This volume provides a summary of the standard laboratory protocols and methodology commonly used in basic and translational studies in the field of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. Chapters detail including basic RA models, evaluation of disease activity and immunological status, systemic drug delivery, and new research tools. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Rheumatoid Arthritis: Methods and Protocols aims to be a basic manual for clinical researchers who are just getting started in the field of intervention study.

Perioperative care of the patient with a multisystem inflammatory (rheumatic) disease has become increasingly complex and perioperative medicine has evolved into its own subspecialty. Physicians who have expertise in managing patients with rheumatic disease infrequently spend significant time also managing patients undergoing surgical procedures, and the reverse is equally true. Despite the burgeoning literature on the medical management of the surgical patient, scant data have been generated regarding patients with complex rheumatic disease. Perioperative Management of Patients with Rheumatic Disease fills a conspicuous gap in the literature and aims at providing a paved path for rheumatologists--who infrequently manage surgical problems--and medical consultants--who only seldom encounter patients with rheumatic diseases--to tread as they care for patients in the perioperative period. The book addresses discrete management issues from the perspective of the medical subspecialist and also offers concise descriptions of surgical procedures. Written from the surgical perspective for the internist, the surgical procedure chapters include a brief description of relative contraindications, time to recovery, rehabilitation suggestions, and comments regarding common and severe procedure specific postoperative complications.

The Digestive System in Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Second Edition, represents the state-of-the-art in the field of digestive disorders in the most common systemic autoimmune diseases. This volume consists of an introductory chapter on imaging techniques in digestive diseases, followed by eight chapters on digestive manifestations in specific systemic autoimmune diseases. The final five chapters deal with digestive diseases with an autoimmune pathogenesis and systemic manifestations. International in scope, the table of contents reads like a Who's who in clinical research on systemic autoimmune diseases. More than 20 contributors from the European Union, the United States, Mexico, and South Africa share their knowledge in this detailed volume. The book provides an overview of our current understanding of digestive disorders in the most common systemic autoimmune diseases.

An indispensable collection of updated classical and emerging techniques that promise to add critical knowledge to our understanding of cartilage metabolism in health and disease. Volume 1: Cellular and Molecular Tools describes proven molecular and cellular techniques for the in vitro study of normal and osteoarthritic cartilage through biochemical, biomolecular, immunological, and physical approaches, with emphasis on the genetic manipulation of cells. Volume 2: Structure and In Vivo Analysis, offers cutting-edge procedures for the study-at the tissue level-of turnover, structure, and functioning of normal and diseased articular cartilage by invasive and noninvasive means. Comprehensive and up-to-date, the two volumes of Cartilage and Osteoarthritis provide researchers and bench scientists with readily reproducible protocols for new experiments to understand-from the cellular to the animal level-the pathophysiology of cartilage and to discover molecular targets for pharmacological intervention.

A Visual Guide to Scleroderma and Approach to Treatment offers a focused analysis of the diagnosis and management of scleroderma. Specifically designed to enlighten and update students and trainees, practicing rheumatologists and general practitioners on the various forms of systemic sclerosis, the book is designed to be an easily accessible tool that also covers potential complications and the latest treatment developments. A Visual Guide to Scleroderma and Approach to Treatment emphasizes recognition of common clinical features by focusing on and illustrating severe and less severe forms of the disease that can involve internal organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, heart, lungs and kidneys. Photos and radiographs introduce each chapter and are accompanied by a guide to workup and treatment. A comprehensive and invaluable addition to the literature, this text is not only a necessary resource for students, trainees and primary care physicians; it will also be of significant interest to specialists in the fields of rheumatology, dermatology, pulmonology, cardiology, gastroenterology and nephrology.

This issue of Rheumatic Disease Clinics, guest edited by Dr. Alfred Kim and Zahi Touma, will discuss a number of key topics surrounding Lupus. This issue is one of four selected each year by series Consulting Editor, Dr. Michael Weisman. Topics discussed in this issue include, but are not limited to: Interferons in SLE, NETosis and neutrophils in SLE, AMP update in lupus nephritis, Patient-reported outcomes, Complement, T cells in SLE, B cells in SLE, Outcome measures for SLE clinical trials, Mitochondrial physiology in SLE, Pregnancy, Lupus cohorts, Innovative trials and new opportunities in SLE, Classification and diagnosis of SLE, and Updates on SLE Treatment.

Nanomedicine for Inflammatory Diseases is a cutting-edge resource for clinicians and scientists alike, working at the intersection of development and clinical therapeutics. This text is ideal for graduate level courses in nanomedicine, translational medicine, or inflammatory disease. This book is a progressive hallmark in translational medicine as it unites clinicians treating inflammatory disease with scientists developing experimental nanomedicine therapeutics. The commonality is made through a translational nanomedicine expert - bridging the gap between the laboratory benchtop and the clinical bedside.

Nutritional Influences on Bone Health presents a collection of papers from the 8th International Symposium on Nutritional Aspects of Osteoporosis, the primary forum for and only regular meeting exclusively devoted to the topic of nutritional influences on bone health. The outcome is a fusion of the most current and up-to-date research in this area. Key themes include the permeation of the Western diet across the globe, calcium, vitamin D and acid-base balance. Written by authorities on the impact of nutrition on bone health, Nutritional Influences on Bone Health brings the reader the emerging trends, new messages and the latest scientific data in the field, to inform future research and clinical practice. This comprehensive, well researched volume is an essential reference for professionals in the field of bone health and nutrition.

The most accessible, current coverage of rheumatologic disorders Offers assessment and management solutions for rheumatologic diseases, ranging from soft-tissue problems such as bursitis to complex, multi-organ conditions such as ANCA-associated vasculitis Provides expert guidance on the medications used in the treatment of rheumatic disease, including the latest biologic therapies Delivers concise, practical guidance for internists, family physicians, rheumatologists, trainees, and medical students Updated to reflect the latest research and findings NEW chapters on genetics and musculoskeletal ultrasound Expanded chapter on laboratory diagnosis

Our goal for this book is to examine the contemporary therapy of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from the increasingly important perspective of impact upon quality of life, costs and long-term health outcomes. For too long the focus has been on short term, symptomatic, and surrogate indicator outcomes. Yet RA is a life-long disor der with the majority of impact on an individual patient many years following onset. Further, even in the short-term, researchers and rheumatologists have tended to emphasize measurements of disease activity such as joint counts, ESR and physi cian's opinion as to the amount of disease activity present. It is only relatively recently that measures of structural damage, quality of life and impact on broad domains of health have been given increasing emphasis. Also, the significance of early treatment of RA in order to optimise long-term outcomes has a relatively short history [1]. We have been focussed on the disease processes as surrogates for long term outcomes. Until the short-term process measures are validated as surrogates of long-term effects we should also turn our attention to outcomes of disease and the impact of our management on those outcomes [2). Inour view, this book is especially timely. We are at the dawn of a revolution in the management of RA and other complex immunological inflammatory disorders because their molecular, genetic and environmental mechanisms are being unrav elled. Inthe process, we are revealing a substantial number of novel and significant targets for pharmacotherapy.

This new edition is a comprehensive and updated resource on antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), which is an autoimmune disorder. In APS, the body recognizes certain normal components of blood and/or cell membranes as foreign substances and produces antibodies (antiphospholipid antibodies) against them. APS is associated with recurrent clotting events (thrombosis) including premature stroke, repeated miscarriages, phlebitis, venous thrombosis, and pulmonary thromboembolism. It is also associated with low platelet or blood elements that prevent bleeding. Recently, however, even more disease states have been linked with APS, including premature heart attack, various cardiac valvular abnormalities, skin lesions, kidney disease, abnormal involuntary movement/chorea, diseases that mimic multiple sclerosis, and vascular diseases of the eye that can lead to visual loss and blindness. The International Congress on Antiphospholipid Antibodies, held every 3 years, is the venue where representatives from different disciplines gather to discuss the recent advances in APS. The conference intends to cover basic aspects of APS, such as pathogenesis, origins, genetics, intracellular and molecular events, the role of infections, as well as traditional and non-traditional clinical manifestations associated with antiphospholipid antibodies. The 15th Congress took place in September 2016. A novel aspect of the Congress was that multiple teams, chaired by Scientific Planning Committee members, used evidence-based literature reviews and expert discussions to answer specific pre-defined APS-related questions. These teams included points of view from experts in rheumatology, hematology, cardiovascular medicine, obstetrics, neurology, and immunology. The Scientific Planning Committee members also chaired the congress sessions and supervised completion of the reports that are the bases of the chapters of this book. In addition, there are two chapters included specifically written for APS patients. Much like the previous volume, dedicated to the 13th International Congress on Antiphospholipid Antibodies (April 2010), this up-to-date and comprehensive work gathers invaluable insights from a multidisciplinary team of world-renowned experts and represents the authoritative resource on causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of APS.

It is difficult, if not impossible, for health care providers to remain at the forefront of knowledge for all aspects of nutrition and rheumatic diseases. In Nutrition and Rheumatic Disease, experts provide a comprehensive review of current knowledge regarding nutrition and dietary management for the complex set of rheumatic conditions.

Within the disease-specific chapters, the authors present a historical perspective, a discussion of the major clinical features, current management and treatment, a review of the literature related to nutritional status and diet, and dietary recommendations, based on current scientific evidence.

The field of rheumatic diseases includes a wide variety of pathologic processes. Adequate reviews of the scientific literature on each of the rheumatic diseases in Nutrition and Rheumatic Disease alleviate the inherent confusion surrounding the risks and benefits of various dietary therapies.

This issue of Rheumatic Disease Clinics, guest edited by Drs. Xenofon Baraliakos and Michael H. Weisman, Spondyloarthritis: The Changing Landscape Today, takes a very comprehensive look at all of the essential topics surrounding spondyloarthritis. This issue is one of four selected each year by Dr. Weisman, who is also our series consulting editor. This very comprehensive issue will include the following topics (among others): Molecular biology approaches to understanding SpA; Microbiome and its role in SpA; Classification criteria in axSpA; Administrative data and coding for axSpA; Approach to the patient with IBD and AxSpA; Axial PsA vs. Axial SpA with Psoriasis; Emerging imaging techniques in SpA; The future of imaging in axSpA; Treatment Recommendations vs. Treat to Target in axSpA; The future of axSpA treatmentAxSpA in the era of Precision Medicine; Quality of Life as an outcome in studies of axSpA; Gender differences in SpA; The patient's perspective on the burden of disease in axSpA; and Juvenile SpA.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) represents a complex disease where the inheritable component has been estimated to be up to 60%. This PIR volume deals with the genetic basis and regulation of rheumatic diseases. The first part of the book describes genetic studies on rheumatic diseases. The second part deals with the shared heredity of rheumatic diseases, e.g., RA, lupus and ankylosing spondylitis. The third part of the volume describes tools for analysing genetic complexity, ranging from animal models to new molecular tools. The volume is essential reading for researchers and clinicians from rheumatology, inflammation research, immunology, and cell and molecular biology.

Guest edited by Dr. Daniel Aletaha, this issue of Rheumatic Disease Clinics will cover "Treat to Target in Rheumatic Diseases" with a focus on rationale and results. This issue is one of four selected each year by our series Consulting Editor, Dr. Michael Weisman. Articles explore diseases, including, but not limited to: History, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Spondylarthropathies, Systemic lupus erythematosus, PMR and GCA, Inflammatory Myopathies (PM/DM), Gout, and Subclinical Targets.

In the present monograph, we offer current insights into polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arthritis. Both diseases are typical for advanced age, and their incidences increase with aging. Both diseases are a center point of interest not only for rheu- tologists, gerontologists, ophthalmologists or neurologists, but also for general prac- tioners. Early diagnosis and rapid treatment, mainly with glucocorticoids can save one of the most precious senses-vision. Damage to other organs (heart, aorta, co- nary arteries, liver, lungs, kidneys), which are supplied by the arteries affected by ischemic syndrome in the setting of giant cell arthritis, has serious consequences as well. Late diagnosis of giant cell arthritis can have fatal consequences for affected patients. It is a matter of fact that the human population is aging. Therefore, more attention has to be paid not only to diagnosis, clinical course and treatment of rheumatic d- eases in elderly, but also to their genetic, immunologic, endocrinologic, chronobiologic mechanisms, and state-of-the-art diagnostic modalities. I am convinced that the int- disciplinary research of the diseases will allow us to diagnose and treat the rheumatic diseases even faster and more effectively in the future.

Guest edited by Drs. Daniel J. Wallace and R. Swamy Venuturupalli, this issue of Rheumatic Disease Clinics will cover several key areas of interest related to Best Practices and Challenges to the Practice of Rheumatology. This issue is one of four selected each year by our series Consulting Editor, Dr. Michael Weisman of Cedars-Sinai. Articles in this issue include, but are not limited to: The Economics of Rheumatology Practice in the United States, Manpower trends in rheumatology, Challenges to practicing rheumatology in an academic center, Challenges in practicing rheumatology in a government setting, Challenges to practicing rheumatology in a small private practice setting, Challenges to working in a large multispecialty organization, Challenges to practicing pediatric rheumatology, Clinical trials in rheumatology, Challenges in having an infusion center, Implementing treatment to target in the clinic, Future directions: implementing new technologies in clinical practice, Possible Challenges in Optimizing Medical Education for Rheumatologists, and the challenges of approaching and managing gout.

Surgery in Systemic Autoimmune Disease, Volume 15, describes the state-of-the-art of the use of surgery in treating the most common systemic autoimmune diseases (SADS). The volume consists of an introductory chapter concerning the impact of surgery on SADs, follow by eight chapters describing the use of surgery in the treatment of specific diseases in various areas (cardiology, gastroenterology, orthopedics, neurology. etc.) and the possible difficulties and complications. The final five chapters deal with the possible complications arising during the course of biological and non-biological treatment, also providing recommendation concerning their management. International in scope, the list of more than 20 contributors from Europa and America reads like a who's who of clinical researchers in the field.

1) General description of the Genetic Polymorphism and its various types 2) Discuss the role of Genetic Polymorphisms in modulating risk of various human diseases 3) Discuss various molecular techniques used for detecting GPs 4) Discuss the role of SNPs in modulating the susceptibility of human diseases 5) Genetic basis for individual variations in response to therapeutics

The Understanding Osteoporosis chart examines the causes, symptoms, risk factors and treatments for osteoporosis. The loss of bone density is examined through large graphics and diagrams, including a diagram explaining bone remodeling. Heavy cover stock with protective varnish for durability.

Nanomedicine for Inflammatory Diseases is a cutting-edge resource for clinicians and scientists alike, working at the intersection of development and clinical therapeutics. This text is ideal for graduate level courses in nanomedicine, translational medicine, or inflammatory disease. This book is a progressive hallmark in translational medicine as it unites clinicians treating inflammatory disease with scientists developing experimental nanomedicine therapeutics. The commonality is made through a translational nanomedicine expert - bridging the gap between the laboratory benchtop and the clinical bedside.

Key Features * Features concise yet thorough description of the landmark studies and scientific breakthroughs coupled with easy-to-follow organizational structure of chapters that are accessible to readers at different levels of training. * Brings together world-leading experts to provide a fresh perspective to trainees such as residents and fellows-in-training, as well as more senior clinicians and researchers across the field of rheumatology and in specialties such as cardiology, dermatology, pulmonology, nephrology, and neurology, all of whom care for patients with rheumatologic conditions. * Allows the author to imagine and speculate about the evolution of this field in the coming decades. Examples of such speculative possibilities include use of synovial biopsy to predict response to treatment in rheumatoid arthritis, replacement of renal biopsy with urinary proteomics in diagnosing and classifying lupus nephritis, use of new therapeutics to obviate the need for steroids in the treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis, use of machine learning to evaluate subtle changes in imaging in management of inflammatory arthritis, etc.

Thi sissue of Rheumatic Disease Clinics will focus on reproductive health and will include articles on the following: Contraception; infertility - prevention and management; reproductive health screening; biomarkers; use of corticosteroids; and many more exciting articles!

Over the last decade, the advent of biologic agents has greatly revolutionized therapeutic medicine in the management of chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohna (TM)s disease, and psoriasis. Elucidation of the complex web of cytokine network and the roles of these cytokines in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders provided one of the key catalysts for the advancement of targeted biologic therapy in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

TNF-alpha is known to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of many chronic inflammatory diseases. Elevated levels of TNF-alpha have been demonstrated in Crohna (TM)s disease, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting a role for TNF-alpha in their pathogenesis. Although TNF-alpha plays a critical role in the activation of innate and acquired immune responses, the persistence of the immune response and inappropriate production of TNF-alpha can produce pathological changes resulting from chronic inflammation and tissue damage.

This volume provides a comprehensive overview of the development, pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of the currently available TNF-alpha inhibitors a" etanercept, infliximab, and adalimumab. The most recent preclinical and clinical data is presented on this topic, which should be of interest to the preclinical researcher, the clinician, and the patient who wants to learn more about these therapies.