This Springer Protocols manual is a practical guide to the application of key molecular biology techniques in microbiological research. The focus is on experimental protocols, which are presented in an easy-to-follow way, as step-by-step procedures for direct use in the laboratory. Notes on how to successfully apply the procedures are included, as well as recommendations regarding materials and suppliers. In addition to the practical protocols, important background information and representative results of experiments using the described methods are presented. Researchers in all areas applying microbial systems, such as in molecular biology, genetics, pathology, and agricultural research will find this work of great value.

This volume focuses on the roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in contexts ranging from human cancers to cardiovascular disease and ageing. The role of lncRNAs in X-inactivation and those lncRNAs derived from pseudogenes, past retroelements integrated within the human genome, as well as the role these pseudogene-derived lncRNAs play in cancer development are discussed in detail. Further, the book examines the function of lncRNAs in diseases such as diabetes, in smooth muscle formation, and in the modulation of nuclear receptors, as well as in connection with perspectives on the development of personalized therapeutics. It offers an appealing and insightful resource for scientists and clinicians alike.

The book is an update on contentious or unsettled issues concerning invasive diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in cancer and related disorders, focusing on the surgical approach. Topics include recommendations for the best practice in using the surgery safety checklist, surgical strategies in a variety of thoracic cancers, renal cell carcinoma, tumors of parathyroid glands, mesothelioma, and bariatric surgeries. The focus is on the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of aggressive cancerous entities, choosing the most beneficial modes for optimal outcomes and patient survival. Chapters also address radioimaging and therapy outcomes in different intracranial lesions leading to severe neurological disabilities. The areas of medical practice addressed are still veiled in uncertainty, yet-unresolved pathogenetic background, and have a substantial component of empirical rather than evidence-based clinical approach. Pursuing and sharing new ideas and innovations is essential for improving the management and outcome. The book endeavors to disseminate and deliberate on the latest medical knowledge, studies, and advancements in surgical and diagnostic dealing with cancer. The book is addressed to physicians and surgeons, and all allied health care professionals engaged in patient care and therapy.

This book provides an integrated review of the human ocular microbiome. It documents the discovery of ocular surface microbes by the conventional cultivable method and next generation sequencing technologies in both healthy and diseased (keratitis, uveitis, endophthalmitis, blepharitis, conjunctivitis etc.) eyes. The book further discusses the confounding factors that influence the microbiome, mycobiome and virome. The chapters cover niche-specificity with reference to skin, eyelid- margin, hands etc. It highlights the concept of core genera, dysbiosis and discriminating genera and covers the functional relevance of the dysbiotic microbiome, mycobiome and virome with respect to ocular diseases. The book includes topics on the relevance of molecular mechanisms, including quorum-sensing and mucin metabolism to ocular disorders, such as dry eye; and, microbiome-based therapies for treating of ocular disorders like vernal keratoconjunctivitis. The book is essential for microbiologists studying the human eye, ophthalmologists treating eye infection and trauma. It also caters to students of medical microbiology and medicine.

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and infects approximately 75 million individuals worldwide. It is also one of the major causes of liver cancer and liver transplants. The elucidation of the HCV genome, and the development of a whole cell system to study the virus spurred the search for novel direct acting antiviral drugs to cure this disease. This global effort culminated in the development of direct acting antiviral drugs that led to cure rates approaching 100% in all patient populations after only 8-12 weeks of therapy. These efforts resulted in one of the greatest achievements in public health and provides the potential for eliminating HCV as a major disease worldwide. This volume is aimed at a broad audience of academic and industrial scientists interested in the discovery and development of drugs to treat viral diseases and those interested in reading about one of the most unique accomplishments in biomedical research. The volume will provide a one of a kind reference work that highlights the many efforts, from the discovery of the HCV virus, to the invention of breakthrough medicines and their use in the real world to cure patients. It is the companion book to the volume "HCV: The Journey from Discovery to a Cure - Volume I".

This book reviews new promising drug targets for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), with a special focus on antiprotozoal drugs against trpyanosomatids Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. The book offers a comprehensive overview of the most recent studied targets, and it outlines classical and new treatments and delivery strategies. Expert contributors describe new methods of analysis and bio-prospecting for new compounds, and provide a critical perspective of the translational process used in the research and development of new drug candidates. The book will appeal not only to researchers, students and professionals interested in drug development to protozoan diseases, but also to medicinal chemists in general.

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), isolated in 1966, continues to draw worldwide attention as an important human pathogen. Its impor tance is largely related to the continuing accumulation of evidence that implicates EBV as an etiological factor for certain types of human cancer. More recent investigations on this virus have focused on the identity of the viral genes responsible for the different disease mani festations observed following viral infection. It is hoped that by thorough investigation of this virus, clues to how cancer develops from a normal cell will surface. In addition, many of the gene products are now being exploited for the development of new and more sensitive tests for the diagnosis and clinical management of individu als with EBV -associated diseases. Thus, studies on this virus continue to provide new information of importance to our understanding of the malignant process. In an effort to attract both basic and clinical scientists to the same meeting for purposes of scientific exchange and fostering a closer interaction between these individuals, a series of international symposia was initiated in 1984. The first meeting was held in Loutraki, Greece, and was attended by approximately 100 participants. The second international symposium was held in St. Petersburg, Florida, in 1986, and was attended by approximately twice as many partici pants as attended the Loutraki meeting."

This multidisciplinary book discusses the manifold challenges arctic marine and terrestrial wildlife, ecosystems and people face these times. Major health threats caused by the consequences of climate change, environmental pollution and increasing tourism in northern regions around the globe are explored. The most common infectious diseases in wild and domesticated arctic animals are reviewed and the impact they could have on circumpolar ecosystems as well as on the lives of arctic people are profoundly discussed. Moreover, the book reviews arctic hunting, herding and food conservation strategies and introduces veterinary medicine in remote indigenous communities. "Arctic One Health" is authored by experts based in arctic regions spanning from North America over Europe to Asia to cover a broad range of topics and perspectives. The book addresses researchers in Veterinary Medicine, Ecology, Microbiology and Anthropology. The book contributes towards achieving the UN Sustainable Developmental Goals, in particular SDG 15, Life on Land.

This essential volume explores a variety of tools and protocols of structure-based (homology modeling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, protein-protein interaction network) and ligand-based (pharmacophore mapping, quantitative structure-activity relationships or QSARs) drug design for ranking and prioritization of candidate molecules in search of effective treatment strategy against coronaviruses. Beginning with an introductory section that discusses coronavirus interactions with humanity and COVID-19 in particular, the book then continues with sections on tools and methodologies, literature reports and case studies, as well as online tools and databases that can be used for computational anti-coronavirus drug research. Written for the Methods in Pharmacology and Toxicology series, chapters include the kind of practical detail and implementation advice that ensures high quality results in the lab. Comprehensive and timely, In Silico Modeling of Drugs Against Coronaviruses: Computational Tools and Protocols is an ideal reference for researchers working on the development of novel anti-coronavirus drugs for SARS-CoV-2 and for coronaviruses that will likely appear in the future.

Microbial physiology, biochemistry and genetics allowed the formulation of concepts that turned out to be important in the study of higher organisms. In the first section, the principles of bacterial growth are given, as well as the description of the different layers that enclose the bacterial cytoplasm, and their role in obtaining nutrients from the outside media through different permeability mechanism described in detail. A chapter is devoted to allostery and is indispensable for the comprehension of many regulatory mechanisms described throughout the book. Another section analyses the mechanisms by which cells obtain the energy necessary for their growth, glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, the tricarboxylic and the anaplerotic cycles. Two chapters are devoted to classes of microorganisms rarely dealt with in textbooks, namely the Archaea, mainly the methanogenic bacteria, and the methylotrophs. Eight chapters describe the principles of the regulations at the transcriptional level, with the necessary knowledge of the machineries of transcription and translation. The next fifteen chapters deal with the biosynthesis of the cell building blocks, amino acids, purine and pyrimidine nucleotides and deoxynucleotides, water-soluble vitamins and coenzymes, isoprene and tetrapyrrole derivatives and vitamin B12. The two last chapters are devoted to the study of protein-DNA interactions and to the evolution of biosynthetic pathways. The considerable advances made in the last thirty years in the field by the introduction of gene cloning and sequencing and by the exponential development of physical methods such as X-ray crystallography or nuclear magnetic resonance have helped presenting metabolism under a multidisciplinary attractive angle.

From tuberculosis to bird flu and HIV to coronavirus, these infectious diseases share a common origin story: human interaction with animals. Otherwise known as zoonotic diseases for their passage from animals to humans, these pathogens - both pre-existing ones and those newly identified - emerge and re-emerge throughout history, sparking epidemics and pandemics that have resulted in millions of deaths around the world. How did these diseases come about? And what-if anything-can we do to stop them and their fatal march into our countries, our homes, and our bodies?

In How to Survive a Pandemic, Dr. Michael Greger, physician and internationally-recognized expert on public health issues, delves into the origins of some of the deadliest pathogens the world has ever seen. Tracing their evolution from the past until today, Dr. Greger spotlights emerging flu and coronaviruses as he examines where these pathogens originated, as well as the underlying conditions and significant human role that have exacerbated their lethal influence to large, and even global, levels.

As the world grapples with the devastating impact of the novel coronavirus 2019, Dr. Greger reveals not only what we can do to protect ourselves and our loved ones during a pandemic, but also what human society must rectify to reduce the likelihood of even worse catastrophes in the future.

HPV Gene Expression: The Antibody Response Against p53 in Cancer Patients (G. Matlashewski). Enhanced Production of WildType p53 Inhibits Growth and Differentiation of Normal Foreskin Epithelial Cells but not Cell Lines Containing Human Papillomavirus DNA (C.D. Woodworth et al.). Humoral Responses to HPV: Humoral Immune Response to Genital Human Papillomavirus Infections (L. Gissman). HPV 16 Antibodies in Cervical Cancer Patients and Healthy Control Women (V. Vonka et al.). Cell Mediated Immunity to HPV: Evolution of Class I HLA Antigen Presenting Molecules (P. Parham). Major Histocompatibility Complex Expression and Antigen Presentation in Cervical Cancer (J.S. Bartholomew et al.). Animal Models and Therapeutic Strategies: Skin Test Reactivity to Papilloma Cells Is Long Lasting in Domestic Rabbits After Regression of Cottontail Rabbit PapillomavirusInduced Papillomas (R.M. Hoepfl et al.). 42 additional articles. Index.

This book discusses recent developments in several laboratories studying leishmaniasis. Sequencing of the human genome, as well as of the leishmania genome, has led to significant advances in our understanding of host-immune responses against leishmania, and mechanisms of infection-induced pathology, which is responsible for morbidity and mortality. Pathogenesis of Leishmaniasis focuses on the latest basic research into leishmaniasis, but also addresses how advances in understanding can be applied to prevention, control and treatment of what the WHO has classified a neglected tropical disease.

Lippincott (R) Connect Featured Title Purchase of the new print edition of this Lippincott (R) Connect title includes access to the digital version of the book, plus related materials such as videos and multiple-choice Q&A and self-assessments. Known for generations as the most comprehensive foundational text on medical microbiology, Schaechter's Mechanisms of Microbial Disease delivers a thorough understanding of microbial agents and the pathophysiology of microbial diseases. This trusted text is universally praised for "telling the story of a pathogen" in an engaging way, facilitating learning and recall by emphasizing unifying principles and paradigms. Content is uniquely organized by microbial class and by organ system, making it equally at home in traditional and systems-based curricula. This updated 6th Edition reflects the latest advances in the field, including significant enhancements to the coverage of serious threats to global health (including COVID-19), respiratory and childhood viruses, and sexually transmitted diseases. New illustrations and additional learning features further clarify concepts, reinforce understanding, and help users confidently prepare for board exams and beyond. Abundant full-color images clarify microbial concepts, structures, and processes in vivid detail. New Subject Review Tables broaden students' understanding of chapter content with additional context and detail. Paradigm boxes reinforce general principles through key examples. Case Studies with problem-solving questions, questions provide insight into clinical applications of microbiology, challenge students to apply what they've learned to common clinical scenarios. Key Concepts keep students focused on essential information. Suggested Readings guide students to relevant field research. Bolded Terms familiarize students with new or challenging terms. New content related to the COVID-19 pandemic concerning the virology, clinical features, treatment, and prevention of coronaviruses added to several relevant chapters prepares students for the clinical challenges ahead. Lippincott (R) Connect features: Full access to the digital version of the book with the ability to highlight and take notes on key passages for a more personal, efficient study experience. Carefully curated resources, such as interactive diagrams, audio and video tutorials, and self-assessment, all designed to facilitate further comprehension. Lippincott (R) Connect also allows users to create Study Collections to further personalize the study experience. With Study Collections you can: Pool content from books across your entire library into self-created Study Collections based on discipline, procedure, organ, concept or other topics. Display related text passages, video clips and self-assessment questions from each book (if available) for efficient absorption of material. Annotate and highlight key content for easy access later. Navigate seamlessly between book chapters, sections, self-assessments, notes and highlights in a single view/page.

It goes almost without saying that there has been a marked increase in the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases throughout the world in the past two to three decades. Indeed, despite the progress that has been made in methods of diagnosis and treatment, the sexually transmitted diseases as a whole are the most common communicable diseases and as such constitute an important health problem. The increase in incidence may be accounted for by changes in sexual behaviour, the introduction of contraceptives and the increasing mobility of the population. In addition, during the same time period, the number of infectious agents recognized as being sexually transmitted has increased considerably. These include Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus and hepatitis B virus. Indeed, some are as dependent on sexual transmission as the agents which cause the traditional venereal diseases and collectively they cause morbidity which has out-stripped that caused by gonorrhoea and syphilis. It could almost be said that to know the sexually transmitted diseases is to know micro biology. However, the approach taken in this book has not been to consider individual infectious agents and evaluate what they do and do not cause but to consider clinical conditions and what might be responsible for them. To cover the complete spectrum of the sexually transmitted diseases in a comprehensive way now takes a text book of massive proportion."

About 7 million people worldwide are suffering from various inherited neuromuscular diseases. Gene therapy brings the hope of treating these diseases at their genetic roots. Muscle Gene Therapy is the only book dedicated to this topic. The first edition was published in 2010 when the field was just about to enter its prime time. The progress made since then has been unprecedented. The number of diseases that have been targeted by gene therapy has increased tremendously. The gene therapy toolbox is expanded greatly with many creative novel strategies (such as genome editing and therapy with disease-modifying genes). Most importantly, clinical benefits have begun to emerge in human patients. To reflect rapid advances in the field, we have compiled the second edition of Muscle Gene Therapy with contributions from experts that have conducted gene therapy studies either in animal models and/or in human patients. The new edition offers a much needed, up-to-date overview and perspective on the foundation and current status of neuromuscular disease gene therapy. It provides a framework to the development and regulatory approval of muscle gene therapy drugs in the upcoming years. This book is a must-have for anyone who is interested in neuromuscular disease gene therapy including those in the research arena (established investigators and trainees in the fields of clinical practice, veterinary medicine and basic biomedical sciences), funding and regulatory agencies, and patient community.

This volume reviews the unique and common features of rhabdoviruses, which have a very wide host range and are associated with human diseases and also infect domestic livestock and agricultural plants, causing enormous economic loss.

The alpha herpesviruses are an important group of viruses characterized by a short reproductive cycle, rapid destruction of the host cell, and the ability to replicate in a wide variety of host tissues. A key attribute of these viruses is the ability to establish lifelong latent infection in the peripheral nervous system of the natural host. Research into the molecular and cellular biology of the alpha herpesviruses has advanced greatly in recent years. Written by internationally recognized experts, this book highlights the more provocative and exciting findings in herpesvirus research. Each chapter is a review of a specific area with an emphasis on recent advances and the latest developments. The book examines multifunctional proteins, advances in DNA replication, new information on the regulation of gene expression, the emergence of new technologies, recent technological advances in fluorescent probes, the induction of apoptosis, the disruption of interferon, vaccine development, and

This volume details applications in molecular biological techniques and focuses on applications to determine the involvement of glycans in virus interactions. Chapters guide readers through glycan analysis, glycan distribution analysis, glycan and lectin microarray, preparation of recombinant viral domain protein, reverse genetics and receptor binding, virus-host interactions and receptor binding, and sialidase: assays and inhibitors. Written in the 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 protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Glycovirology: Methods and Protocols aims to be an essential resource for researchers who wish to learn more about glycovirology.

Paris is a cosmopolitan city where roaring life, wonderful museums and excellent science can be found. It was during the XI IUMS conference held in this city that the Pseudomonas book series was ?rst envisaged. On the ?rst row of the auditorium sat a group of outstanding scientists in the ?eld, who after devoting much of their valuable time, contributed in an exceptional manner to the ?rst three volumes of the series, which saw the light simultaneously. The volumes were grouped under the generic titles of "Vol. I. Pseudomonas: Genomics, Life Style and Molecular Architecture", Vol. II. Pseudomonas: Virulence and gene regulation; Vol. III. Pseudomonas: Biosynthesis of Macromolecules and Molecular Metabolism. Soon after the completion of the ?rst three volumes, a rapid search for ar- cles containing the word Pseudomonas in the title in the last 10 years produced over 6,000 articles! Consequently, not all possible topics relevant to this genus were covered in the three ?rst volumes. Since then two other volumes were p- lished: Pseudomonas volume IV edited by Roger Levesque and Juan L. Ramos that came to being with the intention of collecting some of the most relevant emerging new issues that had not been dealt with in the three previous volumes. This v- ume was arranged after the Pseudomonas meeting organized by Roger Levesque in Quebec (Canada). It dealt with various topics grouped under a common heading: "Pseudomonas: Molecular Biology of Emerging Issues".

This volume focuses on virus-host cell interactions, cellular genes acquired or modulated by viruses, the pathological effects of these interactions, and therapeutic interventions. Several chapters specifically address the role of viruses and genes - such as oncogenes, proto-oncogenes, or tumor suppressor genes - in the etiology of human cancer. Oncogenic signaling by PI3 kinase, mTOR, Akt, or the major cancer drivers MYC and RAF, and the role of tumor suppressors like p53, are discussed in detail. The volume also explores the emerging role of noncoding RNAs such as microRNAs in tumorigenesis and cancer therapeutics, and offers new insights into the role of HIV-host interactions relevant to pathogenesis and treatment. Gathering contributions written by leading scientists in their respective fields, the volume offers a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians alike.

This book summarizes the progress in studies of tuberculosis host-pathogen interactions from several perspectives: molecular microbiology, immunology, animal models, clinical studies, epidemiology, and drug discovery. Tuberculosis (TB) remains a severe global public health problem. Complex interactions between environmental, microbial and host factors lead to clinically relevant infections. Studies on bacterial virulence, host-genetic, and immunological factors contributing to the susceptibility to TB provide an ever-growing foundation of knowledge that is critical to finding new interventions. Studies of immune mechanisms against M. tuberculosis infection have identified immunological markers associated with specific phenotypes in the host, providing insight into how they may be used to augment current treatment strategies. Recent advances in diagnosis, therapeutics and vaccines, as well as basic-research oriented studies have shed light on the development of new directions for prevention, treatment and control of TB. Improved understanding of the interplay between the bacterium and host is a key component of reducing incidence worldwide.

This books comprises of 24 chapters by experts from developed and developing countries. The book cover Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Fiji, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, the UK and England, USA, West Africa, and Zambia. FOREWORD by David J. Hunter, Emeritus Professor, Newcastle University, the UK.