The book is based on lectures presented on the International Summer School on Biophysics held in Croatia in September 2009. The advantage of the School is that it provides advanced training in very broad scope of areas related to biophysics contrary to other similar schools or workshops that are centered mainly on one topic or technique. In this volume, tenth in the row, the papers in the field of biophysics are presented. The topics are biological phenomena from single protein to macromolecular aggregations structure by using variant physical methods (NMR, EPR, FTIR, Mass Spectrometry, etc.). The interrelationship of supramolecular structures and their functions is enlightened by applications of principals of these physical methods in the biophysical and molecular biology context.

This book will provide the latest advances in molecular and cellular biology for establishing the foundation of a complete understanding of the mechanisms of breast differentiation leading to cancer prevention. The authors are based on the epidemiological evidence indicating that early first full term pregnancy is a protective factor in human against breast cancer and they have used this paradigm and developed experimental systems in both in vivo and in vitro that have demonstrated mechanistically how the differentiation at the organ and cellular level takes place. This knowledge has provided the blueprint for developing better understanding of the basis of cancer prevention. The transcriptoma analysis of the breast of pre and post-menopausal women has established a genomic signature imprinted in the breast that differs according to the reproductive history of the woman showing that early first full term pregnancy reprogram the organ. This reprogramming takes place at the chromatin level by changing the transcriptional process. The modification of the transcriptional control is due to the expression of non coding RNA sequences and posttranscriptional control driven by the splicesome. The plasticity of the genome of the human breast make possible this reprogramming that is not only induced by the physiological process of pregnancy but by the use of hormones that mimic pregnancy without pregnancy. The author have established the basis of clinical trials for prevention and the discovery that short 15aa peptides of the chorionic gonadotropin hormone can be used in human breast cancer prevention based on preclinical and clinical data.

Adding to a vitally important cycle of publications covering the latest research developments in our understanding of neoplasms affecting the human central nervous system, this edition focuses on numerous aspects of pineal, pituitary, and spinal tumors. As with the previous volumes in the series, this latest work addresses a central imperative in cancer research the need to standardize classifications, written definitions and investigative guidelines in order to achieve a measure of shared objectivity among academics engaged in one of the most important medical endeavors of our era. It brings together the very latest work by oncologists, neurosurgeons, physicians, research scientists, and pathologists, providing the medical community with a wealth of data and results that, taken together, will advance the cause of cancer research. The volume synthesizes work on diagnosis, drug development, and therapeutic approaches that are typically scattered in a variety of journals and books. It features promising recent work in applying molecular genetics to clinical practice and evidence-based therapy, covering molecular profiling of tumors as well as a number of surgical treatments such as resection and radiosurgery. Together with its counterpart publications, it represents a much-needed central resource that will inform and guide future research efforts."

This two-part issue of Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America provides the endocrinologist with comprehensive essential updates about tumors of the gastroenteropancreatic system.? Topics covered include the history and development of the gastroenteropancreatic endocrine axis; the changing face and epidemiology of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs); chromogranins current state of the art, pathology of gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) disorders; new and emerging syndromes related to gastrointestinal (GI) hormones; an update on incretins; prospects for ghrelin in the clinic, obesity/appetite and hedonism; GI motility disorders; gastric bypass and GI hormones; pancreatic exocrine function and GI hormones; harnessing the pancreatic stem cell; how to diagnose NETs before there are METs; NETs in kids: combining the SEER data for children and adults with site differences; novel biomarkers for NETs; standard imaging techniques for NETs; novel peptide imaging: glucagon receptor; signaling mechanism in NETs as targets for therapy; update on clinical trials; nutrition and the GEP; peptide radiotherapy; in vitro analysis of NETs: the role of angiogenesis; modern lab evaluation of peptide and amines: a continuing role for radioimmunoassay?; surgery/surgical management of NETs; and evaluation and quality of life in NETs patients.

Positron emission tomography (PET) has been approved for the diagnosis and staging of gynecologic malignancies for several years now.? This issue reviews the imaging of cervical, uterine, and endometrial cancers.? There is also an articles on the uses of PET/CT for imaging normal and abnormal anatomy, as well as gynecologic imaging using other modalities.? Lastly this issue contains a review of newer radionuclide tracers currently in development.

This issue serves as a timely review of both the genetic and genomic factors resulting in a predisposition to human cancer.? There is now strong evidence to support the use of genetic testing for cancer predisposition in the practice of preventive medicine, and at the same time, there is emerging new literature defining the role of genomic approaches to assessment of cancer predisposition.? Articles address predisposition syndromes in the areas of breast cancer, lower GI cancer, genitourinary cancer, pediatric cancer, endocrine cancer, and hematologic malignancy.

This book provides multidisciplinary reviews of the mechanism of action and uses of methotrexate in the treatment of cancer, psoriasis, gynecologic and inflammatory diseases. The intended audience is composed of clinicians involved in the care of patients suffering from oncologic, gynecologic, rheumatic diseases as well as scientists involved in research into the pathogenesis and treatment of these diseases. This book is unique in that it provides a single, state-of-the-art source for information regarding the mechanism and use of methotrexate in many different areas of medicine.

This issue of the Surgical Oncology Clinics will focus on new advances in Colorectal Cancer and will include articles on Management of Multiple Adenomatous Polyps, Imaging of Rectal Cancers, Optimal Management of Small Rectal Cancers, Neoadjuvant Therapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer, Low Anterior Rectal Cancer Resection, Laparoscopy, Adjuvant Therapy, Multidisciplinary Approach to Recurrent/Unresectable Rectal Cancer, Stage IV CRC, plus other articles.

Bacterial infections cause substantial morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. These infections always remained enigmatic due to initial reluctance of cancer researchers in understanding their etiologic potential. Etiological association of bacteria with cancer gained credibility after discovery of carcinogenic potential of Helicobacter pylori. Moreover, other suspected associations including Salmonella typhi and gallbladder cancer, Streptococcus bovis and colon cancer, Chlamydia psittaci and ocular adnexal lymphoma and Chlamydia pneumoniae with lung cancer, etc. are looking for a legitimate appraisal to unravel their etiologic potential without prejudice. In contrary, bacteria also show protective role in certain types of cancer. Certain agents derived from bacteria are successfully in practice for the management of cancer. The integrate association of bacteria and cancer is evident in both positive and negative aspects. The role of bacteria in cancer etiology and treatment is vigorously studied since last few years. Present book tries to provide current status of research undergoing in above direction, with the glimpses of future possibility for using microbiological knowledge in the management of this deadly killer. This book will interest specialists dealing with cancer associated infectious complications, researchers working in the field of cancer biology, teachers and scientists in the field of microbiology, biotechnology, medicine and oncology. The unique coverage of bacteriology and cancer association in both positive and negative way can usher into development of novel thrust area for microbiology students and experts.

Dr. Soetikno has organized a comprehensive issue devoted to the detection and diagnosis of non-polypoid colorectal neoplasms with special emphasis on sessile or flat colon adenoma.? Top experts in the field have supplied the latest clinical information in the following areas: Non-Polypoid Colorectal Neoplasms in Ulcerative Colitis; Detection and Diagnosis of Non-Polypoid Colorectal Neoplasms; Image-Enhanced Endoscopy to Detect and Diagnose Non-Polypoid Colorectal Neoplasms; CT Colonography and Non-Polypoid Colorectal Neoplasms, as well as Endoscopic Mucosal Resection of Non-Polypoid Colorectal Neoplasms.? This issue is an important one as there are not many references on the topics that are as comprehensive.

This is the first book to provide a broad framework for obtaining an in depth understanding of the state-of-the-art knowledge on abnormalities of non-coding RNAs found to be associated with colorectal cancer pathogenesis. Readers will discover possible mechanisms underlying the substantial roles played by non-coding RNAs in molecular hallmarks of colorectal cancer. This work further provides the comprehensive overview and novel insights into using of non-coding RNAs as colorectal cancer biomarkers enabling early detection of the disease, prognostic stratification of the patients and prediction of therapeutic response. The reader is introduced to the overview of modern non-coding RNAs-based therapeutic strategies, and summary of their preclinical testing performed in colorectal cancer. The work is written for researchers who want to explore current state of the knowledge in this interesting field of molecular oncology.

This two part issue of PET Clinics provides a comprehensive review to the important topic of Breast Cancer. Although the focus of this issue is the use of PET and PET/CT in the diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, and follow up for patients with breast cancer, there are also articles providing correlates from other imaging modalities.

This issue highlights some of the exciting new developments in pediatric oncology and hematology.? Three articles are devoted to pediatric leukemia, which remains the most common form of pediatric cancer.? Specifically, articles address ALL, AML, and leukemia in patients with Down syndrome. Other articles that address pediatric oncology include CNS tumors and neuroblastoma as well as advances in cancer immunotherapy. A very interesting article addresses the challenges experienced by adults who survived a childhood cancer. The hematology articles in this issue cover aspects that most clinicians see on a regular basis-sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and hemophilia, and ITP.

This issue of the Surgical Oncology Clinics will focus on new advances in Breast Cancer Surgery, and will include articles on Chemoprevention, Breast MRI, Genomics, Sentinel Node Biopsy, Extra-axillary Sentinel Nodes, Skin-Sparing and Nipple Sparing Mastectomy, Oncoplastic Techniques, Neoadjuvant Hormonal Therapy, Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy, Adjuvant Hormonal Therapy, Adjuvant Chemotherapy, and Biologic Targeted Therapies.

This book surveys recent advances in theranostics based on magnetic nanoparticles, ultrasound contrast agents, silica nanoparticles and polymeric micelles. It presents magnetic nanoparticles, which offer a robust tool for contrast enhanced MRI imaging, magnetic targeting, controlled drug delivery, molecular imaging guided gene therapy, magnetic hyperthermia, and controlling cell fate. Multifunctional ultrasound contrast agents have great potential in ultrasound molecular imaging, multimodal imaging, drug/gene delivery, and integrated diagnostics and therapeutics. Due to their diversity and multifunctionality, polymeric micelles and silica-based nanocomposites are highly capable of enhancing the efficacy of multimodal imaging and synergistic cancer therapy. This comprehensive book summarizes the main advances in multifunctional nanoprobes for targeted imaging and therapy of gastric cancer, and explores the clinical translational prospects and challenges. Although more research is needed to overcome the substantial obstacles that impede the development and availability of nanotheranostic products, such nontrivial nanoagents are expected to revolutionize medical treatments and help to realize the potential of personalized medicine to diagnose, treat, and follow-up patients with cancer. Zhifei Dai is a Professor at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, China.

Cancer is a chronic life-threatening disease that requires a comprehensive approach, including health promotion, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliation. Because primary care physicians are critically important to the implementation of cancer control strategies, we have devoted two issues of Primary Care to keeping primary care physicians informed about the most recent developments in cancer treatment and prevention. Part II focuses on diagnosis, management of cancer survivors, and palliative care.

Transplant and oncology patients present a challenge to the infectious disease specialist because many of the entities that infect them are hard to diagnose.? Chemotherapy may further complicate the situation, since it may contraindicate a biopsy or interfere with antibiotic therapy. This issue of Infectious Disease Clinics provides specific information on several entities with the purpose of helping physicians to best treat these difficult infections.

This issue provides the reader with a summary of evidence-based therapies of how to manage emergency care for cancer disorders.? Articles are dedicated to specific presentation syndromes, such as malignant epidural spinal cord compression, superior vena cava syndrome, and airway obstruction. These reviews update the reader on evidence-based therapies for these entities and highlight the emerging role of stent therapies. This issue also includes articles dealing with the neurological, renal, and metabolic (electrolyte and adrenal) emergencies encountered in the cancer patient. Also addressed are selected gastrointestinal presentations commonly encountered in cancer patients, such as the acute abdomen, gastrointestinal bleeding, and hepatic encephalopathy. The issue concludes with several articles dedicated to hematologic considerations including venous thrombosis, acquired bleeding disturbances, and myeloproliferative/hyperviscosity syndromes.

This volume discusses certain epigenetic changes recognized in early carcinogenic lesions and different tumors, as well as factors that alter the epigenome and epigenetic profile such as diet, alcohol, immunity, circadian rhythm, and more. The chapters in this book further delve into this field and cover topics such as epigenome-based precision medicine in lung cancer; interplay between genetic and epigenetic changes in breast cancer subtypes; genetic regulation of PDCD1 gene in cancer immunology; and pyrosequencing methylation analysis. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and authoritative, Cancer Epigenetics for Precision Medicine: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource to help researchers and scientists identify these specific biomarkers and work towards the prevention, diagnosis, and prognosis of different cancers in the future.

This is a unique book on thyroid neoplasms in that it covers many current topics in the area including tumor development, tumor markers and preclinical treatment for advanced cancer as well as practical approaches (radioiodine, ultrasound, thyroglobulin monitoring and PET scanning). This book will give the general reader and specialist a good foundation for what is currently going on in the area of thyroid neoplasms.
*A translational approach to thyriod neoplasms
*Contributions from national experts in research and clinical medicine
*Current and practical approaches to patients with thyroid neoplasms