Immunologia clinica

There has been a huge increase in the knowledge and understanding of the immunological processes involved in surgical practice in recent years. Anaesthesiologists and intensive care physicians are increasingly recognising the significant derangements of immune function in the critically ill patient and the possible therapeutic approaches to manage such patients (including new approaches in transplantation rejections, novel vaccination strategies in cancer treatment, as well as a better understanding of the beneficial effects of standard chemotherapy). Written by recognised experts in their field from both the UK and the US, and extensively referenced for further reading, Essential Immunology for Surgeons provides a concise, up-to-date, and readable account of immunology in general and its translation into key areas of clinical practice. It provides the necessary foundation for a critical understanding of this essential and rapidly expanding area of biological science that underpins and explains the modern concepts of a range of diseases and conditions, encompassing autoimmunity, infection, trauma, cancer, nutrition, organ transplantation, and various forms of therapy. Previously published as Immunological Basis for Surgical Science and Practice, this fully-updated textbook is aimed predominantly at the surgical trainee, but will also be of value to undergraduate and postgraduate clinicians of any discipline who wish to have a better understanding and knowledge of the subject, as well as to researchers studying the various core topics discussed in the book.

Autoimmune disorders of the skin remain an enigma for many clinicians and scientists not familiar with these mostly severe and chronic diseases. The book provides an overview and the latest information on the broad spectrum of cutaneous autoimmune disorders for clinicians, scientists and practitioners in dermatology, medicine, rheumatology, ENT, pediatrics and ophthalmology. The book is unique since it presents the state-of-the-art knowledge on pathophysiology, clinical diagnosis and management of these disorders provided by the world experts in the field. The primary intention is to broaden the understanding of the pathophysiology of cutaneous autoimmune disorders and to provide a practical guide to how to identify and handle these conditions. The book is illustrated with many tables, illustrative figures and clinical color photographs. The third edition has been thoroughly updated and extended by chapters on paraneoplastic cutaneous syndromes, atopic dermatitis and autoimmunity and Skin manifestations of rheumatic diseases.

Questo libro vuole fornire una visione semplificata degli intricati meccanismi con cui il sistema immunitario ci protegge dalle invasioni ed elimina le nostre cellule alterate. Esso è basato fondamentalmente sulle immagini che schematizzano alcune situazioni tipiche della reattività immunitaria. Il testo fornisce solo un commento o un complemento a ciò che è illustrato nelle immagini. La progressione degli argomenti segue un po' l'evolversi di un'invasione e dell'attivazione dei vari meccanismi reattivi verso gli invasori passando quindi dalle difese di barriera all'immunità innata e infine all'immunità adattativa. Una delle caratteristiche della risposta immunitaria è, però, quella di coinvolgere nelle reazioni meccanismi diversi tra loro. Ciò comporta che spesso si debba ritornare su un argomento trattato in precedenza o alludere a qualcosa di cui non si è ancora parlato.

From the beginning, immunologists have maintained a unique nomenclature that has often mystified and even baffled their colleagues in other fields, causing them to liken immunology to a black box. With more than 1200 illustrations, the Illustrated Dictionary of Immunology, Third Edition provides immunologists and nonimmunologists a single-volume resource for the many terms encountered in contemporary immunological literature. Encyclopedic in scope and including more than 1200 illustrations, the content ranges from photographs of historical figures to molecular structures of recently characterized cytokines, the major histocompatibility complex molecules, immunoglobulins, and molecules of related interest to immunologists. These descriptive illustrations provide a concise and thorough understanding of the subject. To reflect modern advances, the third edition includes entries on immunopharmacology, newly described interleukins, comparative immunology, immunity to infectious diseases, and expanded definitions in all of the immunological subspecialities. Providing unprecedented breadth and detail, this readily accessible book is not only a pictorial reference but also a primary resource.

This book is one of the first to evaluate the role of Steroids in autoimmune rheumatic diseases from the basic mechanisms to the clinical involvements and focuses on the importance of steroidal hormones in the pathogenesis and therapeutic management of the autoimmune rheumatic diseases. In particular, the chapters analyze the mechanisms of action and the involvement of adrenal steroids (glucocorticoids) in the neuroendocrine immune system, including effects on the elderly. The perturbations of the HPA axis as a source of altered steroidal synthesis will be discussed and related to some interesting pathological conditions that commonly complicate the autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as psychosis or fibromyalgia. Concerning the role of gonadal steroids (sex hormones), several chapters will discuss clinical and epidemiological evidences of their role, as well as their effects as risk factors in autoimmune rheumatic diseases, including a section on pediatrics. *The premier issue evaluating the role of steroids in autoimmune rheumatic diseases from the basic mechanisms to the clinical involvements *Documents the latest research and indicate recent and coming new therapeutic-biological approaches to the therapy *The book will present therapeutic perspectives concerning the new glucocorticoids, and the effects of biological drugs on their synthesis

Many of the systemic autoimmune diseases seen in children are different from those seen in adults making them a special problem for physicians and scientists who care for the affected children and study their diseases. Benefiting both pediatric and adult rheumatologists, as well as physicians from other specialties, this volume covers the latest advances in pathogenesis and clinical management of common conditions seen in pediatric rheumatology practices.

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

Immunology is more than a laboratory manual; it is a strategic guide that provides the reader with tips and tricks for more successful lab experiments. The authors explore the current methodological variety of immunology in a simple manner, addressing the assets and drawbacks as well as critical points. Also provided are short and precise summaries of routine procedures as well as listings of the advantages and disadvantages of alternative methods. This well-written guide is an essential companion for anyone using modern immunological methods in the laboratory. . Shows how to avoid experimental dead ends and develop an instinct for the right experiment at the right time . Contains short and precise summaries of routine procedures (e.g. column chromatography, gel electrophoresis) as well as listings of advantages and disadvantages of alternative methods . Includes over 100 informative illustrations, background information, an extensive glossary, and a table of current CD nomenclature

Earlier published as "An Introduction to Immunology", this second edition with a shorter title has been enlarged to deal with recent concepts and ideas in immunology with respect to phylogeny and evolution of the immune system, origin of antigen binding receptors, complement pathway and MHC. The book also includes recent information on: role of CpG motifs, heat shock proteins, epithelial cells, Toll like receptors in innate immunity and role of dendritic cells, gd T cells and mucosal layer in acquired immunity; recent understanding of regulation of immunoglobulin gene, recombination mechanism, regulation of immune response, neural regulation, regulatory T-cells, CD8+memory cells; and, concepts on cross presentation of antigens, role of heat shock proteins in antigen presentation, pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, genetics of asthma, mechanism of food allergy, role of T-cells in atopic and contact allergy. It also includes information on: gives an insight into mechanism of immune tolerance to foetus, regulatory T-cells in transplantation, immune tolerance, gene therapy in transplantation, xenotransplantation; information on recent developments in genetic modulation of tumor antigens, anticancer vaccines, DNA fusion gene vaccine for cancer therapy; information on initiation of autoimmunity, role of CD4+ and regulatory CD4+ cells, interferon, genetics, and chemokines in autoimmunity, chemotherapy and antigen based therapy for autoimmunity; new strategies to counter HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; and, exercises and summary at the end of each chapter.

Since publication of the Third Edition in 1998, the understanding of the immune mechanisms underlying autoimmunity and autoimmune disease has significantly deepened and broadened. This Fourth Edition incorporates new material and combines common themes underlying inductive and effector mechanisms and therapies that relate generally to the autoimmune disorders. It discusses the biological basis of disease at genetic, molecular, cellular, and epidemiologic levels. New features to this edition include: tissue-specific interventions to arrest or cure autoimmune disease; bone marrow eradication and replacement; both basic science and clinical medicine is covered; and boxed points to emphasize key features of each chapter.

Immunology is a very complicated topic that many people find intimidating. Nonetheless, many gastrointestinal diseases are immunological in origin or exhibit significant imunological components. This book unravels the subject of immunology into three clear areas: immunology itself, gut immunology and inflammation. Detailed and easy-to-understand explanations of these areas are given, with a focus towards those aspects of immunology that are important at the site of the gut. In addition, this book contains a highly illustrated A to Z listing of over 35 commonly encountered gastrointestinal disorders (including: chronic granulomatous, Crohn's disease, graft-versus-host-disease, pernicious anemia, refractory sprue, and ulcerative colitis). Detailed descriptions of each disorder cover areas including clinical features, epidemilology, diagnosis, immunopathogenesis, and treatment.