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.

Enzyme-linked immunospot assay (ELISPOT) has been known for some time as a unique state-of-the-art technique for studying the cytokine-secreting activity of immune system cells, and it appears to be one of the fast growing applications in biomedical research, becoming an indispensable tool in vaccine development, HIV research, transplantation studies, and cancer and allergy research. The second edition of Handbook of ELISPOT: Methods and Protocols, only the second book in the field which is entirely dedicated to ELISPOT assay, shares the detailed techniques that have been developed since the release of the popular first edition. Straight from the labs of seasoned experts, this book covers setting and performing ELISPOT assays, ELISPOT for veterinary research, advanced ELISPOT techniques, image and data analysis, as well as vaccine development and diagnostics. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective chapters, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Handbook of ELISPOT: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition serves as a compilation of a technical reference and a troubleshooting guide for researchers, both experienced and novice, worldwide in order to advance the usage of this key tool.

From the early days when RNA interference was a strange artifact in worms to the 2006 Noble Prize received by Fire and Mello and the current clinical trials, the field of RNA interference has grown at a breakneck pace. In RNA Interference: From Biology to Clinical Applications, expert contributors provide an overview of the most current science and protocols that span the biological disciplines from detailed nucleic acid chemistry, to pharmacology, to the manipulation of signal transduction pathways. Divided into three distinct sections, this volume delves into the physiology of RNA interference, RNA interference in the laboratory and siRNA delivery, and preclinical and clinical issues associated with the use of RNAi-inducing agents as drugs in order to stimulate new questions and offer the tools necessary to start addressing those questions. 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 notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and inspiring, RNA Interference: From Biology to Clinical Applications aims to promote and motivate innovation by reviewing what has been done, providing details of how it has been done, and encouraging speculation on what the future may hold.

Molecular Surgical Pathology provides a concise review of recent advancement of molecular pathology in each organ system. The text is intended as a "first knowledge base" in the rapidly evolving field of molecular pathology and is organized in a user friendly outline format. Each chapter is organ-based and covers important aspects of molecular pathology and its impact on our daily practice of surgical pathology. The topics presented herein constitute the fundamentals and core base of knowledge required for the daily practice of surgical pathology. This book focuses on the practical utilities of molecular techniques and molecular biomarkers in daily practice of surgical pathology. The emphasis is on the impact of molecular pathology for tumor classification, diagnosis and differential diagnosis as well as its implications for patient management and personalized care. Numerous tables, diagrams and color illustrations are included throughout. Molecular Surgical Pathology will prove a very useful resource for pathologists in training who are preparing for the Board and in-service examination. It will also be a unique and invaluable resource for medical oncologists, physicians, other medical professionals and basic research scientists with interest in molecular pathology of human cancers.

Gene expression studies have revealed diagnostic profiles and upregulation of specific pathways in many solid tumors. The explosion of new information in gene expression profiling could potentially lead to the development of tailored treatments in many solid tumors. In addition many studies are ongoing to validate these signatures also in predicting response to hormonal, chemotherapeutic and targeted agents in breast cancer as well as in other tumors. Diagnostic, Prognostic and Therapeutic Value of Gene Signatures provides readers a useful and comprehensive resource about the range of applications of microarray technology in oncological diseases. Topics covered include gene signatures and soft tissue sarcomas, prognostic relevance of breast cancer signatures, gene expression profiling of colorectal cancer and liver metastasis, gene signatures in GISTs, CNVs and gene expression profiles in pancreatic cancer, and gene signatures in head/neck, lung and gastric tumors. Diagnostic, Prognostic and Therapeutic Value of Gene Signatures will be of great value to residents and fellows, physicians, pathologists and medical oncologists.

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) has developed rapidly in the last four decades. As a multidisciplinary area, PNI may provide a scientific basis for mind-body relationships toward the development of personalized and systems medicine. In Psychoneuroimmunology:Methods and Protocols, expert researchers in the field detail methods and protocols geared toward the development of integrative and individualized therapeutics in multiple dimensions from drugs to behaviors. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, the chapters include the kind of detailed description and implementation advice that is crucial for getting optimal results in the laboratory. Thorough and intuitive, Psychoneuroimmunology:Methods and Protocols aids scientists in continuing to study holistic views for the translation of psychoneuroimmunology into better preventive and personalized medical practice.

Since its early days in the 1990s, the Quorum Sensing (QS) field has grown from a few dozen laboratories, investigating the pathways, proteins, and chemicals that facilitate signaling in bacteria, to hundreds of groups that have integrated evolutionary biology, computer science, mathematics, engineering, and metagenomics to create an ever-expanding and dynamic field. In Quorum Sensing: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers provide an in-depth set of diverse protocols that span this broad area of study. Broken into three detailed sections, the volume covers the detection, isolation, and characterization of the QS signals made by both Gram- and Gram+ bacteria, determination of the function of QS signals in vivo, and the development of QS disruption strategies. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include brief introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and expert tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known experimental pitfalls. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, Quorum Sensing: Methods and Protocols serves as an invaluable collection of easily accessible techniques for scientists seeking to further our knowledge about bacterial communication and its relation to humanity.

Endocrine Pathology: Differential Diagnosis and Molecular Advances, Second Edition provides detailed coverage of endocrine pathology with extensive discussion of the differential diagnosis as well as presentation of molecular pathobiology of the major endocrine organs. Revised and expanded from the first edition, each chapter, written by leaders in their respective field, has been updated with the latest advances that are transforming the field of endocrine pathology. Richly illustrated with color photomicrographs, useful diagrams and line drawings, each chapter includes differential diagnosis of common and uncommon lesions as well as material on molecular developments, with emphasis on the molecular findings that are most helpful in the diagnosis of specific disorders. Endocrine Pathology: Differential Diagnosis and Molecular Advances, Second Edition, provides a useful and well-organized resource designed not only for the endocrine pathologist and the general surgical pathologist, but also for the clinical endocrinologist and the endocrine surgeon.

This illustrated guide to the role of the forensic anthropologist in investigating child abuse is an essential resource in one of the most contentious areas of forensic pathology. Not only does it supply a review of the literature in this field, but it illustrates the material with photographs from real cases investigated by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, which serves a population of four million people. Broken down into body regions and skeletal elements for ease of reference, the atlas facilitates the vital work performed by forensic anthropologists, who bring to the autopsy table a store of specialist knowledge that can turn a case. Despite the frequency of child fatalities (in America, 2.3per 100,000) attributed to physical abuse, merely recognizing the offense is a major forensic challenge. The tell-tale signatures of non-accidental injury can be very subtle, making it difficult to differentiate between accidental and non-accidental injury. Yet successful adjudication of a child abuse case often rests on the correct interpretation of skeletal injury. In this volume the authors guide the reader through published data regarding the mechanics and interpretation of injuries,including the agencies they indicate. The material includes discussion of the limitations faced in interpreting some injuries, where making a judgment on cause is tricky. In addition, a chapter on natural diseases affecting the bones provides a good overview of several conditions that are often invoked as 'mimics' of child abuse. Finally, this publication evinces the value of collaboration between the pathologist and the anthropologist.

The second edition of this volume reflects the recent advances in the FCM analysis of hematopoietic disorders. The chapters have been revised to incorporate new text and figures. The volume is aimed at hematopathologists, hematologists, pathologists, and laboratory technicians.

Here, renowned researchers in bioanalysis present in-depth reviews of recent trends in the field. Coverage includes topics such as aptamers, bioelectroanalysis, nanoparticles, quantitative NMR, mass spectrometry, immunosensors and -assays, or chiral electromigration techniques. Originally published in the journal Bioanalytical Reviews, these outstanding contributions are now available in a hardcover print format. This volume benefits in particular those research groups and libraries that have chosen to have only electronic access to the journal. It also provides valuable content for all researchers in bioanalytical science.

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 volume provides a compact, concise and up-to-date resource for pathologists and clinicians who are involved in women's health. The book summarizes the incidence, epidemiology and risk factors for cervical adenocarcinoma, while reviewing the normal histology of the cervix and glandular lesions of the cervix. The cytological appearance of glandular lesions of the cervix and their mimics is amply illustrated and discussed. Management of glandular lesions is also outlined. Written by authorities in the field, Glandular Lesions of the Uterine Cervix: Cytopathology with Histologic Correlates is of great value to cytopathologists, surgical pathologists, gynecologic oncologists and surgeons.

Anderson's Atlas of Hematology, Third Edition is the most comprehensive atlas for the laboratory technologist. This text meets the needs of beginning hematology students in 2-year and 4-year medical laboratory science programs or students in programs learning the basics of hematology such as nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and medical students. Used as a quick reference, study guide, or atlas, this is an invaluable tool for today's laboratory technician student. The Third Edition is divided into two units. Unit One: Cell Descriptions, features three sections covering blood cells, bone marrow, and cytochemistry. For each cell type, there is a description of the cell size, nucleus, and cytoplasm as well as a list of associated clinical disorders. Unit Two: Hematologic Disorders, includes three sections dedicated to red blood cell disorders, white blood cell disorders, and miscellaneous disorders. For each disorder, there's a summary of pathology as well as clinical and laboratory features. In addition, a diagnostic scheme sets forth the relevant laboratory findings that lead to the delineation of each disorder.

"Development of novel vaccines" gives an overview of the tasks in basic research leading to the final product - the vaccine and its applications, belonging to the most complex biologics in the pharmaceutical field. Distinct from most textbooks in the vaccine arena, the current issue focuses on the translational aspect, namely, how research results can be transformed into life-saving medical interventions. Each chapter of the book deals with one important paradigm for the development of novel vaccines, along the value chain towards the final vaccine, and furthermore, with the inevitable tools required for this process. Contributions are prepared by teams of scientists, all of whom are experts in the field, most of them anchored in biomedical organizations devoted to translational culture, thereby lighting the certain topics from different views. This volume is a must read for researchers engaged in vaccine development and who really want to see their research results to become a product.

New interest in light microscopy of the last few years has not been backed up by adequate general literature. This book intends to fill the gap between specialized texts on detailed topics and general introductory booklets, mostly dealing with the use of the conventional light microscope only. In this short textbook both new developments in microscopy and basic facts of image formation will be treated, including often neglected topics such as axial resolving power, lens construction, photomicrography and correct use of phase-en interference contrast systems. Theoretical background will be dealt with as far as necessary for a well-considered application of these techniques enabling a deliberate choice for the approach of a certain problem. Over 150 illustrations (photomicrographs and diagrams) complete the information on microscopy of the nineties in the biomedical field, intended for scientists, doctors, technicians and research students. Many drawings have been contributed by the illustrator R. Kreuger; the photographic work has been executed by J. Peeterse. Secretarial assistance in preparing the manuscript was given by Ms T. M. S. Pierik. Dr M. J. Pearson has corrected the English of the final text.

The goal of clinical laboratories is to produce accurate information for clinical decision making in medicine. More than half of the medical decisions made depend on clinical laboratory tests. Patient safety represents an important and critical problem for laboratories. They need to assure that the information they deliver to physicians is accurate, and therefore safe for clinicians to use. Endogenous compounds can interfere with laboratory tests, decreasing accuracy and threatening patient safety. Elevated bilirubin (bilirubinemia) and elevated lipids (lipemia) are common conditions that cause significant interferences with laboratory results. Clinicians depend on laboratories to detect these endogenous interferences. Laboratories must have a means to detect these endogenous interferences, make decisions about reporting results, and evaluate their impact. Most clinical pathology books provide only an abbreviated introduction to the subject, or provide a long list of references, without the necessary foundation for evaluating their significance. Package inserts typically provide scant information. This book provides the empirical and theoretical foundation for these interferences, describes the clinical settings where they occur, and explains their evaluation and detection, allowing the laboratory to interpret the available data on interferences and make the appropriate decision to effectively report test results while protecting patient safety.

Cytopreparation: Principles & Practice by Gary W. Gill fills a long-standing need for an easy-to-use and authoritative manual on the fundamentals of cytopreparation up-to-and- including microscopy, screening, and data analysis. The text describes in phenomenological terms the most common materials and methods of specimen collection through mounting for gyn, non-gyn, and FNA specimens, as well as the underlying mechanistic bases. The author provides his expertise and information that will empower and enable readers to review and improve their laboratories' cytopreparatory techniques as they apply to the vast majority of specimens. This unique volume provides facts that are not readily available anywhere. Cytopreparation: Principles & Practice is intended for everyone associated with, and involved in, making cytologic preparations that are useful for their intended purpose. It will serve as a valuable reference tool for educators in cytology and histology, cytotechnology and histotechnology students, cytotechnologists, cytopreparatory technicians, cytopathologists, anatomical/clinical pathologists, pathology residents and cytopathology fellows.

Scientists are coming under increasing pressure from activist groups to stop animal experimentation, branded as cruel and unnecessary for improving human health. This attitude, however, stems from an unrealistic evaluation of the situation and distorted information about present scientific knowledge. There is no question that most medical progress - perhaps all, in fac- has been attained through knowledge derived initially from experiments in various animal species. There is practically no way of replacing animals in these investigations and so-called 'alternative methods' are in reality merely complementary. Tissue cultures, cell, microorganisms, enzymes, membranes, mathematical models - all are useful for preliminary screening tests and for testing hypotheses, but the complexity of a living organism is such that in vivo studies are essential before any test can responsibly be made in man. This book presents the proceedings of an international symposium organized in Strasbourg (October 24-25, 1988), with the aim of assessing present-day requirements as regards animal experimentation in research related to major medical and toxicological problems still awaiting solutions.

Since the cloning of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance re- lator (CFTR) nearly a decade ago, cystic fibrosis (CF) research has witnessed a dramatic expansion into new scientific areas. Basic researchers, clinicians, and patients increasingly rely on fundamental techniques of genetics, molecular biology, electrophysiology, biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, and immunology to understand the molecular basis of this complex disease. Research into the pathophysiology of CF has established numerous paradigms of ion channel dysfunction that extend from inflammation and infection in the airways of patients to basic mechanisms of protein processing and regulation in intracellular components. With these rapid advances has come an increasing need for research scientists to understand and utilize a growing array of basic laboratory tools. This volume of Methods in Molecular Medicine, Cystic Fibrosis Methods and Protocols satisfies that need by providing detailed protocols for the laboratory techniques used throughout CF research. From electrophysiology and cell biology, to animal models and gene therapy, the comprehensive set of methods covered here provide step-by-step instructions needed for investigators to incorporate new approaches into their research programs. Contributions have been chosen to reflect the rich diversity of techniques and to provide a cohesive framework for understanding challenges that are currently at the forefront of CF research. It is hoped that this volume will serve as a valuable reference that will not only foster interdisciplinary investigations into current problems encountered in CF, but also facilitate the translation of new scientific discoveries into clinical solutions.

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.