Forensic pathologist Ryan Blumenthal works in a world few people are ever exposed to . . . the mortuary. He spends his days among the dead, uncovering how they died and whether a crime was committed.

To date, he has performed over 13 000 autopsies.

In Trace, Ryan takes readers behind the scenes of some of the strange death scenes he has attended, such as a shallow grave beside a river where a body was found with an amputated finger. He also shares rare and unusual cases, including a man who may have died from autoerotic asphyxia and a suspected poisoning that turned out to be a shooting. His work has brought him face to face with many kinds of unnatural deaths, including those caused by lightning strikes, wild animals, muti killings, and even a solitary wasp sting.

Through it all, Ryan sees himself as a voice for the voiceless, striving to bring justice to the dead and truth to their loved ones.

Locard’s Exchange Principle underpins all forensic science and holds that the perpetrator of a crime will bring something to the crime scene and leave with something from it.

Forensic experts use this principle daily to catch murderers and assailants. In Risking Life for Death, South African forensic pathologist Ryan Blumenthal offers a master class in this singular forensic technique based on real-life case studies. With more than twenty years’ experience in the field, Blumenthal explains how to look for clues and traces, and how what he does not find at autopsy is often more important than what he does find. In other words, the absence of evidence can sometimes be of greater value than the presence of evidence.

His account also highlights the dangers forensic pathologists are exposed to daily. As they try to unravel the puzzle of someone’s death, forensic pathologists often face life-threatening infections, toxic gases and the hazards associated with high-profile cases – in effect, risking their life to solve someone else’s death.

An understanding of Locard’s Exchange Principle can help you become a medical detective in your own life, can help you be a happier person and can even provide you with a better philosophy for growing older, Blumenthal argues.

This new edition provides trainees with a comprehensive review of cytopathology, presented as multiple choice questions with answers and detailed explanatory notes. Divided into twelve chapters, the book covers different body systems including the respiratory tract, breast, thyroid, lymph nodes, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and much more. Each topic covers key aspects of modern cytopathology including diagnostic criteria, reporting systems, ancillary testing modalities, molecular mechanisms of diseases, and clinico-pathological correlations. All chapters have been fully updated and questions are in line with those trainees may encounter in American Board of Pathology examinations. Key learning points are summarised at the end of each topic. Authored by renowned pathologist Fang Fan from City of Hope Medical Centre, California, the third edition of this book is highly illustrated with clinical images and figures. The previous edition (9789352700462) published in 2017.

Diverse specialised neuroglial cells guarantee the development, preservation, and health of the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, the enteric nervous system, and the special senses. In the central nervous system, it is the astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia that safeguard nerve cell function and integrity that controls all behaviours and encompasses the cerebral cortex of the brain which is the root of humanity. In the peripheral nervous system, Schwann cells play the leading role, together with satellite glial cells of the sensory and autonomic ganglia, ensuring correct communication between the organs and tissues with the brain and the spinal cord. In the enteric nervous system, specialised enteric glial cells maintain all aspects of gastrointestinal function. Then there are distinctive glial cells of the special senses that ensure how the body perceives and reacts to its environment. In pathology, neuroglia strive to protect the diverse cellular components of the nervous system and are responsible for a proactive programme of posttraumatic restructuring that is aimed at recovery of life-sustaining function. Neuroglia: Function and Pathology provides a highly original and comprehensive account of the physiology and pathophysiology of glial cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The first part of the book provides a far-reaching description of glial cell form and function, from their evolution in invertebrates to their complexity in humans, encompassing the developmental origin of the varied glial cell types and their diversity of morphology, molecular biology and cellular physiology. The second part of the book is devoted to an all-embracing evaluation of glial cell pathophysiology, commencing with definitive explanations of the fundamental pathologies of the main glial cell types, and ending in a systematic examination of glial contributions to specific neurological diseases. This book emphasises the central roles played by the different classes of neuroglial cells in the progression and outcome of neurological disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems and highlights potential of glial cells as therapeutic targets. The book contains more than 2500 key references from over 150 years of glial research and is superbly illustrated with over 350 original and explanatory full colour figures that describe the diverse characteristics and properties of glial cells in health and disease. Under the same cover, this book combines an authoritative reference book for research and clinical neuroscientists and at the same time serves as an instructive textbook for students of neuroscience, from undergraduates to postgraduates.

Characterization, Epidemiology and Management is the third volume in the Phytoplasma Diseases in Asian Countries series dedicated to the analysis of plant pathogens across Asia. Highlighting genomic studies and molecular approaches for rapid detection of phytoplasma diseases, the book discusses effective control measures for insect vectors across Asia. The chapters in this book discuss the latest biological controls and how best to manage and even eliminate phytoplasma diseases. This is an essential read for students, researchers and agriculturalists interested in plant pathology. Phytoplasma are microorganisms that are transmitted by insect vectors, infecting various different types of annuals and perennials and causing serious damage to crops across Asia.

Immunofluorescence is a key diagnostic tool in dermatopathology, and essential in the diagnosis of connective tissue diseases, vasculitis and other cutaneous disorders. The need to interpret the results of immunofluorescence testing, and correlate these with histopathological results, is a key skill required not just of dermatopathologists but also, increasingly, of dermatologists who either read the slides themselves or use a pathology lab or academic referral centre. Handbook of Direct Immunofluorescence covers not only day-to-day findings but also less common patterns and rarities, and gives information on important diagnostic pitfalls. Each chapter is dedicated to a specific disease and is introduced by concise text that describes the clinical presentation and pathogenesis: then, multiple images show the range of histopathological and immunofluorescence findings associated with the disease in question. Key points Practical, clinically oriented coverage provides invaluable resource for dermato-, oral and general pathologists, as well as dermatologists Includes invaluable information on technical aspects (specimen procurement, transportation, etc) as well as guidance on interpreting histopathological and immunofluorescence findings Pattern-based approach serves as logical framework for reaching a diagnosis, as well as understanding when to order additional tests and how to recognise nonspecific findings

A likeable young girl who’s burnt her family home to the ground.
A man with no memory of the night he killed his wife.
A teenager whose visions and voices have had murderous effect.

One question binds these and others from the casebook of Britain’s leading forensic psychiatrist: Why?

What drives a person to commit seemingly inexplicable crimes?

Dr Duncan Harding is the person the police and the courts turn to for answers. An expert witness, he must try to establish a defendant’s mental state and motivation. And their fitness to stand trial.

Growing up in a broken, violent home, Harding became a doctor because he wanted to be good and kind. It led him on a journey that has brought him face to face with psychopaths, taken him to the limits of his compassion and to the darkest corners of his own troubled past.

But he’s never turned away nor given up hope.

Forensic Genetic Approaches for Identification of Human Skeletal Remains: Challenges, Best Practices, and Emerging Technologies provides best practices on processing bone samples for DNA testing. The book outlines forensic genetics tools that are available for the identification of skeletal remains in contemporary casework and historical/archaeological investigations. Although the book focuses primarily on the use of DNA for direct identification or kinship analyses, it also highlights complementary disciplines often used in concert with genetic data to make positive identifications, such as forensic anthropology, forensic odontology, and forensic art/sculpting. Unidentified human remains are often associated with tragic events, such as fires, terrorist attacks, natural disasters, war conflicts, genocide, airline crashes, homicide, and human rights violations under oppressive totalitarian regimes. In these situations, extensive damage to soft tissues often precludes the use of such biological samples in the identification process. In contrast, bone material is the most resilient, viable sample type for DNA testing. DNA recovered from bone often is degraded and in low quantities due to the effects of human decomposition, environmental exposure, and the passage of time. The complexities of bone microstructure and its rigid nature make skeletal remains one of the most challenging sample types for DNA testing.

Phytoplasma Diseases of Major Crops, Trees, and Weeds is the second volume in a three-volume series dedicated to the analysis of plant pathogenic phytoplasmas across Asia. With a close look into the different types of plants affected by phytoplasma, the book offers management strategies to develop resistant plant strains. Phytoplasma diseases pose serious economic losses in many Asian countries, for which there is very little awareness within society. The chapters in Volume 2 comprehensively review predominant plant species and how they are impacted by phytoplasma diseases, providing information on host-pathogen interaction, characterization, and genetic diversity. The Phytoplasma Diseases in Asian Countries series will be an essential read for students, researchers and agriculturalists interested in plant pathology. Volume 2 will be of particular interest to those needing to access the latest information on plant management and successful plant breeding strategies.

Now fully revised to include recent advances in the field, the third edition of Gastrointestinal and Liver Pathology Pathology, a volume in the Foundations in Diagnostic Pathology series, is an essential foundation text for residents and pathologists. The popular template format makes it easy to use, and new information throughout brings you up to date with what's new in the field, including advances in molecular diagnostic testing and new diagnostic biomarkers. Practical and affordable, this resource is ideal for study and review as well as everyday clinical practice.Key features of this practical text include:  A consistent, user-friendly format that explores each entity's clinical features, gross and microscopic findings, ancillary studies, differential diagnoses, and prognostic and therapeutic considerations.  A focus on specific features of selected neoplastic and non-neoplastic entities, including broad and in-depth differential diagnoses.  Clinical information on treatment and prognosis, enabling you to better understand the clinical implications of the diagnosis.  Nearly 1,000 full-color, high-quality illustrations with extensive figure legends, as well as abundant boxes and tables throughout.  Enhanced eBook version included with purchase. Your enhanced eBook allows you to access all of the text, figures, and references from the book on a variety of devices.  What's NEW in this edition:  Advances in molecular diagnostic testing and its capabilities and limitations, including targeted/personalized medicine.  New diagnostic biomarkers and their utility in differential diagnosis, newly described variants, and new histologic entities.  The latest TNM staging and WHO classification systems.  New co-editors Drs. Amitabh Srivastava and Daniela S. Allende lead a team of expert, internationally recognized pathologists who keep you up to date with the latest information in the field. 

New technologies and medical treatments have complicated questions such as how to determine the moment when someone has died. The result is a failure to establish consensus on the definition of death and the criteria by which the moment of death is determined. This creates confusion and disagreement not only among medical, legal, and insurance professionals but also within families faced with difficult decisions concerning their loved ones. Distinguished bioethicists Robert M. Veatch and Lainie F. Ross argue that the definition of death is not a scientific question but a social one rooted in religious, philosophical, or social beliefs. Drawing on history and recent court cases, the authors detail three potential definitions of death--the whole-brain concept; the circulatory, or somatic, concept; and the higher-brain concept. Because no one definition of death commands majority support, it creates a major public policy problem. The authors cede that society needs a default definition to proceed in certain cases, like those involving organ transplantation. But they also argue the decision-making process must give individuals the space to choose among plausible definitions of death according to personal beliefs. Taken in part from the authors' latest edition of their groundbreaking work on transplantation ethics, Defining Death is an indispensable guide for professionals in medicine, law, insurance, public policy, theology, and philosophy as well as lay people trying to decide when they want to be treated as dead.

Recent Advances in Histopathology: 25 features a collection of in depth reviews of the latest developments in the field. Written in an accessible and easy to read format supplemented by a wealth of colour microphotographs, the book is authored by leading recognised experts. Much of Volume 25 focuses on COVID-19, describing its histopathologic manifestations in various organs and the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of the virosis. Other chapters discuss topics such as endocervical adenocarcinoma, cystic kidney tumours, and interstitial diseases of the lung. Each article provides a comprehensive overview, and emphasises the salient points of interest, with a ‘key clinical points for practice’ section concluding the chapter. This latest volume in the series is an invaluable resource for busy clinicians and those sitting FRCPath examinations.

Elevated homocysteine is a powerful, independent risk factor in more than 100 major medical conditions, including heart disease, strokes, and Alzheimer's disease. The authors discuss factors that contribute to high homocysteine, tell how to detect it if it's too high, and explain how to dramatically lower it.

Pocket Guide to Gene Level Diagnostics in Clinical Practice is an abbreviated, pocket-size, quick-reference guide that provides a point-by-point synopsis of the vast wealth of information contained in CRC Handbook of Gene Level Diagnostics in Clinical Practice. All sections and subsections in the Pocket Guide are cross-referenced to corresponding pages in the Handbook. The book works well on its own as a quick reference, but also can be used in conjunction with the larger Handbook for detailed coverage and references to specific information. Pocket Guide to Gene Level Diagnostics in Clinical Practice also includes extensive supplements featuring material not included in the Handbook. These are intended to provide an up-dated, practical source of information useful to anyone involved in molecular diagnostic research and/or service. Supplements are cross-referenced to the main text of the Pocket Guide, that complement and enhance the material covered. Pocket Guide to Gene Level Diagnostics in Clinical Practice will be a handy reference for professionals and students in pathology, biotechnology, biology, and medicine.

Toxicological and pharmacological effects arise when chemicals interact with biophysical functions in discrete cell types. Researchers have a continuing need to screen novel compounds for their potential therapeutic needs and, once these have been discovered, to understand their molecular actions. Histochemistry can be used to facilitate the development of the knowledge on the distribution of a compound, the receptors to which it binds and the modulation of the physiological functions that are being investigated.

Die Verfasser der verschiedenen Unterkapitel im vorliegenden Band »Urogenitale und Endokrine Organe, Gelenke und Skelett« sind führende Pathologen der Arbeitskreise, die sich mit den genannten Themen diagnostisch und wissenschaftlich beschäftigen. Bei der Darstellung der Erkrankungen wird das gesicherte Wissen unter Einarbeitung der bedeutsamen aktuellen Entwicklungen wiedergegeben. Insbesondere werden neue Terminologien, Klassifikationen, immunhistologische Befunde und molekulare Charakteristika dargestellt. Dies bedeutet, dass detailliert über die häufigen Erkrankungen gesprochen, dass aber auch über den »seltenen Fall« informiert wird. Insgesamt ist es das Ziel der vorliegenden Kapitel, Grundlage und Informationsquelle für die tägliche diagnostische Arbeit zu sein und dabei nicht nur Assistenzärzte in der Weiterbildung zum Pathologen oder Fachärzte für Pathologie, sondern auch Kliniker anzusprechen.