Medicina di laboratorio

In recent years, remarkable discoveries have been made concerning the underlying mechanisms of aging. In "Life-Span Extension: Single-Cell Organisms to Man", the editors bring together a range of illuminating perspectives from researchers investigating the aging process in a variety of species. This novel work addresses the aging process in species ranging from yeast to man and, among other subjects, features detailed discussions of the naked mole-rat, an exceptionally long-lived rodent; the relationship between dietary factors/food restriction and aging; and an evolutionary view of the human aging process. Single mutations that extend life span have been identified in yeast, worms, flies, and mice, whereas studies in humans have identified potentially important markers for successful aging. At the same time, it has been discovered that the genes and pathways identified in these studies involve a surprisingly small set of conserved functions, most of which have been the focus of aging research for some time. For example, the mTOR pathway, a regulator of translation and protein synthesis, has been identified as a common longevity pathway in yeast and Caenorhabditis elegans. In mammals, this pathway intersects with neuroendocrine pathways and with the insulin/insulin-like growth factor pathways, which have been identified as major modulators of life span and aging in both invertebrates and mice. Novel, emerging technologies and the increasingly wide variety of systems that are now used to study aging and the mechanisms of aging provide enormous opportunities for the identification of common pathways that modulate longevity. It is these common pathways that are the focus of this important volume.

This fourth, updated edition contains the latest developments in preanalytical knowledge. An international team of authors summarizes the information on biological influences, analytical interferences and on the variables affecting the collection, transport and storage, as well as preparation of samples. In so doing, they cover age, gender, race, pregnancy, diet, exercise and altitude, plus the effects of stimulants and drugs. National and international standards are described for sampling procedures, transport, sample identification and all safety aspects, while quality assurance procedures are shown for total laboratory management. In addition, this practical book is rounded off by a glossary explaining all terms being used. This book is a must-have for everyone involved in patient care and using or performing laboratory tests.

From the classroom to the lab, this text provides complete coverage of the latest advances in clinical chemistry. Part one of the text includes content on laboratory techniques and practice, and part two provides detailed descriptions of how specific diseases affect the human body. Plenty of user-friendly features including outlines, key terms, objectives, and internet references make even difficult concepts easy to understand, and the new full-color insert illustrates important concepts in vibrant detail.

This book considers what happens to the body's chemistry when affected by disease. Each chapter explains the principle involved and its application to clinical practice. In addition, there is discussion of diagnostic techniques and specific details about patient management. This book stresses how clinical chemistry relates to the practice of medicine by incorporating over 100 real patient case histories. The text is comprehensive yet succinct and is complemented by 100 full colour line illustrations. Self assessment material based on clinical vignettes is provided.