This book presents the development and experimental validation of the structural test strategy called Oscillation-Based Test - OBT in short. The results presented here assert, not only from a theoretical point of view, but also based on a wide experimental support, that OBT is an efficient defect-oriented test solution, complementing the existing functional test techniques for mixed-signal circuits.

This volume features contributions from participants of the ESRF symposium on Immunotherapy in 2020-Visions and Trends for Targeting Inflammatory Diseases held in Potsdam near Berlin, Germany, in October 2006. The symposium presentations covered the main mechanisms of immunoregulation.

Phagocytosis has been at the forefront of cell biology for more than a century. Initially, phagocytosis, which comes from Greek words meaning "devouring cells," was discovered in the late 19th century by Ilya Metchnikoff, who was awarded, together with Paul Ehrlich, the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine in 1908 "in recognition of their work on immunity." At that time Metchnikoff had already identified a function for phagocytes not only in host defense but also as scavengers of degenerating host cells during metamorphosis of tadpoles, thus providing one of the first descriptions of apoptotic cell clearance by macrophages (Kaufmann 2008). Since then, much has been learned about phagocytosis, and the previous several decades have witnessed outstanding progress in understanding the functions and the molecular mechanisms of phagocytosis. Two main types of targets are cleared by phagocytosis: microbial pathogens and dying cells. Rapid recognition and clearance of dying cells by phagocytes plays a pivotal role in development, maintenance of tissue homeostasis, control of immune responses, and resolution of inflammation. Clearance of dying cells can be divided into several stages, including sensing, r- ognition, binding and signaling, internalization, and immunological responses. In this book, our contributors address these different stages of dead cell cle- ance and examine how impaired clearance of dying cells may lead to human d- eases. We have attempted to provide sufficient cross-referencing and indexing to enable the reader to easily locate the ideas elaborated in the different chapters.

Atlas of Rheumatoid Arthritis is a high-quality educational initiative, written by leaders in the field of rheumatology, containing a collection of approximately 150 relevant images, with extended descriptive captions and a comprehensive bibliography. The Atlas of Rheumatoid Arthritis will provide clinicians with a visual guide to rheumatoid arthritis, focusing on assessment, diagnosis and treatment, including newer research into the signalling pathways involved in the pathogenesis of RA, before focusing on the treatment of RA. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common and most serious of the inflammatory arthritic disorders, and it dominates clinical rheumatological practice. Effective, early treatment is vital as this can slow the course of the disease and reduce joint damage. RA is usually treated using disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), most commonly methotrexate. The newest treatments target the disease-causing immune elements specifically and directly.

Autoimmune Diseases: Acute and Complex Situations provides a detailed overview of conditions associated with autoimmune diseases that are considered either life-threatening or requiring complex management. These include abdominal pain, arthritis, cutaneous ulcers, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, epilepsy, pancreatitis, stroke and white-matter CNS lesions. Autoimmune Diseases: Acute and Complex Situations addresses the latest clinical and immunological prognostic factors that may help to identify patients at higher risk of developing potentially life-threatening involvement. This book comprehensively helps the reader to diagnose these patients, in whom an early therapeutic approach is essential. Autoimmune Diseases: Acute and Complex Situations is a valuable reference tool for rheumatologists, internists, immunologists, and all the specialists involved in the multidisciplinary care of patient with rheumatic and systemic autoimmune diseases.

Case Studies in Systemic Sclerosis deals specifically with Systemic Sclerosis in a case study format. Each case presentation includes illustrative figures, a discussion of the pathophysiology relevant to the case, a discussion of management that is both evidence-based and expert opinion-based and several key references for further reading. With its easy-to-use format, this book presents multiple different manifestations of Systemic Sclerosis to a wide range of readers. Because this disease has a broad range of systemic features, Case Studies in Systemic Sclerosis is a valuable reference tool not only to the community of rheumatologists (trainees, academic and private practice rheumatologists) and dermatologists, but also potentially to internists, gastroenterologists, pulmonologists, cardiologists and nephrologists.

Often considered the prototypic autoimmune disease, Lupus is characterized by protean manifestations and affects a wide range of organ systems. Despite widespread availability of anti nuclear antibody testing and other technological diagnostic advances, the diagnosis of lupus can be elusive, difficult, and inexact. Treatment of the disease can also be challenging. Advances in immunology and biotechnology have led to a burgeoning world of new therapies in development that offer patients the real possibility of new therapies and physicians and scientists novel insights into the pathogenesis of this complicated immunological disease. Lupus Erythematosus: Clinical Evaluation and Treatment summarizes the clinical aspects of lupus facing the general clinician in the 21st century. In this invaluable, practical book, the reader will find introductory chapters regarding general diagnostic and treatment principles, followed by chapters addressing the lupus-specific organ manifestations. Special topics regarding pregnancy and comorbidities are also presented. Written by highly experienced physicians with special expertise in lupus, Lupus Erythematosus: Clinical Evaluation and Treatment is an indispensable reference for the common and not so common problems affecting patients with lupus.

The International Congress on Antiphospholipid Antibodies is held every three years to discuss the recent advances and future directions in Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS). This volume collects the scientific highlights and new findings about APS that were generated from the most recent 13th Congress, held in Galveston, Texas in 2010. Chapters were written by an internationally-distinguished group of scientists from the point-of-view of multiple specialty areas. Each chapter was written in a uniform and systematic basis to present the latest evidence-based research, including the basic science of APS, task force reports from the Congress on controversial aspects of APS, and future directions of APS research. This book will appeal to all clinicians involved in the treatment and management of APS patients, to residents in a variety of medical subspecialties, and to research scientists interested in a better understanding of this complex and evolving disease.

This edition of the companion volumes Muscle Pain: Understanding the Mech- isms and Muscle Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment is essential reading for those interested in clinical approaches to acute and chronic pain conditions involving muscle tissues and in the mechanisms underlying these conditions. The volumes cover a very important topic in pain medicine, since muscle pain is very common and can often be dif?cult to diagnose and treat effectively. Furthermore, chronic pain involving muscle and other components of the musculoskeletal system increases with age, such that it is a common complaint of those of us who are middle-aged or older. Indeed, as changing population demographics in "west- nized" countries result in higher proportions of the population living longer and being middle-aged and elderly, chronic muscle pain will likely become even more of a health problem. In the case of acute muscle pain, this can often be very intense, and in the short term can limit or modify the use of components of the musculoskeletal system associated with the sensitive muscle. Chronic muscle pain can also be intense, as well as unpleasant and disabling, and it is in many cases the over-riding symptom of most musculoskeletal disorders that are associated with long-term deleterious changes in musculoskeletal function.

Biomaterials are used in many areas of medicine, particularly in surgery and d- tistry. In orthopedic surgery, total hip arthroplasty has been extremely successful, and has been called 'the operation of the 20th century'. Total hip arthroplasty is r- tinely performed every day in most orthopedic departments. Over the last decades, many efforts have been made to better integrate the components within the recipient bones, to decrease the friction at the prosthetic interface, and to minimize wear. Minimally invasive procedures have been developed, and various designs are inte- ed to preserve as much as possible of the bone stock of young patients. By contrast, the clinical results have been less favorable after various hand and wrist joint replacements. Many early designs have failed, the clinical data of the current pr- theses are frequently quite limited, and there is often insufficient biomechanical information available, although trapezio-metacarpal arthroplasty in particular has become quite popular in recent years. In order to promote progress in hand and wrist arthroplasty, Antonio Merolli and Thomas J. Joyce have edited this lovely book, whose chapters discuss current research and recent advances in hand and wrist arthroplasty. The problems of metacarpophalangeal joint prostheses are particularly developed.

This edition of the companion volumes Muscle Pain: Understanding the Mech- isms and Muscle Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment is essential reading for those interested in clinical approaches to acute and chronic pain conditions involving muscle tissues and in the mechanisms underlying these conditions. The volumes cover a very important topic in pain medicine, since muscle pain is very common and can often be dif?cult to diagnose and treat effectively. Furthermore, chronic pain involving muscle and other components of the musculoskeletal system increases with age, such that it is a common complaint of those of us who are middle-aged or older. Indeed, as changing population demographics in "west- nized" countries result in higher proportions of the population living longer and being middle-aged and elderly, chronic muscle pain will likely become even more of a health problem. In the case of acute muscle pain, this can often be very intense, and in the short term can limit or modify the use of components of the musculoskeletal system associated with the sensitive muscle. Chronic muscle pain can also be intense, as well as unpleasant and disabling, and it is in many cases the over-riding symptom of most musculoskeletal disorders that are associated with long-term deleterious changes in musculoskeletal function.

A comprehensive reference work: This looseleaf work is an authoritative compilation of methods for the detection of autoantibodies (Section A: Methods of Autoantibody Detection); the structure, function, and molecular and biochemical concepts of autoantigens (Section B: Autoantigens); and the clinical significance of measuring autoantibodies in patients with rheumatic, connective tissue and autoimmune diseases (Section C: Clinical Significance of Autoantibodies). This unique work brings together all the molecular and medical information - very difficult to retrieve otherwise - in ONE publication. The Editors and contributors are leading experts in the immunological, molecular biological, and clinical fields. The format of this looseleaf publication allows regular updating of data as well as inclusion of new advances in research on autoimmunity. Until now, the work (Basic work including Supplement 1) included Section A, and the larger part of Section B, both in an attractive and robust ringbinder. Audience: By nature and design of this exciting reference work, it is especially aimed at scientists, including immunologists, pathologists and molecular biologists, and clinical chemists, as well as clinicians specializing in rheumatic diseases and autoimmune disorders, inflammation or clinical immunology. Supplement 2: This supplement primarily contains Section C (Clinical Significance of Autoantibodies). As in the other sections, the contents are presented in a consistently structured manner, beautifully illustrated with photos and schematic figures. Extensive literature references are provided. Also, this supplement includes an addition to Section B (Autoantigens), being chapter B.1.5: The Antigens Defined by Antikeratin Antibodies (AKA).

In this text atlas of neuroimaging the author provides a review of the pathologies and diseases that affect the head, brain, skull base, face, spine, and cord. The case presentation format of this handbook covers the important clinical and neuropathological aspects of the disease process. The book contains 350 selected pathologies, represented in 750 high resolution MR images. It also covers the aspects of neurological disorders and the fundamental aspects of the physics of magnetic resonance, spectroscopy, as well as a review of MR techniques. Given its scope, this book is of interest to radiologists involved in MR interpretation, neuroradiologists seeking an up-to-date review, and all workers in the field of diagnostic and therapeutic neurology.

Osteoporosis is one of the most important diseases facing the ageing population because of the high prevalence of fractures, the enormous costs in health care funds required to deal with the consequence of these fractures, and the substantial effect in terms of suffering and disability. One-third of women over age 65 will have vertebral fractures, and the li fe-time risk ofhip fracture in white women (15%) is as great as that ofbreast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer combined. The life-time risk of hip fracture in men (5%) is as great as the risk of prostate cancer. Hip fracture is fatal in up to 20% of cases. One-half of survivors are unable to walk unassisted and 25% are confined to long-term ca re in nursing hornes. The recent awareness that osteo porosis is a treatable and partly preventable disease of the elderly, and not just the inevitable consequence of ageing, comes at a time of rapid progress in measurement of bone mass and in a better understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of bone cell function."

Autoimmunity, characterized by autoreactive lymphocytes and autoantibodies, is the consequence of a failure to discriminate between self and non-self, and autoimmune diseases are an increasing threat to people living in the industrialized countries. Autoimmune disorders are treatable, but not curable, and patients can face disability at later stages of the disease. Thus, there is a medical and economic need for new concepts and treatments in autoimmune disorders. New concepts and treatments can only be achieved by an interdisciplinary approach bringing together expertise, technologies, and clinical experience. The workshop focused on multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and type I diabetes, and discussed conventional drug therapies, gene therapy, cell and tissue transplantation therapies, and first treatments using blood stem cells for reprogramming the patients' immune system.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is among the top 10 of most disabling diseases in the Western world. It is the major cause of pain and disability among the elderly. This book provides a contextual review of recent research on neuromuscular factors and behavioral risk factors for functional decline in OA, with a special emphasis on explanatory mechanisms. In addition, the book discusses innovative approaches to exercise and physical activity in OA, derived from research on behavioral and neuromuscular risk factors for functional decline in OA. Recent research has shown that neuromuscular factors (such as muscle strength, joint laxity) and behavioral factors (such as avoidance of activity, depressed mood) predict pain and disability in OA. Furthermore, exercise and physical activity are among the dominant interventions aiming at reducing pain and disability, and innovative interventions targeting neuromuscular and behavioral interventions have been recently developed. This research has been published as separate papers, with the result that the field is in need of an integrative contextual review that puts the research into theoretical perspective. TARGETED MARKET SEGMENTS Rehabilitation specialists, health psychologists, gerontologists, rheumatologists, pain specialists

This essential resource presents the most up-to-date information on scleroderma. A clear and concise synthesis of current concepts in pathogenesis and modern approaches to management, this book is comprised of the authoritative work of international experts. With an integrated multidisciplinary approach to comprehensive care, this book iseasily accessible for health care professionals in many fields. It is a valuable resource for rheumatologists, pulmonologists, cardiologists, gastroenterologists, nephrologists and all those involved in the care of scleroderma patients."

Of the many special roles played by proteolytic enzymes in immune reactions, this book addresses different aspects of membrane peptidases, signal transduction via ligation of membrane peptidases (especially of dipeptidyl peptidase IV/CD26 and aminopeptidase N/CD13), and regulation of membrane peptidases in vivo and in vitro. A number of newly discovered peptidases (including cathepsin F, W and X, carboxypeptidase X, attractin) are described, with special emphasis given to the role of peptidases in immune and defense reactions and in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and other diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, pancreatitis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and tumours of various origins. The focus on the involvement of a selection of proteolytic enzymes in immune reactions and diseases is a unique feature of this multifaceted work , which combines biochemical, immunological and clinical research reports with literary reviews of the field.

Arthritis Research: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition expands upon the first edition to present new and current techniques for the research of arthritis and related conditions. A compendium of leaders in the field contribute chapters that cover practical research methods such as the intravital multiphoton microscopy technique, techniques for evaluating exhausted CD8 T cell and for studying nucleic acid sensors and their effects, methods for in vivo tetracycline-controlled transgenic mice and T cell receptor transgenic mice, protocols to detect V(D)J recombination products and microRNA, and the technique to make bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis. Written in the 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 protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible, Arthritis Research: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition will serve both professionals and novices with state-of-the-art techniques pertaining to this fascinating research field.

Leading clinical experts survey the latest information available on the key rheumatic and allergic issues that physicians face in treating the HIV-infected patient. The physicians focus on the rheumatologic and dermatologic manifestations of HIV-1 infection, which include arthritis, myopathies, vasculitis, sicca syndrome, other autoimmune phenomena, and psoriasis. They also examine the question of allergic reactions in HIV patients, including drug hypersensitivity, with special attention given to adverse reactions to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, the most frequently prescribed anti-infective. Practical advice for the diagnosis and treatment of these problems is given in full.

Gene therapy for inflammatory diseases is a new , burgeoning field of medicine. Edited by the undisputed pioneers of this area of research, this volume is the first devoted to its topic. It contains thirteen chapters, each written by leaders in their respective fields, that summarize the state of the art in developing novel, gene based treatments for inflammatory diseases. As well as providing an introduction to the basic concepts of gene therapy and the use of naked DNA approaches, the book describes the advances that have been made in applying them to arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, Sjogren`s syndrome and transplantation.One chapter is devoted to discussing the first human clinical trials that apply gene therapy to the treatment of an inflammatory disease. As well as providing novel therapeutic approaches, gene therapy facilitates the development of new and improved animal models of disease; a chapter describing these advances is also included. As an up-to-date, timely book written by th

Recent concern about the adverse effects and relative risks of anti- inflammatory therapies has been such that another meeting was organized in the highly successful series of meetings on this topic. Adverse effects of anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory drugs are of major concern to all involved in the prescription, care and management of rheumatic and other patients receiving these important drugs. The IVth International Meeting on Side-Effects of Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, held in Sheffield, UK, 7-9 August 1995, afforded a unique opportunity to hear the latest information and views on issues concerning the development of adverse effects from these drugs, the management of these effects, and the development of safer therapies. In addition to discussions on the safety relative to efficacy of established non-steroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and disease-modifying agents, there was detailed consideration of the novel cyclo-oxygenase-2 selective NSAIDs which have recently been developed and introduced to the clinic. Also, the side effects from therapy with biologics, notably monoclonal antibodies and oral tolerance therapies, were considered. Among the other highlights in the programme were: Clinico-epidemiological studies on the adverse effects relative to use/efficacy of established and new anti-rheumatic drugs. Procedures for reducing the gastrointestinal adverse effects. Mechanisms and clinical significance of adverse effects in the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidney, articular joints, skin and other organs from NSAIDs. Clinical status and mechanisms of action of the newer (third generation) of NSAIDs (e.g. etodolac, nabumetone, meloxicam). Medico-legal aspects of adverse effects from anti-rheumatic drugs. The concept of conditional pharmacology' or the disease-dependence of the toxicological and pharmacological activity of the anti-inflammatory drugs. The papers in this book were selected from those presented at the meeting.

The contents of this book represent papers which were presented at the Third International Meeting on "Side-Effects of Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Drugs" which was held under the auspices of the University of Verona, Institute of Pharmacology in Verona on 8-11 May 1991. This meeting was held in conjunction with the 13th European Workshop on Inflammation and although publications from this part of the meeting are not published here (they appear in Agents and Actions), we were fortunate in having a group of people interested in inflammation from varying backgrounds. The success of the third meeting followed previous meetings held in Cambridge and Verona respectively and continue a tradition which has now become well established. The meeting brought together physicians, scientists and those concerned with the production and use of anti-inflammatory drugs to a very stimulating conference to discuss basic issues affecting all aspects of side-effects of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs as well as their detection and treatment. The meeting was held in the Auditorium of Glaxo Italy and we are very grateful to that company for use of their facilities as well as to the University of Verona, Institute of Pharmacology, for valuable secretarial and administrative help. The success of the conference would not have been possible without valuable financial assistance of the companies listed separately (under Acknowledgements) as well as to the organizers of the 13th European Workshop on Inflammation who collaborated with us.

Like all specialized areas of medicine, that of joint disease informative. The techniques, practical and interpretive, has become surrounded by a practical mystique and are highly reproducible and simple, allowing them to be applied in any laboratory. jargon specific to itself. The number of clinicians working Although we see this volume as being of value to all in the field is large but the number of pathologists small. interested in joint disease it is specifically aimed at It follows that the majority of pathologists are at somewhat laboratory staff wishing to offer a synovial fluid analytical of an immediate disadvantage when discussing and ana service. Like most cytology we believe much of the cell lysing articular problems with their rheumatological and and non-cell identification and quantitation can, and orthopaedic colleagues. should, be undertaken by trained technical staff. The book In the specific area of synovial fluid examination the is therefore aimed primarily at two groups: pathologists difficulties for the pathologist are compounded because who do not specialize in joint disease and technical staff to date there have been no basic texts that detail the who will be generating the data on which interpretation methods, findings and interpretation of the macroscopic will be based. It is therefore both a text book and a bench and microscopic characteristics of the fluid in the common reference manual. arthropathies. In this book we hope to go some way We do not believe our data or methodology represent towards rectifying this omission."

Progress in Basic and Clinical Immunology is a result of the 14th European Immunology Meeting - EFIS 2000, held in Poznan, Poland, on 23-27 September 2000. EFIS 2000 gathered over 1400 immunologists from all over the world. It was an exceptionally memorable meeting for a number of reasons: 1) it was held in the last year of the century and the millennium, thus provoking conclusions of past achievements of immunology and projections for the future; 2) it was held in Poland, a country that is a symbol of struggle for freedom for a large number of scientists originating from the 'Eastern Bloc' countries; and 3) EFIS celebrated its 25th anniversary at this occasion. This comprehensive volume contains 62 chapters grouped into 11 sections: T-cells, Immune Receptors, Antigen Presentation/Dendritic Cells, Cytokines, Immunodeficiencies, Autoimmunity, Allergy/Inflammation, Immunotherapy, Vaccines, Tumor Immunology, and Cancer Immunotherapy.