The volumes in this series are, published annually on the occasion of the International Conference on Dialysis organized by the Renal Research Institute, New York, in collaboration with the ISN, ISPD, NKF and RPA. This year's meeting emphasized differences in opinion regarding dialysis guidelines, measurement of dialysis dose and the value of observational research. Besides, this volume includes papers on problems inherent in the management of a dialysis center; diabetes and dialysis; new information on topics such as dialysate composition; the role of body composition in dialysis outcome; problems associated with excess or deficiency of vitamin C; application of nanotechnology, or the role of periodontal disease as a cause of problems in dialysis patients. Last but not least, a molecular approach to infection in chronic kidney disease is presented, using detection of bacterial DNA in patients with sepsis. Covering a broad spectrum of topics, this publication is thus a most helpful reference tool for both clinicians and basic investigators involved in hemodialysis.