Only in very recent times have therapies been developed that are specific to a particular manifestation of autoimmune disease, and these have begun to replace the all-purpose remedies of the past 30 years. This volume, which draws on the principles of immunology presented in Volume 1050 ("Autoimmunity: Concepts and Diagnosis at the Cutting Edge"), extends these concepts to the realm of clinical findings and current therapy for many autoimmune and connective tissue disorders.

Both organ-specific and organ-nonspecific diseases are covered, and one section is entirely focused on treatment. Treatments using cytokines, chemokines, cognate receptors, and genetic interactions are particularly prominent in these reports, and attention is also paid to the increasing use of intravenous imunoglobulins and both monoclonal and imunosuppressive agents. A therapeutic void remains, but the work reported on here contributes considerably to the effort to fill that void.

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Chemical Intolerance identifies phenolic (aromatic) chemical compounds present in natural foodstuffs, pollens, certain food additives, tobacco smoke, perfumes, air pollution, etc., as nonimmunologic, but pharmacologic activators of allergic reactions in chemically intolerant individuals. Biochemical pathway sequences, with supporting scientific literature, are outlined to elucidate the mechanisms associated with formation of inflammatory mediators (prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes) upon activation by phenolic compounds and other chemical stimulants. The role of these inflammatory agents in respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurological, cardiovascular, and other disorders is discussed. Treatment modalities using precise dosages of selected phenolic compounds are outlined to provide clinicians with an effective means of therapy. The author also shares his own experience and personal findings based on 20 years of research, including his recommendations for therapy.

Allergy and Allergic Diseases has been organized to provide an up-to-date, clinically relevant compilation of one of the most exciting areas of investigation in medicine today-allergic disease, especially as it pertains to the skin, airways, and bowel. With the dramatic rise in the incidence of various allergic disorders worldwide, and the coming of age of the discipline of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, the interface between basic and clinical science in this arena demands highlighting in this comprehensive new syn thesis.1t is with the hope of filling this evident need that Allergy and Allergic Diseases: The New Mechanisms and Therapeutics has been put together. The book's content is divided into both basic and clinical sections, with emphasis on various components of the immune and inflammatory response as they relate to the development of allergic disease. Topics span the range from molecular biology to clinical symptomatology, with an effort to make this of interest to as broad a constituency as possible. This book will therefore be of substantial interest to specialists in Clinical Immunology and Allergy, scientists studying the cellular and molecular biology of in flammation and immunity, as well as internists, teachers, developers of medical school curricula, and members of industry focused on drug discovery and therapeutics. Indeed, a separate section has been added to deal with some specific issues in this latter field."

This comprehensive book presents an evidence-based approach to treating asthma in adults aged 65 and older, a vulnerable subset of patients who are more likely to experience higher morbidity and mortality rates, and often enduring higher financial burdens related to treatment. Treatment of Asthma in Older Adults: A Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Guide is a unique resource, providing an up-to-date review of medication strategies, how asthma phenotypes and treatment decisions interact, and how controlling asthma triggers impacts long-term asthma outcomes in older patients. Additionally, the book incorporates recent advances in alternative therapies that improve the patient's quality of life. Opening discussions address the unique challenges of the differential diagnosis of asthma in older adults, as well as an examination of the significant medical comorbidities that co-exist with asthma. Subsequent chapters provide strategies to optimizing asthma management in this specific population, including information on case management that will assist allied health providers. Finally, the book closes with an analysis of several novel targets for therapy to treat severe asthma including biologics, macrolides and bronchial thermoplasty. Written by experts in the field, Treatment of Asthma in Older Adults: A Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Guide is an indispensable resource for allergists, pulmonologists, family physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and all other allied clinicians.

Leading clinical experts survey the latest information available on the key rheumatic and allergic issues that physicians face in treating the HIV-infected patient. The physicians focus on the rheumatologic and dermatologic manifestations of HIV-1 infection, which include arthritis, myopathies, vasculitis, sicca syndrome, other autoimmune phenomena, and psoriasis. They also examine the question of allergic reactions in HIV patients, including drug hypersensitivity, with special attention given to adverse reactions to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, the most frequently prescribed anti-infective. Practical advice for the diagnosis and treatment of these problems is given in full.

Whatever affects one part of the respiratory system may affect all other parts. It's common for an allergy that festers to lead to sinusitis and then to asthma. But all these conditions involve your whole body. That's why you need to learn how to engage the healing attributes of your entire body to cure the full range of respiratory problems. As a longtime, highly regarded practitioner, Dr. Grossan has adopted a holistic methodology for allergy and sinus health in addition to conventional medical practices. He advocates what he calls the "Whole Body Approach" (WBA) that includes "tools needed to take charge of your own healing." For instance, to promote natural healing in the nose, Dr. Grossan recommends humming, because "the vibration of the sound stimulates your nasal cilia [tiny hairs] to move faster" which "breaks up thick mucus that may impede cilia movement" following an allergy season. Humming loudly and in a low frequency - such as ooommmm - doesn't allow harmful bacteria to build up which can produce the toxins that cause sinus disease. Dr. Grossan, also, recommends using pulse-wave nasal irrigation and drinking hot lemon/lime drinks or teas with honey for positive cilia movement and allergy relief. Dr. Grossan bases his WBA on new discoveries about how the body heals, particularly psychoneuroimmunology, the study of the interaction between psychological processes and the nervous and immune systems. Relaxation, smiling, humour, biofeedback and five-sensory visualisation are in this tool kit. Some WBA activities he suggests are common-sense practices. For instance, when dealing with a seasonal allergy, avoid getting chilled and get good sleep. While Dr. Grossan discusses sound, time-tested medical practices for everything from sinus headaches to postnasal drip, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pollution-induced bronchial inflammation, asthma, snoring, loss of smell or taste, surgery and paediatric issues, he raises WBA for every issue. Lacing the text with humorous examples of how unconventional healing techniques cured people, Dr. Grossan has written a comprehensive review of the latest treatments, both holistic and medical, for the full range of respiratory ailments.

Challenging Cases in Allergic and Immunologic Diseases of the Skin offers clinicians a wide range of challenging cases that are certain to provide hours of thoughtful and instructive review. Using a case study format and including excellent quality color images, Challenging Cases in Allergic and Immunologic Diseases of the Skin consists of five parts and 20 chapters. The chapters cover such areas as allergic rhinitis, allergic diseases of the eye, drug-induced urticaria, cosmetic allergy, drug allergy, latex allergy, atopic dermatitis, vasculitis, and a range of other commonly seen disorders of the skin. Each chapter comprises at least two cases that are followed by a differential diagnosis, discussion, and five multiple choice questions for thoughtful stimulation and excellent value as a teaching tool. Comprehensive, concise, and well-designed in presentation, Challenging Cases in Allergic and Immunologic Diseases of the Skin is a one-of-a-kind resource that will become a standard resource for all clinicians who care for patients with allergic and immunologic diseases of the skin.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Fungal Infections, 2nd Edition is a thorough update to Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Mycoses. Globally recognized experts are brought together again to provide the latest research and clinical evidence on fungal infections and basic mycology. This concise text is divided into sections dedicated to the patient approach, laboratory and radiological diagnosis, antifungal agents, mycoses and instructive cases. Ideal for patient care or as a teaching guide, the busy infectious disease, hematology, oncology, pulmonology, or critical care specialist will find this resource to be a practical tool for diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with fungal infections.

The impairment of lung function caused by environmental exposure to pollutants and toxicants is a rising health problem, particularly in highly industrialized parts of the world. The problem is urgently calling for the development of new methodologies to assess both the level of elemental exposure and the effects for quality of health and longevity. This volume provides state-of-the-art information about the recent advances in occupational and non-occupational pollutant-related disorders of the respiratory tract, and the assessment of a threat they pose for the health-span. Heavy traffic-related air pollution, unnoticeable but salient health detriment, is dealt with at length.

Food allergy is an adverse immunological reaction to allergens present in food. Up to 4% adults and 8% children are affected by food allergy. The increase in allergic diseases to food has led to the need for better diagnostics and more effective therapeutic approaches. This book describes the molecular biology and immunology of major food allergens, from laboratory based science to clinical immunology, encompassing novel characterisation and quantification methods, the application of recombinant food allergens in molecular diagnosis and the development of novel therapeutics. This book is the ideal reference tool for researchers, students and allergy clinicians to accurately diagnose and manage food allergies.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH: Volume 2: Impact on Global Health covers the scientific aspects of the entire portfolio of NIAID, including microbiology and infectious disease, HIV/AIDS, and immunology and vaccines. All major diseases and the relevant immunology and vaccine development are described in detail. In addition, all major NIAID programs, initiatives, and clinical trials are discussed and illustrate the global involvement of NIAID in biomedical research and its impact on public health worldwide. By providing this information, the global scientific community will be able to access and benefit from these programs and initiatives.

No one in the family should feel left out when it comes to healthy eating, regardless of food allergies. In The Allergy-Friendly Cookbook, registered dietician Elizabeth Pecoraro teaches families with allergies to cook simple, healthy, delicious meals that are completely free of the top nine allergens: egg, milk, wheat, sesame, tree nuts, soy, fish, and shellfish. Pecoraro, whose own family struggles with child food allergies, offers 60 allergy-friendly recipes that won't take you hours to prepare and that your whole family will enjoy. With each recipe, she also provides substitution options, nutrition notes, and cooking tips. In addition, she shares which allergy-friendly manufacturers she trusts for her own family. The Allergy-Friendly Cookbook is a must-have resource for families who life with food allergies and want to feed their children healthy, safe meals.

Ditch processed foods and feed yourself and your family the cleanest, healthiest food on the planet by stocking your kitchen, shopping and cooking with Food Babe Kitchen. Over 100 mouthwatering recipes from Healing Turmeric Hummus and Glowing Green Juice to Sweet Potato Waffles with Cinnamon Whipped Butter and Almond Butter Freezer Fudge will show readers how delicious and simple it is to eat healthy, real food. Easy-to-follow directions, eye-catching photography and simple substitutions to accommodate vegan, dairy-free, grain-free and other diets, make this the ultimate guide to getting back into the kitchen to create healthful meals for yourself and those you love. Say good-bye to the Standard American Diet and set your own standards for your health! Now in paperback.

This book, besides reviewing basic and clinical aspects of Behcet's disease, covers the latest findings, including genetic studies and treatment with biologics for the disease. Although the cause of Behcet's disease is still unknown, it is well known that genetic factors, such as HLA-B51, are involved in its development. Recently, novel susceptibility loci including IL10, IL23R-IL12RB2, and endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 have been identified, providing new insights into the pathogenesis of the disease. In addition to basic research, the beneficial efficacy of anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibodies has also been suggested for not only uveitis associated with the disease but also other subtypes of the disease such as entero-, vasculo-, and neuro- Behcet's disease. Behcet's Disease: From Genetics to Therapies provides essential information both for basic researchers working in the fields of immunology, inflammation, and genetics, and for clinical physicians who are interested in Behcet's disease, such as ophthalmologists, rheumatologists, dermatologists, gastroenterologists, neurologists, and vascular surgeons.

This book focuses on clinical presentation, diagnostic processes and current management of systematic vasculitis, and for this second edition the Editors have updated the treatment approach and nomenclature in line with current practice. Systemic vasculitides are a group of disorders which are of increasing importance. Many of these conditions are only rarely encountered by general physicians and often present significant diagnostic challenges. The Editors aim to provide easily accessible information in a pocket sized format. In doing so they hope to help both the generalist but also rheumatologists who only encounter these problems occasionally.

Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs) are a heterogeneous group of inherited disorders characterized by different defects in the development and function of the immune system. This book aims to increase the clinical awareness and knowledge of practicing clinicians regarding the diagnosis and management of PIDs. In order to achieve this goal, about 90 cases drawn from real life are presented, along with approximately 300 related questions. The selected case reports are the result of the invaluable cooperation of more than 40 scientists in the field of immunodeficiency. They focus both on the presenting features of patients with PIDs and on the required further investigation and management. Each of the numbered cases is followed by the questions, their answers, and additional discussion. Each question focuses on a particular aspect of the PID under consideration, and the topics covered include clinical diagnosis, laboratory findings, molecular mechanisms, and therapy.

Skin physiology assessment is moving rapidly from a descriptive approach to a deeper understanding of biophysical and biochemical processes in the stratum corneum, e.g. on stratum corneum barrier function as well on stratum corneum hydration. The research with bioengineering methods offers now reliable and reproducible approaches for product testing in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry as well as in basic research. This cookbook is intended to give basic information regarding skin physiology, the assessment of skin functions in controlled studies using non-invasive biophysical instruments. It provides basic knowledge on how to plan, perform and evaluate scientific studies. The authors are recognized expert in the field and provide comprehensive chapters with specific emphasis on the practical aspects of non-invasive measurements.

Cytokines and cytokine receptors remain an area of great interest for the development of targeted therapies for cutaneous inflammatory diseases. Anti-TNF therapeutics have proven to be effective in the treatment of psoriasis, and clinical investigations have now begun for other cytokine-directed therapies, such as those targeting IFN-g, IL-12p40, and IL-18. In addition to therapeutics that target cytokines directly, strategies that target cytokine signaling pathways are in development. This book summarizes the findings of the 56th International Workshop of the Ernst Schering Research Foundation that focused on "Cytokines as Potential Therapeutic Targets for Inflammatory Skin Diseases".

An AIDS vaccine is still elusive and HIV treatment continues to develop multidrug resistance at alarming rates. Because of the similarities between HIV and immune deficiency infections in a variety of animals, it is only natural that scientists use these animals as models to study pathogenesis, treatment, vaccine development and many other aspects of HIV. Part of the series Infectious Agents and Pathogenesis, this volume reviews the immune deficiency virus in a variety of hosts. Pathogenesis, vaccine and drug development, epidemiology, and the natural history of the monkey, mouse, cat, cow, horse, and other animal viruses are detailed and compared to HIV. Also included are chapters on the history and future of animal models, as well as a chapter on ethical and safety considerations in using animal models for AIDS studies.

Challenging Cases in Allergic and Immunologic Diseases of the Skin offers clinicians a wide range of challenging cases that are certain to provide hours of thoughtful and instructive review. Using a case study format and including excellent quality color images, Challenging Cases in Allergic and Immunologic Diseases of the Skin consists of five parts and 20 chapters. The chapters cover such areas as allergic rhinitis, allergic diseases of the eye, drug-induced urticaria, cosmetic allergy, drug allergy, latex allergy, atopic dermatitis, vasculitis, and a range of other commonly seen disorders of the skin. Each chapter comprises at least two cases that are followed by a differential diagnosis, discussion, and five multiple choice questions for thoughtful stimulation and excellent value as a teaching tool. Comprehensive, concise, and well-designed in presentation, Challenging Cases in Allergic and Immunologic Diseases of the Skin is a one-of-a-kind resource that will become a standard resource for all clinicians who care for patients with allergic and immunologic diseases of the skin.

This is the first book to summarize all aspects of allergenic pollen: production, atmospheric distribution, and health impacts, as well as the means of monitoring and forecasting these phenomena. Based on a four-year effort by a large group of leading European scientists, this book highlights the new developments in research on allergenic pollen, including the modelling prospects and effects of climate change. The multidisciplinary team of authors offers insights into the latest technology of detection of pollen and its allergenic properties, forecasting methods, and the influence of allergenic pollen on the population. The comprehensive coverage in this book makes it an indispensible volume for anyone dealing with allergenic pollen worldwide. Readers involved in environmental health, aerobiology, medicine, and plant science will find this book of interest.

It was an extraordinary pleasure for me, as the secretary general, to organise, with my collaborators, this Second International Symposium on Antibiotic Resistance in the Castle of Smolenice in Czechoslovakia. We all appreciated many offers all participants must have spent to attend this Symposium and we were glad to do our best to prepare this meeting in a suitable and convenient way. We gathered in Smolenice Castle after the significant International Congress on Che motherapy in September 1973 in Athens. We had the chance of getting acquainted, on that world-wide forum, with the latest information about bacterial resistance to anti biotics. It was possible at that Congress to outline main topics of interest in the field of bacterial resistance to antibiotics which then have been placed on the programme of the subsequent Smolenice Symposium. Undoubtedly, enzymatic mechanisms by which bacteria can inactivate older and newer antibacterial drugs and which can be transmitted and spread among bacterial strains, have both medical as well as theoretical priority. Dealing specially with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is highly urgent at present from the clinical, hygienical and genetical point of view. We have realised that antibiotics have ceased to be "magic bullets" which hit the microorganisms without discrimination. Today we urgently consider the question what should be done in the area of "antibiotic policy" to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics for the future.

The International Congress on Antiphospholipid Antibodies is held every three years to discuss the recent advances and future directions in Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS). This volume collects the scientific highlights and new findings about APS that were generated from the most recent 13th Congress, held in Galveston, Texas in 2010. Chapters were written by an internationally-distinguished group of scientists from the point-of-view of multiple specialty areas. Each chapter was written in a uniform and systematic basis to present the latest evidence-based research, including the basic science of APS, task force reports from the Congress on controversial aspects of APS, and future directions of APS research. This book will appeal to all clinicians involved in the treatment and management of APS patients, to residents in a variety of medical subspecialties, and to research scientists interested in a better understanding of this complex and evolving disease.

We are celebrating this year the hundred years anniversary of allergen-specific immunotherapy. In 1911 Leonard Noon published his seminal work "Prophylactic inoculation against hay fever" describing his attempts to achieve active immunity against "grass pollen toxin" by administering increasing doses of grass pollen extract before the grass pollen season to allergic patients. Although it was unknown at that time that allergy represents an immunological hypersensitivity disease, the treatment was effective and many observations made by Noon remained valid until today. Today allergen-specific immunotherapy is well established as the only allergen-specific and disease-modifying treatment for IgE-mediated allergies and has long-lasting effects. In fact, more than 25% of the population suffer from IgE-mediated allergies which therefore represent a major health burden of our society, particularly because untreated allergy often progresses to severe disabling forms of disease, such as asthma and sometimes kills sensitized people through anaphylaxis.