By the time this issue of Gastroenterology Clinics of North America is released, it will have been 16 years since infliximab was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of moderate to severe Crohn disease. Not only have we come a long way in understanding the efficacy and safety of infliximab, we are beginning to understand how and when to use the drug. Furthermore, as of this writing, we have five other biologic agents approved for either Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis, and there are many more molecules currently in drug development for these indications. In this issue,the Editors have assembled a collection of experts to provide the most cutting-edge information on the status of biologic therapy for inflammatory bowel disease.

This book provides the reader with a multidisciplinary approach that is state of the art and reflects input from the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society and the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society. In particular, the text focuses on the pathophysiology of neuroendocrine tumors and includes a comprehensive review of the most recent developments in understanding the complex hormone and receptor signaling that is important for the future development of potent pharmacological treatments. The volume reviews the pathological grading and staging systems providing useful clinical information for the treating clinician as well as a useful reference for pathologists. The clinical management of neuroendocrine tumors is reviewed enabling the treating physician to understand the diagnostic approaches to differentiating the various types of neuroendocrine tumors. In addition, the treatments are reviewed in great detail and include novel radiological, surgical, and chemotherapeutic approaches. The reader will utilize this book as both a comprehensive and quick reference guide through the use of diagnostic and treatment algorithms. Written by international experts in their particular field of study, Management of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors will be of great value to medical oncologists, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, pathologists, surgeons, and diagnostic and interventional radiologists.

This issue of Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics, devoted to Lipids, is edited by Dr. Donald A. Smith. Articles in this issue include: Advanced Lipoprotein Testing; Improving Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: Coronary calcium scor and CT coronary imaging; Understanding HDL; Statin Strategies for Maximizing Public Health: benefits and harms; Cellular Cholesterol Regulation: SREBP and miRNA; Mediterranean Diet - the best diet for CV protection?; Pediatric Lipidology: An Earlier Approach; Newer LDL-lowering Therapies; and Statin Combination Therapies.

This issue will be an informative treatise on gastroparesis, a symptomatic chronic disorder of the stomach characterized by delayed gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction. Gastroparesis is an increasingly recognized and diagnosed disorder. Treatment can be challenging due to several mechanisms which play a role in causing the symptoms. Symptoms of gastroparesis are variable and include early satiety, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and upper abdominal discomfort. These symptoms can range from mild to severe leading to such complications as malnutrition, functional disability, and multiple hospitalizations. The three most common etiologies are diabetes, post-surgical, and idiopathic (unknown). Treatment consists of dietary manipulation, medical, and surgical therapy. The articles will provide a comprehensive review and in-depth information on gastroparesis. Each chapter will be written by an expert in the area. This issue will give the reader a better appreciation for the breadth of gastroparesis.

This book provides an overview on the critical role of diagnostic imaging in the assessment of patients with suspected alimentary tract perforation, an emergent condition that requires prompt surgery. With the aid of numerous high-quality images, it is described how different imaging modalities, including plain film X-ray, ultrasonography and multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT), permit correct diagnosis of the presence and cause of the perforation and of associated pathologies. Particular attention is paid to MDCT, with full description of its role in a range of scenarios at various levels of the alimentary tract. Imaging of GI tract perforation in different patient groups, such as pediatric patients, the elderly and oncologic patients, is also addressed. This volume will greatly assist residents in radiology, radiologists and physicians who are daily involved in the management of patients with clinically suspected alimentary tract perforation.

This issue of Gastroenterology Clinics of North America is all about acute upper GI bleeding and is divided into two distinct sections: section I is devoted to nonvariceal upper GI bleeding and section II is devoted to variceal upper GI bleeding. Acute nonvariceal upper GI bleeding may originate from the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum, essentially anywhere proximal to the Ligament of Treitz. In Section I, Dr Gianluca Rotondano, Hospital Maresca, Torre del Greco, Italy, begins with a review of the epidemiology and diagnosis of acute nonvariceal upper GI bleeding. We then turn to patient presentation, risk stratification, and how to initially medically manage these bleeding patients. I am pleased to have one of our emergency medicine colleagues, Dr Andrew Meltzer, Department of Emergency Medicine, George Washington University, contribute this important article and provide a unique viewpoint from the emergency department where most of these patients initially present. As we all know, endoscopic hemostasis is the accepted standard of care for patients with acute nonvariceal upper GI bleeding. Moreover, peptic ulcer bleeding is the most common nonvariceal cause of acute upper GI bleeding; thus, Drs Yidan Lu, Yen-I Chen, and Alan Barkun from McGill University, Montreal, Canada, provide an in-depth review of the endoscopic management of peptic ulcer bleeding. Drs Eric Tjwa, I. Lisanne Holster, and Ernst Kuipers from the Erasmus Medical Center University Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, review the endoscopic management of all other causes of acute nonvariceal upper GI bleeding, and in addition, Drs Louis Wong Kee Song and Michael Levy from the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota discuss emerging endoscopic hemostasis treatments, such as topical sprays and over-the-scope clipping devices. Although endoscopic hemostasis is very highly effective, there are unfortunately cases where bleeding is unable to be controlled or when significant rebleeding occurs that is not amenable to endoscopic therapy. Therefore, I have included two articles that provide insight into the question.what if endoscopic hemostasis fails? The first article, written by Drs Philip Wai Yan Chiu and James Yun Wong Lau, from Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, focuses on tried and true surgical treatment options. The second article, by Dr Sujal Nanavati, University of California at San Francisco, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, addresses the alternative treatment strategy of angiographic embolization, which has now emerged as the often preferred salvage treatment strategy. One of the most feared complications of cirrhosis and portal hypertension is variceal hemorrhage. In Section II of this issue, the focus is on variceal causes of acute upper GI bleeding. Usually due to esophageal variceal rupture, this complication occurs in an entirely different epidemiologic and clinical setting than nonvariceal upper GI bleeding. Thus, this topic requires an understanding of many critical issues, including diagnosis and management. We begin Section II with a review of the epidemiology, diagnosis, and early patient management strategies in bleeding esophagogastric varices by Drs Sumit Kumar, Sumeet Asrani, and Patrick Kamath from Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Drs Jawad Ilyas and Fasiha Kanwal from the Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas go on to present the latest evidence on primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding, both medical and endoscopic. However, for those patients who present with acute esophagogastric variceal bleeding, endoscopic management is the cornerstone of patient management. Drs Andres Cardenas, Anna Baiges, Virginia Hernandez-Gea, and Juan Carlos Garcia-Pagan from the GI/Endoscopy Unit and Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Barcelona, Spain, provide an evidence-based review of endoscopic hemostasis techniques in acute esophageal variceal bleeding, and Drs Frank Weilert and Kenneth Binmoeller from Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand and the California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, respectively, discuss the recommended endoscopic management of bleeding gastric varices, including emerging techniques such as EUS-guided intravascular therapies. Next, Drs Sanjaya Satapathy and Arun Sanyal contribute a comprehensive review of nonendoscopic management strategies for esophagogastric variceal bleeding, and last but not least, Drs Kamran Qureshi and Abdullah Al-Osaimi, from Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, discuss how to manage the patient with portal hypertensive gastropathy and gastric antral vascular ectasia (also known as watermelon stomach).

This volume provides a comprehensive, state-of-the art review of inflammatory bowel disease and its management through the use of telemedicine applications. The book reviews barriers to successful outcomes in patients with IBD and offers a rationale for how self-management and telemedicine approaches can improve care in chronic illnesses such as IBD. This volume also includes a summary of the burden of telephone encounters in patients with IBD, characteristics of frequent callers to the office, outcomes associated with high telephone use, and strategies to provide education via telephone to patients with IBD. Prior literature on implementation of teleconsultation in research and clinical practice, as well as mobile applications used to track symptoms, quality of life, diet, and medication use in IBD are also explored in the book. Written by experts in the field, Telemanagement of Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a valuable resource for gastroenterologists, surgeons, a nd other clinicians dealing with, and interested in, this novel adjunct to routine care for inflammatory bowel disease.

This issue devoted to Esophageal Function Testing highlights these tests that are complimentary to endoscopy and should be considered after endoscopy is performed. In fact, a prerequisite for performing many of these studies is a negative endoscopy and thus, the endoscopist should be well-informed regarding the indication and utility of these tests. Additionally, some of these newer technologies require endoscopy to be performed during the study as the placement or positioning of the measurement tool will require endoscopic landmarks or direct placement. There have been major advances in most of these older techniques, and new novel measurement paradigms have been created that allow for a more visual and accurate depiction of physiologic and anatomic data. These technologies have evolved to be more akin to an imaging technique and thus, the visual display and data acquisition is much more intuitive and easier to teach to trainees. This review would be of the utmost importance to readers of GI Endoscospy Clinics.

Therapeutic Laparoscopy for Digestive Disease is intended to give the practicing surgeon or trainee an in-depth analysis of the technical aspects of the most commonly performed laparoscopic procedures, their indications, contraindications, and complications. Included are strategies to prevent complications as well as ways to handle them once they occur. Heavily illustrated, the book breaks new ground in visualizing operative procedures and problems. Seven sections, comprising the core curriculum of accepted procedures in laparoscopic surgery, present gallbladder disease, common bile duct exploration, hernia, colon diseases, anti-reflux procedures, acute abdomen and the role of diagnostic laparoscopy, and emerging procedures on the spleen and adrenals. Recognized leaders in the field tackle each section, emphasizing what to do when and how to solve acute situations. The book also features a patient information component for each section, providing the necessary background on the procedure, post-operative period, and recovery. These pages are perforated for inclusion in a binder in the patient office as well as for photocopying as patient take-home instructions. Therapeutic Laparoscopy for Digestive Disease is a practical, must-have resource for the general surgeon, imparting the clinical insight needed for successful performance of the core miminally invasive procedures as well as a source of useful patient information for the office practice.

This issue would review a broad range of endoscopic complications throughout the entire GI tract and include complications related to almost all types of endoscopic procedures. Typically, articles and endoscopy courses only briefly mention specific types of complications related to one or two endoscopic procedures. To date, this would be the only issue whose sole focus is on endoscopic complications and their management and will prove a useful resource for the gastroenterologist. The authors will be expert endoscopists from around the country whose knowledge of this topic should be far ranging and include use of new devices.

Gastrointestinal Imaging presents a comprehensive review of gastrointestinal pathologies commonly encountered by practicing radiologists and residents in training. Chapters are organized by organ system and include the Pharynx and Esophagus, Stomach, Small Bowel, Appendix, Colon, Anorectum, Liver, Gallbladder, Bile Ducts, Pancreas, Spleen, Peritoneum, Mesentery, and Abdominal Wall, and a chapter on multisystem disorders. Part of the Rotations in Radiology series, this book offers a guided approach to imaging diagnosis with examples of all imaging modalities complimented by the basics of interpretation and technique and the nuances necessary to arrive at the best diagnosis. Each pathology is covered with a targeted discussion that reviews the definition, clinical features, anatomy and physiology, imaging techniques, differential diagnosis, clinical issues, key points, and further reading. This organization is ideal for trainees' use during specific rotations and for exam review, or as a quick refresher for the established gastrointestinal imager.

This volume provides the most comprehensive coverage of clinical management of borderline resectable pancreatic cancer available. Authored by leaders in the field, the book focuses on current clinical management of this disease stage, the importance of multimodality treatment algorithms, and an interdisciplinary approach to care. Surgical chapters are well-illustrated to provide surgeons and surgical trainees with important technical pearls. Clinical trials and trial design are also discussed. Multimodality Management of Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer is a valuable resource for gastroenterologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, general surgeons, and trainees interested in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Ikuo Hirano, an international leader and pioneer in EoE, has assembled well-recognized experts in the field to provide a state-of-the-art, practical understanding of EoE for both children and adults in 2014. Topics you will find in this issue of Gastroenterology Clinics of North America include the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of EoE as well as a glimpse into what the future holds. In addition, articles dedicated to mechanisms of disease pathogenesis and complications complete this comprehensive assessment of the field at present.The Editors believe that this issue will enhance your understanding of EoE.

Dr Roy Soetikno and Dr Tonya Kaltenbach are the editors for this issue of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Clinics of North America, which is devoted to the improved detection and management of early neoplasia in inflammatory bowel disease. An important aspect of Dr Soetikno's outstanding career has been the bridging of endoscopic methods between Japan and the United States. Endoscopists in Japan have a better record of detecting subtle flat GI lesions. From the earliest days of endoscopy, it is fair to say that Japanese endoscopists have emphasized visual identification, analysis, and photo documentation of small GI lesions. The colon has been no exception. Dr Soetikno has incorporated these techniques, which have become increasingly feasible with steady improvement in modern digital endoscopes. Identifying small flat premalignant lesions and early cancers in patients with colitis can be lifesaving. Dr Soetikno and Dr Kaltenbach have edited an extraordinary issue of the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Clinics of North America devoted to teaching and promulgating these methods, including an extensive photo atlas, which should be an invaluable resource for all academic specialists and practicing gastroenterologists.

Autoimmune Liver Diseases summarizes the recent high-impact research and clinical findings obtained in Japan in the study and treatment of autoimmune liver diseases. Although these disorders are relatively rare, they are recognized as an important group of refractory liver diseases, the most common of which are autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). The book therefore comprises two major sections, one dealing with AIH, the other with PBC. AIH in Japanese patients creates a unique disease population, as its clinical features are different from those of Western patients resulting from the different genetic background of the two patient populations. Also, mouse models of neonatal thymectomy-PD-1 knockout mice, clinical analyses of acute hepatitis-like manifestations, and research findings on IgG4-related autoimmune hepatitis have been reported in Japan and are included in this book. A disease-susceptibility gene specific to Japanese PBC patients has also recently been discovered. Because of the relatively homogeneous population of Japan, analyses conducted with Japanese PBC patients have yielded findings that are highly relevant to the pathogenesis of the disease. Furthermore, new pathological staging criteria, anti-gp210 antibodies and the basis they provide for improved accuracy of prognosis, treatment with bezafibrate, and the outcomes of living-donor liver transplantation are also presented here. This volume therefore serves as a useful resource not only for hepatologists, but also for researchers, clinical residents, and medical students both in Japan and in other countries.

This issue provides important updates on the management of disorders of the anorectum and pelvic floor. Expert authors provide information on hemorrhoidal issues, anorectal anatomy and imaging techniques, fissure and anal stenosis, rectal prolapse, and anal abscess and fistula. Other articles are devoted to sexually transmitted and infectious diseases, treatment of radiation proctitis, and pruiritis ani. Readers will come away with a full understanding of the current strategies for diagnosis and management of these disorders.

Lynch syndrome (LS) is the most common cause of inherited colorectal cancer, a disease with a high mortality rate. An estimated 37,000 of diagnosed colorectal cancer cases worldwide are attributed to Lynch syndrome each year. Intensive cancer screening, with early initiation and frequent follow-up, can reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality in LS patients. This book provides an up-to-date overview on the genetic and epigenetic basis of Lynch syndrome. It evaluates clinical features of the disease and critically comments on molecular tools available for identifying mutations responsible for Lynch syndrome; in addition the importance of functional assays that can help clarify the clinical nature of identified mutations is also discussed. The book also focuses on challenges in genetic counselling of at-risk individuals and discusses related ethical issues. The purpose of the book is to give a concise knowledge base for the broader scientific and medical community, including genetic counselors, in order to improve awareness on the potential impact that the diagnosis of LS has on treatment, management and surveillance of LS patients.

T. Hara, I. Kimura, D. Inoue, A. Ichimura, and A. Hirasawa: Free fatty acid receptors and their role in regulation of energy metabolism. B. Nilius and G. Appendino. Spices: the savory and healthy science of pungency.

This issue of Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, guest edited by Seymour Katz, MD, is devoted to Gastroenterology. Articles in this outstanding issue include Constipation: Understanding Mechanisms and Management; Vaccination status/Prophylaxis with GI Diseases; Reflux and Acid Peptic Diseases in Elderly; Anorectal Physiology/Pathophysiology in Elderly; Endoscopic Challenges; Colorectal Cancer of Elderly; Pancreatic Disease; GI Drug Interactions; Microscopic/Collagenous Colitis; Hepatitis B and C; IBD of the Elderly; Imaging Techniques in GI Diseases of Elderly; Dysphagia/Swallowing disorders of Elderly; and Clostridium difficile infection in the elderly.

Dr. Freeman has organized his issue address the continuum between acute and chronic pancreatitis, necrosis and pseudocysts, and the expanding role of endoscopic diagnosis and therapy. As a result, there are comprehensive articles devoted to: Role of EUS in the diagnosis of acute and chronic pancreatitis; ERCP for acute biliary pancreatitis;Prevention of post ERCP pancreatitis; Endoscopic therapy of necrotizing pancreatitis and pseudocysts; Endoscopic therapy for acute recurrent pancreatitis; Endoscopic therapy for chronic pancreatitis; ERCP for biliary strictures associated with chronic pancreatitis; EUS for pancreatic ductal access and drainage; Endoscopic therapy for pancreatic duct leaks and disruptions; autoimmune pancreatitis; role of endoscopy in diagnosis and treatment; and Palliation of pancreatic ductal obstruction in pancreatic cancer.

Dr. Kahi has assembled top experts to provide clinically focused articles on colonoscopy and polypectomy. The issue is divided into sections devote to Technique Fundamentals, Advances in Technique, Technology, Neoplasia Detection, Quality and Outcomes, and The Future. Everyone from early-career gastroenteorlogists to those late in their career should find this edition to be very valuable.