Longitudinal Gastrectomy for Nonbariatric Indications.

Background: Sleeve gastrectomy is the most commonly performed bariatric procedure. Laparoscopic longitudinal gastrectomy (LLG) may be indicated for other indications. .

Setting minimum standards for training in EUS and ERCP: results from a prospective multicenter study evaluating learning curves and competence among advanced endoscopy trainees.

Background And Aims: Minimum EUS and ERCP volumes that should be offered per trainee in "high quality" advanced endoscopy training programs (AETPs) are not established. We aimed to define the number of procedures required by an "average" advanced endoscopy trainee (AET) to achieve competence in technical and cognitive EUS and ERCP tasks to help structure AETPs.

Methods: American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE)-recognized AETPs were invited to participate; AETs were graded on every fifth EUS and ERCP examination using a validated tool.

Competence in Endoscopic Ultrasound and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography, From Training Through Independent Practice.

Background & Aims: It is unclear whether participation in competency-based fellowship programs for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) results in high-quality care in independent practice. We measured quality indicator (QI) adherence during the first year of independent practice among physicians who completed endoscopic training with a systematic assessment of competence.

Methods: We performed a prospective multicenter cohort study of invited participants from 62 training programs.

Label-free multi-photon imaging of dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus.

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a metaplastic disorder where dysplastic and early cancerous changes are invisible to the naked eye and where the practice of blind biopsy is hampered by large sampling errors. Multi-photon microscopy (MPM) has emerged as an alternative solution for fast and label-free diagnostic capability for identifying the histological features with sub-micron accuracy. We developed a compact, inexpensive MPM system by using a handheld mode-locked fiber laser operating at 1560nm to study mucosal biopsies of BE.

Use of sirolimus in the treatment of refractory autoimmune hepatitis.

Background: Corticosteroids and azathioprine are widely accepted as the initial therapy for autoimmune hepatitis. However, the disease is refractory to steroids in about 10%-20% of patients, for whom currently there is no standardized treatment. Here we describe our experience with sirolimus in treatment of steroid refractory autoimmune hepatitis.

De novo malignancy post-liver transplantation: a single center, population controlled study.

Background: With the growing numbers of liver transplant recipients, it is increasingly important to understand the risks of de novo malignancy after liver transplantation.

Aim: To characterize the incidence of de novo malignancy after liver transplantation compared with a control non-transplant population.

Methods: We studied 534 Indiana state residents undergoing liver transplantation at our center between 1997 and 2004, followed through August 2010.

Potential screening benefit of a colorectal imaging capsule that does not require bowel preparation.

Introduction: Check-Cap is a capsule device that images the colon using low-dose radiation (total dose equivalent to a plain abdominal radiograph) and does not require bowel preparation. Check-Cap is in development for colorectal cancer imaging.

Aim: : To survey patients in a primary care setting for their preferences for Check-Cap versus fecal occult blood testing (FOBT), including among patients who decline colonoscopy.

Factors that predict short-term intensive care unit mortality in patients with cirrhosis.

Background & Aims: Despite advances in critical care medicine, the mortality rate is high among critically ill patients with cirrhosis. We aimed to identify factors that predict early (7 d) mortality among patients with cirrhosis admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and to develop a risk-stratification model.

Methods: We collected data from patients with cirrhosis admitted to the ICU at Indiana University (IU-ICU) from December 1, 2006, through December 31, 2009 (n = 185), or at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn-ICU) from May 1, 2005, through December 31, 2010 (n = 206).

Prevalence and morbidity associated with muscle cramps in patients with cirrhosis.

Purpose: Patients with cirrhosis often experience muscle cramps with varying severity. We investigated the factors associated with the prevalence and morbidity associated with muscle cramps.

Methods: A total of 150 adult patients with cirrhosis were enrolled consecutively.

Dyslipidemia in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) often have dyslipidemia along with other features of metabolic syndrome such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. The dyslipidemia in NAFLD is characterized by increased serum triglycerides, increased small, dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL nontype A) particles, and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The pathogenesis of dyslipidemia in NAFLD is not well understood, but it is likely related to hepatic overproduction of the very low-density lipoprotein particles and dysregulated clearance of lipoproteins from the circulation.