Esophageal epithelial Ikkβ deletion promotes eosinophilic esophagitis in experimental allergy mouse model.

Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic T helper type 2 (Th2)-associated inflammatory disorder triggered by food allergens, resulting in esophageal dysfunction through edema, fibrosis, and tissue remodeling. The role of epithelial remodeling in EoE pathogenesis is critical but not fully understood.

Objective: To investigate the role of epithelial IKKβ/NFκB signaling in EoE pathogenesis using a mouse model with conditional Ikkβ knockout in esophageal epithelial cells (Ikkβ).

A Software Framework for the Functional Lumen Imaging Probe-Mechanics (MechView).

Background: The functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) has proven to be a versatile device for diagnosing esophageal motility disorders and estimating esophageal wall compliance, but there is a lack of viable software for quantitative assessment of FLIP measurements.

Methods: A Python-based web framework was developed for a unified assessment of FLIP measurements including clinical metrics such as esophagogastric junction (EGJ) distensibility index (DI), maximum EGJ opening diameter, mechanics-based metrics for estimating strength, and effectiveness of contractions, such as contraction power and displaced volume, and machine learning-based clustering and predictive algorithms such as the virtual disease landscape (VDL) and EGJ obstruction probability. The clinical and VDL probability metrics were then validated using FLIP data from 121 subjects constituting different categories of EGJ opening which were diagnosed by expert clinicians.

Validating the Problematic Media Use Measure in Preschool-Aged Children: Associations With Children's Screen Media Use, Bothersome Pestering to Use Screen Media, and Emotional Self-Regulation.

Screen media use, and particularly mobile device use, is frequent among preschool-age children. Studies support that problematic media use (PMU) symptoms are present among older children (4-11-year-olds) and toddlers, and PMU correlates with child temperament and parenting around child media use. We examined the performance of a widely used PMU measure among a sample of 85 3-5-year-old children to document whether variation in PMU exists in this age group and whether this PMU measure specifically has face validity relative to expected correlates of PMU.

Endoscopic Sedation Type During FLIP Panometry Does Not Significantly Impact FLIP Motility Classification Relative to Manometry.

Background & Aims: Functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) panometry evaluates esophageal motility at the time of sedated endoscopy and often parallels high-resolution manometry (HRM) performed in awake patients. This study aimed to assess the impact of endoscopic sedation on FLIP evaluation of esophageal motility.

Methods: Adult patients who completed FLIP panometry during sedated endoscopy and had a conclusive Chicago Classification version 4.