The gastrointestinal tract has a number of unique features. Its extensive surface is formed by a single layer of rapidly renewing cells, the intestinal epithelial cells. These cells are in contact with a number of other cell populations, including the largest part of the immune system, and with an excessive luminal antigen load, including vast numbers of bacteria. Furthermore two more organs, namely liver and pancreas, are part of the system. The rapid renewal of the epithelial layer, the interactions of different cell types, and the balance between cell proliferation and death, have been fascinating subjects of studies in recent years. Much has been learned, and cytokines have emerged as important mediators for all these interactions and homeostatic systems. This book, the proceedings of the Falk Symposium 113 on `Cytokines and Cell Homeostasis in the Gastrointestinal Tract', held in Regensburg, Germany, 16-18 September 1999, provides a forum for basic scientists and interested clinicians to exchange ideas, to discuss concepts and to plan further studies.

"Sharing Wisdom, Building Values" is a valuable collection of personal family letters written from great entrepreneurs to their family members about business, success and life. Through the words of the notable founders, including Fritz Henkel, Samuel C. Johnson, and Robert Pasin, the inner workings of the family business is revealed. They offer advice and insights on topics such as sibling rivalry, succession, working through difficult times, and social responsibility. These letters serve as a window to the past and can help families build upon the future. "Sharing Wisdom, Building Values" offers lessons from twenty-four family businesses the world over - not case studies, but words from the heart of the family business leader themselves.

This book teaches us invaluable lessons regarding family business. One of the clearest lessons learned is that while every family business is unique, they also have much in common in terms of challenges and rewards. The authors show us through these personal letters how family firms from the world over can learn mightily from one another, just as each successive generation in a family business learns from their predecessors

Cancer chemotherapy frequently attacks the gastrointestinal tract. Many of the possible side-effects reduce the patient's quality of life, may limit acceptance of further drug administration, and even life-threatening complications must be considered. This book is the proceedings of the Falk Workshop 'Side-effects of Chemotherapy on the Gastrointestinal Tract: Pathogenesis and Therapy', held in Freiburg, Germany, on October 11, 2002 (Part IV of the Freiburg Gastroenterology Week). Chapters by pathologists, pharmacologists, oncologists and gastroenterologists will improve our understanding of the effects of anticancer agents on the organs of the gastrointestinal tract and help to compensate for chemotherapy-induced adverse effects.

The writings in this volume see the South African labour movement as a factor capable of shaping democratization. Through the strategic use of power, labour has reconfigured democratization through negotiated compromises, attempting to ensure that the costs of adjustment are not borne by workers alone. This examination of these strategies and practices assesses labour's capacity to exert influence in the future. The findings suggest that labour's marginalization would put at risk the consolidation of democracy.

This book, the proceedings of Falk Symposium 163 Chronic Inflammation of Liver and Gut, held in Hangzhou, P.R. China, on March 14--15, 2008, presents the most recent progress in chronic inflammatory diseases of liver and gut. It focusses on molecular understanding, the therapeutic state of the art and future options of treatment.

The first part of the book concentrates on basic and clinical aspects of IBD. Chapters demonstrate the role of the immune system, genetic factors and the intestinal microflora in IBD, and give an evidence-based update on the current diagnostic and therapeutic options and present future perspectives for the management of IBD. The second part is devoted to chronic liver diseases with particular focus on the liver as an immune organ, treatment strategies of viral hepatitis and liver fibrogenesis. The final part deals with basic and clinical aspects of liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver transplantation. The book concludes with an outlook on therapeutic options of hepatic stem cells. Throughout, international experts from the USA, the People s Republic of China and Europe contribute their experience in different aspects of the mechanisms and management of chronic inflammatory diseases of liver and gut. "

In the 1980s South Africa's urban townships exploded into insurrection led by youth and residents' organizations that collectively became known as the civics movement. Ironically the movement has been unable to adapt to the role of a voluntary association in the liberal polity it helped create, and has great difficulty defining any alternative role. This volume charts the rise and fall of the movement in the transition to and consolidation of democracy in South Africa.

There is a tremendous interest in information on stents in the world of gastrointestinal endoscopy. Many physicians did not train in an era where these stents were available, but are now being called upon to place them. Self-Expanding Stents in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy looks to provide physicians with the necessary and unique all-in-one resource on stents. Self-Expanding Stents in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy by Dr. Douglas G. Adler covers the use of self-expanding stents. This book will cover the use of all available devices in all clinical contexts, with step-by-step instructions from experts in the field on how to use them and, just as importantly, what not to do when using these devices. Self-Expanding Stents in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy is illustrated with more than 150 color photographs, as well as many tables and diagrams. Benefits and Features Soup-to-nuts format covers the use of all devices available on the market in all clinical situations All chapters authored by recognized experts in the world of stents who have independently published extensive research in gastrointestinal endoscopy Over 150 color photographs to guide readers from start to finish through all steps of learning about the procedures Self-Expanding Stents in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy brings attention to the use of self-expanding stents in benign and malignant diseases, the avoidance and management of complications, and the future of these devices. Self-Expanding Stents in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy is the perfect go-to book for all practicing gastroenterologists, fellows, and general and colorectal surgeons. |There is a tremendous interest in information on stents in the world of gastrointestinal endoscopy. Many physicians did not train in an era where these stents were available, but are now being called upon to place them. Self-Expanding Stents in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy looks to provide physicians with the necessary and unique all-in-one resource on stents. Self-Expanding Stents in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy by Dr. Douglas G. Adler covers the use of self-expanding stents. This book will cover the use of all available devices in all clinical contexts, with step-by-step instructions from experts in the field on how to use them and, just as importantly, what not to do when using these devices. Self-Expanding Stents in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy is illustrated with more than 150 color photographs, as well as many tables and diagrams. Benefits and Features Soup-to-nuts format covers the use of all devices available on the market in all clinical situations All chapters authored by recognized experts in the world of stents who have independently published extensive research in gastrointestinal endoscopy Over 150 color photographs to guide readers from start to finish through all steps of learning about the procedures Self-Expanding Stents in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy brings attention to the use of self-expanding stents in benign and malignant diseases, the avoidance and management of complications, and the future of these devices. Self-Expanding Stents in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy is the perfect go-to book for all practicing gastroenterologists, fellows, and general and colorectal surgeons.

This book, the proceedings of the Falk Syposium No. 139 on "Gallstones: Pathogenesis and Treatment", held in Freiburg, Germany, on January 15-16, 2004, reflects the tremendous advances in the field of biliary diseases both at the genetic and cellular as well as the clinical levels. In industrialized countries, gallstones are a frequent clinical entity with a prevalence of 10-15%. In clinical practice one can differentiate between cholesterol stones, black pigment stones and brown pigment stones. 80-90% of gallbladder stones are cholesterol stones, 10--20% are black pigment stones. The prevalence of cholesterol stones increases with age and in Europe in the 70+ age group reaches about 20% in males and about 30% in females. Gallstones and gallstone diseases, therefore, are a frequent and important clinical problem. The book addresses the basic aspects of gallstone pathogenesis as well as the non-surgical and surgical treatment of gallstone diseases. Of particular interest are the epidemiology and genetics of gallstone formation, with definition of risk factors, in particular of genetic predispositions. Other major aspects are the hepatocellular and bilary transport mechanisms that predispose to the formation of gallstones. Apart from cholesterol and lipid transport and absorption, gallbladder function plays a central role in gallstone formation. Another clinically very relevant topic is the treatment of gallstone diseases by drugs, endoscopic and other non-surgical interventions, and surgery, as well as the long-term outcome of therapeutic interventions. The volume concludes with a state-of-the-art chapter on "Gallstone Research in the Post-Genomic Era". Gallstones: Pathogenesis and Treatment is an excellent update on the pathogenesis of gallstones as well as on the treatment of gallstone diseases, written by an international faculty of outstanding clinicans and scientists. The book will, therefore, be of great interest to hepatologists and gastroenterologists in academic institutions as well as in clinical practice.

This volume provides a comprehensive guide to advanced endoscopic procedures and techniques. Primarily focused on Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS), the book also explores related topics such as cholangioscopy, pancreatoscopy, advanced pancreaticobiliary imaging, stenting, and endoscopic means to achieve pain control. The text also presents a plethora of tips and tricks on how to perform these procedures safely, emphasizes common mistakes and how to avoid them, and features high quality videos illustrating key procedural aspects for every chapter. Written by top experts in the field, Advanced Pancreaticobiliary Endoscopy is an invaluable resource for gastrointestinal endoscopists and fellows interested in advanced endoscopic procedures.

This volume provides a concise overview of the most important and vital aspects of upper endoscopy. The text is specifically geared towards first-year GI fellows and novice endoscopists in order to help them rapidly assimilate the core concepts needed to perform upper endoscopy in the most important and most commonly encountered clinical situations. The book also covers the most important variations of normal anatomy and pathology and how to manage them. Key concepts covered include foreign body removal, diagnosis and management of upper GI bleeding, Barrett's Esophagus, evaluation and management of benign and malignant strictures of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, submucosal lesions, and evaluation of post operative upper GI anatomy. A plethora of high quality color illustrations and narrated online video clips illustrate major concepts in the book are also included. Written by experts in the field, Upper Endoscopy for GI Fellows is a valuable resource for new physicians just starting to perform upper endoscopy.