Table of contents
May 2008 Volume 5 No 5
Editorial
Viewpoint
Is virtual reality simulation an effective training method in surgery?
232Virtual reality simulation as a training method for surgery has been available for more than a decade. Despite investigation into this technique, the desired widespread implementation of this training strategy has not been observed in clinical practice. This Viewpoint article discusses the advantages, disadvantages, current and future applications for virtual reality simulation in modern surgery.
Research Highlights
Endoscopic trimodal imaging can detect early neoplasia in Barrett's esophagus
234MIA2 gene has possible tumor-suppressor activity in HCC
234Evidence for the spread of stem-cell mutations in human gastric mucosa
234Mass CT colonography screening for colorectal cancer might be feasible in Europe
235US feasibility study of NBI endoscopy for non-neoplastic gastric pathology
235MRI assessment of colitis is feasible in patients with IBD
236Factors associated with suboptimal weight loss after gastric bypass surgery
236Endoscopic submucosal resection of small rectal carcinoid tumors
237High prevalence of osteoporosis in children with Wilson's disease
237EUS-guided direct portal vein pressure measurement in pigs
237Resection of hepatic tumors improves survival in patients with carcinoid heart disease
238Antioxidant activity of Kalpaamruthaa might mediate its anticancer effects
238Ciclosporin versus tacrolimus immunosuppression after liver transplant
239Practice Points
What is the optimal anti-inflammatory therapy for patients with osteoarthritis and increased cardiovascular risk?
240doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1120 | Full Text | PDF (101K)
Should liver transplantation be excluded in elderly patients?
242doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1096 | Full Text | PDF (100K)
Can the presence of micrometastases in patients with colorectal cancer be used to help guide treatment?
244doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1100 | Full Text | PDF (102K)
What is the long-term survival benefit of radiofrequency ablation in patients with colorectal liver metastases?
246doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1103 | Full Text | PDF (101K)
Is CT colonography superior to colonoscopy for the detection of advanced neoplasia?
248doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1102 | Full Text | PDF (102K)
Reviews
Drug Insight: antiangiogenic therapies for gastrointestinal cancers—focus on monoclonal antibodies
250Tumor angiogenesis—the formation of new tumor-associated vasculature—has been recognized as an essential event in tumor progression. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), one of the most important factors involved in tumor angiogenesis, is overexpressed in several gastrointestinal cancers. In this Review, the authors consider antiangiogenic therapy for the treatment of colorectal, gastric, hepatocellular and pancreatic cancer. Emphasis is placed on the mechanism of action and application of the humanized anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody bevacizumab, but other potential antiangiogenic targets and therapies are also discussed.
doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1097 | Full Text | PDF (432K)
Mechanisms of Disease: the role of gastrointestinal hormones in appetite and obesity
268Gastrointestinal hormones are known to have an important role in the regulation of appetite and energy balance in obese individuals. In this Review, the authors consider several gastrointestinal hormones that have a role in modulation of the gut–brain axis and contribute to obesity, and examine their specific effects on appetite, hunger and energy balance.
doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1118 | Full Text | PDF (358K)
Case Studies
A case of fistulizing Crohn's disease and erythema nodosum managed with adalimumab
278This Case Study considers a 20-year-old female with a history of Crohn's colitis, perirectal abscesses and fistulizing disease who developed painful erythematous nodules in her pretibial region. She was on no medications for her Crohn's disease because of medication side effects and intolerance. Active Crohn's disease with perianal fistula and sigmoid colitis and erythema nodosum were diagnosed and treatment with adalimumab initiated.
doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1099 | Full Text | PDF (253K)
Infliximab-induced disseminated histoplasmosis in a patient with Crohn's disease
283This Case Study describes a female with ileocolic Crohn's disease who was taking immunosuppressive therapy who presented with a 1-month history of bloody diarrhea, decreased caliber of stools, a broad indurated perianal fissure as well as a deep palmar space abscess. The patient was diagnosed with disseminated histoplasmosis. The authors of this article discuss the diagnosis and management of this patient and the importance of considering histoplasmosis in patients on immunosuppressive therapy who develop atypical symptoms.
doi:10.1038/ncpgasthep1119 | Full Text | PDF (305K)
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