M. BENcovA Slovak Foundation Education in Immunogenetics Kopanice 25, 821 04 Bratislava Slovak Republic Short History of Slovakia After the end of the 5th century, the major part of Central Europe was dominated by Slavs (Slovaks). They had already in the 7th century settle ments in the vicinity of towns Bratislava, Devin, Nitra to create the Slovak's state formation with the name "The Empire of Sam," territory of which corresponded to that of Slovakia of present. The Empire of Sam was also the first state formation in the Central Europe (as present states Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia etc. ) Very important town of this state was Nitra, with the biggest Castle in the Central Europe with his Duke Pribina. The first Church of the Central Europe was built here in the year 830, and it is now considered to be the "Slovak Bethlehem." In the year 880, Nitra also became the first Office of Bishops. Later, the Slovak Duke Pribina and Moravian Duke Mojmir (Moravia corresponded to eastern part of the present Czech Republic) joined their formations to common state "Greate Moravian Empire." The strongest King of the Great Moravian Empire was Svatopluk (864 A. D. ), who spread his empire over Czech Republic, Hungary and part of Poland, Ukraine and eastern Germany of present, which at that time still did not exist as state formations."

This book summarizes the progress in studies of tuberculosis host-pathogen interactions from several perspectives: molecular microbiology, immunology, animal models, clinical studies, epidemiology, and drug discovery. Tuberculosis (TB) remains a severe global public health problem. Complex interactions between environmental, microbial and host factors lead to clinically relevant infections. Studies on bacterial virulence, host-genetic, and immunological factors contributing to the susceptibility to TB provide an ever-growing foundation of knowledge that is critical to finding new interventions. Studies of immune mechanisms against M. tuberculosis infection have identified immunological markers associated with specific phenotypes in the host, providing insight into how they may be used to augment current treatment strategies. Recent advances in diagnosis, therapeutics and vaccines, as well as basic-research oriented studies have shed light on the development of new directions for prevention, treatment and control of TB. Improved understanding of the interplay between the bacterium and host is a key component of reducing incidence worldwide.

This detailed volume provides methods to guide assay development, procedures designed to investigate the chemokine and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) networks, as well as their interactions, in a wide range of organs and tissues in disease and in health. The initial chapters in this book present in vivo models used to examine the roles of chemokines and GAGs in normal physiology and in the pathophysiology of disease. The book then explores present cell- and tissue-based in vitro assays to examine chemokine:GAG interactions. Finally, analytic approaches are presented that provide assays for measuring GAGs, chemokines, and cellular responses. 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 practical, Chemokine-Glycosaminoglycan Interactions: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide for researchers seeking to analyze chemokine and GAG functions, interactions, and molecular mechanisms in vivo and in vitro.

Xenotransplantation could have an impact on at least three aspects of medicine. The first is as a means of overcoming a severe shortage of human donor organs for the treatment of organ failure. The second aspect relates to the possibility that a xenogeneic organ would not be susceptible to infection by a "human" virus and thus the xenograft might resist injury caused by such viruses. The third and, as of yet, unexplored aspect relates to a means of delivering genes for therapeutic purposes thus overcoming some of the limitations of "conventional" gene therapy.     

Antimicrobial resistance will become a global health threat since antimicrobial treatments continue at the forefront of the defense against microbial infections. To respond to the issue, this detailed book explores vital methodologies currently in use to advance our understanding of antibiotic issues and answer the worldwide demand for novel antibiotics therapies. Beginning with a review chapter that guides the reader through the worldwide demand for novel antibiotics therapies, the volume continues with sections covering new screening procedures and environmental sources, advances in analytical, microbiological, and biotechnological methodologies, antibiotic production and antibiotic resistances, as well as considerations of drug trials and clinical concerns regarding multi-resistant patients. 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, Antimicrobial Therapies: Methods and Protocols provides a reference source for health, laboratory, and industrial professionals, as well as for graduate students in a number of bio-sanitary disciplines, including medicine, nursery, biotechnology, veterinary, microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, nutrition, farming, and more. Chapter "14" is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

Corepressors are newly discovered assemblies of proteins that play essential roles in eukaryotic gene regulation. Recent discoveries about corepressors have provided new insights into the molecular basis of gene regulation, and have established surprising connections between the mechanisms of action of a wide variety of transcriptional regulators. The reviews in this volume critically discuss the nature, mechanisms of action, and physiological roles of corepressors in a diverse assortment of biological systems. Both basic and clinical investigators will be able to find relevant information. The comprehensive nature of the compilation, and the breadth of the reviews, are intended to provide the reader with an excellent introduction to the newly emergent and rapidly-growing field of corepressor research. A valuable and detailed reference guide.

Cancer Health Equity Research, Volume 146 in the Advances in Cancer Research series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on a variety of timely topics, including Pubertal Mammary Development as a 'Susceptibility Window' for Breast Cancer Disparity, Review of Patient Navigation Interventions to Address Barriers to Participation in Cancer Clinical Trials, Racial Disparities in Ovarian Cancer Research, Mighty Men: A Faith-Based Weight Loss Intervention to Reduce Cancer Risk in African American Men, Design of a Patient Navigation Intervention to Increase Rates of Surgery among African Americans with Early-Stage Lung Cancer, and much.

This volume is a comprehensive review of the structure/function and biology of molecules belonging to the TGF-[beta] superfamily. Because molecules in this family have very diverse biological roles, the editors have chosen to focus on the parts they play in the specific areas of inflammation and wound/fracture healing. Whilst molecules in the TGF-[beta] superfamily have been extensively studied, there are few, if any, publications which have taken a broad perspective on this family, most having chosen to focus on just one very small area. This book is therefore unusual in that it offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of the field, providing both in-depth and essential background material suitable for both clinicians and scientists alike.

This book includes these topics: A Key Regulator of Postnatal Skeletal Remodeling; Ectodomain Shedding of Receptor Activator of NF-KB Ligand; The Negative Role Of Ids In Osteoclastogenesis; Functional Genetic and Genomic Analysis of Modeled Arthritis; Dexamethsone Suppresses Bone Formation via the Osteoclast; Immunologic Regulation Of Bone Development; Pth Regulates The Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niche In Bone; Regulation Of Hematopoietic Stem Cells In The Osteoblastic Niche; The Chemokine Cxcl12; and Regulation Of Hsc; and Lymphocyte Development In The Bone Marrow Niche. It also includes these topics: Osteoclast Precursor Cells; Interaction with estrogen receptors as treatment of arthritis and osteoporosis; Novel Signaling Pathways And Therapeutic Targets In Osteoclasts; The Enigmatic Function of TREM-2 in Osteoclastogenesis; Role of cell-matrix interactions in osteoclast differentiation; Positive and negative roles of IL-6, STAT3 and SOCS3 in inflammatory arthritis; Control of Osteoclast activity and bone loss by IKK subunits: new targets for therapy; Targeting Osteoporosis And Rheumatoid Arthritis By Active Vaccination Against Rankl; and RANKL Inhibition: From Mice to Men (and Women).

Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy - Integrated Methods Part B, Volume 636 in the Methods in Enzymology series, continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. Chapters in this update include Quantification methods of Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGF?ss) activity in the setting of cancer immunotherapy, Decoding cancer cell death-driven immune cell recruitment: An in vivo method for site-of-vaccination analyses, Tracking and interrogating tissue-resident and recruited microglia in brain tumors, Metabolomics and lipidomics of the tumor microenvironment, Monitoring abscopal responses to radiation in mice, and much more.

Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Integrated Methods - Part A, Volume 635 in the Methods in Enzymology series, continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. Specific chapters to this release include Deconvolution of the immunological contexture of mouse tumors with multiplexed immunohistochemistry, High-dimensional multiplexed immunohistochemical characterization of immune contexture in human cancers, Multiplex assay by IHC for melanoma tumor microenvironment evaluation, Characterization of the tumor immune microenvironment by multispectral image analysis of multiplex immunofluorescence images, Phenotyping of immune cells in situ using multispectral imaging quantification, and much more.

GPCR Signaling in Cancer, Volume 145, the latest release in the Advances in Cancer Research series, highlights recent developments in the area of GPCRs and cancer biology. Chapters included in this volume cover several GPCRs and their downstream effectors as case examples to highlight their fundamental understanding and therapeutic potential. Specific chapters address the Role of GRKs and beta-arrestins in cancer, Atypical GPCRs in cancer, the Role of a chemokine receptor (CCR) 5 in cancer, Targeting G protein-coupled receptors for therapeutics in cancer, Emerging GPCR signaling pathways in cancer, and more. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute a large family of cell surface receptors which are involved in nearly every cellular and physiological event. These receptors can recognize a broad array of ligands and they are targeted by nearly one third of the currently prescribed drugs including anti-cancer therapeutics.

Inflammatory Disorders - Part B, Volume 120 explores inflammation in the immune system and how the body's own cells or tissues may cause abnormal inflammation, thus resulting in chronic pain, redness, swelling, stiffness, and damage to normal tissues. Chapters in this updated volume include Proteins in monogenic autoinflammatory disorders, Virulence factors and their roles in periodontal disease pathogenesis, Role of Heat shock proteins in Inflammatory disorder Rheumatoid Arthritis, Novel targeted therapies for Crohn's disease: Recent progress and future perspectives, Dietary plant flavonoids in prevention of obesity and diabetes, Small RNAs in allergic diseases, Inflammation and inflammasome during ageing and age-related diseases, and more.

This volume provides a comprehensive reference guide for researchers to study the applications of labeled antibodies. Chapters guide reader through the theory and practice of immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence techniques. 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 useful tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Immunohistochemistry and Immunofluorescence: Methods and Protocols aims to be a useful practical guide to scientists to help further their study in this field

This book deals with the description of the role of chemokines in immune response and underlines potential targets of therapeutical intervention. It offers a series of international contributions of the most challenging aspects of lymphocyte migration in homeostasis and in disease, and has a special focus on diseases and targets of therapeutical intervention. The book will interest researchers and clinicians from inflammation research.

Fish Vaccines: Health Management for Sustainable Aquaculture is a timely reference book that highlights the role of vaccination in the fast-growing aquaculture industry. It discusses topics such as vaccine formulation, vaccine delivery and enhancing the immune response of fish using nanoparticles. Information related to vaccine safety, ethical approval and regulations is also discussed, together with dissemination of vaccines to fish farms across the globe. This cutting-edge book presents novel strategies to meet the growing demand for vaccines in finfish aquaculture. The book is useful to students, academics, clinicians, and professionals in the field of fisheries sciences, aquaculture, and veterinary sciences.

Advances in Immunology in China - Part A, Volume 144, the latest release in the Advances in Immunology series, presents the latest release in a long-established and highly respected publication. The book includes current developments and comprehensive reviews in immunology. Articles address the wide range of topics that comprise immunology, with this release focusing on advances in immunology in China.

These proceedings review and discuss the different aspects of the biology of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) and its involvement in the pathogenesis of brain disorders.
The BBB, formed by a complex cellular system of endothelial cells, astroglia, pericytes, perivascular macrophages and a basal membrane, serves as a controlled functional gate to CNS. In vitro and in vivo models have been established to study the cellular and molecular interaction within the BBB and between the BBB and the neural cells.
The structural and functional integrity of the BBB was shown to be dramatically altered during various diseases of the CNS, including neoplasia, ischemia, trauma, inflammation and bacterial and viral infections.
Two approaches to drug delivery across the BBB have been pursued, based on either modulation of the permeability of the barrier or by conjugation of the drug to substrates of the active transport systems of the BBB.

This volume explores immune cell receptors that are used in the detection of microbes, either by binding directly to non-self molecules or through indirectly sensing microbe-associated cellular disturbances. The chapters in this book cover methods for studying receptor-ligand interactions at both molecular and cellular levels; methods to create and characterize novel antibody reagents; and methods to characterize the molecular processes that lead to adaptive receptor maturation. This book also contains chapters that look at high-throughput strategies that describe the diversity of immune receptors and cells. 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 authoritative, Immune Receptors: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition is a valuable resource for scientists and researchers interested in learning more about this developing field.

This book provides the description of the granulomatous diseases of otorhinolaryngology, head and neck with their characteristic features, investigations and management. It includes wide variety of infective, idiopathic, neoplastic, hereditary, reactive and various other types of chronic granulomatous reaction in the ear, nose, throat and head neck region. Further, the description is supported with various illustrations including clinical photographs, radiological pictures of CT scan, MRI scan etc. Histopathological and microbiological images which show characteristics and differentiating features are also included to aid in the diagnosis of the diseases. Histopathological colored images with high magnification and immunohistochemistry images are provided for better illustrations. This book also elaborates the important medical and surgical management of the granulomatous diseases. Every chapter ends with the 'Essential features' of that particular granulomatous disease, and this will certainly help the post-grad students and clinicians to differentiate the diseases, early diagnosis and management of the patients with chronic granulomatous diseases.

A follow-up to Emerging Issues and Controversies in Infectious Diseases, this volume provides a comprehensive review of topical issues in infectious diseases, highlighting the controversies related to the newest findings and recommendations. Coverage includes trends and debates in HIV research, community-acquired pneumonia, H. pylori, progress in Hepatitis C treatment paired with the lack of progress on Hepatitis B, and the effects of climate change on infectious disease epidemiology, among others. This is an essential resource for practicing and academic physicians, investigators, residents, and fellows focused on infectious diseases, infection control, public health, and global health.

This detailed volume describes a series of techniques that are essential for evaluating the efficacy of new checkpoint blockade therapies as well as understanding the mechanisms behind the therapies that have already been approved. Beginning with a section on describing the tumor microenvironment and evaluating the immune system at a systemic level, the book continues by covering functional assays that provide answers to questions that may be raised after studying the immune system and its responses to immunotherapies, as well as the use of animal models in this research. 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, Immune Checkpoint Blockade: Methods and Protocols serves to aid researchers in furthering our understanding of checkpoint blockage as well as the study of tumor immunology and the development of new immunotherapies.

This volume provides inflammasome instructions and tips to study different aspects of inflammasome biology. Chapters guide readers through how to assess canonical and non-canonical inflammasome activation, in vitro immune and non-immune cells, whole blood, biochemical assays to evaluate ASC oligomerization, gasdermin D cleavage, and mapping phosphorylated residues of NLRP3. 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, The Inflammasome: Methods and Protocols aims to provide protocols that will serve as tools for current and aspiring researchers interested in studying inflammasomes.

The immunology of mucosal surfaces is one of the most exciting and relevant areas of medical veterinary and dental research since it applies basic research to tissues in volved in everyday defence against microbes and against environmental and food antigens. This book is based on the contributions presented at the International Con gress of Mucosal Immunology, held in London in July 1989 and organised by the Mu cosal Immunology Affinity Group of the British Society for Immunology. The meet ing was attended by over 500 delegates from 27 countries, including virtually all of the leading investigators in the field. The contents give comprehensive and up-to date information on such topics as antigen presentation and processing in the gut, mucosal vaccines in man and animals, HIV infection in the gut, the role of yo T cells in the gut epithelium, recent advances in inflammatory bowel disease and coeliac dis ease, the role of cytokines in the regulation of the IgA response, mucosal mast cells and cell migration. The contributions reflect the rapid pace of research in mucosal immunology, and the great strides which are taking place in the understanding of the immunology, molecular biology and biochemistry of host response at mucosal sur faces."

Several years ago, two of us published a full-length textbook entitled Nutrition and Immunology: Principles and Practice. The book was aca demically successful and well received by our peers. Our colleagues commented that while the book was eminently suitable for a library, there was still an intellectual need for a more concise volume on nutrition and immunology for health care providers and scientists working at the inter face of delivering therapeutic and/or preventive health care. We agreed and decided that a book focused on issues relevant to laboratory workers and to developing countries would be valuable. We invited well-known experts in their fields to contribute a chapter each and asked that they err on the short rather than the long side and update cited review articles rather than original papers wherever possible. The Handbook of Nutrition and Immunity is the culmination of that process. Our intention is that the book will grow over time and new editions will fill identified voids that meet the changing needs of health care providers and scientists interested in the practical aspects related to evaluating nutrition and immunology in the field. The Handbook of Nutrition and Immunity is for those people working in both adult and child nutrition throughout the world. It is also of relevance to those in the pharmaceutical and the food industry who are interested in developing ways to evaluate both the efficacy and effective ness of their products."