Medicina

During the last 30 years there has been a growing interest in cytokines as biological molecules able to regulate the most diverse functions in living org- isms, mainly at the level of cell-cell communication. Originally their definition was limited to the cells of the immune system (interleukins and lymphokines), but later that definition was extended to all cells, and their regulatory activity in such other processes as differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and wound he- ing has been now demonstrated. They comprise a group of small proteins (5-20 kDa) produced and released by cells in a tightly controlled fashion, active in the nano- or picomolar concentration range, and eliciting specific effects in nei- boring cells; therefore, their action is said to be autocrine, paracrine, or jux- crine. The latter property distinguishes them from hormones, which are produced by one tissue and are transported by the blood stream in order to act on a distant tissue. Chemokines are a subset of cytokines, but whether growth factors are included in the group is often a matter of discussion. The activity of several cytokines can be inhibited by other cytokines or by biological response modi- ers; therefore, the latter are sometimes called "anti-cytokines. " The biological response of a particular cell is usually the result of the sum of all interactions with cytokines present at a certain time and in a certain sequence in time-the "cytokine network.

In the past, functional and aesthetic nasal surgery had developed separately from each other, so that both ENT and plastic surgeons were often not able to exhaust the full potential of nasal surgery. In modern nasal surgery, form and function of the nose are two inseparable aspects, because functional and aesthetic problems usually occur in combination. This is the first book that deals with the dual character of complex nasal surgery, i.e. it equally covers both the functional and aesthetic aspects of septorhinoplasty. The three main areas of complex nasal surgery are surgery of the septum, the different approaches in rhinoplasty, and endoscopic microsurgery. These are all covered, as well as aspects of endoscopic sinus surgery and postoperative treatment with topical corticosteroids. Key points include: - First book that deals with both the functional and aesthetic aspects of complex nasal surgery - Description of operative techniques by internationally famous experts - Precise step-by-step descriptions of operative techniques - Before and after illustrations to help plan procedures - Highest standard of illustrative material

This volume provides a complete overview of the imaging of the normal and diseased petrous bone. After an introduction describing the anatomy of the area, subsequent chapters address the various diseases and conditions affecting the petrous bone that are encountered in daily practice. At the beginning of each of these chapters an otologist explains what is expected of the radiologist. The various classic imaging methods are described and discussed in detail, and individual chapters are included on newer techniques such as functional imaging and virtual imaging. Imaging findings are documented with the aid of numerous informative high-quality illustrations. This book, with its straightforward structure based essentially on topography, will prove of immense value in daily practice.

Questo volume nasce dall'accurata rielaborazione delle relazioni presentate all'incontro di Cremona, nel novembre 2002, sulle

This is your concise and manageable guide to psoriasis. During the last decade, research into molecular genetics, inflammatory mechanisms and immunology has dramatically enhanced our insight into the pathogenesis of psoriasis, paralleled by a proliferation in therapeutic treatments. For those unable to keep pace with the continual volume of research on psoriasis, "Textbook of Psoriasis" provides a concise and digestible account of the subject.Aimed at both the trainee and practising dermatologist, "Textbook of Psoriasis" concentrates mainly on the clinical presentation of psoriasis and the management of the condition using the latest pharmacological agents. In addition, it also reviews the underlying science from the point of view of causation and pathology. Containing contributions from a distinguished team of experts, the book remains in three sections which discuss the clinical morphology of the skin, its etiology and pathogenesis, and finally the current available treatments for this distressing disease.

Il rolfing, sistema di integrazione strutturale messo a punto dalla dottoressa Rolf, allinea e bilancia il corpo fisico all'in

In quest'opera, l'autore, che cominciò a studiare il cancro in relazione alla dieta circa mezzo secolo fa, rende l'argomento e

"Il sesto tibetano" è una particolare pratica yoga, ascosta e ignorata fino ad oggi, completa il ciclo dei Cinque Riti

L'alimentazione intelligente è un libro che permette a tutte le persone attente alla qualità della vita di trovare il modo di

"Rapid Reference to Erectile Dysfunction and Related Disorders" will provide the reader with authoritative and accessible information from a clinical expert in the field, to assist with treatment decisions. Each title in the "Rapid Reference" series covers diagnosis, prevention, treatment and management of the disease area. They also contain drug listings, clinical trial information, future developments, FAQs and website listings to keep the reader up to date with new developments and to extend their knowledge of the disease area. With patients becoming better informed about the nature and management of their conditions, "Rapid Reference" is a timely new series that offers doctors easy access to the best information for patient care and management.

"Cutaneous Manifestations of Rheumatic Diseases" has been fully revised and updated for the Second Edition, with nationally recognized experts contributing many sections. The text provides a comprehensive treatment of the dermatologic appearances of rheumatic diseases, with a special focus on how skin changes correlate with the underlying disease process. More than 250 full-color illustrations help the practitioner identify disease manifestations at a glance. Consistent organization throughout the text along with new bulleted lists and summaries permit easy access to diagnosis and management options. This edition includes more diagrams to illustrate disease management pathways. A special section on the regional differential diagnosis of cutaneous changes in rheumatic diseases is also included.