Modern Hematology

Over the past few decades the powerful methods of statistical physics and Euclidean quantum field theory have moved closer together, with common tools based on the use of path integrals. The interpretation of Euclidean field theories as particular systems of statistical physics has opened up new avenues for understanding strongly coupled quantum systems or quantum field theories at zero or finite temperatures.Accordingly, the first chapters of this book contain a self-contained introduction to path integrals in Euclidean quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics. The resulting high-dimensional integrals can be estimated with the help of Monte Carlo simulations based on Markov processes. The most commonly used algorithms are presented in detail so as to prepare the reader for the use of high-performance computers as an "experimental" tool for this burgeoning field of theoretical physics.Several chapters are then devoted to an introduction to simple lattice field theories and a variety of spin systems with discrete and continuous spins, where the ubiquitous Ising model serves as an ideal guide for introducing the fascinating area of phase transitions.  As an alternative to the lattice formulation of quantum field theories, variants of the flexible renormalization group methods are discussed in detail.  Since, according to our present-day knowledge, all fundamental interactions in nature are described by gauge theories, the remaining chapters of the book deal with gauge theories without and with matter.This text is based on course-tested notes for graduate students and, as such, its style is essentially pedagogical, requiring only some basics of mathematics, statistical physics, and quantum field theory. Yet it also contains some more sophisticated conceptswhich may be useful to active researchers in the field.  Each chapter ends with a number of problems - guiding the reader to a deeper understanding of some of the material presented in the main text - and, in most cases, also features some listings of short, useful computer programs.

"Reinhold Munker and his distinguished colleagues have updated and expanded Modern Hematology: Biology and Clinical Management, now in its second edition, to reflect the major advances in the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of blood disorders. Modern Hematology: Biology and Clinical Management, Second Edition describes the latest clinical and scientific developments, including molecular studies used to diagnose a variety of hematological disorders and guide their treatment. Targeted and molecular therapies are discussed in detail, including kinase inhibitors in myeloproliferative disorders and humanized monoclonal antibodies. The use of peripheral blood and umbilical cord blood stem cells for transplantation is described, as well as the rationale and indications for non-myeloablative transplantation, emphasizing the preferability of immunotherapy over cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Basic Biology of Hemopoiesis.- Molecular Biology and Cytokines.- Supportive Care in Hematology.- Transplantation of Stem Cells From Bone Marrow, Peripheral Blood, and the Umbilical Cord.- Anemias.- Hemolytic Anemias.- Leukocytosis, Leukopenia, and Other Reactive Changes of Myelopoiesis.- The Myeloproliferative Syndromes.- Acute Myelogenous Leukemias.- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemias.- Myelodysplastic Syndromes.- Aplastic Anemias.- Lymphocytosis, Lymphocytopenia, Lymphadenopathy, and Splenomegaly.- Hodgkin's Lymphoma.- The Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas.- Multiple Myeloma and Related Paraproteinemias.- Congenital and Acquired Immunodeficiencies.- Infections Relevant to Hematology.- Basic Principles of Hemostasis.- Bleeding Disorders.- Thrombophilia, Thromboembolic Disease, and Antithrombotic Therapy.- Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology.- Storage Disorders in Hematology.