Reproducibility in Biomedical Research: Epistemological and Statistical Problems explores the ideas and conundrums inherent in scientific research. It explores factors of reproducibility, including logic, distinguishing productive from unproductive irreproducibility, the scientific method, and the use of statistics. In multiple examples and six detailed case studies, the book demonstrates the misuse of logic resulting in unproductive irreproducibility, allowing researchers to develop their own logic and planning abilities. Biomedical researchers, clinicians, administrators of scientific institutions and funding agencies, journal editors, philosophers of science and medicine will find the arguments and explorations a valuable addition to their libraries.

Nucleic Acids as Gene Anticancer Drug Delivery Therapy highlights the most recent developments in cancer treatment using nucleic acids, nanoparticles and polymer nanoparticles for genomic nanocarriers as drug delivery, including promising opportunities for targeted and combination therapy. The development of a wide spectrum of nanoscale technologies is beginning to change the scientific landscape in terms of disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. This book presents the use of nanotechnology for medical applications, focusing on its use for anticancer drug delivery. Various intelligent drug delivery systems such as inorganic nanoparticles and polymer-based drug delivery are discussed. The use of smart drug delivery systems seems to be a promising approach for developing intelligent therapeutic systems for cancer immunotherapies and is discussed in detail along with nucleic acid-targeted drug delivery combination therapy for cancer. Nucleic Acids as Gene Anticancer Drug Delivery Therapy will be a useful reference for pharmaceutical scientists, pharmacologiests, and those involved in nanotechnology and cancer research.

This second edition volume presents a selection of cellular and molecular techniques that can be adapted to cover a range of applications and diseases. The book is divided into three sections: saliva and oral diseases, molecular biosciences, and cell and tissues. The first section contains chapters that discuss proteomic analyses by mass spectrometry and NMR-based metabolomics that can be used to not only study saliva, but also to assess other oral fluids such as gingival crevicular fluid. The second section contains chapters that profile oral microbial communities, quantitative real-time PCR, and adhesion of yeast and bacteria to oral surfaces. The third section deals with a range of approaches that enable the behavior of cells and tissues in both health and disease to be analyzed at the molecular level. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and comprehensive, Oral Biology: Molecular Techniques and Applications, Second Edition is a useful resource for oral biologists at all levels (students, early career researchers, and experienced veterans), and it provides a ready reference to new techniques and approaches that can be used to answer numerous specific scientific questions that may lead to a deeper understanding and treatments of oral diseases.

This volume contains collection of Natural Killer Cell methodologies relevant for both basic and translational research. These methodologies present new developments in the natural killer (NK) cell field, such as understanding the influence of NK cells metabolism on its function, identifying complexity of NK cell subsets through mass cytometry, and determining the emergence of memory NK cells in murine model of MCMV infection. Methods that study NK cell migration and cytotoxicity through endpoint analysis or live single cell imaging are also discussed. Chapters also describe methods pertaining to translational application of NK cells, such as ex vivo expansion of NK cells on K562 cell lines genetically modified to express either membrane bound IL-15 or membrane bound IL-21, large scale NK cell culture, current techniques for engineering NK cells to express chimeric antigen receptors or chemokine receptors using retroviral vectors, electroporation of mRNA, and the natural phenomenon of trogocytosis. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, these chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting edge and thorough, Natural Killer Cells: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for researchers who not only want to understand mechanisms that govern NK cell behavior and diversity, but also for those who want to understand how to systematically evaluate NK cells for adoptive immunotherapy applications.

Biotechnology of Microbial Enzymes: Production, Biocatalysis and Industrial Applications provides a complete survey of the latest innovations on microbial enzymes, highlighting biotechnological advances in their production and purification along with information on successful applications as biocatalysts in several chemical and industrial processes under mild and green conditions. Applications of microbial enzymes in food, feed, and pharmaceutical industries are given particular emphasis. The application of recombinant DNA technology within industrial fermentation and the production of enzymes over the last 20 years have produced a host of useful chemical and biochemical substances. The power of these technologies results in novel transformations, better enzymes, a wide variety of applications, and the unprecedented development of biocatalysts through the ongoing integration of molecular biology methodology, all of which is covered insightfully and in-depth within the book.

Understanding the importance and necessity of the role of autophagy in health and disease is vital for the studies of cancer, aging, neurodegeneration, immunology, and infectious diseases. Comprehensive and up-to-date, this book offers a valuable guide to these cellular processes whilst inciting researchers to explore their potentially important connections. Volume 7 provides coverage of the latest developments in autophagosome biogenesis and regulation; the role of autophagy in protein quality control; and the role of autophagy in apoptosis. Attention is given to autophagy in the cardiovascular system, with particular insights into the role of autophagy in atherosclerosis and the distinctive behavior of autophagy in the sinoatrial node. Cutting-edge findings in the relationships between autophagy and lifestyle are explored with the regulation of macroautophagy in response to exercise, as well as the promotion of carcinogenesis via autophagy in response to cigarette smoking. Volume 7 highlights the importance of understanding the role of autophagy in context, as the complexity of autophagic function becomes increasingly clear. Autophagy may be differentially regulated, and may perform distinctive cell-specific functions even within a single tissue. The overall significance of autophagy thus cannot be oversimplified, and must be explored with granular detail of the specific role, function, and area of impact. This book is an asset to newcomers as a concise overview of the complex significance of autophagy, while serving as an excellent reference for more experienced scientists and clinicians looking to update their knowledge. Volumes in the Series Volume 1: Molecular Mechanisms. Elucidates autophagy's association with numerous biological processes, including cellular development and differentiation, cancer, immunity, infectious diseases, inflammation, maintenance of homeostasis, response to cellular stress, and degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and prion diseases. Volume 2: Role in General Diseases. Describes the various aspects of the complex process of autophagy in a myriad of devastating human diseases, expanding from a discussion of essential autophagic functions into the role of autophagy in proteins, pathogens, immunity, and general diseases. Volume 3: Role in Specific Diseases. Explores the role of autophagy in specific diseases and developments, including: Crohn's Disease, Gaucher Disease, Huntington's Disease, HCV infection, osteoarthritis, and liver injury, with a full section devoted to in-depth exploration of autophagy in tumor development and cancer, as well as the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis. Volume 4: Mitophagy. Presents detailed information on the role of mitophagy, the selective autophagy of mitochondria, in health and disease, by delivering an in-depth treatment of the molecular mechanisms involved in mitophagy initiation and execution, as well as the role of mitophagy in Parkinson Disease, cardiac aging, and skeletal muscle atrophy. Volume 5: Role in Human Diseases. Comprehensively describes the role of autophagy in human diseases, delivering coverage of the antitumor and protumor roles of autophagy; the therapeutic inhibition of autophagy in cancer; and the duality of autophagy's effects in various cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurodegenerative disorders. Volume 6: Regulation of Autophagy and Selective Autophagy. Provides coverage of the mechanisms of regulation of autophagy; intracellular pathogen use of the autophagy mechanism; the role of autophagy in host immunity; and selective autophagy. Volume 7: Role of Autophagy in Therapeutic Applications. Provides coverage of the latest developments in autophagosome biogenesis and regulation; the role of autophagy in protein quality control; the role of autophagy in apoptosis; autophagy in the cardiovascular system; and the relationships between autophagy and lifestyle. Volume 8: Autophagy and Human Diseases. Reviews recent advancements in the molecular mechanisms underlying a large number of genetic and epigenetic diseases and abnormalities, and introduces new, more effective therapeutic strategies, in the development of targeted drugs and programmed cell death, providing information that will aid on preventing detrimental inflammation. Volume 9: Necrosis and Inflammation in Human Diseases. Emphasizes the role of Autophagy in necrosis and inflammation, explaining in detail the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the formation of autophagosomes, including the progression of Omegasomes to autophagosomes.

Ion channels allow us to see nature in all its magnificence, to hear a Bach suite, to smell the aroma of grandmother's cooking, and, in this regard, they put us in contact with the external world. These ion channels are protein molecules located in the cell membrane. In complex organisms, cells need to communicate in order to know about their metabolic status and to act in a coordinate manner. The latter is also accomplished by a class of ion channels able to pierce the lipid bilayer membranes of two adjacent cells. These intercellular channels are the functional subunits of gap junctions. Accordingly, the book is divided in two parts: the first part is dedicated to ion channels that look to the external world, and the second part is dedicated to gap junctions found at cell interfaces. This book is based on a series of symposia for a meeting on ion channels and gap junctions held in Santiago, Chile, on November 28-30, 1995. The book should be useful to graduate students taking the first steps in this field as well as a reference for the aficionado. The aim of the meeting was mainly to show the impact of various modern techniques, including cell biology, molecular biology, biophysics, and molecular genetics techniques in the study of these ubiquitous intrinsic membrane proteins. Molecular-genetics techniques paved the road to the manipulation of the channel forming molecules."

This detailed volume for the first time explores techniques and protocols involving quantitative imaging flow cytometry (IFC), which has revolutionized our ability to analyze cells, cellular clusters, and populations in a remarkable fashion. Beginning with an introduction to technology, the book continues with sections addressing protocols for studies on the cell nucleus, nucleic acids, and FISH techniques using an IFC instrument, immune response analysis and drug screening, IFC protocols for apoptosis and cell death analysis, as well as morphological analysis and the identification of rare cells. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Imaging Flow Cytometry: Methods and Protocols will be a critical source for all laboratories seeking to implement IFC in their research studies.

"Autophagy in Health and Disease" offers an overview of the latest research in autophagy with a translational emphasis. This publication takes scientific research in autophagy a step further and offers integrated content with advancements in autophagy from cell biology and biochemical research to clinical treatments. A necessary reference for the bookshelf of medical and scientific researchers and students, "Autophagy in Health and Disease" presents high quality, reputable information on autophagy, allowing the reader quick access to the most applicable information.
Discusses current understanding of the roles of autophagy in health and diseaseCovers the background of autophagy, the development of tools and therapeutics to measure and modulate autophagy, and autophagy in tissues and disease processes Features an accompanying website with figures and tables

Aimed at postgraduate students in a variety of biology-related disciplines, this volume presents a collection of mathematical and computational single-cell-based models and their application. The main sections cover four general model groupings: hybrid cellular automata, cellular potts, lattice-free cells, and viscoelastic cells. Each section is introduced by a discussion of the applicability of the particular modelling approach and its advantages and disadvantages, which will make the book suitable for students starting research in mathematical biology as well as scientists modelling multicellular processes.

Goodman's Medical Cell Biology, Fourth Edition, has been student tested and approved for decades. This updated edition of this essential textbook provides a concise focus on eukaryotic cell biology (with a discussion of the microbiome) as it relates to human and animal disease. This is accomplished by explaining general cell biology principles in the context of organ systems and disease. This new edition is richly illustrated in full color with both descriptive schematic diagrams and laboratory findings obtained in clinical studies. This is a classic reference for moving forward into advanced study.

Biased Signaling in Physiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics is a unique and essential reference for the scientific community concerning how conformational-dependent activation is a common phenomenon across many classes of receptors or signaling molecules. It discusses the role of conformational dynamics in leading to signaling bias across different classes of receptors and signaling molecules. By providing a broader view of signaling bias, this resource helps to explain common mechanisms shared across receptor classes and how this can be utilized to elucidate their cellular activity and better understand their therapeutic potential. Written for both new and established scientists in pharmacology, cell biology, biochemistry, and signal transduction, as well as physicians, this book clearly illustrates how biased receptor signaling can be utilized to develop and understand complex pharmacology. Chapters are each focused on a specific class of receptor or other important topic and make use of real-world examples illustrating how the latest research in signal transduction has led to a better understanding of pharmacology and cell biology. This structure creates a basis for understanding that physiological signalling bias has been selected by nature in order to provide complex and tissue- specific biological responses in the face of limited receptors and signaling pathways. This book provides a framework to reveal that these physiological mechanisms are not restricted to one receptor type or family and thus presents receptor signaling from a newer, more global perspective.

Basic and clinical scientists with an interest in how cytokines regulate the production of antibody, and the selective expression of distinct antibody classes in response to microbial and other antigenic challenges, now have a single, comprehensive and timely volume covering this complex field. Cytokine Regulation of Humoral Immunity: Basic and Clinical Aspects uniquely focuses on the impact of the cytokine network on the humoral immune response, as well as its implications for the evolving field of cytokine-based medical therapeutics. With introductory chapters on basic B lymphocyte biology, a systematic and detailed review of the major B cell active cytokines, and discussions on cytokine regulation of normal and pathogenic humoral immune states, this highly referenced book will serve as a valuable source of information for both students and seasoned investigators active in multiple branches of basic and clinical immunology.

A key goal in the treatment of cancer is to achieve selective and efficient killing of tumor cells. The aim of "Cell Death Signaling in Cancer Biology and Treatment" is to describe state-of-the-art approaches and future opportunities for achieving this goal by targeting mechanisms and pathways that regulate cancer cell death. In this book, molecular defects in cell death signaling that characterize cancer cells, including dysregulation of cell death due to overexpression/hyperactivation of oncoproteins, as well as the loss of tumor suppressor proteins will be described. The potential for targeting microRNAs will be discussed. Multiple chapters will describe preclinical and clinical approaches that are currently being used to target epigenetic modifications, DNA repair pathways, and protein chaperones, as a means of provoking tumor cell death. Finally, the development and application of novel agents and approaches for targeting specific components of cell death signaling pathways and machinery will be reviewed.

When established four years ago, the scope of this international series in electron microscopy essentially was to provide an opportunity for the pUblication of selected review contributions by specialists in ultrastructural research. Previous volumes presented over the last three years have focused on special topics of present interest in ~'ontemporary biomedicine such as endocrine cells, reproduction, and connective tissues. In these fielCls, in fact, integrated methods of electron microscopy have contributed much to generate new ideas and concepts of general value in both basic and clinical applications. The Ultrastructure of the Digestive Tract basically follows the same guidelines and style of the other books in the series and is an invited collection of selected contributions of authors from various laboratories active in the field of electron microscopy. Therefore, although the various chapters consist of individual topics, they nevertheless should be considered as interrelated contributions of specific subjects in the field. The idea was to have critical reviews of aspects previously published elsewhere by experts in the field who, as a rule, include other relevant information in their articles in order to update and enrich the subject. This book contains fifteen chapters by renowned electron microscopists. Each chapter, according to the policy of the editors, reviews a particular topic in great detail, providing updated information, study methods and results, authors' ideas on future investigative approaches, and possible guidelines for forthcoming work. We hope that this book will be useful to cell biologists, morphologists, physiologists, and pathologists.

This book on cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) features three sections, Fundamental Science, Pre-Clinical and Translational Science, and Clinical Applications. In the Fundamental Science section, we will cover the spectrum of basic ECM science from ECM's role in development, biomechanical properties, cardiac ECM influence of cardiomyocyte biology, pathophysiology of ECM in heart disease, and ECM in tissue engineering. Section two, Preclinical and Translational Science, will discuss cardiac ECM technologies in the clinical pipeline including approaches to ECM as a therapeutic, animal models of cardiac research, tracking and imaging methods of cardiac ECM, and cGMP manufacturing and regulatory considerations for ECM based therapeutics. Finally, the third section, Clinical Applications, will highlight the clinical experience around cardiac ECM including therapeutic strategies targeting scar tissue in the heart, Clinical trial design and regulatory considerations, current human clinical trials in cardiovascular medicine and the role of pharmaceutical and biotech companies in the commercialization of ECM technologies for cardiovascular indications. This book provides a comprehensive review for basic and translational researchers as well as clinical practitioners and those involved in commercialization, regulatory and entrepreneurial activities.

Pattern Formation in the Vertebrate CNS: Hox Gene Function and the Development of the Head; M. Mark, et al. Genetic Mechanisms Responsible for Pattern Formation in the Vertebrate Hindbrain: Regulation of Hoxb1; M. Studer, et al. Pax Genes as Pleiotropic Regulators of Embryonic Development; P. Tremblay, et al. Introduction and the Generation of Regional and Cellular Diversity in the Developing Mammalian Brain; A.S. LaMantia. Genetic Determinants of Neural Cell Fate: Potential Role of Homeobox Genes in Neural Cell Differentiation; M. Gulisano, et al. Multiple Roles for Proneural Genes in Drosophila Neurogenesis; A.P. Jarman, Y.N. Jan. Genetic Analysis of Neuronal Migration in The Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans; G. Garriga. Induction and Differentiation of Motor Neurons; S.L. Pfaff, et al. Neural Cell Differentiation: Neuronal Development in the Rat Sympathoadrenal Lineage; S.J. Birren, et al. Specification of Cell Fate in the Vertebrate Retina; C.P. Austin. Neurotrophins and Trk Receptors in Hippocampal Development; D. Collazo, R. McKay. 8 additional articles. Index.

Mitochondria have traditionally been associated with metabolic functions; however recent research has uncovered a central role for these organelles in cell signaling, cell survival, and cell death. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a factor in a myriad of pathophysiological conditions, including age-related neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. Mitochondrial Signaling in Health and Disease examines themes essential for the maintenance of the mitochondrial redox (reduction-oxidation) energy axis.

With contributions from an impressive cadre of internationally recognized scientists, the book discusses coordinated mitochondrial functions that regulate cell function by discrete signaling pathways. Topics discussed include:

• Electron transport and energy production
• Mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics
• Mitochondrial signaling
• Apoptosis and autophagy
• Pharmacology signaling
• Epigenetic signaling: mitochondrial methylation and acetylation reactions

An essential resource for life and health scientists as well as pharmaceutical industry professionals, this volume highlights the importance of mitochondrial signaling and its role in establishing a harmonized communication between several cellular compartments. The information in this volume is critical to those developing mitochondrion-targeted therapies aimed at assuaging mitochondrial dysfunction or the specific factors contributing to its dysfunction.

The regenerative capacity of the liver has been recognized for centuries, but when it is overwhelmed by insulting stimuli or is chronically damaged, its regenerative capability is substantially reduced or lost. Researchers have been working to find solutions to cure failing human liver function. Given the ability of stem cells to self- renew and differentiate into specialized cell liver types, they represent an attractive strategy to replace lost liver function. This book begins by outlining the complex nature of human liver disease and proceeds to examine the potential that stem cell-based approaches have to offer.

This volume provides a comprehensive and multidisciplinary overview of fibrocytes, written by the main researchers in the field. It is aimed at a broad audience of scientists and clinicians with an interest in the role of circulating fibrocytes in the etiopathogenesis of different fibrosing disorders, atherosclerosis, autoimmunity, and cancer.

Phosphoinositides play a major role in cellular signaling and membrane organization. During the last three decades we have learned that enzymes turning over phosphoinositides control vital physiological processes and are involved in the initiation and progression of cancer, inflammation, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, metabolic disease and more. In two volumes, this book elucidates the crucial mechanisms that control the dynamics of phosphoinositide conversion. Starting out from phosphatidylinositol, a chain of lipid kinases collaborates to generate the oncogenic lipid phosphatidylinositol(3,4,5)-trisphosphate. For every phosphate group added, there are specific lipid kinases - and phosphatases to remove it. Additionally, phospholipases can cleave off the inositol head group and generate poly-phosphoinositols, which act as soluble signals in the cytosol. Volume I untangles the web of these enzymes and their products, and relates them to function in health and disease. Phosphoinositide 3-kinases and 3-phosphatases have received a special focus in volume I, and recent therapeutic developments in human disease are presented along with a historical perspective illustrating the impressive progress in the field.

Stem cells are central to the development and homeostasis of metazoan tissues and play roles at multiple times within a diversity of organs during the lifetime of an animal. A key goal of regenerative medicine is the in vivo repair of organs damaged by disease or injury. In order to facilitate this goal we need to understand how stem cells are generated, what factors maintain them in their respective tissues and how their differentiation is regulated. In this volume, leading researchers discuss the nature of stem cells and pluripotency and how this state can be experimentally induced. Stem cell maintenance, proliferation and differentiation is under tight regulation as excess stem cell proliferation could facilitate tumour formation and conversely loss of stem cells or failure of differentiation could disrupt tissue homeostasis or repair. Hence, stem cells are regulated by multiple layers of molecular control and this volume discusses transcriptional, translational, epigenetic, cell signalling and microRNA modalities that affect stem cell behaviour. Many of the underlying key principles of stem cell biology were discovered by genetic analysis of invertebrate systems and chapters in this volume describe regulation of the germline in C. elegans and in the digestive system, central nervous system and germline of Drosophila. The molecular processes that regulate regenerative organ systems from all three of the vertebrate germ layers are described with emphasis on the male germline, nervous system, epidermis, intestine, haematopoietic system and derivatives of the mesoderm. Several chapters also focus on molecular families that have been implicated in controlling a range of stem cell types including the JAK-STAT, Wnt and Notch signalling pathways; Myc, Myb and nuclear receptor transcriptional regulators; the Musashi family of RNA-binding proteins; microRNAs and epigenetic regulators. This volume will provide access to the current state of re

This Third Edition of Medical Cell Biology focuses on the scientific aspects of cell biology important to medical students, dental students, veterinary students, and prehealth undergraduates. Maintaining a primary focus on eukaryotic cell biology, the text explains general cell biology principles in the context of organ systems and human and animal disease.
* 60% New Material
* New Topics include:
Apoptosis and cell dealth from a neural perspective
Signal transduction as it relates to normal and abnormal heart function
Cell cycle and cell division related to cancer biology
* All new clinical cases
* Serves as a prep guide to the National Medical Board Exam with a CD-ROM of 200 sample board-style questions (using Exam Master(R) technology): www.exammaster.com
* Focuses on eukaryotic cell biology as it related to human disease, thus making the subject more accessible to pre-med and pre-health students

This book integrates recent advances in molecular and cell biology of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) with developments in clinical research in stem cell-based therapy-providing an up-to-date review of novel cytokines and cellular components; animal models; cell preparation, selection, and collection; minimal residual disease and purging; expansion of progenitor cells; allogeneic and autologous transplantation; cellular gene and immunotherapy; and more. Examines key areas for treatment with HSC, including ambulatory care and monitoring, regimen-related toxicities, immunodeficiency and immunization, infection, chronic graft-versus-host and disease, secondary malignancies, and long-term quality of life. Covering stem cell pool regulation and the complex interplay of extrinsic and intrinsic events, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation summarizes current understanding and development of clinical allogeneic HSC transplantation discusses the use of allogeneic transplantations with reduced conditioning regimen or mini-transplantation considers various strategies for mobilization of HSCs from peripheral blood (PB) of normal donors details detection of bone marrow contamination by tumor cells and removal procedures focuses on efforts to increase the ex vivo transduction efficiency of human HSCs with retroviral vectors explores the effects of growth factor administration and leukapheresis on PB stem cell donors shows the impact of CD34+ cell isolation and the relevance of expansion of HSC from bone marrow for clinical use reveals how minimal residue disease detection assays are crucial for tracking the clinical significance of infused tumor cells employs automated fluorescence image cytometry to study early HSC behavior following seeding Incorporating contributions from over 90 researchers who cite more than 2180 references to encourage continued study,

The book is primarily concerned with DNA fingerprinting and DNA profiling in the context of forensic medicine and kinship testing. It concentrates on methods of determining the degree of relatedness of members of the same species, focusing on humans and occasionally glancing at other species.