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We present a dense and metric 3D mapping pipeline designed for embedded operation on-board UAVs, by loosely coupling deep neural networks trained to infer dense depth single images with a SLAM system that restores metric scale from sparse depth. In contrast to computationally restrictive approaches that leverage multiple views, we propose a highly efficient, single-view approach without sacrificing 3D mapping performance. This enables real-time construction of a global 3D voxel map by iterative fusion of the rescaled dense depth maps obtained via raycasting from the estimated camera poses. Quantitative and qualitative experimentations of our framework in challenging environmental conditions show comparable or superior performance with respect to state-of-the-art approaches via a better effectiveness-efficiency trade-off. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article employs a wavelet-based methodology to analyze and characterize the relationships between cryptocurrencies and country-specific economic policy uncertainty (EPU). The authors analyze these relationships over the different stages of the COVID pandemic (pre-COVID, COVID, and post-COVID), and across various investment frequencies. Their results show that the cryptomarket does not function as a hedge or safe haven against economic policy uncertainty at the country level. Moreover, they find these relationships to be dynamic, evolving across specific time periods. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in relationships, indicating the pandemic's impact on market dynamics. Their analysis highlights the prevalence of these relationships at short-term investment horizons, noting the significant participation of retail investors actively involved in high-frequency trading. Lastly, the findings strongly align with the adaptive market hypothesis (AMH), emphasizing that investor behavior is subject to behavioral biases, and rationality is not always evident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Pan-intestinal capsule endoscopy (PCE) evaluates the small bowel and colon noninvasively. This study evaluated diagnostic accuracy and safety of PCE vs. colonoscopy as first-line examination in suspected mid–lower gastrointestinal bleeding (MLGIB). Methods In this prospective, single-center, single-blinded cohort study, consecutive patients with suspected MLGIB underwent PCE followed by same-day colonoscopy. Diagnostic accuracy for potentially hemorrhagic lesions (PHLs; combined diagnosis by PCE + colonoscopy) and incidence of adverse events were assessed. Results 100 patients were included (median age 70 [range 18–92] years; 65% female). PHLs were diagnosed in 46 patients, including small-bowel and/or colon angioectasias in 32. PCE correctly identified 54 individuals without PHLs, and 95.7% (44/46) of those with PHLs vs. 50.0% (23/46) for colonoscopy (P<0.01). PHLs were detected by PCE alone in 65.2% (30/46), both examinations in 28.3% (13/46), and colonoscopy alone in 6.5% (3/46). PHLs were diagnosed at the ileocolonic region in 28% of patients, with PCE diagnosing 25/28 cases (89.3%) and colonoscopy diagnosing 23/28 (82.1%; P=0.13). Interventional procedures were performed at colonoscopy in 13/81 patients with iron-deficiency anemia (16.0%) vs. 6/19 patients with overt bleeding (31.6%; P<0.01). No significant adverse events occurred with PCE vs. 2% with colonoscopy. Conclusions In patients with MLGIB, PCE avoided further invasive procedures in >50% of patients. PCE was safe and more effective than colonoscopy in identifying PHL both in the small bowel and colon. These results support the potential use of PCE as first-line examination in patients with suspected MLGIB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is scarce data focused on recurrence neoplasia rate (RR) after piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection (pEMR) of 10–19 mm non-pedunculated colorectal lesions (NPL). We aimed to analyze the RR after pEMR of 10–19 mm NPL, identify risk factors for its development and compare it with RR after pEMR of ≥ 20 mm NPL. Retrospective cohort-study including all ≥10 mm NPL resected by pEMR in our center between 2018–2022 with an early repeat colonoscopy (ERC). RR was defined as recurrence neoplasia identified in the ERC EMR scar with virtual chromoendoscopy or histological confirmation. A total of 444 NPL were assessed, 124 (27.9%) with 10–19 mm. In the ERC, performed a median of 6 months after pEMR, RR was significantly lower for 10–19 mm NPL compared to ≥ 20 mm NPL (13/124 vs 68/320, p = 0.005). In subgroup analysis, RR after pEMR of 15–19 mm NPL was significantly higher compared to 10–14 mm NPL (13/98 vs 0, p = 0.041) but not significantly different compared to ≥ 20 mm NPL (13/98 vs 68/320, p = 0.073). In multivariable analysis, size of NPL (HR 1.501, 95% CI 1.012–2.227, p = 0.044) was the only independent risk factor identified for RR for 10–19 mm NPL. Although the early RR after pEMR of 10–19 mm NPL is significantly lower compared to ≥ 20 mm NPL, it is non-negligible (10.5%) and appears to be the highest among 15–19 mm NPL. The size of the lesion was the only independent risk factor for RR. Our findings should be accounted in the selection of the most appropriate post-polypectomy endoscopic surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main Statements: This ESGE Position Statement provides structured and evidence-based guidance on the essential requirements and processes involved in training in basic gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopic procedures. The document outlines definitions; competencies required, and means to their assessment and maintenance; the structure and requirements of training programs; patient safety and medicolegal issues. 1 ESGE and ESGENA define basic endoscopic procedures as those procedures that are commonly indicated, generally accessible, and expected to be mastered (technically and cognitively) by the end of any core training program in gastrointestinal endoscopy. 2 ESGE and ESGENA consider the following as basic endoscopic procedures: diagnostic upper and lower GI endoscopy, as well as a limited range of interventions such as: tissue acquisition via cold biopsy forceps, polypectomy for lesions ≤ 10 mm, hemostasis techniques, enteral feeding tube placement, foreign body retrieval, dilation of simple esophageal strictures, and India ink tattooing of lesion location. 3 ESGE and ESGENA recommend that training in GI endoscopy should be subject to stringent formal requirements that ensure all ESGE key performance indicators (KPIs) are met. 4 Training in basic endoscopic procedures is a complex process and includes the development and acquisition of cognitive, technical/motor, and integrative skills. Therefore, ESGE and ESGENA recommend the use of validated tools to track the development of skills and assess competence. 5 ESGE and ESGENA recommend incorporating a multimodal approach to evaluating competence in basic GI endoscopic procedures, including procedural thresholds and the measurement and documentation of established ESGE KPIs. 7 ESGE and ESGENA recommend the continuous monitoring of ESGE KPIs during GI endoscopy training to ensure the trainee's maintenance of competence. 9 ESGE and ESGENA recommend that GI endoscopy training units fulfil the ESGE KPIs for endoscopy units and, furthermore, be capable of providing the dedicated personnel, infrastructure, and sufficient case volume required for successful training within a structured training program. 10 ESGE and ESGENA recommend that trainers in basic GI endoscopic procedures should be endoscopists with formal educational training in the teaching of endoscopy, which allows them to successfully and safely teach trainees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

10.1055/a-2270-4601In the above-mentioned article Figure 2 has been corrected. Correct ist that the two diagrams on the right are summarised as "Overt bleeding (n=19)". This was corrected in the online version on April 8, 2024.By Bruno Rosa; Tiago Cúrdia Gonçalves; Maria J. Moreira; Francisca Dias de Castro; Bernardo Sousa-Pinto; Mário Dinis-Ribeiro and José CotterReported by Author; Author; Author; Author; Author; Author; Author [Extracted from the article]