Granulocytes are a category of white blood cells characterised by the presence of granules in their cytoplasm. This book examines the characteristics of eosinophil granulocytes, its biological functions, its role in inflammation and its clinical significance in children. This book also reviews the role of granulocytes on the onset of tissue-destructive diseases when exposed to stress. In addition to the cases of disease, some physiological phenomena are also responsible for the stress-induced granulocytosis. Thus this book will also expands upon the role of granulocytes associated with various diseases and some physiological responses. Other topics discussed in this book include the role of basophil, the minute group of granulocyte, in tropical infections and in immune regulations; polymorphonuclear neutrophilic granulocytes (neutrophils), which are the most dangerous cells in the organism and their role in transient states of autoimmunity, and the effects of nucleoli change during differentiation and maturation of granulocytes.

Clinical Hematology: Theory & Procedures, Enhanced Sixth Edition is a competency-based text with built-in study tools to help you master the theory of clinical hematology and the procedures used to diagnose and treat disorders of the blood and bone marrow.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the transplantation of blood stem cells derived from the bone marrow (that is, bone marrow transplantation) or blood. Stem cell transplantation is a medical procedure in the fields of haematology and oncology, most often performed for people with diseases of the blood, bone marrow, or certain types of cancer. Stem cell transplantation was pioneered using bone-marrow-derived stem cells by a team at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center from the 1950s through the 1970s led by E. Donnall Thomas, whose work was later recognised with a Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine. Thomas' work showed that bone marrow cells infused intravenously could repopulate the bone marrow and produce new blood cells. His work also reduced the likelihood of developing a life-threatening complication called Graft-versus-host disease. With the availability of the stem cell growth factors GM-CSF and G-CSF, most hematopoeitic stem cell transplantation procedures are now performed using stem cells collected from the peripheral blood, rather than from the bone marrow. Collecting stem cells provides a bigger graft, and does not require that the donor be subjected to general anaesthesia to collect the graft. Hematopoeitic stem cell transplantation remains a risky procedure with many possible complications; it has always been reserved for patients with life-threatening diseases. This book presents recent leading research in the field.

Warfarin (also known under the brand names of Coumadin, Jantoven, Marevan, and Waran) is an anticoagulant medication that is administered orally or, very rarely, by injection. It is used for the prophylaxis of thrombosis and embolism in many disorders. Its activity has to be monitored by frequent blood testing for the international normalised ratio (INR). It is named for the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. Warfarin is a synthetic derivative of coumarin, a chemical found naturally in many plants, notably woodruff (Galium odoratum, Rubiaceae), and at lower levels in liquorice, lavender and various other species. Warfarin was originally developed as a rat poison; however, more modern poisons are much more potent and toxic (e.g., brodifacoum). Warfarin and contemporary rodenticides belong to the same class of drugs (coumarins) and both decrease blood coagulation by interfering with vitamin K metabolism. For this reason, drugs in this class are also referred to as vitamin K antagonists.

There are two dominant aspects which conclude the coagulation cascade: the importance of the tissue factor pathway in initiating clotting and the interaction between pathways. Two main pathways are recognised the extrinsic and the intrinsic. At the side of vascular injury endothelial cells are converted in a pro-thrombotic state or become detached to exposed circulating blood to thrombogenic constituents of the sub-endothelial matrix. Activation of platelets and formation of fibrin occur simultaneously and interdependently to effect haemostasis. The activated platelets express the receptor GPIb-IX-V complex that further strengthens the adhesion by linking to von Willebrand factor expressed on the sub-endothelial matrix. A platelet monolayer which covers the injured area recruits and aggregates activated platelets to form a platelet plug by linking to fibrinogen molecules. Activation of a series of inactive precursors leads to the formation of thrombin that cleaves fibrinogen to fibrin. The sequence of reactions interacting between factor X represents the common pathway of coagulation. Factor X can be activated in turn by either the tissue factor pathway or the contact activation pathway of coagulation, which is initiated by the complex of tissue factor and factor VIIa. The latter involves a series of zymogen protease reactions that are initiated by contact activation of factor XII to XIIa. As the haemostatic process starts, a series of inhibitory mechanisms is activated involving antithrombin III, protein C, protein S, the tissue factor pathway inhibitors 1 and 2 and platelet inhibitors (prostaglandin I2, nitric oxide). Fibrinolytic mechanisms assure the clot's remodelling and elimination in the prospect of restoring the vessels patency. During the fibrinolytic process plasmin cleaves polymerised fibrin to fibrin degradation products. The liver plays a predominant role in the regulation of haemostasis. By producing most clotting factors (except tissue factor TF) and inhibitors (antithrombin III, protein C, protein S, C1 inhibitor), as well as a number of the proteins involved in fibrinolysis (plasminogen, a2-antiplasmin), and by clearing from the bloodstream activated enzymes involved in clotting or fibrinolysis, the liver protects against both bleeding and overwhelming activation of coagulation. There is a common bleeding profile emerging in the overwhelming majority of liver diseases. The severity of documented coagulation disorders varies analogically to the degree of the hepatocellular injury. The importance of the coagulopathy is underlined by the incorporation of the coagulation parameters into prognostic scores assessing fulminant hepatic failure and cirrhosis. The purpose of this book is to review the coagulation profile in acute liver failure, liver cirrhosis, autoimmune cholestatic, viral and various hepatic diseases. Diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in coagulation defects in liver diseases are also reviewed.

New insights into the molecular biology of childhood leukemias have stimulated numerous advances in diagnostic methods, strategies for risk assessment and the development of novel therapy for genetic subtypes of the diseases. Fully revised and updated, this new edition of Childhood Leukemias provides the most comprehensive, clinically-oriented and authoritative reference dedicated to these diseases. Beginning with an overview of history, cell biology, and pathology, subsequent chapters review approaches in the evaluation and management of specific leukemias, new therapeutic development and the unique pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenetics of individual patients. New chapters include epigenetics of leukemias, leukemias in patients with Down syndrome and leukemia in adolescents and young adults. The final section covers the complications associated with the disease or its treatment and supportive care during and after treatment. Authored by leading experts, this is a 'must-have' for any physician or investigator who deals with leukemias in childhood.

The proposed book focuses on 'blood infections', a common group of haematology and infectious disorders in aspects relating to the tropical medicine. The book covers specifically the clinical aspects, scientific laboratory aspects, public health aspects, as well as the social sciences relating to these important diseases. The common blood infections, including other disorders, which relate to blood disorders are summarised, presented, and discussed. The book presents summative data from the molecular to the population scales, as well as additional metanalysis for important topics.

Sickle cell anaemia is an inherited blood disorder, characterised primarily by chronic anaemia and periodic episodes of pain and occurring in approximately 1 in every 400 African-American infants born in the United States each year. Individuals of Mediterranean, Arabian, Caribbean, South and Central American, and East Indian ancestry can also be affected. The underlying problem involves haemoglobin, a component of the red cells in the blood. The haemoglobin molecules in each red blood cell carry oxygen from the lungs to the body organs and tissues and bring back carbon dioxide to the lungs. In sickle cell anaemia, the haemoglobin is defective. After the haemoglobin molecules give up their oxygen, some of them may cluster together and form long, rod-like structures. These structures cause the red blood cells to become stiff and to assume a sickle shape. Unlike normal red cells, which are usually smooth and donut-shaped, the sickled red cells cannot squeeze through small blood vessels. Instead, they stack up and cause blockages that deprive the organs and tissue of oxygen-carrying blood. This process produces the periodic episodes of pain and ultimately can damage the tissues and vital organs and lead to other serious medical problems. Unlike normal red blood cells, which last about 120 days in the bloodstream, sickled red cells die after only about 10 to 20 days. Because they cannot be replaced fast enough, the blood is chronically short of red blood cells, a condition called anaemia. Sickle cell anaemia is caused by an error in the gene that tells the body how to make haemoglobin. The defective gene tells the body to make the abnormal haemoglobin that results in deformed red blood cells. This book gathers the latest research in this important field.

Understand the rapidly growing complexities of obstetric hematology and high-risk pregnancy management, with experts in the field. Now in its second edition, this comprehensive and essential guide focuses on providing the best support for patients and clinical staff, to prevent serious complications in pregnancy and the post-partum period for both mother and baby. Wide-ranging and detailed, the guide offers discussions on basic principles of best care, through to tackling lesser-known hematological conditions, such as cytopenias and hemoglobinopathies. Updated with color illustrations, cutting-edge research, accurate blood film reproductions, and practical case studies, the revised edition places invaluable advice into everyday context. This unique resource is essential reading for trainees and practitioners in obstetrics, anesthesia, and hematology, as well as midwives, nurses, and laboratory staff. Clarifying difficult procedures for disease prevention, the guide ensures safety when the stakes are high. Reflecting current evidence-based guidelines, the updated volume is key to improving pregnancy outcomes worldwide.

Angiogenesis -- the growth of new blood vessels -- is an important natural process occurring in the body, both for health and as related to disease. Angiogenesis occurs in the healthy body to help heal wounds and to help restore blood flow to tissues after injury or insult. In females, Angiogenesis also occurs during the monthly reproductive cycle (to rebuild the uterus lining, to mature the egg during ovulation) and during pregnancy (to build the placenta, the circulation between mother and foetus). The healthy body controls Angiogenesis through a series of 'on' and 'off' switches. The main 'on' switches are known as Angiogenesis-stimulating growth factors. The main 'off' switches are known as Angiogenesis inhibitors. When angiogenic growth factors are produced in excess of angiogenesis inhibitors the balance is tipped in favour of blood vessel growth. When inhibitors are present in excess of stimulators, angiogenesis is stopped. The normal, healthy body maintains a perfect balance of angiogenesis modulators. In general, angiogenesis is 'turned off' by the production of more inhibitors than stimulators. Tumour angiogenesis is the proliferation of a network of blood vessels that penetrates into cancerous growths, supplying nutrients and oxygen and removing waste products. Tumour angiogenesis actually starts with cancerous tumour cells releasing molecules that send signals to surrounding normal host tissue. This signalling activates certain genes in the host tissue that, in turn, cause proteins to encourage growth of new blood vessels. This new book examines its angiogenesis within the context of theory and its applications to cancer treatment.

This new book brings together leading research from around the globe. Leukaemia is a cancer that begins in blood cells. In people with leukaemia, the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells. The abnormal cells are leukaemia cells. At first, leukaemia cells function almost normally. In time, they may crowd out normal white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. The scope of the book includes the four common types of leukaemia: Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (chronic lymphoblastic leukaemia, CLL) most often affecting people over age 55. Chronic myeloid leukaemia (chronic myelogenous leukaemia, CML) affects mainly adults. Acute lymphocytic leukaemia (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, ALL) the most common type of leukaemia in young children. Acute myeloid leukaemia (acute myelogenous leukaemia, AML) which occurs in both adults and children. New advances in diagnosis, pathogenesis and therapy are presented.

In this second edition of Disorders of Thrombosis and Hemostasis in Pregnancy - A Guide to Management the content has been thoroughly updated, with a particular focus on strengthening the management sections to ensure that advice on management represents state of the art.

Managing patients with thrombotic vascular disease is complex and challenging: Ischemic vascular disease remains a complicated interplay of atherosclerosis and thrombosis--even with the evolution in our understanding of the pathobiology of thrombosis.There has been tremendous growth in therapeutic options which are quickly finding their place in daily practice, including a remarkable expansion in the number of intravenous and oral antithrombotic agents and new antiplatelet agents

Now more than ever, all cardiologists, hematologists, and specialists in vascular medicine, as well as other professionals, such as hospital pharmacists, who deal with prognosis and intervention in preventing thrombosis, need a resource that distills current knowledge of this important subject.

Written and edited by today's leading international, "Therapeutic Advances in Thrombosis, 2e" provides physicians with the very latest in medical and surgical advances in antithrombotic therapies. With this comprehensively updated edition you get: Coverage of virtually all aspects of venous and arterial thrombotic disease and the corresponding therapiesStrategies to manage specific clinical conditions and how to tailor treatment to individual patient needsUpdated chapters covering thrombolysis in ST-elevated myocardial infarctions; thrombosis in patients with diabetes, pregnancy, and renal dysfunctionSpecial emphasis on the pharmacology of novel anticoagulants and their practical use in venous thromboembolism and atrial fibrillation.

Plus, all chapters fully explore clinical trial designs and outcomes for particular treatment therapies, as well as contain the relevant ACC/AHA/ESC guidelines, so you can confidently apply what you learn.

The fifth edition of this practical textbook on transfusion medicine has been thoroughly revised with the latest in scientific and technological developments and edited by a leading team of international expert haematologists, including new co-editor Mark H. Yazer MD. * A succinct and user-friendly resource of transfusion medicine for clinicians, scientists and trainees with key points, charts and algorithms * Discusses practice in blood centres and hospitals including regulatory aspects, transfusion safety, production and storage, donor care, and blood transfusion in a global context * Coverage of cellular and tissue therapies and organ transplantation including stem cell collection and haematopoietic stem cell processing and storage * Review of the development of the evidence-base for transfusion medicine * Content on the clinical practice for transfusion and alternatives to transfusion

The first edition of this manual appeared in 1992 and was entitled ECAT Assay Procedures. It was the result of a unique cooperation between experts brought together by the European Concerted Action on Thrombosis and Disabilities (ECAT). The Concerted Action was at that time under the auspices of the Commission of the European Union. The second edition, like the first edition, deals with diagnostic tests within the field of thrombosis. However, the second edition has a broader scope because it is no longer limited by the frontiers of ECAT. Experts allover the world, in and outside ECAT, have contributed to this edition. The editors are very grateful for their contributions. The need for a new edition is obvious. Since 1992 new assays have been introduced for research, diagnosis, and therapy of thrombosis; for other assays improvements have been suggested, while a few others became redundant. The editors waived the radioimmunoassays of ~-thrombog1obulin and platelet factor 4 due to the fact that the kits required for these assays are rarely, or no longer, available. Also the PAI-1 activity assay was waived as it is liable to many inconsistencies and to large variations. A list of names and addresses of manufacturers marketing the kits and reagents has been compiled, together with a list of the recommended nomenclature of quantities in thrombosis and haemostasis, in order to facilitate the use of the updated version. These lists have been carefully compiled by Johannes J. Sidelmann, PhD, Department of Clinical Biochemistry in Esbjerg, Denmark.

Who would have thought that something so commonplace as iron deficiency would lead to prehistoric ochre, Egyptian amulets, Renaissance alchemy, Victorian projections of maidenhood, and the astrophysical end of everything? Whether mild or deadly, anemia affects an essential body fluid: blood. In Pale Faces, Charles L. Bardes probes deeply into this illness as metaphor by exploring the impact of both science and culture on its treatment across the ages. His innovative "life" of this condition ranges widely through history, mythology, literature and clinical practice to examine how our notions of specific medical conditions are often deeply rooted in language, symbolism and culture. Delving into the annals of anemia and its treatment, he takes us on a fascinating journey back through the history of medicine--from the Greeks and ancient practices of bloodletting and magic up to the diagnostic rituals of a modern medical office. A scholar of the literary as well as the medical arts, Bardes gives us a beautifully written, free-ranging text, resonant with poetic associations yet anchored in concrete clinical experience. As a practicing physician, Bardes is also able to draw upon his direct experience with patients to demystify the doctor/patient relationship. Through detailed descriptions of the diagnostic processes involved in blood related conditions, as well as the particular understanding of the inner workings of the human body provided by modern medical science, we are treated to the complex ways in which doctors think. Charles L. Bardes, MD, is a practicing physician who teaches extensively at Weill Cornell Medical College, where he directs the Medicine Clerkship and serves as Associate Dean. He is the author of Essential Skills in Clinical Medicine, a guide for students and interns, and Pale Faces: The Masks of Anemia, the first book in the Bellevue Literary Press Pathographies series. He has been the Bernard DeVoto Fellow in Nonfiction at the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference and his essays have appeared in numerous journals, including Agni. He lives in New York.

This collection of chapters describes in detail the physical therapy research in patients with various types of cancers to help medical professionals and physical therapists help improve the physical function, activity of daily living, quality of life, the survival rate in cancer patients and cancer survivors. It provides not only information on rehabilitation but details on physical therapy cancer research and research methods. The book provides practical skills to treat the patients and to create useful and effective physical therapy programs by giving step-by-step tutorials to help readers learn various techniques. Along with presenting an introduction to physical therapy of cance and new findings, the authors provide recommendations on each cancer therapy. Physical Therapy and Research in Patients with Cancer is aimed at physical therapists and student physical therapists. Undergraduate and postgraduate students also can use our book to understand the basics and get up-to-date information. By sharing the latest research with our readers, the book creates a foundation for further development in this field of study.

A vital resource on blood and bone marrow cell morphology in laboratory animal medicine. This fully revised new edition is an essential reference for clinical pathologists in diagnostic laboratories, and medical or veterinary research. The atlas contains over 400 color images of cells from the peripheral blood and bone marrow from a variety of animals encountered in laboratory animal medicine, in health and disease. Key features: * New chapter on flow cytometry and its application in terms of routine analyses as a means of identifying abnormalities in cell marker expression, which is of particular relevance for pre-clinical safety assessment * Covers the most recent developments in laboratory animal hematology, including parameters measured by the latest generation of analyzers * Coverage of a wide range of laboratory animal species, as well as those used in clinical veterinary trials * Photomicrographs present normal and abnormal blood cells from a variety of hematological conditions along with descriptive text

Lectures on scientific data, educational lectures, and the various other forms of oral presentation are the basis for every medical meeting. Physicians are not professionally trained in giving lectures. This becomes very obvious when one visits a medical meeting. Often the message of the presentation is lost because of poor preparation, slides that fail to communicate effectively, and a generally unconvincing performance by the lecturer. To give a high-quality lecture that will be remembered for its content and form, one first has to learn some basic rules about preparation, PowerPoint slides, and oral communication. This book will enable the reader to overcome all the common presentation mistakes and to start a new career as a professional lecturer and esteemed faculty member.