al 0,5%) en tres ciudades endémicas de Dengue del Perú. Materiales y métodos: Entre Setiembre y Octubre del 2001 se realizó un muestreo dirigido en viviendas de localidades de las provincias de Tarapoto (departamento San Martín), Satipo (Junín) y Tumbes (Tumbes) en base al antecedente de haber presentado, un caso confirmado de dengue o la presencia de pupas y larvas de Ae. aegypti a la inspección. En cada vivienda se colocaron 4 ovitrampas (con las 3 soluciones y una solución control: agua mineral) y se observaron por 3 días consecutivos, inspeccionándolas cada 24 horas. Para el análisis se empleó el test de rango múltiple de Duncan y la prueba de Dunnett, siendo significativo un p<0,05. Resultados: De 248 ovitrampas instaladas (88 en Tarapoto, 88 en Satipo y 72 en Tumbes) en 62 lugares, resultaron positivas 13,7%. El promedio global de huevos por ovitrampa. fue 8,02 (rango: 0-131) y se encontró que el promedio de huevos en la infusión de pasto fue mayor al encontrado en las otras soluciones (p<0,05). Conclusión: La infusión de pasto resultó la más efectiva sustancia atrayente en las ovitrampas empleadas para detectar Ae. aegypti.

Objective: To compare three types of oviposition baits (local water, Stenotaphrum secundatum solution and 0.5%-methyl propionate solution) for the detection of Aedes aegypti in three Dengue endemic cities in Peru. Materials and methods: Based upon one confirmed Dengue case and in the occurrence of Aedes pupae and larvae, a selective sampling of houses in Tarapoto (San Martfn), Satipo (Junin) and Tumbes (Tumbes) was performed between September and October, 2001. Four traps (containing the three solutions, as well as a control solution: mineral water) were placed in each house and observed for a 3-day period, being supervised every 24 hours. The Duncan Multiple Test and the Dunnet Test (significance level, p < 0,05) were used to perform the analysis. Results: Of 248 traps placed (88 in Tarapoto, 88 in Satipo and 72 in Tumbes) in 62 houses, 13.7% were positive. The average egg content for each trap was 8,02 (range: 0-131) and the average egg content found in the vegetable infusion was higher than those met in the other solutions (p<0,05). Conclusion: The vegetable infusion is the most effective trap bait used for detection of Aedes aegypti.