Author Archives: Kristine Novak, PhD, Science Editor

About Kristine Novak, PhD, Science Editor

Dr. Kristine Novak is the science editor for Gastroenterology and Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, both published by the American Gastroenterological Association. She has worked as an editor at biomedical research journals and as a science writer for more than 12 years, covering advances in gastroenterology, hepatology, cancer, immunology, biotechnology, molecular genetics, and clinical trials. She has a PhD in cell biology and an interest in all areas of medical research.

Special Issue: The Gut Microbiome

Posted on April 29, 2014 by Kristine Novak, PhD, Science Editor

Gastroenterology is proud to present a special issue devoted to ‘The Gut Microbiome in Health and Disease’. The human body contains over 10 times more microbial cells than human cells. This microbiome (the commensal, symbiotic, and pathogenic microorganisms that share … Continue reading →

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Video: Gastric to Esophageal Mucosal Transplantation

Posted on April 14, 2014 by Kristine Novak, PhD, Science Editor

In the April issue of Gastroenterology, researchers report transplantation of mucosa from a patient’s stomach to esophagus, to prevent stricture formation after circumferential endoscopic mucosal dissection of early-stage esophageal cancer. Endoscopic submucosal resection and dissection are used to remove areas of dysplasia and … Continue reading →

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How Many People Have Eosinophilic Esophagitis?

Posted on April 7, 2014 by Kristine Novak, PhD, Science Editor

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), which was barely recognized 20 years ago, affects at least 150,000 people in the United States, with three-quarters being adults, report Evan Dellon et al. in the April issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. EoE, also known … Continue reading →

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How Does Vitamin D Lower Cholesterol?

Posted on April 1, 2014 by Kristine Novak, PhD, Science Editor

Researchers have identified a mechanism by which vitamin D reduces levels of cholesterol. In a mouse study published in the April issue of Gastroenterology, Edwin Chow et al. show that activation of the vitamin D receptor increases cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1)—an … Continue reading →

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What is the Best Way to Care for Patients with Alcoholic Hepatitis?

Posted on March 24, 2014 by Kristine Novak, PhD, Science Editor

Although alcohol-related liver disease is the 8th most common cause of mortality in the US and the 2nd leading cause of mortality among all gastrointestinal diseases, there are few therapeutic options for patients or resources to support identification of new … Continue reading →

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Preventing Hypoglycemia After Gastric Bypass

Posted on March 17, 2014 by Kristine Novak, PhD, Science Editor

Many patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery experience hypoglycemia after meals. Researchers report in the March issue of Gastroenterology that they can correct this condition with an agent that blocks the receptor for the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1). Roux-en-Y gastric bypass … Continue reading →

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What Patient Factors Affect Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy?

Posted on March 10, 2014 by Kristine Novak, PhD, Science Editor

Bowel preparation is suboptimal for about one third of adults older than 55 undergoing outpatient colonoscopy, says the March issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Diabetes and low level of patient engagement in their own health care contribute to less-than-optimal … Continue reading →

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Cancer Cells in Circulation

Posted on March 3, 2014 by Kristine Novak, PhD, Science Editor

Pancreatic cancer cells can be detected in patients’ circulation before tumors are discovered, researchers report in the March issue of Gastroenterology. Cancer cells have long been believed to acquire metastatic potential after large primary tumors are established. However, many patients undergoing … Continue reading →

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In Treating Crohn’s Disease, Earlier is Better

Posted on February 24, 2014 by Kristine Novak, PhD, Science Editor

Patients receiving medical therapies when they have more complicated stages of Crohn’s disease (CD) are more likely to require surgery, researchers report in the March issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. The disease is most-effectively treated by drugs at its … Continue reading →

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How Does an Antibiotic Reduce Symptoms of IBS?

Posted on February 10, 2014 by Kristine Novak, PhD, Science Editor

Rifaximin alters the intestinal microbiota to prevent inflammation and visceral hyperalgesia in stressed rats, according to the February issue of Gastroenterology. These findings could explain the ability of this antibiotic to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in patients. … Continue reading →

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