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Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2018

“The daisies of the gut” — human intestinal organoids (HIOs) were generated from pluripotent stem cells through a directed differentiation process in vitro. The HIOs were then transplanted under the kidney capsule of immunocompromised mice, where they developed into complex intestinal tissue resembling the human intestine. The image depicts an epithelial cross-section of a transplanted HIO. Epithelial cells form saccular structures at the base of the epithelium called crypts, which are surrounded by endothelial vessels.

Cover image supplied by Maxime M. Mahe and Holly M. Poling, Department of Pediatric Surgery at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, USA.

Comment

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    • Gerald Holtmann
    • Paul Enck
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Research Highlights

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News & Views

  • In a prospective study of adults with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, Gracie and colleagues have found evidence for the bi-directional relationship between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) activity and symptoms of psychological disorders. This study represents an important milestone in our understanding of how the brain and gut interact in IBD.

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    • Michel Neunlist
    News & Views
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Reviews

  • For decades, the 5-year survival for pancreatic cancer remained largely static. In this Review, the authors explore the improvements in pancreatic cancer treatment obtained in the past few years and discuss key questions related to the future development of new therapies.

    • John P. Neoptolemos
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    • Jens Nielsen
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Perspectives

  • Psychosocial risk factors (often linked to the gut–brain axis) are prevalent across different gastrointestinal disorders. Here, Keefer discusses the emerging field of psychogastroenterology and how behavioural medicine and the promise of positive psychology (resilience, optimism and self-regulation) could improve patient management.

    • Laurie Keefer
    Perspective
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