Presenting an area of research that intersects with and integrates diverse disciplines, including genomics, epigenetics, proteomics, and cellular biology, among others, Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissues: Methods and Protocols collects contributions from expert researchers in order to provide practical guidelines to this complex study. Compiled in order to provide researchers with up-to-date methodological information pertaining to the utilization of genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data in diagnosis, prognosis, and tailored therapy, the ultimate aim of this volume is to decipher diseases at a molecular level. Divided into multiple convenient chapters, this detailed book covers various techniques to construct and utilize tissue arrays, it also provides detailed protocols in immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, fluorescent and chromogenic in situ hybridization, and ultimately introduces protocols for FFPET microdissection and nucleic acids extraction for their utilization in advanced techniques such as microarray CGH, DNA methylation and pyrosequencing. The volume also discusses FFPET research from an ethical standpoint and concludes with a chapter on novel tissue fixative. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters contain introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and accessible, Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissues: Methods and Protocols serves as a practical guide for scientists of all backgrounds and aims to convey the appropriate sense of fascination associated with this vital field of research.

This guide to dermatopathology is a general overview helping readers review the histopathology of dermatological conditions. The book discusses superficial perivascular, interface, spongiotic, and psoriasis form dermatitis. It also examines lymphohistiocytic infiltrate, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, panniculitis, and folliculitis. Additional chapters cover nodular and diffuse dermatitis and bullous and vesicular dermatitis. The book describes the dermatopathology hierarchy infrastructure and provides a glossary of terms. Established practitioners as well as trainees will find this an ideal resource for revision and for recertification in the topic. Each entry follows a similar format with includes information on epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, special studies, and clinical variants, histological features, histological differential and Good Things to Know.

This fresh addition to the rapidly expanding Springer series on stem cells represents an additional forward step in our understanding of the causes, diagnosis, and cell-related therapies of major human diseases as well as debilitating injuries to human tissue and organs. Showcasing the work of more than 80 contributors from 13 nations, it offers an unrivalled breadth of differing perspectives on the subject, with dedicated sections covering umbilical cord, induced pluripotent, embryonic, and hematopoietic stem cells, in addition to stem cells in tumors and cancer, and the applications of stem cells in regenerative medicine. Enhanced by numerous color illustrations and tables that provide graphic clarification and summaries of key results, the volume succeeds in bringing together research results from oncologists, neurosurgeons, physicians, research scientists, and pathologists, whose accumulated wealth of practical experience will inform and inspire further developments in the vital and urgent work of cancer diagnosis, cure, and prevention.

The worldwide increasing age of populations brought the neurodegenerative diseases into the focus of interest. A number of the diverse human neurodegenerative diseases are now recognized as conformational diseases frequently caused by aggregations of unfolded or misfolded proteins. Knowledge on the intrinsically unstructured proteins, a new family of gene products as well as on the misfolded proteins produced by genetic mutation or environmental effects has been extensively accumulated in the past years. These proteins frequently cause proteolytic stress and/ or enter into aberrant, non-physiological protein-protein interactions leading to sequestration of protein aggregates which are assemblies of many not-yet-identified components in addition to the deposition of well-characterized misfolded peptides and proteins such as b-amyloid, tau, a-synuclein and polyglutamine containing proteins. These protein assemblies display diverse ultrastructures such aggresomes, fibers, oligomers or amorphous structures, however, the nature of these species concerning their cytoprotective or cytotoxic effects has not been clarified yet. The main focus of this volume is to review the molecular events initiated by unfolded or misfolded proteins leading to conformational human diseases, with special emphasis on the macromolecular homo- and heteroassociations of the malfolded proteins into characteristic ultrastructures found primarily in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. This book reviews the structural knowledge accumulated for well-studied and for newly discovered proteins involved in paradigmatic conformational disorders with the aim to broaden our understanding of the pathomechanisms of neurodegeneration, which is crucial for finding effective therapeutic interventions that could prevent or circumvent the development of neurodegenerative disorders in humans.

It has only recently been appreciated that the immune and skeletal systems have major interactions. It is now well documented that osteoclasts, which are important cellular mediators of skeletal homeostasis, are derived from hematopoietic precursors that also give rise to immune cells. In addition, numerous cytokines that were first shown to regulate immune cell function have also been demonstrated to regulate bone cells and influence skeletal health. Conversely, products of bone cells appear critical for the engraftment of marrow in bone, the normal development of the hematopoietic and immune systems and provide niche for long-term memory B and T cells.

In the past scientists involved in immune and bone cell investigations have rarely interacted in a significant way as these disciplines have developed independently and, for the most part, remain separate. The conference will bring together leading international scientists from both fields to interact so that new collaboration can develop and more rapid progress in understanding the relationships between these fields can be achieved. Short talks will be selected from abstracts from the international community. This conference will have a format to provide an environment of maximum interaction and interchange through lectures, posters, and open discussion.

Quality refers to the amount of the unpriced attributes contained in each unit of the priced attribute. Leffler, 1982 Quality is neither mind nor matter, but a third entity independent of the two, even though Quality cannot be defined, you know what it is. Pirsig, 2000 The continuous formulation of good practices and procedures across fields reflects the importance of the recognition and maintenance of "quality" for nearly every profession. The widespread introduction of point-of-care testing, centralization of activities in large core laboratories, and the increase in number and complexity of diagnostic testing worldwide has driven changes in the organization of laboratory diagnostics over the past decades. As such, laboratory diagnostics, continuously catching up to updated techniques and complex procedures, need to stay vigilant about safety and good practices adjustments. Although widely defined and quantified, the concept of quality is an intrinsic feature of the human psyche and decision making. Written to improve laboratory work, Quality Assurance in the Pathology Laboratory examines: Quality assurance of quantifiable methods applied in laboratory medicine and toxicology Quality aspects of emerging disciplines including personalized therapy and virtopsy Regulatory and logistic instrumentation that ensure quality in laboratory methods Professional education at the graduate and postgraduate levels Laboratory diagnostics substantially contributes to clinical decision making by providing valuable information for the screening, diagnosis, therapeutic monitoring, and follow-up of most-if not all-human disorders. Providing general insights into the quality assurance aspects of pathology and laboratory medicine, this book aids in improving laboratory work and, at the same time, shows the possibilities and limits of all logistic and legal tools related to quality issues.

Key features: Succinct case studies presented in an easy-to-read format, listing patient history, examination and investigations Questions at the end of each case prompt readers to consider their options for diagnosis, investigation and management Answer pages then guide readers through the clinician's sequence of thoughts and actions Subsections include histopathology, laboratory medicine (chemical pathology and immunology), haematology and microbiology Illustrations, information boxes and key points summaries reinforce learning, ideal during exam revision A broad range of common conditions is covered, from acidosis to urinary tract infection, together with more unusual cases

This comprehensive and authoritative reference covers all aspects of the group of disorders collectively known as the lymphoid neoplasms. The reader is taken through a description of its normal cellular origins and the molecular genetic abnormalities that can lead to this group of conditions, a section of the book that has been considerably strengthened for this third edition, to the environmental factors that may be relevant to disease development, and, finally, to the pragmatic aspects of disease management. The authors synthesise for the reader apsects of current knowledge and likely future developments, and direct them to the appropriate resources should they wish to pursue particular avenues of scientific or literature research.

The autopsy is a central component of postgraduate training in pathology and remains an important part of medical practice today. Pathologists are now expected to possess a higher level of knowledge and understanding of the autopsy, the law surrounding it, and its clinical value, in an increasingly scrutinized and legislated environment. Autopsy practice can no longer be viewed in the absence of external contextual issues: it is vital that pathologists have solid grounding not only in standard technique, but also in such matters as personal health and safety to obtaining informed family consent, before undertaking an autopsy procedure. This new and revised edition of The Hospital Autopsy presents a clear and systematic approach to safe and effective modern autopsy practice. Like the extremely popular second edition, it begins by discussing issues of consent and mortuary design before going on to comprehensively cover external examination, evisceration, dissection of internal organs, and report writing. In this edition, new chapters have been added on the radiological autopsy, religious attitudes to autopsy, and the implications of high-risk infections for autopsy practice. Specialist techniques are covered in depth, and chapters are devoted to complex issues including perinatal autopsies, maternal deaths, and neuropathological examinations. The Hospital Autopsy, Third Edition, is sure to be an indispensable resource for pathologists in training, as well as a useful refresher for practicing pathologists and autopsy technicians.

Stillbirth remains a sufficiently frequent outcome of pregnancy to pose great problems for clinicians, who have to treat extremely distressed patients. This concise but comprehensive book from an international team of contributors sets out clear guidelines for clinical procedures and patient management for the obstetrician, as well as the gynecologist and the gynecologic pathologist.

Microbiologists, medical mycologists, immunologists, and biochemists are increasingly working together to focus on the processes involved in the progression and treatment of fungal disease. Host-Fungus Interactions: Methods and Protocols is designed for research scientists who are involved in this work and interested in undertaking new or comparative studies of interactions between the mammalian host and clinically important fungal pathogens. Aiming to combine approaches for reverse genetics in pathogenic fungi with methods for their application in in vitro and in vivo models of disease, the book includes methods for the culture and genetic manipulation of the primary fungal pathogens and the opportunistic pathogens, as well as methods for investigating host-fungus interactions in model systems. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) 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. Comprehensive and practical, Host-Fungus Interactions: Methods and Protocols describes available molecular methods and fungal infection models in great detail in order to encourage researchers to try new approaches to investigating host-fungus interactions with added levels of confidence.

Once the existence of free radicals was proven, an avalanche of studies on free radical-mediated biological processes ensued. The study of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) is center stage in biological free radical investigations. Written by a biochemist, Signaling Mechanisms of Oxygen and Nitrogen Free Radicals discusses the regulatory functions of ROS and RNS in physiological and pathophysiological states. An exploration of the main questions of signaling mechanisms of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in enzymatic processes, this book draws attention to the chemical mechanisms of these reactions. It elucidates the differences between signaling functions and damaging effects of ROS and RNS in biological systems. The text also covers free radical signaling processes catalyzed by enzymes, producers of superoxide and nitric oxide that are able to use produced ROS and RNS as signaling species in their own catalytic processes. It then examines ROS and RNS signaling produced by mitochondrial enzymes. The author explores signaling functions of ROS and RNS in enzymatic heterolytic reactions, supplying important data on ROS and RNS signaling in the catalysis by the enzymes which do not produce free radicals by themselves. He provides information on signaling by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in apoptosis and aging/senescence and concludes with coverage of mechanisms of free radical signaling in enzymatic processes. The book provides new understanding of signaling functions in living organisms related to cardiovascular processes, cancer, inflammation, hereditary diseases, and their regulation of physiological functions such as development, aging, and senescence. This information can support the development of new drugs and novel treatment methods.

Once students have learned the principles behind basic pathology and the mechanisms of disease, they must then consolidate their knowledge by putting those principles into clinical practice. Providing a practical learning experience, this volume presents fifty structured clinical scenarios. Each case is based on a clinical situation that pulls together the key pathological, radiological, and clinical aspects of a condition. Questions and answers highlight diagnostic avenues and provide an effective way of testing assimilation of the material. Students can set their own level of challenge and build their clinical understanding by delving into a cluster of cases covering related topics, or instead emphasize one of the five main themes: symptoms, signs, investigations, treatment, and overall management. Ample illustrations supplement the text, which blends typical clinical case presentations with narrative-style and imaging-based cases.

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 all areas of bone pathology, it incorporates the most recent clinical, pathological, and molecular knowledge in the field to provide a comprehensive overview of all key issues relevant to today's practice. Richly illustrated and easy to use, Diagnostic Pathology: Bone is a one-stop reference for accurate, complete surgical pathology reports, ideal as a day-to-day reference or as a reliable training resource. Includes a wide range of nonneoplastic and neoplastic entities in bone pathology that enhance diagnostic accuracy and provide the biological basis for optimal treatment of patients with bone tumors and nonneoplastic conditions Reflects updates from the 5th Edition of the WHO Classification of Tumors of Soft Tissue and Bone Brings you fully up to date with recent advances in nonneoplastic orthopaedic specimens, including osteoarthrosis, osteonecrosis, pathology of intervertebral discs and menisci, non-infectious inflammatory arthritis, crystal deposition diseases, and common metabolic disorders Features new chapters covering growth and development, radiologic approach to bone tumors, and synovial tumors Contains thousands of extensively annotated images, including gross pathology photographs, histopathology photomicrographs, immunohistochemistry, FISH, correlative radiologic imaging, and full-color illustrations Features a templated, highly formatted design; concise, bulleted text; diagnostic pearls, key facts in each chapter; and an extensive index for easy reference Provides an excellent resource at the point of care for physicians in pathology, radiology, and orthopaedics, as well as medical and radiation oncologists who treat bone tumors Includes the enhanced eBook version, which allows you to search all text, figures, and references on a variety of devices

Until recently, innate immunity was regarded as a relatively nonspecific system designed to engulf and destroy pathogens. However, new studies show that the innate immune system is highly developed in its ability to discriminate between self and foreign entities. Understanding this mechanism can lead to therapeutic strategies based on manipulation of this previously unexploited branch of the immune system.
Drawing on the research of leading experts, Nucleic Acids in Innate Immunity provides insight in this new area of immunology. The book begins by explaining the roles of nucleic acids in immunity, describing the mechanism of discrimination based on pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), including Toll-like receptors (TLRs), Nod-like receptors (NLR), and RIG-I-like receptors (RLR). Chapters discuss how these PRRs recognize and respond to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by activating specific signaling pathways.
The second section focuses on the therapeutic applicationsof immunomodulatory DNA by manipulating released pathogenic nucleic acids as immune system stimulants. The book introduces novel therapeutics developed to prevent or treat infectious diseases, allergic disorders, and cancer, as well as clearing unnecessary or abnormal host molecules.
The final section addresses how the immune system discriminates self and non-self RNA. Recent findings that host (self) nucleic acids are not inert in the immune system beg the question of exactly what elements within DNA or RNA are recognized by the innate immune system. Contributions review recent advances to understand innate immune recognition of nucleic acids and describe the resulting immune modulation.
Providing a comprehensive review of nucleic acid recognition and regulation by the innate immune system, this seminal work reveals new directions for future research in immune modulation.

Since the first edition of Identification of Pathogenic Fungi, there has been incredible progress in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of fungal diseases: new methods of diagnosis have been introduced, and new antifungal agents have been licensed for use. However, these developments have been offset by the emergence of resistance to several classes of drugs, and an increase in infections caused by fungi with innate resistance to one or more classes. Identification of Pathogenic Fungi, Second Edition, assists in the identification of over 100 of the most significant organisms of medical importance. Each chapter is arranged so that the descriptions for similar organisms may be found on adjacent pages. Differential diagnosis details are given for each organism on the basis of both colonial appearance and microscopic characteristics for the organisms described. In this fully updated second edition, a new chapter on the identification of fungi in histopathological sections and smears has been added, while colour illustrations of cultures and microscopic structures have been included, and high quality, four colour digital images are incorporated throughout.

"Biomedical Science in Professional and Clinical Practice" is essential reading for all trainee biomedical scientists looking for an introduction to the biomedical science profession whether they are undergraduates following an accredited biomedical sciences BSc, graduate trainees or experienced staff with overseas qualifications. This book guides trainees through the subjects, which they need to understand to meet the standards required by the Health Professions Council for state registration. These include professional topics, laws and guidelines governing clinical pathology, basic laboratory techniques and an overview of each pathology discipline. It helps trainees at any stage of training and in any pathology discipline(s) to think creatively about how to gather evidence of their understanding and professional competence. By referring to specialist sources of information in each area, it helps students to explore particular topics in more depth and to keep up to date with professional and legal changes. It is also of value to any Training Officers who are looking for ideas while planning a programme of training for a trainee biomedical scientist.

The book includes basic principles of working in the pathology laboratory including laws and regulations, which must be observed, such as health and safety, data protection and equal opportunities laws and guidelines. Practical exercises are included throughout the book with examples of coursework, suggestions for further exercises and self -assessment. Summary boxes of key facts are clearly set out in each chapter and ideas for group/tutorial discussions are also provided to enhance student understanding.

Since the 4th Series of this Fascicle was published, there have been considerable advances in our understanding of tumors within the serosal membranes, in particular the classification of mesothelial tumors and their genetics. This 5th Series Fascicle aligns with the terminology recommended by the WHO in its most recent edition for pleural and pericardial tumors, with expansion to reflect serosal membranes at other sites and including recognition of mesothelioma in situ.

This authoritative reference work and practical bench book provides a thorough clinico-pathologic analysis of melanocytic disorders, as well as effective practical guidance in the diagnosis of problem lesions. The authors, both renowned experts in surgical pathology of tumors, expansively discuss clinical and microscopic characteristics of a very wide spectrum of melanocytic lesions. Key diagnostic features as well as potential pitfalls are highlighted in reader-friendly tables, facilitating quick reference in a busy diagnostic pathology practice. Pertinent up-to-date references are included and the index has been meticulously compiled.From reviews of the previous edition: 'I strongly recommend this book to everyone interested in benign or malignant melanocytic disorders'. "The New England Journal of Medicine"'Any histopathologist or histopathology department with skin biopsies to report should have a copy of this book.' "Histopathology"'This book is undoubtedly a real advance for the diagnostic pathologist and I would recommend it to all departments: it will probably become the standard text on pigmented lesions' "The Bulletin of the Royal College of Pathologists"'I found the book a pleasure to read. It is to be highly recommended for all routine pathological departments; those dealing with only occasional cases will easily find guidance and reassurance; those departments dealing with large numbers will find it helpful in the more unusual case.' "The Journal of Pathology"""

Pathology of Sharp Force Trauma illustrates and details sharp force trauma as seen in forensic pathology case work as well as in the clinical setting, outlining how one informs the other in interpreting such trauma for medico-legal purposes. For the purposes of discussion, the author defines sharp force trauma as: "The application of force to produce an injury which results in a clear division or separation of the skin and underlying tissues". Sharp force trauma may be caused by all manner of implements with a sharp edge and/or pointed end, whether or not they have been produced for use as a weapon, and includes knives, broken glass, scissors and many others, to name but a few. Certain tools, such as axes or machetes, combine a sharp edge with heavy weight and produce injuries with both sharp and blunt impact elements. In many countries, with the exception of those where firearms are readily available, sharp force trauma-particularly the use of knives-is the most common method of homicide and a frequent source of morbidity seen in emergency departments. Also, there has recently been an alarming upsurge in the use of knives in gang-related assaults and in terrorist incidents. As such, the book takes a comprehensive approach in explaining the different aspects of such trauma, most importantly the manner in which the victim has died. This includes cases of homicide, suicide or accident, indicating the type of weapon responsible, explaining how it was used, and presenting other such information to the investigation of such cases. Features: * Includes over 400 full-color graphic and illustrative images throughout * Addresses all aspects of the investigation including trauma, crime scene findings, post-mortem examination, characteristics of injuries and categorization into homicide, suicide or accident * Covers the biomechanics of knife trauma and tool mark examination techniques to identify implements used * Illustrates penetrating injuries caused by pointed implements which have linear components, such as arrows, nails, spears, stakes and others * Details cutting, penetrating, and other sharp force injuries resulting from medical intervention in a healthcare environment, such as might occur during surgical procedures * Examines sharp injuries caused by domesticated and wild animals * Written by one of the premier forensic pathologists in the world with over 40 years of first-hand case experience Pathology of Sharp Force Trauma is the first substantive book published in English to look exclusively at this subject. Although primarily intended for pathologists and clinicians who are involved in the examination of such injuries in the post-mortem room or in a hospital environment, it will also be of interest to medical examiners, police and criminal investigators, attorneys and legal professionals, personnel in other forensic disciplines, and all doctors and medical students with an interested in trauma and its management.

Careful evaluation of the placenta can often give much insight into disorders of pregnancy in the mother and fetus. The techniques of gross placental examination are not difficult, but a systematic approach is necessary to be complete. Color Atlas of Gross Placental Pathology, Second Edition is designed to aid in the careful and thorough gross examination of the placenta by providing an illustrated manual of examination that includes normal variations, abnormal findings, as well as unusual pathology. This work features 186 illustrations, of which 154 are in color. Cynthia G. Kaplan, MD is Associate Professor of Pathology at the State University of New York at Stony Brook in Stony Brook, New York.