The skin on the fingertips and palmar and plantar surfaces of man is not smooth. It is grooved by curious ridges, which form a variety of configurations. These ridge configurations have attracted the at tention of laymen for millenia. They have also evoked the serious interest of scientists for more than three centuries. The anatomist Bidloo provided a description of ridge detail in the seventeenth cen tury. Since then, additional information has been added by anthro pologists, biologists, and geneticists. For the last century, the fact that each individual's ridge configurations are unique has been uti lized as a means of personal identification especially by law enforce ment officials. Widespread medical interest in epidermal ridges de veloped only in the last several decades when it became apparent that many patients with chromosomal aberrations had unusual ridge formations. Inspection of skin ridges, therefore, promised to provide a simple, inexpensive means for determining whether a given patient had a particular chromosomal defect. However, the promise was only partially fulfilled because of the inherent variability of skin ridge configurations. It was possible to draw conclusions about ridge ab normalities in groups of patients but not always in a given individual. Patients and clinicians became somewhat disenchanted with the clinical value of studying ridges.

Explore the recent methodological advances in dermatoglyphics, particularly-genetics, developmental variations, ethnic variability, inheritance, forensic and clinical aspects of dermatoglyphics. This volume is an aid to assist those who are engaged in application of dermatoglyphics, especially in the field of human biology, anthropology, forensic science and medicine.

With an A–Z format, this encyclopedia provides easy access to relevant information on all aspects of biometrics. It features approximately 250 overview entries and 800 definitional entries. Each entry includes a definition, key words, list of synonyms, list of related entries, illustration(s), applications, and a bibliography. Most entries include useful literature references providing the reader with a portal to more detailed information.

Thoroughly revised and updated, the New Edition of this definitive text explains how to care for neonates using the very latest methods. It maintains a clinical focus while providing state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment techniques. Written by more than 55 specialists who are actively involved in the care of sick newborns, it serves as an authoritative reference for practitioners, a valuable preparation tool for neonatal board exams, and a useful resource for the entire neonatal care team. Focuses on diagnosis and management, describing pertinent developmental physiology and the pathogenesis of neonatal problems.Includes over 500 crisp illustrations that clarify important concepts and techniques. Features the contributions of new editor Christine Gleason, a well-known neonatologist specializing in fetal physiology and drug/alcohol effects on the brain.Discusses hot topics such as ethical decisions in the neonatal-perinatal period * maternal medical disorders of fetal significance, seizure disorders, isoimmunization, cancer and mental disorders * maternal and fetal anesthesia and analgesia * prenatal genetic diagnosis * overview of clinical evaluation of metabolic disease * neonatal pain in the 21st Century * immunology of the fetus and newborn * wonders of surfactant * long-term neurological outcomes in children with congenital heart disease * developmental biology of the hematologic system * and illustrative forms and normal values: blood, CSF, urine.Features extensive cross-referencing, making it quick and easy to navigate through the organ-related sections.Includes coverage of perinatology-providing a well-rounded, comprehensive approach to patient care.Presents case studies designed to help readers recognize and manage cases in the office setting and asses their understanding of the topic.

A lavishly illustrated guide to almost 200 inherited diseases of the skin, hair, and nails. Each entry includes synonyms, age of onset, clinical findings, complications, course, laboratory findings, diagnosis, therapy, and key references, adding up to far more than just a collection of photographs. In addition to being a clinical primer, this is also a work of scientific research and contains the first printed description of two new syndromes. The fast-moving world of genetic research means that the latest genetic correlations, included here, render previous texts out of date. All specialists in Dermatology and Pediatrics should find this an invaluable front-line resource in the clinic.