The discovery of specifically acquired immunity which followed the major contributions of Louis Pasteur completely over-shadowed the first studies of the host's natural resistance. Later, the exquisite sensitivity and precision of antigen-antibody reactions made the study of immunochemistry much more attractive than the rather primitive and ambiguous field of non-specific immunity. Neverthe less, during the last three decades, a considerable body of informa tion was developed and also mean...

This book identifies and analyzes the genetic basis of bone disorders in humans and demonstrates the utility of mouse models in furthering the knowledge of mechanisms and evaluations of treatments. The book is aimed at all students of bone biology and genetics, and with this in mind, it includes general introductory chapters on genetics and bone biology and more specific disease-orientated chapters, which comprehensively summarize the clinical, genetic, molecular genetic, animal model, fun...

This book provides a detailed account of the physico-chemical properties and biological functions of the outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) of different pathogenic and non-pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria. It also includes an authentic record of the first systematic study that discovered the mechanism of OMV formation by a pathogen, Vibrio cholerae, and proposed that the process represented a novel secretory activity of bacteria. Furthermore, the authors present clinical and laborato...

This book focuses on new small molecule approaches to combat viral infections. The chapters describe the discovery and development from bench through the clinic of relatively recently-approved antiviral drugs and compounds in advanced clinical development. Organized by a virus (such as HIV, HCV, RSV, influenza, HBV and CMV) and written by top academic and industrial authorities in the field, the book provides a unique opportunity to study, understand and apply discovery and development pri...

Research in Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), together known as the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), has truly seen a revolution in the last 5-10 years. This book examines how these genetic discoveries have led to the identification of biological functions not previously associated with IBD pathophysiology (e.g. autophagy), how multiple genetic risk factors for IBD converge on given biological functions and that together the identified variants in these genes have predisp...

This standard-setting textbook has defined the field of immunology since 1984, and is now in its Seventh Edition continuing to deliver the detailed, authoritative, and timely coverage readers expect. This comprehensive, up-to-date text is ideal for graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, basic and clinical immunologists, microbiologists and infectious disease physicians, and any physician treating diseases in which immunologic mechanisms play a role. Now full-color throughout the book’s ...

Physiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract, Fifth Edition — winner of a 2013 Highly Commended BMA Medical Book Award for Internal Medicine — covers the study of the mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions of the GI Tract while linking the clinical disease or disorder, bridging the gap between clinical and laboratory medicine. The gastrointestinal system is responsible for the breakdown and absorption of various foods and liquids needed to sustain life. Other diseases and disorders tr...

A valuable study of the science behind the medicine, Muscle: Fundamental Biology and Mechanisms of Disease brings together key leaders in muscle biology. These experts provide state-of-the-art insights into the three forms of muscle--cardiac, skeletal, and smooth--from molecular anatomy, basic physiology, disease mechanisms, and targets of therapy. Commonalities and contrasts among these three tissue types are highlighted. This book focuses primarily on the biology of the myocyte. Individu...

The development of the cardiovascular system is a rapidly advancing area in biomedical research, now coupled with the burgeoning field of cardiac regenerative medicine. A lucid understanding of these fields is paramount to reducing human cardiovascular diseases of both fetal and adult origin. Significant progress can now be made through a comprehensive investigation of embryonic development and its genetic control circuitry. Heart Development and Regeneration, written by experts in the fie...

Advances in Metabolic Disorders, Volume 11: Gastrointestinal Hormones covers the developments in the study of gastrointestinal (GI) hormones. The book discusses the cytochemical techniques in work with GI hormones; the general aspects and problems for the radioimmunoassays of GI hormones in the 80s; and the response of the GI hormone system to the pathological changes. The text also describes the evolutional aspects of GI hormones; the cell membrane receptors for secretagogues on pancreati...

In September 1998 experts from 19 countries came together for an interdisciplinary discussion of the function of animal peroxidases, a family of enzymes embracing myeloperoxidase, eosinophil peroxidase, thyroid peroxidase and lactoperoxidase. Their papers have been updated for publication, yielding a wide-ranging overview of the state of the art. The chapters cover a wide range of topics, including three-dimensional structure of representative family members, their biosynthesis and intrace...

Calcium-Sensing Receptor provides an overview of various aspects of the calcium receptor's biochemistry, physiology and pathophysiology that is suitable both for those who have been working in the field of Ca2+0-sensing as well as those who are new to this discipline.Calcium-Sensing Receptor is the nineteenth volume published in the Endocrine Updates book series under the Series Editorship of Shlomo Melmed, MD.