Oxford University Press

This new edition covers recent advances in understanding immunological and inflammatory responses in the nervous system, research driven by the potential to use knowledge of the molecules and mechanisms involved to intervene in, and arrest, neurodegenerative disease processes. Immune and Inflammatory Responses in the Nervous System covers developmental aspects of immune/inflammatory responses in the CNS, basic aspects of glial function, as well as inflammatory mediators, their mechanisms of action, clinical importance and sites of infection. There is also coverage of the major diseases of the CNS, including stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. Throughout, the focus is on the underlying basic neuroscience, clinical relevance and the potential for therapeutic interventions. This will be an invaluable aid to understanding and improving the diagnosis of neuroimmune diseases and determining therapeutic measures. The contributors are all leading experts in the field and the content will be of interest to neuroscientists, neurologists, neuropathologists, neurosurgeons and immunologists.

Pharmacological and molecular cloning studies have shown that the superfamily of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) forms one of the largest and most diverse protein families in nature. They are involved in the modulation of almost all our bodily functions and are pivotal in the regulation and control of central nervous system function. As such, pharmacological manipulation of GPCRs has been demonstrated to be valuable in the treatment of diseases of the central nervous system, ranging from Alzhmeimer's disease to schizophrenia and continues to be a key area of investigation in the search for tomorrow's medicines. The aim of this book is to bring together, for the first time in one volume, all aspects of GPCR structure and function, with an emphasis on receptors expressed in the central nervous system. The book comprises two major parts: part one provides a detailed overview of GPCR superfamily structure and function, including reviews of the mechanisms of ligand activation and inactivation, signalling through G-proteins and downstream signal transduction pathways and effector systems. Part two focuses on individual members of each of the three subfamilies of the GPCR superfamily, providing specific information about their localization, pharmacology, physiology and disease relevance. GPCRs in the CNS is essential reading for neuroscientists, pharmacologists, biochemists, molecular biologists, physiologists and all those involved in the process of drug discovery.

This issue forms part of a series of expert reviews on selected health topics in fields where significant new developments are occurring. It should prove a valuable reference source and allows those working in other specialties, and younger clinicians and scientists, to update their knowledge in important and well-defined subject areas.

It is now almost a decade since the identification of the Huntington's Disease gene and its mutation, during which time, major advances in our understanding of this disorder have been achieved. Since publication of the first two editions of this book, there have been considerable insights into how the mutation leads to the molecular pathology, neuropathology and clinical symptoms of Huntington's Disease, and experimental tools are now in place to take this research further towards new therapeutic approaches. As a result of these major advances, this well-established series of books has required radical updating. An international group of researchers and clinicians with specialist interests in HD has been commissioned to document the recent advances in our understanding of this disease. Developments in the fields of structural biology, cell biology, neurochemistry and neuropathology, with full coverage of transgenic animal models, are discussed in detail. The clinical sections cover genetic, neurological and psychiatric aspects as well as new developments in therapy. This book will continue to provide an invaluable source of information for clinicians and scientists involved with Huntington's Disease, including geneticists, psychiatrists and neurologists, and basic science research workers in genetics and neurobiology.

This book tells the extraordinary story of how the function of the first - and so far almost the only - human organ was replaced by a machine, and the "artificial kidney" entered medical and public folk-lore. A practical artificial kidney, or dialyser, came about by advances in science followed by the acquisition of new synthetic materials which made the application of these ideas possible. However it was the dedication and persistence of a number of talented pioneers who pressed ahead against professional opposition to achieve success, first in the treatment of temporary, recoverable kidney failure, and then permanent renal shut-down which made it a success. The apparent high cost and limited availability of this form of treatment immediately raised ethical questions which had never been questioned before, centering around equity of access to treatment, when and if treatment could be denied, and - worst of all - the agonising decision of when, once established, it should be stopped. Spiralling costs as the true number of people with kidney failure became evident raised major political and financial questions, which were addressed in different countries in different ways which reflected - but also helped change - patterns of how medical care is provided. In developed countries, the problem could be solved by allocating a disproportionate amount of money to the treatment of relatively few kidney patients, but in the developing world the cost of treatment still limits its availability, as it does all forms of modern health care. Nevertheless, today almost one million people world-wide are maintained alive following terminal kidney failure, two thirds of them by various forms of dialysis and the remainder bearing kidney transplants, almost always placed after a period on dialysis. The story is also the sum of the often heroic lives of these hundreds of thousands of patients, a few of whom have today been maintained alive and active for more than 35 years, and many of whom suffered known, but also unexpected complications as a result of their treatment.

During the past 4O years there have been major conceptual and technical advances in the domain of dialysis methods and renal/organ transplantation for long-term treatment of patients with End-Stage Renal Failure (ESRF). This now enables better defined, more selective strategies of treatment to be undertaken, according to patient-specific criteria such as age or underlying renal disease also taking into account the lifetime duration of these treatments. For many patients this implies necessary successive changes of mode of therapy depending on their availability, occurrence of medical/technical complications or failure and social-environmental and economic factors. This rationale has inspired the structure of this volume which is divided into four sections: 1/ A descriptive overview of the various modes of renal replacement therapy (RRT): Extracorporeal dialysis/filtration, peritoneal dialysis, kidney and multi-organ transplantation.2/ Most appropriate indications and use of these methods, respective advantages, drawbacks and outcome in children, pregnant women and elderly patients 3/ In diabetic patients and in patients with hereditary/congenital diseases. 4/ The ethical issues generated by this new domain in Medicine by limitations in treatment facilities or medical dilemmas for acceptance, best technical choices, withdrawal or termination of RRT in individual patients. Finally, contributors form Eastern European Countries, Africa and Far Eastern Countries analyse the current status of RRT in their respective geographical area and the ways and means required for a wider implementation of RRT in thus far lesser economically developed countries where the great majority of the populations still have no access to these life-saving therapeutic procedures.

Oncologic emergencies can relate either to the cancer itself or its treatment. As the number of cancer patients receiving treatment is increasing and the number of clinicians encountering emergencies is rising, optimal outcomes in these patients relies on the recognition of early symptoms and signs and the implementation of appropriate therapy. This book covers the broad spectrum of oncologic emergencies in the major systems ranging from cardiovascular emergencies to neurological emergencies, bone problems through to acute pain and psychiatric problems. The acute infectious and haematological emergencies, which are extremely common and life-threatening, are dealt with in detail. Each chapter provides a background to complications and clearly outlines the modern approach to treatment. For ease of reference the book contains algorithms as guidelines for the management of various emergency situations which will be of use to the practising clinician. Written by an international team of experts, Oncologic Emergencies provides clear, accessible guidelines to ensure effective and immediate treatment and management. This book is aimed at trainees in oncology and practising oncologists, and will also appeal to family doctors, specialist nurses and individuals working in emergency medicine.

When the first edition of this book published in 1994, the psychoimmunology of cancer was still emerging as a topic for serious scientific study. Now, less than ten years later, there is a huge quantity of academic literature about the relationships between psychological variables, the immune system and cancer growth, accompanied by a lively popular interest. In this new edition leading specialists have provided broad critical reviews of the different aspects. Part I, which presents the biological background, will be of particular interest to those with technical knowledge of the relevant laboratory based disciplines. It covers mechanisms mediating the effects of psychological status in the immune system, and anti-cancer mechanisms involving the immune system. Part II is clinically orientated, and accessible to a wide audience. Whether psychotherapeutic interventions can help patients live longer, as well as coping better, is obviously the key question and several contributors consider the clinical evidence for this. A new, speculative chapter on the spiritual context of immunity and cancer has also been added. The psychoimmunology of cancer involves many complex issues, understanding of which remains far from complete. However, the contributors, besides reviewing the current state of knowledge and the implications for cancer patients, offer predictions for the future and ideas about further research.

Diabetes Mellitus is the principal cause of kidney failure and blindness in adults and leads to more cases of amputation and impotence than any other disease. It is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. The aims of pancreas or islet transplantation are to improve the quality of life of patients with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and to ameliorate secondary complications. This book provides a comprehensive and international review of the recent advances in pancreas and islet transplantation. It covers surgical techniques, issues surrounding organ preservation, immunosuppression and the control of other complications, all of which contribute to the potential for such transplantations to evolve as the treatment of choice for insulin dependent diabetes. The editors have compiled a strong and international team of contributing authors.

Ovarian cancer provides an up-to-date and comprehensive synthesis of clinical management and research progress in the field of epithelial ovarian cancer. The book has its origins in two separate but complementary initiatives. One initiative was a series of reviews commissioned to cover the spectrum of clinical management of ovarian cancer from prevention, screening and diagnosis to surgery, chemotherapy and palliative care. The reviews were invited from an international panel of clinicians with expertise in the management of ovarian cancer. The second initiative was co-ordinated by the Helene Harris Memorial Trust (HHMT) which has organised key biennial meetings on ovarian cancer for the last 12 years. Attendance at the meetings is by invitation to a small group of international authorities on research aspects of ovarian cancer. Setting the clinically focused reviews alongside the HHMT research focused chapters has created a unique book. First, the book is unusually up-to-date and presents recent advances not included in other books in this field. Second, the contents are comprehensive and cover aetiology, pathology, screening, prevention, diagnosis, prognostic techniques, surgery, adjuvant therapy and palliative care. Third, the review chapters are set alongside more detailed coverage of recent clinical and basic science developments. Examples of this are the coverage of familial cancer, prevention, screening, and current therapy which are consequently much more topical and exciting. Fourth, there are sections on 'tumour biology' and 'novel therapies' which have not been covered in comparable books about ovarian cancer. Finally, the contributions are from a representative spectrum of experts from both research and clinical backgrounds and with a truly international perspective.

This is a new edition of the classic and comprehensive textbook of old age psychiatry. The coverage has been expanded to survey the major developments in the field of genetics and in understanding the dementias, as well as including new chapters on quality of life measurement, the economics of care, suicide in old age, hallucinations and functional systems in Parkinson's Disease.

This book is a comprehensive review of vasculitis, a fascinating array of life-threatening and minor conditions caused by inflammatory syndromes and diseases that affect the blood vessels. It brings together in a unique way, concepts from both the biology and clinical aspects of vasculitis. Research in clinical immunology now invigorates the entire area of vasculitis, and shapes a rational approach to pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment which is the substance of this text. Over 40 chapters cover known vasculitic conditions, and are illustrated with numerous photographs, diagrams and tables. Some chapters, such as that of aortitis, are brief, and others, such as those devoted to Behcet's disease, are much longer, in keeping with their prevalence. The authors have been chosen based on their unique experiences with vasculitic conditions. Most of these conditions are rare in most areas of the globe, and it is the exceptional clinician who has much experience with more than a few of these; thus, drawing upon authors from all over the world has enabled the editors to provide informed discussions of all of them. The book is illustrated with numerous colour illustrations of clinical manifestations and also contains superb illustrations of invasive and non-invasive imaging. This book is directed primarily at general internists, rheumatologist and clinical immunologists, but will also be of interest to dermatologists, gastroenterologists, pulmonologists, nephrologists, neurologists, pathologists and vascular surgeons.