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

In Advancing Prion Science, the Institute of Medicine's Committee on Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Assessment of Relevant Science recommends priorities for research and investment to the Department of Defense's National Prion Research Program (NPRP). Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), also called prion diseases, are invariably fatal neurodegenerative infectious diseases that include bovine spongiform encephalopathy (commonly called mad cow disease), chronic wasting disease, scrapie, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. To develop antemortem diagnostics or therapies for TSEs, the committee concludes that NPRP should invest in basic research specifically to elucidate the structural features of prions, the molecular mechanisms of prion replication, the mechanisms of TSE pathogenesis, and the physiological function of prions' normal cellular isoform. Advancing Prion Science provides the first comprehensive reference on present knowledge about all aspects of TSEs' from basic science to the U.S. research infrastructure, from diagnostics to surveillance, and from prevention to treatment. This report summarizes the progress thus far.

Human Prion Diseases, Volume 153 is designed to update the reader on the latest advances and clinical aspects of prion diseases. The book is organized into five sections, including the pathophysiology of prions and a description of animal and human diseases. This is followed by detailed reports on recent advances in diagnosis strategies for the development of novel anti-prion molecules and possible designs of clinical trials in such a rare disease. An introductory chapter gives an extensive historical background of prion research, with a final chapter highlighting recent progress, and more importantly, unsolved problems. - Offers an authoritative overview of prion diseases in humans, detailing the pathogenesis of the disease, clinical investigations, and the diagnosis of both the genetic and acquired forms - Provides clarity and context by presenting prion diseases in relation to other neurodegenerative diseases in humans - Emphasizes the unique properties of prion diseases and consequent problems they can cause, both clinically and in public health terms

"How the Cows Turned Mad tells the story of a disease that continues to elude on many levels. Yet science has come far in understanding its origins, incubation, and transmission. This book is a case history that illuminates the remarkable progression of science."--BOOK JACKET.

Part of the Prentice Hall Exploring Biology Series, Mad Cows and Cannibals explores the biological, political and social aspects of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, including Mad Cow Disease and Chronic Wasting Disease. The text begins with stories of ritualistic cannibalism in the highlands of New Guinea, and leads to the modern agricultural feeding practices that triggered the Mad Cow Disease epidemic in Great Britain, and to recent outbreaks of Chronic Wasting Disease in North America. In clear and accessible language, it explains the biology of these bizzare, degenerative brain diseases, answering important questions about how TSEs affect the safety of our food supply, blood supply, and medical procedures.

Prion-related diseases, known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), are infectious, fatal neurodegenerative disorders for which there is no cure, treatment, nor even a means for early diagnosis. The horrific advent of Mad Cow Disease -- transmitted to humans through eating meat from steers sickened by bovine spongiform encephalopathy

Significant zoonotic diseases have appeared with increasing frequency in recent years. At a symposium held in Galveston, Texas, in March 2004, many outstanding virologists and others presented papers under the broad theme of "emergence". The intent was to elucidate the diseases themselves, the mechanisms by which they have emerged, the publication perception and response to the diseases, and the possibility of prevention or prediction. The papers in this book summarize the talks of this meeting. Among the many timely papers are those by Nobel Prize winner Peter Doherty, influenza epidemiologists Robert Webster and Jeffery Taubenberger, and important contributions by Neal Nathanson, Esteban Domingo, Barry Beaty, David Walker, James Hughes, and others of world expertise.

The alarm sounded by Canada's confirmed case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) has reaffirmed the exigency of establishing improved safeguards and more aggressive surveillance protocols in North America and around the world. Research converging on the probable causative agent--prion proteins--calls for intensive assessment of the headway gained in tracing prions, testing for transmissible neurodegenerative diseases, and developing methods for cornering the epidemic. With an illustrious panel of 36 international contributors, this timely book marshals techniques for prion protein assay and diagnosis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs).

-There is an acceleration in prion disease research because of the spread of mad cow disease. -This book covers in vitro, cellular, and animal models adapted for the study of TSEs. -Includes bio-saftey procedures.

This is a concise, highly accessible introduction to medical virology, incorporating essential basic principles as well as a systematic review of viruses and viral diseases. It pays particular attention to developments in anti-viral therapy that are becoming increasingly effective in modern medicine. It is an ideal textbook for the information-overloaded student and an invaluable everyday companion for the busy professional who needs a good understanding of the current state of medical virology. In keeping with the highly successful format of other Illustrated Colour Texts, it presents the subject as a series of succinct 2 page 'learning units', using a superb collection of clear illustrations and clinical photographs, concise yet comprehensive text and key point boxes to aid quick access to information and examination preparation. So whether you are a medical student, junior doctor, medical scientist, trainee in infectious diseases or student on another allied medical course, this book is here to make your life easier! It will also provide a very solid foundation for any who plan to delve deeper into this fascinating field. - Part of the popular Illustrated Colour Text series - Information presented in double page spreads for easy learning - Highly illustrated with both full colour graphics and clinical photographs - Each spread includes a key point box for exam preparation