Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) is an incurable connective tissue disease of unknown etiology. Three key processes play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis: immune dysregulation and inflammation, endothelial injury and vasculopathy, and fibrosis. Tissue fibrosis is the dominant and characteristic feature that affects the skin and visceral organs. Life expectancy of scleroderma patients has improved over recent years, mainly because of better treatment of organ involvement and complications; however, no curative disease-modifying therapies exist to date. This book aims to provide students, trainees, rheumatologists, and other specialists interested in this disease with a comprehensive overview of novel pathogenetic mechanisms, management approaches, and therapeutic targets of several major vascular and fibrotic manifestations, and is useful insight into a number of usually neglected aspects of scleroderma.

An autoimmune disorder in which the connective tissue of the body gets affected is known as systemic sclerosis or systemic scleroderma. It is classified into two forms - non-systemic and systemic. The systemic condition can be limited or diffuse. Limited scleroderma is characterized by Raynaud's phenomenon, sclerodactyly, telangiectasia, esophageal dysfunction and calcinosis. Diffuse scleroderma, in contrast, can cause pulmonary, musculoskeletal, renal and gastrointestinal complications. The prognosis of systemic sclerosis is different for the diffuse and limited forms of the disease. So far, the underlying cause of sclerosis is not understood. There is no cure for scleroderma but its symptoms are managed with therapy. This book provides significant information of the modern research dimensions in systemic sclerosis to help develop a good understanding of its assessment and clinical management. It explores all the important aspects of systemic sclerosis in the present day scenario. For someone with an interest and eye for detail, this book covers the most significant topics in immunology.

Comprised of the authoritative work of international experts, this fully-updated second edition of Scleroderma builds upon the well-regarded approach in the first edition to provide integrated, concise, and up-to-date synthesis of current concepts of pathogenesis and modern approaches to management of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). With a multidisciplinary approach to comprehensive care, this book is easily accessible for health care professionals in many fields. The new edition includes extensive updated material based on major developments in the field, with new chapters on personalized medicine, cancer complications, global perspectives on scleroderma, and more. It presents a succinct and thoughtful synthesis of current pathomechanistic concepts, providing a valuable reference tool for basic and translational investigators working in the field. Scleroderma: From Pathogenesis to Comprehensive Management serves as an essential, all-inclusive resource for rheumatologists, pulmonologists, cardiologists, gastroenterologists, nephrologists and all those involved in the care of scleroderma patients.

Copy 2, Gift of Mrs. E. Carwile LeRoy, 2009.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, and the pathogenesis of this neoplasm is probably one of the most studied. The knowledge obtained over time has led to the development of screening and early diagnosis systems, allowing a significant reduction in the incidence of this neoplasm. However, what is currently known probably represents only the tip of the iceberg of the biology of this tumor. It was recently shown that the gut microbiota may contribute to colorectal cancerogenesis. In addition, several novel targeted therapies are now applied to patients with colorectal carcinoma. Nonetheless, several questions are still unanswered. Could the modulation of the gut microbiota modify the risk of tumor progression or the efficacy of therapies? Are there any predictive biomarkers of the risk of tumor progression or the efficacy of target therapies? Is metastatic colorectal cancer one or more diseases? This book collects a series of scientific articles reflecting part of the state of the art regarding colorectal cancer, seeking to answer these questions.