This book summarizes the contributions at an April 2016 conference held at Albany Medical College, Reproductive Ethics: New Challenges and Conversations. Reproductive ethics does not suffer from a lack of challenging issues, yet a few "hot button" issues such as abortion and surrogacy seem to attract most of the attention, while other issues and dilemmas remain relatively underdeveloped in bioethics literature. The goal of this book is to explore and expand the range of topics addressed in reproductive ethics. This is a multi-disciplinary book bringing together philosophers, clinicians, sociologists, anthropologists, and other scholars whose research or clinical interests touch reproductive issues. The results of this compilation are a comprehensive and unique discussion of the evolving issues in the rapidly changing field. The majority of the popular reproductive ethics anthologies were published at least 10 years ago. The field of reproductive ethics would benefit from a new anthology that addresses some of the perennial dilemmas in reproductive ethics (e.g. abortion, sex selection) from updated perspectives and that also covers new technologies that have emerged only in the last few years, such as social egg freezing.

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

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.

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

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.

Metastatic dissemination of cancer is a main cause of cancer related deaths, therefore biological mechanisms implicated in metastatic process presents an essential object of cancer research. This research requires creation and utilization of adequate laboratory models. The book describes main approaches to model processes of metastatic cancer dissemination and metastases development. The book is structured in according with various metastatic pathways reflecting molecular specificity of metastatic process as well as anatomical specificity of aria of dissemination. Each chapter is introduced by short discussion of clinical aspects of certain metastatic pathway. Especial attention is paid for methods of visualization, quantification and analysis of the modeled metastases. Additional chapter is devoted to methods of mathematic modeling of tumor spread. The data presented in the book may be helpful for cancer researchers and oncologists.

Scientists challenging dominant paradigms are either ignored or attacked by the scientific mainstream. This book, however, contains a selection of scientific papers presented at the two last GIRI meetings (International Research Group on Very Low Dose and High Dilution Effects). The majority of these papers present results performed with succussed high dilutions (homeopathic dilutions), even beyond the Avogrado number. All presented models are classified, and their interpretation is possible either in the mechanistic paradigm or in an information paradigm. This new field of research introduces new scientific concepts which are supported by experimental results. Furthermore, this nascent science is totally concerned with living organisms and, as such, it becomes necessary to define information' brought by non-molecular high dilutions. This book presents brain-storming work of this research group and is one of the starting points of a scientific evolution.

During the past two decades, many books, governmental reports and regu lations on safety measures against chemieals, fire, microbiological and radioactive hazards in laboratories have been published from various coun tries. These topics have also been briefly discussed in books on laboratory planning and management. The application ofvarious scientific instruments based on different ionizing and non-ionizing radiations have brought new safety problems to the laboratory workers of today, irrespective of their scientific disciplines, be they medicine, natural or life sciences. However, no comprehensive laboratory handbook dealing with aIl these hazards, some of which are recently introduced, had so far been available in a single volume. Therefore, it was thought worthwhile to publish this Handbook on safety and health measures for laboratories, with contributions from several experts on these subjects. As this second edition of the Handbook, like the first edition, is a multiauthor volume, some duplication in conte nt among chapters is unavoidable in order to maintain the context of a chapter as weIl as make each chapter complete. An attempt has also been made to maintain the central theme, which is how to work in a laboratory with maximum possible environmental safety."

A comprehensive description of macroscopic, microscopic, and radiological methods for the diagnosis of bone diseases. The book presents all the procedures involved in diagnosis, using not only radiological and histological techniques, but also modern immunohistochemical and scintigraphic methods. Succinct and well-structured therapeutic recommendations are provided for an array of bone diseases, making this a practice-oriented reference work for pathologists, radiologists, rheumatologists, and orthopedists.

Technological advances have revolutionized the way we manage information in our daily workflow. The medical field has especially benefitted from these advancements, improving patient treatment, health data storage, and the management of laboratory samples and results.Laboratory Management Information Systems: Current Requirements and Future Perspectives responds to the issue of administering appropriate regulations in a medical laboratory environment in the era of telemedicine, electronic health records, and other e-health services. Exploring concepts such as the implementation of ISO 15189:2012 policies and the effects of e-health application, this book is an integral reference source for researchers, academicians, students of health care programmes, health professionals, and laboratory personnel.

Recently, important new findings in the polyamine field and a variety of new experimental systems have revolutionized the study of these ubiquitous cellular components, essential for normal growth and development. In "Polyamines: Methods and Protocols," leading researchers contribute an extensive collection of up-to-date laboratory techniques for the further pursuit of polyamine study. The volume delves into vital subjects such as neoplasia studies with animal models and human patients, therapeutic roles for polyamine inhibitors and analogs, polyamine metabolism and oxidative damage, polyamines as regulators of critical ion channels, as well as polyamine transport systems and polyamine-responsive genes. 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 expert notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Comprehensive and cutting-edge, "Polyamines: Methods and Protocols" provides a key resource for all scientists pursuing the study of this dynamic and significant aspect of cellular biology."

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.

Jurgen Schulte and Christian Endler met in 1990 at an international conference on the Structure of Water held in the Lecture Halls of the University of Graz (Austria). Disappointed by the lack of a systematic strategy of research into the physics of homoeopathy Jurgen Schulte started to work on the establishment of scientifically acceptable research standards in physics of homoeopathy and encouraged academic researchers to establish a coordinated and focused research strategy. In 1994, with the help of major representatives of the international research community, they edited one of the fIrst academic interdisciplinary books on Ultra High Dilution and homoeopathy that underwent a rigorous scientific international referee process before publishing. Due to the dedicated help of the prominent referees (BD Josephson, Nobel Laureate, Cavendish Lab. , Cambridge; M Bastide, Fac de Pharmacy, University Montpellier; RG Jahn, Aerospace Science, Princeton University), the book 1994 was quickly considered a mile stone and turning point for the scientific approach of research into Ultra High Dilution and homoeopathy. Since then the academic research community has grown considerably and many international conferences have been held. Today, research into homoeopathy is to be accepted by the European Union as part of the academic sciences, worthy to be funded at European Union level; an effort that took many years of research coordination and research strategy development. Excerpts of the Research Strategy of the European Committee for Homoeopathy (ECH) have been included in this book.

John R. Petersen and Amin A. Mohammad, along with a panel of leading basic and clinical investigators, review those CE methods that are now replacing many routine serum and blood tests in clinical and forensic laboratories. Major areas reviewed include the coating of columns; the analysis of serum, urine, and CSF proteins and paraproteins; abnormal hemoglobins and hemoglobin Alc; peptides, amino and organic acids; therapeutic drugs; drugs of abuse; viral load; and short tandem repeats (STR). The methods discussed include capillary zone, micellar, electrokinetic, capillary gel, and non-aqueous electrophoresis. Innovative and highly practical, Clinical and Forensic Applications of Capillary Electrophoresis demonstrates the power and versatility of CE-not only to develop new assays, but also to markedly simplify today's clinical and forensic laboratory methodology.

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

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.

This combination manual and downloadable resources provide much-needed training on the proper handling of rats used in biomedical research. The downloadable resources include narrated video clips that demonstrate and describe each procedural technique. The manual contains handouts with color illustrations and descriptive text for each technique, including the purpose and application of the procedure, recommended skills, and necessary supplies. It can be used as a training resource and refresher for lab animal veterinarians, veterinary technicians, animal care staff, trainers, and research investigators and staff who work with rats.

Reviewing the topic from antiquity to the present day, this book examines the debate over the use of animals in research in a fair and balanced way. The debate over the use of nonhuman animals in experimental research has gone on for centuries, and it continues as vigorously today as it ever has. In fact, in the last decade, the controversy has intensified, making animal testing a topic at the highest level of debate of any socioscientific issue in the United States. This book presents all sides of the issue so that readers can come to their own conclusions as to the morality and validity of animal experimentation, and provides biographies of individuals and descriptions of organizations that have been involved in the debate over the centuries. Additionally, it documents the historical shift in thinking that made animal experimentation commonplace between the time of the ancient Greeks and the 19th century, to the mindset of some who argue for an end to the practice and alternative ways of conducting medical experimentation to benefit human health. Presents an introduction to the history of scientific research utilizing animals and a thorough review of current issues relating to animal experimentation Provides perspectives in which stakeholders in the field outline and explain their personal views on animal testing Supplies an extensive annotated bibliography of books, articles, reports, and online resources Includes profiles of important individuals and organizations Provides an outstanding resource for secondary school students, undergraduates, or general readers with an interest in medical and biological research or animal welfare

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.

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.

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.

This volume describes state-of-the-art protocols that serve as "recipes" for scientists concentrating on fibrosis research. This book is divided into four sections. Part I focuses on animal models of fibrosis and covers topics such as mimicking fibrosis in the lungs, skin, liver and heart, and generating transgenic mouse models. Part II discusses cell culture systems, where the chapters explore cell types important for the development of fibrosis. Part III looks at the purification, quantification, and analysis of the ECM proteins, and Part IV describes computer-assisted methods such as quantifying fibrillar collagen alignment and exploring the nano-surface of collagen with atomic force microscopy (AFM). 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 tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and practical, Fibrosis: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource aimed at outstanding quality and repeatability of research experiments in the fibrosis field.

Despite the many milestones in cystic fibrosis (CF) research, progress toward curing the disease has been slow, and it is increasingly difficult to grasp and use the already wide and still growing range of diverse methods currently employed to study CF so as to understand it in its multidisciplinary nature. Cystic Fibrosis: Diagnosis and Protocols aims to provide the CF research community and related researchers with a very wide range of high-quality experimental tools, as an easy way to grasp and use classical and novel methods applied to cystic fibrosis. Volume II: Methods and Resources to Understand Cystic Fibrosis focuses on pathophysiology, Omics approaches, and a variety of key resources recently made available for CF research. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and practical, Cystic Fibrosis: Diagnosis and Protocols will provide readers with optimal working tools to address pressing questions in the best technical way, while helping all of us, as a research and clinical community, to move faster hand-in-hand toward unravelling the secrets of this challenging disorder and cure it.

Cardiovascular immunology is a newly emerging research area, investigating the crosstalk between the cardiovascular and the immune system. This crosstalk is evident through (1) crucial immunological capacities and functions of cardiovascular cell types, including cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, pericytes and cardiac resident macrophages, (2) the impact of aberrant immune function on the development of cardiovascular disease such as atherosclerosis, direct and indirect immune-mediated heart disease and vasculitis, and (3) the crucial role of the immune system in cardiac repair and regeneration. The Immunology of Cardiovascular Homeostasis and Pathology covers all these aspects of cardiovascular immunology, starting with homeostatic immunological functions of traditional cardiovascular cell types, and moving then to the role of the immune system in cardiovascular pathology and to recent research into targeting the immune system to boost cardiac healing and regeneration.

A wide range of research methods for the study of vascular development, from basic laboratory protocols to advanced technologies used in clinical practice, are covered in this work. A range of methodologies such as molecular imaging platforms and signalling analysis, along with tumour models are collated here. Four sections explore in vitro techniques, in vivo and ex vivo manipulations, imaging and histological analysis and other novel techniques in vascular biology. Readers will discover basic methodologies used for analysis of endothelial cell growth in vitro, including co-culture models of vessel formation. Authors also explore isolation and purification of cells and methods for analysis of data and visualization of localized vasculature with modern imaging platforms. Both animal models and human disease are covered in this work. Each chapter contains helpful sections on trouble shooting, additional notes and links, supporting the reader to carry out protocols. This book will appeal to students, researchers and medical professionals working in all vascular-linked fields such as cardio- and cerebrovascular, cancer and dementia.