The discovery of C-reactive protein in the laboratory of O. T. Avery at Rockefeller University in 1929-30 was the first specific obser- vation of the acute phase plasma protein response (Tillett and Francis 1930). This was one of three contributions of fundamental importance which emerged from that laboratory, the other two being the recognition that polysaccharides could act as antigens and that DNA transmits genetic information. In the course of charac- terization of pneumococcal carbohydrate antigens, a somatic poly- saccharide common to all Rand S forms of pneumococci was identified and designated Fraction "C" (Tillet et al. 1930). Testing of sera from patients with pneumococcal infection revealed the presence of material which precipitated with the C-polysaccharide but which differed from antibody in that calcium was required for the reaction. Furthermore, the amount of reactive material was greatest when patients were acutely ill and decreased in the convalescent phase, the precise opposite of specific anti-pneumo- coccal antibodies. Subsequently, the C-reactive material was shown to be a protein and to be present in the sera of individuals who were acutely ill with other, non-pneumococcal infections and tissue damaging conditions, hence Avery coined the term "acute phase" and called the protein "acute phase protein" (Abernethy and Avery 1941; MacLeod and Avery 1941). At that time methods were too insensitive to detect C-reative protein (CRP) in sera of healthy subjects and it was considered to be a pathological product.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH: Volume III: Intramural Research contains a broad overview of the research activity of the NIAID intramural scientists working in the Division of Intramural Research (DIR) and the Vaccine Research Center (VRC), both in the Bethesda campus, and the Rocky Mountains Research Laboratories. Each of these laboratories employs scientists internationally recognized as leaders in their fields of biomedical research.

This volume focuses on individual research contributions by internationally known scientists doing research in the NIAID laboratories.

Based on a symposium covering latest research, this volume contains contributions by international experts. They investigate the role that viruses play in certain diseases, and include discussions of animal models and human trials. Some of the chapters cover specifically: streptococci and rheumatic heart disease, Epstein-Barr infection and cancer, and molecular mimicry and autoimmune disease.

With this book we* want to address young graduate students, clini cians involved in transplantation, and technicians in transplantation immunology laboratories. The volume should give a comprehensive but basic, up to date introduction to the structure, function, and clinical importance of the HLA system. We believe that there is a need for such a survey, and think that the present level of our knowledge is an optimal occasion for publication. A significant number of ques tions have now been resolved, and our knowledge has reached a level of sophistication that provides the basis for additional questions and answers. Although the emphasis of this book is on the role of HLA anti gens in clinical transplantation, their involvement in other clinical contexts is also discussed. The main focus is on the human MHC an tigenic system, but MHC systems in other species are described as they contribute to our understanding of the structural and functional characteristics of HLA antigens. Some important issues related to laboratory techniques are also covered. The contributors have a close affiliation to the field of transplan tation immunology. A majority have even been playing important roles in unraveling the HLA system and its functions. We believe this has contributed significantly to the quality and clinical and practical relevance of the book. As editors, we drew up the principal guidelines and took care that the chapters can be read as separate entities, although this invariably results in some overlapping.

Scientists may feel that there are too many meetings these days, and we tend to agree on this until it comes to our own field of interest. In our own areas we would like to hear about other people's achievements and learn whatever may be helpful in the search for answers to our own pet questions. Exchange of ideas, discussions, and critical evaluations are almost as essential to progress as the actual laboratory work. These were the major motives which initiated our own efforts, with the support of Dr. Earle H. Spaulding, the Chairman of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Temple University School of Medicine, to bring to gether for the first time specialists from various disciplines who are attempt ing to achieve the same thing, i. e., the clarification of the chemical and immunological nature of different cellular antigens. Instead of publishing the proceedings of the conference, it was decided that we would attempt to review achievements in the different subjects as well as report the latest developments from our own laboratories. Thus we hope to give scientists involved in this explosively growing field not only an up-to-date report, but also a useful source of relevant references. Despite these efforts and aspirations, we realize that this book is not a complete survey of all known cellular antigens. We tried to present major representations of the most important cell types."

When I entered the field of allergy in the early 1970s, the standard textbook was a few hundred pages, and the specialty was so compact that texts were often authored entirely by a single individual and were never larger than one volume. Compare this with Allergy Frontiers: Epigenetics, Allergens, and Risk Factors, the present s- volume text with well over 150 contributors from throughout the world. This book captures the explosive growth of our specialty since the single-author textbooks referred to above. The unprecedented format of this work lies in its meticulous attention to detail yet comprehensive scope. For example, great detail is seen in manuscripts dealing with topics such as "Exosomes, naturally occurring minimal antigen presenting units" and "Neuropeptide S receptor 1 (NPSR1), an asthma susceptibility gene." The scope is exemplified by the unique approach to disease entities normally dealt with in a single chapter in most texts. For example, anaphylaxis, a topic usually confined to one chapter in most textbooks, is given five chapters in Allergy Frontiers. This approach allows the text to employ multiple contributors for a single topic, giving the reader the advantage of being introduced to more than one vi- point regarding a single disease.

When I entered the field of allergy in the early 1970s, the standard textbook was a few hundred pages, and the specialty was so compact that texts were often authored entirely by a single individual and were never larger than one volume. Compare this with Allergy Frontiers: Epigenetics, Allergens, and Risk Factors, the present s- volume text with well over 150 contributors from throughout the world. This book captures the explosive growth of our specialty since the single-author textbooks referred to above. The unprecedented format of this work lies in its meticulous attention to detail yet comprehensive scope. For example, great detail is seen in manuscripts dealing with topics such as "Exosomes, naturally occurring minimal antigen presenting units" and "Neuropeptide S receptor 1 (NPSR1), an asthma susceptibility gene." The scope is exemplified by the unique approach to disease entities normally dealt with in a single chapter in most texts. For example, anaphylaxis, a topic usually confined to one chapter in most textbooks, is given five chapters in Allergy Frontiers. This approach allows the text to employ multiple contributors for a single topic, giving the reader the advantage of being introduced to more than one vi- point regarding a single disease.

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."

The number of children with allergies is astounding-nearly one child in six is said to suffer from some sort of allergy. The problems of these allergic children can be as mild as occasional attacks of hay fever or as severe as disfiguring eczema and life-threatening bronchial asthma. In addition to the obvious health problems associated with having allergies, affected children may experience recurring colds, painful ear infections, and other allergy linked conditions, all of which cause frequent school absences. Childhood allergies affect school performance adversely; they may be instrumental in reducing attention span, and they are certainly a major social, psychologi cal, and financial burden for children and their parents. This book is a complete guide to childhood allergies presented in simple jargon-free language. It provides parents with comprehensive, up-to-date, and practical information and advice on how to help their allergic children. It identifies the many allergic symptoms, tells what they look like, how prevalent they are, what causes them, and what to do about them. It outlines steps parents can take to help their children understand, manage, and control their allergies. Its goal is to help parents and children cope effectively with a major childhood problem."

When I entered the field of allergy in the early 1970s, the standard textbook was a few hundred pages, and the specialty was so compact that texts were often authored entirely by a single individual and were never larger than one volume. Compare this with Allergy Frontiers: Epigenetics, Allergens, and Risk Factors, the present s- volume text with well over 150 contributors from throughout the world. This book captures the explosive growth of our specialty since the single-author textbooks referred to above. The unprecedented format of this work lies in its meticulous attention to detail yet comprehensive scope. For example, great detail is seen in manuscripts dealing with topics such as "Exosomes, naturally occurring minimal antigen presenting units" and "Neuropeptide S receptor 1 (NPSR1), an asthma susceptibility gene." The scope is exemplified by the unique approach to disease entities normally dealt with in a single chapter in most texts. For example, anaphylaxis, a topic usually confined to one chapter in most textbooks, is given five chapters in Allergy Frontiers. This approach allows the text to employ multiple contributors for a single topic, giving the reader the advantage of being introduced to more than one vi- point regarding a single disease.

The international workshop on "Specificity and Function of Clonally Developing T Cells" was held at SchloG Rei- sensburg (near UIm, West Germany) on March 17-20, 1985. The meeting brought together immunologists study- ing clonal T-cell development in man and mouse in various in vitro systems at the cellular as well as molecular level. It was an attempt to provide an overview of the current research interests of groups working on (a) the developmen- tal potential of in vitro expanding primary T-cell clones (investigated using limiting dilution analysis) and cloned T -cell lines established in long-term culture; (b) the signals required for the expression of particular patterns of (func- tional and antigen receptor) phenotypes by T cells which are either freshly explanted in vitro, or maintained in vitro as cloned long-term lines; and (c) the generation of an MHC-restricted T-cell repertoire. In the study of thymocytes emphasis has shifted towards the presumably immature adult/embryonic subset(s) which is (are) devoid of subset-specific differentiation markers (L3T4, Lyt-2). Neither the signal requirement(s) for clonal expansion in vitro of these cells, nor their precursor role for any functional T -cell lineage are as yet unambiguously established. The multiple modes of human T-cell activation (e.g., via Tp44, T11, T3/Ti molecular complexes) were em- phasized by a number of presentations and raised the ques- tion of whether these different modes of activation induce different functional activities in individual T-cell clones.

First published in 1993, this book provides a concise, critical account of the mental health aspects of HIV infection as it affected patients, their partners and families, health professionals and other carers in the early 1990s. The author, whose research, teaching and practice were conducted in an academic department of psychiatry, offers a considered and objective overview of the information on psychological and behavioural aspects of AIDS and HIV, challenging a number of ill-founded attitudes and opinions. Prefaced by clear explanations of the biological and neurological effects of infection, the particular and often very complex problems encountered by patients and health workers are explored in this volume. The author provides an informed assessment of reports and studies from around the world, including, where available, data from developing countries. He also contributes case histories, insights and practical advice for a wide readership in the mental health field and beyond.

With the advent of transgenic technology, which allows the identification of specific gene activities in developing mammalian organisms, the house mouse has once again taken a very important place in experimental research as one of the genetically best understood mammals. More than ever, molecular biologists are in need of a detailed, standardized description of the anatomy of the developing mouse embryo. In this classic compendium, now brought up to date and corrected, the author presents each stage of mouse development in photographs and micrographs using hybrids of two inbred strains as a standard. Organ systems are systematically reconstructed from fertilization until after birth. Molecular biologists tracing the effects of genetic manipulations, as well as students and researchers of developmental biology, will appreciate the renewed availability of this standard reference work for its unparalleled accuracy, its attention to anatomical detail, and the extent of its documentation.

More than 140 years ago, lupus erythematosus (LE) was recognized as a disease entity by clinicians working in the field of dermatology, which had only recently become an independent medical discipline. Soon after cutaneous lupus was first reported, it was realized that, apart from the skin, the disease could involve other organs and thus be systemic in nature. The latter observations were first made by MORITZ KApOSI [1], whose work has attracted renewed attention re cently and who succeeded FERDINAND VON HEBRA to the chair of dermatology at the Medical Faculty in Vienna. The early description of lupus erythematosus in both its cutaneous and systemic manifes tations was thus intimately associated with Vienna and its Medical School. The next phase in the study of lupus was characterized by an in crease in knowledge of the type and extent of organ involvement. The work by OSLER [2], LIBMANN and SACKS [3], and KLEMPERER [4] best represents these advances. The increase in clinical knowledge of LE finally led to DUBOIS' famous monograph [5], which was pub lished at a time of renewed interest in SLE, elicited by the descrip tion by HARGRAVES et al. [6] of the LE-cell phenomenon. A more detailed analysis of this finding revealed that the disease was charac terized by an abnormal immune response, although its pathogenetic implications were still unclear.

Childhood allergies are booming, but what if there was a way to prevent allergies in the first place? What if simple lifestyle changes in the critical first 1000 days could change your baby's life? For families across the world, eczema, asthma, hay fever and food allergies are constant anxieties, sometimes with devastating consequences. Leading gastroenterologist Dr Vincent Ho has taken a deep dive into the exploding medical field of gut health and explains that from conception to birth, and from breastfeeding to the introduction of solid foods, small steps go a long way in preventing allergies and fortifying your baby's immune system. Dr Ho cuts through the scientific jargon to provide strategies for allergy management and treatment, and shows you how to strengthen your child's gut health for the long term - all before they begin to walk. The Healthy Baby Gut Guide is packed with sensible advice, surprising scientific discoveries and even a nutritionist-approved nine-week infant meal plan to help parents navigate the introduction of common allergenic foods. Practical, easy-to-follow and utterly eye-opening, this book is essential reading for every parent and parent-to-be. 'Essential reading for every parent and parent-to-be.' - Dr Rupy Aujla, Author & Founder, The Doctor's Kitchen 'This is a really useful guide. Dr Vincent Ho has put together an easy to read and understand book on how to reduce allergies in children. I highly recommend this book in your list of baby books to read.' - Dr Sonny Chong, Consultant Paediatrician and Gastroenterologist, Queen Mary's Hospital for Children 'A terrific evidence-based guide to help parents foster the optimum gut health for their babies. As a mother and scientist, I will turn to this book time and time again. Dr Ho is clearly and expert in his field, navigating a tricky subject with admirable ease and dexterity.' - Dr Saliha Mahmood Ahmed

The book "The Fundamentals of Hypersensitivity and Allergy" comprises of seven chapters and describes the historical perspective, causes and classification of hypersensitivities, which are important in understanding the current issues regarding conditions in which the immune system which normally serves a protective role has a harmful effect. This book describes the original concept of hypersensitivity and allergy and how sensitive individuals respond to different allergens, drugs and other agents, where the body reacts with an exaggerated immune response that ultimately results in tissue damage. The classification of hypersensitive reactions given by Gell and Coombs with the modifications made to the previous classification are described in detail. Different types of hypersensitivities, their process, the contribution of various cells and molecules to normal immune responses and to hypersensitive reactions are discussed separately. The examples for different types of immune responses are described thoroughly to get a proper understanding of the topic. The clinical manifestations of different types of hypersensitivities and their means of prevention, evaluation and management are also depicted in separate chapters with clear insight. Lastly, the airborne allergens responsible for the allergy, different types of aeroallergens, their effects and allergies caused by them are described. The effect of climate change on aeroallergen production, various diagnostic tests for detection of aero-allergy with their prevention and control are discussed in detail separately. The book contains a reasonable number of diagrams, flowcharts and tables. Besides this, various interesting and self-explanatory illustrations are incorporated to make the book useful to the students for whom it is written. The question bank, which includes long answer type, short answer type and multiple choice questions with their answers at the very end of each chapter, is developed to get a full grasp of the topic.

AIDS ist immer noch eine nicht zu vernachlassigende Erkrankung in Deutschland. Nur der Arzt, der die Symptome richtig zu deuten vermag, wird fruhzeitig an eine HIV-Infektion denken. Das vorliegende Werk erlautert aber vor allem aber auch die neuesten Therapieverfahren. Durch regelmassige Folgelieferungen (etwa 3 pro Jahr) bleiben Sie immer auf dem aktuellsten Stand Forschung und koennen Ihre Patienten optimal betreuen.

Menschen mit chronischen Atemwegsbeschwerden die "Angst beim Atmen" zu nehmen und ihnen Hilfen fur den Umgang mit den gefurchteten akuten Notsituationen anzubieten, ist das Ziel dieses Patientenratgebers. Die Autorin, eine in der Behandlung von Erkrankungen des Atemapparates erfahrene Physiotherapeutin, hat speziell fur sie atemtherapeutische Ubungen und Massnahmen, Tips zum Einsatz von Hilfsmitteln und Verhaltensstrategien fur den Alltag zusammengestellt.
Bereits wahrend der Rehabilitationsphase kann dieses Buch Patienten therapiebegleitend vermitteln, wie sie spater im Alltag mit den Folgen ihrer Krankheit zurechtkommen und ihre Symptome jederzeit gezielt beeinflussen konnen."

Die Anzahl der Allergiekranken in Deutschland wird auf 30 Millionen geschatzt. Ihre arztliche Versorgung erfordert sehr grosse Erfahrung. Grundlegend ist die korrekte Diagnose. Entsprechend der Vielfalt allergischer Krankheitsbilder sind die diagnostischen Methoden vielfaltig und differenziert einzusetzen. Qualifizierte Spezialisten aus allen allergologisch tatigen Fachgebieten stellen in diesem Buch das gesamte Spektrum der Diagnostik dar."

Dieses Buch gibt eine aktuelle Ubersicht uber pathogenetische Grundlagen, Effekte und mogliche Nebenwirkungen der immunologisch wirksamen Therapie bei Multipler Sklerose. Die Ergebnisse der ersten kontrollierten Langzeitstudie mit Cyclosporin A bzw. Azathioprin im deutschen Sprachraum werden vorgestellt. Anhand des hierbei gewonnenen Materials wird auch die Rolle der magnetischen Resonanztomographie und der immunologischen Untersuchungen in der Therapiesteuerung diskutiert.