The book presents recent advances in the field of angiogenesis and antiangiogenesis. Starting with the hypothesis of Judah Folkman that tumor growth is angiogenesis dependent, this area of research now has a solid scientific foundation. Tumor growth, metastasis, progression, dormancy and apoptosis depend on angiogenesis: several clinical studies have shown a positive correlation between the number of vessels in the tumor, metastasis formation and disease prognosis. A number of approaches have been developed to inhibit tumor angiogenesis, and numerous compounds discovered that inhibit angiogenesis, but only a few of them proved effective in vivo and only a couple of agents were able to induce tumor regression. These and other related developments described in the book should prove to be of interest to a large number of readers wishing to keep abreast with the latest developments in the field.

Tumor development and progression are multi-factorial processes, in which genomic alterations and modifications in gene expression in pre-malignant cells are joined by deleterious microenvironmental factors. The tumor microenvironment contains stroma cells and leukocytes, soluble factors and matrix components. The intensive interplay that exists between the host factors and the tumor cells plays a major role in dictating the final outcome of the malignant process. Inflammatory mediators are pivotal microenvironmental factors present in the tumor milieu. These inflammatory components support cell growth and invasion, induce mutagenesis, increase angiogenicity, and suppress potential anti-tumor immune functions. The inflammatory constituents that prevail in tumors include leukocytes and soluble mediators - cytokines and chemokines. This e-book describes the roles played by these mediators in malignancy, and explains the basis for their consideration as therapeutic targets in cancer. The e-book is a timely overview of the roles played by inflammatory soluble mediators in neoplastic diseases. The topics addressed in this volume serve as a handy reference to investigators studying basic aspects of the malignant tumor growth, to clinicians who wish to better understand the processes involved in malignancy, and to pharmacological professionals seeking novel candidates for therapeutic intervention in cancer.

This e-book explains the essential role of angiogenesis in the progression and spread of the neoplasm, including the mechanics of initial carcinogenesis in promoting malignant transformation. The e-book deals with specific categories or subtypes of tumors with some emphasis on astrocytomas and glioblastoma multiforme. The process of carcinogenesis has been re-interpreted in terms of deranged physiologic principles and hence reference is made to what upsets homeostatic mechanisms. Readers of this e-book will have an opportunity to appreciate the essential role of angiogenesis not only in progression and spread of the neoplasm but especially also in the mechanics of initial carcinogenesis in promoting malignant transformation. This e-book should be a useful reference for scholars and clinicians interested in learning about cancer pathophysiology.

Cancer is a disease responsible for several million annual deaths among humans, worldwide. However, advances in healthcare - which include breakthroughs in science and medicine as well as access to medical treatment - have improved the survival rate of cancer patients over the last few decades.

Therapeutic Revolution relates the story of one of the great scientific tales of the twentieth century: how the field of medical oncology was created and its subsequent development owing to medical and scientific breakthroughs. The book unfolds the pre-clinical and clinical concepts and innovations that led to the creation of the medical subspecialty now known as oncology.

Therapeutic Revolution is the first book ever written on the events that led to this subspecialty of internal medicine. It relates the recollection of key events obtained from interviews of the pioneers who laid the foundations of medical oncology, as well as the author’s own experience of the pre-specialty era of medical practice.

The eBook is essential reading for all readers interested in the history of cancer treatment and also serves as a historical primer for medical students learning oncology.

Ever since the association between cancer and thrombosis was reported by Jean-Baptiste Bouillaud in the early 19th century, cancer-associated thrombosis has remained a challenging domain of cancer management. Thrombosis can at times be a lead to cancer diagnosis, while it often complicates medical situations as a coexisting disorder. In this handbook, the contributors have compiled comprehensive information on the subject to provide the reader a comprehensive review of current medical literature and guidelines for cancer-associated thrombosis. Key Features -clinically oriented text for application in healthcare settings -current, evidence-based literature reviews and references -includes guidelines on VTE prophylaxis, heparin effects and more -includes information about special cases Thrombosis in Cancer: A Medical Professional's Guide to Cancer Associated Thrombosis is an informative handbook for a broad range of readers in medicine, including generalists, residents, and graduate-level trainees.

Thyroid nodules have a high prevalence in populations where iodine deficiency rates are high and in people older than 50 years. Considering that only 5-10% of thyroid nodules are of malignant nature, it is apparent that the clinical issue is the cost-effective differential diagnosis between benign nodules and the malignant ones. This e-book addresses this key issue by giving readers a general overview on the clinical aspect of thyroid nodules and specific details on molecular characterization of the nodules. This e-book is particularly suitable for novice endocrinologists but laboratory biologists and technicians involved in the pre-surgical diagnosis of thyroid cancer can also benefit from the additional technical details offered in this text.

The technological level of upper limb prostheses has always been fairly poor so far if compared with that of other analogous systems (e.g. lower limb prostheses, assistive robots). However, there is no doubt that in the recent years the upper limb research stimulated the most exciting developments in prosthetic technology. Indeed, new terminal devices and novel articulations for the artificial arm have been recently proposed, and the control hardware, software and firmware are in continuous progress for the implementation of effective control options for the wearers as well as for an easier management of the electronic boards. Also the clinical treatment of the patients is significantly improving. This e-book illustrates significant milestones reached by the scientists in prosthetic research considering both technical issues and clinical features, and also sheds lights on new trends and future developments of this field.

A break in the proximal part of the tibia or shinbone region results in a Tibial plateau fracture. This type of bone damage results in the impaired motion and stability of the leg and the knee joint. Since this is a critical load-bearing region of the body, patients affected by these fractures have difficulty in carrying their body weight, which can cause major disability. Tibial plateau fractures commonly occur as a result of motor vehicle accidents in younger individuals and as a result of osteoporosis in elderly women. With appropriate medical guidance, patient rehabilitation is possible. This book is a concise handbook on key information about the diagnosis and treatment of Tibial plateau fractures. Chapters in this book cover the epidemiology of these types of bone fractures, diagnostic imaging, surgical treatment options and patient rehabilitation. The book is intended as a primer on Tibial plateau fractures for medical students and novice surgeons who aim to specialize in orthopaedic surgery. Readers will be able to understand how to manage relevant bone fracture cases which they encounter and will learn how to improve patient recovery after surgical procedures

The electrical response of cells to mechanical stimulus is known as mechanotransduction. This monograph is a summary of the mechanotransduction in musculoskeletal cells responsible for body tissue maintenance, support, cover and movement. While mechanotransduction is similar among these cells, there are also several important differences in mechanical parameters and cellular pathways characteristic to each cell type. Therefore, readers will have the opportunity to update their knowledge about the increasing volume of information on mechanotransduction in these cells gained from current research. The book features a primer on general aspects of cellular biomechanics and the experimental methods and equipment commonly used for investigating cellular mechanotransduction in vitro in two dimensional cultures in which cells are adherent to plastic surfaces. Characteristic mechanotransduction pathways in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), chondrocytes, osteoblasts and fibroblasts are described in the accompanying chapters. Finally, a description of clinical implementation of mechanical stimulation is presented with emphasis on distraction osteogenesis, involving osteoblast stimulation, and skin stretching techniques based on fibroblast stimulation. This monograph is a useful reference for readers involved in graduate courses or basic research in cell biology and musculoskeletal physiology.

Otolaryngology for the Pediatrician serves both as a primer as well as an instant reference for all medical practitioners caring for the pediatric patient. Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) diseases are very common in children and this e-book covers the vast majority of these conditions from an expert viewpoint with data published by respected medical professionals. Topics covered in this e-book include hearing loss, otitis media, neck masses and infections, sinusitis, stridor and many more. Readers with find actionable education needed to help care for their patients presented within simple, easy to read chapters.