This book collects articles on the biology of hematopoietic stem cells during embryonic development, reporting on fly, fish, avian and mammalian models. The text invites a comparative overview of hematopoietic stem cell generation in the different classes, emphasizing conserved trends in development. The book reviews current knowledge on human hematopoietic development and discusses recent breakthroughs of relevance to both researchers and clinicians.

Stem cell science has the potential to impact human reproductive medicine significantly - cutting edge technologies allow the production and regeneration of viable gametes from human stem cells offering potential to preciously infertile patients. Written by leading experts in the field Stem Cells in Reproductive Medicine brings together chapters on the genetics and epigenetics of both the male and female gametes as well as advice on the production and regeneration of gene cells in men and women, trophoblasts and endometrium from human embryonic and adult stem cells. Although focussing mainly on the practical elements of the use of stem cells in reproductive medicine, the book also contains a section on new developments in stem cell research. The book is essential reading for reproductive medicine clinicians, gynecologists and embryologists who want to keep abreast of practical developments in this rapidly developing field.

Recent scientific breakthroughs, celebrity patient advocates, and conflicting religious beliefs have come together to bring the state of stem cell researchâ€"specifically embryonic stem cell researchâ€"into the political crosshairs. President Bush's watershed policy statement allows federal funding for embryonic stem cell research but only on a limited number of stem cell lines. Millions of Americans could be affected by the continuing political debate among policymakers and the public. Stem Cells and the Future of Regenerative Medicine provides a deeper exploration of the biological, ethical, and funding questions prompted by the therapeutic potential of undifferentiated human cells. In terms accessible to lay readers, the book summarizes what we know about adult and embryonic stem cells and discusses how to go about the transition from mouse studies to research that has therapeutic implications for people. Perhaps most important, Stem Cells and the Future of Regenerative Medicine also provides an overview of the moral and ethical problems that arise from the use of embryonic stem cells. This timely book compares the impact of public and private research funding and discusses approaches to appropriate research oversight. Based on the insights of leading scientists, ethicists, and other authorities, the book offers authoritative recommendations regarding the use of existing stem cell lines versus new lines in research, the important role of the federal government in this field of research, and other fundamental issues.

Myofibrillogenesis has been studied extensively over the last 100 years. Until recently, we have not had a comprehensive understanding of this fundamental process. The emergence of new technologies in molecular and cellular biology, combined with classical embryology, have started to unravel some of the complexities of myofibril assembly in striated muscles. In striated muscles, the contractile proteins are arranged in a highly ordered three dimensional lattice known as the sarcomere. The assembly of a myofibril involves the precise ordering of several proteins into a linear array of sarcomeres. Multiple isoforms in many of these proteins further complicate the process, making it difficult to define the precise role of each component. This volume has been compiled as a comprehensive reference on myofibrillogenesis. In addition, the book includes reviews on myofibrillar disarray under various pathological conditions, such as familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC), and incorporates a section on the conduction system in the heart. Much of the information in this volume has not been described elsewhere. Presented in a manner to be of value to students and teachers alike, "Myofibrillogenesis" will be an invaluable reference source for all in the fields of muscle biology and heart development.

Handbook of Benign Hematology is a practical guide to the diagnosis and management of benign hematologic conditions. The book begins with a chapter on normal hematopoiesis and follows with chapters devoted to groups of blood disorders and syndromes including neutrophil disorders, nonmalignant myeloid disorders, bone marrow failure syndromes, myeloproliferative disorders, anemias, iron metabolism disorders, platelet disorders, hemostasis and coagulation defects, and thrombosis. Each disorder subtype covered features a clinical case, an introduction to the condition, details on diagnosis including applicable criteria and lab work needed, key diagnostic dilemmas, prognosis, treatment options, details on clinical trials and emerging clinical strategies, and bulleted key points to highlight clinical pearls and common pitfalls. The final chapters provide best practices for transfusion medicine and a guide to pharmacologic agents and their uses in clinical practice for adult and pediatric patients. The handbook is filled with tables and illustrations which highlight FDA-approved drug information, clinical trials data, hematopathologic characteristics of different disorders, important management criteria and more, making it the ideal handbook for those in practice or for review. The Editors and chapter authors are experienced academic practitioners in the fields of adult and pediatric hematology, pathology, blood banking, and pharmacology. Emphasizing best practices for patient management, this handbook is essential for oncologists, hematologists, trainees, and other practitioners who regularly or increasingly receive referrals to diagnose and treat adults or children with nonmalignant hematologic conditions. Key Features: Includes dozens of clinical cases covering all nonmalignant blood disorders Emphasizes patient management and best practices for disorders seen in adults and children Contains over 30 color images and numerous tables for quick reference Presents important details of all pharmacologic agents used to treat or manage hematologic disorders and their complications Purchase includes access to the ebook for use on most mobile devices or computers