Therapeutic regimens for visceral leishmaniasis (also Kala-azar, Dum-dum fever or black fever), caused by parasitic protozoa of the Leishmania genus, evolve at a pace never seen before. Spread by tiny and abundant sand flies, the parasite infects internal organs and bone marrow and if left untreated will almost always result in the death of the host. In developing countries successful diagnosis and treatment are complicated by asymptomatic cases, undernutrition and Kala-azar/HIV co-infections.

This book brings together world-renown experts writing state-of-arts review on the progress in diagnosis and treatment of visceral leishmaniasis, ultimately leading to the complete elimination of this fatal disease from South Asia. The chapters provide valuable information for disease control as well as therapy and the diagnostic improvements necessary for early treatment, subclinical detection and drug-resistant cases. The presented methods allow for points-of-care testing in the endemic area, enabling rapid detection in resource-poor settings with easy handling and low costs.

This book provides essential information for scientists, medical practitioners and policy makers involved in the diagnosis, treatment and elimination of Kala-azar.

This proposed text appears to be a good introduction to evolutionary computation for use in applied statistics research. The authors draw from a vast base of knowledge about the current literature in both the design of evolutionary algorithms and statistical techniques. Modern statistical research is on the threshold of solving increasingly complex problems in high dimensions, and the generalization of its methodology to parameters whose estimators do not follow mathematically simple distributions is underway. Many of these challenges involve optimizing functions for which analytic solutions are infeasible. Evolutionary algorithms represent a powerful and easily understood means of approximating the optimum value in a variety of settings. The proposed text seeks to guide readers through the crucial issues of optimization problems in statistical settings and the implementation of tailored methods (including both stand-alone evolutionary algorithms and hybrid crosses of these procedures with standard statistical algorithms like Metropolis-Hastings) in a variety of applications. This book would serve as an excellent reference work for statistical researchers at an advanced graduate level or beyond, particularly those with a strong background in computer science.

A link between inflammation and cancer has been established many years ago, yet it is only recently that the potential significance of this connection has become apparent. Although several examples of chronic inflammatory conditions, often induced by persistent irritation and/or infection, developing into cancer have been known for some time, there has been a notable resistance to contemplate the possibility that this association may apply in a causative way to other cancers. Examples for such progression from chronic inflammation to cancer are colon carcinoma developing with increased frequency in patients with ulcerative colitis, and the increased incidence of bladder cancer in patients suffering from chronic Schistosoma infection. Inflammation and cancer have been recognized to be linked in another context for many years, i.e., with regards to pathologies resembling chronic lacerations or 'wounds that do not heal.' More recently, the immunology of wound healing has given us clues as to the mechanistic link between inflammation and cancer, in as much as wounds and chronic inflammation turn off local cell-mediated immune responses and switch on growth factor release as well the growth of new blood vessels - angiogenesis. Both of these are features of most types of tumours, which suggest that tumours may require an immunologically shielded milieu and a growth factor-rich environment.

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.

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.

Preface by T. Morrison, Director-General of the European Diagnostic Manufacturers Association. Contributors: W. Kewenig; G. Forlani, J. Marriage, G. Ulloa This book is based upon a report prepared at the request of the European Commission. Its purpose is to set out the existing laws regulating the development, production, distribution and use of in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDMD) in the U.K., Germany, France, Italy and Spain. Each national section has the same structure and covers the same ground in order to enable comparisons. IVDM Devices includes not only reagents, but also technical instruments, or combination of both, for human use. The book is directed towards industry and the regulation is covered with a high degree of specificity. This reference book, completely written in English, is the only comprehensive exposition of the laws of the five countries regarding IVDM Devices available. It is also the most convenient means of comparing those laws. As such, it will be a useful guide to all IVDM Devices manufacturers interested in the European market.

Multivariate analysis is a mainstay of statistical tools in the analysis of biomedical data. It concerns with associating data matrices of n rows by p columns, with rows representing samples (or patients) and columns attributes of samples, to some response variables, e.g., patients outcome. Classically, the sample size n is much larger than p, the number of variables. The properties of statistical models have been mostly discussed under the assumption of fixed p and infinite n. The advance of biological sciences and technologies has revolutionized the process of investigations of cancer. The biomedical data collection has become more automatic and more extensive. We are in the era of p as a large fraction of n, and even much larger than n. Take proteomics as an example. Although proteomic techniques have been researched and developed for many decades to identify proteins or peptides uniquely associated with a given disease state, until recently this has been mostly a laborious process, carried out one protein at a time. The advent of high throughput proteome-wide technologies such as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy make it possible to generate proteomic signatures that facilitate rapid development of new strategies for proteomics-based detection of disease. This poses new challenges and calls for scalable solutions to the analysis of such high dimensional data. In this volume, we will present the systematic and analytical approaches and strategies from both biostatistics and bioinformatics to the analysis of correlated and high-dimensional data.

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.

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.

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."

Despite major advances in HIV treatment, many areas require more study, in order to create efficacious, potent antiretrovirals that can suppress viral load completely and durably without toxic side effects, to define unknown drug targets and fine-tune known targets, and to better understand the interplay between viral and host factors. In "HIV Protocols, Second Edition," expert researchers provide clear, state-of-the-art methods for the study of HIV. Directed toward three specific goals, this text aims to document up-to-date protocols for select aspects of HIV biology, to bring together both virological and immunological approaches in a single, convenient volume, and to present a comprehensive account of a range of techniques not available in any existing HIV protocol book. As a volume in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, the chapters include brief introductions to the subject, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and Notes sections containing priceless tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Comprehensive and cutting-edge, "HIV Protocols, Second Edition" is an ideal guide to the wide array of techniques used in fundamental or applied research into the biology and pathogenesis of HIV-1."

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Since the publication of the popular first edition, the explosion of DNA sequence information, the access to bioinformatics and mutation databases coupled with the ability to readily detect and confirm mutations has cemented the role of molecular diagnostics in medicine and, in particular, mutation detection by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In PCR Mutation Detection Protocols, Second Edition, expert researchers bring the subject up-to-date with key protocols involving the PCR and its many various incarnations such as SSCP, CSGE, and dHPLC. The volume also addresses key areas such as Southern blotting, accurate diagnostics with high throughput, as well as microarray systems. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include brief introductions their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes which provide the often hard to find information that may mean the difference between the success and failure of the method. Authoritative and cutting-edge, PCR Mutation Detection Protocols, Second Edition aims to stimulate postgraduate scientists, researchers, and clinicians already engaged in the area and to provide an important first step for those new to this practice wanting to adopt the powerful and essential technique in their own laboratories.

Known for flexibility and robustness, PCR techniques continue to improve through numerous developments, including the identification of thermostable DNA polymerases which exhibit a range of properties to suit given applications. PCR Protocols, Third Edition selects recently developed tools and tricks, contributed by field-leading authors, for the significant value that they add to more generally established methods. Along with the cutting-edge methodologies, this volume describes many core applications, such as PCR cloning and sequencing, expression, copy number or methylation profile analysis, 'DNA fingerprinting', diagnostics, protein engineering, interaction screening as well as a chapter highlighting workflow considerations and contamination control, crucial for all PCR methods. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary reagents and materials, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and up-to-date, PCR Protocols, Third Edition seeks to further elucidate this essential technique while also providing core principles with broad applications for scientists of all backgrounds.

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.

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.

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.

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

Written in a very simple and reader-friendly manner, this book can be used by laboratory personnel in the biological and chemical sciences. It addresses the difficulties students and scientific laboratory personnel have with translating chemical concepts into an in-lab practical preparation and description of solutions. Its step-by-step approach in describing pre-laboratory calculations and setups, and the preparation of solution at the bench, was designed to meet the needs of a wide range of laboratory personnel irrespective of their academic status. The provision of alternative methods and approaches presented in this book ensures that readers can choose an approach more suited to their needs and understanding.

Clostridium difficile, a major nosocomial pathogen shown to be a primary cause of antibiotic-associated disease, has emerged as a highly transmissible and frequently antibiotic-resistant organism, causing a considerable burden on health care systems worldwide. In Clostridium difficile: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers bring together the most recently developed methods for studying the organism, including techniques involving isolation, molecular typing, genomics, genetic manipulation, and the use of animal models. 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 notes highlighting tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Clostridium difficile: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide for scientists now in a position to gain an in-depth understanding of how this organism is transmitted and how it causes disease.

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.