For many years, Springer has been publishing an impressive series of textbooks of pharmacology which have set standards in medical science. Surprisingly, an extensive overview of the current state of the art in research on estrogens and anti estrogens was still lacking. The present two volumes on estrogens and antiestrogens provide a comprehensive review of a field of research in which remarkable progress has been made over the past few years. New insights into the mechanisms of steroid hormone action resulted in a tremendous number of publications from which new principles of preventive and therapeutic appli cations of estrogens and antiestrogens emerged. Although various electronic data bases provide easy access to this copious information, there was a clear necessity for a monograph-style textbook which assesses and summarizes current knowledge in this rapidly expanding field of research. It should be noted, however, that, due to this dynamic development, it is barely possible to comprehensively update every aspect of basic and clinical knowledge on estro gens and antiestrogens. Thus, the intention of the editors was to provide the reader with an overview of the "classic" and most recently explored areas of research and stimulate future interests in basic and applied endocrinology. Estrogens were among the first steroid hormones described in the scientific literature. Since they were first isolated, since the chemical, synthesic and pharmacological characterization of naturally occurring estrogens and, later on, of orally active derivatives, estrogen research has produced continu ously hallmark results in reproductive endocrinology worldwide.

In the past, Treponema research was severely handicapped because the organisms were notoriously difficult to work with and were unculturable in the laboratory. Powerful molecular and genetic tools developed in recent years have been successfully used to dramatically expand our understanding of treponemal diversity, genomics, and cellular and molecular biology. Major breakthroughs include sequencing of Treponema genomes and the development of modern molecular methods. In recent years there has been an explosion of new information that is summarized in the current volume. Expert international authors critically review every aspect of the molecular and cellular biology of these fascinating organisms. The focus of this book is on recent advances and new developments in Treponema research, in particular those resulting from modern molecular and genetic methodologies. Topics covered include the phylogenic diversity, comparative genomics, metabolism and cultivation, motility, antigenic varia

This volume provides a collection of protocols from leading researchers in the dynein field. The enclosed chapters guide readers through a broad range of powerful techniques that can be used to understand the complexities of dynein activity and regulation. These include how to perform live-cell microscopy on various fungi and metazoan cells, how to purify, assemble, and measure the force generation and motility characteristics of various dynein assemblies. 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 thorough, Dynein: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for both novice and expert scientists in this developing field.

Major portion of the planet earth is covered by seas and oceans representing 96.5% of the planet's water, playing a detrimental role in sustaining the plant including crop diversity and productivity for human consumption. Water resources contain both soluble and transition metals, which are easily absorbed by plants through roots as a first point of contact and subsequently play important physiological and biological functions in plants. Transition metals such as copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) contribute to the plant productivity by playing key functional roles in the photosynthesis. In addition, to their major role in regulating the plant productivity, they also play an important role by acting as homeostatic regulators in uni-parentally inherited chloroplasts and maintains the flow of the electron transfer. It is worthwhile to mention that they play a critical role as transporters, which acts as electron balancing units for managing the electrostatic potential across the membranes. In contrast, some metals such as Cd, As play a significant role in inducing the stress mechanism and influencing either directly or in-directly Haber-Weiss reactions either through the production of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) or through the membrane damage thus leading to leakage of membrane transporters. However, besides playing a detrimental role as transporters in plant system, excessive accumulation of these metals due to the increasing contamination in the marginal soil and water are posing important threats to the plant system. Realizing the toxic effects of the metals, several physiological evidences have been laid for the credence of the metal toxicity and their concurrent effect on plant productivity. Increasing effects of the metals as toxicants can have three adverse effects on the populations: population can move, persist via local adaptation or phenotypic plasticity, or die. Next generation sequencing studies have revolutionized our abilities to detect the changes in expression profiles across an array of genes, which can in-turn help to develop early markers of metal induced stress. Plant Metallomics and Functional Omics: A System-Wide Perspective focuses on the applications of the system wide understanding of the biological and functional interplay occurring at the juncture of the metalloid induced stress and toxicity. The main goal of this book is to familiarize the readers with the most up-to-date information on metal-induced physiological changes in plant species.

This fully updated volume assembles a comprehensive collection of methods, techniques, and strategies to investigate the molecular and cellular biology of peroxisomes in different organisms. Peroxisome research is on the rise, as novel functions and proteins of this dynamic organelle are still being discovered through studies in model systems including humans, mice, flies, plants, fungi, and yeast, and this progress is reflected in the chapters included in this collection. 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 and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.  Authoritative and up-to-date, Peroxisomes: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition serves as an ideal guide for researchers working on peroxisome- and organelle-based research questions.

This comprehensive volume discusses in vitro laboratory development of insulin-producing cells. It encompasses multiple aspects of islet biology-from embryonic development and stem cell differentiation to clinical studies in islet transplantation, regulation of islet beta-cell regeneration, pancreatic progenitors, mathematical modelling of islet development, epigenetic regulation, and much more. The chapter authors represent leading laboratories from around the world who contribute their international perspectives and global expertise. Collectively, they provide the reader with a concise yet detailed knowledge of processes and current developments in islet regenerative biology. Pancreatic Islet Biology, part of the Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine series, is essential reading for researchers and clinicians in stem cells or endocrinology, especially those focusing on diabetes.

This book represents an evolutionary approach to defense mechanisms of all living organisms. The results achieved in developmental and comparative immunology are among the most interesting data in immunology. These results have great impact on our understanding fundamental problems of the pathology of the human immune system. At the same time, the field of evolutionary immunology provides not only inspiration for further investigation in biomedicine, but also a number of results applicable in clinical and commercial practice.

This book evaluates the advantages and limitations of studying the development of defense reactions. In addition to reviewing the major and crucial achievements of the past, the book offers a comprehensive state-of-the-art treatise focused primarily on the latest experiments described in the last few years.

This is the first book about the "Kenzan" method for scaffold-free biofabrication, which does not rely on biomaterials as scaffolds to ensure correct multicellular spheroid positioning for building three dimensional construct only made from cells. The book explains the basic principles and concepts of the microneedle-based ("Kenzan") method of building surgically-implantable tissue constructs using robotic cell spheroid-based three-dimensional bioprinting, a novel technology that opens up unique opportunities for the bioengineering of tissues and organs. First book on the novel Kenzan method of tissue engineering; Explains basic concepts and applications for organ regeneration modeling; Introduces a unique robotic system for scaffold-free cell construction.

This detailed book explores the fundamentals of myofibroblast biology in tissue repair, fibrosis, and tumors as well as providing cutting-edge laboratory methods used to investigate myofibroblast functions in physiological and pathological settings in vitro and in vivo, as written by leading academic scientists. Section I of this volume focuses on fundamental methods to study myofibroblast biology and covers topics such as methods for detecting myofibroblasts and senescent myofibroblasts in cell culture and histology, single cell RNA sequencing to identify myofibroblast subsets in fibrotic tissues, and functional assays to assess TGF- activation, myofibroblast apoptosis, or matrix deposition and crosslinking. Section II discusses methods to investigate the mechanobiology of myofibroblasts in vitro, including the fabrication of functional hydrogels with tunable stiffness, the use of atomic force microscopy to characterize matrix and cellular stiffness, as well as molecular assays to assess fibroblast mechanotransduction pathways and durotaxis. Section III describes multiple animal models to investigate myofibroblast functions across organs in vivo as well as human organoid systems, precision tissue slices and decellularized 3D tissue scaffolds to assess myofibroblast functions in relevant human ex vivo models. 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 extensive, Myofibroblasts: Methods and Protocols is an essential collection for researchers delving into the processes and effects of these important cells.

This second edition provides updated and new chapters to build on and extend the strengths of the first edition. Chapters guide readers through basic biology of basophils, obtaining the cells by purification, culture of stem cells progenitors, peripheral CD34+ stem cell-derived mast cells, basophils from CD34+ progenitors, diagnostic applications, gene expression patterns in basophils, roles of basophils in different asthma phenotypes, knockout, and disease models. 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. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Basophils and Mast Cells: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

Dr. Lee Know does a brilliant job shedding light on this once ignored organelle and shows us how to care for our most important metabolic system. Dr. Nasha Winters, co-author of The Metabolic Approach to Cancer From infertility to aging to cancer and neurological disease, Dr. Lee Know will teach you that mitochondria play a central role in much that we care about in health and disease. Stephanie Seneff, senior research scientist, MIT Why do we age? Why does cancer develop? What's the connection between heart failure and Alzheimer's disease or infertility and hearing loss? Can we extend lifespan and if so, how? What is the Exercise Paradox? Why do antioxidant supplements sometimes do more harm than good? Many will be amazed to learn that all these questions, and many more, can be answered by a single point of discussion: mitochondria and bioenergetics. In Mitochondria and the Future of Medicine, Naturopathic Doctor Lee Know tells the epic story of mitochondria, the widely misunderstood and often-overlooked powerhouses of our cells. The legendary saga began over two billion years ago, when one bacterium entered another without being digested which would evolve to create the first mitochondrion. Since then, for life to exist beyond single-celled bacteria, it's the mitochondria that have been responsible for this life-giving energy. By understanding how our mitochondria work, in fact, it is possible to add years to our lives, and life to our years. Current research, however, has revealed a dark side: many seemingly disconnected degenerative diseases have tangled roots in dysfunctional mitochondria. However, modern research has also endowed us with the knowledge on how to optimise its function, which is of critical importance to our health and longevity. Lee Know offers cutting-edge information on supplementation and lifestyle changes for mitochondrial optimisation, such as: CoQ10 D-Ribose Cannabinoids Ketogenic dietary therapy Mitochondria and the Future of Medicine is an invaluable resource for practitioners interested in mitochondrial medicine and the true roots of chronic illness and disease, as well as anyone interested in improving their health.

"Systems Biology of Apoptosis" summarizes all current achievements in this emerging field. Apoptosis is a process common to all multicellular organisms. Apoptosis leads to the elimination of cells via a complex but highly defined cellular programme. Defects in the regulation of apoptosis result in serious diseases such as cancer, autoimmunity, AIDS and neurodegeneration. Recently, a substantial step forward in understanding the complex apoptotic pathways has been made by utilising systems biology approaches. Systems biology combines rigorous mathematical modelling with experimental approaches in a closed loop cycle for advancing our knowledge about complex biological processes. In this book, the editor describes the contemporary systems biology studies devoted to apoptotic signaling and focuses on the question how systems biology helps to understand life/death decisions made in the cell and to develop new approaches to rational treatment strategies.

Animal cell technology is becoming an increasingly important part of biotechnology and many products are now used in human health care and for veterinary applications. However, there are many times more products actually in the developmental pipelines of the biotechnology industry, including various phases of clinical trials. The Proceedings of the 15th Meeting of the European Society for Animal Cell Technology (Tours, France, September 1997) presents the actual current state as well as New Developments and Applications in Animal Cell Technology for the benefit of society. These Proceedings represent both the current state and applications of animal cell technology and the way the technology is expanding into new areas to give a unique insight into new products and applications for human and animal health care.

This volume details novel and popular approaches to decipher the Ubiquitin Code. Chapters guide readers through ubiquitin chain complexity, methods to generate non-hydrolysable ubiquitin-NEDD8, a fully synthetic method for the linear synthesis of fluorescently labelled rhodamine LC3A and LC3B, a HECT ligase-mediated ubiquitylation in vitro, a RNAi-based screening to identify DUBs, a Yuh1 activity assay, a pull-down to isolate K48 and K63 chains using specific nanobodies, identification of NeDDylated protein based in a NEDD8R74K mutant, in vivo identification of NEDDylated proteins from liver diseases, UbL-ID method to identify ubiquitin-like modified proteins, a LC3/GABARAP capturing system, and methods to isolate peptides that are closely associated with proteasomes or trapped inside the core particle of proteasomes in eukaryotic cells, among others. Written in the 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 protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, The Ubiquitin Code aims to to be a useful practical guide to researches to help further their study in this field.

With advances in agro-technology, cucurbits are now being grown throughout the year. However, they are prone to biotic and abiotic stresses resulting in significant yield loss. Sustainable management of such stresses is a complex issue in the intensive cultivation of cucurbits involving high levels of fertilization and irrigation. Further, under the changing climatic conditions, pest scenarios vary constantly, with invasive alien species of pests becoming more common as a result of free trade and frequent international travel. As such, agrochemicals are being used as powerful weapons to combat the increasing number of pests and diseases. Lack of proper crop management technologies, inaccurate diagnosis, and indiscriminate and excessive use of pesticides are major causes of pesticide resistance and resurgence, environmental pollution, and hazards to the non-target biota. This comprehensive book provides essential insights into the management of biotic and abiotic stresses in cucurbit cultivation and re-evaluating the role of agrochemicals, and gathers information on insect pests, mites, nematodes, diseases and weeds, as well as on their sustainable management from scattered sources. Written in language that is easy to understand and including high-quality photographs, it is a valuable resource for students, researchers, plant protection specialists, extension workers, and growers.

This book presents the latest knowledge on both the physiological and the microbiological aspects of wound healing. Fresh insights into the process of cutaneous wound healing are described, which involves tissue regeneration and repair processes consisting of a sequence of molecular and cellular events. The management of infected wounds is then discussed in detail, covering the roles of traditional medicine practices, novel anti-infective formulations, non-antibiotic approaches, and probiotic bacteria. A section devoted to the interdisciplinary approach to wound care addresses topics including in vitro and in vivo research models, the development of advanced wound dressings, tissue engineering, and the potential applications of bioscaffolds. The authors are all leading researchers in the field. This book is an attempt to showcase current research status and future directions in the area of wound-healing research, which must be of interest to a large group of readers and researchers interested in this field.

This detailed new edition presents the latest developments of the main pillars of protein analysis, namely sample preparation, separation, and characterization. Core areas in this volume are protocols for the analysis of post-translational modifications and protein interaction partners, followed by sophisticated procedures to enrich for extracellular vesicles and organelles, along with several types of protein immuno-assays complemented by various methods for the characterization of antibodies and host-cell protein analysis. Last but not least, a few standard sample preparation protocols and recent advances concerning immuno-chemical detection of proteins are included as well. 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 up-to-date, Proteomic Profiling: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition serves as an ideal reference for students of biochemistry, biomedicine, biology, and genomics and will be an invaluable source for the experienced, practicing scientist as well.

Revealing essential roles of the tumor microenvironment in cancer progression, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on how different signaling pathways are important in the tumor microenvironment. Multiple signaling pathways are covered, including Src, Neuregulin, Adenosine, TGF , Androgen, Wnt, and more. Taken alongside its companion volumes, these books update us on what we know about various aspects of the tumor microenvironment as well as future directions. Tumor Microenvironment: Signaling Pathways - Part B is essential reading for advanced cell biology and cancer biology students as well as researchers seeking an update on research in the tumor microenvironment.

This third edition provides new and updated chapters detailing preparation of liposomes, physicochemical characterization of liposomes, lipid analysis, drug encapsulation, surface modification, stimuli response as well as cellular interaction, and biodistribution. Also included is an updated chapter on the history and evolution of the field of liposomology. Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, each chapter includes an introduction to the topic, lists necessary materials and reagents, includes tips on troubleshooting and known pitfalls, and step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Liposomes: Methods and Protocols, Third Edition aims to serve as a reference for graduate students, post-doctoral researchers as well as established investigators utilizing lipid-based systems.

It should not come as too much of a surprise that biological membranes are considerably more complex than lipid bilayers. This has been made quite clear by the fluid-mosaic model which considers the cell membrane as a two-dimensional solution of a mosaic of integral membrane proteins and glycoproteins firmly embedded in a fluid lipid bilayer matrix. Such a model has several virtues, chief among which is that it allows membrane components to diffuse in the plane of the membrane and orient asymmetrically across the membrane. The model is also remarkable since it provokes the right sort of questions. Two such examples are: Does membrane fluidity influence enzyme activity? Does cholesterol regulate fluidity? However, it does not go far enough. As it turns out, there is now another version of this model, the so-called post-fluid mosaic model which incorporates two concepts, namely the existence in the membrane of discrete domains in which specific lipid-lipid, lipid-protein and protein-protein interactions occur and ordered regions that are in motion but remain separate from less ordered regions. We must admit that both are intriguing problems and of importance in guiding our thinking as to what the next model might be.
We have chosen not to include the subject of membrane transport in the present volume. This obviously represents a break with convention. However, the intention is to have the topic covered subsequent volumes relating to organ systems. It would be right to regard this as an attempt to strengthen the integrated approach to the teaching of medicine.

This book explains about amino acids (AAs) which are not only building blocks of protein, but are also signaling molecules as well as regulators of gene expression and the protein phosphorylation cascade. Additionally, AAs are key precursors for syntheses of hormones and low-molecular-weight nitrogenous substances with each having enormous biological importance. For example, physiological concentrations of AA metabolites (e.g., nitric oxide, polyamines, glutathione, taurine, thyroid hormones, and serotonin) are required for cell functions. Growing evidence shows that humans and animals have dietary requirements for all proteinogenic AAs. Mammals, birds, and fish also have species- and age-dependent needs for some AA-related substances. However, elevated levels of other products (e.g., ammonia, homocysteine, H2S, and asymmetric dimethylarginine) are pathogenic factors for neurological disorders, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular disease. Thus, optimal amounts of AAs and their ratios in diets and circulation are crucial for whole-body homeostasis and health. Adequate provision of one or a mixture of functional AAs or metabolites may be beneficial for ameliorating health problems at various stages of the life cycle (e.g., fetal growth restriction, neonatal morbidity and mortality, weaning-associated intestinal dysfunction and wasting syndrome, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, the metabolic syndrome, and infertility). Dietary supplementation of these nutrients can also optimize the efficiency of metabolic transformations to enhance muscle growth, milk production, and athletic performance, while preventing excess fat deposition and reducing adiposity. Therefore, functional AAs hold great promise in improving the growth, health, and well-being of individuals.

This 2nd edition of the book on DNA methyltransferases has been comprehensively updated to reflect many novel research findings regarding the structure, function, and technology of these enzymes that have emerged over the past 6 years. Like the previous edition, this 2nd edition explains the biochemical properties of DNA methyltransferases, describing their structures, mechanisms and biological roles in bacteria, humans and plants. It also discusses the biological processes of reading DNA methylation and the mechanisms of DNA demethylation. This volume highlights the newest findings on DNA methyltransferase inhibitors and their use in cancer therapy as well as the latest epigenome editing systems based on these enzymes. Overall, this 2nd edition comprehensively summarizes the current state of research in the field of DNA methylation and DNA methyltransferase and is essential reading for early career and advanced researchers in this exciting field.

As the First International Conference on Water and Ions in Biological Systems (Bucharest, June 25-27, 1980) was appreciated as a success, a second one was organized in the fall of the year 1982 under the sponsorship of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Romanian Academy of Medical Sciences, the Romanian Biophysical Society (Union of Societies for Medical Sciences in the Socialist Republic of Romania) and in co operation with the International Union for Pure and Applied Bio physics (IUPAB). The responsibility for the scientific program and organization of the Second Conference on Water fell on an International Scientific Committee which included Prof. J. Tigyi (Pees), President of the UNESCO Expert Committee on Biophysics, Prof. K. Wuthrich, Secretary General of IUPAB and Prof. H. Eisenberg, (member of the IUPAB Council) under the guidance of an Executive Board whose members were Prof. J. Jaz (representative of UNESCO), Prof. B. Pullman (Vice President of IUPAB) and Prof. V. Vasilescu (President of the Romanian Biophysical Society). The Meeting was attended by more than 250 specialists including 150 Romanian participants and others from Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, England, the Federal Republic of Germany, the German Democratic Republic, Greece, Hungary, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, USSR, USA, Venezuela, Yugoslavia. The proceedings of the Conference took place in the Medical Faculty of Bucharest. The theoretical and practical importance of the Meeting was pointed out by the speakers, among whom were Prof."

New discoveries in the field of stem cells increasingly dominate the news and scientific literature revealing an avalanche of new knowledge and research tools that are producing therapies for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and a wide variety of other diseases that afflict humanity. The Handbook of Stem Cells integrates this exciting area of life science, combining in two volumes the requisites for a general understanding of adult and embryonic stem cells. Organized in two volumes entitled Pluripotent Stem Cells & Cell Biology and Adult & Fetal Stem Cells, this work contains contributions from the world s experts in stem cell research to provide a description of the tools, methods, and experimental protocols needed to study and characterize stem cells and progenitor populations as well as a the latest information of what is known about each specific organ system.
* Provides comprehensive coverage on this highly topical subject
* Contains contributions by the foremost authorities and premiere names in the field of stem cell research
*Companion website - http: //booksite.elsevier.com/9780123859426/- containsover 250 color figures in presentation format"