Of the two disciplines in parallel development for two decades, tumor immunology and transplantation immunology, the latter has thrived and has led to some of the most critical discoveries in immunobiology. The former continues to thwart both scientists and clinicians alike.
The goal of immunologists in modern day research is to develop a simple and effective means to manipulate cancer "in vivo, " possibly encompassing several venues: identifying a phenotypic marker and the use of either active or passive immunization; include the use of passive reagents carrying "warheads" to selectively destroy cancer cells; or altering the basic process of cell survival.
This excellent multidiscipline-authored volume presents a theme which has not been well described before. The papers include both basic and clinical science and range from sophisticated molecular biology to little more than phenomenology (e.g. the increased association of cancer in some autoimmune diseases and increased presentation of autoimmune phenomena in malignant condition). This, however, is state-of-the-art.
This collection of themes will be of use not only to bench scientists, but also to clinicians who treat patients. The book represents progress at the cutting edge of this discipline, and points the way to further developments in the "black box" of immunology.

The incidence of autoimmune diseases is increasing worldwide, and the search for better management of these diseases and even for a cure is being pursued by scientists from many disciplines. Tools from the areas of genetics, neuroscience, cell biology, virology, and infectious disease are being applied to the problem and are yielding useful results.

This volume contains the first section of the proceedings of a large, comprehensive meeting held in Sorrento, Italy. Because the meeting focused on such an important area of human health, four volumes have been dedicated to it: Part A presents new principles in autoimmunity, including the roles of key players such as designed ankyrin repeat proteins, SLAM-associated protein, interleukin-12, human proteinase 3, the complement system, IgG, disturbances in cytokine synthesis, and IFN-γ blockers. The second section of the volume takes a look at new diagnostic tools, including screening of endothelial expression libraries, electrical skin impedance, and IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody assays.

"Autoimmunity, Part B" continues the presentation of basic research and its applications with a focus on genetics. Parts C and D present the clinical research in various manifestations of autoimmune disease and its treatments.

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Astonishingly rich in nutrients, Spirulina is one of the most popular and well researched functional foods in the multi-billion dollar global food supplement market. This ancient species provides readily bioavailable protein along with carotenoids, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals and has therapeutic applications in non-communicable disease such as diabetes milletus, hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress-induced diseases, inflammations, allergies, and even cancer. Growing scientific and market interests demand a high-quality, comprehensive, peer-reviewed volume on all aspects of this tiny aquatic plant. Drawing from the editors' expertise in nutrition and immunology as well as a prestigious panel of premier international researchers, Spirulina in Human Nutrition and Health provides the first complete compilation of the wealth of experimental data in a single accessible resource. Beginning with an introduction to the history and features of the plant itself, the book goes into great detail regarding its cultivation, handling, storage, and packaging, as well as applicable regulatory acts and organizations. It supplies explanations and reviews of studies involving Spirulina's use as a therapeutic food product and discusses its anti-oxidant profile and antioxidative and hepatoprotective properties. The book considers peer-reviewed studies on spirulina's effects on immunity, NK activation, and antibody production and highlights its role as an antibacterial and antiviral agent. The final chapters look at neurobiology and spirulina's effect on aging as well as potential interactions with pharmaceuticals or other bioavailable compounds. Extensively detailed and heavily referenced, Spirulina in Human Nutrition and Health is the definitive work on this highly nutritious food source.

This third edition of Gershwin and Halpern's classic text, Bronchial Asthma, has been completely rewritten and expanded to include, from a variety of disciplines, the latest techniques and developments in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of asthma. With its new patient-oriented chapters on living with asthma, the book will empower the internist, the family practitioner, and the specialist in their struggle to reverse the current trend of increasing asthma mortality and to improve the quality of life of their patients and their families. The editors have selected authoritative contributors to Bronchial Asthma, organizing it into four comprehensive parts: I. Definitions and Host Responses to Bronchospasm defines asthma by analyzing its epidemiology, pathogenesis, and genetic roots, and illuminates the roles of mast cells and eosinophils. Chapters also cover the use of the pulmonary function laboratory and the differential diagnosis of asthma in children and adults. II. Patient Management introduces the latest thinking and techniques about treatment and management of patients, including allergic evaluation, radiological treatment, the role of immunotherapy, the differential management of status asthmaticus, the management of pregnant asthmatics, and an evaluation of unconventional therapies. III. Special Clinical Problems explores respiratory tract infections, the roles of anti-inflammatory agents, food additives, air pollution, aspergillosis, and occupational asthma. Four new chapters analyze exercise-induced asthma, asthma's relationship with chronic sinus disease, and the cross-cultural treatment of asthma in Europe and Japan. IV. Living with Asthma, an entirely new section, examines asthma in school children, athletes and asthma, legal issues for asthmatics, the psychology of asthma, and the use of prospective disease management.