Feasibility of a simplified narrow-band imaging classification system for Barrett's esophagus for novice endoscopists.

Background: Narrow-band imaging (NBI) classifications for Barrett's esophagus have been proposed for the detection of early esophageal adenocarcinoma. We developed a simplified classification system with demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy and reproducibility among experienced endoscopists, but the feasibility of this system among novice endoscopists was unclear.

Methods: In the present study, eight novice endoscopists with no experience of magnification endoscopy were asked to review 248 images of Barrett's esophagus (72 dysplastic, 176 non-dysplastic) obtained using high-definition magnification endoscopy with NBI 6 weeks before (1st test), immediately after (2nd test), and 6 weeks after (3rd test) being taught the simplified classification system.

A Prospective Observational Study on Effect of Short-Term Periodic Steroid Premedication on Bone Metabolism in Gastrointestinal Cancer (ESPRESSO-01).

Background: A multicenter prospective observational study evaluated the effect of gastrointestinal cancer chemotherapy with short-term periodic steroid premedication on bone metabolism.

Patients And Methods: Seventy-four patients undergoing chemotherapy for gastrointestinal cancer were studied. The primary endpoints were changes in bone mineral densities (BMDs) and metabolic bone turnover 16 weeks after initiation of chemotherapy.