This book focuses on the envelope of Gram-positive bacteria including its composition, the latest discoveries in the mechanisms behind its assembly, and its role in pathogenesis. Furthermore, new applications in biotechnology and vaccine development involving these bacteria are discussed in detail. This concise volume consists of eleven chapters by prominent experts in the field, which review the latest findings and current state of knowledge on a range of diverse yet interlinked aspects. This book is written for all researchers, clinicians and technicians engaged in basic or applied science projects on Gram-positive bacteria.

Cardiac Markers is a comprehensive, up-to-date summary of clinical information on serum cardiac markers for coronary artery disease. This book reviews in detail the biochemistry, clinical significance, and analytical measurements for each marker, as well as the advantages and limitations of existing and proposed markers. Comprehensive descriptions of therapeutic approaches to manage patients are presented. Also included are up-to-date listings of primary references and commercial methodologies, the latest data on the pathophysiology of unstable angina, and a discussion of the new emergency-room chest pain centers. Anyone who needs to know how to examine, diagnose, treat, and manage patients with acute chest pain and heart attacks will find this book indispensable.

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 neoplastic and nonneoplastic diseases of the digestive tract and accessory organs such as the pancreas and liver, it incorporates the most recent clinical, pathological, and molecular knowledge in the field to provide a comprehensive overview of all key issues relevant to today's practice. Richly illustrated and easy to use, Diagnostic Pathology: Hepatobiliary and Pancreas is a one-stop reference for accurate, complete pathology reports, ideal as a day-to-day reference or as a reliable training resource. Analyzes hundreds of diagnoses, each of which include critical diagnostic information such as definitions, epidemiology, clinical presentation, macro- and microscopic features, differential diagnoses, and pathologic interpretation pearls. Features thorough updates throughout, including novel immunohistochemical markers and other ancillary techniques (such as BAP1, INSM1, Rb, albumin in situ hybridization) that play an increasingly critical role in improving diagnoses Addresses recent advances in molecular pathology-new diagnostic, immunohistochemical, molecular, and genetic techniques used for diagnosis, as well as new details about the genesis and activity of tumors in the liver, pancreas, and biliary systems Includes details from the 2019 WHO Classification of Tumors of the Digestive System regarding important changes to diagnostic techniques, identification of new variants of cancers, and immunohistochemical markers and ancillary techniques that improve diagnosis and treatment options Reflects recent WHO updates and updates from the AJCC's 8th Edition Cancer Staging Manual such as new terminology, new grading of neuroendocrine tumors and neuroendocrine carcinomas, and characteristic molecular alterations in hepatocellular adenoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and other tumors Uses a templated page layout, bulleted text, and a generous number of high-quality images to help practicing and in-training pathologists reach a confident diagnosis Includes the enhanced eBook version, which allows you to search all text, figures, and references on a variety of devices

Essentials of Autopsy Practice: Innovations, Updates and Advances in Practice is the fifth volume in the Essentials in Autopsy Practice series, covering topics of current and future interest. Designed to keep all involved in the investigation of death abreast of changes within the field, this volume covers a wide range of topical areas which can be encountered around the world. Essentials of Autopsy Practice: Innovations, Updates and Advances in Practice covers death by drowning; deaths from extreme temperature; the radioactive autopsy; chemical contamination and the autopsy; blast injuries; forensic odontology identification; and determination of the force used to cause an injury. Useful to both trainees and consultants in all specialty areas within pathology, including forensic pathology, Essentials of Autopsy Practice: Innovations, Updates and Advances in Practice also serves as a guide to all those involved in death investigation, i.e. nurses, lawyers, paramedics and police officers.

Achieving good clinical outcomes with implanted biomaterials depends upon achieving optimal function, both mechanical and biological, which in turn depends upon integrating advances realized in biological science, material science, and tissue engineering. As these advances push back the frontiers of biomaterial medicine , the control and patterning of bio-implant interface reactions will have a tremendous impact on future design and prospects of implant treatments.

Bio-Implant Interface: Improving Biomaterials and Tissue Reactions brings together a remarkable panel of scientists to present the state of the art in our understanding of interactions at the interface between biomaterials and living tissue. Much of the focus is on the importance of the implant surface's topography and chemistry to its interaction with the biological environment. Biomineralization along with the biological content of the interface and its role in directing cellular response along desired pathways also receive particular attention.

The pursuit of new and better designs for improved biocompatibility and patient response to implants continues to challenge clinicians and scientists alike. This book offers a unique opportunity to bring yourself up to date on recent advances in the field and new strategies for controlling the bio-implant interface.

Current Presentation of his Work; De Marneffe. Anatomy and Physiology: Morphology and Distribution of Blood Vessels and Blood Flow in Bone; M. Brookes. Methods of Investigation: Measurement of Bone Blood Flow in Animals; P. Tothill. Fracture Healing and Bone Grafts: The Role of Vasculature in Fracture Healing; S.P.F. Hughes, et al. Circulatory Aspects of Bone Disorders: Bone Turnovers in Osteoporosis; A.M. Peters. Osteonecrosis: General Aspects of Osteonecrosis: Pathophysiology of Osteonecrosis; J.P. Jones. Methods of Diagnosis: Diagnosis of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head; D.S. Hungerford, L.C. Jones. Treatment: Long Term Results in Electromagnetic Fields Treatment of Osteonecrosis; M. Hinsenkamp, et al. ARCO Perspective for Staging: Methodologic Problems in Staging and Evaluating Osteonecrosis; B.N. Stulberg, J.W.M. Gardeniers. 34 additional articles. Index.

This volume focuses on apoptotic and non-apoptotic programmed cell death, including necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis, and presents recent findings in the field. It discusses the crucial role that apoptotic and non-apoptotic cell death play in various pathological conditions, such as skin diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and virus infections. Further, it highlights the mechanisms underlying the recognition and clearance of dead cells, and the subsequent biological responses triggered by phagocytosed macrophages and factors released from dying cells. Offering insights into cell death, it is a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians developing novel strategies to treat various diseases that are closely associated with cell death.

The book gives a comprehensive overview on the knowledge of virus infection relevant for humans and animals. For each virus family the molecular details of the virus particle and the viral replication cycle are described. In the case of virus types with relevance for human and/or animal health the data on molecular biology, genetics and virus-cell interaction are combined with those concerning, pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinics, prevention and therapy.

Measles virus, one of the most contagious of all human viruses, has been largely contained by the development and use of a vaccine that was introduced 50 years ago. These two volumes were timed to honor the introduction of the vaccine and to record the enormous advancements made in understanding the molecular and cell biology, pathogenesis, and control of this infectious disease. Where vaccine has been effectively delivered, endemic measles virus transmission has been eliminated. However, difficulties in vaccine delivery, lack of health care support and objection to vaccination in some communities continue to result in nearly 40 million cases and over 300,000 deaths per year from measles.

By itself measles virus infection has and still provides some of the most interesting phenomena in biology. Following infection of dendritic cells, measles virus causes a profound suppression of the host s immune response that lasts a number of months after apparent recovery from infection. Indeed, measles virus was the first virus to be associated with immunosuppression with many of the manifestations to be observed one hundred years later with HIV infection. Measles is also associated with development of both post-infectious encephalomyelitis, an autoimmune demyelinating disease, and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, a slowly progressive neurodegenerative disorder. How measles virus infects cells, spreads to various tissues and causes disease, as well as the role of the immune response, generation of new vaccines, and use as a vector for gene delivery are topics covered in these two volumes. "

This book achieves an invaluable, contemporary picture of the phylum as a whole - Derek Wakelin - Parasitology

Moire fringe techniques have expanded considerably over the past decade and are now established as important metrological tools. The main reason for this flourishing expansion is the use of the moire fringe method in the common availability of the laser light. This book covers the major theoretical aspects and applications of the moire technique. A concise description of the formation of moire fringes and their interpretation is presented. A comprehensive review of the most important applications of the moire phenomenon is given. Although some of them are still being refined there are already well established applications to moire displacement and alignment sensors, grating interferometry, moire processing of interferograms, moire topography and strain analysis. There is also a discussion on the influence of the types of superimposition on structures and of the type of illumination used on the intensity distribution in moire patterns.

An understanding of moire fringes and of the characteristics of moire patterns, which depend on various optical configurations, is essential for the proper use and control of moire methods. The physical and practical attributes of each technique are clarified throughout. The book will prove most appropriate in meeting the needs of newcomers to the field, as well as those of researchers and technicians who want to acquire a broader view and assessment of particular techniques.

The successful prophylaxis and treatment of ubiquitous respiratory infections is essential for the enhancement of public health. The chapters provide new insights into the biology of causative pathogens, tackle the epidemiological aspects, and present an update on diagnostics, prevention and therapy of infections. The emerging new pathogens and antibiotic resistance of the old ones are discussed. Novel markers of the severity of community acquired pneumonia, which bears high morbidity and mortality, also are presented.

The complement system plays a major role in the host's defence against infections and in immune complex diseases. Although it is known to consist of a number of serum and membrane proteins that interact through a cascade, there is still a poor understanding of the exact nature of the components and their complex interaction. Many of the biological consequences of complement activation also await elucidation. This fully revised edition of "Complement in Health and Disease" provides an up-to-date account of how the system works and its effects on the host. Key topics covered include the history, phylogeny and evolution of the system; genetics and biochemistry; deficiency states and infection; immune complex diseases; complement and angioedema; anaphylatoxins; and diseases of the nervous system. The book is valuable both for those wanting an introduction to this complex area of immunology as well as those requiring a more detailed update on developments in specific topics.

Stresses molecular and biochemical studies of opportunistic and frank fungal pathogens
This book gives a comprehensive overview of human pathogenic fungi that offers a current and concise survey of virulence factors, host responses and recognition, treatment and diagnosis of infections, invasive enzymes, intracellular survival, morphogenesis, adaptation, and properties of major fungal pathogens that contribute to disease.
Focuses on human fungal infections, including candidiasis, pneumocystosis, aspergillosis, and cryptococcosis.
With over 3700 references to accommodate continuing study, Fungal Pathogenesis
covers natural and acquired immunity, vaccine development, and immune reconstitution
outlines rapid identification of major mycoses utilizing antigen capture and molecular assays
details signaling and phenotypic switching
discusses the value of genomics in validation
highlights state-of-the-art molecular methodologies to study disease-causing organisms
describes available and potential antifungal drug targets and drug development
considers predicting the consequences of drug resistance on patient management
presents topical observations on strain typing and variation
and more
Containing research into the virulence, immunity, diagnosis, and therapy of most common fungal infections, Fungal Pathogenesis is an unparalleled reference for microbiologists, virologists, pathologists and phytopathologists, infectious disease specialists, molecular and cell biologists, biochemists, immunologists, medical mycologists, biotechnologists, and geneticists, and an exceptional text for upper-level undergraduate, graduate, and medical school students in these disciplines.

This book covers the wide set of well-regulated virulence factors and defense mechanisms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa focusing on stress responses and the evolution of this opportunistic human pathogen. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is responsible for one out of ten hospital infections. Additionally, this Gram-negative bacterium is accountable for persistent infections in immunocompromised individuals and the leading cause of chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients. This book provides insight on the metabolic versatility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its mechanisms for biofilm formation that make this organism highly efficient in causing infections. The book invites the readers to learn more about the intrinsic ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to resist a wide variety of antimicrobial agents due to the concerted action of multidrug efflux pumps, antibiotic-degrading enzymes, and the low permeability of bacterial cellular envelopes. Particular focus is put on the evolutionary role of different types of protein-secretion systems in pathogenesis, flagella and their role in chemotaxis and surface sensing, and host-pathogen interactions. This book is a useful introduction to the field for junior scientists interested in the biology and pathogenesis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is also an interesting read for advanced scientists and medical specialists working within this field, providing a broader view of the topic beyond their specific area of specialization.

Connectionist accounts of language acquisition, processing, and dissolution proliferate despite attacks from some linguists, cognitive scientists, and engineers. Although the networks of exquisitely interconnected perceptrons postulated by PDP theorists may not be anatomically homologous with actual brain anatomy, a growing body of research suggests that the posited network functions can support many human behaviors. This volume brings together contributors with a variety of backgrounds and perspectives to explore, for the first time, the "clinical implications" of whole-language connectionist models. Demonstrating that these models are powerful and have explained many phenomena of language acquisition, language therapy, and speech processing, especially at the engineering level, they focus specifically on applications of connectionist theory to delayed language, aphasia, phonological acquisition, and speech perception. Connectionist models, they conclude, offer a new interpretive framework for the discussion of information processing in humans and other animals that will be of great utility to all those who study language and seek to intervene in language disorders.

The International Commission on Radiological Protection and the Euratom Council directive have specified that workers exposed to ionizing radiation shall be subjected to individual dose monitoring. In the past, individual doses have almost always been monitored by film badge dosimeters, but thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) are now coming into widespread use, principally due to the availability of automated readout systems. Techniques and Management of Personnel Thermoluminescence Dosimetry Services gives details of the operation of and experience gained with a number of large-scale TL personnel dosimetry services, with particular attention being paid to the management aspects of such services. For technical and administrative personnel in TLD services, TLD system designers, staff of licensing authorities concerned with dosimetric licensing, students of radiation protection, especially in the area of protection from ionizing radiation. A basic knowledge of atomic and nuclear physics is assumed, and a training in radiation protection or health physics would be an advantage.

Capsaicin is a principal pungent ingredient of red chili peppers, first isolated in the early nineteenth century by Christian Friedrich Bucholz. Widely consumed as a spice in South Asia and Latin America, Capsaicin has been used to treat pain and inflammation associated with a variety of diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, post-masectomy pain, cluster headaches, and herpes zoster. Although recent studies have evaluated capsaicin as a novel anti-cancer agent, and mechanisms of capsaicin in preventing cancer have been described sporadically, the literature lacks a comprehensive review of capsaicin as a chemo-preventive agent. Role of Capsaicin in Oxidative Stress and Cancer offers a thorough exploration of the preventive and therapeutic effects of capsaicin in cancer models such as melanoma, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, gastric cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, multiple myeloma and glioma. The contributors, all internationally recognized researchers, identify various molecular and cellular targets of capsaicin, and show the critical role of mitochondria in capsaicin-mediated therapeutic effects. Readers will learn how capsaicin prevents or may treat cancer, how different cells respond to capsaicin, how environmental carcinogen-induced carcinogenesis can be prevented by capsaicin and the mechanism of oxidative stress caused by capsaicin. This book will benefit medical students, oncologists and cancer researchers everywhere.

Bacteria and fungi are able to aggregate together or on surfaces in densely packed microcolonies, facilitated by extracellular polymeric substances for cell protection and stability. These biofilms have proven to be extremely hard to eradicate and remove once established. In chronic infections, this condition can result in a high degree of morbidity and mortality as regular antibiotic treatments are ineffective against biofilms. In industrial facilities, the formation of biofilms can ruin production and result in enormous financial losses. In this book, the current state of antibiofilm research is presented by experts from around the world. Novel, cutting-edge techniques and new optimized strategies based on established methods are discussed in chapters focused on biofilm prevention, treatment and control for the application in clinical, industrial and veterinary settings. Antibiofilm strategies, such as chemical and enzymatic treatments, surface modification and coatings, quorum sensing inhibition and dispersal induction, phage therapy, cold plasma treatment, hyperbaric oxygen treatment, and metal-based nanomedicine are covered, among many others. This book contributes to the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being and is a valuable resource for healthcare professionals, microbiologists, academics and for educators to inform curricula of universities and colleges.

Research on antiviral drugs and their mode of action in infected cells. in animals and in man. has led to a better understanding of the molecular pro cesses involved in virus replication. Screeninq of large numbers of natural and semisynthetic compounds resulted in the characterization of certain sub stances that had a limited efficiency as antiviral druqs. A few chemically synthesized compounds were also found to be effective as antiviral agents in the chemotherapy of human virus diseases. A major difficulty in the develop ment of effective antiviral agents has been the lack of selectivity. and toxicity for uninfected cells. of drugs that effectively inhibited virus replication in vitro. Further understanding of the molecular processes of virus replication in infected cells has resulted in the development of new antivirals directed at virus-coded enzymes or proteins. Recent studies on antivirals that are activated by the herpes simplex virus type l-coded thy midine kinase from a prod rug to an antiviral drug have opened new directions in the development of effective antiviral drugs. The present book deals with a number of antiviral drugs effective against herpes simplex viruses and provides some insight into the molecular aspects of virus replication. It also throws light on the new approaches to the development of antiviral drugs. The molecular basis of the antiviral activity of new and known drugs and their possible use in chemotherapy of viral disease are presented in this book."

"...a worthwhile investment for... pathologists-in-training, dematologists-in-training, or medical students..." --Arch Dermatology Intended for use as a practical manual, the information in this book has been presented so as to yield a differential diagnosis for each histological finding. With some 500 entities described, the contents of this handbook are quite inclusive. It serves not only as a primer in dermatopathology directed at residents of pathology and dermatology, but also as a useful reference for practicing dermatologists, general pathologists and primary care physicians who routinely evaluate skin lesions and biopsies in their practice.

Preface:

To understand Alzheimera (TM)s disease (AD) is one of the major thrusts of present-day clinical research, strongly supported by more fundamental cellular, biochemical, immunological and structural studies. It is these latter that receive attention within this book. This compilation of 20 chapters indicates the diversity of work currently in progress and summarizes the current state of knowledge. Experienced authors who are scientifically active in their fields of study have been selected as contributors to this book, in an attempt to present a reasonably complete survey of the field. Inevitably, some exciting topics for one reason or another have not been included, for which we can only apologize.

Standardization of terminology is often a problem in science, not least in the Alzheimer field; editorial effort has been made to achieve standardazation between the Chapters, but some minor yet acceptable personal / author variation is still present, i.e. A-amyloid/amyloid-A; AA42/AA1-42/AA1-42!

The book commences with a broad survey of the contribution that the range of available microscopical techniques has made to the study of Alzheimera (TM)s amyloid plaques and amyloid fibrillogenesis. This chapter also serves as an Introduction to the book, since several of the topics introduced here are expanded upon in later chapters. Also, it is significant to the presence of this chapter that the initial discovery of brain plaques, by Alois Alzheimer, utilized light microscopy, a technique that continues to be extremely valuable in present-day AD research. Then follow 19 further chapters dealing with interesting areas of research that have a bearing upon Alzheimera (TM)sdisease. The authors present their own data within the context of a review of related work from others in their field of study.

Transgenic mouse models for AD are increasingly important and widely used, as is the understanding of the enzymology and biochemistry of amyloid A production from the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by the A- and g -secretases, and the non-amyloidogenic APP cleavage products due to a -secreatases. Similarly, discussion of the enzymes responsible for the natural degradation of amyloid-A is included. Oxidative stress in AD and the possible protective role of vitamin E have emerged as highly significant topics. Likewise, the role of the metals, aluminium copper and zinc in AD is thoroughly addressed, along with the possible value of metal chelation. Current concepts as to the fundamental importance of amyloid-A oligomers versus AA fibrillar deposits (diffuse and senile plaques) in the pathogenesis of AD is presented, along with the likely role of tissue and cellular cholesterol in the promotion of AA fibrillogenesis, and Congo red binding to AA fibrils.

Several naturally occurring human proteins have the ability to bind to AA and are found in AD diffuse and senile plaques. Apolipoprotein E4, clusterin (ApoJ) and acetylcholinesterase are considered in depth. The direct effects of AA on neuronal membranes, in terms of neuronal membrane fluidity changes and calcium ion transport are dealt with, then the role of amyloid inhibitors and A-sheet breaking drugs is included. The likely important beneficial effects of the cholesterol-lowering drugs, the statins, in lowering brain AA and consequently the therapeutic prevention of AD by reducing AA deposition in plaquesis discussed thoroughly. Finally, an exciting new concept is advanced, namely the possible significance of phosphorylated AA in Alzheimera (TM)s disease. From in vitro experiments AA phosphorylation appears to increase the proportion of AA oligomeric forms, an observation which correlates with a the higher cytotoxicity of this species, compared to non-phosphorylated AA.

The editors hope that this book will be of interest and value to both medical and scientific research communities working on AD, and to others with a more general interest in the understanding of this devastating neurodegenerative disorder of the elderly.

Prof. J. Robin Harris

Prof. Falk Fahrenholz

University of Mainz

August, 2004

Advances in Molecular Pathology is an annual review publication that covers the current practices and latest developments in the field of Molecular Pathology. Each issue is divided into sections for comprehensive coverage of all subspecialty areas within molecular pathology, including, Genetics, Hematopathology, Infectious Disease, Pharmacogenomics, Informatics, Solid Tumors, and special topics on COVID-19. The Editor-in-Chief of the publication is Dr. Gregory Tsongalis, a leading expert in the field. Topics covered this year include but are not limited to: Phenotype Association and Variant Pathogenicity Prediction Tools in Genomic Analysis; The application of noninvasive prenatal screening to detect copy number variations; Next generation cytogenomics using optical mapping; Review of molecular in APL; NGS for MRD in acute leukemia; Review of emerging technologies as they pertain to infectious disease testing; Germline genetic variants that predict drug response; Nutrigenomics; PGx of hypertension; Genomic data for blood typing, specifically both through NGS and arrays; Preanalytic Variables and Tissue Stewardship for Reliable Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Clinical Analysis; and Cell-free nucleic acids in cancer: Current approaches, challenges, and future directions.

Septic shock remains a serious medical condition with high mortality. Despite many advances in intensive care medicine and antibiotic devel- ment, this has not changed appreciably in the last 20 years. Frustratingly, over the same period of time, enormous advances have been made in understa- ing the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of this condition. This has resulted in the development of several novel therapies for septic shock, which, despite excellent theoretical grounds for their efficacy, have failed in altering mort- ity attributable to sepsis. The reasons for these failures are multiple, but it is clear that further research is required aimed at increasing our understanding of the basic pat- physiological processes that occur following infection. Research into septic shock draws upon a number of different disciplines, ranging from molecular and cellular biology to physiological measurements on whole animals. Septic Shock Methods and Protocols is an attempt to draw together into one volume a number of protocols that are of use in the investigation of the mechanisms of septic shock. I have divided the book into five sections. The first deals with endotoxin, the lipopolysaccharide component of the Gram-negative cell m- brane that can mimic many of the features of septic shock. Gram-positive organisms are found increasingly as causes of septic shock, and several - pects of toxins produced from these bacteria are considered in the second s- tion.