Avian Influenza Virus, Second Edition aims to provide the essential methods used in working with animal influenza viruses, and to compile more advanced information that will guide the user in designing influenza studies. Influenza A viruses are among the most important pathogens for humans, food animals and companion animals. Research and diagnostics with animal influenza viruses are critical to animal health and it should be recognized that the needs and goals of animal agriculture and veterinary medicine are not always the same as those of public health. This volume sorts out the differences in the structure of the poultry, swine and equine industries, the biological differences of influenza virus from each animal group, and provides host, strain and lineage specific guidance and procedures. 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 accessible, Avian Influenza Virus, Second Edition seeks to serve both professionals and novices with its well-honed methodologies in an effort to further our knowledge of these important pathogens.

This book represents proceedings of the 19th American Peptide Symposium. It highlights many of the recent developments in peptide science, with a particular emphasis on how these advances are being applied to basic problems in biology and medicine. Specific topics covered include novel synthetic strategies, peptides in biological signaling, post-translational modifications of peptides and proteins, and peptide quaternary structure in material science and disease.

Molecular Diagnostics: 12 Tests That Changed Everything focuses on specific laboratory tests and emphasizes how the availability of these tests has altered how clinicians treat their patients. Presented as a standard outline, each chapter focuses on a specific molecular test and provides background on the test and its clinical applications. Continuing with some discussion on how the test is done, interpreted, and used clinically, each chapter then concludes with a discussion of how that test has changed the way medicine is practiced with respect to the disease or condition in question. Authored by renowned experts in the field, Molecular Diagnostics: 12 Tests That Changed Everything is a valuable resource for pathologists, pathology residents, laboratory directors, development personnel, lab medicine fellows and those working in the broad area of oncology, infectious disease and genetics.

Renal Neoplasms: An Integrative Approach to Cytopathologic Diagnosis provides a comprehensive review of cytology and all the morphologic correlates, including their respective limitations, related to a broad spectrum of renal neoplasms with special emphasis on cyto-histo correlation. The book also discusses related usual radiologic appearances, gross features and possible targeted therapies where appropriate. The volume features an integrated approach that provides step-by-step guidance in the morphologic evaluation of renal neoplasms. Furthermore, all chapters are written by experts who deal with this type of specimen in their daily practice and have insights into the pathology as well as the clinical aspects of these tumors. Illustrated with high quality color microphotographs and formatted for ease of use in the lab, Renal Neoplasms: An Integrative Approach to Cytopathologic Diagnosis is a helpful guide to everyday pathology practice, especially for pathologists who rarely encounter this type of specimen.

This issue of Clinics in Laboratory Medicine, edited by Drs. Anthony Odibo and David A. Krantz, covers issues surrounding Prenatal Screening and Diagnosis. Topics examined in this issue include, but are not limited to: Strategies for Implementing cfDNA Testing; Genetic Counselling for Patients Considering Screening and Diagnosis of Chromosomal Abnormalities; Microdeletions/Duplications; Sex Chromosome Abnormalities; First-, Second- and Third-Trimester Screening for Preeclampsia and Intrauterine Growth Restriction; Biophysicial/Biochemical Screening for the Risk of Preterm Labor; Preimplantation Genetic Testing; Toxoplasmosis, Parvovirus and Cytomegalovirus in Pregnancy; and Sleep Apnea and Adverse pregnancy Outcomes.

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.

Due to the complexity of the mitochondrial system and the myriad genes involved in their function, the clinical manifestations of mitochondrial diseases are remarkably variable and heterogeneous. The laboratory and clinical methodologies used to evaluate dysfunction may vary widely, and thusly a systematic presentation of the numerous protocols that are applied to the assessment of these clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders has proven to be essential. Mitochondrial Disorders: Biochemical and Molecular Analysis strives to fill this need with a collection of key protocols provided by leading experts in the field. Beginning with overviews of complexity of mitochondrial and nuclear genome disorders, the book continues with a section devoted to current biochemical protocols and a part focused on the DNA-based approaches used to identify molecular defects. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters contain 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. Detailed and authoritative, Mitochondrial Disorders: Biochemical and Molecular Analysis serves as a vital guide to researchers seeking to understand this incredibly complicated type of breakdown in cellular biology.

The global medical process is a chain of different medical multidisciplinary procedures. The success in global Patient Safety will depend on the Safety of the consecutive medical processes that intervene in this complex system. Laboratory data is an essential part of health care, indeed it is used in 70% of clinical decisions. Inappropriate laboratory test over requesting is extremely frequent. The prevalence of under requesting has been less studied. The consequences of under requesting are clear, we are missing a diagnosis. Inappropriate over requesting can result not only in a problem of cost but also in a problem regarding patient safety. Additionally, another important consequence of inappropriate tests over requesting is that such amount of unnecessary tests has probably contributed to a significant increase in the volume of those over the last years. In all, there is general consensus that the inadequacy of test requesting must be corrected through strategies and monitored over time through indicators to assure the optimal laboratory contribution to clinical decision-making and patient safety.

This issue of the Clinics in Laboratory Medicine, edited by Dr. Anil Parwani, is a special issue is devoted to topics in Pathology Informatics. Topics include but are not limited to: Basics of Information Systems (Hardware, Software); Networks, Interfaces and Communications; Databases; Data Representation, Coding and Communication Standards; Laboratory Information Systems; Enhancing and Customizing Laboratory Information Systems; Laboratory Management and Operations; Specialized Laboratory Information Systems; Middleware and Laboratory Automation; Bar Coding and Tracking; Molecular Pathology Informatics; Pathology Informatics and Project Management; Digital Imaging; Telepathology; Healthcare Information Systems; Data Security and Reliability; Role of Informatics in Patient Safety and Quality Assurance; Role of Pathology Informatics in IT Leadership; Selection and Implementation of New Information Systems; Biomedical Informatics and Research Informatics; Training in Pathology Informatics; and more.

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.

Ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) have a wide range of applications in clinical, environmental, food and pharmaceutical analysis as well as further uses in chemistry and life sciences. Based on his profound experience as a researcher in ISEs and a course instructor, the author summarizes current knowledge for advanced teaching and training purposes with a particular focus on ionophore-based ISEs. Coverage includes the basics of measuring with ISEs, essential membrane potential theory and a comprehensive overview of the various classes of ion-selective electrodes. The principles of constructing ISEs are outlined, and the transfer of methods into routine analysis is considered. Advanced students, researchers, and practitioners will benefit from this expedient introduction.

This handbook is unique in its comprehensive coverage of the subject and focus on practical applications in diverse fields. It includes methods for sample preparation, the role of certified reference materials, calibration methods and statistical evaluation of the results. Problems concerning inorganic and bioinorganic speciation analysis, as well as special aspects such as trace analysis of noble metals, radionuclides and volatile organic compounds are also discussed. A significant part of the content presents applications of methods and procedures in medicine (metabolomics and therapeutic drug monitoring); pharmacy (the analysis of contaminants in drugs); studies of environmental samples; food samples and forensic analytics - essential examples that will also facilitate problem solving in related areas.

The prognosis of a disease often depends on the timing of therapeutic invention, which in turn strongly relies on a reliable and quick diagnosis. Laboratory diagnostic pathways are algorithms that give structure to the diagnostic process, thereby minimizing the risk of mistreatment, shortening the hospital stay, and lowering the cost for treatment. This book offers 70 diagnostic algorithms that lead physicians and laboratory personnel through the diagnostic process in a step-by-step fashion. In Part One, general basics, infrastructure, and economic aspects are discussed and tipps for implementation are given. Part Two introduces screening methods for cases without a suspected diagnosis as well as specific pathways for stepwise diagnosis of the most common diseases, accompanied by information on pathophysiology, preanalytical measures, implementation, and interpretation of results.

This updated volume explores a wide variety of clinical applications of PCR such as detecting DNA methylation, detection of viruses and protozoa in infectious diseases, estimation of gene copy number aberrations, primer extension coupled with mass spectroscopy, and high throughput NGS techniques. The application of PCR has shown incredible value in the study of genomics and transcriptomics, not only for discovery but also for routine clinical applications, and it forms the cornerstone of personalized medicine. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include brief 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. Thorough and authoritative, Clinical Applications of PCR, Third Edition serves as an ideal guide for researchers aiming to understand the principles behind each application and for their implementation in the laboratory.

Oral Cytology: A Concise Guide provides a state-of-the-art review of the major issues specific to the field of oral cytology. The sections of the book have been structured to review the complexities of sample collection, manual/automated analysis, pitfalls, gray zones and controversies in diagnosis, as well as, issues not covered by other available materials. Recent advancements in ancillary techniques like DNA ploidy, image analysis and molecular biology are discussed in detail. This useful text is extensively illustrated with patient and microscopic pictures, which will further highlight the clinical application. Throughout the text, simultaneous inclusion of both cytologic and histologic images will allow cyto-histological correlation. Readers will find descriptions of techniques offering greater simplicity, speed, patient comfort and cost effectiveness, as well as improved diagnostic precision. This bench-side reference is a unique and valuable resource in the field of oral cytology, both for those currently in training and clinicians dealing with the diagnosis of oral lesions.

Biobanking, an emerging field supported by academia, industry and health administrators alike, is distinctly different today from the practice that once defined it. The science of Biobanking, which initially involved simply storing blood or tissue samples in a freezer, is now a highly sophisticated field of research, and expected to grow exponentially over the next decade or two. This book aims to serve the purpose of further enriching the available literature on Biobanking, by offering unique and more useful collection of ideas for the future. The book outlines the experiences of developing modern Biobanking repositories in different countries, whilst covering specific topics regarding the many aspects of Biobanking. This book will be of interest to a wide range of readers including: academics, students, volunteers and advocates of patients' rights.

This volume focuses on current evidence-based pharmacological treatments of various forms of pulmonary hypertension and provides a comprehensive review of the latest developments in this area. The first part of the book covers the definition, classification, pathophysiology, pathology, biomarkers and animal models of the disease, thus laying the conceptual basis for what follows. The middle section provides an overview of the established therapies, such as calcium channel blockers, prostanoids, endothelin receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and inhaled nitric oxide. The last section explores novel pathways and emerging therapeutic approaches including soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators, Rho-kinase inhibitors, inhibitors of serotonin receptors and transporters, peptide growth factors, vasoactive peptides, modulators of redox equilibrium and cyclic nucleotide homeostasis, as well as immunosuppressive and anti-proliferative agents. Particular attention is given to the clinical applications of these experimental therapies, that are on the horizon. The book thus spans the continuum from basic science to clinical applications.

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

Pathology is an inherently subjective discipline, and therefore is often referred to as both an art and a science. Over the years, laboratory physicians have implemented special tissue stains and molecular techniques to limit subjectivity in the discipline. Beginning in the late 19th century, histochemical stains were developed to assess diagnostic biochemical reactions in tissue. Histochemistry has recently seen a resurgence in popularity because of the higher costs of other newer methods. Today, this technique is used by almost every pathology laboratory across the world.
This book comprehensively covers all diseases for which that technique plays a central role in diagnosis. Every anatomic region is covered in detail with examples of appropriate staining techniques, and the book is heavily illustrated with over 850 color photomicrographs. This is the first monograph to be published on histochemistry in 15 years, and it is the only one that is diagnostically-oriented.

This volume provides a transdisciplinary and translational review of many of the leading murine models used to study the mechanisms, mediators and biomarkers linking energy balance to cancer. It provides a review of murine models that should be of interest to basic, clinical and applied research investigators as well as nutrition scientists and students that work in cancer prevention, cancer control and treatment. The worldwide obesity pandemic has been extensively studied by epidemiologic and observational studies and even, in some cases, by randomized controlled trials. However, the development and control of obesity, its comorbidities and its impact on cancer usually occurs over such long periods that it is difficult, if not impossible to conduct randomized controlled trials in humans to investigate environmental contributions to obesity, energy balance and their impact on cancer. In contrast, model organisms, especially mice and rats, provide valuable assets for performing these studies under rigorously controlled conditions and in sufficient numbers to provide statistically significant results. In this volume, many of the leading and new murine models used to study the mechanisms and mediators linking cancer with obesity, sleep, exercise, their modification by environment and how they may continue to be used to further elucidate these relations as well as to explore preclinical aspects of prevention and/or therapeutic intervention are considered. This volume provides an important compilation and analysis of major experimental systems and principles for further preclinical research with translational impact on energy balance and cancer.

This book covers new techniques in protein NMR, from basic principles to state-of-the-art research. It covers a spectrum of topics ranging from a "toolbox" for how sequence-specific resonance assignments can be obtained using a suite of 2D and 3D NMR experiments and tips on how overlap problems can be overcome. Further topics include the novel applications of Overhauser dynamic nuclear polarization methods (DNP), assessing protein structure, and aspects of solid-state NMR of macroscopically aligned membrane proteins. This book is an ideal resource for students and researchers in the fields of biochemistry, chemistry, and pharmacology and NMR physics. Comprehensive and intuitively structured, this book examines protein NMR and new novel applications that include the latest technological advances. This book also has the features of: * A selection of various applications and cutting-edge advances, such as novel applications of Overhauser dynamic nuclear polarization methods (DNP) and a suite of 2D and 3D NMR experiments and tips on how overlap problems can be overcome * A pedagogical approach to the methodology * Engaging the reader and student with a clear, yet critical presentation of the applications