Topic Highlight
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World J Gastroenterol. Jul 14, 2012; 18(26): 3336-3352
Published online Jul 14, 2012. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i26.3336
Recent advances in small bowel diseases: Part I
Alan BR Thomson, Angeli Chopra, Michael Tom Clandinin, Hugh Freeman
Alan BR Thomson, Department of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5A5, Canada
Angeli Chopra, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2X8, Canada
Michael Tom Clandinin, Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R1, Canada
Hugh Freeman, Division of Gastroenterology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
Author contributions: Thomson ABR conceived the need for an up-to-date review for gastroenterological scientists and clinicians, reviewed designated portions of the literature, prepared the first draft of this portion, as well as the final draft which was approved by co-authors; Chopra A, Clandinin MT and Freeman H contributed equally to review designated portions of the literature and prepare the first draft of these portions.
Correspondence to: Alan BR Thomson, Adjunct Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5A5, Canada. athoms47@uwo.ca
Telephone: +1-519-6858300 Fax: +1-519-6633232
Received: January 6, 2011
Revised: April 5, 2012
Accepted: April 13, 2012
Published online: July 14, 2012
Abstract

As is the case in all parts of gastroenterology and hepatology, there have been many advances in our knowledge and understanding of small intestinal diseases. Over 1000 publications were reviewed for 2008 and 2009, and the important advances in basic science as well as clinical applications were considered. In Part I of this Editorial Review, seven topics are considered: intestinal development; proliferation and repair; intestinal permeability; microbiotica, infectious diarrhea and probiotics; diarrhea; salt and water absorption; necrotizing enterocolitis; and immunology/allergy. These topics were chosen because of their importance to the practicing physician.

Keywords: Diarrhea; Infectious diarrhea; Intestinal development; Intestinal proliferation and repair; Intestinal permeability; Microbiotica; Necrotizing enterocolitis; Probiotics