Comments from the Editors

Accessible online at: www.karger.com/dig The time has come for a change of the Editors of Digestion. Associated with the journal for some years already, the incoming new editors-in-chief wish to congratulate Dr. Rudolf Arnold and the outgoing board for the hard work and their accomplishments in guiding Digestion through the last decade. Dr. Arnold was devoted to provide a forum for new and exciting research in gastroenterology and hepatology. During the last decade, technological advances and novel insights in biomedical science have expanded the concepts and skills of gastroenterology. These changes require new educational mechanisms in addition to high quality research. To our readers we are committed to continuing publication of excellent research from all fields of gastroenterology and hepatology. Members of the new Board of Editors are well known experts in different fields. Their research interests range from basic science to immunology, microbiology, cell biology, and physiology to human investigations and clinical trials. A major focus of the journal should, however, be original high-quality clinical research with evidence-based approaches, new technical developments in imaging procedures including endoscopy, and the assessment of novel therapeutics or new management strategies. We will define clinical research broadly to include studies on human physiology, the description of novel pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical trials, epidemiology and outcome research, but also research on human clinical specimens. We plan to have regular reviews on specific topics. These reviews are aimed to give state-of-the art information ranging from new pathophysiological concepts to diagnosis or treatment algorithms. One of the major developments in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology in the last decade was the rapidly progressing area of translational research, or bench-tobedside research. Digestion is undergoing additional changes: online publication, electronic submission of manuscripts and an electronic review system are already available or will be introduced in 2004. These new developments require adaptation, both for the scientist and the reader, as they challenge our current views of scientific journals. The goal of the new board is to deliver an interesting journal of high quality research in gastroenterology and hepatology with contents that reflect the need of all people who are interested in these areas. We are determined to serve authors with rapid and fair reviews and decisions through the efforts of an engaged group of Associate Editors. It will be a pleasure for all of us around the world to serve you and the journal.