This is the first and only book on the subject of prions to cover the cause of cell death in the disease. It covers the full range of competing theories on the subject, from broad description and basic points up to the final details of the basic science.

A conformational transition of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) into an aberrantly folded isoform designated scrapie prion protein (PrPSc) is the hallmark of a variety of neurodegenerative disorders collectively called prion diseases. They include Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and Gerstmann-Stäussler-Scheinker syndrome in humans, scrapie in sheep, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle and chronic wasting disease (CWD) in free-ranging deer. In contrast to the deadly properties of misfolded PrP, PrPC seems to possess a neuroprotective activity. More-over, animal models indicated that the stress-protective activity of PrPC and the neurotoxic effects of PrPSc are somehow interconnected. In this timely book, leading scientists in the field have come together to highlight the apparently incongruous activities of different PrP conformers. The articles outline current research on celluar pathways implicated in the formation and signaling of neurotoxic and physiological PrP isoforms and delineate future research direction. Topics covered include the physiologcial activity of PrPC and its possible role as a neurotrophic factor, the finding that aberrant PrP conformers can cause neurodegeneration in the absence of infectious prion propagation, the requirement of the GPI anchor of PrPC for the neurotoxic effects of scrapie prions, the pathways implicated in the formation and neurotoxic properties of cytosolically localized PrP, the impact of metal ions on the processing of PrP, and the role of autophagy in the propagation and clearance of PrPSc. The book is fully illustrated and chapters include comprehensive reference sections. Essential reading for scientists involved in prion research.

This practical guide to the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases discusses modern molecular techniques, morphological classification, fundamentals of clinical symptomology, diagnostic pitfalls and immunostaining protocols. It is based on the proteinopathy concept of neurodegenerative disease, which has influenced classification and provides new strategies for therapy. Numerous high-quality images, including histopathology photomicrographs and neuroradiology scans, accompany the description of morphologic alterations and interpretation of immunoreactivities. Diagnostic methods and criteria are placed within recent developments in neuropathology, including the now widespread application of immunohistochemistry. To aid daily practice, the guide includes diagnostic algorithms and offers personal insights from experienced experts in the field. Special focus is given to the way brain tissue should be handled during diagnosis. This is a must-have reference for medical specialists and specialist medical trainees in the fields of pathology, neuropathology and neurology working with neuropathologic features of neurodegenerative diseases.

Most textbooks on neurodegenerative disorders have used a classification scheme based upon either clinical syndromes or anatomical distribution of the pathology. In contrast, this book looks to the future and uses a classification based upon molecular mechanisms, rather than clinical or anatomical boundaries. Major advances in molecular genetics and the application of biochemical and immunocytochemical techniques to neurodegenerative disorders have generated this new approach. Throughout most of the current volume, diseases are clustered according to the proteins that accumulate within cells (e.g. tau, α-synuclein and TDP-43) and in the extracellular compartments (e.g. β-amyloid and prion proteins) or according to a shared pathogenetic mechanism, such as trinucleotide repeats, that are a feature of specific genetic disorders. Chapters throughout the book conform to a standard lay-out for ease of access by the reader and are written by a panel of International Experts Since the first edition of this book, major advances have been made in the discovery of common molecular mechanisms between many neurodegenerative diseases most notably in the frontotemporal lobar degenerations (FTLD) and motor neuron disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This book will be essential reading for clinicians, neuropathologists and basic neuroscientists who require the firm up-to-date knowledge of mechanisms, diagnostic pathology and genetics of Neurodegenerative diseases that is required for progress in therapy and management.

Over the last few years, the considerable progress made in biochemistry, virology, molecular biology and genetics has revealed some of the intimate mechanisms of the neurodegenerative diseases. The present volume is an attempt to review the latest data in the field to illuminate new avenues for future research. This volume gathers together chapters and discussions on the etiology and pathogenesis of the neurodegenerative diseases. Apoptosis of programmed cell death as well as other genetic implications are discussed; special attention is given to the coexistence and interconnection of genetic and environmental factors. There is extensive coverage of prions responsible for bovine spongiform encephalopathy, Cruetzfeld-Jacob disease and kuru. The various aspects of non-conventional transmissible agents are thoroughly reviewed. Further contributions deal with the role of growth factors as well as of free radicals. Consideration is given to the molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease, in particular the role of tau protein. Finally, several pharmacological models now available, which throw light upon aspects of Parkinson's disease, Huntington's chorea and multiple sclerosis, are examined and discussed. It is hoped that recent scientific advances will lead to the discovery of new drugs to fill the current therapeutic void. There are hopes of an early indication of this in the case of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

The Molecular and Cellular Basis of Neurodegenerative Diseases: Underlying Mechanisms presents the pathology, genetics, biochemistry and cell biology of the major human neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, frontotemporal dementia, ALS, Huntington's, and prion diseases. Edited and authored by internationally recognized leaders in the field, the book's chapters explore their pathogenic commonalities and differences, also including discussions of animal models and prospects for therapeutics. Diseases are presented first, with common mechanisms later. Individual chapters discuss each major neurodegenerative disease, integrating this information to offer multiple molecular and cellular mechanisms that diseases may have in common. This book provides readers with a timely update on this rapidly advancing area of investigation, presenting an invaluable resource for researchers in the field. - Covers the spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases and their complex genetic, pathological, biochemical and cellular features - Focuses on leading hypotheses regarding the biochemical and cellular dysfunctions that cause neurodegeneration - Details features, advantages and limitations of animal models, as well as prospects for therapeutic development - Authored by internationally recognized leaders in the field - Includes illustrations that help clarify and consolidate complex concepts

This book is meticulously designed for the busy student, trainee, or seasoned physician looking to enhance or refresh skills in infectious diseases. It is intended to provide a solid resource for students and physicians in need of a concise yet comprehensive background of the material. Each chapter begins with a summary of the topic, a brief case description, definitions, critical teaching points, and tables, figures, photos, and other visual materials to reinforce learning. The chapters take a systems based approach to infections before concluding with the essentials of diagnostic microbiology to leave users with a practical toolkit for real-world clinics. Authored by two expert educators and dual infectious diseases and pediatrics specialists, Clinical Infectious Diseases Study Guide is the only updated study guide designed for medical students, fellows, residents, and trainees who need a strong foundation in infectious diseases. This includes infectious disease specialists in both adult and pediatric care, various internal medicine subspecialists, and hospitalists.

Neurodegeneration is a key feature of several diseases that are referred to as neurodegenerative diseases. The process of neurodegeneration is not well-understood so the diseases that stem from it have, as yet, no cures. As such, studying the effects of these disorders can provide insight into the treatment, prevention, and future opportunities and challenges in this growing field. The Handbook of Research on Critical Examinations of Neurodegenerative Disorders is a critical scholarly resource that provides an extensive explanation of various neurodegenerative disorders based on existing studies to clarify etiology, pathological mechanisms, diagnosis, therapeutic interventions, as well as current status and future opportunities and challenges. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as dementia, mitochondrial dysfunction, and risk factors, this book is geared towards neurobiologists, neuropsychologists, neurophysiologists, neuropathologists, medical professionals, academicians, and researchers seeking research on the complexity of neurodegenerative disorders.

Neurodegenerative diseases are major contributors to disability and disease, with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases the most prevalent. This major reference reviews the rapidly advancing knowledge of pathogenesis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in the context of a comprehensive survey of each disease and its clinical features. The editors and contributors are among the leading experts in the field internationally. Covering basic science, diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches, the book focuses on all aspects of neurodegenerative disease, including the normal aging process. The dementias, prion diseases, Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonisms, neurodegenerative ataxias, motor neuron diseases, degenerative diseases with chorea, iron and copper disorders, and mitochondrial diseases, are all methodically presented and discussed, with extensive illustrations. In each case the underlying genetics, neuropathological and clinical issues are fully reviewed, making this the most complete as well as the most authoritative reference available to clinicians and neuroscientists.

Neurogenetics, Part II, Volume 148, the latest release in the Handbook of Clinical Neurology, provides the latest information on the genetic methodologies that are having a significant impact on the study of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Using genetic science, researchers have identified over 200 genes that cause or contribute to neurological disorders. Still an evolving field of study, defining the relationship between genes and neurological and psychiatric disorders is expected to dramatically grow in scope. Part II builds on the foundation of Part I, expanding the coverage to dementias, paroxysmal disorders, neuromuscular disorders, white matter and demyelination diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, adult psychiatric disorders and cancer and phacomatoses. - Contains comprehensive coverage of neurogenetics - Details the latest science and its impact on our understanding of neurological, psychiatric disorders - Presents a focused reference for clinical practitioners and the neuroscience/neurogenetics research community