Despite the many milestones in cystic fibrosis (CF) research, progress towards curing the disease has been slow, and it is increasingly difficult to grasp and use the already wide and still growing range of diverse methods currently employed to study CF so as to understand it in its multidisciplinary nature. Cystic Fibrosis: Diagnosis and Protocols aims to provide the CF research community and related researchers with a very wide range of high-quality experimental tools, as an easy way to grasp and use classical and novel methods applied to cystic fibrosis. Volume I: Approaches to Study and Correct CFTR Defects focuses on the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and its expression, biogenesis, structure, and function in terms of the defects causing CF. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) 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. Comprehensive and practical, Cystic Fibrosis: Diagnosis and Protocols will provide readers with optimal working tools to address pressing questions in the best technical way, while helping all of us, as a research and clinical community, to move faster hand-in-hand toward unravelling the secrets of this challenging disorder and cure it.

The Importance of Measuring Alcohol Consumption To date, alcohol studies have attended far more to issues of alco hol dependence and the harmful consequences of drinking than to the level of alcohol consumption itself. This is, perhaps, not surprising since dependence on alcohol is believed to constitute a meaningful and distinct medical syndrome, regardless of the level of alcohol consumption associated with it (Edwards and Gross, 1976). Also, of society is generally more concerned with the adverse consequences drinking (e. g., traffic fatalities, homelessness, health care and legal expenses, and academiclbehavioral problems in young drinkers), than with the quantity of alcohol actually consumed. Nevertheless, accurate assessment of alcohol usage is important in its own right in at least four contexts: 1. Evaluating the effectiveness of alcoholism and alcohol abuse treatment and prevention efforts. Such efforts include both applied evaluations of existing programs and formal, well-controlled efficacy studies on experimental interventions. These investigations require rigorous methodologies to assess outcomes precisely and contrast what may be quite subtle differences between programs and between pre treatment and posttreatment outcomes. Although these studies are usually characterized by the employment of multiple measures of success-including general improvements in social and physical functioning, reduction in degree of dependence, and resolution of problems directly resultant from drinking-it is by their assessment of changes in drinking behavior that they are potentially able to achieve the highest level of objectivity and exactitude."

This book discusses in detail various serological tests that are used to identify medical conditions and diseases, from a general overview of each test to the equipment and steps needed to carry them out. The book is aimed specifically at immunology students and professionals who may occasionally need to use these tests, and thus lack training and experience in performing them. The book provides a brief overview of the immune system, including antibodies, antigens, and their interactions. The bulk of the book is comprised of 16 chapters that each explain different serological tests. These chapters start with a general introduction of the test or disease being detected, followed by the test principle, reagents required for the test, procedures and steps to perform the test, and, finally, result interpretation. Both test principles and result interpretation segments include illustrations to aid comprehension. In addition, the book also enables the reader to distinguish between positive and negative results in serological testing.

This text is a review of molecular immunohematology (MI). It draws from analyses and case studies around the world and details many techniques used in many labs. It is aimed at anyone interested in how MI is changing blood bank and transfusion medicine.

This book will enable the production of reliable, accurate, reproducible (best possible care) results that satisfies the customer's requirements obtained from an accredited, process oriented, health and safety conscious laboratory that is cost effectively run (value for money) by qualified, certified and highly motivated biomedical staff (Joy and pride at work) using well maintained, validated and quality controlled equipments and appropriately stored reagents on the right sample drawn from the right patient that is appropriately communicated in a timely fashion to the requesting clinician to enable them render the best possible evidenced- based medical care to their patients.

This volume provides a comprehensive reference for researchers aiming to bring new techniques and approaches to their scientific research using urodeles. Chapters are authored by leaders in the field and meant to guide readers through laboratory colony husbandry, traditional molecular techniques, experimental manipulation and surgeries, bioinformatics and genomics, transgenics and lineage-tracing, and physiological and organismal techniques. In addition to laboratory methods, this volume highlights techniques developed for field studies and work with wild-caught animals. 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 state-of-the-art, Methods in Salamander Research aims to be a practical guide for researchers interested in deploying new methodologies in their lab or in the field.

Research in the pharmaceutical sciences and medicinal chemistry has taken an important new direction in the past two decades with a focus on large molecules, especially peptides and proteins, as well as DNA therapeutics. In Drug Design and Discovery: Methods and Protocols, leading experts provide an in-depth view of key protocols that are commonly used in drug discovery laboratories. Covering both classic and cutting-edge techniques, this volume explores computational docking, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR), peptide synthesis, labeling of peptides and proteins with fluorescent labels, DNA-microarray, zebrafish model for drug screening, and other analytical screening and biological assays that are routinely used during the drug discovery process. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Thorough and accessible, Drug Design and Discovery: Methods and Protocols serve as a vital laboratory reference for pharmaceutical chemists, medicinal chemists, and pharmacologists as well as for molecular biologists.

This book fills the need for a simplified text covering western blotting protocols aimed not just at high school and college students, but the researcher with little to no experience in these techniques. It provides the principles, basic methodology, and tips and tricks to avoiding the common pitfalls of western blotting. The book also introduces simple protocols that can transform western blotting into a fun method, such as sending secret messages on membranes or using nitrocellulose membrane as a canvas for art. In addition to the techniques, this book also covers the history of western blotting, which originated from the development of the blotting of DNA. It then delves into the importance of protein blotting, brought to the fore by the fact that the procedure has been evolving constantly since its inception in 1979, and the fact that the scientific community is faced with a multitude of ways and means of transferring proteins to membranes..

Over the past 25 years, biobanks of human specimens have become a cornerstone for research on human health and have empowered the "omics "revolution that characterizes biomedical science in the XXIst Century. Today, biobanking of human specimens is a critical component of the interface between clinical practice and translational research, supporting the discovery and validation of new biomarkers of disease etiology, risk, early detection, diagnosis, prognosis, prediction and relapse. With the development of personalized medicine, biobanking of cryopreserved specimens has become standard practice in order to investigate genetic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomics and immunological biomarkers useful to inform caregivers for therapeutic decisions. Data generated from biobanked specimens represent a rapidly growing and highly valuable resource, participating in the emergence of Big Data Medicine. With the development of large computing capabilities and artificial intelligence, data associated with biobanked specimens constitute a unique resource for the discovery and validation of new biomarkers and therapeutically actionable targets. Interconnecting, interoperating and sharing this data have become major issues for national health systems, raising enormous stakes as well as major societal, legal and cybersecurity challenges in terms of compliance with the protection of personal sensitive information. This book project is the second part of an initiative launched in 2012 to produce a published corpus of knowledge encompassing all aspects of human biobanking as a central practice for research and medicine. The first volume, published in 2017, is entitled: Human Biobanking: Principles and Practice. This first volume compiled a series of high level contributions overseeing the main developments that carried the progression of human biobanking as a research and biotechnological field over the past two decades. This new book project will constitute de facto Volume 2 of the same initiative, under the title: Biobanking of Human Biospecimens: lessons from 25 years of biobanking experience. Hence, the two volumes will share the same generic title (Biobanking of Human Biospecimens), with different subtitles, making clear that the two volumes are interrelated while highlighting their specificities in terms of what they actually cover. As a result, the two books are "twins" but can also be used independently of each other. The overarching aim of the two volumes of Biobanking of Human Biospecimens is to provide a published "one-stop shop" for state-of-the-art information on what constitutes the field of human biobanking, from conception of a biobank, standard operating procedures, ethical and societal aspects, governance, networking, interoperability and economic sustainability. This inclusive publication concept meets the needs of a vast readership, including scientists, doctors and technical staffs who are directly involved in biobanking operations, scientists in other disciplines that heavily rely on biobanking (such as genomics or proteomics), stakeholders and policy makers, and of course students for whom biobanking is becoming an important part of the training curriculum. So far, there has been a lack of major textbooks on biobanking. Documentation for biobanking is widely available through numerous publications, regulatory documents published by International or Governmental Agencies, and sets of recommendations essentially accessible through the Internet. However, it is difficult to access a single, top-of-the shelf reference that provides at a glance a large coverage of all aspects of human biobanking. Fulfilling this need is the main origin of the concept for this back-to-back publication project. To our knowledge, there is currently no other publication project with the same breath and scope as this one in the field of biobanking.

The welfare of laboratory animals, as well as the ethical issues involved in the humane use of animals for scientific purposes, are discussed in this new revised edition. Information is included on the biology and husbandry of animal models; on behavior, stress and well-being; genetic and microbiological standardization; health monitoring; anaesthesiology; animal alternatives; ethics. This book addresses all of the aspects that scientists need to know when considering the design of an animal experiment. Replacement, reduction and refinement of animal experiments are the guiding principles for its contents.

The books Molecular Diagnostics Part 1 and 2 provide a comprehensive and practical overview of the state-of-the-art molecular biological diagnostic strategies that are being used in a wide variety of disciplines. The editors and experts in their respective fields have combined their knowledge to write these two books. Many years of experience in the development, application and quality control of molecular diagnostic methods is reflected herewith. Molecular Diagnostics Part 1 is dedicated to the theoretical backgrounds of the technologies often applied in molecular diagnostics, in which nucleic acid amplification methods (such as real-time PCR), sequencing and bioinformatics are the basic tools. The assay design and -development, combined with items of trouble-shooting are described in detail. As a foundation of reliable molecular diagnostic assays, the quality control required for validation, implementation and performance of molecular diagnostic assays is thoroughly discussed. This book also provides extensive information for those working with molecular techniques in a wide variety of research applications using conventional and real-time PCR technology, Sanger and high throughput sequencing techniques, and bioinformatics. Molecular Diagnostics Part 2 highlights the applications of the molecular diagnostic methods in the various diagnostic laboratories, comprising: - Clinical microbiology - Clinical chemistry - Clinical genetics - Clinical pathology - Molecular hematopathology - Veterinary health - Plant health - Food safety Both full-colour and well-illustrated books are particularly valuable for students, clinicians, scientists and other professionals who are interested in (designing) molecular diagnostic methods and for those who wish to broaden their knowledge on the current molecular biological revolution. The information in the books highlights the trend of the integration of multiple (clinical) disciplines into one universal molecular laboratory.

knowledge. This material provided has been collected from different sources. One important source is the material available from EURACHEM. Eurachem is a network of organisations in Europe having the objective of establishing a system for the international tra- ability of chemical measurements and the promotion of good quality practices. It provides a forum for the discussion of common problems and for developing an informed and considered approach to both technical and policy issues. It provides a focus for analytical chemistry and quality related issues in Europe. You can find more information about EURACHEM on the internet via "Eurachem -A Focus for Analytical Chemistry in Europe" (http: //www.eurachem.org). In particular the site Guides and Documents contains a number of different guides, which might help you to set up a quality system in your laboratory. The importance of quality assurance in analytical chemistry can best be described by the triangles depicted in Figs. 1 and 2. Quality is checked by testing and testing guaranties good quality. Both contribute to progress in QA (product control and quality) and thus to establishing a market share. Market success depends on quality, price, and flexibility. All three of them are interconnected. Before you can analyse anything the sample must be taken by someone. This must be of major concern to any analytical chemist. There is no accurate analysis wi- out proper sampling. For correct sampling you need a clear problem definition. There is no correct sampling without a clear problem definition

Min Li and a panel of hands-on experimentalists detail state-of-the-art molecular techniques for studying NMDA ligand-gated ion channels and developing assays for nontherapeutic lead selection. The topics range from cDNA cloning to in vitro and in vivo investigation of the channel complex in the mammalian brain. Additional topics include the biochemical analysis of the channel protein and the construction of various heterologous systems for both basic research and high throughput screens (HTS) for pharmaceutical chemicals. Although the focus is on NMDA receptors, the methods are applicable to other ligand-gated ion channels and with some modification may be extended to related membrane signaling receptors. NMDA Receptor Protocols offers today's scientists powerful methods for basic research on NMDA receptor structure and function, as well as enormous opportunities for clinical investigation toward the development of novel bioactive compounds.

This book presents an overview of up-converting phosphor (UCP), including UCP preparation, development of the rapid detection strips and UCP industrialization. It also discusses the wide clinical applications of this technology, such as in food poisoning, infectious diseases, drug-abuse and disaster rescue, where rapid point-of-care testing is often critical. Conventional testing methods are mainly based on gold immunochromatography, which relies heavily on results being read with the naked eye. However, up-converting phosphor technology (UPT) employs UCP particles as labels for rapid target detection. Unlike other conventional fluorescence techniques, UCP is excited by infrared light and emitted visible light. This anti-stokes phenomenon provides this special label with significant advantages, including zero background detection, high resistance to environmental influences (e.g. pH, salts, sample contamination), high sensitivity and quantitative detection. Systematically summarizing UCP technology and its wide applications, this book is a valuable resource for researchers and technicians in the field.

In Vitro Neurochemical Techniques is one of three volumes that rep- sent an update of the original Volume 1 of Neuromefkods, General Neu- chemical Techniques The expansion to three volumes was necessitated by the rapidly increasing number of techniques being used by neuroscrentists and the general tendency of neuroscience research to become more multidisciplrnary and collaborative in recent years. The two companion volumes are concerned primarily with In Vwo Neurometkods in one case, and with Cell Neurobiology Techniques in the other case. Even with three volumes, the coverage of General Neuvometkods is obviously not exhaustive. We have attempted to cover those techniques that seem particularly popular in multidisciplinary neuroscience research. Though some important techniques may have been omitted, we believe that most of these have been covered in detail in other recent volumes of Neurometkods or will be the subjects of upcommg volumes The editors anticipate that these volumes will prove unusually useful to neuroscientists across a wide range of fields-e.g., neurochemistry, neuropsychopharmacology, neurology, psychiatry, and neuroanatomy. Each chapter has been written by well-known neuroscientists with - tive research programs. Experienced researchers in the specific areas treated will appreciate the present updates on those topics, and neuros- entists expecting their research programs to become more multidisciplinary or to expand into new areas of research should find these volumes of enormous value, particularly those sections offering protocols with u- ful hints about the advantages and potential pitfalls of a particular te- nique.

to the Animal Models Volumes This and several other volumes in the Neuromethods series will describe a number of animal models of neu- psychiatric disorders. Because of increasing public concern over the ethical treatment of animals in research, we felt it incumbent upon us to include this general preface to these volumes in order to indicate why we think further research using animals is necessary and why animal models of psychi- ric and neurologic disorders, in particular, are so important. We recognize that animals should only be used when suitable alternatives are not available. We think it self-e- dent, however, that humans can only be experimented upon in severely proscribed circumstances and alternative pro- dures using cell or tissue culture are inadequate in any models requiring assessments of behavioral change or of complex in vivo processes. However, when the distress, discomfort, or pain to the animals outweighs the anticipated gains for human welfare, then the research is not ethical and should not be carried out.

In recent years, many animal-derived polymers have emerged as an attractive category of naturally derived polymers because of their advantageous physicochemical, chemical, and biological properties. The important biological properties of these natural polymers derived from animals are biocompatibility and biodegradation. These polymers are generally composed of repeated units of amino acids. Moreover, these polymers can be modified physically and/or chemically to improve their biomaterial properties. Natural Polymers for Pharmaceutical Applications, Volume 3: Animal-Derived Polymers looks at how these polymers can be exploited as pharmaceutical excipients in various pharmaceutical dosage forms, like microparticles, nanoparticles, ophthalmic preparations, gels, implants, etc. The commonly used animal-derived polymers used as pharmaceutical excipients are hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan), albumin, collagen, gelatin, chondroitin, etc.

Genetically-engineered mouse models for cancer research have become invaluable tools for studying cancer biology and evaluating novel therapeutic approaches. This volume focuses on state-of-the-art methods for generating, analyzing and validating such models for studying aspects of human cancer biology. Additionally, these models are emerging as important pre-clinical systems in which to test cancer prevention and therapeutic strategies in order to select compounds for testing in clinical trials.

The seventh edition of this concise, highly practical guide to the interpretation of normal and abnormal laboratory results is fully revised and expanded, with updates on established and familiar tests, as well as interpretations on recent developments. With increasing responsibility being placed on primary care, the book includes guidelines on specific clinical conditions such as heart failure, management of female infertility, specific lipid monitoring in diabetes and guidance for monitoring renal failure. It also includes suggestions for appropriate laboratory tests in certain clinical situations, for example: dementia screen, screening tests when a patient presents with a neuropathy, and appropriate tests for patients presenting with hypertension, chronic fatigue syndrome, erectile dysfunction and gynaecomastia. Completely up-to-date, A Guide to Laboratory Investigations, Seventh Edition remains an essential handbook for all primary care professionals professionals and a valuable reference for medical students and hospital physicians in training and in practice.

The seventh edition of this concise, highly practical guide to the interpretation of normal and abnormal laboratory results is fully revised and expanded, with updates on established and familiar tests, as well as interpretations on recent developments. With increasing responsibility being placed on primary care, the book includes guidelines on specific clinical conditions such as heart failure, management of female infertility, specific lipid monitoring in diabetes and guidance for monitoring renal failure. It also includes suggestions for appropriate laboratory tests in certain clinical situations, for example: dementia screen, screening tests when a patient presents with a neuropathy, and appropriate tests for patients presenting with hypertension, chronic fatigue syndrome, erectile dysfunction and gynaecomastia. Completely up-to-date, A Guide to Laboratory Investigations, Seventh Edition remains an essential handbook for all primary care professionals professionals and a valuable reference for medical students and hospital physicians in training and in practice.

Clinical Diagnostic Tests is a convenient, quick-reference guide to common errors and pitfalls in test selection and result interpretation for practitioners and trainees in all areas of clinical medicine. Authored by recognized experts and educators in laboratory medicine, it provides timely, practical guidance about what to do?and what not to do?for practitioners ordering or interpreting clinical tests. Each topic features a concise overview and summary followed by a list of bulleted "standards of care" that will enable practitioners to quickly recognize and avert a potential problem.

"Human Retroviruses: Methods and Protocols" collects key experimental protocols that have provided the basis of the major discoveries of the field. Split into five sections, this detailed volume covers mapping of the HIV life cycle, isolation, co-receptor use, and cell tropism of HIV-1, in vivo quantification of HIV-1, biological aspects of HIV-1, as well as HTLVs. Some articles explore assay and function of accessory genes, largely involving the interface between retroviral and host factors, the extracellular role of Tat and Tax, resembling the function of cytokines, and the biotechnological exploitation of HIV as lentiviral vector to carry foreign genes with therapeutic value. 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.

Comprehensive and authoritative, "Human Retroviruses: Methods and Protocols" provides state-of-art methodological protocols from world leaders in human retrovirology, essential for any lab working this vital field."