This second edition provides 21 new chapters on methods used in laboratories for investigating the physiology and molecular genetics of the pathogen Clostridium difficile. Chapters detail up-to -date experimental techniques for gene editing and transcriptional analysis which are used to investigate the fundamental biology of the organism and its virulence factors. Additional chapters describe development of potential new treatments including vaccines, bacteriophage and faecal transplantation. 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, Clostridium difficile: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition provides a comprehensive catalogue of molecular tools and techniques authored by the researchers who have developed them.

This book traces significant aspects of the history of immunology, exploring the immune system and immunodeficiency. The author recounts human hematopoietic development, and how a distinction of the immune system into thymus-dependent and thymus-independent components has been demonstrated in different animal species, including amphibians, birds, and mammals. Other themes explored in this book include discoveries about the role of the thymus of the Bursa of Fabricius in the development of immunologic competence, and observations on the changes in the lymphoid organs after bursectomy and thymectomy in chickens. Readers will discover how the bursa provides a unique microenvironment for the proliferation and differentiation of B cells, while thymectomized and irradiated animals were deficient in lymphocytes that mediated inflammatory responses, as assessed by skin graft rejection, delayed-type hypersensitivity, and graft versus host reaction. A clear perspective for understanding several diseases and also the entire lymphoid system emerges through the experiments and extensive histopathological studies of patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases that are described in these chapters. Researchers in the life sciences, in biomedicine and the history of medicine will all find something of value in this highly engaging work. It will also appeal to those with an interest in public health and neurobiology.

Dendritic Cells; J.M. Austyn. The Multiple Accessory Cell Concept; M. Van Rooijen. Sythetic Peptides and the Role of T-Helper Cell Determinants; M.J. Francis. Carriers for Peptides; M.J. Francis. Co-Entrapment of T-Cell and B-Cell Peptides in Liposomes Overcomes Genetic Restriction in Mice and Induces Immunological Memory; G. Gregoriadis, et al. Preparation and Characterization of Stable Liposomal Hepatitis B Vaccine; D. Diminsky, et al. Initiation of Immune Response with ISCOM; B. Morein, et al. Nanoparticles as Potent Aduvants for Vaccines; J. Kreuter. Optimization of Carriers and Adjuvants; A. Snidjders, et al. Immunotargeting as an Adjuvant Independent Subunit Vaccine Design Option; D.L. Skea, B.H. Barber. BCG Vaccine; M.J. Groves, et al. Significance of Virulence Factors and ImmunoEvasion for the Design of Gene-Deleted Herpesvirus Marker Vaccines; S. Kit. Eradication of Sylvatic Rabies Using a Live Recombinant Vaccinia-vRabies Vaccine; M.P. Kieny, et al. 7 additional articles. Index.

This detailed volume presents a set of protocols useful for researchers in the field of recombinant immunoglobulin and alternative scaffold engineering, aptamer development, and generation of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). Part I includes methods that deal with amino-acid based synthetic antibodies. Brief protocols about the generation of antibody libraries are detailed, as well as techniques for antibody selection, characterization, and validation. This section is completed by a brief description of a bioinformatics platform that supports antibody engineering during research and development. Part II contains basic procedures about the selection and characterization of aptamer molecules, and Part III describes fundamental processes of MIP generation and application. 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, Synthetic Antibodies: Methods and Protocols is an ideal guide for scientists seeking to propel the vital study of antibody research.

This is the first book to summarize all aspects of allergenic pollen: production, atmospheric distribution, and health impacts, as well as the means of monitoring and forecasting these phenomena. Based on a four-year effort by a large group of leading European scientists, this book highlights the new developments in research on allergenic pollen, including the modelling prospects and effects of climate change. The multidisciplinary team of authors offers insights into the latest technology of detection of pollen and its allergenic properties, forecasting methods, and the influence of allergenic pollen on the population. The comprehensive coverage in this book makes it an indispensible volume for anyone dealing with allergenic pollen worldwide. Readers involved in environmental health, aerobiology, medicine, and plant science will find this book of interest.

This new volume in the series Emerging Infectious Diseases of the 21st Century is a novel book on the role of microbes in the pathogenesis of common and disabling non-infectious diseases. New insights have emerged over the past several years suggesting that our commensal microflora of the gut is extremely important in regulating physiological and immune functions of the body. Covered are the perturbations of the normal composition of our endogenous microbiota, influenced by diet and genetic predispositions, as well as the mechanisms to produce common disorders such as obesity, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, colon cancer and atherosclerotic vascular diseases. Also explored is the evidence suggesting that predisposition to increasingly common afflictions such as asthma and multiple sclerosis is influenced, in combination with our genetic composition, by early life exposure to environmental microbes and the time of onset of common viral infections. Chapters provide the most recent information on these disorders with regards to epidemiology, current concepts on pathogenesis and mechanisms of their biology, recent research and data on the role of microbes, analysis of their validity and conclusive remarks and areas for future research. The Role of Microbes in Common Non-Infectious Diseases is an excellent resource for both physicians and investigators from a broad range of disciplines that will help to stimulate new concepts of disease pathogenesis and lead to the unraveling of their mechanisms of diseases and to novel treatments.

Development of new-generation vaccines is now more challenging than ever, as identifying, purifying and evaluating vaccine antigens is a complex undertaking. Most importantly, once the relevant antigens have been identified, key focus then shifts to the development of suitable delivery systems and formulations to achieve maximum in vivo potency with minimum potential side effects. These novel formulations-many of which will be nanoparticulates-can deliver the antigens to the desired site, to the relevant antigen presenting cells, and prevent systemic exposure of the immune potentiators. The proposed book will outline all the critical steps that need to be considered for successful development of various types of nanoparticulate delivery systems for vaccine antigens. These contributions from leading experts in the area of vaccine formulation and delivery systems will tie in what is the most current status, including clinical evaluations with these novel vaccine technologies.

This book primarily covers the general description of foodborne pathogens and their mechanisms of pathogenesis, control and prevention, and detection strategies, with easy-to-comprehend illustrations. The book is an essential resource for food microbiology graduate or undergraduate students, microbiology professionals, and academicians involved in food microbiology, food safety, and food defense-related research or teaching. This new edition covers the significant progress that has been made since 2008 in understanding the pathogenic mechanism of some common foodborne pathogens, and the host-pathogen interaction. Foodborne and food-associated zoonotic pathogens, responsible for high rates of mortality and morbidity, are discussed in detail. Chapters on foodborne viruses, parasites, molds and mycotoxins, and fish and shellfish are expanded. Additionally, chapters on opportunistic and emerging foodborne pathogens including Nipah virus, Ebola virus, Aeromonas hydrophila, Brucella abortus, Clostridium difficile, Cronobacter sakazakii, and Plesiomonas shigelloides have been added. The second edition contains more line drawings, color photographs, and hand-drawn illustrations.

This book describes the molecular biology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, and potential strategies for control of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection. It offers insight into the structure and functions of CHIKV proteins as they relate to host response, interaction with the arthropod vector, and vaccination. A detailed account of both the epidemiological outlook and the clinical syndrome of CHIKV infection is provided. The complex host-virus interaction and the signaling pathways that mediate such interactions are also covered. Throughout the book, graphics and charts are used to provide stimulating discussion on important findings in the field of chikungunyalogy. The chapters are written with a global perspective by experts of CHIKV from around the world. This project is especially significant given that CHIKV is a pathogen of worldwide public health concern. Although the presence of CHIKV infection is not global yet, worldwide dissemination is predicted in the future due largely to the lack of effective treatment/therapy, efficient control of transmission, and knowledge about mechanisms of pathogenesis. Additionally, globalization of CHIKV is predicated on its mode of dissemination (mosquito vector) and cross border travel and migration.

Cell growth is highly regulated and is controlled by the TOR signaling network. Dysfunction of signaling pathways controlling cell growth results in cells of altered sizes and in turn causes developmental errors and a wide range of pathological conditions. An understanding of the TOR signaling network may lead to novel drugs for the treatment of, for example, cancer, diabetes, inflammation, muscle atrophy, learning disabilities, depression, obesity and aging.

There has been an explosion of knowledge in this area in recent years and this volume provides an in-depth review of our current knowledge of TOR complexes by the leaders in the field.
* Contributions from leading authorities
* Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field

The book comprehensively reviews and provides detailed insight into the cellular and molecular signalling mechanisms involved in pathophysiology of various respiratory diseases, towards developing effective therapeutic strategies in the management and treatment of lung disease. It also covers promising advances in the field of therapeutics that could lead to novel clinical therapies capable of preventing or reversing the disease features including novel strategies for targeting chronic lung diseases using advanced drug delivery systems. Importantly, the book examines the significance and relevance of the plant extracts and their constituents with therapeutic efficiencies against lung diseases. As such, the book offers a blend of translational, biological, chemical, and drug delivery aspects relevant to respiratory diseases, thus, offering a valuable resource for pulmonologists and translational researchers working in the field of pulmonary biology and respiratory medicine.

"Cooking Gluten-free is as easy as 1-2-3...4" "INGREDIENTS"
Imagine mouthwatering Buckwheat Pancakes, Sun-Dried Pesto Pasta, Pork with Parmesan Polenta, and a decadent serving of Orange Ricotta Pudding. All can be prepared using four or fewer ingredients--gluten-free
Kim McCosker and Rachael Bermingham, the internationally bestselling authors who brought you "4 Ingredients," have once again created more than 400 quick, easy, and delicious recipes that require only four ingredients. This time, however, they all meet the specific requirements for a gluten-free diet. Included are fantastic dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and entertaining, as well as gluten-free lunch box meals and recipes for babies and toddlers.
With "4 Ingredients Gluten-Free," home chefs will learn how to:
- Make weeknight family dinners simple, special, and healthy for anyone in the family who is gluten intolerant.
- Provide delicious, home-cooked meals and spend less money.
- Cook with fewer utensils--1 teaspoon, 1 tablespoon, and 1 measuring cup
- Spend less time at the sink. Four ingredients for each dish means less cleanup
Find out what home chefs all over the world have already discovered. "4 Ingredients Gluten-Free "is perfect for the busy, budget-conscious, health-minded cook

This volume offers an analysis of the scale and nature of the immunological issues facing regenerative medicine, drawing on the expertise of laboratories around the world who have taken up the challenge of applying their expertise in immunology to the vagaries of stem cell biology. In Part I, we explore the extent to which the principles of allograft rejection, learned over several decades from our experiences of whole organ transplantation, apply within the unique context of cell replacement therapy. Part II discusses various innovative ways of addressing the issues of immunogenicity, while, in Part III, we focus exclusively on the induction of immunological tolerance through a variety of novel approaches. It is our hope that this systematic analysis of the current state of the field will galvanise efforts to solve an issue which has so far remained intractable.

In this book is found the information essential to diagnosing, managing and treating the lung complications of connective tissue diseases. This is a notoriously difficult area, which continues to puzzle clinicians, despite the fact that these disorders are increasingly frequent (as a result of longer survival in connective tissue disease).
In separate chapters, the major connective tissue diseases are reviewed, with detailed discussion of a variety of lung abnormalities, including pleural disease, parenchymal lung disease and pulmonary vascular disease. There are also invaluable overviews of lung histological and CT appearances in these disorders, and a deeply insightful chapter on drug-induced lung disease in connective tissue disease. The emphasis in this book is on accuracy of evaluation and the construction of a logical management plan, based on disease severity and intrinsic progressiveness.

Stress, the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis, and Immune Function; M. Stein, A.H. Miller. Psychological Stress, Immunity and Immune Depression; A. Falek. Opiods, Receptors, and Immunity; M.W. Adler, et al. Consequences of Opiate-Dependency in a Monkey Model of AIDS; R.M. Donahoe, et al. Effects of Opioids on Proliferation of Mature and Immature Immune Cells; H.H Loh, et al. Immune Alterations in Chronic Morphine-Treated Rhesus Monkeys; D.J.J. Carr, C.P. France. Immunosuppressive Effects of Morphine on Immune Responses in Mice; T.K. Eisenstein, et al. MorphineInduced Modulation of Immune Status; D.T. Lysle, et al. Morphine Binding Sites on Human T Lymphocytes; J.J. Madden, et al. Marijuana and Bacterial Infections; T.W. Klein, et al. Effects of Marijuana on Spleen Lymphocytes from Mice of Different Age Groups; S. Pross, et al. Syphilis and Drugs of Abuse; L.J. Paradises, H. Friedman. Marijuana and Host Resistance to Herpesvirus Infection; G.A. Cabral, et al. 24 additional articles. Index.

Upon infection the host needs to mount vigorous immune response against pathogen in order to successfully control its replication. However, once the infectious agent is controlled or eliminated, host cells need to signal the immune system to slow or cease its activities. While vast knowledge has been accumulated through the years on the mechanisms involved in the initiation and effector phases of the immune responses, the pathways triggered in order to modulate or end innate and acquired immunity are becoming more evident as evidence for its relevance comes to surface. Due to its biological power, evidence has surfaced indicating that eventually pathogens may take advantage of such regulatory pathways in order to escape effector mechanisms and progress to persistence. This book will discuss several cellular pathways involved in controlling immune response in the context of infectious diseases, their biological consequences and potential "hijack" of these pathways for the benefit of pathogen leading towards pathogen persistence as opposed to clearance.

Is There a Link between the Nature of Agents That Trigger Mast Cells and the Induction of Immunoglobulin (IG)E Synthesis?.- Immunogenetic Aspects of IgE-Mediated Responses.- Structure and Function of the Low Affinity IgE Receptor.- Characterization of the Human IgE Fc-Fce RIa Interaction.- The Analysis of Mast Cell Function in Vivo Using Mast Cell-Deficient Mice.- The Immunogenetic Basis of Collagen Induced Arthritis in Mice: An Experimental Model for the Rational Design of Immunomodulatory Treatments of Rheumatoid Arthritis.- Suppression of Experimental Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis by Epitope-Specific Neonatal Tolerance.- T Cell Reactivity to Self and Allogeneic MHC-Peptides.- Antiribosomal Antibodies in SLE, Infection, and Following Deliberate Immunization.- Cross-Reactions of Anti-Immunoglobulin Sera with Synthetic T-Cell Receptor ? Peptides: Mapping on a 3-Dimension Model.- Stress Proteins in Autoimmunity.- Polyclonal B Cell Activation and B Cell Cross-Reactivity During Autoantibody Production in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.- Autoantibody Activity and V Gene Usage by B-Cell Malignancies.- Naturally Occurring Human Autoantibodies to Defend T-Cell Receptor and Light Chain Peptides.- Natural Autoantibodies.- Regulatory Autoantibody and Cellular Aging and Removal.- B-Cell Origin of Cold Agglutinins.- Initiation of Autoimmune Type 1 Diabetes and Molecular Cloning of a Gene Encoding for Islet Cell-Specific 37KD Autoantigen.- Mapping of the Polypeptide Chain Organization of the Main Extracellular Domain of the ?-Subunit in Membrane-Bound Acetylcholine Receptor by Anti-Peptide Antibodies Spanning the Entire Domain.

This thesis examines the evidence for regulatory ubiquitination by focusing on A20. It provides an insightful and in-depth evaluation of the current literature by critically examining the evidence of K63-linked regulatory ubiquitination in regulating cell-signalling. It is also the first thesis to directly test the role of regulatory ubiquitination in NF-kB signaling in vivo. The case for regulatory ubiquitination has been to a large extent predicated upon the presumed deubiquitinase activity of A20, long considered a key regulator of inflammatory responses as mice lacking A20 die from multi-organ inflammation and cachexia. The theses reports the creation and characterization of a knock-in mouse that expresses a mutated form of A20 which selectively lacks the deubiquitinase activity. The knock-in mice surprisingly display completely normal NF- B activation with no accompanying inflammatory phenotype. Given that the presumed role of A20 as a deubiquitinase has been used to support the importance of regulatory K63-linked ubiquitination in NF-kB signaling, this study will help focus future research efforts into alternative target pathways that do not depend on K63 ubiquitination. In fact, the work suggests that it might be important to revisit the role of K63-linked polyubiquitination in cell-signalling. Ubiquitin Chains: Degradation and Beyond is essential reading for anyone conducting research in cell-signalling and immunology. Dr. Arnab De received his PhD from the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at Columbia University. During his PhD, he developed transgenic mice to study the mechanism of action of a critical tumor-suppressor called A20. He is also well known for having developed peptide-based prodrugs as therapeutics for diabetes. His work has been reported by the media, and has resulted in multiple patents and publications in peer reviewed journals. He presented his findings at the American Peptide Symposium and was awarded the Young Investigator's Award. He is the author of the book entitled Application of Peptide-Based Prodrug Chemistry in Drug Development, with a foreword written by Professor Jean Martinez (Former President, European Peptide Society) and published in the series SpringerBriefs in Pharmaceutical Science & Drug Development. His research interests lie at the intersection of chemistry and medicine. Besides biomedical research, he is also generally interested in public health policy and general scientific outreach.

Every day many people suffer from intestinal diseases. These disorders can result from pathogens like bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses, but the causes of non-infectious intestinal disorders and colorectal cancers remain to be elucidated. Disturbances to the normal gut flora (the microbiota) are central to the development of many, if not all, of these disorders.

Disturbed gut microbiota is a prelude to public health issues like traveller's-, antibiotic- and "Clostridium difficile"-associated diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal cancers. This book discusses the way intestinal disorders affect the microbiota, how the disturbed microbiotal balance leads to enteric disorders and the ways to prevent these disorders.

Further his book explores the potential ofprobiotics (live microorganisms that when ingested bring a health benefit) in treating enteric disorders by analysing the probiotic genome through proteomics, metabolomics and functional assays. Discussed is how the ingestion of specific microorganisms repairs the disturbed microbiota and subsequently ameliorates enteric disorders. Finally this book addresses how genetic engineering and biotechnology will contribute to the development of effective and safe designer probiotics. "

"Advances in Immunology, " a long-established and highly respected publication, presents current developments as well as comprehensive reviews in immunology. Articles address the wide range of topics that comprise immunology, including molecular and cellular activation mechanisms, phylogeny and molecular evolution, and clinical modalities. Edited and authored by the foremost scientists in the field, each volume provides up-to-date information and directions for future.
* Contributions from leading authorities and industry experts
* Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field

The understanding of chemokines, the proteins that control the migration of cells, and their receptors, is critical to the study of causes and therapies for a wide range of human diseases and infections, including certain types of cancer, inflammatory diseases, HIV, and malaria. This volume, focusing on chemokine structure and function, as well as signaling, and its companion volume ("Methods in Enzymology" volume 461, focusing on chemokines as potential targets for disease intervention) provide a comprehensive overview and time-tested protocols in this field, making it an essential reference for researchers in the area.
Along with its companion volume, provides a comprehensive overview of chemokine methods, specifically as related to potential disease therapy
Gathers tried, tested, and trusted methods and techniques from top players in chemokine research
Provides an essential reference for researchers in the field

T-Cell/Macrophage Activation and HIV Infection.- 1. CD4+ and CD8+ T Lymphocyte Activation in HIV Infection: Implications for Immune Pathogenesis and Therapy.- 2. Markers of Immune Cell Activation and Disease Progression: Cell Activation in HIV Disease.- 3. The Role of the Cell Cycle in HIV-1 Infection.- 4. Molecular Basis of Cell Cycle Dependent HIV-1 Replication: Implications for Control of Virus Burden.- 5. Regulation of Macrophage Activation and HIV Replication.- 6. Investigations on Autologous T-Cells for Adoptive Immunotherapy of AIDS.- 7. Rational Problems Associated with the Development of Cellular Approaches in Controlling HIV Spread.- Apoptosis and Viropathogenesis of HIV Disease.- 8. The Role of Surface CD4 in HIV-Induced Apoptosis.- 9. Mechanism of Apoptosis in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of HIV-Infected Patients.- 10. Programmed Death of T Cells in the Course of HIV Infection.- 11. T Cell Apoptosis as a Consequence of Chronic Activation of the Immune System in HIV Infection.- 12. Apoptosis during HIV Infection: A Cytopathic Effect of HIV or an Important Host-Defense Mechanism against Viruses in General?.- Apoptosis and Immunopathogenesis of HIV Disease.- 13. From Cell Activation to Cell Depletion: The Programmed Cell Death Hypothesis of AIDS Pathogenesis.- 14. Immunosuppression by a Noncytolytic Virus Via T Cell Mediated Immunopathology: Implication for AIDS.- 15. Clonal Expansion of T Cells and HIV Genotypes in Microdissected Splenic White Pulps Indicates Viral Replication in Situ and Infiltration of HIV-Specific Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes.- 16. Autoimmunity, Apoptosis Defects, and Retroviruses.- 17. AIDS as Immune System Activation: Key Questions that Remain.- Mediators of T-Cell Activation/Apoptosis and Therapeutic Applications.- 18. Inhibition of T Lymphocyte Activation and Apoptotic Cell Death by Cyclosporin A and Tacrolimus (FK506): Its Relevance to Therapy of HIV Infection.- 19. Cyclophilin and Gag in HIV-1 Replication and Pathogenesis.- 20. Long-Term Follow-up of HIV Positive Asymptomatic Patients Having Received Cyclosporin A.- 21. Prospective Views of HIV Pathology: Clues for Therapeutic Strategies.

Ecology and Epidemiology of P. Aeruginosa; K. Botzenhart, G. Doering. Attachment and Colonization of P. Aeruginosa; R.T. Irvin. Phenazine Pigments in P. Aeruginosa Infection; R.U. Sorensen, F. Joseph, Jr.. Regulation of Toxin A Synthesis in P. Aeruginosa; C.M. Shumard, et al. Role of Exotoxins in the Pathogenesis of P. Aeruginosa Infections; D.R. Galloway. Genetic Regulation and Expression of Elastase in P. Aeruginosa; J. Hector, et al. Genetic Regulation of the Murine Corneal Response to P. Aeruginosa; R.S. Berk. Effects of P. Aeruginosa on Immune Functions; M. Campa, et al. Local and Disseminated Diseases Caused by P. Aeruginosa; A.W. Artenstein, A.S. Cross. P. Aeruginosa Burn Infections; I.A. Holder. Acquired Resistance to P. Aeruginosa; G.B. Pier. Immunochemical Prophylaxis against P. Aeruginosa; M.S. Collins. 7 additional articles. Index.