A cutting-edge review of the latest findings on the complexities of platelet function and the various means of inhibiting platelet clot formation. The authors delineate an up-to-date picture of platelet biology and describe methods for assessing platelet function, including the commonly used platelet aggregation, thromboxane production, procoagulant function, platelet function under flow, and the expression of platelet activation markers. The focus is both on the technology and the outcome of research on platelets, including the fast developing fields of proteomics and genomics and their application to platelet research. The clinical applications of the various methods for the assessment of platelet function in vivo, as well as antiplatelet therapy, are fully discussed.

Are you constantly exhausted? Does sleep not refresh you? Is your balance not what it was? Do you have tingling or even burning in your fingers and toes? Then your problem may be vitamin B12 deficiency. Your doctor may test you for this but your blood levels look OK so what should you do then? Or you may receive treatment but not feel any better? This book is a guide to the complexities of this deceptively simple problem - how it can be diagnosed, how it can be treated, and how those who have it can cope with the lifelong repercussions. Incorporating the latest research, and the input of the thousands of members of the Pernicious Anaemia Society, this book is both practical and engaging, illustrated with many personal stories that will resonate with sufferers and their friends and families.

Sickle cell and thalassaemia are among the world's most common genetic conditions. They are especially common in Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Asia. They affect all ethnic groups but they particularly impact on minority ethnic groups in North America, Europe and Australasia. Much research has focused on clinical, laboratory and genetic studies of these conditions. Through a wide-ranging selection of readings based on social scientific research into sickle cell and thalassaemia, this book seeks to redress this imbalance. This is important as, through an examination of the different social, economic and cultural contexts of the lives of people living with sickle cell or thalassaemia, the contributors demonstrate that people are more than the sum of their genes and that their life experiences are rarely derived solely from the clinical severity of their condition but depend on the social context of their lives. Genetics and Global Public Health presents a new concluding chapter which highlights the critical nature of social science research for sickle cell and thalassaemia communities, providing key insights into the social contexts of human behaviour and analysing how societal arrangements could change to assist people living with either condition. It will be of great interest to postgraduate and research students as well as professionals working in the field of public health. This book was originally published as a special issue of the journal Ethnicity and Health.

The Sentinel Lymph Node Concept is evaluated from the points of view of pathology, radiodiagnosis and nuclear medicine diagnostics, surgical treatment and clinical oncology. The concept and its practical applications are analyzed for breast cancer, malignant melanoma, tumors of the face, oropharynx, lung, gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts. The first part of the book describes the function and use of the nuclear medicine equipment, the tracers used, colloid solutions and modern developments in histological and immunohistochemical lymph node investigations, as well as possible pitfalls. The consequences of false-negative results are clearly delineated. In the second part, specific tumor-related problems are described.

In the last decade, there has been a remarkable explosion of knowledge in hematologic cancer from basic molecular biology and pathology to clinical therapy. This has led to many new advance and insights in the understanding of pathobiology of malignant hematology. New knowledge of disease molecular pathology, cytogenetic, epigenetic and genomic alterations have provided new strategies to attack and eradicate tumor cells at molecular level and significantly impacted our current therapeutics for hematological malignancies. The recent and ongoing rapid expansion of knowledge in this area has become extensive, dynamic and diffuse over the literature and research publications. This has led to the need to capture and compile the new and current information about hematologic cancer with special emphasis on translation from molecular pathobiology to targeted therapeutics. In this book experts from around the world share their thoughts and knowledge about the pathobiology of hematologic cancer, as well as their view on current treatment approaches and future development in these malignant hematologic diseases. This book is well suited for hematology residents, fellows and hematology-oncology physicians, hematopathologist as well as basic research scientist in the area of hematologic malignancies.

The hypoxia volumes will focus on cutting edge research at the interface of hypoxia and biomedicine. Hypoxia is a constant threat to the human body and its vital organs throughout life. There are many situations in which the threat is heightened in health and disease, but mechanisms have evolved to lessen its detrimental effects. The International Hypoxia Symposia was founded to enable scientists, clinicians, physiologists, immunologists, mountaineers and other interested individuals to share their experiences of the situations associated with oxygen lack and the adaptations that allow us to survive. The mission of the International Hypoxia Symposia is to present cutting edge, sophisticated research at the very highest levels into the many effects of hypoxia on humans and animals in health and disease.

Expertly edited and endorsed by the International Society for Laboratory Hematology, this is the newest international textbook on all aspects of laboratory hematology. Covering both traditional and cutting-edge hematology laboratory technology this book emphasizes international recommendations for testing practices. Illustrative case studies on how technology can be used in patient diagnosis are included. "Laboratory Hematology Practice" is an invaluable resource for all those working in the field.

In this issue of Hematology/Oncology Clinics, guest editors Drs. Matthew B. Yurgelun and Douglas A. Rubinson bring their considerable expertise to the topic of Pancreatic Cancer. Top experts in the field cover key topics such as pancreatic adenocarcinoma: trends in epidemiology, risk factors, and outcomes; decision making regarding perioperative therapy in individuals with localized pancreatic adenocarcinoma; the evolving role of radiotherapy in the management of individuals with pancreatic adenocarcinoma; and more. Contains 14 relevant, practice-oriented topics including diabetes, cachexia, sarcopenia, and metabolic factors in individuals with pancreatic adenocarcinoma; PARP inhibitors and other novel therapeutics in pancreatic adenocarcinoma; screening and surveillance for pancreatic adenocarcinoma in high-risk individuals; germline testing for individuals with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and novel genetic risk factors; and more. Provides in-depth clinical reviews on pancreatic cancer, offering actionable insights for clinical practice. Presents the latest information on this timely, focused topic under the leadership of experienced editors in the field. Authors synthesize and distill the latest research and practice guidelines to create clinically significant, topic-based reviews.

Basophils and mast cells are similar but unique secretory cells with a well-documented role in immediate-hypersensitivity reactions. The presence of these cells in various cell mediated hypersensitivity reactions, in tissues of multiple diseases, and as a component of the host reaction to injury and repair in numerous circumstances is well known. Release of stored and newly generated mediators of inflammation from basophils and mast cells contributes to the cascade of pathogenetic events in circumstances under which these release reactions occur. Despite insights acquired through studies of these pathologic events, the role of basophils and mast cells and their secretory products in health is not known. In this book, I review much of the structural information regarding basophils and mast cells of multiple species. Ultrastructural studies of rat mast cells historically precede and quantitatively exceed similar studies of basophils and mast cells of other species. Therefore, I first review these background studies as an entity. Then I discuss the contents of two prominent organelles-granules and lipid bodies-in basophils and mast cells of several species. The ultrastructural morphology of basophils and mast cells in three species is presented in detail to establish appropriate guidelines for their recognition and to provide general rules for analysis which are appropriate for the identification of these cells in other species as well."

In this issue of Hematology/Oncology Clinics, guest editors Drs. Sung-Yun Pai and Nirali N. Shah bring their considerable expertise to the topic of Gene-Based Therapies for Pediatric Blood Diseases. Top experts in the field cover key topics such as CAR T-cell therapy: current status; engineered T cells; NK-cell therapy; hemoglobinopathies: beta-thalassemia, sickle cell disease; hemophilia A/B; primary immunodeficiencies; and more. Contains 14 relevant, practice-oriented topics including the evolution of gene therapy; viral vectors in hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy; gene editing in hematopoietic stem cells; nonintegrating vectors and engineered capsids; regulatory aspects of gene therapy; and more. Provides in-depth clinical reviews on gene-based therapies for pediatric blood diseases, offering actionable insights for clinical practice. Presents the latest information on this timely, focused topic under the leadership of experienced editors in the field. Authors synthesize and distill the latest research and practice guidelines to create clinically significant, topic-based reviews.

Pulmonary embolism is a common but vexing illness. This book provides a contemporary overview of the most important issues from a Western and a Japanese perspective, providing the reader with state-of-the-art knowledge of the epidemiology and molecular biology of the disease. In the Diagnosis section, the relationship between venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is explored, and exciting new findings are presented in the fields of echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging. The Management section focuses on surgical intervention with acute embolectomy as well as updating thromboendarterectomy for chronic pulmonary embolism. The importance of primary and secondary prevention is emphasized in chapters addressing low molecular weight heparin and the inferior vena cava filter. This cutting-edge book is a valuable resource for practicing physicians, researchers, and students in internal medicine, hematology, pulmonary critical care, and vascular medicine.

The author examines hemostasis in animals from all seven major vertebrate classes. Her research provides unique insights into the phylogenetic development of the various phases and components of hemostasis. This monograph is a valuable reference for students, researchers, and teachers of biology, zoology, veterinary science, and human medicine.

This is a comprehensive, state-of-the-art guide to the diagnosis, treatment, and biology of multiple myeloma and related plasma disorders. Edited and written by a multidisciplinary group of recognized authorities from the Mayo Clinic, it presents clear guidelines on diagnosis and therapy and covers all aspects of multiple myeloma, from molecular classification and diagnosis, to risk stratification and therapy. Closely related plasma cell disorders such as solitary plasmacytoma, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, and light chain amyloidosis are discussed in detail as well. The book addresses often overlooked topics, including the role of radiation therapy, vertebral augmentation, and supportive care. Our understanding of this group of disorders is developing at an unprecedented rate, and Multiple Myeloma meets the need among oncologists and hematologists for a clear, timely, and authoritative resource on their biology, diagnosis, and treatment.

This book is a comprehensive and up-to-date compendium on all aspects of blood and marrow transplantation in children. After an introductory chapter describing the history of pediatric blood and marrow transplantation, subsequent chapters discuss pediatric-specific aspects of transplantation, including stem cell sources suitable for transplantation, preparative regimens, graft-versus-host disease, complications related to transplantation, and late effects. The role of blood and marrow transplantation in various specific pediatric diseases is then examined, and the closing chapter considers future directions. The authors are all internationally recognized experts and offer a largely evidence-based consensus on etiology, biology, and treatment. This handbook has far-reaching applicability to the clinical diagnosis and management of pediatric diseases that are treatable with blood and marrow transplantation and will prove invaluable to specialists, generalists, and trainees alike.

Blood Cell Biochemistry was initially conceived as part of the Plenum series Subcellular Biochemistry, from which it has developed into a separate series. The present volume is devoted primarily to contributions on megakaryocytes and platelets and, to a lesser extent, to macrophages and eosinophils. The book does not attempt a rigorous or total coverage of the particular topics; it represents the areas of current scientific activity and interest that were selected by the editor at the commencement of this project. In general, the approach has been similar to that adopted for Volume 1 of the series (Erythroid Cells); the same approach will be followed subsequently in Volume 3 (Lymphocytes and Granulocytes). This book opens with a developmentally oriented chapter by Janine Breton-Gorius on megakaryocyte maturation and platelet release in normal conditions, which serves to set the scene ultrastructurally for much of the data that follow. The biosynthesis and process ing of platelet glycoproteins in megakaryocytes is dealt with by Alain Duperray and his colleagues, and thereby provides an in-depth biochemical survey of the megakaryocyte. The applications and strengths of crossed immunoelectrophoresis for the study of platelet membrane proteins is then covered by Simon Karpatkin, and a detailed account of the heredity disorders of platelet function is provided by Francine Rendu and Evelyne Dupuy."

This book illustrates applications of mathematics to various processes (physiological or artificial) involving flowing blood, including hemorheology, microcirculation, coagulation, kidney filtration and dialysis, offering a historical overview of each topic. Mathematical models are used to simulate processes normally occurring in flowing blood and to predict the effects of dysfunctions (e.g. bleeding disorders, renal failure), as well as the effects of therapies with an eye to improving treatments. Most of the models have a completely new approach that makes patient-specific simulations possible. The book is mainly intended for mathematicians interested in medical applications, but it is also useful for clinicians such as hematologists, nephrologists, cardio-surgeons, and bioengineers. Some parts require no specific knowledge of mathematics. The book is a valuable addition to mathematics, medical, biology, and bioengineering libraries.

In this issue of Hematology/Oncology Clinics, guest editors Drs. Alexandra P. Wolanskyj-Spinner and Ronald S. Go bring their considerable expertise to the topic of New Developments in the Understanding and Treatment of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia. Top experts in the field cover key topics such as warm AIHA; cold AIHA; drug-induced AIHA; adult Evans syndrome; immunotherapy-associated AIHA; complications of AIHA; and more. Contains 11 relevant, practice-oriented topics including diagnosis and differential diagnosis; red cell antigens and antibodies; traditional and novel tests; DAT neg AIHA; and more. Provides in-depth clinical reviews on new developments in the understanding and treatment of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, offering actionable insights for clinical practice. Presents the latest information on this timely, focused topic under the leadership of experienced editors in the field. Authors synthesize and distill the latest research and practice guidelines to create clinically significant, topic-based reviews.

After yet another decade of leaming, experimenting, and inves tigating since my first book, Arterial System Dynamics, the many new medical breakthroughs and technological advances have inspired me to write this book to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical applications. The application of physical principles and quantitative approaches to the understanding of the arterial circulation and its interactions with the heart in normal and diseased conditions form the basis of The Arterial Circulation. Knowledge of the physiology and rheology of arteries, as well as all of their structural-functional corre lates, is a necessary prerequisite to the proper hemodynamic interpretatiqn of pressure-flow relations and the pulsatile transmis sion characteristics in different arteries. The natural coupling and interactions of the heart, the coronary circulation, and the arterial system necessitate analysis of alterations to global functioning. Modeling provides a tool for isolating and predicting parameter changes and is employed throughout the book. Experimental data are provided for model validations, and also for more realistic interpretations. Techniques and new methods for clinical hemo dynamic measurement and diagnosis are included to help the reader un derstand the physical principles underlying such abnormal cardiovascular functions as hypertension, stenosis, and myocardial ischemia. The progressive changes in vascular properties during aging are also discussed. Modem approaches utilizing computer mode ling and allomery are presented with selected examples, such as combined hypertension and aortic valve stenosis, and ventricular hypertrophy."

Few publications focus on the mysterious, genetically acquired disease paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and the related "intractable" disorders—aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. Now, however, the latest understanding of the clinical and molecular genetic aspects of PNH is summarized here in the proceedings of the International Symposium held in Tokyo in 2001. Major topics reviewed include the molecular mechanisms of the PIG-A gene mutation; complement activation and inhibitors; experimental animal models; pathogenesis; the history of PNH research; the natural history of the disease; the mechanism of PNH clone expansion; the emergence of PNH clones under bone marrow failure syndromes; and treatment of the disease by immunosuppressive agents and stem cell transplantation. This book provides an invaluable summary of current research on the fundamental aspects of PNH pathology, presented by renowned experts in the field.  

This book covers all aspects of chronic radiation syndrome (CRS) based on observations in a unique sample of residents of the Techa riverside villages in the southern Urals who were exposed to radioactive contamination in the 1950s owing to releases of liquid radioactive wastes from Mayak Production Association, which produced plutonium for weapons. In total, 940 cases of CRS were diagnosed in this population and these patients were subjected to detailed analysis. The opening chapters address the definition and classification of CRS, epidemiology and pathogenesis, covering molecular and cellular mechanisms, radioadaptation, and the role of tissue reactions. The pathoanatomy of CRS during the development and recovery stages is discussed for all organ systems. Clinical manifestations of CRS at the different stages are then described in detail and the dynamics of hematopoietic changes are thoroughly examined. In the following chapters, principles of diagnosis (including assessment of the exposure doses to critical organs) and differential diagnosis from a wide range of other conditions are discussed and current and potential treatment options, described. The medical and social rehabilitation of persons with CRS is also covered. This book, which casts new light on the condition, will be of value for all practitioners and researchers with an interest in CRS.

This book describes our current understanding of the transport of ions, amino acids, nucleosides, sugars, water and gases across the red blood cell membrane. It also outlines the necessary theoretical background to understand the dynamics of membrane constituents together with the mechanisms of transport pathways (pumps, channels, carriers/cotransporters, residual passive permeability). Separate chapters describe our present ideas about membrane and metabolic disorders as well as red blood cell diseases like malaria, sickle cell disease, and hypertension. The latest findings are explained on the basis of well-established principles. The book and its chapters are thus structured in a manner that makes the material accessible to beginners in the field of red blood cell physiology and biophysics. Active researchers will also benefit from this carefully organized compilation. 51 worldwide leading experts in the field of erythrocyte research contributed to the 31 chapters of this book.

J. DE GROOTE One of the most ominous and troublesome complications of the liver disease is the appearance of hemorrhagic phenomena. Many careful clini- cal observations about the relationship of liver function and of bilia- ry tree pathology have been published. A vast amount of research work has been devoted to the subject. The severity of the hemorrhagic disor- der is usually in relation to the liver disease. In mild chronic hepa- titis or short lasting obstruction slight subcutaneous or mucosal blee- ding may (lraw the attention of the patient and the doctor, but they are as such far from dangerous. However in acute hepatic insufficiency, in biliary cirrhosis the bleeding tendency is to be considered as a life threatening complication in about half of the cases. Moreover coagulation disturbances aggravate bleeding not only from ruptured oesophageal or gastric varices but also from gastritis or peptic ulcer. 11enometrorrhagia, epistaxis and gingival bleeding may be very trouble- some in these conditions. The use of diagnostic procedures sucl. as liver puncture biopsy and peritoneoscopy are often impossible when platelets and prothrombine time are too low. In order to overcome this difficul- ty a procedure has been worked out taking a biopsy through a trans- jugular catheter placed in the hepatic vein. If a bleeding from the liver occurs it will be in the circulatory system and not cause any trouble.

In this issue of Hematology/Oncology Clinics, guest editor David A. Reardon brings his considerable expertise to the topic of Central Nervous System Malignancies. Top experts in the field cover key topics such as CNS Metastases, Leptomeningeal Disease, Neurofibromatoses, Imaging Advances for CNS Tumors, and more. Contains 16 relevant, practice-oriented topics including CNS Tumor Classification: An Update on the Integration of Tumor Genetics; Etiology and Epidemiology of CNS Tumors; The Evolving Role of Neurosurgical Intervention for CNS Tumor ; Update on Radiation Therapy for CNS Tumors; and more. Provides in-depth clinical reviews on CNS Malignancies, offering actionable insights for clinical practice. Presents the latest information on this timely, focused topic under the leadership of experienced editors in the field. Authors synthesize and distill the latest research and practice guidelines to create clinically significant, topic-based reviews.