This book offers an analytical look at the much debated risks and benefits of the newly developed COVID-19 mRNA-vaccines. As such, it is one of the first books to give a comprehensive overview of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 and the only one that addresses this topic from a broad multidisciplinary background. It brings together insights from various underlying disciplines on the challenges of developing and evaluating the most suitable vaccines for mass vaccination programs enrolled throughout the world - focusing on safety and efficacy. This book should not be missing on the shelf of any biomedical researcher, epidemiologist, public health professional or clinical researcher interested in SARS-CoV2 or virology and vaccine development in general.

This book is a comprehensive treatise on infective and inflammatory pathologies of the cornea with corresponding clinical images and diagrammatic illustrations. Corneal infections and inflammations are a major cause of ocular morbidity and visual impairment. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to improved visual outcome and quality of life. Both infectious (bacterial, fungal, viral and protozoan) and non-infectious keratitis that cause corneal vascularisation, scarring and vision loss are covered extensively. The illustrated clinical findings presented in the form of diagrams, photographs, cases and videos aim to serve as a practical teaching tool for fellows, trainees and practising ophthalmologists. KEY FEATURES Focuses on clinically relevant parts of corneal diseases, using illustrations with arrows indicating different pathologies and signs Serves as a ready clinical compendium for trainees, fellows and ophthalmologists Explores various corneal pathologies through a wealth of accompanying illustrations and teaching videos

This volume provides a modern look on the age-old influenza infection and the preventive role of anti-influenza shots. Influenza pandemic outbreaks are unrelenting despite the growing understanding of the molecular basis of viral infection and its spreads. A leap in medical technologies has revolutionized the design of new influenza vaccines. The chapters cover vaccination strategies in various age-groups of people and provide the extensive amount of knowledge on the immune response to influenza vaccination in a spectrum of disease conditions.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the discovery of Natural Killer (NK) cells, this volume focuses on the recent advances in our understanding of NK cell development and differentiation and their acquisition of functional properties, as well as the latest models for NK-cell analysis in mice and applications in clinical medicine. NK cells have travelled a circuitous path from their initial description as 'spontaneous killers' (for some simply an experimental artifact) to being a bona fide subset of innate lymphoid cells with a complementary mode of action in immune defense and an important mediator of immune reactivity in health and disease. Together, these reviews provide a timely and concise picture of the evolution of NK cells as essential agents in immunity and as potent weapons against disease. This book offers an appealing and insightful resource for scientists and clinicians.

This book offers an introduction to the newest, fastest-growing field in laboratory science. Explaining and clarifying the molecular techniques used in diagnostic testing, this text provides both entry-level and advanced information. It covers the principles of molecular biology along with genomes and nucleic acid alterations, techniques and instrumentation, and applications of molecular diagnostics. Written by leading experts, this book includes illustrations, tables, and a colorful design to make information easy to find and easy to use. A full-color, 4-page insert shows realistic images of the output for many molecular tests. Learning Objectives open each chapter with an overview of what you should achieve. Key Words are listed and defined at the beginning of each chapter, and are bolded in the text. Review Questions at the end of every chapter let you measure your comprehension. Advanced Concepts are included, but set apart from the rest of the text, for students who want a higher level of learning. Ethics boxes address ethical issues, allowing you to apply your knowledge to real-life scenarios. A glossary of all key words may be easily accessed in the back of the book.

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 splenic pathology, it incorporates the most recent clinical, pathologic, and molecular knowledge in this challenging field to provide a comprehensive overview of all key issues relevant to today's practice. Richly illustrated and easy to use, the 2nd edition of Diagnostic Pathology: Spleen is a one-stop reference for accurate, complete pathology reports, ideal as a day-to-day reference or as a reliable training resource. Provides essential knowledge focused entirely on splenic pathology, including immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and molecular testing as they relate to splenic lesions and their differential diagnoses Presents up-to-date information on splenic injury and laceration grading and management, the findings of next-generation sequencing studies, and a range of molecularly defined genetic alterations of spleen neoplasms Features an Antibody Index and Molecular Factors Index to assist with identification and diagnosis Includes 14 new chapters covering topics such as autoimmune disease involving the spleen, spleen anatomy, splenic microcirculation, immune function of the spleen, spleen imaging, leukemic non-nodal mantle cell lymphoma, Tay-Sachs disease, normal T-cell subsets, and many others Includes approximately 2,000 high-quality clinical and histologic images, gross pathology images, radiologic images, and full-color illustrations to help practicing and in-training pathologists reach a confident diagnosis Includes updated criteria, terminology, and classifications from the 2017 World Health Organization Classification of Lymphoid Neoplasms Employs consistently templated chapters, bulleted content, key facts, and annotated images for quick, expert reference at the point of care Includes the enhanced eBook version, which allows you to search all text, figures, and references on a variety of devices

The scope of Neuromuscular Pathology continuous to expand, as evidenced by the numerous multivolume and speciality texts published in recent years. This short textbook provides a complete overview of both clinical and histological aspects of common and rare neuromuscular diseases. The objective is twofold: to provide information about neuromuscular diseases in a simplified, integrated, and rapidly accessible format suited to those initially encountering the discipline, and also to provide a clear approach using simple pictures, tables and algorithms to illustrate histological features in muscle and nerve biopsy. This volume is conveniently divided into three sections with a total of 30 chapters. The first section deals with basic principles of neuromuscular histology and physiology, processing technique, histochemistry, and laboratory management. The second and third sections deal with neuromuscular diseases that are summarized in a stepwise approach, complemented by algorithms and organized tables. A simplified, integrated, and rapidly accessible format covering both common and rare neuromuscular diseases Clear simple illustrations, organized tables and algorithms to aid the reader in finding an easy approach to accurate diagnosis Practical tips to facilitate histopathological diagnosis. Clinical scenarios discussing common neuromuscular conditions Neurologists, neuropathologists, trainees and medical students involved in clinical neuroscience and pathology will find this guide of practical benefit in both education and practice.

Apart from malaria, schistosomiasis is the most prevalent parasitic infection in the world. It affects more than 200 million people in 76 tropical and subtropical countries, causing great suffering and resulting in thousands of deaths. Written by world authorities, this book examines many aspects of the biology, pathology, and control of the schistosoma parasite. Ranging in topic from infection in Pharaonic Egypt, through DNA relationships and biological systems, to advances in development of vaccines against the parasite, this book is a comprehensive text written for researchers and medical professionals alike.

Mycotic keratitis, also known asfungal keratitis, is commonly defined as an inflammation of the cornea. Globally, mycotic keratitis is more common as compared to others eye disorders. Though it occurs in all parts of the world it is more prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas. Mycotic Keratitis emphasizes novel perspectives on mycotic keratitis treatments and addresses different therapies used in treatment. The book is designed to be immensely useful for the students and teachers of microbiology, medicine, mycology, ophthalmology, biotechnology and nanotechnology. Medical microbiology researchers in general and medical mycology in particular will find it a valuable user-friendly book.

This stunningly illustrated book provides a rare window into the amazing, varied, and often beautiful world of viruses. Contrary to popular belief, not all viruses are bad for you. In fact, several are beneficial to their hosts, and many are crucial to the health of our planet. Virus offers an unprecedented look at 101 incredible microbes that infect all branches of life on Earth--from humans and other animals to insects, plants, fungi, and bacteria. Featuring hundreds of breathtaking color images throughout, this guide begins with a lively and informative introduction to virology. Here readers can learn about the history of this unique science, how viruses are named, how their genes work, how they copy and package themselves, how they interact with their hosts, how immune systems counteract viruses, and how viruses travel from host to host. The concise entries that follow highlight important or interesting facts about each virus. Learn about the geographic origins of dengue and why old tires and unused pots help the virus to spread. Read about Ebola, Zika, West Nile, Frog virus 3, the Tulip breaking virus, and many others--how they were discovered, what their hosts are, how they are transmitted, whether or not there is a vaccine, and much more. Each entry is easy to read and includes a graphic of the virus, and nearly every entry features a colorized image of the virus as seen through the microscope. Written by a leading authority, this handsomely illustrated guide reveals the unseen wonders of the microbial world. It will give you an entirely new appreciation for viruses.

First published in 1963, "Advances in Parasitology" contains comprehensive and up-to-date reviews in all areas of interest in contemporary parasitology.
"Advances in Parasitology" includes medical studies on parasites of major influence, such as Plasmodium falciparum and Trypanosomes. The series also contains reviews of more traditional areas, such as zoology, taxonomy, and life history, which shape current thinking and applications.
Eclectic volumes are supplemented by thematic volumes on various topics including "Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems in Epidemiology" and "The Evolution of Parasitism a phylogenetic persepective."

One of the most promising new approaches for the prevention of HIV transmission, particularly for developing countries, involves topical, self-administered products known as microbicides. The development of microbicides is a long and complicated process, and this volume provides an overview of all the critical areas, from the selection of appropriate candidate molecules and their formulation, preclinical and clinical testing for safety and efficacy, strategies for product registration and finally, issues associated with product launch, distribution and access. The book will prove valuable to both those working in the field and all others who are interested in learning more about this product class, which has the potential to significantly impact the future of this devastating epidemic.

Rapid evolution of technical advances in infrared sensor technology, image processing, "smart" algorithms, databases, and system integration paves the way for new methods of research and use in medical infrared imaging. These breakthroughs permit easy-to-use, high-sensitivity imaging that can address key issues of diagnostic specificity and engender a new level of diagnostic standardization, thus enabling the even wider use of infrared imaging as a viable, non-invasive, lower-cost, safe and accessible first-line detection modality. Edited by the inventor of the MedATR concept that leads to the first IR-CAD for the early detection of breast cancer, Medical Infrared Imaging presents many of the new ideas, concepts, and technologies that are key to the wider acceptance of infrared imaging as a revolutionary new standard. Beginning with the worldwide advances and their medical applications from a historical perspective, the book provides detailed and comprehensive information on the technology and hardware resulting from these innovative breakthroughs that will make currently contributory infrared information even more pertinent. The book covers the physics and physiological basis of thermal imaging, and such cutting-edge concepts as: dynamic thermal imaging, thermal tomography, the important role of infrared in a multi-modality imaging setting, and novel processing techniques for the early detection of breast cancer. A significant portion of the book introduces new applications such as biometric facial recognition and the clinical use and quantification of the TAU technique which uses functional imaging to determine the relevance, the stage, and the progression of diseases. Effective and reproducible results are crucial and the book emphasizes the importance of standardization, calibration, and protocols. Finally, the editor includes chapters on the use of databases for storage and retrieval of images and the ethical obligations of infrared research and clinical practice. As a comprehensive state-of-the-science and indication of future directions, Medical Infrared Imaging provides the medical and biomedical engineering communities with the tools to fully utilize and further advance the applications of infrared imaging.

The scope of Neuromuscular Pathology continuous to expand, as evidenced by the numerous multivolume and speciality texts published in recent years. This short textbook provides a complete overview of both clinical and histological aspects of common and rare neuromuscular diseases. The objective is twofold: to provide information about neuromuscular diseases in a simplified, integrated, and rapidly accessible format suited to those initially encountering the discipline, and also to provide a clear approach using simple pictures, tables and algorithms to illustrate histological features in muscle and nerve biopsy. This volume is conveniently divided into three sections with a total of 30 chapters. The first section deals with basic principles of neuromuscular histology and physiology, processing technique, histochemistry, and laboratory management. The second and third sections deal with neuromuscular diseases that are summarized in a stepwise approach, complemented by algorithms and organized tables. A simplified, integrated, and rapidly accessible format covering both common and rare neuromuscular diseases Clear simple illustrations, organized tables and algorithms to aid the reader in finding an easy approach to accurate diagnosis Practical tips to facilitate histopathological diagnosis. Clinical scenarios discussing common neuromuscular conditions Neurologists, neuropathologists, trainees and medical students involved in clinical neuroscience and pathology will find this guide of practical benefit in both education and practice.

Infections caused by fungi have recently attracted the attention of both clinicians and basic researchers given the heavy burden they represent for any health system. The mortality and morbidity rates associated to mycosis are progressively rising simply because some of these diseases are still neglected by health-care workers and due to the changing sensitivity to antifungal drugs displayed by these organisms. In this book, both researchers and clinicians working in the medical mycology field explore the most recent literature about specific mycosis; placing in one concise chapter thoroughly revisions of the current knowledge on virulence factors, recognition by immune cells, immunoevasion, epidemiology, new diagnosis trends and therapeutics. This book is recommended to researchers, physicians and students interested in medical mycology.

In recent years, advanced molecular techniques in diagnostic microbiology have been revolutionizing the practice of clinical microbiology in the hospital setting. Molecular diagnostic testing in general and nucleic acid-based amplification methods in particular have been heralded as diagnostic tools for the new millennium. This third edition covers not only the most recent updates and advances, but details newly invented omic techniques, such as next generation sequencing. It is divided into two distinct volumes, with Volume 1 describing the techniques, and Volume 2 addressing their applications in the field. In addition, both volumes focus more so on the clinical relevance of the test results generated by these techniques than previous editions.

Prepare for your future nursing career with Essentials of Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States . This clear, readable, and student-friendly text delivers "need to know" disease content along with the essential foundation in science that students need to succeed in their future careers. Approaching the topic as an exploration of pathophysiology, the book relates normal body functioning to the physiologic changes that occur as a result of disease and provides concise yet complete coverage of how the body works. The Fifth Edition, which is based on the comprehensive Porth's Pathophysiology , 10th edition, includes a dynamic art program, unit-opening case studies, and lifespan content threaded throughout. 3D animations online and a brilliant art program enhance the learning experience. Key benefits of Essentials of Pathophysiology include: Unit Opening Case Studies prepare students for clinical practice and put a real face on pathophysiology and help relate the clinical presentation to the underlying pathophysiology. "Chunked" content, including learning outcomes and summary statements, encourages students to pause to review salient points. Full-color Art increases understanding of key concepts showing the clinical manifestations of diseases and disease processes. Lab References are easily accessible with lists of common suffixes and prefixes, normal laboratory values in both conventional and SI units, and a comprehensive glossary. Narrated Animations , available on thePoint, bring to life the most clinically relevant and difficult to understand disorders. The leading content is also incorporated into Lippincott CoursePoint, a dynamic learning solution that integrates this book's curriculum, adaptive learning tools, and real-time data reporting into one powerful student learning experience. Learn more at www.NursingEducationSuccess.com/CoursePoint.

Advances in Parasitology includes medical studies on parasites of major influence, such as Plasmodium falciparum and Trypanosomes. The series also contains reviews of more traditional areas, such as zoology, taxonomy, and life history, which shape current thinking and applications.
Eclectic volumes are supplemented by thematic volumes on various topics including Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems in Epidemiology and The Evolution of Parasitism a phylogenetic persepective .
With an impact factor of 3.9 the series ranks second in the ISI Parasitology subject category.

Biopsy Pathology in Colorectal Disease shows how the practising pathologist can extract the maximum of diagnostic value from biopsies of the colon, rectum, and anus. With the advances in colonoscopic mucosal biopsy techniques these are amongst the most frequently encountered specimens in hospital histopathology departments. This new edition provides practising pathologists and those in allied disciplines with a thorough guide to the diagnosis of colorectal conditions, both common and rare, and offers expert guidance in the handling of biopsy specimens. The most valuable information for diagnositc interpretation of the variuos types of inflammatory disease is presented clearly and succinctly, minimizing the use of non-diagnostic terms such as 'non-specific colitis.' Optimal ways of handling and examining polyps, the assessment of biopsies in motility disorders and the interpretation of biopsies of anal lesions are described. A rationale classification and practical approach to dysplasia is presented. The early chapters describe how to recognize the many different features, both normal and abnormal, which can be regarded as signposts to diagnosis. The significance of these diagnostic signposts is briefly described and cross referenced to later chapters, in which the histological features of the specific diseases are covered in greater depth.

Findings from the field of evolutionary biology are yielding dramatic insights for health scientists, especially those involved in the fight against infectious diseases. This book is the first in-depth presentation of these insights. In detailing why the pathogens that cause malaria, smallpox, tuberculosis, and AIDS have their special kinds of deadliness, the book shows how efforts to control virtually all diseases would benefit from a more thorough application of evolutionary principles. When viewed from a Darwinian perspective, a pathogen is not simply a disease-causing agent, it is a self-replicating organism driven by evolutionary pressures to pass on as many copies of itself as possible. In this context, so-called "cultural vectors"--those aspects of human behavior and the human environment that allow spread of disease from immobilized people--become more important than ever. Interventions to control diseases don't simply hinder their spread but can cause pathogens and the diseases they engender to evolve into more benign forms. In fact, the union of health science with evolutionary biology offers an entirely new dimension to policy making, as the possibility of determining the future course of many diseases becomes a reality. By presenting the first detailed explanation of an evolutionary perspective on infectious disease, the author has achieved a genuine milestone in the synthesis of health science, epidemiology, and evolutionary biology. Written in a clear, accessible style, it is intended for a wide readership among professionals in these fields and general readers interested in science and health.

This book explores the broad and diverse biological and physiological impacts of established and newly discovered cyclic di-nucleotide second messenger signaling systems, while also providing descriptions of the intriguing biochemical characteristics of multiple turnover enzymes and receptors. The respective chapters discuss the commonalities and diversity of cyclic di-GMP, cyclic di-AMP and recently discovered cyclic GMP-AMP signaling systems in manifold Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The global human pathogens Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pneumoniae, the facultative human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, global plant pathogens as exemplified by Xanthomonas campestris and Burkholderia spp., and the omnipresent probiotic Lactobacilli, as well as environmentally important photoautotrophic cyanobacteria, the multicellular Myxococcus xanthus, and chemolithotrophic Acidithiobacillus are among the representatives of the microbial kingdom that are described. In turn, the various aspects of bacterial physiology affected by these signaling systems- e.g. biofilm formation and dispersal, the cell cycle, motility, virulence, production of antimicrobials, fundamental metabolism and osmohomeostasis - are discussed in detail in the context of different microorganisms. Dedicated chapters focus on the population diversity of cyclic dinucleotide signaling systems, their tendency to be horizontally transferred, the cyclic di-GMP signaling system in the social amoeba Dictyostelium, honorary cyclic (di)nucleotides, and the development of strategies for interfering with cyclic dinucleotide signaling in order to manipulate microbial behavior. Taken together, the chapters provide an authoritative source of information for a broad readership: beginners and advanced researchers from various disciplines; individuals seeking a broad overview of cyclic di-nucleotide signaling; and those who want to learn more about specific aspects. Also featuring reviews with a forward-looking perspective, the book offers a valuable source of inspiration for future research directions.

This book, besides reviewing basic and clinical aspects of Behcet's disease, covers the latest findings, including genetic studies and treatment with biologics for the disease. Although the cause of Behcet's disease is still unknown, it is well known that genetic factors, such as HLA-B51, are involved in its development. Recently, novel susceptibility loci including IL10, IL23R-IL12RB2, and endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 have been identified, providing new insights into the pathogenesis of the disease. In addition to basic research, the beneficial efficacy of anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibodies has also been suggested for not only uveitis associated with the disease but also other subtypes of the disease such as entero-, vasculo-, and neuro- Behcet's disease. Behcet's Disease: From Genetics to Therapies provides essential information both for basic researchers working in the fields of immunology, inflammation, and genetics, and for clinical physicians who are interested in Behcet's disease, such as ophthalmologists, rheumatologists, dermatologists, gastroenterologists, neurologists, and vascular surgeons.

Henipaviruses form a new genus of emerging paramyxoviruses that are the deadliest human pathogens within the Paramyxoviridae family. This volume deals with the many facets of henipavirus biology, and covers our current understanding regarding the ecology, molecular virology, and pathogenesis of henipavirus infections. It is an international effort written by a multidisciplinary panel of experts at the front lines of research into this lethal emerging group of paramyxoviruses. The first section introduces the epidemiology and ecology of Nipah and Hendra viruses in their respective endemic areas, including a first-hand account of the discovery of Nipah virus during its initial outbreak in Malaysia; the next section documents the molecular virology of henipaviruses, and the substantial advances made towards understanding the unique features of henipavirus entry and tropism; and this is followed by accounts of the clinical and pathologic features of henipavirus infections in their human and naturally infected animal hosts. The next sections on pathogenesis provide a comprehensive reference on how henipaviruses counteract the innate immune system, and the relevant pathogenic features in animal challenge models developed to test potential therapeutic strategies. The final sections describe our current and future capabilities for diagnosis and control, including an account of potentially effective immunization strategies that are currently being tested. This book will not only serve as a useful reference for the henipavirus field; it will be useful to basic and animal virologists, ecologists, epidemiologists, physicians, and others interested in emerging infectious viral diseases, as it showcases the multidisciplinary efforts required to understand the genesis, spread and hopefully, control, of a group of lethal emerging zoonotic pathogens.

Selecting illustrative examples from the recent literature, this reference studies the underlying principles and physics of a wide range of spectroscopic techniques utilized in the pharmaceutical sciences and demonstrates various applications for each method analyzed in the text-showing how knowledge of the mechanisms of spectroscopic phenomena may facilitate more advanced technologies in the field.

Tissue stem cells and their medical applications have become a major focus of research over the past decade. With 16 full-color illustrations, this reference provides a thorough and up-to-date overview of the current and emerging technologies for stem cell research and transplantation. Divided into three sections covering general issues, adult stem cells within specific tissues, and clinical applications, this source studies advances in bone marrow transplantation, cancer development modeling, tumor analysis, and gene therapy.