According to the most recent clinical oncology data, one out of seven newly diagnosed malignancies worldwide result from infection and chronic inflammation in conjunction with cancer. In Inflammation and Cancer: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers deliver a systematic guide to techniques addressing various aspects of experimental cancer biology, selectively focused on inflammation-mediated tumorigenesis, while promoting improvisations on a per-case basis. Volume 2, Molecular Analysis and Pathways is devoted to an extensive description of experimental strategies aimed at investigating the molecular cross-talks between components of cell signaling chains and their ramifications in diagnostic development and drug target discovery. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include brief introductions to their subjects, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step laboratory protocols, and a notes section, which examines tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, Inflammation and Cancer: Methods and Protocols promises to serve as a vital guide and resource for investigators and clinicians working toward the goal of combatting the estimated 2, 200 inflammation-related oncogenesis fatalities occurring every day.

Flow cytometry forms an integral part of both basic biological research and clinical diagnosis in pathology. This straightforward new volume provides a clear, easy-to-read, and practical manual for both clinicians and non-clinicians at all levels of their careers.

The chapter topics range from basic principles to more advanced subjects, such as apoptosis and cell sorting. The book charts the history, development and basic principles of flow cytometry.

Herbal supplements are available without prescription in many countries throughout the world and accounting for over $30 billion U.S dollar in sale. A majority of U.S population (25-40%) use herbal supplements while alternative medicines are major forms of therapy in third world countries used by as much as 80% population. Contrary to the popular belief that herbal remedies are safe and effective, many herbal supplements have known toxicity and unexpected laboratory test results may be the early indications of such toxicity. In addition, some herbal products such as St. John's wort can interact with many Western drugs causing increased clearance of such drugs and hence treatment failure. This monograph would provide information on how herbal supplements affect laboratory test results thus patient's safety. This monograph would provide a comprehensive and concise practical guide for laboratory professionals, physicians and other health care professionals. The emphasis of this monograph is to provide clinically relevant information rather than discussing in detail mechanisms of such effect, although brief explanations would be provided for such unexpected test results.

With the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases on the rise as average life expectancy increases, the hunt for effective treatments and preventive measures for these disorders is a pressing challenge. Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have been termed 'protein misfolding disorders' that are char- terized by the neural accumulation of protein aggregates. Manipulation of the cellular stress response involving the induction of heat shock proteins offers a the- peutic strategy to counter conformational changes in neural proteins that trigger pathogenic cascades resulting in neurodegenerative diseases. Heat shock proteins are protein repair agents that provide a line of defense against misfolded, aggregati- prone proteins. Heat Shock Proteins and the Brain: Implications for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Neuroprotection reviews current progress on neural heat shock proteins (HSP) in relation to neurodegenerative diseases (Part I), neuroprotection (Part II), ext- cellular HSP (Part III) and aging and control of life span (Part IV). Key basic and clinical research laboratories from major universities and hospitals around the world contribute chapters that review present research activity and importantly project the field into the future. The book is a must read for researchers, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students in the fields of Neuroscience, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Molecular Medicine, Aging, Physiology, Pharmacology and Pathology.

Research in the area of chemical and biochemical sensors and the development of respective applications is still growing rapidly. This book aims at instructing researcher and practitioners in both disciplines in a strictly systematic, interdisciplinary and practice-oriented way about the basic technology of chemical and biochemical sensors. This concise volume bridges the gap between the different "ways of thinking" in chemistry, physics and engineering. It provides a firm grounding for engineers, industrial and academic researcher in the field, for practitioners and novices as well as for advanced students.

According to the most recent clinical oncology data, one out of seven newly diagnosed malignancies worldwide result from infection and chronic inflammation in conjunction with cancer. In Inflammation and Cancer: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers deliver a systematic guide to techniques addressing various aspects of experimental cancer biology, selectively focused on inflammation-mediated tumorigenesis, while promoting improvisations on a per-case basis. Volume 1, Experimental Models and Practical Approaches provides an overview of a spectrum of techniques developed to analyze the outcomes of inflammation-mediated carcinogenesis on the tissue, cellular, and molecular levels while highlighting several diagnostic aspects, such as biomarker discovery and molecular signatures evaluation. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include brief introductions to their subjects, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step laboratory protocols, and a notes section, which examines tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, Inflammation and Cancer: Methods and Protocols promises to serve as a vital guide and resource for investigators and clinicians working toward the goal of combatting the estimated 2, 200 inflammation-related oncogenesis fatalities occurring every day.

In 2003, the word coronavirus spread across the globe, somewhat further than the virus that sparked the panic. In SARS- and Other Coronaviruses: Laboratory Protocols, expert researchers examine these devastating viruses through detailed laboratory protocols. Chapters deal with such subjects as detection and discovery of coronaviruses by nucleic acid and antibody-based approaches, virus isolation, propagation and titration, virus purification, structure analysis by electron cryomicroscopy, expression and crystallization of viral proteins, raising antibodies against viral proteins, manipulation of the coronavirus genome, and descriptions of how to investigate aspects of the cell surface for coronavirus receptors.

Comprehensive and cutting-edge, SARS- and Other Coronaviruses Laboratory Protocols serves as an ideal guide for all virologists and especially for those working with coronaviruses."

Heat Shock Proteins: Potent Mediators of Inflammation and Immunity currently provides the most up-to-date review on new mechanisms and provides exciting insights into how heat shock proteins modulates the hosts immune response. Written by leaders in the field of heat shock protein immunobiology, the chapters systematically and in a step wise fashion takes the reader through the fascinating sequence of events by which heat shock proteins activate immune responses and provides answers as to its biological significance to the host. From the early stages of binding and receptors-mediated signalling, to new paradigms by which heat shock proteins are released into the circulation, to antigen processing and presentation, and finally to the immune response itself this book is a must read for graduate and postgraduates in the field of Biology (plant and mammal), Biochemistry (pro- and eukaryotic), Immunology, Microbiology, Exercise Medicine, Physiology, Inflammatory diseases, Autoimmunity, Pharmacology and Pathology.

If you wish to grow or characterize embryonic stem cells or persuade them to differentiate into a particular cell type, then this book contains information that is vital to your success. The aim is to provide clear simple instructions and protocols for growing, maintaining and characterizing embryonic stem cells and details of the various methods used to make stem cells differentiate into specific cell types. The contents will be of interest to stem cell biologists, tissue engineers and scientists wishing to use embryonic stem cells for therapeutic purposes. Each chapter has been written and edited by internationally respected scientists working at the cutting edge of technological developments in human embryonic stem cells.

Ranging from the evolution of pathogenicity to oceanic carbon cycling, the many and varied roles that bacteriophages play in microbial ecology and evolution have inspired increased interest within the scientific community. Bacteriophages: Methods and Protocols pulls together the vast body of knowledge and expertise from top international bacteriophage researchers to provide both classical and state-of-the-art molecular techniques. With its well-organized modular design, Volume 1: Isolation, Characterization, and Interactions examines a multitude of topics, including the isolation of phages, morphological and molecular characterization, and interaction with bacteria. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters consist of brief introductions to the subject, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and a Notes section which details tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Thorough and cutting-edge, Bacteriophages: Methods and Protocols is a valuable reference for experienced bacteriophage researchers as well as an easily accessible introduction for newcomers to the subject.

This book provides an up-to-date overview of the role of neurosteroids and neuroactive steroids in the regulation of brain processes and neuropsychiatric disorders. It addresses the neurosteroid function in brain development and plasticity, in both the normal and the pathological brain. It also suggests possible therapeutic approaches to the use of natural occurring or sinthetic neurosteroids. The contributors suggest that neuroactive steroids could have a role in clinical practice.

This publication represents the result of the fruitful workshop organised with the aim to attract the attention on the possibility of bio terrorism attack, with the s- port of NATO funds. In the last years the attention was strongly concentrated on the terrorism view similar to "military type attacks:" bomb on the trains, kamikazes, airplanes etc. As consequence many devices studied are directed to prevent these attacks such as the control of the passengers before the flight. For the people terrorism is therefore equivalent to bomb or similar and nobody think that there is also other possible and sophisticated means that can be used by the terrorist. In 1995 Sarin gas in the Tokio subway killed 12 people and affected 5,000 persons. In the USA anthrax was sent by mail to many federal offices. These events and other cases attract the attention on these possible terrorist attacks and the first recommendations for preventing theses events were\elaborated in the United State and in Europe. The possible agents and the modality that can be used for the diffusion are analysed and food and water are considered the principal and more favourable way. The story and the principal decision about this were reported in the first article of this collection which introduces the concept of bio-terrorism.

1 R. Levy, M.W. Jornitz: Types of Filtration.- 2 T. Meltzer: Modus of Filtration.- 3 O.W. Reif: Microfiltration Membranes: Characteristics and Manufacturing.- 4 M. W. Jornitz: Filter Construction and Design.- 5 R. Madsen: Filter Validation.- 6 M. W.Jornitz: Integrity Testing.-

Over the last two decades, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors have attracted a great deal of attention. This volume of Springer Series on Chemical Sensors and Biosensors provides a comprehensive treatment of the field of SPR sensors. The book is divided into three parts. Part I introduces readers to the fundamental principles of surface plasmon resonance (bio)sensors and covers the electromagnetic theory of surface plasmons, the theory of SPR sensors and molecular interactions at sensor surfaces. Part II presents a review of the state of the art in the development of SPR sensor instrumentation and functionalization methods. Part III discusses applications of SPR biosensors for study of molecules and their interactions and detection of chemical and biological analytes related to environmental monitoring, food safety and security and medical diagnostics.

This volume includes a comprehensive theoretical treatment and current state-of-the art applications of the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). It discusses interface circuits and the study of viscoelasticity and micromechanics as well as surface roughness with the QCM. Coverage also details the broad field of analytical applications of piezoelectric sensors.

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.

The Biomaterials Science and Engineering Series is designed to help stimulate further developments in biomaterials science and engineering by disseminating up-to-the-minute, quality information to academic and industrial research and development scientists employed in all areas of the medical, biomedical and bioengineering sciences whether in medical device R&D, pharmaceutical and pharmacological research or materials science, and to clinical specialists in prosthesis and surgery.

Biocompatibility Assessment of Medical Devices and Materials presents both an overview and forward assessment of medical device materials and test methods. Highlighting the complex problem of host responses and related issues which may restrict the accuracy and reliability of existing test methodology, the book provides an unbiased appraisal of the requirements for biocompatibility and the approaches that have been developed to evaluate it. This much-needed volume specifically addresses:

• The rapid development of regulation and standards in the biomedical field over recent years.
• The test methods necessary as part of the evaluation of safety of medical materials and devices.
• The advantages of standardised, valid analytical measurement, inter- and intra-laboratory testing and certified reference materials.
• The problems of surface interaction evaluation, processing techniques and degradation effects.
• The application of risk analysis to assessment of biological safety, including the very latest protocols.

Die Forschung und Anwendungsentwicklung in dem Bereich chemischer und biochemischer Sensoren ist weiterhin in einem schnellen Wachstum begriffen. Die Erfahrungen des letzten Jahrzehnts haben jedoch gezeigt, dass die erfolgreiche Entwicklung solcher Sensoren, die auch den harten Routinebedingungen in den vielf ltigen Anwendungsgebieten widerstehen, nur dann m glich ist, wenn Chemiker und Ingenieure kooperieren. Daher ist es das Ziel dieses Lehrbuches, sowohl Chemikern als auch Ingenieuren, Lebensmittel- und Biotechnologen in einer streng systematischen aber sehr praxisorientierten Darstellung die Technologie und die Anwendung chemischer Sensoren nahezubringen.

Der interdisziplin re Ansatz berbr ckt die unterschiedlichen Denkweisen in Chemie, Physik und Ingenieurwissenschaften erfolgreich.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is one of the most important molecular biological methods ever devised, with numerous applications to cli- cal molecular medicine. Since its description in 1985, PCR has undergone tremendous improvements, and many variations on the basic PCR theme have been published. With such a large volume of PCR-related literature, a clinical scientist wishing to use the technique will have a difficult task loc- ing the relevant information to implement it effectively. There is thus clearly a need for an up-to-date volume with detailed protocols to facilitate the setting up of those techniques most relevant to clinical applications. Unlike some other books on this topic, Clinical Applications of PCR includes only methods that are of direct relevance in clinical settings. The book is organized in three parts: an introductory section, a section on general methodology, and a final section with specific clinical applications. The first section covers the basic principles of PCR and is most useful to those new to molecular diagnosis. The next chapter includes useful tips for setting up a PCR laboratory. Section 2 then outlines some of the most commonly used PCR-based techniques in molecular diagnosis. Section 3 includes carefully chosen examples that represent typical applications of PCR in diverse clinical fields, encompassing hematology, oncology, genetics, and microbiology.

This volume on scientific advances in critical care testing com piles a number of clinical and laboratory studies related to criti cally ill patients that involve new technology, therapy options, application or interpretation of new tests, patient management and cost benefits. There were a total of 340 applicants for this first International Federation of Clinical Chemistry-AVL Award, and from these, National Winners were selected in 26 member countries of the IFCC. This publication presents the full papers of the ten finalists among the National Winners selected for the international final held in London in July 1996. These ten were chosen by the Inter national Awards Committee of the IFCC. In addition, the editors have decided also to include their choice of the best abstracts from the National Winners, thus giving a broad overview of cur rent research being conducted in the field of critical care medi cine among IFCC members. In keeping with the title of this volume, all major fields of in tensive care medicine are represented, including inflammation, infection, stress, hypoxia, ischaemia, cardiology, haemodynamics, blood gases, electrolytes, trace -elements, nephrology, gastroenter ology and haematology. In addition, there is also a chapter on new technology in critical care testing and on miscellaneous top ics."

Recent years have seen a greater industrial emphasis in undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the pharmaceutical and chemical sciences. However, textbooks have been slow to adapt, leaving the field without a text/reference that is both instructional and practical in the industrial setting - until now. A Handbook of Bioanalysis and Drug Metabolismis a stimulating new text that examines the techniques, methodology, and theory of bioanalysis, pharmacokinetics, and metabolism from the perspective of scientists with extensive professional experience in drug discovery and development. These three areas of research help drug developers to optimize the active component within potential drugs thereby increasing their effectiveness, and to provide safety and efficacy information required by regulators when granting a drug license. Professionals with extensive experience in drug discovery and development as well as specialized knowledge of the individual topics contributed to each chapter to create a current and well-credentialed text. It covers topics such as high performance liquid chromatography, protein binding, pharmacokinetics and drug-drug interactions. The unique industrial perspective helps to reinforce theory and develop valuable analytical and interpreting skills. This text is an invaluable guide to students in courses such as pharmaceutical science, pharmacology, chemistry, physiology and toxicology, as well as professionals in the biotechnology industry.

This new edition focuses on a variety of techniques available for the analysis of drugs in biological fluids. Over 150 figures and tables help to describe the latest advances and give examples of their applications. Current chiral analysis methods as well as discussions on the impact of chirality are described. Practical aspects of bioanalytical work, including many examples of laboratory problems not often reported in the scientific literature, are examined in depth.

Contains a DVD that includes more than 50 videos of surgical and experimental techniques and a color histologic atlas of normal tissues Provides normal data for the most common breeds of minipigs and domestic swine Adds new chapters on cancer models, transgenics, necropsy, and toxicology Includes technical discussions on anesthesia, analgesia, and perioperative care that represent the best practices for using swine in experimental surgery Presents extended reference lists at the end of each chapter to point toward further study

Initially genetic disorders were all considered as rare diseases. At present, in the mid of 2009, the OMIM catalogue contains information on more than 12 000 entries of which about 2500 are available for clinical testing based on the identification of the responsible gene defect. However, altogether it has been estimated that about 8 percent of a population in the economically developed countries will during their lifetime suffer from a disease mainly as the result of their genetic constitution. Adding to that, it is estimated that all diseases have a genetic component, which will determine who will be at a higher than average risk for a certain disorder. Further it is postulated that in the near future, this genetic profiling could become useful in selecting an appropriate therapy adapted to the genetic constitution of the person. Thus, genetic disorders are not rare.

Measuring quality of health care related processes became an issue in the 1990s, mainly in laboratory medicine, but also for hospitals and other health care systems. In many countries national authorities started to implement recommendations, guidelines or legal procedures regulating quality of health care delivery. In laboratory medicine, in parallel, the use of accreditation as a method assuring high quality standards in testing came in use. With the increasing possibilities of performing molecular genetic testing, genetic laboratories needed to become involved in this process.

As many genetic disorders are rare, most laboratories worldwide offered analysis for a specific set of disorders, and, therefore, very early on a transborder flow of samples occurred. While international quality criteria (ISO) have been in existence for a number of years, the regulation of quality issues still may differ between countries.

Based on their personal experience in the varying fields of quality research and clinical implementation of quality criteria in genetic services the authors of this book share their experience and give examples of the implementation of quality issues in national quality systems worldwide. This book, which is the result of the effort of many persons, is destined to aid laboratory managers and counsellors, health care managers and other stakeholders in national or international health care service to improve the services to the benefit of patients with suspected genetic disorders.