家蝇在不同温度湿度条件下的产卵观察

为观察家蝇在不同温度、湿度下首次产卵时间及产卵高峰期和产卵总量。采用饲养笼饲养法 ,将成蝇分 12组 ,在不同温度 ,湿度 ,空间为 30 cm3,饲养 30 d,观察产卵时间 2 2 d。结果显示 ,以 2 9～ 30℃ ,相对湿度为 70 %时的产卵量最高 ;首次产卵时间为成蝇羽化后第 3～ 4d,产卵高峰期为产卵后第 4～ 5 d开始 ,可持续 10～ 11d,然后进入衰减期。因此 ,家蝇在实验室批量饲养以温度 2 9～ 30℃、相对湿度 70 %条件下为最佳     

培养大量杜氏利什曼原虫的单相培养基

培养基的配制分甲、乙两部份: 甲:无菌脱纤维全兔血加等量无菌玻璃重蒸馏水,置25℃内10分钟,使溶解。在溶解产物中加等量含有188毫克分子氯化钠和45毫克分子枸橼酸钠的用玻璃重蒸馏水配成的无菌溶液。混悬液在4℃温度下,用25,000g离心60分钟。而后,去掉上清液,保存在4℃温度中。乙:用玻璃重蒸馏水配制含有5%牛肉粉(Bacto-beef)和2%肝粉(Oxoid liver)的浸液,加热至50℃1小时和80℃5分钟。浸液冷却至25℃时,用抽吸法通过两层No     

放射线对体外细粒棘球蚴原头蚴成囊及Gadd45α基因的影响

目的探讨放射线对体外培养细粒棘球蚴原头蚴成囊过程及凋亡相关基因Gadd45α的影响。方法体外培养自然感染的羊肝中的原头蚴,分别采用0、10、20、30、40、50Gy剂量的6MV-X线照射1次,继续培养14d后在光镜及电镜下观察原头蚴成囊情况并计算成囊率。取原头蚴,分别采用0、30、45、60Gy剂量的6MV-X线照射后继续培养14d,RT-PCR检测包囊细胞Gadd45α基因的表达情况。结果放射线照射后,能发育成囊的原头蚴囊在光镜及电镜下可见明显的放射损伤,对照组成囊发育良好,照射组可见钩突崩解,正常结构消失,且剂量越高,包囊结构异常越明显。0、10、20、30、40、50Gy剂量照射后的成囊率分别为(81.83±0.027)%、(50.62±0.021)%、(33.17±0.014)%、(27.71±0.024)%、(23.06±0.011)%和(20.65±0.009)%,成囊率与放射剂量呈负相关(r=-0.898,P0.01)。RT-PCR检测30、45、60Gy剂量照射后的Gadd45αmRNA相对转录水平分别为1.46±0.190、3.21±0.369和4.26±0.524,与0Gy剂量下的相对表达水平(1±0)比较差异有统计学意义(P0.01),mRNA相对表达水平与放射剂量呈显著正相关(r=0.949,P0.01)。结论放射线照射对原头蚴的成囊有抑制作用,以高剂量组改变和破坏程度更显著。凋亡相关基因Gadd45α可能在放射线抑制原头蚴成囊的机制中发挥重要作用。     

羊在日本血吸虫病传播中的作用Ⅱ温度和湿度对羊粪中虫卵存活的影响及虫卵在自然环境中的存活状况

目的调查羊粪中日本血吸虫虫卵在江滩自然环境中的存活情况及其影响因素,为研究羊在日本血吸虫病传播中的作用提供实验依据。方法建立日本血吸虫感染山羊动物模型,收集感染性山羊粪便,观察环境温度和羊粪含水量对羊粪中日本血吸虫虫卵孵化率的影响。选择江堤外一块草滩作为实验现场,观察春、冬季羊粪在江滩的暴露时间对虫卵孵化率以及阳光直晒对虫卵生存的影响。结果在25℃实验室环境中,羊粪中日本血吸虫虫卵孵化率与羊粪含水量呈高度正相关(r=0.87)。当羊粪含水量降至7.6%时,虫卵失去孵化能力。保持羊粪含水量不变,将羊粪暴露在-5℃环境中,随暴露时间延长,粪便中虫卵孵化率逐渐降低;暴露5 h后,孵化率降至0。将羊粪样本暴露于5、15℃和25℃环境中,随暴露时间延长,粪便中虫卵孵化率逐渐降低,暴露52 d后仍有2.3%、5.0%和0.9%虫卵存活并可孵化出毛蚴。将羊粪暴露于35℃环境中,随暴露时间延长,粪便中虫卵孵化率逐渐降低,暴露13 d后孵化率降为0。冬季(气温-2~10℃)随暴露时间延长,暴露于江滩滩面的羊粪中虫卵孵化率逐渐下降,暴露21 d后孵化率降至0。春季(气温16~19℃)随暴露时间延长,暴露在江滩滩面的羊粪中虫卵孵化率逐渐下降,暴露5 d后虫卵孵化率降至0.9%。同一滩块暴露相同时间后,暴露在有阳光直晒滩面羊粪中的虫卵孵化率低于无阳光直晒滩面。结论羊粪中的日本血吸虫虫卵生存与环境温度和羊粪含水量(即湿度)有关,温度和湿度是影响虫卵孵化的主要自然因素。     

内镜治疗老年人重症急性胆管炎40例分析

目的　探讨内镜治疗老年人重症急性胆管炎 (acutecholangitisofseveretype ,ACST)的应用价值。　方法　 40例老年ACST患者 ,根据手术方法分为急诊手术组和内镜组 ,各 2 0例。从围手术期多方面比较两组治疗的效果及安全性。　结果　急诊手术组治愈 15例 (75 % ) ,体温恢复正常时间平均 (6 5± 1 8)d ,并发症发生 12例 (60 % ) ,死亡 5例 (2 5 % ) ,再治疗 15例 (75 % ) ,全组总治疗时间平均 (45 0± 11 9)d ;内镜组分别为 19例 (95 % )、(3 5± 1 2 )d、3例 (15 % )、1例 (5 % )、18例(89% )及 (2 3 0± 3 5 )d。两组比较 ,治愈率和再治疗率两组差异无显著性 (P >0 0 5 ) ,其他均显示内镜组明显优于手术组 ,两组间差异有显著性 (P <0 0 5 )。　结论　内镜治疗具有微创、有效、序贯的特点 ,是治疗老年人ACST的首选方案     

关于第13届ICCIDD理事会会议情况介绍

第13届ICCIDD理事会于1998年4月1日至3日在加拿大的渥太华举行,陈祖培参加了会议,现将会议的主要内容介绍如下,谨供参考。1 碘盐稳定性的研究1.1 温度、湿度和包装材料对碘盐的影响 把碘盐样品放在不同温度、湿度和不同包装材料的条件下,连续观察一年,发现湿度愈高碘丢失愈多。在敞开的条件下,温度为40℃,湿度60％～100％,碘的丢失达30％～92％,敞开时间愈长丢失愈多;温度为40℃,湿度100％时,敞开放置1个月后碘含量为原来的60％～80％,3个月为30％～     

内镜超声引导下经胃穿刺置管引流治疗胰腺假性囊肿36例

目的:评价内镜超声(endoscopic ultrasound,EUS)胰腺假性囊肿经胃穿刺置管引流术的价值.方法:回顾性分析2005-02/2010-05于我院行EUS引导下经胃穿刺置管引流术的36例胰腺假性囊肿患者的临床资料.结果:本组36例患者中,34例成功完成穿刺和置管,成功率为94.4%(34/36).并发症发生率17.6%(6/34),分别为感染、支架堵塞与移位.平均手术时间为50(40-65)min.置入支架后平均住院时间为4.7(2-9)d.平均支架留存时间为6.9(4-11)mo.平均随访时间为30(10-60)mo.内镜治愈率为97.1%(33/34).未见囊肿复发.结论:EUS引导下经胃穿刺置管引流术是一种安全、有效、微创的治疗胰腺假性囊肿的方法.     

不同储存温度对王浆主蛋白及其生理活性的影响

目的 分析不同储存条件下王浆蛋白质组分的变化.方法 将不同储存条件下的王浆蛋白样品进行双向电泳.结果在室温下储存30 d,室温、4℃、-20℃条件下储存80 d的王浆样品共检测到蛋白点数分别为63、69、45和75个.王浆主蛋白(Apalbumin)1在4种储存条件下均为过饱和点;Apalbumin 2和Apalbumin 3的蛋白含量并未随着储存温度的升高和时间的延长而明显减少;Apalbumin 4和葡萄糖氧化酶的蛋白点只出现在-20℃条件下;Apalbumin 5只出现于4℃和-20℃条件下.结论储存温度对Apalbumin 1、Apalbumin 2和Apalbumin 3 的影响不大,而Apalbumin 4、Apalbumin 5和葡萄糖氧化酶对储存温度敏感,在常温下易发生降解,其生物活性易受到破坏.     

三氧化二砷抑制血小板聚集功能的研究

目的:分析三氧化二砷(ATO)对血小板聚集功能的影响。方法:用不同浓度的ATO(0、0.25、0.5、1、1.5、2、2.5、5和10μmol/L)孵育富血小板血浆(PRP)0、3、15、30、45和60 min,在2 mg/L胶原或2μmol/L腺苷二磷酸(ADP)刺激下,检测血小板聚集功能。结果:在刺激剂为2 mg/L胶原时,ATO(≥5μmol/L)孵育PRP 60 min,可显著抑制血小板聚集,在相应的时间梯度实验中,ATO浓度从5μmol/L上升到10μmol/L,抑制血小板聚集所需要的孵育时间从45 min下降到30 min,ATO对胶原诱导的血小板聚集具有浓度(r=-0.902,P=0.001)和时间(r=-0.964,P=0.002;r=-0.910,P=0.032)依赖性;在刺激剂为2μmol/L ADP时,ATO(≥2μmol/L)孵育PRP 60 min,可显著抑制血小板聚集,在相应的时间梯度实验中,ATO浓度从5μmol/L上升到10μmol/L,抑制血小板聚集所需要的孵育时间从45 min下降到15 min,ATO对ADP诱导的血小板聚集亦具有浓度(r=-0.815,P=0.007)和时间(r=-0.921,P=0.009;r=-0.963,P=0.009)依赖性。结论:低浓度的ATO对血小板聚集功能没有明显的作用,但是高浓度ATO(≥2μmol/L)可抑制血小板的聚集功能,并且该抑制作用具有浓度和时间依赖性。     

三氧化二砷抑制血小板聚集功能的研究

目的:分析三氧化二砷(ATO)对血小板聚集功能的影响。方法:用不同浓度的ATO(0、0.25、0.5、1、1.5、2、2.5、5和10μmol/L)孵育富血小板血浆(PRP)0、3、15、30、45和60 min,在2 mg/L胶原或2μmol/L腺苷二磷酸(ADP)刺激下,检测血小板聚集功能。结果:在刺激剂为2 mg/L胶原时,ATO(≥5μmol/L)孵育PRP 60 min,可显著抑制血小板聚集,在相应的时间梯度实验中,ATO浓度从5μmol/L上升到10μmol/L,抑制血小板聚集所需要的孵育时间从45 min下降到30 min,ATO对胶原诱导的血小板聚集具有浓度(r=-0.902,P=0.001)和时间(r=-0.964,P=0.002;r=-0.910,P=0.032)依赖性;在刺激剂为2μmol/L ADP时,ATO(≥2μmol/L)孵育PRP 60 min,可显著抑制血小板聚集,在相应的时间梯度实验中,ATO浓度从5μmol/L上升到10μmol/L,抑制血小板聚集所需要的孵育时间从45 min下降到15 min,ATO对ADP诱导的血小板聚集亦具有浓度(r=-0.815,P=0.007)和时间(r=-0.921,P=0.009;r=-0.963,P=0.009)依赖性。结论:低浓度的ATO对血小板聚集功能没有明显的作用,但是高浓度ATO(≥2μmol/L)可抑制血小板的聚集功能,并且该抑制作用具有浓度和时间依赖性。     

不同水温下不同时间对福寿螺体内广州管圆线虫的杀灭作用

目的观察不同水温下不同作用时间福寿螺体内广州管圆线虫死亡率的变化规律,为福寿螺的加工提供参考。方法将感染广州管圆线虫的福寿螺随机分为4组,记为Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ组。Ⅰ组5只,作为阴性对照;Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ组再分别分为4小组,分别为Ⅱ30、Ⅱ60、Ⅱ90、Ⅱ120,Ⅲ30、Ⅲ60、Ⅲ90、Ⅲ120,Ⅳ10、Ⅳ30、Ⅳ45、Ⅳ60,每小组5只。Ⅱ、Ⅲ组各小组分别在80±1℃、90±1℃的水中煮30s、60s、90s、120s,Ⅳ组各小组分别在100±1℃沸水中煮10s、30s、45s、60s。将所有螺壳消化后,观察福寿螺体内广州管圆线虫的死亡情况。结果80℃、90℃、100℃时福寿螺体内广州管圆线虫死亡率达100%的最短时间分别为90s、90s、45s。运用Spearman等级相关,Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ组作用时间与加权平均死亡率(WM)呈显著正相关(P<0.01)。运用3次模型分析Ⅱ、Ⅲ组作用时间与WM的曲线方程分别为Y=0.274+0.016x+2.01E-007x3(R=1,P<0.05);Y=0.274+0.016x-9.46E-005x2+1.30E-007x3(R=1,P<0.05)。显微镜下观察高温作用后的广州管圆线虫第Ⅲ期幼虫(L3)结构破坏严重。结论温度相同时,L3死亡率与时间呈正相关;作用时间过短,80℃、90℃<1 min,100℃<30s,不能将L3全部杀死。     

Pulmonary responses of asthmatic and normal subjects to different temperature and humidity conditions in an environmental chamber

Determining the possible adverse health effects of air pollutants can be complicated by differences in the environmental conditions of temperature and humidity. To evaluate the potentially confounding effects of differences in temperature and humidity, we exposed 8 normal male subjects and 8 male subjects with asthma to the extremes in temperature and humidity that could be maintained in an environmental chamber. We performed serial pulmonary function tests for these subjects before and during 6 hr exposure periods on 5 separate occasions: cold, dry (10°C, 10% relative humidity); cold, humid (10°C, 50% relative humidity); normal ambient (22°C, 40% relative humidity); hot, dry (37°C, 15% relative humidity); and hot, humid (37°C, 60% relative humidity). The exposure period included a 12 min exercise on a cycle ergometer. We found no significant change in spirometry, airways resistance, or diffusing capacity for either group of subjects at rest alone over the 6 hr period of exposure for any exposure condition. However, there were changes in spirometry and airways resistance as a result of the 12 min period of exercise. The subjects with asthma had significant decreases in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) (20–21%) and increases in specific airways resistance when exercising in conditions of cold and dry, cold and humid, and hot and dry. The normal subjects had an average increase in FEV₁ of approximately 6% when exercising in the hot and humid conditions. We found significant correlations for the changes in FEV₁ with the water content of the exposure conditions for both groups of subjects. We also found that the work performance (expressed as the external work performed divided by the oxygen consumed) was decreased for the subjects in both groups at the conditions of the higher temperature (37°C) compared with the lower temperature (10°C). These results confirm that controlling for the conditions of temperature and humidity is essential in chamber studies, field studies, or epidemiologic evaluations determining the adverse effect of an air pollutant. Offprint requests to: W. L. Eschenbacher     

Pineal Gland and Humidity Effects on Testicular Function of the Indian Palm Squirrel, Funambulus pennanti

The effect of two different conditions of humidity (80 +/- 5% and 40 +/- 5%) under stimulatory photoperiod (14L/10D) and high temperature (38 +/- 2 degrees C) was studied on the testes and accessory sex organs of the Indian palm squirrel, Funambulus pennanti, during the sexually active phase. High humidity (80 +/- 5%) reduced significantly the testes weight of the sham-operated animals as compared to the controls under natural environmental conditions but had no effect on that of pinealectomized animals. Moderate humidity (40 +/- 5%) did not affect the testes of sham-operated as well as pinealectomized animals, as compared to the respective controls. The seminal and prostatic weights showed no significant difference in high or moderate humidity conditions. However, the epididymal weight of the animals exposed to high humidity was significantly reduced in sham-operated animals only. Thus, these results indicate that the pineal gland may be implicated in mediating the humidity information to control the male gonadal function in the Indian palm squirrel, Funambulus pennanti.     

新型便携式内镜系统用于上消化道内镜检查的实验研究

目的通过动物实验初步评估新型便携式内镜系统用于上消化道内镜检查的操作性能、有效性和安全性。方法采用平行对照、非劣效研究,选取10头健康巴拿猪作为研究对象,1名内镜医师使用日本Olympus内镜系统(型号GIF-Q260),另一名内镜医师使用新型便携式内镜系统,对10头健康巴拿猪按照先新型便携式内镜系统后Olympus内镜系统的顺序进行上消化道内镜检查,采用量化评分指标,对新型便携式内镜系统进行器械质量评价、图像质量评价和安全性评价。结果新型便携式内镜系统单人操作时,展开和收纳用时分别为(110.24±8.93)s和(91.33±11.59)s,戴内镜一次性保护套用时(233.48±17.06)s。器械质量评价方面,新型便携式内镜系统的水气吸引性能不如Olympus内镜系统,吸引400 mL生理盐水所需时间为(56.44±5.18)s,用时多于Olympus内镜系统(型号GIF-Q260)的(33.71±3.56)s,但本新型便携式内镜系统吸引仍符合医疗器械技术要求(吸引量>400 mL/min);其他性能(包括整机密封性、活检通道、镜身坚柔、旋钮操作、镜身弯曲度、视野范围)与Olympus内镜系统相当。图像质量评价方面,新型便携式内镜系统的性能(包括图像清晰度、图像变形及失真、图像颜色分辨率、图像照度、图像质量综合评价)与Olympus内镜系统相近。安全性评价方面,仅使用Olympus内镜系统操作时有1头猪出现恶心症状,使用新型便携式内镜系统操作时的10头猪未发生呕吐、咽喉部出血、心脏骤停等不良事件。结论新型便携式内镜系统展收方便,操作安全性好,内镜操作性能和有效性与临床常用内镜系统相当,不足之处在于水气吸引性能略差于临床常用内镜系统,但仍符合医疗器械技术要求,可以满足上消化道内镜检查。     

外套管辅助内镜下黏膜切除术在治疗食管上段胃黏膜异位症中的价值探讨

目的探讨外套管辅助内镜直视下黏膜切除术治疗食管上段胃黏膜异位症的临床价值。方法选择经内镜检查和病理证实为食管上段胃黏膜异位症并伴有局部症状的患者53例进行内镜治疗,将外套管套在内镜外,随内镜一起插入患者食管内,将内镜退至外套管内,边退外套管边观察,见外套管头部刚好退至病变部位口侧,固定外套管,行内镜下黏膜切除术。术后随访观察疗效。结果53例患者采用一次性切除者45例,2次切除者5例,3次切除者3例。平均每例所需时间为6．5min（4．5～7．5min）,内镜下完全切除率达100％。术后3个月随访时43例症状消失,占81.1％：6个月随访时45例症状消失,占85％。内镜及活检病理均未见复发。无食管狭窄、穿孔及心肺意外等并发症。结论食管上段胃黏膜异位症合并局部症状者,采用外套管辅助固定内镜直视下黏膜切除具有手术简便、仓Ⅱ伤小、恢复快、疗效确切的特点。     

Humidity influences exercise capacity in subjects with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB)

RATIONALE: Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) increases in cold and dry air and decreases in humid air in subjects with asthma. Few reports have reported on the effect of humid environment upon exercise capacity in subjects with EIB. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of the present study was to examine the effect of changing the humidity of the environmental air upon exercise capacity measured by peak oxygen uptake (V O2 peak), peak ventilation (V Epeak) and peak running speed (V peak) and secondarily to assess the influence of environmental humidity upon EIB in subjects suffering from EIB. METHODS: Twenty subjects (10-45 years old, male/female:13/7) with diagnosed EIB performed exercise testing under standardised, regular environmental conditions, 20.2 degrees C (+/- 1.1) and 40% (+/- 3.3) relative humidity [mean (+/- SD)], and under standardised humid environmental conditions; 19.9 degrees C (+/- 1.0) and 95% (+/- 1.7) relative humidity in random order on separate days. Lung function was measured before and 1, 3, 6, 10 and 15 min after exercise. Heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (V O2), respiratory gas exchange ratio (RER), breathing frequency (BF) and minute ventilation (V E) were measured during exercise. RESULTS: V O2 peak and V peak increased significantly from 40% to 95% relative humidity of the environmental air, 4.5% and 5.9%, respectively (P = 0.001). HRpeak increased significantly in the humid environment, while BF(peak) decreased significantly. RERpeak and V Epeak did not change significantly. Post-exercise reduction in FEV1 (DeltaFEV1) and FEF50 (forced expiratory flow at 50% of FVC) (DeltaFEF50) significantly decreased after exercise in a humid environment as compared to regular conditions, DeltaFEV1: 12% (7,17) vs. 24% (19,29) [mean (95% confidence intervals)], respectively, DeltaFEF50: 20% (12,29) vs. 38% (30,46), respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Exercise capacity (V O2 peak and V peak) markedly improved during exercise in humid air in subjects with EIB, whereas EIB was reduced to the half.     

A prospective trial comparing small bowel radiographs and video capsule endoscopy for suspected small bowel disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS: This study was undertaken to prospectively compare the clinical outcomes of small bowel radiographs with the wireless capsule endoscopy. METHODS: Twenty-two patients were selected consecutively because of suspected small bowel disease. Two patients were excluded owing to ileal stenosis. Thus, the results of barium follow-through and the Given M2A wireless video capsule (Given Imaging Ltd., Yoqneam, Israel) endoscopy were compared in 20 patients (13 men; mean age, 52.5 yr; range, 29-78 yr). RESULTS: Barium follow-through was normal in 17 patients and showed ileal nodularity in 3 patients. Capsule endoscopy was normal in 3 patients and showed positive findings in the remaining 17 patients. The barium study was considered diagnostic in 4 (20%) patients. The capsule endoscopy was considered diagnostic in 9 (45%) patients, suspicious in 8 (40%) patients, and failed in 3 (15%) patients. For obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, the diagnostic potential of barium follow-through was much worse as compared with the capsule endoscopy (5% vs. 31%, P < 0.05). Capsule endoscopy was well tolerated and better accepted by patients when compared with the most recently performed endoscopic procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The video capsule endoscope was found to be superior to small bowel radiograph for evaluation of small bowel diseases. However, this novel wireless endoscope system needs further assessment because of limitations such as difficulties in interpretation of potentially nonspecific findings.     

Current GI Endoscope Disinfection and QA Practices

High-level disinfection (HLD) of GI endoscopes is readily achieved when published guidelines are observed. Contamination is linked to breakdowns in accepted procedure. However, there is no recognized method of verifying adequacy of endoscope reprocessing in routine practice and no data regarding current quality assurance (QA) practice. Prior reports have demonstrated a wide variation in routine clinical practice of GI endoscopy HLD. The goal of this study was to determine current practice at regional endoscopy centers with regard to endoscope cleaning and HLD, maintenance, and QA practice. An anonymous multiple-choice questionnaire was mailed to 367 SGNA members in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, and District of Columbia and completed by 230 (63%). The majority of responders were hospital-based and 59% of the units performed over 3000 procedures per year. After use the endoscope was hand-carried or transported in a dry container (97%) to a separate cleaning room (85%) for HLD by technicians (40%). Wide variations existed in manual step procedures including use of disposable (50%) brushes and number of times channel brushed: once (21%), twice (35%), or three to five times (37%). Soaking duration in disinfectant (70% gluteraldehyde) was for <10 min (8%), 10-20 min (35%), 20-30 min (38%), 30-40 min (7%), and >40 min (3%). Sixty-seven percent had an active unit infection control (IC) service and 98% had a QA program. Monitoring of cleaning effectiveness was by visual inspection (50%) and culturing endoscopes (17%). Culture was done weekly (1%) and 相似文献   

Accuracy of a narrow-diameter battery-powered endoscope in sedated and unsedated patients

BACKGROUND: Esophagoscopy with a portable battery-powered endoscope could provide a safe, inexpensive, and minimally invasive way to screen for Barrett's esophagus or esophageal varices. The use of such an instrument in an unsedated fashion has not been previously evaluated. METHODS: Patients referred for an EGD were recruited to undergo an additional examination with the battery-powered endoscope before EGD. In phase 1, (n = 42) patients received conscious sedation before the battery-powered endoscopic examination. In phase 2, (n = 56) patients were not sedated and were given the option of a peroral (n = 43) or transnasal (n = 13) endoscopy. Examiners were blinded to patient history and procedure indications. Esophageal findings, ease of intubation, optical quality, and patient comfort for the battery-powered endoscope and standard EGD were recorded by the endoscopist. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients (60 men, 38 women, mean age 53 years) were recruited. The sensitivity for detecting Barrett's esophagus, esophageal tumors, and esophageal varices was 54.5%, 66.7%, and 80%, respectively. Ease of intubation and patient comfort as perceived by the endoscopist were not significantly different between the battery-powered endoscope and EGD. Optical quality was ranked as less than 4 (on a 5-point scale with 5 = standard EGD and 1 = poor) in 42% of battery-powered endoscopic examinations. There were no complications. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of esophageal examination with a 3.1-mm endoscope is substantially inferior to standard EGD. Thus, the battery-powered endoscope would not be useful for screening patients for Barrett's esophagus or varices unless improvements in optical quality and visualization are made.