Two photons into \pi^0\pi^0

We perform a theoretical study based on dispersion relations of the reaction \gamma\gamma\to \pi^0\pi^0 emphasizing the low energy region. We discuss how the f_0(980) signal emerges in \gamma\gamma\to \pi\pi within the dispersive approach and how this fixes to a large extent the phase of the isoscalar S-wave \gamma\gamma\to \pi\pi amplitude above the K\bar{K} threshold. This allows us to make sharper predictions for the cross section at lower energies and our results could then be used to distinguish between different \pi\pi isoscalar S-wave parameterizations with the advent of new precise data on \gamma\gamma\to\pi^0\pi^0. We compare our dispersive approach with an updated calculation employing Unitary Chiral Perturbation Theory (U\chiPT). We also pay special attention to the role played by the \sigma resonance in \gamma\gamma\to\pi\pi and calculate its coupling and width to gamma\gamma, for which we obtain \Gamma(\sigma\to\gamma\gamma)=(1.68\pm 0.15) KeV.Comment: 31 pages, 9 figure

Highlighting the Undetectable - Fluorescence Molecular Imaging in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Flexible high-definition white-light endoscopy is the current gold standard in screening for cancer and its precursor lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. However, miss rates are high, especially in populations at high risk for developing gastrointestinal cancer (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, Lynch syndrome, or Barrett's esophagus) where lesions tend to be flat and subtle. Fluorescence molecular endoscopy (FME) enables intraluminal visualization of (pre)malignant lesions based on specific biomolecular features rather than morphology by using fluorescently labeled molecular probes that bind to specific molecular targets. This strategy has the potential to serve as a valuable tool for the clinician to improve endoscopic lesion detection and real-time clinical decision-making. This narrative review presents an overview of recent advances in FME, focusing on probe development, techniques, and clinical evidence. Future perspectives will also be addressed, such as the use of FME in patient stratification for targeted therapies and potential alliances with artificial intelligence. Key Messages center dot Fluorescence molecular endoscopy is a relatively new technology that enables safe and real-time endoscopic lesion visualization based on specific molecular features rather than on morphology, thereby adding a layer of information to endoscopy, like in PET-CT imaging. center dot Recently the transition from preclinical to clinical studies has been made, with promising results regarding enhancing detection of flat and subtle lesions in the colon and esophagus. However, clinical evidence needs to be strengthened by larger patient studies with stratified study designs. center dot In the future fluorescence molecular endoscopy could serve as a valuable tool in clinical workflows to improve detection in high-risk populations like patients with Barrett's esophagus, Lynch syndrome, and inflammatory bowel syndrome, where flat and subtle lesions tend to be malignant up to five times more often. center dot Fluorescence molecular endoscopy has the potential to assess therapy responsiveness in vivo for targeted therapies, thereby playing a role in personalizing medicine. center dot To further reduce high miss rates due to human and technical factors, joint application of artificial intelligence and fluorescence molecular endoscopy are likely to generate added value