The over-arching goal of this volume is to help infertility practitioners evaluate and manage their patients with poor semen quality. The authors review the existing literature on the effects of medications on male fertility, and provide detailed information about what is known, giving the number of individuals and population characteristics for studies of medication effects on male fertility. Medications are designed to treat illness and reduce symptoms, but all have undesirable adverse effects such as headache or stomach upset. Some adverse reactions can even be life-threatening, so it is no surprise that some drugs have negative effects on male reproduction. Medical practitioners rarely consider a man's reproductive plans when prescribing medications. Men are routinely treated with drugs that can impair or abolish fertility. Although practitioners in the field of reproductive medicine generally realize that certain drugs impact negatively on reproductive health, there are limited resources providing evidence-based knowledge useful in counseling patients. Tables throughout this volume summarize the information for each drug, providing a handy reference for clinical use.

The book provides a reference for years to come, written by world-renowned expert investigators studying sex differences, the role of sex hormones, the systems biology of sex, and the genetic contribution of sex chromosomes to metabolic homeostasis and diseases. In this volume, leaders of the pharmaceutical industry present their views on sex-specific drug discovery. Many of the authors presented at the Keystone Symposium on "Sex and gender factors affecting metabolic homeostasis, diabetes and obesity" to be held in March 2017 in Lake Tahoe, CA. This book will generate new knowledge and ideas on the importance of gender biology and medicine from a molecular standpoint to the population level and to provide the methods to study them. It is intended to be a catalyst leading to gender-specific treatments of metabolic diseases. There are fundamental aspects of metabolic homeostasis that are regulated differently in males and females, and influence both the development of diabetes and obesity and the response to pharmacological intervention. Still, most preclinical researchers avoid studying female rodents due to the added complexity of research plans. The consequence is a generation of data that risks being relevant to only half of the population. This is a timely moment to publish a book on sex differences in diseases as NIH leadership has asked scientists to consider sex as a biological variable in preclinical research, to ensure that women get the same benefit of medical research as men.

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.

Plasmodium falciparum malaria is responsible for the deaths of nearly 500,000 people each year. Much attention has been paid to antibody and cellular mechanisms of immunity against this pathogen. By contrast, the role that the complement system plays in immunity and pathogenesis in this infection is not very well recognized or understood. Based on the work of a number of research groups, we know that complement plays an important role in these processes. In this book, some of the leading scientists in the field discuss the mechanisms of complement activation during malaria infection as well as the role of complement in the pathogenesis of key syndromes such as severe malarial anemia, cerebral malaria, and placental malaria. In addition, they review recently-identified complement evasion strategies of P. falciparum merozoites, and how these mechanisms may translate into paradoxical enhancement of infection rather than protection. Finally, they also discuss the role of the mosquito complement system on immunity against the parasite.

This volume not only discusses various common biobanking topics, it also delves into less-discussed subjects such as what is needed to start a biobank, training of new biobanking personnel, and ethnic representation in biospecimen research. Other chapters in this book span practical topics including: disaster prevention and recovery; information technology; flora and fauna preservation including zoological fluid specimen photography; surgical and autopsy biobanking; biobanking of bodily fluids; biosafety; cutting frozen sections; immunohistochemistry; nucleic acid extraction; and biospecimen shipping. 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. Unique and comprehensive, Biobanking: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for novice and practicing biobankers, and for end-user researchers. This book aims to bring new insight into the field and expand on current biomedical biobanking studies.

Cardiovascular immunology is a newly emerging research area, investigating the crosstalk between the cardiovascular and the immune system. This crosstalk is evident through (1) crucial immunological capacities and functions of cardiovascular cell types, including cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, pericytes and cardiac resident macrophages, (2) the impact of aberrant immune function on the development of cardiovascular disease such as atherosclerosis, direct and indirect immune-mediated heart disease and vasculitis, and (3) the crucial role of the immune system in cardiac repair and regeneration. The Immunology of Cardiovascular Homeostasis and Pathology covers all these aspects of cardiovascular immunology, starting with homeostatic immunological functions of traditional cardiovascular cell types, and moving then to the role of the immune system in cardiovascular pathology and to recent research into targeting the immune system to boost cardiac healing and regeneration.

This updated issue of Clinics in Laboratory Medicine, edited by Martin H. Bluth, will focus on Molecular Pathology. Topics include, but are not limited to, The Impact of Molecular Pathology on the Practice of Pathology; Molecular pathology techniques; Clinical Implication of MicroRNAs in Molecular Pathology; Diagnostic Molecular Microbiology; Molecular Pathology in Transfusion Medicine; Molecular Diagnosis of Hematopoietic Neoplasms; Molecular Diagnostics in Colorectal Carcinoma; Molecular Diagnostics in the Neoplasms of Small Intestine and Appendix; Molecular Diagnostics in Esophageal and Gastric Neoplasms; Molecular Diagnostics in the Neoplasms of the Pancreas, Liver, Gall Bladder, and Extrahepatic Biliary Tract; Current Applications of Molecular Genetic Technologies to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cutaneous Melanocytic Neoplasms; Breast Carcinoma; and Gynecologic Cancers.

Plasmodium falciparum malaria is responsible for the deaths of nearly 500,000 people each year. Much attention has been paid to antibody and cellular mechanisms of immunity against this pathogen. By contrast, the role that the complement system plays in immunity and pathogenesis in this infection is not very well recognized or understood. Based on the work of a number of research groups, we know that complement plays an important role in these processes. In this book, some of the leading scientists in the field discuss the mechanisms of complement activation during malaria infection as well as the role of complement in the pathogenesis of key syndromes such as severe malarial anemia, cerebral malaria, and placental malaria. In addition, they review recently-identified complement evasion strategies of P. falciparum merozoites, and how these mechanisms may translate into paradoxical enhancement of infection rather than protection. Finally, they also discuss the role of the mosquito complement system on immunity against the parasite.

This book provides basic, simple, and logical explanations for choices to be made to run the best Elispot possible. It allows the newcomer to truly understand the best options for specific protocol steps, reagents and materials, and provides even the experienced Elispot user with insight into best practices. The techniques presented here are supported by the author's twenty-plus years of first-hand experience working with this assay, as well as the shared experiences of numerous colleagues and collaborators. The enzyme-linked immunospot (Elispot) assay is a widely used technique to monitor cells on the single cell level for the release of analytes like cytokines, chemokines or immunoglobulins (antibodies), in response to particular stimuli. The most important feature of Elispot is its outstanding sensitivity, allowing the detection of specific cells in very low frequencies. The advantages of Elispot have resulted in it being widely adapted for use in research and translational applications in numerous fields including cancer, infectious diseases, autoimmunity, and transplantation.

This book presents, in two parts, a review concerning the use of Rattus norvegicus as a model for the study of neurological disorders and oncological diseases (mammary cancer). In the first part, the neurological disorders are addressed in important neurological diseases, such as: Autism, Parkinsons, Huntingtons and Alzheimers disease, and two neuromotor dysfunctions (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and ataxia). The second part reveals the importance of the rat as a model for the study of mammary cancer, presenting the diversity of rat strains and models available for the study of this oncological disease. This part is mainly focused on the chemically-induced models of mammary cancer and on the importance of the rat for the development of new prophylactic and therapeutic strategies to fight this disease.For many years and up to the present, rat models have allowed the study of innumerable diseases, as well as their etiology, pathogenesis, evolution and treatment. Due to this, the role of this species for the evolution of medicine is undoubtable.Since the information presented in this book was obtained from years of works of expertise in the field, we hope that it be useful for those researchers aiming to use Rattus norvegicus as a model to study human diseases, providing them with valuable information for the adequate selection and management of this species in their experiments.

The clinical laboratory is often known as a "black box" to nurses, physicians, and surgeons, but this concise book removes the veil by covering all the pertinent aspects of the clinical laboratory. This book bridges between medicine and chemistry by offering an overview to a clinical laboratory's structure and function, the importance of laboratory utilization and test ordering, as well as pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical issues of importance to recognize in any clinical laboratory. An interactive FAQ and a detailed index are also available.

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.

In the last decade, a large number of major discoveries have shed light on the molecular mechanisms of lymphocyte migration and the anatomy of immune responses. In T-Cell Trafficking: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers explore how the development of novel and cutting-edge techniques, particularly in the field of real-time imaging and genetic manipulation, have led to an increased understanding of lymphocyte trafficking. Written by internationally recognized experts in their respective fields, chapters provide state-of-the-art protocols to study lymphocyte migration and T-cell: endothelial cell interactions in vitro, address various approaches used for direct visualization of the development of the lymphoid system, lymphocyte recirculation, and effector responses in experimental models in vivo, and explore lymphocyte migration and inflammation in the human system. Composed in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, each chapter contains a brief introduction, step-by-step methods, a list of necessary materials, and a Notes section which shares tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Innovative and highly practical, T-Cell Trafficking: Methods and Protocols is an essential manual for newcomers in this ever-expanding and exciting area of research, as well as a valuable addition to more specialized laboratories.

The atlas of the Light and Specular Microscopy of the Cornea, particularly of the corneal endothelium presents photographs of healthy and pathological corneas, as well as corneas prepared for grafting. Photographs are taken from donor or patient's corneas. The first part section of the atlas shows healthy corneas and its particular layers: the epithelium (superficial and basal cells, subepithelial nerve plexus), stroma and keratocytes, and the endothelium. Blood vessels or palisades of Vogt in limbus are shown as well. The second part section that shows corneas processed for grafting is focused focuses on the endothelial layer. Main causes of exclusion of corneas from grafting, such as the presence of dead cells, polymeghatism, pleomorphism, cornea guttata or stromal scars have been shown. The third part section of the atlas shows corneas before and after storage in tissue cultures or hypothermic conditions with the aim to assess its suitability of for tissue for grafting. The last final section contains photographs of pathological corneal explants

Monoclonal Antibodies: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition expands upon the previous edition with current, detailed modern approaches to isolate and characterize monoclonal antibodies against carefully selected epitopes. This edition includes new chapters covering the key steps to generate high quality monoclonals via different methods, from antigen generation to epitope mapping and quality control of the purified IgG. Chapters are divided into four parts corresponding to four distinct objectives. Part I covers monoclonal antibody generation, Part II deals with monoclonal antibody expression and purification, Part III presents methods for monoclonal antibody characterization and modification, and Part IV describes selected applications of monoclonal antibodies. 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 practical, Monoclonal Antibodies: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition provides crucial initial steps of monoclonal antibody generation and characterization with state-of-the art protocols.

The book provides a reference for years to come, written by world-renowned expert investigators studying sex differences, the role of sex hormones, the systems biology of sex, and the genetic contribution of sex chromosomes to metabolic homeostasis and diseases. In this volume, leaders of the pharmaceutical industry present their views on sex-specific drug discovery. Many of the authors presented at the Keystone Symposium on "Sex and gender factors affecting metabolic homeostasis, diabetes and obesity" to be held in March 2017 in Lake Tahoe, CA. This book will generate new knowledge and ideas on the importance of gender biology and medicine from a molecular standpoint to the population level and to provide the methods to study them. It is intended to be a catalyst leading to gender-specific treatments of metabolic diseases. There are fundamental aspects of metabolic homeostasis that are regulated differently in males and females, and influence both the development of diabetes and obesity and the response to pharmacological intervention. Still, most preclinical researchers avoid studying female rodents due to the added complexity of research plans. The consequence is a generation of data that risks being relevant to only half of the population. This is a timely moment to publish a book on sex differences in diseases as NIH leadership has asked scientists to consider sex as a biological variable in preclinical research, to ensure that women get the same benefit of medical research as men.

Olesja Rissling analyzes the potential interaction of mycophenolic acid (MPA) and pantoprazole. MPA is used as an immunosuppressive drug to prevent acute organ rejections after organ transplantation. Pantoprazole, known to interact with the bioavailability of drugs, is used to prevent upper gastrointestinal disorders. The author performed a clinical pharmacokinetic study in renal transplant patients to evaluate a potential interaction of MPA and pantoprazole. The bioavailability and the maximum concentration of MPA were determined with or without pantoprazole intake. An influence on the immunosuppressive effect was evaluated by measuring the target enzyme activity. Overall, no significant change in the bioavailability or the maximum concentration was found. Similar results were obtained for the target enzyme activity after pantoprazole intake with MPA. The results suggest that the interaction of pantoprazole with MPA does not compromise the immunosuppressive effect to a clinically meaningful extent.

This thesis describes novel substrate embedded physical sensors that can be used to monitor different types of cell-based assays non-invasively and label-free. The sensors described provide integrative information of the cells under study with an adaptable time resolution (ranging from milliseconds to days). This information about the dynamic cell response to chemical, physical or biological stimuli defines a new paradigm in fundamental biomedical research. The author, Maximilian Oberleitner, describes approaches in which the cells are directly grown on different sensor surfaces (gold-film electrodes, shear wave resonators or dye-doped polymer films). This approach, with the reacting cells in particularly close proximity and contact with the sensor surface, is key to a remarkable sensitivity, opening the way for a variety of new applications. This thesis not only introduces the fundamentals of each approach, but it also describes in great detail the design principles and elucidates the boundary conditions of the new sensors.