Narrow Band Imaging Research Articles

Efficacy of endoscopic surveillance for pharyngeal mucosa during endoscopic resection for pharyngeal carcinoma: a multicenter prospective study.

Since patients with pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) often have multiple pharyngeal lesions, evaluation of pharyngeal lesions before endoscopic resection (ER) is important. However, detailed endoscopic observation of the entire pharyngeal mucosa under conscious sedation is difficult. We examined the usefulness of endoscopic surveillance with narrow band imaging (NBI) and lugol staining for detection of pharyngeal sublesions during ER for pharyngeal SCC under general anesthesia (endoscopic surveillance during treatment; ESDT). From January 2021 through June 2022, we examined 78 patients who were diagnosed with superficial pharyngeal SCC and underwent ER. They underwent the ESDT and for patients who were diagnosed with new lesions of pharyngeal SCC or high-grade dysplasia (HGD) that were not detected in the endoscopic examination before treatment, ER were performed simultaneously for new lesions and the main lesions. The primary endpoint of this study was the detection rate of new lesions of pharyngeal SCC or HGD in the ESDT. Fifteen of the 78 patients were diagnosed as having undetected new pharyngeal lesions in the ESDT and 10 (12.8%) (95% CI 6.9-22.2%) were histopathologically confirmed to have new lesions of pharyngeal SCC or HGD. Among the 13 lesions of SCC or HGD, 8 were found by NBI observation; however, 5 were undetectable using NBI but detectable by lugol staining. All of the 13 lesions had endoscopic findings of pink color sign on lugol staining. Endoscopic surveillance for pharyngeal sublesions during ER for pharyngeal SCC is feasible and useful.

Neoadjuvant therapy with chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor for laryngeal function preservation in locally advanced hypopharyngeal cancer.

To evaluate the efficacy and laryngeal function preservation of neoadjuvant treatment with chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor for locally advanced hypopharyngeal cancer (LAHPC). We retrospectively collected LAHPC patients who were diagnosed between February 2022 and June 2023. The patients received a combination of chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors as the neoadjuvant therapy. The response to treatment, laryngeal function preservation rate, and short-term survival were assessed. A total of 20 patients were included. Of these patients, 17 (85.0%) had stage IVA-B disease. Ten (50%) and four (20%) patients achieved pathological complete response (PCR) and major pathological response (MPR) to the primary tumor, respectively. In addition, 6 patients had incomplete pathological response (IPR). In the neck, 19 patients had node-positive disease before treatment, and only 5 patients (26.4%) had PCR to regional lymph nodes. Pathologically positive lymph nodes were still observed in 14 (73.6%) patients. Significant downgrading on narrow-band imaging assessment in primary tumors was associated with a higher probability of PCR or MPR than those with IPR (92.9% vs. 33.3%, P=0.014). The overall rate of laryngeal preservation was 95.0%. No severe perioperative complications or perioperative death were found. All patients completed the recommended postoperative radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy. The median follow-up period was 12.1 months. The 1-year progression-free survival and overall survival were 94.1% and 92.9%, respectively. During the follow-up period, all 19 patients who underwent laryngeal preservation surgery had their laryngeal function preserved. The addition of an immune checkpoint inhibitor to neoadjuvant chemotherapy effectively preserves laryngeal function without increasing complications related to surgery and postoperative radiotherapy in LAHPC.

The PAU Survey: a new constraint on galaxy formation models using the observed colour redshift relation

Abstract We use the GALFORM semi-analytical galaxy formation model implemented in the Planck Millennium N-body simulation to build a mock galaxy catalogue on an observer’s past lightcone. The mass resolution of this N-body simulation is almost an order of magnitude better than in previous simulations used for this purpose, allowing us to probe fainter galaxies and hence build a more complete mock catalogue at low redshifts. The high time cadence of the simulation outputs allows us to make improved calculations of galaxy properties and positions in the mock. We test the predictions of the mock against the Physics of the Accelerating Universe Survey, a narrow band imaging survey with highly accurate and precise photometric redshifts, which probes the galaxy population over a lookback time of 8 billion years. We compare the model against the observed number counts, redshift distribution and evolution of the observed colours and find good agreement; these statistics avoid the need for model-dependent processing of the observations. The model produces red and blue populations that have similar median colours to the observations. However, the bimodality of galaxy colours in the model is stronger than in the observations. This bimodality is reduced on including a simple model for errors in the GALFORM photometry. We examine how the model predictions for the observed galaxy colours change when perturbing key model parameters. This exercise shows that the median colours and relative abundance of red and blue galaxies provide constraints on the strength of the feedback driven by supernovae used in the model.

Extended Lyman-α emission towards the SPT2349-56 protocluster at z = 4.3

Context. Deep spectroscopic surveys with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) have revealed that some of the brightest infrared sources in the sky correspond to concentrations of submillimeter galaxies (SMGs) at high redshift. Among these, the SPT2349-56 protocluster system is amongst the most extreme examples given its high source density and integrated star formation rate. Aims. We conducted a deep Lyman-α line emission survey around SPT2349-56 using the Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) at the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in order to characterize this uniquely dense environment. Methods. Taking advantage of the deep three-dimensional nature of this survey, we performed a sensitive search for Lyman-α emitters (LAEs) toward the core and northern extension of the protocluster, which correspond to the brightest infrared regions in this field. Using a smoothed narrowband image extracted from the MUSE datacube around the protocluster redshift, we searched for possible extended structures. Results. We identify only three LAEs at z = 4.3 in this field. This number is lower than expectations for blank fields, and is significantly lower than the number of previously identified SMGs in this system. We find an extended Lyman-α structure of about 60 × 60 kpc2 in size located 56 kpc east of the protocluster core. Three SMGs coincide spatially with the location of this structure. All the other SMGs are undetected in Lyman-α emission, which is consistent with the conspicuous dust obscuration in these systems. We conclude that either the three co-spatial SMGs or the protocluster core itself are feeding ionizing photons to the Lyman-α structure.

Dual Deep Learning and Feature-Based Models for Classification of Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using Narrow Band Imaging

Dual Deep Learning and Feature-Based Models for Classification of Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using Narrow Band Imaging

Introducing the Condor Array Telescope – III. The expansion and age of the shell of the dwarf nova Z Camelopardalis, and detection of a second, larger shell

ABSTRACT The existence of a vast nova shell surrounding the prototypical dwarf nova Z Camelopardalis (Z Cam) proves that some old novae undergo metamorphosis to appear as dwarf novae thousands of years after a nova eruption. The expansion rates of ancient nova shells offer a way to constrain both the time between nova eruptions and the time for post-nova mass transfer rates to decrease significantly, simultaneously testing nova thermonuclear runaway models and hibernation theory. Previous limits on the expansion rate of part of the Z Cam shell constrain the inter-eruption time between Z Cam nova events to be >1300 yr. Deeper narrow-band imaging of the ejecta of Z Cam with the Condor Array Telescope now reveals very low surface brightness areas of the remainder of the shell. A second, even fainter shell is also detected, concentric with and nearly three times the size of the ‘inner’ shell. This is the first observational support of the prediction that concentric shells must surround the frequently erupting novae of relatively massive white dwarfs. The Condor images extend our Z Cam imaging baseline to 15 yr, yielding the inner shell’s expansion rate as v = 83 ± 37 km s−1 at 23 deg south of west, in excellent agreement with our 2012 prediction. This velocity corresponds to an approximate age of $t = 2672^{-817}_{+2102}$ yr. While consistent with the suggestion that the most recent nova eruption of Z Cam was the transient recorded by Chinese imperial astrologers in the year 77 bce, the age uncertainty is still too large to support or disprove a connection with Z Cam.

Surveillance esophagogastroduodenoscopy using linked color imaging and narrow-band imaging: A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

There has been no report on a direct comparison between linked color imaging (LCI) and second-generation narrow-band imaging (2G-NBI) for surveillance of epithelial neoplasms in the upper gastrointestinal tract (UGIT). The aim of this study was to verify the superiority of LCI to 2G-NBI for surveillance esophagogastroduodenoscopy and to clarify how each endoscopic system should be used. This study was conducted as an open-label, two-arm-parallel (1:1), multicenter, randomized controlled trial at six institutions. Patients aged 20-85years with a treatment history of epithelial neoplasms in the UGIT were recruited. Patients were assigned to a 2G-NBI group and an LCI group, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed with primary image-enhanced endoscopy followed by white light imaging (WLI). The primary endpoint was the detection rate of one or more epithelial neoplasms in the primary image-enhanced endoscopy. A WLI-detected epithelial neoplasm was defined as a lesion that was detected in only WLI. A total of 372 patients in the 2G-NBI group and 378 patients in the LCI group were analyzed. Epithelial neoplasms in the UGIT were detected by 2G-NBI in 18 patients (4.6%) and were detected by LCI in 20 patients (5.3%) (P=0.87). WLI-detected epithelial neoplasms were in 11 patients in the 2G-NBI group (3.0%) and in 1 patient in the LCI group (0.27%) (P=0.003). Linked color imaging did not show superiority to 2G-NBI for the detection of epithelial neoplasms. Also, the percentage of WLI-detected epithelial neoplasms in primary NBI was significantly higher than that in primary LCI.

Narrow band imaging reveals field cancerisation undetected by conventional white light: Optical diagnosis versus histopathology.

To assess whether narrow band imaging (NBI) detects fields of cancerisation around suspicious lesions in the upper aerodigestive tract, which were undetected by white light imaging (WLI). In 96 patients with laryngeal and pharyngeal lesions suspicious for malignancy, 206 biopsies were taken during laryngoscopy: 96 biopsies of suspicious lesions detected by both WLI and NBI (WLI+/NBI+), 60 biopsies adjacent mucosa only suspicious with NBI (WLI-/NBI+), and 46 biopsies of NBI and WLI unsuspicious mucosa (WLI-/NBI-) as negative controls. Optical diagnosis according to the Ni-classification was compared with histopathology. Signs of (pre)malignancy were found in 88% of WLI+/NBI+ biopsies, 32% of WLI-/NBI+ biopsies and 0% in WLI-/NBI- (p < .001). In 58% of the WLI-/NBI+ mucosa any form of dysplasia or carcinoma was detected. The use of additional NBI led to the detection of (pre)malignancy in 32% of the cases, that would have otherwise remained undetected with WLI alone. This highlights the potential of NBI as a valuable adjunct to WLI in the identification of suspicious lesions in the upper aerodigestive tract.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Narrow-Band Imaging in Predicting Helicobacter pylori Gastritis in Patients With Dyspepsia.

Background Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most prevalent causes of chronic gastritis that can lead to gastric cancer if left untreated. Currently, endoscopy and histology are the gold standard tests for the diagnosis of H. pylori gastritis. Recently, studies have shown the utility of narrow-band imaging (NBI) in predicting H. pylori gastritis. Therefore, we aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of NBI in predicting H. pylori gastritis in patients with dyspepsia. Methodology After obtaining approval from the Ethical Review Committee, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, this cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient Clinic of Hepatogastroenterology of the institute. Inclusion criteria involved all patients of either gender aged 18 to 65 years with dyspeptic symptoms. We excluded patients with a history of proton pump inhibitor use within two weeks before endoscopy, heart failure, previous gastrectomy, portal gastropathy, cirrhosis, use of antiplatelet medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or anticoagulant medication, and hemorrhagic or thrombophilia disorders. Each patient underwent endoscopy-guided NBI studies followed by biopsies from the antrum and body of the stomach. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed for the type of NBI pattern predicting H. pylori infection. The diagnostic accuracy was obtained individually for each NBI type and then for the presence of either two or all three NBI types in predicting H. pylori gastritis. Results Out of the total 775 patients enrolled in the study, abnormal NBI patterns were observed in 401 (51.7%) patients. The presence of abnormal NBI antral mucosal pattern on endoscopy was significantly associated with H. pylori infection (p < 0.001) with excellent diagnostic accuracy. Among the three NBI types, individually, NBI type III had excellent specificity and better diagnostic accuracy in predicting H. pylori gastritis than the other two types. Furthermore, the presence of all three abnormal NBI patterns (I+II+III) together was significantly associated with the presence of H. pylori gastritis with a sensitivity of 94.54%, specificity of 86.55%, and diagnostic accuracy of 90.32%. Conclusions NBI on endoscopy shows excellent diagnostic accuracy in identifying H. pylori gastritis in patients with dyspepsia. However, multicenter studies are required not only to validate our results but also to predict the pre-cancerous lesions on NBI in patients with H. pylori gastritis.

Эндоскопическая семиотика гастритоподобной формы первичных неходжкинских лимфом желудка

Aim. To characterize the main differentially significant endoscopic features specific to the gastritis-like form of primary gastric non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL).&#x0D; Materials &amp; Methods. This prospective study analyzes the results of complex endoscopic diagnosis in 43 patients with primary gastric NHL. They were examined and treated at the NN Blokhin National Medical Cancer Research Center from 2019 to 2023. The patients were 30–70 years of age, those over the age of 50 predominated and accounted for 79 % (n = 34). There were 33 women and 10 men. The control group included 45 patients with gastritis-like malignant gastric tumors: adenocarcinoma and signet-ring cell cancer.&#x0D; Results. The morphological analysis yielded a diagnosis of MALT-lymphoma in 90.7 % (n = 39) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in 9.3 % (n = 4) of cases. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the clarification methods of complex endoscopic diagnosis were considerably higher compared to white-light mode examination. According to the results of complex endoscopic analysis, all patients were stratified into 4 groups with different types of H. pylori-induced atrophic gastritis (n = 10; 23.25 %), erosive gastritis (n = 10; 23.25 %), hyperplastic gastritis (n = 8; 18.6 %), and combined gastritis (n = 15; 34.9 %). The focus was laid on identifying the main differentially significant endoscopic features specific to the gastritis-like form of primary gastric NHL which distinguish it from the lesions in other malignant tumors.&#x0D; Conclusion. The complex examination using 4 concrete clarification methods of endoscopic diagnosis is indispensable to properly interpret the detected changes and timely diagnose the gastritis-like form of primary gastric NHL. These include narrow-band imaging (NBI/BLI and LCI), close-focus and magnification examinations, combined narrow-band imaging and magnification examination, as well as endosonography.

Comparison of narrow band imaging versus white light imaging in detecting non muscle invasive bladder cancer.

In the present study, we compared Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) and White Light Cystoscopy (WLC) in Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) for detection and its impact on recurrence. This prospective study was conducted in the department of Urology at a tertiary institution from August 2021 to April 2023. The main aim was to determine the benefit of addition of NBI during TURBT in NMIBC. All patients with Urinary Bladder Mass (size less than 5 cm on USG/CT) aged >18 years of age planned for TURBT were included. Amongst 63 patients, the mean age was 59.84 ± 11.3 years; 80% were males. Sixty percent of patients had history of Tobacco consumption and Type II DM was the most common comorbidity (59%). Commonest symptom was gross haematuria. Posterior wall was most commonly involved and papillary lesions were commonest. A total of 125 lesions were identified on WLI, with mean 1.98 ± 1.75 and 78 additional lesions were identified only on NBI with mean 1.24 ± 1.63 lesions. Four patients had intra-operative complications. Five patients had recurrence at 6 weeks and eight patients had recurrence at 3 months. NBI had detected more lesions in patients who developed recurrence at 6 weeks and 3 months (mean: 1.41 and 1.43). NBI has additive role in detecting NMIBC lesions missed on WLI. NBI has significant role in preventing recurrence at 3 months and more so by detecting high grade tumours.

A124 A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE EFFICACY OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN IDENTIFYING BARRETT'S ESOPHAGUS NEOPLASIA

Abstract Background Barrett’s Esophagus (BE) is a known precursor for esophageal adenocarcinoma and requires frequent surveillance with esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Due to tumour heterogeneity and logistical demands on endoscopists, identification of BE dysplasia is difficult and random biopsies are riddled with sampling error. Artificial Intelligence (AI), in the form of computer-aided detection, has entered the endoscopic realm to improve BE dysplasia detection. This systematic review aims to evaluate its efficacy in BE screening. Aims To survey the literature regarding the efficacy of machine learning tools in identifying BE dysplasia. The primary outcome was recognition of BE from a database of endoscopic images with histopathologic correlation utilizing a machine learning algorithm, with sensitivity and specificity reported. Methods Using the PRISMA framework, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Compendex databases were searched from inception to Sept 1, 2023. Of 1915 articles identified, 35 were selected for full-text review. Two reviewers, JB and JK, independently completed the literature review and discrepancies were reviewed by the PI. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 20 studies were included in the systematic review. The quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Inclusion Criteria: -Must include Barrett's esophagus and / or EAC (esophageal adenocarcinoma) -Must include novel research (not a systematic review or MA) -Requires use of endoscopic images -English only, full text manuscripts Exclusion Criteria: -No prior surgery (esophagectomy) -Does not include esophageal squamous cell carcinoma Results Of the 20 articles selected, seven were published after 2021. All studies utilized a machine learning algorithm to aid in identification of BE dysplasia. Various imaging modalities were used, including white light imaging, narrow-band imaging, or volumetric laser endomicroscopy. A total of 3,886 patients were included with 5,605 images. Sensitivity ranged from 72 – 100%, specificity ranged from 64 – 94%. The overall quality of studies included was low. Conclusions Surveillance of BE dysplasia remains a difficult and time-intensive task. Computer-aided detection of BE dysplasia demonstrates strong performance independent of the machine learning algorithm or imaging modality. Meta-analyses are required to illustrate heterogeneity and power to bolster these preliminary findings. Funding Agencies None

A94 PRE-RESECTION OPTICAL EVALUATION RELIABLY DIFFERENTIATES BETWEEN SERRATED AND ADENOMATOUS LARGE NON-PEDUNCULATED COLORECTAL POLYPS

Abstract Background Modality selection between cold snare resection (CSR) and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is largely predicated on the ability to differentiate between serrated and adenomatous histopathology. While optical evaluation has modest accuracy for diminutive polyps, performance has not been evaluated for large non-pedunculated colorectal polyps (LNPCPs). Aims To evaluate the performance of pre-resection optical evaluation to differentiate between serrated and adenomatous LNPCPs. Methods Consecutive patients ampersand:003E 18 years of age who underwent endoscopic resection for a LNPCP were enrolled in a prospective single center observation cohort study (clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT05402696). Pre-resection optical evaluation was performed using high-definition white-light and narrow-band imaging (NBI) with or without near-focus. The Japanese NBI Expert Team (JNET) classification was used to differentiate between serrated (JNET I) vs. adenomatous (JNET IIA, IIB) LNPCPs. Traditional serrated adenomas (TSAs) and cancers were excluded from analysis. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were used to evaluate optical evaluation performance. Results From 06/2022-09/2023, 266 patients underwent 282 procedures for a total of 335 LNPCPs. Median size was 30mm (IQR 20-40mm). Histopathology identified 215 (64.2%) adenomatous, 91 (27.2%) serrated, 16 (4.8%) cancerous, and 13 (3.9%) other LNPCPs; including 5 TSAs. Of the 91 serrated lesions, 90 (98.9%) were predicted as serrated; sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 98.90% (95% CI 94.03-99.97), 99.53% (95% CI 97.44-99.99), 99.35% (95% CI 97.66-99.92), respectively. Of the 215 adenomatous lesions, 213 (99.1%) were predicted as adenomatous; sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 99.07% (95% CI 96.68-99.89), 98.90% (95% CI 94.03-99.97), 99.02% (95% CI 97.16-99.80), respectively. Conclusions Optical evaluation demonstrates excellent performance characteristics to differentiate between serrated and adenomatous LNPCPs; therefore, empowering endoscopists to reliably apply a selective resection algorithm between CSR, EMR and ESD. Funding Agencies None

The Hubble Deep Hydrogen Alpha (HDHα) Project. I. Catalog of Emission-line Galaxies

We present the first results of the Hubble Deep Hydrogen Alpha (HDHα) project, which analyzes the space-borne deep Hα narrowband imaging data in the GOODS-S region. The HDHα data comprises 72 orbits’ images taken with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Advanced Camera for Surveys/Wide Field Channel F658N filter. The exposure time varies across a total area of ∼76.1 arcmin2, adding up to a total exposure time of 195.7 ks, among which 68.8 ks are spent in the deepest region. These images are aligned, reprojected, and combined to have the same pixel grid as the Hubble Legacy Fields. The scientific goals of the HDHα include establishing a sample of emission-line galaxies (ELGs) including [O iii] emitters at z ∼ 0.3, [O ii] emitters at z ∼ 0.8, and Lyα emitters (LAEs) at z ∼ 4.4, studying the line morphology of ELGs with high resolution imaging data, and statistically analyzing the line luminosity functions and line equivalent-width distributions of ELGs selected with HST. Furthermore, the HDHα project enhances the legacy value of the GOODS-S field by contributing the first HST-based narrowband image to the existing data sets, which includes the HST broadband data and other ancillary data from X-ray to radio taken by other facilities. In this paper, we describe the data reduction process of the HDHα, select ELGs based on HST's F658N and broadband data, validate the redshifts of the selected candidates by crossmatching with the public spectroscopic catalogs in the GOODS-S, and present a final catalog of the confirmed [O iii] emitters at z ∼ 0.3, [O ii] emitters at z ∼ 0.8, and LAEs at z ∼ 4.4.

Use of Nasopharyngoscopy Severity Classification of Chronic Epipharyngitis and Its Application for Evaluating the Treatment Outcomes of Epipharyngeal Abrasive Therapy.

Background Chronic epipharyngitis causes postnasal drip, pharyngeal pain, pharyngeal discomfort, headache, and shoulder stiffness. Additionally, autonomic nervous system symptoms such as dizziness, general fatigue, and sleeplessness may occur. It can also contribute to the development of focal diseases. Although epipharyngeal abrasive therapy (EAT) is effective for chronic epipharyngitis involving the abrasion of the epipharynx with a zinc chloride solution, there is a lack of clear diagnostic criteria, and treatment outcomes are rarely reported. Methodology A classification of the severity of chronic epipharyngitis was attempted in 154 cases based on nasopharyngeal endoscopic findings, with a subsequent examination of treatment outcomes using EAT. Diagnosis of chronic epipharyngitis involved identifying redness, swelling, postnasal drip, and crusting of the epipharyngeal mucosa. Severity classification relied on a four-point scale measuring the degree of redness and swelling, with additional points assigned for the presence of postnasal drip and crusting. This classification also served as a criterion for judging treatment effectiveness. The prevalence and improvement rate of black spots and granular changes were assessed through nasopharyngeal endoscopy with narrow-band imaging. Subjective symptoms were evaluated using before and after treatment questionnaires, employing a four-point scale for symptoms commonly associated with chronic epipharyngitis (headache, postnasal drip, nasal obstruction, pharyngeal discomfort, pharyngeal pain, shoulder stiffness, tinnitus, ear fullness, dizziness, cough, and sputum). A 10-point numerical rating scale (NRS) was used to assess the physical condition. Results Following EAT, the severity of nasopharyngeal endoscopic findings notably improved, with a 76.0% (117/154) improvement rate (remarkable improvement: 19.5% (30), improvement: 56.5% (87)). The improvement rate for the chief complaint reached 85.7% (132/154), demonstrating significant enhancement in the score for each symptom. NRS scores also improved at a rate of 76.0% (117/154). A significant correlation was observed between the improvement in local findings and chief complaints. The prevalence of black spots and granular changes before EAT was 83.8% (129/154) and 64.3% (99/154), exhibiting improvement rates of 65.9% (87/132) and 54.8% (57/104), respectively. Conclusions Nasopharyngeal endoscopy proves valuable for diagnosing and assessing the severity of chronic epipharyngitis, as well as evaluating treatment effectiveness. The findings indicate that EAT is an effective treatment for chronic epipharyngitis, with improvements in local findings correlating with enhancements in the chief complaint. This underscores the importance of employing aggressive EAT in managing patients with chronic epipharyngitis.

Effectiveness of Dual-Focus Magnification on Confidence Levels in Optical Diagnosis of Small Colorectal Polyps.

Background and objectives Achieving accurate real-time optical diagnoses of colorectal polyps with high-confidence predictions is crucial for appropriate decision-making in daily practice. The dual-focus (DF) magnification mode helps endoscopists scrutinize subtle features of polyp surfaces and vessel patterns. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the impact of DF imaging on enhancing the rate of high-confidence narrow-band imaging (NBI)-based optical diagnosis. Methods Consecutive adult patients who underwent colonoscopy and had small colorectal polyps (<10 mm) were enrolled between September 2022 and May 2023. The optical diagnosis of each polyp was evaluated during colonoscopy in two stages by the same endoscopist, utilizing NBI with DF magnification (NDB-DF). A confidence level was assigned to each prediction. High confidence was indicated by clinical judgment when a polyp exhibited distinctive features associated solely with one histological subtype and lacked characteristics of any other subtype. All procedures were carried out with a prototype 190 series Exera III NBI system (Olympus Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) with DFmagnification. Results The study included 413 patients with 623 polyps, comprising 483 ≤ 5 mm and 140 measuring 6-9 mm. The majority were low-grade adenomas (343 lesions), with 17 identified as high-grade adenomas, and none characterized as deep submucosal invasive carcinomas. NBI-DF significantly improved the rate of high-confidence optical diagnoses compared to NBI for both ≤ 5 mm polyps (93.1% vs. 87.5%, p < 0.0001) and 6-9 mm polyps (97.9% vs. 94.2%, p = 0.03). Furthermore, DF significantly facilitated the assessment of microvessel and surface pattern criteria (p < 0.01). Conclusion DF magnification markedly enhanced the rate of high-confidence NBI-based optical predictions for small colorectal polyps. This technique demonstrates the potential for improving the diagnostic yield in real-time optical diagnosis of colorectal polyps in the Vietnamese setting.

The One-hundred-deg2 DECam Imaging in Narrowbands (ODIN): Survey Design and Science Goals

We describe the survey design and science goals for One-hundred-deg2 DECam Imaging in Narrowbands (ODIN), a NOIRLab survey using the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) to obtain deep (AB ∼ 25.7) narrowband images over an unprecedented area of sky. The three custom-built narrowband filters, N419, N501, and N673, have central wavelengths of 419, 501, and 673 nm and respective FWHM of 7.5, 7.6, and 10.0 nm, corresponding to Lyα at z = 2.4, 3.1, and 4.5 and cosmic times of 2.8, 2.1, and 1.4 Gyr, respectively. When combined with even deeper, public broadband data from the Hyper Suprime-Cam, DECam, and in the future, the Legacy Survey of Space and Time, the ODIN narrowband images will enable the selection of over 100,000 Lyα-emitting (LAE) galaxies at these epochs. ODIN-selected LAEs will identify protoclusters as galaxy overdensities, and the deep narrowband images enable detection of highly extended Lyα blobs (LABs). Primary science goals include measuring the clustering strength and dark matter halo connection of LAEs, LABs, and protoclusters, and their respective relationship to filaments in the cosmic web. The three epochs allow for the redshift evolution of these properties to be determined during the period known as Cosmic Noon, where star formation was at its peak. The narrowband filter wavelengths are designed to enable interloper rejection and further scientific studies by revealing [O ii] and [O iii] at z = 0.34, Lyα and He ii 1640 at z = 3.1, and Lyman continuum plus Lyα at z = 4.5. Ancillary science includes similar studies of the lower-redshift emission-line galaxy samples and investigations of nearby star-forming galaxies resolved into numerous [O iii] and [S ii] emitting regions.

A deep learning model based on magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging to evaluate intestinal metaplasia grading and OLGIM staging: A multicenter study

Background and PurposePatients with stage III or IV of operative link for gastric intestinal metaplasia assessment (OLGIM) are at a higher risk of gastric cancer (GC). We aimed to construct a deep learning (DL) model based on magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (ME-NBI) to evaluate OLGIM staging. MethodsThis study included 4473 ME-NBI images obtained from 803 patients at three endoscopy centres. The endoscopic expert marked intestinal metaplasia (IM) regions on endoscopic images of the target biopsy sites. Faster Region-Convolutional Neural Network model was used to grade IM lesions and predict OLGIM staging. ResultsThe diagnostic performance of the model for IM grading in internal and external validation sets, as measured by the area under the curve (AUC), was 0.872 and 0.803, respectively. The accuracy of this model in predicting the high-risk stage of OLGIM was 84.0%, which was not statistically different from that of three junior (71.3%, p = 0.148) and three senior endoscopists (75.3%, p = 0.317) specially trained in endoscopic images corresponding to pathological IM grade, but higher than that of three untrained junior endoscopists (64.0%, p = 0.023). ConclusionThis DL model can assist endoscopists in predicting OLGIM staging using ME-NBI without biopsy, thereby facilitating screening high-risk patients for GC.

Resolving Clumpy versus Extended Lyα in Strongly Lensed, High-redshift Lyα Emitters

We present six strongly gravitationally lensed Lyα emitters (LAEs) at z ∼ 4–5 with Hubble Space Telescope (HST) narrowband imaging isolating Lyα. Through complex radiative transfer Lyα encodes information about the spatial distribution and kinematics of the neutral hydrogen upon which it scatters. We investigate the galaxy properties and Lyα morphologies of our sample. Many previous studies of high-redshift LAEs have been limited in Lyα spatial resolution. In this work we take advantage of high-resolution Lyα imaging boosted by lensing magnification, allowing us to probe subgalactic scales that are otherwise inaccessible at these redshifts. We use broadband imaging from HST (rest-frame UV) and Spitzer (rest-frame optical) in spectral energy distribution fitting, providing estimates of the stellar masses (∼108–109 M ⊙), stellar population ages (t 50 < 40 Myr), and amounts of dust (A V ∼ 0.1–0.6, statistically consistent with zero). We employ nonparametric star formation histories to probe the young stellar populations which create the Lyα. We also examine the offsets between the Lyα and stellar continuum, finding small upper limits of offsets (<0.″1) consistent with studies of low-redshift LAEs, indicating our galaxies are not interacting or merging. Finally, we find a bimodality in our sample’s Lyα morphologies: clumpy and extended. We find a suggestive trend: our LAEs with clumpy Lyα are generally younger than the LAEs with extended Lyα, suggesting a possible correlation with age.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Gastroscopy with Narrow Band Imaging for the Diagnosis of Helicobacter Pylori Gastritis

Helicobacter pylori infection promotes stomach cancer and chronic gastritis globally. Endoscopic features that may identify H. pylori are being explored. Objective: Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) is used to identify and treat H. pylori gastritis before biopsy since most patients are lost to follow-up or follow-up is too late. H. pylori gastritis may be treated early to improve quality of life and gastrointestinal concerns. Methods: This cross-sectional study at Department of Gastroenterology, Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, conducted between 1st March 2022 till 28th February 2023, included 150 patients. Patients with gastritis on endoscopy were evaluated for the presence of H. pylori with Narrow band Imagining. Findings were compared with histopathology as gold standard. Results: Mean age of the patients was 41.87 ± 12.5 years. Male participants were 71 (47.3%). The most common admission complaints were nausea, appetite loss, and abdominal distension. The diagnostic accuracy of NBI for the detection of H. pylori was 85% sensitivity, 88% specificity, 88% positive predictive value, 87% negative predictive value and overall accuracy of 88%. NBI endoscopy was cheaper and took less time to diagnose (27 minutes vs. 37 minutes). NBI endoscopy is more effective and cost-effective than standard gastroscopy. Conclusions: The data confirm the high incidence of H. pylori in gastrointestinal patients. NBI endoscopy is more effective and cost-effective than standard gastroscopy.