Our understanding of cancer is slowly undergoing a revolution, allowing for the development of more effective treatments. For the first time ever, the death rate from cancer is showing a steady decline ... but the 'War on Cancer' has hardly been won. In The Cancer Code, Dr Jason Fung offers a revolutionary new understanding of this invasive, often fatal disease - what it is, how it manifests and why it is so challenging to treat. In this rousing narrative, Dr Fung identifies the medical community's many missteps in cancer research - in particular, its focus on genetics, or what he terms the 'seed' of cancer, at the expense of examining the 'soil,' or the conditions under which cancer flourishes. Dr Fung - whose ground-breaking work in the treatment of obesity and diabetes has won him international acclaim - suggests that the primary disease pathway of cancer is caused by the dysregulation of insulin. In fact, obesity and type 2 diabetes significantly increase an individual's risk of cancer. In this accessible read, Dr Fung provides a new paradigm for dealing with cancer, with recommendations for what we can do to create a hostile soil for this dangerous seed. One such strategy is intermittent fasting, which reduces blood glucose, lowering insulin levels. Another, eliminating intake of insulin-stimulating foods, such as sugar and refined carbohydrates. For hundreds of years, cancer has been portrayed as a foreign invader we've been powerless to stop. By reshaping our view of cancer as an internal uprising of our own healthy cells, we can begin to take back control. The seed of cancer may exist in all of us, but the power to change the soil is in our hands.

Encyclopedia of Cell Biology, Second Edition, a Six Volume Set, has established itself as a fundamental reference work, providing broad coverage of the field in four main sections (Molecular, Organizational, Functional, Translational and Pathological Aspects of Cell Biology). This second edition revisits and expands each section, with entries on topics not covered in the first edition, including Crispr. The whole work is updated, providing greater coverage of specialized cell function and translational applications, and putting greater emphasis on these topics in graduate/medical teaching. New overview chapters and subsections provide a simplified cell biology text that can be used by instructors. The new version includes a standard template for each chapter, making the content easier to navigate, as well as inserts and graphics which provide summaries of key points in each chapter.

The leading physiology review on the market, BRS Physiology, 8th Edition, delivers a concise, highly efficient review of all essential physiology concepts students encounter in the first and second year of medical school, as well as more than 350 clinical vignette-style, multiple-choice questions to help them prepare for course exams and practice for the USMLE Step 1. This bestselling title in the Board Review Series is preferred by students for its comprehensive yet efficient approach to exam prep and trusted by instructors for author Linda S. Costanzo's masterful approach, communicating complex physiology concepts in an accessible manner. Extensively updated and incorporating abundant illustrations, flow charts, tables, and a comprehensive practice exam, this 8th Edition equips today's students with the unparalleled preparation and confidence to excel on exams and beyond. Study efficiently with a concise outline format that makes essential information easy to review at a glance. Prepare for course and board exams with topical chapter questions and a 100-question Comprehensive Exam, accompanied by complete answers, rationales, and cross-references for efficient remediation. More than 260 multiple-choice questions in chapter exams test students' understanding of chapter content; detailed explanations provide an additional learning tool. Build long-term retention with more than 120 full-color illustrations and charts that clarify complex information, as well as 50 detailed tables. Reference essential information conveniently with appendices on Key Physiology Topics for the USMLE Step 1, Key Physiology Equations for the USMLE Step I, and Normal Blood Values. Create connections between physiology knowledge and clinical medicine with new Clinical Correlation boxes.

The Encyclopedia of Cell Biology, Four Volume Set offers a broad overview of cell biology, offering reputable, foundational content for researchers and students across the biological and medical sciences. This important work includes 285 articles from domain experts covering every aspect of cell biology, with fully annotated figures, abundant illustrations, videos, and references for further reading. Each entry is built with a layered approach to the content, providing basic information for those new to the area and more detailed material for the more experienced researcher. With authored contributions by experts in the field, the Encyclopedia of Cell Biology provides a fully cross-referenced, one-stop resource for students, researchers, and teaching faculty across the biological and medical sciences.

First developed as an accessible abridgement of the successful "Handbook of Stem Cells," "Essentials of Stem Cell Biology" serves the needs of the evolving population of scientists, researchers, practitioners, and students embracing the latest advances in stem cells. Representing the combined effort of 7 editors and more than 200 scholars and scientists whose pioneering work has defined our understanding of stem cells, this book combines the prerequisites for a general understanding of adult and embryonic stem cells with a presentation by the world's experts of the latest research information about specific organ systems. From basic biology/mechanisms, early development, ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm, and methods to theapplication of stem cells to specific human diseases, regulation and ethics, and patient perspectives, no topic in the field of stem cells is left uncovered.
Contributions by Nobel Laureates and leading international investigatorsIncludes two entirely new chapters devoted exclusively to induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells written by the scientists who made the breakthroughEdited by a world-renowned author and researcher to present a complete story of stem cells in research, in application, and as the subject of political debatePresented in full color with a glossary, highlighted terms, and bibliographic entries replacing references"

Describes essential redox biology reactions and concepts in exercise physiology. Defines and critiques how to assess and manipulate key redox parameters in an in vivo human exercise context. Summarizes underlying mechanisms. Provides examples of translationally important research relating to many disease states. Includes an international team of leading experts

Cellular Therapy for Neurological Injury discusses the current status of cellular therapy for neurological disorders. The primary areas of focus include traumatic brain injury, stroke (ischemic and hemorrhagic), and spinal cord injury. The book explores cell therapy approaches to these and other conditions, while discussing current advances and a literature review in the context of a field that is moving rapidly. The book presents a translational focus, addressing barriers and opportunities to moving forward. The mechanisms of injury are explored, as well as how these mechanisms influence the type of cell therapy used, the route of delivery, and dosing regimen. Written by leaders in the field, this is an invaluable resource for clinicians and researchers alike.

An innovative theory proposes a new therapeutic strategy to break the stalemate in the war on cancer. It is called cancer stem cell (CSC) theory, and Lucie Laplane offers a comprehensive analysis, based on an original interdisciplinary approach that combines biology, biomedical history, and philosophy. Rather than treat cancer by aggressively trying to eliminate all cancerous cells-with harmful side effects for patients-CSC theory suggests the possibility of targeting the CSCs, a small fraction of cells that lie at the root of cancers. CSCs are cancer cells that also have the defining properties of stem cells-the abilities to self-renew and to differentiate. According to this theory, only CSCs and no other cancer cells can induce tumor formation. To date, researchers have not agreed on the defining feature of CSCs-their stemness. Drawing from a philosophical perspective, Laplane shows that there are four possible ways to understand this property: stemness can be categorical (an intrinsic property of stem cells), dispositional (an intrinsic property whose expression depends on external stimuli), relational (an extrinsic property determined by a cell's relationship with the microenvironment), or systemic (an extrinsic property controlled at the system level). Our ability to cure cancers may well depend upon determining how these definitions apply to different types of cancers.

Focused on stem cell applications, this book bridges the fields of biomaterials, offering new insights into constructing and regenerating tissues and organs. Its unique feature is linking diseases of the human body to current thinking on how to deal with them in the context of current concepts and technologies by means of an in-depth focus on biomaterials. The book assembles recent advances and covers a range of topics related to stem cell biology, biomaterials and technological approaches such as bioreactors written by top researchers in the field. Stem cells of both embryonic and adult origin are discussed with applications ranging, but not limited to, nerve regeneration, liver, pancreas, skin, trachea, cartilage and bone repair and cardiovascular therapy. Developments in the field reflecting the design and construction of the human body and its principal anatomy are discussed from a materials point of view. The book will be a valuable tool for biomaterial scientists, tissue engineers, clinicians as well as stem cell biologists involved in basic research and applications of adult and embryonic stem cells. It will also be a source of reference for students in biotechnology, biomedical engineering, biology, biochemistry, materials sciences, pharmaceuticals, and veterinary and human medicine.

Stem cells potentially offer a novel therapeutic platform to treat bone disease. They also help the scientist understand the molecular and cellular aetiology of bone disorders. Gaining knowledge on the nature and application of stem cell sciences is a prerequisite for understanding their potential in treating or preventing bone disorders. Stem Cells and Bone Tissue is designed to address these areas in three sections: Introductory Text and Sources of Stem Cells for Skeletal Tissue Cellular and Molecular Aspects Conditions, Applications, Treatments and Repairs Coverage includes general aspects of stems cells, sources of stems cells, isolation and purification, applications in regeneration, nanoscale topography, myostatin (GDF-8) signalling, c-Jun, Lnk, cell-derived Factor 1/CXCR4, chromatin remodelling, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, hypophosphatasia, osteopetrosis, osteogenesis, and many other areas of merit too numerous to mention.

Astrocytes play diverse roles in central nervous system (CNS) function and dysfunction, and the connections that the astrocyte makes with other cells of the brain are essential for a variety of important neural tasks. Bringing together contributions from international experts at the top of their field, Astrocytes: Wiring the Brain emphasizes cellular connections and surveys the most current findings on astrocyte activity. The first section of the book identifies major astrocyte biomarkers and describes how they define the different connectivity domains. Next, the book examines the role of these connections. It explains how their function can be manipulated under physiological conditions and how dysfunction of the connectivity leads to aberrant brain performance. The final section explores the alterations of glia that have been observed in specific diseases of the brain. These include epilepsy, autoimmune encephalitis, Alzheimer's disease, autism, and major depression. The book identifies key mechanisms responsible for these alterations. An important and emerging field, astrocytes and their functions are critical to neuroscientists and neurologists, both in academia and in industry, particularly in the search for and development of new drugs to combat a variety of diseases affecting the CNS. As research continues to grow in this area, this volume will spur heightened advances and understanding into the effects of these neural cells on a range of pathologies.

Cellular Therapy for Neurological Injury discusses the current status of cellular therapy for neurological disorders. The primary areas of focus include traumatic brain injury, stroke (ischemic and hemorrhagic), and spinal cord injury. The book explores cell therapy approaches to these and other conditions, while discussing current advances and a literature review in the context of a field that is moving rapidly. The book presents a translational focus, addressing barriers and opportunities to moving forward. The mechanisms of injury are explored, as well as how these mechanisms influence the type of cell therapy used, the route of delivery, and dosing regimen. Written by leaders in the field, this is an invaluable resource for clinicians and researchers alike.

Interest in the role of extracellular vesicles (microvesicles and exosomes) is expanding rapidly. It is now apparent that far from being merely cellular debris, these vesicles play a key role in cell-to-cell communication and signaling. Moreover, they are significantly elevated in a number of diseases. This raises the question of their direct role in pathogenesis as well as their possible use as biomarkers.

This book stems from the first international meeting on "Microvesicles and Nanovesicles in Health and Disease" held at Magdalen College, Oxford, in 2010. The purpose of the meeting was to bring together, for the first time, a range of experts from around the world to discuss the latest advances in this field. Key to the study of these vesicles is the availability of methodologies for their measurement in biological fluids. A major section of the meeting focused on a range of exciting new technologies which have been developed for this purpose. The presentations at this meeting form the basis of this book, which will appeal to basic scientists, clinicians, and those developing technology for the measurement of extracellular vesicles.

This title is intended to assist pharmaceutical scientists in the development of stable protein formulations during the early stages of the product development process, providing a comprehensive review of mechanisms and causes of protein instability in formulation development, coverage of accelerated stability testing methods and relevant analytical methods, and an overview of the drug substance manufacturing process. Preformulation and the development of traditional solutions and lyophilized formulations frequently used for intravenous delivery and non-traditional formulations are also addressed. Because many developments in the field have emerged since the publication of the First Edition, this Second Edition addresses important new patient-friendly developments in the field, such as formulation for implantable devices, needle-free formulation and delivery approaches, and oral delivery of proteins.

The impact of Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is thought to play a crucial role in the development and progression of disease. Whilst Apoptosis remains extensively studied in the context of immunology, the focus of research has greatly expanded to investigate the key role it is now believed to play in hematopoiesis, angiogenesis, inflammation and organ remodelling. It is hoped that, with an increase in our understanding of the mechanisms controlling apoptosis, there will come the development of a new class of drugs which can pharmacologically manipulate apoptosis and thus provide a means to treat important diseases which currently pose problems to our society.
Containing papers presented at the Eleventh SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals United States Research Symposium and with contributions from leading researchers, Apoptosis in Health and Disease offers a comprehensive review of important developments and research in the field.

Stem cells potentially offer a novel therapeutic platform to treat bone disease. They also help the scientist understand the molecular and cellular aetiology of bone disorders. Gaining knowledge on the nature and application of stem cell sciences is a prerequisite for understanding their potential in treating or preventing bone disorders. Stem Cells and Bone Tissue is designed to address these areas in three sections: Introductory Text and Sources of Stem Cells for Skeletal Tissue Cellular and Molecular Aspects Conditions, Applications, Treatments and Repairs Coverage includes general aspects of stems cells, sources of stems cells, isolation and purification, applications in regeneration, nanoscale topography, myostatin (GDF-8) signalling, c-Jun, Lnk, cell-derived Factor 1/CXCR4, chromatin remodelling, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, hypophosphatasia, osteopetrosis, osteogenesis, and many other areas of merit too numerous to mention.

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Translational Pathways to Clinical Adoption provides the latest information on the necessary steps for successful production of stem cells for a clinical trial. Written by professionals with hands-on experience in bringing MSC therapies to the clinic, and building on the biology and mechanisms of action, this unique book covers the development and production of clinical-grade products that are suitable for use in humans. From design of a cell production facility, to obtaining regulatory approval and reimbursement issues, it is a useful guide for researchers and administrators across biomedical research.

Cell adhesion is a fundamental determinant of embryonic development and organogenesis. Cellular Adhesion in Development and Disease, volume 112 in Current Topics in Developmental Biology, comprehensively surveys current developments in understanding how adhesion systems affect organismal development. Topics covered include nectins, nectin-like molecules, and afadin in development; cadherin adhesion, signaling, and morphogenesis; endothelial cell junctions; epidermal development and barrier formation; and more.

Maia is the story of an idea, and its development into a working hypothesis, that provides a cybernetic interpretation of how growth is controlled. Growth at the lowest level is controlled by regulating the rate of growth. Access to the output of control mechanisms is provided by perturbing the growing organism, and then filtering out the consequences to growth rate. The output of the growth control mechanism is then accessible for interpretation and modelling. Perturbation experiments have been used to provide interpretations of hormesis, the neutralization of inhibitory load and acquired tolerance to toxic inhibition, and catch-up growth. The account begins with an introduction to cybernetics covering the regulation of growth and population increase in animals and man and describes this new approach to access the control of growth processes. This book is suitable for postgraduate students of biological cybernetics and researchers of biological growth, endocrinology, population ecology and toxicology.

The relationship between infection and immunity and autophagy, a pathway of cellular homeostasis and stress response, has been a rapidly growing field of study over the last decade. While some cellular processes are pro- or anti-infection, autophagy has been proven to be both: a part of the innate immune response against some microbes, and a cellular pathway subverted by some pathogens to promote their own replication. Autophagy, Infection, and the Immune Response provides a unified overview of the roles of cellular autophagy during microbial infection. Introductory chapters ground the reader by delineating the autophagic pathway from a cellular perspective, and by listing assays available for measuring autophagy. Subsequent chapters address virus interactions with autophagy machinery, the various roles of autophagy parasitic infection, and interactions of bacteria with the autophagic pathway. Concluding chapters explore the relationships of autophagy to systemic immune responses, including antigen presentation, ER stress, and production of IFN-gamma. Designed as a resource for those interested in initiating studies on the relationship between autophagy and infection or immunity, Autophagy, Infection, and the Immune Response combines practical state-of the art technique descriptions with an overview of the wide variety of known interactions between pathogens and the autophagic pathway.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most common respiratory disorder of adults in the developed world and is the fourth main cause of death in the USA. It is also associated with high morbidity, and poses an enormous burden of suffering and expense. Despite this, the disease has received little attention compared with other respiratory conditions such as asthma and lung cancer.
Current treatment can offer some marginal symptomatic relief but does not address the underlying disease process. Indeed, smoking cessation is the only intervention known to alter the rate of disease progression. There is clearly great need, and potential, for the development of superior therapies for symptomatic relief and disease modification. This book brings together leading researchers and physicians to discuss the most recent advances in our understanding of COPD, and draws together basic and clinical aspects relevant to the topic. Coverage includes the basic pathology, current and potential therapies, and detailed consideration of the major theories for the pathogenesis of COPD.

This unique introductory text explains cell functions using the engineering principles of robust devices. Adopting a process-based approach to understanding cell and tissue biology, it describes the molecular and mechanical features that enable the cell to be robust in operating its various components, and explores the ways in which molecular modules respond to environmental signals to execute complex functions. The design and operation of a variety of complex functions are covered, including engineering lipid bilayers to provide fluid boundaries and mechanical controls, adjusting cell shape and forces with dynamic filament networks, and DNA packaging for information retrieval and propagation. Numerous problems, case studies and application examples help readers connect theory with practice, and solutions for instructors and videos of lectures accompany the book online. Assuming only basic mathematical knowledge, this is an invaluable resource for graduate and senior undergraduate students taking single-semester courses in cell mechanics, biophysics and cell biology.

What every neuroscientist should know about the mathematical modeling of excitable cells. Combining empirical physiology and nonlinear dynamics, this text provides an introduction to the simulation and modeling of dynamic phenomena in cell biology and neuroscience. It introduces mathematical modeling techniques alongside cellular electrophysiology. Topics include membrane transport and diffusion, the biophysics of excitable membranes, the gating of voltage and ligand-gated ion channels, intracellular calcium signalling, and electrical bursting in neurons and other excitable cell types. It introduces mathematical modeling techniques such as ordinary differential equations, phase plane, and bifurcation analysis of single-compartment neuron models. With analytical and computational problem sets, this book is suitable for life sciences majors, in biology to neuroscience, with one year of calculus, as well as graduate students looking for a primer on membrane excitability and calcium signalling.

The manipulation and control of cells and sub-cellular structures through magnetic nanoparticle-based actuation is a relatively new technique that has led to novel and exciting biomedical applications. Nanomagnetic actuation is being used in laboratory studies of stem cells to determine how these mechanical cues can be used to control stem cell differentiation for regenerative medicine applications. This book explores this rapidly expanding field. It will interest industry bioscientists and biomedical engineers as well as academics in cellular biomechanics, cell and tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Key Features Focuses on the fundamentals and applications of magnetic actuation Includes contributions by world-class researchers from several countries and is edited by a well-known researcher in this field Offers multidisciplinary coverage and applications Supplies extensive references at the end of each chapter

The Biology and Therapeutic Application of Mesenchymal Cells comprehensively describes the cellular and molecular biology of mesenchymal stem cells and mesenchymal stromal cells, describing their therapeutic potential in a wide variety of preclinical models of human diseases and their mechanism of action in these preclinical models. Chapters also discuss the current status of the use of mesenchymal stem and stromal cells in clinical trials in a wide range of human diseases and disorders, for many of which there are limited, or no other, therapeutic avenues. Provides coverage on both the biology of mesenchymal stem cells and stromal cells, and their therapeutic applications Describes the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem and stromal cells in a wide variety of preclinical models of human diseases and their mechanism of action in these preclinical models Discusses the current status of mesenchymal stem and stromal cells in clinical trials in a wide range of human diseases and disorders, for many of which there are limited, or no other, therapeutic avenues Written and edited by leaders in the field The Biology and Therapeutic Application of Mesenchymal Cells is an invaluable resource for those studying stem cells, cell biology, genetics, gene or cell therapy, or regenerative medicine. About the Author Kerry Atkinson, MBBS MD DTM&H FRCP FRACP, is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research in Brisbane, Australia, an Adjunct Professor in the Stem Cell Laboratories, Queensland University of Technology at the Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia and a Specialist in Internal Medicine at the Salisbury Medical Centre, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.