This volume details our current understanding of the architecture and signaling capabilities of known canonical and non-canonical inflammasome complexes and highlights their action, in particular in response to infection with important bacterial model organisms and the corresponding disease pathologies. The first chapters review new insights into the assembly and structures of inflammasome components and emphasize general strategies of up- and downstream signaling events. In addition, the authors specifically discuss the composition and activity of inflammasomes during infection with various gut pathogens (Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia, Listeria and Helicobacter), respiratory pathogens (Mycobacterium, Legionella, Burkholderia and Streptococcus) as well as skin and soft tissue pathogens (Francisella and Staphylococcus). The discoveries presented provide a better understanding of the cellular and molecular biology of inflammasomes, which will pinpoint important new therapeutic targets for the treatment and prevention of multiple infectious diseases in the future. It is a valuable resource for students, scientists and clinicians, providing up-to-date information on this emerging research topic.

The acknowledgment that viruses are potent biological factors in driving many cancers have seen a dramatic upsurge in recent years in large part to the success of the human papilloma virus vaccine against invasive cervical carcinomas and followed by the awarding of the noble prize in medicine in 2008 to Dr. Harald zurHausen who identified the link between papilloma virus and cervical cancers. Over the last few years there have been some volumes addressing different aspects of viruses and cancers and to some extent focusing on the DNA viruses, more specifically the human DNA viruses. This proposed volume will attempt to review and address the major gaps in current knowledge in DNA viruses as well as RNA viruses bringing a historical perspective of where studies began to a more recent molecular approach and vaccine successes in tumor viruses. We will also cover other known oncogenic viruses associated cancers in other mammals in addition to humans.

Clinically accessible information for pathologists on histology, molecular pathology, differential diagnosis, and clinical overview is presented. Common and rare entities are covered with an abundance of images to highight key features.
Topics for pathologists covering the fast moving field of breast pathology include: Less common variants and mimics of DCIS; Invasive lobular carcinoma and its variants; Important inflammatory and reactive lesions; Small glandular proliferations; Vascular lesions of the breast; Combined epithelial-myoepithelial lesion; Immunhistochemical pitfalls in the diagnosis of breast lesions; Pathology considerations in patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy; Molecular classification of breast cancer: Jorge Reis-Filho; Prognostic factors for patients with breast cancer: Traditional and New

A very hot topic at the 2010 AASLD meeting, hepatic encephalopathy is being brought to the Clinics in Liver Disease for the very first time by top experts, Dr. Mullen and Dr. Prakash. Authors have written articles that fully discuss the clinical aspects of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Articles presented include History, Nomenclature and Classification; Theories involved in the pathogenesis of HE; Clinical Assessment and utility of clinical scales for semi-quantification of Overt HE;? Assessment of Minimal HE
( with emphasis on computerized psychometric tests); Brain Imaging and HE; Management of Overt HE; Management of Minimal HE; Nutritional Interventions for HE; TIPS and HE; Liver Transplantation and Reversibility of HE; Minimal HE and Driving; and HE and Quality of Life.

This volume covers what is known regarding the natural history, basic biology, and clinical aspects, including imaging and treatment, of CNS metastasis. Three chapters cover the biology of the brain and brain metastases: molecular biology, includes what is known about specific genes/proteins involved in the process of metastasis and model systems to study brain metastasis; brain microenvironment, focuses on the resident cells of the microenvironment and their role in CNS metastasis; and the blood- brain barrier, includes a discussion of permeability with respect to brain metastases. A discussion of experimental imaging covers both the biology of brain metastasis from an imaging perspective and the use of imaging techniques to study brain metastases. The three clinical chapters discuss treatment options of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. The potential for novel targeted therapies is also addressed. Because of the uniqueness of the disease, leptomeningeal metastasis is discussed separately. The last chapter is devoted to quality of life issues associated with CNS metastasis.

This issue of Clinics in Laboratory Medicine on the topic of Laboratory Medicine in India will be Guest Edited by Tester F. Ashavaid, PhD, FACB, CSCi, and include the following article topics: Tuberculosis; Malaria; STIs and Dengue; Visceral Leishmaniasis; Neglected Tropical Diseases; Hepatitis; HIV; Diabetes; Cardiovascular diseases; Stroke; HPV / Cervical screening; Multiple congenital anomalies; Down Syndrome/Thalessemia; Muscle dystrophy; Spinal muscular atrophy; Wilson Disease; Hemophilia; National and International Accreditation; Blood Banking regulations; Distant Testing; Clinical Trials; Medical Tourism; International Reference labs; and Diagnostics in diet.

Clinically accessible information for pathologists on histology, differential diagnosis, and clinical overview is presented. Topics in this subject on Cardiovascular Pathology include: Examination of the Explanted/Autopsy Heart; Native Valves; Prosthetic Valves; Cardiac Transplant Biopsies; Diagnostic (Native Heart) Biopsies; Aorta; Temporal Arteritis/Vasculitis/Vascular Lesions; Cardiac Tumors; and Cardiac Devices. Each article presents Key Considerations; Pitfalls of working with the particular entity; Differential Diagnosis summaries; Gross and histologic features with clinicopathologic correlates; Complications; Technical considerations; Post transplant biopsy findings where relevant; and Communicating results.

Dengue virus (DENV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, is the causative agent of dengue fever, currently one of the most significant emerging disease challenges to global public health. Although dengue is an old disease, recent decades have seen an unprecedented increase in the geographic range, incidence, and severity of infection. The virus infects 100 million people annually and is endemic in many tropical and sub-tropical regions in the world. At present, neither a licensed vaccine nor anti-viral drugs are available to control dengue disease, prompting a plethora of research initiatives aimed at understanding the molecular and cellular virology, genomics, and evolution of this important virus. This book brings together a panel of expert dengue virologists to produce a timely review of the rapidly-expanding dengue research literature. In addition, the contributors identify the most pressing questions that remain to be answered, thus providing a stimulus for future research. Topics include: evolutionary history * epidemiology * translation and processing of the viral polyprotein * viral replication * the role of the viral untranslated regions * pathogenesis * host response to DENV * development of animal models * DENV-mosquito interactions * dynamics of dengue virus transmission * emergence of DENV from its ancestral, sylvatic cycle * vaccines * novel anti-dengue drugs * and passive immunotherapy. It is essential reading for every dengue virologist and is highly recommended for all flavivirus and arbovirus virologists.

Bone Tumor Radiology 101 for Pathologists; Update on Arthritis; Periprosthetic Infections; Bone Cytology: A Realistic Approach for Clinical Utilization; Benign Bone-Forming Tumors; Osteocarcoma Differential Diagnosis Considerations; Osteocarcoma Differential Diagnosis Considerations; Well-differentiated Cartilage Tumors; Chondrosarcoma Variants; Giant Cell Tumor: Overview and Update; Fibro-osseous Lesions; Rounc Cell Tumors; Vacular Tumors; Pseudotumors and Reactive Lesions; Practical Work-up of Metastatic Carcinoma; Update on Treatment of Bone Tumors

This concise volume describes the latest, up-to-date theory, methodology, and applications of ABC transporters in microorganisms. The topics include the structure, physiology, and evolution of ABC transporters, as well as their special characteristics in specific microorganisms, including bacteria, yeast, trypanosomes, and malaria parasites. In particular, the book describes the most recent research and innovations relative to the role of ABC transporters in the design of strategies to circumvent drug resistance in microorganisms. Each chapter comprises an exhaustive review of the particular topic and provides insights into the future of the field, both from the scientific and clinical perspective. A skillful selection of topics and a panel of acknowledged experts ensure that this concise volume will be of exceptional importance to everyone involved in DNA superfamily research, as well as scientists interested in microbial physiology and multidrug resistance. It is essential reading for anyone involved in this field, and it is a recommended volume for all microbiology laboratories.

This issue of Clinics in Laboratory Medicine includes the following topics: Detection of cancer biomarkers by cerium oxide nanoparticles; Quantum dot-based assays for cancer biomarkers; Monoclonal antibody conjugated fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles for in vivo diagnosis of cancer; RNA quantification with gold nanoprobes for cancer diagnostics; Nanostructured silica materials for imaging in cancer; and Nanoparticle-based cancer cell sorting.

The Year Book of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine brings you abstracts of the articles that reported the year's breakthrough developments in pathology and laboratory medicine, carefully selected from more than 300 journals worldwide. Expert commentaries evaluate the clinical importance of each article and discuss its application to your practice. There's no faster or easier way to stay informed Chapters in this annual cover the most current information on all aspects of pathology and laboratory medicine including: molecular diagnostics, dermatopathology, anatomic pathology techniques, outcomes analysis, cytopathology, clinical immunology, clinical microbiology, neuropathology and hematology.

Histoplasmosis is a fungal disease that is widely endemic in much of the world. In the central United States, including the broad reaches of the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys, the majority of adults are infected with the causative fungus. Most infected individuals handle this infection well, but a few do become sick. Over the years there have been a number of outbreaks or epidemics with many persons becoming severely ill and some dying as a result. This is the story of the discovery of histoplasmosis in 1905 and the subsequent development of knowledge concerning its etiology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnostic challenges, clinical manifestations, and treatment. Uniquely qualified to tell this tale, Daniel and Baum base their study on original source material not previously available.

The story of histoplasmosis spans the twentieth century, from its discovery by Samuel Taylor Darling in Panama to the development of effective drug treatment near the century's end. The book epitomizes the growth of medical knowledge through the confluence of ideas and information arising from the work of many individual investigators, a recurrent theme in the history of medicine. Daniel and Baum include much original and previously unreported material derived from BauM's direct involvement with the unraveling of the pathogenesis of the disease and his personal knowledge of the people and events detailed in this book.

Non-neoplastic Lesions of the Oral Cavity; Odontogenic Lesions;? Nasal Cavity, Paranasal Sinuses, and Nasopharynx; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity and Oropharynx; Larynx and Hypopharynx; Salivary Glands; Bone Lesions

This volume explores some of the most exciting recent advances in basic research on animal models of molecular pathology.

This volume covers microbiological, clinical and patophysiological aspects of sepsis and also provides general overview chapters with every chapter discussing the real clinical impact of the discussed diagnostic approaches. Sepsis is a major clinical problem that takes an inordinate toll on human lives and economical resources. It is widely recognized that inappropriate treatment is associated with a dramatic increase in mortality, especially within the first hours, therefore clinical and microbiological diagnosis are of pivotal importance in the management of septic patients. Written in the 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 protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible, Sepsis: Diagnostic Methods and Protocols seeks to serve both professionals and novices with its well-honed methodologies in an effort to further our knowledge of this life-threatening illness.

This volume focuses on the role of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and its analogs in the induced sequestration of lymphocytes in secondary lymphoid organs or in the microenvironment of tissues involved in infection or autoimmune disease. Initial chapters define the pathways to understand S1P signaling. They cover the organization of signaling systems, the structural biology of the S1P1 receptor, and the chemical and genetic tools that are available and useful to explore this area of research and therapeutics. The later chapters highlight S1P and endothelial integrity, lymphocyte migration in the spleen, and S1P agonist in controlling immunopathologic manifestations of acute respiratory influenza virus infection (in the lung), and its accompanying cytokine storm as well as immunopathologic disease of the central nervous system, including the beginning of treatments in multiple sclerosis. One chapter reveals the possible involvement of other lipid molecules, their use for better understanding lipid signaling, and their potential in the modulation of immune responses.

Although antiviral drugs have been successfully developed for some viral diseases, there remains a clear, unmet medical need to develop novel antiviral agents for the control and management of many viruses that currently have no or limited treatment options as well as a need to overcome the limitations associated with the existing antiviral drugs, such as adverse effects and emergence of drug-resistant mutations. The second edition of Antiviral Methods and Protocols features: All chapters are new and written by experts in the field, reflecting the major recent technical advances in antiviral research and discovery. This edition focuses on many important human viruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), hepatitis viruses (hepatitis B and C viruses), herpes viruses, human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza virus, while also featuring some important emerging viruses, such as dengue virus, West Nile virus, and chikungunya virus. As a volume in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, 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. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, Antiviral Methods and Protocols, Second Edition will serve as an excellent laboratory reference for pharmaceutical and academic biologists, medicinal chemists, and pharmacologists as well as for virologists in the field of antiviral research and drug discovery.

This book provides in-depth information on all key aspects of geminivirus biology, e.g. the genetics and evolution, global diversity and spread of these plant pathogens, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying their virulence. Geminiviridae is one of the largest viral families, comprising numerous plant-infecting viruses that cause diseases in crops and weeds. These diseases have been reported from nearly all continents, in particular Asia, Europe, Africa and America. The book summarizes the current state of knowledge on the interactions between plant host and virus. In addition, it discusses advances regarding the trans-replication of satellite molecules and its effect on geminiviral pathogenesis, as well as pest management strategies to combat these diseases in the field. Given its scope, the book is a must-read reference guide for all researchers and advanced students working in virology, agriculture and plant biotechnology..

This comprehensive volume examines the current state of free radical biology and its impact on otology, laryngology, and head and neck function. The chapters collectively highlight the interrelationship of basic and translational studies in each area, define the challenges to translation, and identify the existing basic issues that demand investigation as well as the opportunities for novel intervention to prevent and treat ENT pathology and impairment. In each chapter, or in some cases pairs of chapters, the author(s) have included or married issues of basic research with translational challenges and research, thus defining the pathway by which new basic insights may lead to interventions to prevent or treat impairment. The final chapter of this book reflects a meeting of all the contributors, culminating in a discussion and "white paper" that identifies the challenges to the field and defines the studies and collaborations that may lead to improved understanding of free radical biology in ENT and, subsequently, new interventions to medically treat ENT pathology.

Clinically accessible information for pathologists on histology, molecular pathology, differential diagnosis, and clinical overview is presented. Common and rare entities are covered with an abundance of images to highight key features.
Topics for pathologists covering soft tissue pathology include: Soft Tissue Pseudosarcomas; Spindle cell sarcomas; Myofibroblastoma, Myofibroma and Myopericytoma; Peripheral nerve sheath tumors; Clear cell lesions; Primitive round cell neoplasms; Plexiform neoplasms; Myxoid neoplasms; Epithelioid lesions; Lesions featuring giant cells; Gastrointestinal tract mesenchymal lesions;? Liposarcomas