Hepatology Books

Book SynopsisSex does matter. One of the most compelling reasons for understanding the biological differences, which are not so explained at this time, is that there are striking differences in human disease. The most obvious and best-studied differences between the sexes are in the reproductive systems. Much less study has been done on sex differences in non-reproductive areas of biology. Liver cancer is undoubtedly predominant in men and postmenopausal women. Almost anyone may "feel," but not recognise the sex-associated difference in liver cancer as a fact. How does sex matter in the incidence of liver cancer? After considering the data and examples presented in this book, anyone will be provided unique opportunities to obtain a better understanding of differences of chronic liver disease between the sexes. Some of these differences can be explained by what we now know. Some are unexplained and point to important questions for future study. Being female or male is an important basic human variable that affects health and liver disease throughout the life span. A better understanding the biological mechanisms underlying the sex-associated differences in chronic liver disease would provide valuable information to design care of health and liver disease more effectively for individuals, both females and males.

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Book SynopsisHepatic insulin resistance and altered insulin metabolism, as characterised by the desensitisation of hepatic parenchymal cells to insulin, play a role in the pathogenesis of liver disease, particularly resulting in steatosis and steatohepatitis. By the same token, type II diabetic patients are at higher risk for developing liver diseases, including steatosis, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. On the other hand, established liver disease from any cause leads to glucose intolerance and peripheral insulin resistance systemically. The link between insulin resistance and liver pathology reviewed in this book suggests that insulin resistance is closely related with a variety of liver diseases. Recent evidence indicates that the AMP activating protein kinase (AMPK) in conjunction with p70 ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) serves as a key signalling pathway regulating insulin-dependent physiological functions; thus, this pathway serves as a target for the therapy of diseases associated with insulin resistance. In this chapter, the regulatory role of the AMPK-S6K1 pathway is discussed in terms of enhancing insulin receptor signalling with insulin receptor substrate-1/2 and phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase activity, which may contribute to preventing and/or treating insulin resistance in the liver.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents topical research in the study of liver cirrhosis, including etiologic types of end stage chronic liver disease; hepatocellular carcinoma screening in the cirrhotic patient; hepatic myofibroblasts and their role in liver fibrogenesis; the role of trace elements in the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis and cell-based therapy for liver cirrhosis.

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Book SynopsisInsulin resistance (IR) and metabolic syndrome are associated with the pathogenesis and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It encompasses a spectrum of hepatic pathology, ranging from simple steatosis in its most benign form (fatty liver), going through nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in its intermediate form, until cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, its most advanced forms. This book presents current research on the background of fatty acid oxidation; hepatic steatosis and its progression to NASH and cirrhosis; fibrosis and myofibroblastic cells differentiation; methods of diagnosis; clinical features and laboratory tests and, finally, rodent NAFLD and NASH models.

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Book SynopsisCholecystecomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. It is the definitive treatment for symptomatic gallstones and non-neoplastic gallbladder disease. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the procedures, prognosis and potential complications of cholecystectomies. Topics include the techniques and indications of cholecystectomy; traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy; iatrogenic bile duct injuries after cholecystectomy; surgical strategy for gallbladder carcinoma; cholecystectomy in patients with suspected choledocholithiasis and cholecystitis in the elderly; and single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

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Book SynopsisThis book has been written to summarise the available knowledge regarding transcutaneous bilirubinometry, the first technique that allows a completely non-invasive measurement of a clinical variable. This technique led to important changes in the management of neonatal jaundice, the most common clinical condition of new-born infants world-wide. Transcutaneous bilirubinometry has its roots in the old observation that yellow skin colour is due to the deposition of bilirubin, a chromophore molecule. More recently, transcutaneous bilirubinometry has involved many disciplines; and accordingly, this book has contributions from physicists, biologists, paediatric dermatologists and neonatologists who have clinical research expertise in the field of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. We hope that this book may prompt the advancement of research that will answer the as-yet unanswered questions, improve the reliability and usefulness of transcutaneous bilirubinometry, and respond to the clinical needs of our little patients.

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Book SynopsisHepatic hydatidosis is a worldwide disease with a high socio-economic cost in endemic areas. Until recently, only professionals working in these areas treated hydatidosis patients, but now, due to migration and increasing intercontinental travel, any medical doctor may have to attend to patients with hydatid disease. Therefore, proper training in the diagnosis and treatment of these patients is necessary, not just in endemic areas which already have extensive experience in managing the disease, but also in institutions in countries like the United States where hydatidosis is still rare. In this book, we update all the epidemiological, radiological, clinical and therapeutic topics in liver hydatidosis. The chapters are written by a multidisciplinary group of physicians involved in treatment of the disease: microbiologists, gastroenterologists, internists, radiologists and surgeons. We conduct a complete review of all the treatment options in hydatidosis, including antiparasitic drugs, PAIR and surgery.

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Book SynopsisThe recently published article "The Burden of Liver Disease in Europe: A Review of Available Epidemiological Data" provides a few figures on the enormous problem that liver disease poses for Europeans. Liver disease is estimated to cause 170,000 deaths annually in Europe, 47,000 of which are attributed to liver cancer; 0.5%-0.7% of the European population is affected by chronic hepatitis B; and prevalence rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the last decade in the European population ranged from 0.13 to 3.26%. These HCV-infected populations will develop complications in the years to come. It is of great concern that about 90% of people in Europe infected by viral hepatitis are unaware of their status. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) must also be added to the picture. NAFLD is becoming a major concern with the increasing incidence of obesity and type 2 diabetes in Europe. The burden of liver disease is not less pessimistic in North America, Asia and the rest of the world.

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Book SynopsisOver the past few years, epidemiological studies have revealed that there is an increase of life threatening liver diseases worldwide. It becomes increasingly clear that developments in this field are moving so rapidly toward the creation of new drugs against these maladies. Numerous research articles and books have been published on various aspects of toxicities, symptoms, managements and health implications of the liver. Consequently, a catalogue of collective information of toxicities, various features of natural products, and remedies for the prevention of toxicities is needed. This book deals with the toxicities in organs like the liver and the role natural products have in the preventing these ailments. It also analyses trends in the processing of natural products by using nanotechnology and their health implications. The main purpose of this book is to exhibit relevant, modern information on hepatotoxicity, its symptoms, and treatments presented by internationally recognised experts in the field. Therefore, it is our belief that this book has covered some of the most interesting aspects of research in liver diseases and provides a trustworthy source of current information in this area of research which should prove useful to the scientists interested in this discipline throughout the world. This collection will interest a variety of other scientific disciplines including toxicology, genetics, medicine and pharmacology, as well as drug and food sciences. We hope that our readers will find this volume to be a delightful addition to their personal libraries, laboratories and offices. Additionally, it can be used as a required or recommended text for related courses taught at colleges and universities levels.

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Book SynopsisBile acids (BAs) have received considerable attention as the key players of systemic metabolism. In the past, bile acids were known to play important roles in absorption of cholesterol, fat-soluble vitamins, and lipids. However, the new roles of bile acids as signaling molecules have been recognised in the last two decades because of discovery of bile acid receptors such as nuclear hormone receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and the membrane receptor G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor 5 (Gpbar1, TGR5). As the metabolic regulators, BAs play pivotal roles in the regulation of bile acid, cholesterol, fatty acid, lipoprotein synthesis, glucose metabolism and energy metabolism. Therefore, BAs, bile acid derivatives, and bile acid sequestrants are potential therapeutic agents for treating a number of metabolic disorders, especially those related to the metabolic syndrome. The first chapter of this book summarises the basic information of bile acids but focuses on its new functions in different diseases. The next chapter discusses mixed micelles of bile acid salts and phospholipids starting from historical Smalls disc model up to the advanced version as "stacked disk" and "radial shell". The final chapter studies bile aspiration as a host factor for modulating chronic respiratory infection.

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Book SynopsisNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, represents a spectrum of pathologic liver histologic findings ranging from the simple accumulation of fat, known as steatosis, to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. It is estimated that NAFLD in all of its forms would have a 20% prevalence worldwide, but the evidence suggests a higher rate for developed countries, exceeding 30% for the US general population. Major risk factors for NAFLD, such as ageing, obesity and insulin resistance, are projected to increase in the following decades, causing the prevalence and relevance of NAFLD to rise in the future. In obese populations and type 2 diabetes patients, the prevalence of this disease exceeds 70%. NAFLD has been called the "silent epidemic" for its lack of symptoms, relatively complex diagnosis and its deleterious effects. The association between NAFLD with cardiovascular diseases, energy metabolism disorders and polycystic ovarian syndrome has promoted the inclusion of this liver pathology within the metabolic syndrome. From a biochemical point of view, current evidence suggests the existence of a bidirectional causal relationship between NAFLD and oxidative stress, where various alterations energy metabolism and important inflammatory components are involved. An abnormal glucose and fatty acid metabolism lead to glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity, respectively, which promote oxidative stress through different pathways. Oxidative stress induces the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, including transcription factors and cytokines, which trigger an immune activation, a key step in the transition from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis. An early diagnosis and optimal therapy are essential for NAFLD treatment. First-line treatment of NAFLD focuses on lifestyle changes. Weight reduction through an increase in physical activity and/or nutritional management is considered safe and effective, but pharmacological management of common comorbidities such as hyperglycemia, dyslipidemias and hypertension are also essential. The key role of oxidative stress in NAFLD pathophysiology suggests that antioxidant interventions based in natural substances such as polyphenols would be effective. Recently, it was shown that the antioxidant properties of these compounds are beyond their free radical scavenging. This book presents an update of research advances contributing to a better understanding of relevant clinical models of NAFLD, particularly, the disorder in energy metabolism and the role of oxidative stress. It also highlights the clinical and pathophysiological association between NAFLD and the metabolic syndrome, and presents an overview of current diagnosis and treatment and the future avenues for the management of this disease.

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Book SynopsisThe topic of alcohol and the liver is long overdue for re-evaluation. The authors of this book have clearly taken up this challenge. Human interest in alcohol dates back to the Neolithic period (circa 10,000 BC). Only a small amount of alcohol is found naturally in food. Therefore, humans have yet to adapt to the high quantities of alcohol consumed daily by alcohol abusers. Alcohol is a simple carbohydrate and is metabolised as a fuel. However, unlike more naturally occurring carbohydrates such as glucose, the pathways for its metabolism are not subject to the same checks and balances. Ethanol oxidation reduces NAD+, which starves reactions that depend on this substrate. This accounts for the accumulation of fat in alcoholic steatosis. Alcohol metabolism generates significant amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damages mtDNA and subsequently mitochondrial integrity. The authors provide several lines of evidence that link the clinical picture of alcoholic liver disease with mitochondrial damage. Other important topics highlighted in this book include histo-pathological aspects of the disease. Clinical assessment of nutrition and vitamin supplementation is addressed as well. The book concludes with the highly topical and controversial aspect of liver transplantation in patients with alcoholic liver disease.

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Book SynopsisThis book discusses the diagnosis, treatment and management of liver disease. Chapter One reviews hepatic hydatidosis. Chapter Two explores the diagnosis, natural history, and management for patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Chapter Three discusses scientific evidence that explains the relationship between metabolic syndrome, non- alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and psoriasis and the treatment strategy for this co-morbid condition. Chapter Four examines the pathophysiology and treatment of liver cirrhosis. Chapter Five reviews surgical strategies to push up resection limits in liver disease and liver failure after surgery.

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Book SynopsisAcute cholecystitis is a pathological entity of inflammatory origin, with a high prevalence worldwide. The term cholecystitis defines an inflammation of the gallbladder. Although most people with gallstones do not have symptoms and will not go on to develop cholecystitis, cholecystitis occurs most commonly due to blockage of the cystic duct with gallstones (cholelithiasis). In this book, Chapter One provides a contemporary review of acute cholecystitis (AC). Chapter Two examines the diagnosis and treatment options for AC. Chapter Three focuses on the diagnostic work-up of patients with AC. Chapter Four discusses early and delayed cholecystectomy as a treatment for AC. Chapter Five examines the current literature as it pertains to the management of patients who present with Grade II (moderate) acute cholecystitis, specifically looking at the timing of operation and the appropriateness of drainage procedures. Chapter Six reviews cholecystitis in systemic lupus erythematosus.

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Book SynopsisGallstone disease is one of the most prevalent digestive diseases, resulting in a considerable amount of financial and social burden in the USA. Approximately 20 million Americans have gallstones. Because gallstone disease is a common clinical problem, basic and clinical studies on this disease continue to advance at a rapid pace, and a book focusing on basic science, current diagnosis and management of gallstones will greatly help practicing gastroenterologists, gastroenterological endoscopists, physicians and surgeons to understand the etiology of this disease and the availability of effective medical therapies. In this book, recognised medical experts discuss recent advances in the epidemiology, pathophysiology, pathogenesis, genetics and diagnosis, as well as endoscopic, medical and surgical therapies of gallstone disease. This compilation on gallstone disease was written by fifty authors from eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the USA). There are thirty chapters in this book. Chapters One and Two discuss the epidemiology and natural history of cholesterol and pigment gallstone disease. Chapters Three through Six summarise recent progress in the pathogenesis of gallstone disease from a physical-chemical and pathophysiological perspective. Chapter Seven elucidates the roles of the immune system and the microbiome on the pathogenesis of cholesterol gallstones. Chapters Eight and Nine review the roles of nuclear receptors and the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids in cholesterol gallstone diseases. Chapters Ten through Twelve discuss the discovery of Lith genes and more fundamental knowledge concerning the genetic determinants and the molecular mechanisms underlying the critical role of Lith genes in gallstone formation in mice and humans. Chapter Thirteen discusses gallstones in pregnancy and explains why gallstone prevalence is higher in women than in men. Chapters Fourteen through Eighteen discuss the effects of diet, insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease on the formation of cholesterol gallstones. Chapter Nineteen provides diagnostic flow charts for biliary lithiasis. In Chapter Twenty, important non-invasive imaging findings of common gallbladder pathology are reviewed, and current strategies for the optimal use of imaging in the evaluation of patients with suspected gallbladder disease is discussed. Chapter Twenty-One evaluates current pharmacological therapy in cholesterol gallstones. Chapter Twenty-Two describes laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Chapters Twenty-Three through Twenty-Six discuss surgical treatment and endoscopic management of common bile duct stones and hepatolithiasis. Chapter Twenty-Seven reviews recent progress on the endoscopic treatment of bile duct stones with endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation. Chapter Twenty-Eight addresses surgical treatment of gallstones and their complications. Chapter Twenty-Nine discusses treatment of intrahepatic duct stones from a Western perspective. Chapter Thirty describes the history and incidence rate of Mirizzi syndrome, and summarises recent progress in its classification, diagnosis, and management. The articles in this book provide a state-of-the-art review of the current knowledge on the lithogenesis and the management of gallstone disease, as well as promote future epidemiological investigation, basic and translational research, and clinical studies on this prevalent biliary disorder worldwide.

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Book SynopsisSurgery remains a challenge for young learners. Perhaps the most difficult of all surgeries are those done on the liver, biliary tree and pancreas. These organs are difficult to expose, difficult to operate and the patients are often difficult to recover. There are significant consequences for any missteps on what is a narrow pathway to a successful outcome. The skills needed to master surgery on these organs are hard to acquire. The volume of information presented to students is enormous and complex to parse. HPB textbooks contain a large amount of information from various authors but are often poorly coordinated. Surgical manuals contain significant anatomic details and descriptions but have difficulty transferring key concepts. Experienced surgeons are often oblivious to their skills and communicate poorly to their students regarding the things they do or understand that make them wise. This book tries to capture this wisdom. The topics in this book are most applicable to hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeons but really extend to all general surgeons. Anyone who operates in the abdomen must have a basic understanding of these dominant organs; general surgery trainees and staff are an additional focus of this book. The skills needed for a modern surgeon to succeed are much broader than the scalpel tip. Section I, HPB Surgical Craft, imparts important lessons on the laws of human interactions and cognitive aspects of surgery. Sections on the anatomy and operations on the liver, pancreas and bile ducts are presented. The expanded gallbladder section and pancreatitis chapters are of particular importance to general surgery residents. This book has been written in a readable and entertaining style, with many fun historical and contemporary quotes dotted throughout. The Wise Scalpel is an attempt to impart knowledge and understanding to students and practicing surgeons at all levels. The book focuses on tips, traps and underlying truths about the diseases of these organs and their surgical treatment. While this book will not supplant the struggle needed to move from novice to expert surgeon, hopefully it will quicken the process and help avoid some of the dangers and frustrations along the way.

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Book SynopsisDesigned as reference material to increase knowledge of the human body. Beautiful full-colour illustrations help enhance understanding of the body or illness. Suitable for healthcare professions, patients, students, educators and parents.

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive selection of teaching tools for general anatomy and pathology. Each flip chart in the series offers a complete overview and understanding of the subject matter. Ideal for student or patient education. Suitable for the home, the school library, or physicians office. Can be written on by dry marker.

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