The complement system is a group of proteins which plays a major role in the processing and removal of microorganisms and tissue breakdown products from the circulation and extracellular spaces. The system is activated by a wide range of targets, and activation leads to the production of opsonins, chemotaxis of granulocytes, cell lysis and other biological activities. Inappropriate overactivation of the system contributes to inflammatory tissue damage in the host, while inadequate activation leads to accumulation of immune complexes and other debris in the circulation, and susceptibility to infection. The biology and biochemistry of the system is now adequately understood, and attempts can be made to manipulate the activation and activities of the system for potential therapeutic purposes. The reviews in this volume summarise what is known of the ways in which the complement system can be activated, by interaction with antibodies, microorganisms, cell debris, and complex carbohydrates and how the activities and activation of the system have been modified, accidentally or by design, in vitro or in vivo by drugs, venoms, particulate carbohydrates, specific antibodies, synthetic peptides and other reagents.

Darwinian medicine looks at the ecological and evolutionary roots of disease. A disease is an interaction between a genome and its biotic or abiotic environment and therefore a disease is essentially an ecological process. Good understanding of ecology and a Darwinian way of thinking can give us novel and useful perspectives on health and disease. If we understand the disease process better, we can certainly prevent, control as well as treat diseases in a better way. Although the thought that the origins of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) might lie in our hunter gatherer adaptations is not new, research over the last decade makes us rethink many of the classical concepts. Brain and behavior is increasingly being recognized as central to all the endocrine, metabolic and immunological changes that earmark type 2 diabetes and other metabolic syndrome disorders. A major change in paradigm appears to be on the horizon and the proposed book intends to speed up the paradigm shift by raising important questions, pointing out flaws and inadequacies in the prevalent paradigm and stimulating radical rethinking which would redirect and refine the line of research as well as bring some fundamental changes in drug discovery and clinical practice.

The books Molecular Diagnostics Part 1 and 2 provide a comprehensive and practical overview of the state-of-the-art molecular biological diagnostic strategies that are being used in a wide variety of disciplines. The editors and experts in their respective fields have combined their knowledge to write these two books. Many years of experience in the development, application and quality control of molecular diagnostic methods is reflected herewith. Molecular Diagnostics Part 1 is dedicated to the theoretical backgrounds of the technologies often applied in molecular diagnostics, in which nucleic acid amplification methods (such as real-time PCR), sequencing and bioinformatics are the basic tools. The assay design and -development, combined with items of trouble-shooting are described in detail. As a foundation of reliable molecular diagnostic assays, the quality control required for validation, implementation and performance of molecular diagnostic assays is thoroughly discussed. This book also provides extensive information for those working with molecular techniques in a wide variety of research applications using conventional and real-time PCR technology, Sanger and high throughput sequencing techniques, and bioinformatics. Molecular Diagnostics Part 2 highlights the applications of the molecular diagnostic methods in the various diagnostic laboratories, comprising: - Clinical microbiology - Clinical chemistry - Clinical genetics - Clinical pathology - Molecular hematopathology - Veterinary health - Plant health - Food safety Both full-colour and well-illustrated books are particularly valuable for students, clinicians, scientists and other professionals who are interested in (designing) molecular diagnostic methods and for those who wish to broaden their knowledge on the current molecular biological revolution. The information in the books highlights the trend of the integration of multiple (clinical) disciplines into one universal molecular laboratory.

The definitive interdisciplinary reference work for wound ballistics Basics The book begins by providing the necessary basic knowledge about physics, ballistics and ammunition and weapons. Then it describes the behaviour of projectiles in humans and animals (the physics of gunshot injuries) and introduces the experimental simulation of gunshot wounds, including the materials suitable for this purpose. Applications These basic principles can be applied in forensic medicine and criminalistics. The gunshot wound provides some forensic traces and the experimental reconstruction helps to understand the dynamic crime process. The wounding potential of non-lethal weapons can be determined. In emergency and war surgery, injuries caused by small arms bullets and fragments as well as by gas jets (of gas weapons) can be assessed. International conventions could be freed from undefined terms (such as "unnecessary suffering") with the help of physical quantities. Reference work Detailed tables as e. g. ballistic data of numerous cartridge types, also older ones, material properties, as well as many otherwise difficult to access data and a trilingual glossary of ballistic and technical terms in the languages German, English and French. NEW Wound Ballistics of European Police ammunition References to recent research results Partly coloured illustrations Due to the increase in terrorist and criminal activities worldwide, it is not only members of the armed forces who are affected. Surgeons, forensic doctors, police officers and criminalists also need to know and be able to assess the specifics of gunshot wounds.

A volume in the popular Pattern Recognition Series, Practical Hepatic Pathology: A Diagnostic Approach features completely updated and reorganized content, resulting in a truly practical guide to understanding liver pathology. Dr. Romil Saxena presents interpretation of liver biopsies according to a pattern-based approach that begins with recognition of the predominant histological pattern of injury, followed by identification of secondary features and appropriate work-up that lead you away from pitfalls to the best diagnosis. Unique "visual index" at the beginning of the book references the exact chapter and specific page needed for in-depth diagnostic guidance. Superb, high-quality, full-color images illustrate pathognomonic features and common variations. Features comprehensive information on major adult and childhood liver diseases, hepatic neoplasms and pre-neoplastic nodules, including clinical features, laboratory tests, imaging findings and differential diagnosis. Coverage of the clinical aspects of liver transplantation allows you to understand the pathology and practice of this procedure. Virtual Microscope provides your own personal set of over 300 liver slides accessible anywhere, any time on your favorite digital device. Navigate around and zoom in and out to savor these exceptionally high quality whole slide images covering everything from the normal liver to rare challenging cases. New section on Evolving Concepts keeps you abreast of new paradigms in liver diseases such as reversal of fibrosis, heterogeneity of cirrhosis, and biphenotypic primary liver cell carcinoma. Reorganized Table of Contents is even more intuitive. Expert Consult eBook version is included with purchase. This enhanced eBook experience allows you to search all of the text, figures, images, and references from the book across digital platforms.

This book performs a distinct introduction to the pathology of the placenta and its membranes, abortion material included, with the aim to facilitate and protect the quality of the morphological placental diagnostics by the pathologists. Seven chapters with coloured figures illustrating gross anatomy, development and maturation of the placenta explain the functional morphology in its clinical correlation of single and multiple findings for the pathologists, obstetricians and neonatologists. Moreover, the book contributes to a better understanding of pre- and perinatal investigations, maternal diseases, fetal outcomes and follow up of the newborns, as well as to the prevention of worse outcome in further pregnancies. The atlas intends to stimulate the interest for perinatal pathology and to contribute to a better interdisciplinary understanding of pathologists and clinicians, midwives and nurses.

Since the introduction of myocardial perfusion imaging and radionuclide angiography in the mid-seventies, cardiovascular nuclear medicine has undergone an explosive growth. The use of nuclear cardiology techniques has become one of the cornerstones of the noninvasive assessment of coronary artery disease. In the past 15 years major steps have been made from visual analysis to quantitative analysis, from planar imaging to tomographic imaging, from detection of disease to prognosis, and from separate evaluations of perfusion, metabolism, and function to an integrated assessment of myocardial viability. In recent years many more advances have been made in cardiovascular nuclear imaging, such as the development of new imaging agents, reevaluation of existing procedures, and new clinical applications. This book describes the most recent developments in nuclear cardiology and also addresses new contrast agents in MRI. What's New in Cardiac Imaging will assist the clinical cardiologist, the cardiology fellow, the nuclear medicine physician, and the radiologist in understanding the most recent achievements in clinical cardiovascular nuclear imaging.

Saliva as a unique sample for health assessment is gaining attention among researchers of different fields in the last 20 years; being reflected in an impressive increase in the number of papers published studying saliva from different biological aspects in human and veterinary species. Once deemed merely a digestive juice is now considered a biological fluid capable of communicating information about physiopathological processes occurring in organisms, since saliva has been shown to contain molecular and bacterial compounds that can change in response to local and systemic pathologies. Furthermore, the interest of saliva as a diagnostic, prognostic and monitoring biofluid is forced by its non-invasive nature being of easy and inexpensive sampling, involving only minimal discomfort and allowing the collection of multiple/repeated specimens at anytime, anywhere and without need for specialized staff. In this contributed volume, the authors bring together, summarize and reflect the generated knowledge about saliva as a source of biomarkers for health and welfare evaluation in humans and animal models. This volume also highlights the importance of confounding factors, such as sampling methods, flow, total protein content, contamination, or storage. This book will serve as a manual for graduates, practitioners and researchers by providing general ideas about the possibilities and utilities of saliva in clinical practice or investigation, and indicating the main cautions each should have in mind before saliva usage.

Readable, well-illustrated, and concise, Robbins and Kumar's Basic Pathology, 11th Edition, offers today's busy students a rich understanding of all essential pathology concepts from trusted names in the field. This updated edition thoroughly covers key pathologic processes and the time-honored tools of gross and microscopic analysis, while also retaining a strong emphasis on clinicopathologic correlations and the impact of molecular pathology on the practice of medicine. Outstanding artwork and schematic drawings, as well as a robust eBook experience with extensive additional features, make complex concepts easier to learn and retain. Includes fully updated clinical topics throughout. Features high-quality photomicrographs, gross photos, and radiologic images, as well as new artwork and over 150 new schematic diagrams that help summarize key or complex disease mechanisms. Contains a new Rapid Review section that uses bulleted summary boxes to deliver essential take-home messages and help you focus on the fundamentals. Includes tables of relevant laboratory tests for each chapter that link pathophysiology of disease and diagnostic testing. Highlights pathogenesis, morphology, and pathophysiologic content throughout. Features increased representation of diverse populations throughout the text, including clinical photographs of skin lesions in multiple skin types and a new section on the role of socially defined race in health disparities. An eBook version is included with purchase. The eBook allows you to access all of the text, figures and references, with the ability to search, customize your content, make notes and highlights, and have content read aloud-as well as access bonus content, including case studies, additional gross and microscopic figures, and more.

Hormonal influences, both natural and iatrogenic, are implicated in the most frequent health issues of women. Endometrial cancer is now the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States and the industrialized world. This cancer is strongly related to hormonal and metabolic factors. In addition, breast cancer treated with hormone therapy (Tamoxifen) may, in some cases, be associated with uterine pathology. Hormone therapy is used to improve the physiological effects and counteract abnormal and deleterious effects of "natural" hormonal activity. Millions of women receive hormone therapy at some point of their life: using oral contraceptives, reproductive technology, treatment for post-menopausal symptoms, among other uses. This book addresses a range of women's health issues, from fertility to neoplasms, and their relationship with natural and iatrogenic hormonal effects. Chapters include clinical and pathological descriptions, theoretical and practical medical issues, and original studies and cases. Controversial issues in certain hormone therapies are presented with updated concepts based on clinical studies and novel statistical methods. The book will be useful for specialized and general physicians, oncologists, endocrinologists, researchers, medical students, and others in the field of women's health.

An overview of the biochemical mechanisms that produce acute nerve cell death in the brain. Covers injuries and disorders including stroke, brain and spinal cord trauma, hypoglycemic coma, and prolonged epileptic seizures. All of these lead to high concentrations of calcium in nerve cells which, in turn, causes degradation of cytoplasmic proteins, cleavage of nuclear DNA, and eventually cell death. The Second Edition contains 11 thoroughly updated chapters and 3 additional chapters that did not appear in the previous edition.

Molecular and Translational Vascular Medicine will serve as a state-of-the-art resource for physicians and translational medical researchers alike who are interested in the rapidly evolving field of vascular medicine. The text provides new insight into the basic mechanisms of classic vascular pathophysiologic processes like angiogenesis, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and vasculitis. Furthermore, it covers new areas of investigation including the role of the ubiquitin proteasome system in vascular disease, endothelial progenitor cells for disease treatment, and the genetic basis of thoracic aortic aneurysms. Lastly, this volume includes sections on the newly emerging field of therapeutic angiogenesis, and the developing technology of nanoparticle-based imaging and therapeutic treatment of the diseased vasculature. All chapters are written by established experts in their fields, including pathologists, cardiovascular surgeons, and internists as well as translational biomedical researchers in a wide range of disciplines. While comprehensive, the material is presented in a manner that simplifies the complex pathophysiologic mechanisms that underlie common vascular diseases. Molecular and Translational Vascular Medicine will be of great value to a broad audience including internists, cardiovascular and vascular surgeons, pathologists, residents and fellows, as well as translational biomedical researchers.

Part of the in-depth and practical Pattern Recognition series, Practical Surgical Soft Tissue Pathology, 2nd Edition, helps you arrive at an accurate diagnosis by using a proven pattern-based approach. Leading diagnosticians guide you through the most common patterns seen in soft tissue pathology, applying appropriate immunohistochemistry and molecular testing, avoiding pitfalls, and making the best diagnosis. High-quality illustrations capture key morphologic patterns for a full range of common and rare tumor types, and a "visual index" at the beginning of the book directs you to the exact location of in-depth diagnostic guidance. A consistent chapter organization by histologic pattern considers soft tissue tumors the way you approach them in daily practice, helping you arrive at a quick and accurate diagnosis. A user-friendly design color-codes patterns to specific entities, and key points are summarized in tables and text boxes, so you can quickly and easily find what you are looking for. Sweeping content updates keep you at the forefront of recent findings regarding all major neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases of the soft tissues. Improved pattern call-outs are now linked directly within the chapter, reinforcing the patterns for more efficient and complete understanding. Expert ConsultT eBook version included with purchase. This enhanced eBook experience allows you to search all of the text, figures, and references from the book on a variety of devices.

The book provides detailed information on breast cancer and covers all the aspects of this rapidly spreading disease, such as applied anatomy and physiology, causative factors, various Investigations to reach a concise, definitive and complete diagnosis. The management of breast cancer involves multi-modality treatment and the book describes all the modalities in a very clear manner. It also discusses in a very lucid and practical way. the multi-prong treatment that the patient requires . Additionally, the book covers lesser-known areas of the subject like rehabilitation, management of lymphoedema, Extravasation of chemo-Infusion, organization of breast cancer management group, breast cancer awareness and patient education, follow up of the patient, and psychological support to these patients who have undergone mutilation of their organ. Edited by experts the chapters are contributed by renowned onco-sugeons from high volume and reputed centers in India such as, PGIMER, Chandigarh, AIIMS, New Delhi, and TMH, Mumbai among others. The book serves as a useful resource for surgeons, medical oncologists, radiotherapists, pathologists, radiologists and many other specialists interested in the field of breast cancer and actively working in this area. It is useful for practitioners and residents as well as for those who want to learn the different aspects of this disease.

A comprehensive review of what is known about the role of cytokines and chemokines in a variety of human infectious diseases, including gram-negative and -positive infections, listeriosis, mycobacterial infections, lyme arthritis, pneumonia, fungal infections, HIV, leishmaniasis, and sepsis. The authors demonstrate the different cytokine and chemokine production profiles in response to a wide variety of pathogens and the importance of host genetic factors in determining the type and magnitude of responses to a given microorganism. They also critically evaluate the use of cytokines and anticytokines in the treatment of infectious diseases and show how knowledge of cytokine pleiotropic effects, redundancy, and the complexity of the cytokine network has led to better design and better outcomes in cytokine-based therapies for specific infections.

This expert volume in the Diagnostic Pathology series is an excellent point-of-care resource for practitioners at all levels of experience and training. Covering the full range of nonneoplastic and neoplastic conditions of the female genital tract, it incorporates the most recent scientific and technical knowledge in the field to provide a comprehensive overview of all key issues relevant to today's practice. Richly illustrated and easy to use, the third edition of Diagnostic Pathology: Gynecological is a visually stunning, one-stop resource for every practicing pathologist, resident, student, or fellow as an ideal day-to-day reference or as a reliable training resource. Covers all areas of gynecologic pathology, organized into six easy-to-reference anatomic Covers all areas of gynecologic pathology, organized into seven easy-to-reference anatomic sections: vulva, vagina, uterine cervix, uterine corpus, fallopian tube and broad ligament, ovary, and peritoneum Includes all frequently encountered conditions plus extensive coverage of uncommon entities, such as inflammatory diseases of the vulva, discussed by experts in dermatopathology Provides updated differential diagnoses and diagnostic pearls as well as extensive revisions based on the 2020 WHO Classification of Tumors: Female Genital Tumors, including staging issues and measurement standards Reflects important molecular updates in endometrial carcinoma classifications as well as updated classifications for squamous and glandular tumors for the lower genital tract, both in situ and invasive Updates ancillary techniques, newly encountered pitfalls, and advances in the molecular landscape of epithelial and mesenchymal tumors Features more than 2,500 superb images in print and online, including many new gross and microscopic images as well as diagnostically relevant immunohistochemical and molecular findings Includes an eBook version that enables you to access all text, figures, and references, with the ability to search, customize your content, make notes and highlights, and have content read aloud

This book provides the description of the granulomatous diseases of otorhinolaryngology, head and neck with their characteristic features, investigations and management. It includes wide variety of infective, idiopathic, neoplastic, hereditary, reactive and various other types of chronic granulomatous reaction in the ear, nose, throat and head neck region. Further, the description is supported with various illustrations including clinical photographs, radiological pictures of CT scan, MRI scan etc. Histopathological and microbiological images which show characteristics and differentiating features are also included to aid in the diagnosis of the diseases. Histopathological colored images with high magnification and immunohistochemistry images are provided for better illustrations. This book also elaborates the important medical and surgical management of the granulomatous diseases. Every chapter ends with the 'Essential features' of that particular granulomatous disease, and this will certainly help the post-grad students and clinicians to differentiate the diseases, early diagnosis and management of the patients with chronic granulomatous diseases.

This book presents a comprehensive and state-of the-art approach to vascular disease for the geriatric patient, focusing on vascular pathology and interventions but also on perioperative care, anesthetic care, functional outcomes and quality of life, as well as ethical considerations that impact decision making. The book addresses open and endovascular interventions in different vascular beds, as well as preoperative workup and optimization, anesthetic considerations, all aspects and expectations of the postoperative care and recovery and is the only book to include specialize in the intricacies of the care of the geriatric patients, the challenging recovery and neurocognitive changes, and ethical considerations for the end stage geriatric patient or in the setting of postoperative complications. Written by experts in the field, each section addresses patient selection, pre-operative considerations, technical conduct of the most common operations with open or endovascular options, and avoiding complications. A brief review of the existing literature addressing the particular topic follows in each section. With its concise yet comprehensive summary of the field, Vascular Disease in Older Adults is the ultimate resource for geriatricians, cardiologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and all physicians of who care for the aging patient with vascular disease.

Fundamentals of Toxicologic Pathology, Third Edition, presents an essential overview of systems toxicologic pathology in a clear-and-concise manner. Toxicologic pathology integrates toxicology and its interdisciplinary components, including biochemistry, pharmacodynamics and risk assessment to pathology and its related disciplines, such as physiology, microbiology, immunology and molecular biology. This wholly revised and updated edition presents the newest information on the topic, and is an essential reference for advanced students, early career researchers, toxicologic pathologists, pharmaceutical scientists, medical pathologists and clinicians, and anyone involved with drug and device development. The book includes a new section describing the application of toxicologic pathology, such as diagnostic and forensic toxicologic pathology, environmental toxicologic pathology, experimental and industrial toxicologic pathology, and pathology issues in the design of toxicology studies. There are also new chapters on special senses (the eye and ear) and the biochemical and molecular basis of toxicity, among others.

Adenosine Receptors in Neurodegenerative Diseases covers the role of adenosine receptors in brain function, also focusing on related methodologies and perspectives in therapeutics. The book provides an up-to-date overview by the best specialists in the field, helping readers consider the importance of adenosine and expand the global impact and visibility of adenosine research in the CNS field. Chapters include adenosine biology and signaling, gene regulation, control of motor function, and novel adenosine-based therapies in the CNS. It is an ideal resource for researchers, advanced graduate students, clinicians, and industry scientists working in the fields of clinical neuroscience and molecular and cellular neuroscience.

Diversity, Distribution, and Current Status is the first volume in a three-volume series dedicated to the analysis of this important group of plant pathogens across Asia with a particular focus on geographic distribution. This book offers updated data on the most prevalent phytoplasma diseases specific to each region. Phytoplasmas are emerging plant pathogens all around the world, causing significant economic losses to crops, as well as affecting international trade. The chapters in Volume 1 look closely at different countries and regions across Asia, providing data on country-wide distribution, phytoplasma groups, insect vectors and transmission. The Phytoplama Diseases in Asian Countries series will be an essential read for university students, researchers and agriculturalists interested in Plant Pathology. Volume 1 will be of particular interest to those needing the latest data on the distribution and transmission rates specific to the various regions of Asia.

This book is written for hospital doctors, nurses, biochemists, medi cal laboratory scientific officers and phlebotomists involved with the biochemical investigation of patients. It is hoped, also, that general practitioners and medical students will find it of help. Whilst the vast majority of biochemical tests assess the level of constituents in blood and urine at a given point in time, an impor tant additional parameter is the assessment of physiological reserve function by means of loading tests, prOlonged fasting, exercise and clearance studies. The protocol and interpretation of response of each of these stress tests form the main basis of the text. An attempt has been made to be reasonably comprehensive in the range of tests described; hence, not only have some rather older ones been re tained, but also some very recently introduced ones included. It is appreciated that practice varies widely from laboratory to labora tory with respect to protocol, sample collection, methodology and quotation of reference ranges, and no doubt also from clinician to clinician, particularly regarding interpretation of results. In paedi atric work, micromethods will demand much smaller volumes of blood than those stated here, which relate generally to adult medi cine. The account, therefore, must be seen as a guide to practice rather than as a recipe; it is in no wayan attempt to standardise procedures, which depend on the local requirements."

This volume provides readers with detailed protocols covering the main cancer cytogenetics techniques needed for clinical utilization and research purposes. The chapters in this book cover topics such as chromosome preparation for myeloid malignancies; chromosome bandings; fluorescence in situ hybridization probe preparation; array-based comparative genomic hybridization; and cytogenetic nomenclature and reporting. The updated reviews on chromosomal abnormalities in hematological malignancies are excellent guides for cytogenetics data interpretations and specific malignant diseases correlation. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and comprehensive, Cancer Cytogenetics: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for the novice in cytogenetics because it provides helpful guiding protocols, but it's also great for those who are already engaged in the field and are looking for some technical hints.