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.

Validation of the Japanese version of the Esophageal Hypervigilance and Anxiety Scale for esophageal symptoms.

Background: The Esophageal Hypervigilance and Anxiety Scale (EHAS) is an English questionnaire created in the USA to assess these factors in all patients with esophageal diseases. The aim of this study was to develop and validate the Japanese version of EHAS and investigate the relationship between EHAS scores and symptoms in untreated disorders of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) outflow.

Methods: This prospective study recruited patients who underwent high-resolution manometry (HRM) at six tertiary centers in Japan.

Validation of the Laryngeal Cognitive-affective Tool in a Taiwanese Population.

Background And Aim: The laryngeal cognitive-affective tool (LCAT) was recently validated in the US to assess laryngeal-specific hypervigilance and anxiety. The aim of this study was to examine LCAT validity in the Taiwanese population.

Methods: This prospective single-center study enrolled adults from Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital with laryngeal symptoms for >6 months.