By 1977 it was clear that the thermophilic campylobacters were a major cause of acute bacterial enteritis. In response to that observation an international workshop was convened in Reading, England, and attracted over 130 participants. Many of these individuals resolutely returned for the eighth in the series of biennial international workshops, this time held in Win chester, England, in July 1995. All were surprised at the continued, and even expanding, re search effort in this narrow microbiological field. Such a lasting interest is undoubtedly a reflection of a consistent rise in the incidence of infection, the growing number of closely re lated organisms and disease associations, and an ever-increasing awareness by the public and government agencies of public health and food safety issues. The second workshop in Brussels in 1983 was a forum that demonstrated the growing awareness in the campylobacter community of the existence of campylobacter-like organisms and provided the platform for presentations describing the association of these organisms, now classified in the genus Helicobacter. with gastroduodenal disease. The clinical aspects of the research into helicobacters is now thoroughly covered in several other meetings, and the remit of the international workshop has been expanded to provide a forum for the presentation of the basic microbiological research carried out on these bacteria. In a continuation of this ap proach the remit of the workshop has been further extended to other related organisms, reflect ing that there are many other campylobacter-like organisms still to identify and characterize."

Did you know that 62% of the food in our supermarkets is not only processed but 'ultra-processed' (ingredients from other foods are combined to make something 'new', often in colours that do not exist in nature) and that data shows that by eating this kind of food over time we are literally slowly poisoning ourselves?

In the hard-hitting, ground-breaking tradition of his NY Times bestseller FAT CHANCE, which revealed the dangers of sugar, Dr Robert Lustig persuasively presents a stark exposé of how our addiction to processed foods (aided and abetted by the food industry, big ag, big pharma, institutional medicine and the government) is behind the lethal increase in major non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease, cancer and dementia. We have come to accept that these chronic diseases are simply part of the 'natural ageing process', but Dr Lustig makes the case that this is simply not true.

The solution on both a personal and societal level is a return to unprocessed food and Dr Lustig offers a doable plan for us to heal and restore our own health and wellbeing with real food, and in the process boosting our immunity to viruses like Covid-19.

An important milestone in medicine has been the recent completion of the Human Genome Project. The identification of 30,000 genes and their regulatory proteins provides the framework for understanding the metabolic basis of disease. This advance has also laid the foundation for a broad range of genomic tools that have opened the way for targeted genetic testing in a number of medical disorders. This book is designed to be the first major text to discuss genomics-based advances in disease susceptibility, diagnosis, prognostication, and prediction of treatment outcomes in various areas of medicine. After building a strong underpinning in the basic concepts of genomics, the authors of this book, all leaders in the field, proceed to discuss a wide range of clinical areas and the applications now afforded by genomic analysis.

In this issue of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Clinics of North America, guest editor Dr. Catharine M. Walsh brings her considerable expertise to the topic of Pediatric Endoscopy. Since its inception in the early 1980s, pediatric endoscopy has seen dramatic innovations in both diagnostic procedures and advanced procedures that are increasingly being performed by pediatric trained endoscopists. In this issue, top experts bring you fully up to date with recent advances in this fast-changing field. Contains 14 practice-oriented topics including pediatric unsedated transnasal endoscopy; tools for improving quality in pediatric endoscopy; artificial intelligence in pediatric endoscopy; advances in endoscopy for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease; and more.  Provides in-depth clinical reviews on pediatric endoscopy, offering actionable insights for clinical practice.  Presents the latest information on this timely, focused topic under the leadership of experienced editors in the field. Authors synthesize and distill the latest research and practice guidelines to create clinically significant, topic-based reviews. 

R. Fuller 1.1 DEVELOPMENT OF COMMERCIAL PREPARATIONS The history of the probiotic effect has been well documented many times previously (see e.g. Bibel, 1982; Fuller, 1992). The consumption of fermented milks dates from pre-biblical times but the probiotic concept was born at the end of the last century with the work of Metchnikoff at the Pasteur Institute in Paris. In the century that has elapsed since Metchnikoff's work, the probiotic concept has been accepted by scientists and consumers throughout the world. Attempts to refine the practice from the use of traditional soured milks to preparations containing specific micro organisms have occupied the thoughts and endeavours of scientists in many different countries. But, in spite of the large amount of effort expended in attempting to explain and define the effect, it has to be admitted that little is known of the way in which probiotics operate. There are likely to be several different mechanisms because it seems highly improbable that a mode of action that explains resistance to microbial infection will also hold true for improved milk production or alleviation of lactose malabsorption."

Dietary Interventions in Gastrointestinal Diseases: Foods, Nutrients and Dietary Supplements provides valuable insights into the agents that affect metabolism and other health-related conditions in the gastrointestinal system. It provides nutritional treatment options for those suffering from gastrointestinal diseases including Crohn's Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Ulcerative Colitis and Allergies, among others. Information is presented on a variety of foods, including herbs, fruits, soy and olive oil, thus showing that changes in intake can change antioxidant and disease preventing non-nutrients and affect gastrointestinal health and/or disease promotion. This book serves as a valuable resource for biomedical researchers who focus on identifying the causes of gastrointestinal diseases and food scientists targeting health-related product development.

In the past 15 years much evidence has accumulated which indicates the paramount importance of sensory nerves in reg ulating functions of the gastrointestinal tract. In parallel, the attention of researchers in this field has been increas ingly attracted to the role played by neuropeptides in the normal and diseased gut. Basic research on the peculiar properties of capsaicin, the pungent ingredient from plants of the genus Capsicum, has allowed the gap between these two areas of research to be bridged. Sincethen, the study of gut afferents and neuropeptides has become more and more interconnected and recognized as a major avenue to understand ing the pathophysiology of various human diseases. It is widely recognized that a certain subset of primary afferents synthesize, store and release neuropeptides (such as tachykin nins and calcitonin gene-related peptide) from their central and peripheral endings, the latter being widely distributed in the alimentary canal and related organs (liver, pancreas). The First International Meeting on Sensory Nerves and Neuropeptides in Gastroenterology, held in Florence from December 4-5, 1989, sponsored and organized by Fondazione Internazionale Menarini, aimed to focus the current status of research in this field. The contributions presented at the meeting and in this book delineate a suggestive scenario in which sensory nerves of the gut, and the multiple messages they carry through the release of neuropeptides, are to be considered as a major target for the development of new drugs potentially useful in a number of diseases of the gastro intestinal tract."

Adult Short Bowel Syndrome: Nutritional, Medical, and Surgical Management serves as a practical guide to the medical, surgical and nutritional care of complex patients with Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS), providing information on SBS with the most up-to-date, evidence-based data available. Additionally, the book presents global perspectives and highlights emerging areas of research that are influencing the care of patients with SBS. Intended for nutritionists, dieticians, physicians (specifically, general practitioners, gastroenterologists, and surgeons), nurse practitioners, pharmacists, students and researchers, this book serves as a quick reference on the medical, surgical and nutritional care of complex patients with short bowel syndrome.

Nearly 30 years ago, a number of scientists working on the Enteric Nervous System (ENS) gathered at Flinders University, in Adelaide, Australia to discuss the advances and future of their research. It was a friendly and stimulating meeting, attended by most of the major players, in what was to become the discipline of 'Neurogastroenterology'. In 2014, the main Australasian Neuroscience Society meeting was held in Adelaide, Australia, providing the perfect opportunity to recreate a follow-up ENS meeting. As such, the 'ENS II 2014 meeting' aimed to identify how far the field of enteric neuroscience had developed, where the future was heading, and what technological advances had been made to address current and future unresolved questions. 30 speakers from around the world were invited to give talks and revisit the original expectations, the advances made since, and the future directions of ENS research. These discussions included three generations of investigators from 7 different countries. This publication represents the majority of proceedings from the 'The Enteric Nervous System II 2014' conference, which was held on February 1st - 2nd 2014 at the National Wine Centre of Australia, Adelaide. This meeting was an Official satellite meeting of the 34th Annual Meeting of Australasian Neuroscience Society, which was also held in Adelaide. The 20 contributions contained within this submission are from international researchers in the field of the ENS, who reviewed the advances made since the first meeting in the early 1980s and summarizes the present and future perspectives of neuro-gastroenterology. Some colleagues could not attend but did send greetings and their messages are included in these proceedings.

This book reviews recent knowledge of the role of stem cells in the gastrointestinal system. It covers extensive topics for each organ, including the pancreas, esophagus, liver, and colon, while also discussing the contributions of stem cells to therapeutic approaches toward gastrointestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, Digestive System Diseases: Stem Cell Mechanisms and Therapies deepens a reader's theoretical expertise in gastrointestinal stem cell biology. It furthers scientists' understanding of gastrointestinal stem cells and, most importantly, the development of novel therapeutic targets. Graduate and postdoctoral students, medical doctors (including gastroenterologists and surgeons), and principal investigators in both academia and industry will benefit from this book. In particular, it is a valuable resource for professionals within the fields of gastrointestinal research, pharmaceutical science, molecular biology, regenerative medicine, and genetics.

This volume provides a comprehensive collection of classical and cutting edge protocols and techniques to examine the normal development and physiological functions of the gastrointestinal system and to model the most common digestive diseases. The chapters focus on diverse research topics including ex vivo systems to study gastrointestinal development and functions, in vivo imaging of the gastrointestinal tract, isolation and characterization of intestinal immune cells, and animal models of gastrointestinal inflammation and cancer. The Gastrointestinal Physiology and Diseases: Methods and Protocols book targets wide audience of physiologists, cell and developmental biologists, immunologists, and physician-scientists working in the field of gastroenterology and beyond. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Highly practical and clearly written, Gastrointestinal Physiology and Diseases: Methods and Protocols will serve both seasoned researchers as well as newcomers to the field and will provide a unique resource and expert guidance to modern laboratory techniques developed for examining normal functions and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

This book highlights treatment strategies for bacterial biofilms in connection with a variety of human diseases. In particular, it reviews bacterial biofilm formation and its mechanism. Topics covered include biofilms in human health, the role of biofilms in mediating human diseases, and methods for testing bacterial biofilms. Further sections concentrate on biofilm-mediated diseases in different parts of the human gastrointestinal tract, while therapeutic strategies for biofilm control and natural agents that disrupt bacterial biofilms are also covered. Readers will also find the latest advances in probiotics and biofilms, as well as the use of probiotics to counteract biofilm-associated infections. Biofilms and antimicrobial resistance are discussed. Subsequent chapters address the management of inflammatory bowel disease via probiotics biofilms, as well as the role of probiotics bacteria in the treatment of human diseases associated with bacterial biofilms. The book is chiefly intended for clinicians/scientists in the fields of medical microbiology, applied microbiology, biochemistry, and biotechnology.

The majority of the obese population still does not take advantage of the available surgical possibilities. Clinical research should be oriented towards less invasive procedures that could be accepted by the mainstream. In 2012, most non-invasive bariatric techniques are still not standardized or sufficiently assessed, but they are being constantly upgraded. The purpose of this book is to spark a discussion between experts from around the world, and to gather relevant information on new technologies that will make it possible to enlarge the vision of bariatric care to a growing number of morbid obese and non-morbid obese patients.

This book is a state-of-the art review for clinicians and dieticians with an interest in nutrition and inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis). The volume covers new data about dietary risk factors for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, examines the association between diet and microbiome, describes the various diets in the management of these diseases, and discusses macro- and micronutrient deficiency that occurs in such patients. The book also examines the management of patients on total parenteral nutrition, and management of the short gut syndrome with TPN and novel pharmacologic therapies. Written by experts in their fields, Nutritional Management of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Comprehensive Guide is a valuable and uniquely specialized resource for gastroenterologists, nutritionists, primary care physicians, and other health care providers and researchers dealing with the management of these complex illnesses.

This book provides a state-of-the-art overview of dysphagia. The text reviews current evidence behind the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of esophageal disorders that cause dysphagia, including GERD, eosinophilic esophagitis, achalasia, and spastic motor disorders. The book also focuses on the different variants of dysphagia, from oropharyngeal dysphagia to functional dysphagia, highlights advances in testing for dysphagia, and features evidence-based algorithms. Written by experts in the field, Evaluation and Management of Dysphagia: An Evidence-Based Approach is a valuable resource for gastroenterologists, otolaryngologists, and other clinicians and practitioners who treat patients afflicted with dysphagia.

Peritoneal dissemination is a common route of cancer metastasis. The benefit of administering chemotherapy directly into the peritoneal cavity is supported by preclinical and pharmacokinetic data. In comparison to intravenous (IV) treatment, intraperitoneal (IP) administration results in a several-fold increase in drug concentration within the abdominal cavity. There is now growing evidence from clinical studies showing a survival advantage for IP chemotherapy in various tumor typies, including ovarian, gastric and colorectal cancer. However, while the use of IP chemotherapy is slowly gaining acceptance, it is not universal, largely due to the greater toxicity associated with this approach. Moreover, efficacy of IP chemotherapy is limited by poor distribution within the abdominal cavity and by poor tissue penetration. A new way of IP chemotherapy is the application of cytotoxics in form of a pressurized aerosol into the abdominal of thoracic cavity. Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) is applied through laparoscopic access using two balloon trocars in an operating room equipped with laminar air-flow. In a first step,a normothermic capnoperitoneum is established with a pressure of 12 mmHg. A cytotoxic solution (about 10% of a normal systemic dose) is nebulized with a micropump into the abdominal cavity, and maintained for 30 min. The aerosol is then removed through a closed suction system. Applying an aerosol in the peritoneal cavity allows a homogeneous distribution of the chemotherapeutic agent within the abdomen. Furthermore, an artificial pressure gradient is generated that overcomes tumoral interstitial fluid pressure, an obstacle in cancer therapy. This results in a higher local drug concentration compared to conventional IP or IV chemotherapy. At the same time the plasma concentration of the chemotherapeutic agent remains low. In first clinical studies with limited number of patients in ovarian, gastric and colorectal cancer, as well as peritoneal mesothelioma, PIPAC has obtained encouraging tumor response rates and survival, with a low-side effects profile. Larger clinical trials are currently ongoing to examine if these data can be reproduced and extrapolated to other situations.

The Digestive System in Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Second Edition, represents the state-of-the-art in the field of digestive disorders in the most common systemic autoimmune diseases. This volume consists of an introductory chapter on imaging techniques in digestive diseases, followed by eight chapters on digestive manifestations in specific systemic autoimmune diseases. The final five chapters deal with digestive diseases with an autoimmune pathogenesis and systemic manifestations. International in scope, the table of contents reads like a Who's who in clinical research on systemic autoimmune diseases. More than 20 contributors from the European Union, the United States, Mexico, and South Africa share their knowledge in this detailed volume. The book provides an overview of our current understanding of digestive disorders in the most common systemic autoimmune diseases.

Leading clinical and basic science researchers present the latest molecular and cellular findings on key gut peptides, illuminating their physiology and pathophysiology, as well as highlighting the regulatory mechanisms underlying their action in the intestinal tract. The book focuses on gut peptide physiology and receptor pharmacology, gut processing and receptor biology, and on regulatory mechanisms in the gut, including pancreatic feedback mechanisms. Also included are chapters on the trophic effects of gut peptides on GI and pancreatic cancer; the regulation of gut peptide gene expression; and gastric secretion, especially in diseased states.

This book provides a comprehensive, state-of-the art review of intestinal polyposis syndromes. The book reviews the most up-to-date clinical, management, and genetic information regarding the continually evolving colorectal condition that manifests as a polyposis condition. It provides a reference for clinicians and researchers in understanding the complexity of intestinal polyposis and the importance of utilizing multiple modalities for the diagnosis, management and control of these conditions. It also provides an overview of what should alert a care provider to the possibility of a polyposis syndrome. Written by experts in their fields, Intestinal Polyposis Syndromes: Diagnosis and Management is a valuable resource for physicians and researchers who deal with the challenges of diagnosing and managing colorectal cancer and intestinal polyposis syndromes.

The intestine (and the gut microbiota), often referred to as the "real brain" of the body, has been implicated in a wide range of diseases, including obesity, and diet has a direct impact on intestinal health. While bloating, flatulence and constipation seem like routine, everyday symptoms, one cannot deny the significant societal burden they impart partly through their effect on the quality of life and partly through the medical and surgical costs they incur on patients desperate to improve symptoms. This book discusses irritable bowel syndrome, which is accompanied by complaints of bloating, flatulence, constipation and diarrhea, from which many people routinely suffer. Furthermore, it presents treatment methods, e.g., dietary and nutritional approaches, and recommendations to change lifestyle and manage digestive symptoms.

Anus: Treatment and Pathology is the perfect guide for the diagnosis and management of patients with anal canal and pelvic floor disorders. Using annotated diagrams matched to cross- sectional radiology with ultrasound and MRI, this book will not only give the reader a thorough understanding of normal anal canal and pelvic floor anatomy, but will also take the reader through the common benign and malignant conditions which affect the anal canal and pelvis describing in detail their pathophysiology, investigation and management. Anus: Treatment and Pathology is aimed at practicing general surgeons, colorectal surgeons and surgical trainees, which can be used either as a practical reference guide for day to day colorectal surgical practice or for in depth text based learning.

Inflammation in gastrointestinal mucosa can remodel the topography of the overlying epithelium. If such inflammation is chronic, it has fundamental clinical consequences, the principal of which is premalignant metaplasia throughout the alimentary tract. Furthermore, mucosal inflammation, even if subtle, is the single most common pathway for GI cancer. This book discusses all aspects of the relation between inflammation and GI cancer, from the basic science through to the translational science which is helping in the optimization of clinical management strategies. Among the topics considered are the impact of inherited syndromes; the roles of acid reflux, H. pylori, inflammatory bowel disease, and primary sclerosing cholangitis; screening strategies; targeted drug therapies; genetics; and the use of endoscopic methods. The authors are the best in their field, and this book is designed for the enthusiastic student as well as the professional in GI science and medicine.

Viral Gastroenteritis: Molecular Epidemiology and Pathogenesis provides a comprehensive review of research on viruses causing acute gastroenteritis in infants and young children, including coverage of rotaviruses, human caliciviruses, astroviruses, enteric adenoviruses, and viruses causing gastroenteritis more rarely. Includes general chapters on gastrointestinal physiology and pathophysiology, gastrointestinal immune mechanisms, immunodeficiencies and host genetics influencing susceptibility to viral gastroenteritis, and therapeutic and preventative approaches. The book also includes special sections on virus particle structures, replication cycles, pathogenesis, immunology, epidemiology, and preventative measures. This book covers both basic science and translational applications and is an appropriate resource for virologists, molecular biologists, epidemiologists, gastroenterologists, vaccinologists, and those with an interest in public health.