Recent critical advances in the field of immunotoxicology have led to incredible contributions to basic science, including crucial improvements in human risk assessment. In Immunotoxicity Testing: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers explore these changes, providing the reader with current, lab-ready procedures, along with the corresponding background information that is necessary to identify effective testing approaches for chemicals and drugs. Among the first volumes to meld consideration of immunotoxicity testing strategies with a comprehensive presentation of detailed laboratory protocols, chapters include a description of the evolution of immunotoxicity testing, a look at the importance of immunotoxicity testing for health risk reduction, and ideas concerning the future of the field. Composed in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology(tm) series format, most chapters contain a brief introduction, step-by-step methods, a list of necessary materials, and a Notes section which shares tips from the experts on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and innovative, Immunotoxicity Testing: Methods and Protocols is a critical, one-stop reference resource for the most important and commonly used laboratory protocols in immunotoxicology.

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.-

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.

* Discusses cancer cell biology in relation to Genome stability and Cell cycle regulation Unique assembly of experts in these fields who wrote a comprehensive and deep up-to-date overview Discusses models for the understanding of DNA damage-dependent signal transduction and regulation in human cells Since the establishment of the DNA structure researchers have been highly interested in the molecular basis of the inheritance of genes and of genetic disorders. Scientific investigations of the last two decades have shown that, in addition to oncogenic viruses and signalling pathways alterations, genomic instability is important in the development of cancer. This view is supported by the findings that aneuploidy, which results from chromosome instability, is one of the hallmarks of cancer cells. Chromosomal instability also underpins our fundamental principles of understanding tumourigenesis: It thought that cancer arises from the sequential acquisition of genetic alterations in specific genes. In this hypothesis, these rare genetic events represent rate-limiting bottlenecks' in the clonal evolution of a cancer, and pre-cancerous cells can evolve into neoplastic cells through the acquisition of somatic mutations. This book is written by international leading scientists in the field of genome stability. Chapters are devoted to genome stability and anti-cancer drug targets, histone modifications, chromatin factors, DNA repair, apoptosis and many other key areas of research. The chapters give insights into the newest development of the genome stability and human diseases and bring the current understanding of the mechanisms leading to chromosome instability and their potential for clinical impact to the reader.

Somuchofwhatweknowaboutthepathogenesisofhumandiseasehascomefromthe systematic and careful study of histological material. Indeed, every internal medicine discipline has its landmark papers describing the clinico-pathological correlations. However, increasingly, it is molecular and cellular biology that provides the necessary mechanistic insights. For many years, it was thought that the two skill sets were mutually exclusive, but we hope that this book shows that this is not necessarily so. Implicitinthescienceofhistologyisthepreservationandarchivingoftissue.PartIof the book concentrates on the preparation of tissue, providing an overview of fixation, embedding, and processing (Chapter 1), and in Chapters 2 and 3, the required techniques for the retrieval of RNA from histological sections. Both routine and specialist histological staining techniques are provided in Part II. These include pro- cols for immuno (Chapters 4-7), lectin (Chapter 8), and hybridization (Chapter 9) histochemistry, histologicalstaining (Chapters10and11), aswellasspecificmethods for the in situ identification of hypoxia (Chapter 12) and apoptosis (Chapter 13). Finally, Part III details advances in imaging (Chapters 14-16) and image analysis (Chapter 17). It is hoped that this volume will provide molecular biologists with the basic his- chemical techniques and histologists with the molecular techniques to realise the potential of their resource. We are indebted to the authors for their generosity in sharing these protocol

Given the vital importance of immune system research, the gathering of clear, consistent, and informative protocols involving the study of dendritic cells is paramount. Bringing the popular first edition fully up to date, Dendritic Cell Protocols, Second Edition presents protocols from experts in the field that cover the basics and more complex forays into the exploration of DC development and function, both in mice and humans. The first section of the volume involving humans explores topics such as the isolation of blood DC subtypes, primary skin Langerhans cells, and the generation of gene-manipulated human DCs with the inclusion of more clinically relevant methods as well, while the second section involving rodent models delves into DC and precursor generation in vitro, isolation ex vivo, disease models, as well as DC functions and properties. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biologya" series style, chapters include introductions to their respective subjects, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Comprehensive and cutting-edge, Dendritic Cell Protocols, Second Edition aims to become a bench-side handbook for both beginners and experts in the field of DC research and a long-term reference for some of the most popular methods put forward by those who lead the field.

As the drug discovery process shifts more and more toward specifically targeting pathways and molecules, model systems continue to increase in importance, and the mouse, with its versatility, ease of use, and remarkable similarity to the human genome, has clearly risen to the forefront of animal model studies. In Mouse Models for Drug Discovery: Methods and Protocols, experts in the field present some background for those less familiar with mice as experimental model platforms as well as a collection of techniques involving general methods as well as specific disease topics such as type 1 and 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, skin disorders, cancer, the use of behavioral models for depression and anxiety, neurodegenerative diseases, neuromuscular diseases, and infectious diseases. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Authoritative and easy-to-use, Mouse Models for Drug Discovery: Methods and Protocols will stimulate those not familiar with the power of the mouse and its potential for the drug discovery process, and it will encourage the development of new models and new ways to utilize existing models in order to further the use of this dynamic animal in this vital field."

In a unique way, the laboratory professionalist's knowledge about the molecular diagnostics of infectious diseases is connected with the clinician's practical experience. The increasing prevalence of infectious diseases makes correct diagnosis, ordering the right tests, quality control and correct interpretation of the results even more important. The possible pathogens are discussed in the second part according to the specific symptoms or to where the infection is located in the body.

Features:

* For clinicians and laboratory professionalists

* Up-to-date diagnostics of all infectious diseases

* Molecular diagnostics, diseases, choice of methods

* Specific pathogens in alphabetic order

* Tables and flow charts

During the past decade as the data on gene sequences and expression patterns rapidly accumulated, cell-free protein synthesis technology has also experienced a revolution, becoming a powerful tool for the preparation of proteins for their functional and structural analysis. In Cell-Free Protein Production: Methods and Protocols, experts in the field contribute detailed techniques, the uses of which expand deep into the studies of biochemistry, molecular biology, and biotechnology. Beginning briefly with basic methods and historical aspects, the book continues with thorough coverage of protein preparation methods, the preparation of proteins that are generally difficult to prepare in their functional forms, applications of the cell-free technologies to protein engineering, as well as some methods that are expected to constitute a part of future technologies. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, the 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 cutting-edge, Cell-Free Protein Production: Methods and Protocols aims to help researchers continue the growth of the vital exploration of cell-free sciences and technologies in order to better understand the dynamic lives of cells.

The understanding of the role of dendritic cells (DCs) in immune responses has come a long way since Steinmann and colleagues described these cells in 1972. - tensive research during the intervening period has provided a good understanding of the complexity of the DC system and its pivotal role in immunity. It is also now clearer how different subsets of DCs interact and regulate each other and how DC populations affect the function of other cells of the immune system. The improved understanding of their role in immune response has led to the idea that modulation of DC functions by, for example, pharmacological agents could be used as a pot- tial therapeutic approach in some pathological conditions. The actual applicability and therapeutic potential of all these approaches is yet to be fully demonstrated but nonetheless, animal models of human diseases are proving to be very helpful in the evaluation of manipulated DCs as a new treatment in diseases like cancer, auto- munity or asthma. DCs are integral to the initiation and regulation of immune response (Banchereau et al. 2000). The outcome of antigen presentation by DCs is determined by their maturation status, which can be induced by their interaction with danger signals. To recognise a wide array of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP), DCs express a number of pattern recognition receptors (PRR) such as Toll-like rec- tors (TLRs) and C-type lectin receptors (CLR) that recognise structural components of pathogens and discriminate between self and non-self molecules.

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 2: Molecular and Applied Aspects examines a multitude of topics, including the bacteriophage genomics, metagenomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, along with applied bacteriophage biology. 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.

The term humanized mouse in this text refers to a mouse in which human tissues and cells have been transplanted and show the same biological function as they do in the human body. That is, the physiological properties and functions of tra- planted human tissues and cells can be analyzed in the mouse instead of using a living human body. It should therefore be possible to study the pathophysiology and treatment of human diseases in mice with good reproducibility. Thus, the hum- ized mouse can be used as a potent tool in both basic and clinical research in the future. The development of appropriate immunodeficient mice has been indispensable in the creation of the humanized mouse, which has been achieved through many years of efforts by several laboratories. The first stage on the road to the humanized mouse was the report on nude mice by Isaacson and Cattanach in 1962. Thereafter, nude mice were studied in detail by Falanagan and, in 1968, Pantelouris found that these mice have no thymus gland, which suggested that the mice lack transplan- tion immunity against xenografts such as human hematopoietic stem cells. At the Nude Mouse Workshops (organized by Regard, Povlsen, Nomura and colleagues) that were held nine times between 1972 and 1997, the possibility of creating a humanized mouse using nude mice was extensively examined. The results, however, showed that certain human cancers can be engrafted in nude mice, but unfortunately engraftment of normal human tissue was almost impossible.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) results from single or recurrent pulmonary thromboemboli arising from sites of venous thrombosis. In patients with CTEPH thro+mboemboli do not resolve, but rather they form endothelialized, fibrotic obstructions of the pulmonary vascular bed. Mechanisms underlying thrombus organisation are poorly understood. Because of the observation that infected intravenous leads enhance the likelihood of CTEPH, the hypothesis that bacterial infection causes a failure of thrombus resolution, has been tested. A mouse model of venous thrombus formation was employed to investigate thrombus resolution in the absence and in presence of low doses staphylococcus aureus. On days 3, 7, 14 and 28 after thrombus induction, animals were sacrificed, thrombi were harvested, fixed and embedded in paraffin. Thrombi of infected mice were larger than controls. Furthermore, fibrosis markers showed a different expression pattern.

Heart rejection is a major problem for heart transplant patients. The best strategy for understanding and preventing organ rejection is to study experimental animal models. The popular mouse model of heterotopic cardiac transplantation has been used for over three decades to help investigators understand the pathogenesis of graft rejection and in turn, how novel drugs can attenuate the immune response to transplanted organs. Also, since the genetic blueprint of mice is well-known, specific genes can be modified to study its effect on graft acceptance and tolerance. Despite the large potential for this model, little is known about the physiology, haemodynamics, and morphology of the transplanted heart and there is no method to assess objectively graft survival. This work describes in detail the use of high-frequency ultrasound for investigating the small transplanted mouse heart. For the first time, insights are made into blood flow, the effects of graft rejection, and organ survival with never before seen high-resolution images unachievable with conventional ultrasound. This work will be of significant interest to investigators, clinicians and students in the field.

Increased intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may result in tissue damage and are therefore associated with various diseases, especially with cancer. Apart from their potentially harmful functions, ROS have been identified as important mediators of essential cellular processes like apoptosis. Antioxidants are the cellular antagonists of ROS and act to neutralize the cytotoxic impact of oxyradicals. In healthy individuals, antioxidant systems serve to maintain intracellular ROS levels below a certain threshold, permitting the functionality of essential ROS-mediated signaling processes but preventing ROS overproduction and potential tissue damage. Even small shifts of the ROS-antioxidant balance may entail serious biological consequences. In the context of ROS-based anti-cancer applications inducing apoptosis, the action of antioxidants may critically influence the outcome of the therapy. Decreased antioxidant capacity that is induced purposefully as a therapeutic strategy may result in an improved anti-cancer action, whereas the external addition of antioxidants may reduce the cytotoxic potential of the therapy.

FLOW CYTOMETRY PRINCIPLES FOR CLINICAL LABORATORY PRACTICE
Quality Assurance for Quantitative Immunophenotyping
Marilyn A. Owens and Michael R. Loken
Flow Cytometry Principles for Clinical Laboratory Practice is an invaluable benchtop reference and introduction for first-time users of flow cytometry in clinical diagnostic laboratories. This manual provides authoritative coverage of accepted methods, quality controls, and standards for the cytometric analysis of clinical samples with particular relevance to CD4+ lymphocytes. CD4+ lymphocyte determination by immunophenotyping is the standard method for evaluating the status of HIV infection, and the single most frequent application of flow cytometry in a diagnostic setting.
Flow Cytometry Principles for Clinical Laboratory Practice will appeal to clinical laboratory technologists, medical practitioners, and cytometry lab directors in their role as instructors of new personnel. In addition, it is a valuable resource for clinical and biomedical researchers, establishing quantitative cytometric systems for studies in immunology and hematology.

Shows how nonlinear phenomena play a more and more important role for everybody using the laser "as a tool," making it unique in this respect.

Provides a basic knowledge of modern lasers, as well as the principles of nonlinear optical spectroscopy (and an exhaustive list of 4000 references)

From first-edition reviews: "Almost a handbook, reviewing in a single author's voice the basic properties of light and its linear and nonlinear interactions with matter, both in the absence and in the presence of absorption." Physics Today

This book is intended as a practical primer on the Pap test. Using bold text, tables, and highlighted areas, this book offers a user-friendly text on Pap test fundamentals so readers may find specific information effortlessly. The book is a useful tool for cytotechnologists and cytopathologists, as well as those in training. Readers preparing for various proficiency and licensing examinations will also find helpful information throughout.

Homeless women and female-headed families represent the fastest growing subgroups of homeless individuals. To expand the body of knowledge and provide further insight into the complex area of homelessness and health, health practices of sheltered homeless women were investigated using a cross-sectional, descriptive, and non-experimental design using Pender's Health Promotion Model as the theoretical framework. Homeless women in this study were found to be highly educated, mostly unemployed, and primarily single. A greater number of African Americans than represented in the local population were found to be shelter residents. Significant findings reflected women's personal strengths. Homeless women were noted to practice health-promoting behaviors in all areas but scored the lowest on physical activity; negative health behaviors related to tobacco use was widespread. Health care access and effective utilization of services were evidenced in the sample. This book is addressed to those who provide services to homeless women including shelters, clinics, nurses, outreach workers, and social workers.

Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) play an important role in the treatment of numerous neurodegenerative, cognitive and psychiatric disorders. How can we identify exogenous ligands mediating the effects of mGluRs? How do these ligands affect the receptor? The author Tobias Noeske presents the establishment of strategies for the identification and optimization of molecules acting as non-competitive antagonists of group I mGluRs. These strategies ensure high diversity in the identified chemotypes not resembling original reference molecules ("scaffold-hopping"). The detection of new scaffolds, in turn, is divided into two approaches: First the development of pharmacological assays to screen compounds at a certain target for their bioactivity, and second the evaluation of computer aided methods for the identification of virtual hits to be screened on the pharmacological assays. Promising molecules were optimized regarding bioactivity and selectivity, their binding mode investigated and, finally, compared to existing lead compounds. This book addresses scientists in academia and industry working in early stage drug discovery, predominantly in computer aided drug design.

Introduction to MOHS Cryotomy by Steven Lee is the first Manual written for those individuals interested in becoming Mohs Techs. The manual touches on all areas of a Mohs techs' responsibilities, with charts, diagrams and photographs to aid the beginner to better understand their most important responsibility. This manual covers Quality Control, Specimen Inking and Mapping, Embedding, Cryotomy, The Hematoxylin and Eosin Stain, Coverslipping and Troubleshooting. ~~~~~~~~~~Upon graduating Laboratory Technology training in New York City, Steven Lee moved to Florida where he began his work in Histology. Lee worked for one of the first Mohs Surgeons in Palm Beach County in 1982 and has continued working in that specialty for a number of surgeons in the South Florida region. This past year, Lee created the first employment Staffing Agency that specifically address this specialized area of expertise. www.mohstechstaffing.com is a website designed to place qualified Mohs Techs with Mohs Surgeons. In addition, Mr. Lee also offers individual and group training programs.~~~~~~~~~~~~~1stworldpublishing.com

A complete examination of the uses of the atomic force microscope in biology and medicine

This cutting-edge text, written by a team of leading experts, is the first detailed examination of the latest, most powerful scanning probe microscope, the atomic force microscope (AFM). Using the AFM, in combination with conventional tools and techniques, readers gain a profound understanding of the cell, subcellular organelles, and biomolecular structure and function.
The text begins with three chapters describing the molecular machinery and mechanism of cell secretion and membrane fusion in cells, using approaches that combine AFM, electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, photon correlation spectroscopy, molecular biology, biochemistry, and electrophysiology. The discovery of a new cellular structure the "porosome" or fusion pore--the cells secretory machinery, the molecular mechanism of membrane fusion in cells, and the expulsion of intravesicular contents during cell secretion are outlined in the first three chapters. The book also covers:
* Identification of the "porosome" in the growth hormone secreting cell of the pituitary gland
* Probing the structural and physical properties of microbial cell surfaces
* Scanning probe microscopic characterization of the higher plant cell wall and its components
* Case studies of nano drug delivery systems using engineered dendrimers
* AFM techniques for studying living cells
* Investigating the intermolecular forces of leukocyte adhesion molecules
* Protein-protein interactions
* Micromechanical properties of lipid bilayers and vesicles
The text concludes with four chapters that examine new and emerging approaches in the use of force microscopy in biology and medicine.
This text is ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate students and researchers in cell and molecular biology, genetics, genomics, physiology, neuroscience, biophysics, and biochemistry. Not only does it provide the theory, but also practical considerations such as the selection of the right tools and approach.

The X-ray equipment maintenance and repairs workbook is intended to help and guide staff working with, and responsible for, radiographic equipment and installations in remote institutions where the necessary technical support is not available, to perform routine maintenance and minor repairs of equipment to avoid break downs. The book can be used for self study and as a checklist for routine maintenance procedures.

A one-of-a-kind roadmap for foreign medical graduates seeking positions in the United States. Includes user-friendly advice on obtaining a visa; moving to and living in America; passing the USMLE, CSA, and TOEFL; developing residency survival skills; and practicing medicine successfully in the USA.