Elsevier Science Ltd

Classic and modern tools of genetics have been applied to hypertension research for some 20 years. This volume in the "Handbook of Hypertension" series aims to go beyond a simple summary of discoveries and provides a critical commentary on many controversial issues. It will be particularly useful for clinician scientists at all stages of their careers, graduate students and post-doctoral scientists as well as all those interested in cardiovascular medicine and research throughout the entire spectrum from bench to bedside. As in every relatively young area of research, the initial excitement over the early positive observations has not always been confirmed by subsequent larger studies with greater statistical power. Issues related to current recommendations on design of studies and their analysis are therefore included. Pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics have been the subjects of many debates in recent years and are of particular importance in hypertension as life-long treatments, frequently with multiple drugs are given to millions of people world-wide. A critical appraisal of this controversial topic is provided. Several chapters on experimental genetics of hypertension with a special focus on physiological genomics are also included.

The concept of Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is often difficult to grasp, even for Magnetic Resonance physicists. "Introduction to Diffusion Tensor Imaging" uses extensive illustrations (not equations) to help readers to understand how DTI works. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of DTI images, the design of DTI experiments, and the forms of application studies. The theory of DTI is constantly evolving and so there is a need for a textbook that explains how the technique works in a way that is easy to understand - "Introduction to Diffusion Tensor Imaging" fills this gap. It uses extensive illustrations to explain the concept of Diffusion Tensor Imaging. It is easy to understand, even without a background in physics. It includes sections on image interpretation, experimental design and applications

Autoimmune diseases are characterized by the occurrence of antibodies reacting with self constituents of the body. This exciting new reference is an exhaustive review of the main autoantibodies identified up to now, with particular emphasis on those autoantibodies that display a clinical value. Each chapter is focussed on a single family of autoantibodies by reviewing their historical notes, definition, origin and source(s) of the antigen(s) recognized, genetic associations, pathogenic mechanisms that are mediated, method(s) of detection and clinical utility (disease prevalence/association, diagnostic value, sensitivity and specificity, prognostic value). An ideal reference for anyone involved in the field of autoimmune diseases. * Incudes and exhaustive list of autoantibodies not covered by other publications * Short reviews can easyily be checked for quick reference information * Both basic and clinical aspects are covered

This volume provides a comprehensive guide to myopathies, including breakthroughs that have led to a wider appreciation of the nature of these muscle diseases. Chapters on congenital muscle disorders, biological changes, and diseases associated with aging are included, along with detailed discussions of mitochondrial myopathies, disorders of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and the role of heredity, amongst others. Neurologists, myopathologists, and other professionals dealing with this broad group of diseases will find state-of-the-art information on the clinical investigation and management of patient care, as well as the latest information on the pathological basis and molecular pathogenesis of these diseases. It is a comprehensive guide to myopathies, including the pathological basis and molecular pathogenesis of these diseases. Informative information on complex topics, including congenital muscle disorders, the role of heredity, and age related illness, amongst others. It is a state-of-the-art guide that presents invaluable information on clinical investigation and techniques for the management of patient care.

This book represents the state-of-the-art in the field of skin and autoimmune rheumatic diseases. It covers systematically a growing and multifaceted topic which is of great importance in the clinical practice. It also serves as a sharp educational tool as each chapter provides summaries and specific highlights to key references cited into the text. The pathophysiological link between skin involvement and autoimmunity has been explained in detail, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic aspects. This book yields an impressive body of well ordered information which summarizes the experience of a selected panel of distinguished physicians and scientists actively involved in the field of skin immunology and systemic autoimmunity. This book is written by a respected panel of distinguished physician-scientists actively involved in the field of skin immunology and systemic autoimmunity. Box summaries at the end of each chapter highlight important topics. It provides up-to-date basic knowledge as well as modern approach to diagnosis and therapy.

This volume of the "Handbook of Systemic Autoimmune Diseases" series represents a medical collaboration focusing primarily on female aspects of rheumatic diseases. This collaboration recognizes the need to understand and optimally manage the care of women with autoimmune conditions that may affect their reproduction and hormonal status. This handbook will prove useful to clinicians and researchers alike. It covers practical points, ranging from which anti-rheumatic medications are safe in pregnancy to how to counsel women with scleroderma contemplating pregnancy. Authors share an academic interest in the unique relationship between being a woman and having an autoimmune disease. It touches on controversial topics, such as the mechanism of antiphospholipid-related fetal loss and whether or not non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents should be used in pregnancy. It includes critical and balanced reviews of the controversial association between autoimmune disease and female infertility.

Immunoassays are biochemical tests that rely on antibodies (a special type of protein) to bind to specific molecular structures (antigens). They have become the most commercially successful technology in diagnostics, from home pregnancy testing kits to AIDS testing. Highly illustrated and clearly written, "The Immunoassay Handbook" provides an excellent guide to this fast-growing industry. Revised and updated, this third edition offers a balanced review of practical information and clinical applications in the field of immunoassay technology. Comprehensive and expertly written, "The Immunoassay Handbook" will be invaluable for a wide range of users from researchers developing immunoassay systems to developmental and marketing staff who need an excellent overview of how immunoassay principles, systems and applications work. With 68 chapters covering a wide range of topics, and new chapters looking at: surface plasmon resonance in kinetic, concentration and binding site analyses, and the foundations of immunochemistry, this handbook is a must read for all laboratory researchers and academics who use immunoassay as a tool including: pathologists, clinical and veterinary chemists, biochemists, students and researchers in immunology, biochemistry and medicine. This third edition contains updated and new information on advanced technology, including micro- and nanoscale immunoassays. It provides a unique mix of practical information coupled with a review of clinical applications, and practical examples. It includes contributions from world experts including Robert Ritchie and Professor Colin Self.