Most of the diseases of modern mankind involve either acute or chronic inflammation. Measuring Immunity integrates the current information available on biomarkers and surrogate assays into a single handbook. It highlights the principles behind various applications, gives a brief summary on how they are conducted and provides detailed and critical analyses of murine models of immunity, clinical trials, and tests to predict utility and benefit. Measuring Immunity is indispensable for scientists and clinicians interested in the clinical applications of modern immunobiology.* Defines which assays of immune function are helpful in the assessment of clinical disorders involving inflammation and immunity* Assesses the dynamics of cellular and soluble factors in the peripheral blood using modern techniques * Includes basic science foundations as well as the approaches currently applied

Knowledge of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential to understand cellular differentiation, tissue development, and tissue remodeling. This volume of the series “Biology of Extracellular Matrix” provides a timely overview of the structure, regulation, and function of the major macromolecules that make up the extracellular matrix. It covers topics such as collagen types and assembly of collagen-containing suprastructures, basement membrane, fibronectin and other cell-adhesive glycoproteins, proteoglycans, microfibrils, elastin, fibulins and matricellular proteins, such as thrombospondin. It also explores the concept that ECM components together with their cell surface receptors can be viewed as intricate nano-devices that allow cells to physically organize their 3-D-environment. Further, the role of the ECM in human disease and pathogenesis is discussed as well as the use of model organisms in elucidating ECM function.

This important and unique book comprises 12 chapters divided into three parts examining the fundamental aspects, bioadhesive formulations, and drug delivery applications. Understanding the phenomenon of bioadhesion i.e. its theories or mechanism(s) are of critical importance in developing optimum bioadhesive polymers (used in bioadhesives). Such bioadhesive polymers are the key for exhibiting the process of bioadhesion, controlled/sustained release of drugs, and drug targeting. The use of bioadhesives restricts the delivery system to the site of interest and thus offers a useful and efficient technique for targeting a drug to the desired location for a prolonged duration. This book addresses the various relevant aspects of bioadhesives in drug delivery in an easily accessible and unified manner. The book containing 12 chapters written by eminent researchers from many parts of the globe is divided into three parts: Part 1: Fundamental Aspects; Part 2: Bioadhesive Formulations; Part 3: Drug Delivery Applications. The topics covered include: Theories and mechanisms of bioadhesion; bioadhesive polymers for drug delivery applications; methods for characterization of bioadhesiveness of drug delivery systems; bioadhesive films and drug delivery applications; bioadhesive nanoparticles; bioadhesive hydrogels and applications; ocular biodhesive drug delivery systems; buccal bioadhesive drug delivery systems; gastrointestinal bioadhesive drug delivery systems; nasal bioadhesive drug delivery systems; vaginal drug delivery systems; pulmonary bioadhesive drug delivery systems.

An indispensable and fully comprehensive textbook, this covers the basic sciences in ophthalmology and is the only book you need to pass the FRCOphth Part 1 exam.