Daily Archives: May 25, 2015

Practical Algorithms in Pediatric Gastroenterology is part of the series Practical Algorithms in Pediatrics. It contains a well-rounded presentation of algorithms covering a comprehensive list of topics relevant to the care of children and adolescents… Continue reading →

For a number of years, immunologists have strived to understand the mechanisms associated with treatment-induced eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, interferon (IFN)-α–based therapies did not allow studies examining the role of the viru… Continue reading →

In the last several years, the understanding of gastrointestinal (GI) Paneth cells (PCs) during homeostatic and diseased conditions has remarkably expanded. First, PCs occupy a unique and privileged location within the intestinal stem cells (ISCs) nich… Continue reading →

Endoscopic stenting is the treatment of choice for palliation of malignant obstructive jaundice in patients with inoperable cancer. Plastic and self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are equally effective for initial relief of extrahepatic biliary obstruction, with technical success of >90%. Stent type has no impact on adverse events or overall survival. Therefore, the prime considerations in stent choice are costs and quality of life. To determine which type of stent is most effective and economical, Walter et al1 conducted the largest randomized, controlled trial addressing this question, published in this issue of Gastroenterology. Continue reading →

Ever since their first description over a century ago, intestinal carcinoid tumors have remained equally fascinating and perplexing. The initial reports of a benign, “cancer-like” growth that can result in distinctive hormonal symptoms are largely … Continue reading →

The role of the gut microbiome in human disease and inflammation has gained international attention over the past decade. The success of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in treating Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) has raised the possibilit… Continue reading →

For those who do not know us, let us first introduce ourselves. Both of us are basic scientists who have devoted our research careers to GI topics. We are beyond retirement age as defined by Social Security (and not giving more details), but still full… Continue reading →

Patients with T2 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can obtain an exception that allows them to undergo liver transplantation with much lower actual Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores than patients without HCC. We compared patients who receive… Continue reading →