"Celiac Disease and Gluten: Multidisciplinary Challenges and Opportunities" is a unique reference work the first to integrate the insights of the causes and effects of celiac disease from the chemistry of reaction-causing foods to the diagnosis, pathogenesis, and symptoms that lead to proper diagnoses and treatment. With an estimated three million people in the United States alone affected by celiac disease, an autoimmune digestive disease, onlyfive percentare properly diagnosed. Drawing on the connection between foods containing gluten and the resulting symptoms, this resource offers distinctive information that directly explores and links food science, medical diagnostics, and treatment information. A helpful tool for researchers and medical practitioners alike, "Celiac Disease and Gluten: Multidisciplinary Challenges and Opportunities" helps refine research targets, and provides a comprehensive overview on the multidisciplinary approaches to all crucial aspects related to celiac disease.
Presents key information from medical and food science research, as well as provides clinical insightsProvides direct corollary insights between source and symptomWritten by experts whose detailed experiments and results have shaped our understanding of celiac disease"

This issue should serve as a primer to endoscopists who are seeking state-of-the-art clinical guidance on endoscopic ultrasound tissue acquisition. Authors address the changing paradigm in EUS-guided tissue acquisition and when does the oncologist require core tissue? Articles offer a comprehensive look at the core topics, including definitions in tissue acquisition, selection of FNA needles, and techniques for EUS-guides FNA and FNB. Expert authors also give their recommendations for overcoming technical challenges in EUS-guided tissue acquisition and what the pitfalls are. Readers will have a full understanding of EUS-guided tissue acquisition as well as the future directions.

In this issue of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Clinics of North America, we invited pioneers and experts in this field to share recent advancements and expansions of ESD and its technical aspects in different organ systems. In addition, this issue covers the associated techniques of per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) to further advance understanding of the latest breakthroughs in endoscopic therapy. Current trends surrounding ESD around the world-in Asia, Europe, and the United States-are addressed as well. Some articles include videos for readers to watch ESD procedures in action, performed by experts, for easier understanding of ESD techniques. The Guest Editors expect that this issue will inspire more physicians to explore the expanding possibilities of endoscopic therapy such as ESD and POEM and to advocate minimally invasive treatment for patients.

"Molecular Diagnostics andTreatment of Pancreatic Cancer "describes the different emerging applications of systems biology and howit is shaping modern pancreatic cancer research. This book begins by introducing the current state of the art knowledge, trends in diagnostics, progress in disease model systems as well as new treatment and palliative care strategies in pancreatic cancer. Specific sections are dedicated to enlighten the readers to newer discoveries that have emerged from gene expression profiling, proteomics, metabolomics and systems level analyses of pancreatic cancer datasets. First of a kind and novel network strategies to understand oncogenic Kras signaling in pancreatic tumors are presented. The attempts to computationally model and prioritize microRNAs that cause pancreatic cancer resistance are alsohighlighted.

Addressing this important area, "Molecular Diagnostics and Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer" provides insights into important network evaluation methodologies related to pancreatic cancer related microRNAs targetome. There are dedicated chapters on critical aspects of the evolving yet controversial field of pancreatic cancer stems cells. The work concludes by discussing the applications of network sciences in pancreatic cancer drug discovery and clinical trial design.
Encompasses discussion of innovative tools including expression signatures in cell lines, 3D models, animal xenograft models, primary models and patient derived samples, aiding subversion of traditional biology paradigms, and enhancing comprehension across conventional length and temporal scalesCoverage includes novel applications in targeted drugs, polypharmacology, network pharmacology and other related drug development arenas - helping researchers in pancreatic cancer drug discoverySummarizes many relevant computational and clinical references from fast-evolving literatureComprehensive glossary helps newer readers understand technical terms and specialized nomenclature"

This issue presents a concise clinical overview on the most current knowledge on advanced imaging modalities. Dr. Ananadasabapathy has secured internationally recognized authors to write articles on endomicoscopy, molecular imagaing, optical coherence tomography, and chromoendoscopy. Articles are also devoted to imaging the biliary tree and red flag technologies in gastric neoplasia.

Gastric cancer is the second most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Although the incidence of gastric cancer has declined over the past century in the United States, it remains one of the most common gastrointestinal neoplasms, particularly in immigrants and the socio-economically deprived. Recent years have seen major advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of gastric cancer (especially regarding the importance of Helicobacter pylori and its associated inflammatory response) and the emergence of adjuvant oncologic therapies of proven benefit for advanced cases, in addition to surgery. As for gastric adenocarcinoma, elucidation of the underlying biology and molecular pathogenesis has led to much progress in the management of two other malignant gastric neoplasms, gastrointestinal stromal tumors and marginal zone B-cell ("MALT?) lymphomas. This monograph highlights these developments, presenting an updated overview of gastric cancer that will be of interest to all practicing gastroenterologists.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease and its complications effect 40 % of the US population. It is the most common reason for outpatient GI visits with treatment costs amounting to nearly $10 billion a year. Thisissue updates interested physicians on the new advance in GERD pathogenesis, diagnosis and medical/surgical treatment , especially over the last 5 years. Lots of advancements have been made in this time period and this will be a excellent reference book for the busy academic and community physician interested in GERD. "The data summarized in a concise manner in this book gives an excellent tool for clinical practice in order to establish a precise diagnosis, appropriate investigation procedures and an adequate therapy in GERD patients." Reviewed by: Ciobanu Lidia, Bogdan Furnea, Cluj-Napoca, Romania on behalf of The Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, June 2014

Anesthetic Viewpoints in Laparoscopic Liver Resection Intraoperative Bleeding Control during Laparoscopic Liver Resections Initiating Laparoscopic Hepatectomy in Low Volume Centre Role of ICG in Laparoscopic Liver Surgery Laparoscopic Right Hepatectomy Minimal Invasive Treatment for Colorectal Liver Metastases Minimally Invasive Surgery in Gallbladder Carcinoma Changing Trends in Minimal Invasive Pancreatic Surgery Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy Initiating Robotic Pancreaticoduodenectomy Minimally Invasive Distal Pancreatectomy Minimally Invasive Approach to Chronic Pancreatitis

Dr. Levy is a key leader in the field of hepatology, and she has enlisted authors who are top experts in their fields to submit state-of-the-art clinical reviews on cholestatic liver diseases. Articles are devoted to genetic determinants of cholestasis, nuclear receptors as drug targets, drug-induced cholestasis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, therapeutic advances in primary biliary cirrhosis, overlap syndromes, autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis, secondary sclerosing cholangitis, Focus is also on familial cholestasis, allagile syndrome and other hereditary causes of cholestasis, Systemic causes of cholestasis, advances in pathogenesis and treatment of pruritus, care of the cholestatic patient, and transplantation for cholestatic diseases . Readers will come away with a full overview of the diagnosis and treatment of cholestatic liver diseases.

Dr. Pockros has created a clinically focused issue based on the CONO 2012 meeting, whereby he was able to have those presenters write articles for his issue. Therefore, the content for HCV in this issue reflects the most current knowledge. The issue is focused on basic/current information, current therapy and special populations, triple and quad combination therapies in development, and an article on second generation protease inhibitors.? The reader can expect that this issue will provide thorough clinical reviews on the most current therapeutic options for HCV.

Dr. Van Dam is one of key leaders in the field of diagnostic endoscopy, and he has enlisted authors who are top experts in their fields to submit state-of-the-art clinical reviews on endoscopy and biliary tract disease. Articles are devoted to infections, choledoscopy, common bile duct stones, benign and malignant bile duct strictures, motility disorders, and EUS access and drainage of the common bile duct. Attention is also given to patients with bile duct injury, congenital anomalies, and to liver transplant patients. Readers will come away with a?full overview of endoscopy and the patient with biliary tract disease.

Esophageal diseases are amongst the most common gastrointestinal illnesses encountered by both the gastroenterologist as well as the primary care physician. Gastroesophageal reflux symptoms affect 20% of adult Americans on a weekly or more frequent basis, and Barrett's esophagus, a pre-cancerous lesion of the distal esophagus associated with chronic GERD, is prevalent in 2-6% of the adult population. Additionally, there have been remarkable advances in the care of esophageal diseases in the last several years, with the development of new imaging modalities, new physiological tests, and promising data emerging with respect to biomarkers for esophageal neoplasia. A relatively new clinical entity, eosinophilic esophagitis, is being characterized in the literature, and the ubiquity of this condition is now recognized. Given the dynamic nature of this area, the strides being made in esophageal diseases, and the importance of these diseases to clinicians practicing both subspecialty and general medicine, a volume dedicated to esophageal diseases is timely and necessary. The goals of this work are to familiarize clinicians with advances in care of patients with esophageal disorders, and to update them on new trends in epidemiology and outcomes of these diseases.

Today a number of gastrointestinal disorders that once required open surgical or percutaneous management are being managed with endolumenal therapies. This has led to an evolution of minimally invasive endolumenal approaches to many disorders. This issue reviews the progress made in the application of endolumenal therapies and not only discuss current applications but future efforts and directions for clinical investigation. Articles will focus on the scope of the problem, past management options, new endolumenal options, investigations with endolumenal therapy, current status (clinical trial results if available), and future directions.

Dr. Hammer has assembled an international list of authors who fully update the topic of chronic diarrhea, from examining the causes of diarrhea (and the appropriate treatments) to various diagnostic tools. Among the topics covered are bacterial flora as a cause or treatment, the value of fecal analysis in the evaluation, circulating secretagogues, functional diarrhea, celiac disease, chronic inflammatory diseases, diarrhea as a symptom of food intolerance, immunosuppression and immune-deficiency, and chronic diarrhea in the developing world.

A very hot topic at the 2010 AASLD meeting, hepatic encephalopathy is being brought to the Clinics in Liver Disease for the very first time by top experts, Dr. Mullen and Dr. Prakash. Authors have written articles that fully discuss the clinical aspects of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Articles presented include History, Nomenclature and Classification; Theories involved in the pathogenesis of HE; Clinical Assessment and utility of clinical scales for semi-quantification of Overt HE;? Assessment of Minimal HE
( with emphasis on computerized psychometric tests); Brain Imaging and HE; Management of Overt HE; Management of Minimal HE; Nutritional Interventions for HE; TIPS and HE; Liver Transplantation and Reversibility of HE; Minimal HE and Driving; and HE and Quality of Life.

The authors in this issue will provide state-of-the-art reviews on the use of probiotics in care of the gastroenterologic system. Articles are devoted to probiotics as treatment for IBD, chronic diarrhea, C. difficile colitis, functional bowel disease, allergic disorders, necrotizing enterocolitis, and obesity. Other articles examine the safety of probiotics, fecal biotherapy, and molecular assessment of intestinal microflora.

The Guest Editors are providing comprehensive coverage of the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and management of Celiac Disease. Their authors are top experts in the field, and they have submitted state-of-the-art reviews. Topics inlclude: Clinical presentation of Celiac Disease in Adults and Children; The Irritable Bowel Syndrome--Celiac Disease Connection; Pathophysiology of Celiac Disease; Diagnosis of Celiac Disease; Histopathology in Celiac Disease; Management of Celiac Disease; Malignancy and Mortality in Celiac Disease; Gluten Sensitivity; Video Capsule Endoscopy in Celiac Disease; Refractory Celiac Disease; Celiac Disease in the Developing World; and Dietary Assessment in Celiac Disease.

As Executive Director of the H.H. Chao Comprehensive Digestive Disease Center, University of California, Irvine, Dr. Chang brings the wealth of hix experience and knowledge to the topic of interventional endoscopic ultrasound. His issue is divided into two sections, the first dealing with the best practices of interventional EUS.? Articles in this section address FNA of solid pancreatic tumors, pancreatic cysts, diagnosis of SMT's, lung cancer staging, pancreatic drainage, and celiac neurolysis. The second section addresses emerging technologies for intervention EUS. These articles discuss pancreatic cyst ablation, vascular access and therapy, anti-tumor agents, fiducial markers and brachytherapy, image enhancement, tumor ablation, and anastomosis.

As the National Quality Advisor and Chair of the AGAI Clinical Practice and Quality Management Committee, Dr. Allen, along with Dr. DeLegge, have created a very insightful list of topics to educate gastroenterologists about how to adapt to health care reform. The issue addresses the impact in both private practices and academic medical centers. Specific issues discussed include Gastroenterologists and Accountable Care Organizations; Health Information Technology and the Gastroenterologist; Transitioning from Fellowship to Practice 2012; Going Big in Private Practice; Clinical Service Line Management; The Impact of Health Reform on GI Reimbursement; The Impact of Health Care Reform on Innovation and New Technology; Industry and Gastroenterology: A New World; and Demonstrating Value: Registries and Beyond.

An important review on esophageal neoplasms for the general surgeon! Topics will include epidemiology and prevalence of esophageal cancer, molecular basis of esophageal cancer development and progression, diagnosis and management of Barrett's esophagus, evaluation and staging of patients with esophageal cancer, medical evaluation of patients preparing for an esophagectomy, management of stage 1 esophageal cancer, management of T2 esophageal cancer, management of advanced stage operable esophageal cancer, management of GE junction tumors, traditional esophagectomy surgical techniques, minimally invasive esophagectomy techniques, esophageal reconstruction with alternative conduits, complications of esophagectomy, quality of life after an esophagectomy, palliation of inoperable esophageal cancer and more!

The Guest Editors have focused on methods of diagnosing and evaluating IBD to help guide optimal treatment to maximize clinical outcomes and minimize risks. Authors have provided state-of-the-art updates with practical information/guidelines/algorithms and cutting-edge data for incorporation into practice. The first set of articles deals with endoscopy: its role in diagnosis and monitoring IBD; the growing importance of chromoendoscopy in IBD surveillance exams; assessment of post-operative recurrence; and finally the emerging role of capsule endoscopy. The second section focuses on specific scenarios that IBD physicians encounter frequently: health maintenance in IBD focusing on proper vaccinations; the growing problem of Clostridium difficile in IBD; assessment of pouch problems; optimal evaluation of perianal disease; the state of the art in using thiopurines including use of allopurinol to optimize metabolites and optimizing the use of infliximab by measuring levels and antibodies to infliximab; factors to consider in choosing monotherapy versus combination therapy and communication of risk/benefit to patients; and finally disability assessment in IBD. The third and final section highlights noninvasive methods to evaluate IBD: clinical predictors of aggressive or disabling disease; the evolving role of specific antibodies in diagnosing, subtyping and most recently prognosticating in IBD; stool markers (calproctectin and lactoferrin) for evaluating and monitoring IBD; the growing role of imaging modalities with emphasis on MR enterography and CT enterography; and finally, the genetics of IBD and the potential role of genetic testing in the diagnosis/prognosis and tailoring of therapy.