The riveting true story of John and Aileen Crowley's race to find a cure for Pompe disease that inspired the movie Extraordinary Measures

With three beautiful children, a new house, and financial security, John and Aileen Crowley were on top of the world--until their two youngest children, fifteen-month-old Megan and five-month-old Patrick, were diagnosed with Pompe disease and given only months to live. Refusing to accept a death sentence, John quit his financial consultant job and invested his life savings in a biotechnology start-up to research the disease and find a cure. Battling scientific setbacks, conflict of interest accusations, and business troubles, John and Aileen would be tested to their limits as they valiantly fought, and succeeded, in finding revolutionary new treatment for the disease--offering hope to Megan, Patrick, and the many children and families affected by Pompe disease around the world.

The inspiration for the captivating film Extraordinary Measures, starring Brendan Fraser and Harrison Ford, The Cure is a remarkable true story of cutting-edge science, business acumen and daring, and one family's indomitable spirit.

The technical advances in molecular biology have endowed us with a wealth of knowledge, which has allowed us to identify the cause of diseases not only at a single gene level but at a greater magnitude, where a substitution or deletion of a single base pair can be identified. Our present task is to establish a clear link between phenotype and nucleotide sequence. Obviously, a gene is no longer an imaginary entity. Recent discoveries in a number of bewildering traits, whose inheritance do not follow simple mendelian rules, have caused much amazement. For example, fragile X-syndrome, spine and bulbar muscular atrophy and myotic dystrophy arise from "triples repeat mutation" and amplification in future generations. Genetic diseases which are inherited, can now be diagnosed prenatally; an idea that was once inconceivable.
The aim of the second volume, entitled Morbid Anatomy of the Genome, is to reflect on the importance of molecular genetics in modern medicine. The field has expanded so as to warrant a volume dedicated exclusively toward understanding those who wish to know the cause, detection and in turn treatment of such diseases. In this volume, I have commissioned several scientists to contribute 12 chapters. A chapter describing a special role of molecular genetics in combating genetic diseases through gene therapy has also been included, while chapter 13 is a commentary.
A complete account of all diseases whose genetic basis is well established would be a herculean task and is not within the scope of a single volume format. Therefore a few specific topics have been chosen which may be of the greatest interest to scientists and clinicians. The purpose of this issue is to keep abreast of the latest developments in a select group of genetic diseases.

Primary immunodeficiency diseases, first recognized 60 years ago, are inherited disorders that affect human adaptive and innate immunity. In most cases, affected individuals experience recurrent infections, but they may also suffer from autoimmune diseases and malignancies. This third edition of Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases provides readers with the historic and scientific background, clinical presentations, immunologic characteristics, and the molecular/genetic underpinnings of this rapidly enlarging class of diseases. With up-to-date diagnostic tools and therapeutic options - from prophylactic anti-infective measures to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and gene therapy - this volume will remain an authoritative resource on this increasingly important area.

The essays in this collection examine how human heredity was understood between the end of the First World War and the early 1970s. The contributors explore the interaction of science, medicine and society in determining how heredity was viewed across the world during the politically turbulent years of the twentieth century.

Mutations and Carcinogenicity.- Mutation Spectrum in Carcinogenicity.- Mechanisms of Chemically-Induced Genetic Effects on Molecular, Chromosomal and Cell Division Level.- Ultraviolet Light Mutagenesis in Bacteria: The Possible Role of a DNA Polymerase III Complex Lacking Proofreading Exonuclease.- Centromere Separation: Emerging Relationship with Aneuploidy.- Genetic Analysis of Genotoxic Effects on Chromosomes and Cell Division in Lower Eukaryotes.- DNA Repair and the Recombination Barrier between Divergent (Homologous) Chromosomes.- Consequences of Altering Tubulin Levels in Yeast.- A Genetic Assay Using Rodent/Human Hybrid Cells to Evaluate the Genotoxic Effects of Chemicals for Multiple Endpoints.- Aneuploidy in Humans.- Adaptability and Repair Mechanisms.- The Adaptive Response to Alkylation Damage in Escherichia coli.- The Adaptive Response of Human Lymphocytes to Radiation or Chemical Mutagens: Cross-Adaptation and Synergism.- Evolving Mutation Rates and Prospects for Antimutagenesis.- Genetic Analysis of DNA Repair Defect in Xeroderma Pigmentosum Cells: Identification of Complementing Genes.- Chemical Carcinogenesis-Oncogenes.- Outline of a Descriptive General Theory of Environmental Chemical Cancerogenesis - Experimental Threshold Doses for Tumor Promoters.- The Interaction of Steroid Hormones and Oncogenes in the Establishment of Malignancy.- The Relationship between DNA-Alkali-Labile Sites and Carcinogenesis in Mammalian Cells.- Structure and Metabolism of Mutagens-Carcinogens.- Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships, and Mutagens and Carcinogens.- Enzymic Aspects on the Metabolic Activation of Aromatic and Heterocyclic Amine Mutagensin Mammalian and Bacterial Cells.- Biomonitoring and Epidemiology of Humans Exposed to Environmental Mutagens-Carcinogens.- Current Techniques for Human Population Monitoring for Genetic Effects.- Use of Aquatic Animals for Monitoring Genotoxicity in Unconcentrated Water Samples.- Cytogenetic Monitoring of Industrial Workers Exposed to Chemicals.- Monitoring Congenital Anomalies in Populations Exposed to Environmental Mutagens.- European Community Research on Genetic Effects of Environmental Chemicals and on Biomonitoring of Human Exposure.- Contributors.

The most comprehensive guide available on hereditary cancers, from understanding risk, prevention, and genetic counseling and testing to treatment, quality of life, and more. Up to 10 percent of cancers are caused by inherited mutations in specific genes. Finding out that you or your loved ones may be at increased risk of developing cancer because of a genetic mutation raises a lot of questions: Is cancer inevitable? Is there anything I should do differently in my life? Will my children also be at higher risk of cancer? Should I have preemptive treatments or surgery? This comprehensive guide provides answers to these questions and more. Written by three passionate patient advocates, this book is a compilation of the trusted information and support provided for more than two decades by Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE), the de facto voice of the hereditary cancer community. Combining the latest scientific research with national guidelines, expert advice, and compelling patient stories, the book offers previvors (those who have a mutation but have never been diagnosed), survivors, and their families the guidance they need to face the unique physical and emotional challenges of living in a high-risk body. An ideal resource for genetic counselors, physicians, nurses, advocates, and others who support and care for the hereditary cancer community, Living with Hereditary Cancer Risk also provides coverage of * signs of inherited cancer risk in a family; * the value of genetic counseling and testing; * mutations in BRCA, Lynch Syndrome, and other genes that elevate cancer risk; * risk-reducing strategies; * traditional treatments and newer personalized approaches, including immunotherapies and PARP inhibitors; * nationally recommended guidelines for prevention, early detection, and treatment; * insurance coverage and discrimination protections; and * coping with sexual health, fertility, menopause, and other quality of life issues.

This is a most valuable contribution to paediatric diagnosis which highlights the importance of this essentially visual method in the study of practical paediatric problems. Each topic consists of a concise, informative and scholarly text supported, where appropriate, by key references, many giving a historical perspective. There are over 400 high quality colour plates with descriptive legends, many of which analyse in some detail the individual features of a face regarded as abnormal or dysmorphic, often a necessary practical prerequisite to establishing a definitive diagnosis. The importance of recognising subtle expressive changes and 'facial signals' is considered in relation to emotional disorders. Throughout, the book is leavened by tables listing important diagnostic clues, cranio-facial or otherwise.

'A perfect blend of cutting-edge science and compelling storytelling. Daniel Davis has a rare knack for making complex science comprehensible and thrilling' BILL BRYSON Welcome to a revolution in the science of you. Recent and dramatic breakthroughs in our understanding of the body will profoundly change the experience of being human in the coming century. Already they are opening up boundary-breaking possibilities for intervention at every level, from our brains and genes to our microbiomes and immune systems. These will confer unprecedented powers over health, childhood development, our cognitive and physical abilities, and affect every aspect of how we live our lives and think about ourselves. As the secrets of our bodies are revealed, we all will face previously unthinkable choices with consequences we have yet to understand. Imagine knowing years in advance the precise likelihood of developing specific cancers, thanks to a bespoke understanding of every cell in your body; following a diet and health regime tailored to your microbiome; continuous monitoring of your body's workings and well-being; taking drugs that improve your cognition and help to acquire new skills; manipulating the genes of your unborn children to eliminate disease or even enhance their capabilities. Written by an award-winning scientist at the forefront of this work, The Secret Body shows how these radical and disconcerting possibilities have been made real thanks to the ingenious technologies and decades-long collaborations of scientists worldwide. A gripping drama of discovery and a landmark account of this dawning revolution, it presents a vision of the human body of dizzying complexity, wonder and possibility. 'A beautifully rendered picture of the startling new discoveries in human biology which are radically altering our understanding of how we function and what our future holds' BRIAN COX 'An extraordinary journey that reveals the magnificence, intricacy and beauty of the human body, fundamentally changing the way we see ourselves. Masterful' ALICE ROBERTS

A description of the social, educational, and economic impact of living with a neurological genetic disorder, neurofibromatosis 1. The many unpredictable and potentially stigmatizing possible symptoms of NF1, which range from physical disfigurement to severe learning disorders, may have serious consequences in every aspect of daily life. NF1 was for many years wrongly diagnosed as the Elephant Man's Disease.

Ablon examines the psychosocial costs of this misdiagnosis and the ways in which stage, screen, and television parlayed The Elephant Man into the personification of the grimmist extreme of ugliness. This portrayal engendered fear and anxiety for affected persons and their families and also had an impact on the scientific and medical communities. Ablon analyzes the factors that affect individual positive adaptation to NF1 and the demands of American society, and offers suggestions for families, support systems, and health care providers for treatment of affected individuals.

Containing concise, updated, and easy-to-use summaries on a comprehensive range of clinical scenarios and conditions encountered by paediatricians and multi-disciplinary professionals in their everyday practice, this new edition of Neurodisability and Community Child Health has been substantially revised to be the ideal companion for anyone working with children.

The essays in this collection examine how human heredity was understood between the end of the First World War and the early 1970s. The contributors explore the interaction of science, medicine and society in determining how heredity was viewed across the world during the politically turbulent years of the twentieth century.

The most comprehensive guide available on hereditary cancers, from understanding risk, prevention, and genetic counseling and testing to treatment, quality of life, and more. Up to 10 percent of cancers are caused by inherited mutations in specific genes. Finding out that you or your loved ones may be at increased risk of developing cancer because of a genetic mutation raises a lot of questions: Is cancer inevitable? Is there anything I should do differently in my life? Will my children also be at higher risk of cancer? Should I have preemptive treatments or surgery? This comprehensive guide provides answers to these questions and more. Written by three passionate patient advocates, this book is a compilation of the trusted information and support provided for more than two decades by Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE), the de facto voice of the hereditary cancer community. Combining the latest scientific research with national guidelines, expert advice, and compelling patient stories, the book offers previvors (those who have a mutation but have never been diagnosed), survivors, and their families the guidance they need to face the unique physical and emotional challenges of living in a high-risk body. An ideal resource for genetic counselors, physicians, nurses, advocates, and others who support and care for the hereditary cancer community, Living with Hereditary Cancer Risk also provides coverage of * signs of inherited cancer risk in a family; * the value of genetic counseling and testing; * mutations in BRCA, Lynch Syndrome, and other genes that elevate cancer risk; * risk-reducing strategies; * traditional treatments and newer personalized approaches, including immunotherapies and PARP inhibitors; * nationally recommended guidelines for prevention, early detection, and treatment; * insurance coverage and discrimination protections; and * coping with sexual health, fertility, menopause, and other quality of life issues.

Debating Human Genetics is based on ethnographic research focusing primarily on the UK publics who are debating and engaging with human genetics, and related bio and techno-science. Drawing on recent interviews and data, collated in a range of public settings, it provides a unique overview of multiple publics as they 'frame' the stake of the debates in this emerging, complex and controversial arena.

The book outlines key sites and applications of human genetics that have sparked public interest, such as biobanks, stem cells, genetic screening and genomics. It also addresses the 'scientific contoversies' that have made considerable impact in the public sphere - the UK police DNA database, gene patenting, 'saviour siblings', and human cloning. By grounding the concepts and issues of human genetics in the real life narratives and actions of patient groups, genetic watchdogs, scientists, policy makers, and many other public groups, the book exemplifies how human genetics is a site where public knowledge and value claims converge and collide, and identifies the emergence of 'hybrid publics' who are engaging with this hybrid science.

Debating Human Genetics is based on ethnographic research focusing primarily on the UK publics who are debating and engaging with human genetics, and related bio and techno-science. Drawing on recent interviews and data, collated in a range of public settings, it provides a unique overview of multiple publics as they 'frame' the stake of the debates in this emerging, complex and controversial arena. The book outlines key sites and applications of human genetics that have sparked public interest, such as biobanks, stem cells, genetic screening and genomics. It also addresses the 'scientific contoversies' that have made considerable impact in the public sphere - the UK police DNA database, gene patenting, 'saviour siblings', and human cloning. By grounding the concepts and issues of human genetics in the real life narratives and actions of patient groups, genetic watchdogs, scientists, policy makers, and many other public groups, the book exemplifies how human genetics is a site where public knowledge and value claims converge and collide, and identifies the emergence of 'hybrid publics' who are engaging with this hybrid science.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is one of the most prevalent genetic disorders of childhood and currently stands as an incurable condition. This authoritative guide provides a clear overview of the latest current and experimental approaches to the treatment of DMD and examines the clinical, genetic, and pathophysiological aspects of the disease in the context of emerging therapeutic modalities. The only available source on the subject, this reference emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis, carrier detection, and genetic counseling, and supplies state-of-the-art contributions on pharmacological interventions, regenerative medicine, and gene therapy.

Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare genetic disorder that causes blood vessel abnormalities in the nose, skin, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, brain, and liver. Nosebleeds are the most common symptom of HHT, but abnormal vessels in other organs, if they are not diagnosed and treated, can lead to serious medical complications, including stroke, hemorrhage, anemia, and brain abscess. Psychologist Sara Palmer, who has HHT herself and is an expert in helping people cope with health conditions, draws on current research as she thoroughly describes the symptoms of HHT, explains how the diagnosis is made (and often missed), and details treatment options. While addressing the medical aspects of HHT, Palmer also reveals how people affected by the disorder can maintain their emotional health, take care of family members, and live life as fully as possible. Enriched with illustrations, personal stories of people living with HHT, a glossary, and contact information for the HHT Centers of Excellence (which provide coordinated medical treatment for people with the disorder), Living with HHT is a complete resource for individuals with HHT and their families. This guide is also essential for health professionals seeking more information about this underdiagnosed disease.

This volume begins with a summary of the classical genetic studies and molecular genetic studies of the most common diseases, and indicates what makes them amenable to analysis and treatment. A range of possible future therapeutic options are discussed, from conventional drug targets through to gene therapy. The final chapters assess the value of diagnosis and prediction of the inheritance of various diseases.

There is growing acknowledgement of the importance of interpersonal and communication skills in the training of future physicians. Effective diagnostic and clinical management skills require competency in observing, listening, communicating, problem-solving and negotiating. In addition, the physician needs human relationship skills. It is apparent that a systematic curriculum is needed to teach these clinical skills to medical students and trainees and this handbook provides a practical guide. Each chapter in this book discusses one of the clinical skills in depth. A unique feature of this book is the use of concepts developed in several other disciplines. For example, ideas to learn listening skills are borrowed from industrial management literature. The other unique feature is the inclusion of practical exercises to learn and teach each of these skills. The Appendix outlines ideas on how to organize a course on clinical competency skills and includes a few exercises to start discussion groups. This practical manual is a resource for training of future physicians for competency in the art and practice of medicine. Ideas expressed in this book have been developed, tested and improved over a period of 25 to 30 years with input from trainees and medical practitioners.

This book addresses the impact of genetic deafness/hearing impairment on people' s lives and those around them. It includes the perspectives of those who are deaf or hard of hearing as well as those working in the field. Professional topics include genetic counselling, social science, psychology, social work and - within medicine - audiological and ENT medical and audiological paediatrics. These practitioners are both hearing and hearing impaired.

The impact of deafness on children, those of working age and elderly people is discussed highlighting the specific effect of genetic factors. In particular there are chapters on deafblindness and otosclerosis and NF2 (a potentially lethal condition). The Who definitions and ICF are used as a framework for considering the effect on people' s lives of impairment and their participation in society.

This provides a bridge between the medical and social models of disability. Contributors write from both their professional and personal experience in order to try and address some of the issues raised by the real impact of genetic deafness on everyday life and how these can best be tackled by those working in the field.

This volume offers therapists effective, practical strategies for helping patients overcome the psychological impact of a history of serious illness in the family. Using illustrative case material, the author discusses the feelings of powerlessness that family illness can produce in an individual, and describes techniques for fostering a healthier, more empowered attitude. She shows how various assessment exercises and validation techniques can help the person distinguish between reality and the myths that evolved as a result of the family illness.

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"Packed with information that is useful on a daily basis. This book will be useful for all who care for children with disabilities or chronic disase." -Journal of Parental and Enteral Nutrition Food and nutrition studies are more relevant to the practice of medicine than ever before. As scientific understanding of these links has expanded over the last decade, the need for an authoritative reference has never been greater. This fully revised and updated edition of PEDIATRIC AND ADULT NUTRITION IN CHRONIC DISEASES, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, AND HEREDITARY METABOLIC DISORDERS offers a comprehensive reference to the nutritional interventions for diseases across the lifespan. Comprising more than 60 topic-based chapters from leading figures in nutrition and medicine, this book is the most up-to-date work on diet as a symptom of, and therapy for, chronic, hereditary, and developmental disorders. Enriched with tables and charts that distill the latest recommendations for nutrient intake, physical activity, this third edition is a convenient and essential resource for busy clinicians and students in nutrition, dietetics, and medical specialties.