This series was conceived with the idea of integrating current aspects of ongoing research in the collagen field. The book consists of a spectrum of papers which discus divers aspects such as X-ray structure, the thermodynamics and mechanism of fibrillogenesis, and the use of collagen as a biomaterial for the manufacturing of many implantable, sometimes lifesaving, devises.

Collagen is a fascinating protein not only because of its ubiquitous occurrence in multicellular animals, but also because of its unique chemi cal structure. As the predominant constituent in bone, cartilage, skin, tendon, and tooth, it is not surprising that collagen is of interest to anatomists, biochemists, biomedical engineers, cell biologists, dermatolo gists, dental surgeons, leather chemists, orthopedic surgeons, physiologists, physicians, zoologists, and a host of others. This book was planned to provide an up-to-date comprehensive survey of all aspects of biochemistry of collagen. The recent discovery of genetically distinct collagens with tissue specificity has opened a new era in collagen biochemistry, and Karl Piez discusses this in the opening chapter on primary structure. In the next chapter, Ramachandran and Rama krishnan deal with the molecular structure of collagen, placing special emphasis on the conformational aspects of its polypeptide chains. Follow ing the consideration of primary and secondary structure of collagen, the three-dimensional arrangement of collagen molecules in the fibrils is covered by Miller in Chapter 3. Collagen is generally in the insoluble state in the living organism due to the cross-linking of individual molecules, and Tanzer describes the various aspects of this cross-linkage in Chapter 4. The biosynthesis of collagen is discussed in depth by Prockop and his colleagues.

The latest edition of Williams Textbook of Endocrinology edited by Drs. Shlomo Melmed, Kenneth S. Polonsky, P. Reed Larsen, and Henry M. Kronenberg, helps you diagnose and treat your patients effectively with up-to-the minute, practical know-how on all endocrine system disorders. Comprehensive yet accessible, this extensively revised 12th Edition updates you on diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, thyroid disease, testicular disorders, and much more so you can provide your patients with the most successful treatments. Find scientific insight and clinical data interwoven in every chapter, reflecting advances in both areas of this constantly changing discipline, and presented in a truly accessible format. You’ll also access valuable contributions from a dynamic list of expert authors and nearly 2.000 full-color images to help you with every diagnosis. This title has everything you need to manage any and all the clinical endocrinopathies you may encounter. Rely on the one reference that integrates rapidly evolving basic and clinical science in a cohesive, user-friendly format, definitively addresses every topic in the field, and has remained a standard for more than half a century. Update your know-how and skills to diagnose and treat your patients most effectively with exhaustively revised content on diabetes, metabolic disease, thyroid cancer, fertility problems, testicular problems, weight issues, and much more. Apply reliable guidance on endocrine conditions of growing interest like hypothyroidism and testicular disorders, with dedicated new chapters that expound on the latest research findings. Overcome any clinical challenge with comprehensive and easy-to-use coverage of everything from hormone activity, diagnostic techniques, imaging modalities, and molecular genetics, to total care of the patient. Apply the latest practices with guidance from expert authors who contribute fresh perspectives on every topic.

This book describes every manner in which collagen is involved in normal anddisease-altered states of the various organs and systems. In the first part of the book the biochemical aspects of collagens are reviewed, including their structure, heterogeneity, syntheses, and degradation. The main part focuses on the involvement of collagen in bone, cartilage, tendon, muscle, heart, vessels, lungs, liver, skin, eye, ear, teeth, periodontal tissues, kidneys and reproductive, hemopoietic,and nervous systems. The influence of radiation and nutrition on collagen, the role of collagen in neoplasms, the hormonal control of its metabolism, immunobiology and the pharmacology of collagen are also described. The most important feature of the book is the comprehensive review of the medical aspects of collagen, from those known in detail to those only hypothesized including hereditary disorders affecting collagen and so-called collagen diseases. Each chapter reviewsknown or possible mechanisms of collagen involvement and changes in indices of collagen which can be measured in clinical practice to monitor these phenomena. The fact that collagen is involved into the pathophysiology of almost all organs and body systems means that physicians in almost all branches of medicine will find this book of great interest.

Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Molecular Self-Organization: From Molecules to Water, to Nanoparticles, to DNA and Proteins Kyiv, Ukraine 8-12 June 2008