Over the last ten years, much effort has been devoted to improving the biophysical techniques used in the study of viruses. This has resulted in the visualization of these large macromolecular assemblages at atomic level, thus providing the platform for functional interpretation and therapeutic design. Structural Virology covers a wide range of topics and is split into three sections. The first discusses the vast biophysical methodologies used in structural virology, including sample production and purification, confocal microscopy, mass spectrometry, negative-stain and cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The second discusses the role of virus capsid protein structures in determining the functional roles required for receptor recognition, cellular entry, capsid assembly, genome packaging and mechanisms of host immune system evasion. The last section discusses therapeutic strategies based on virus protein structures, including the design of antiviral drugs and the development of viral capsids as vehicles for foreign gene delivery. Each topic covered will begin with a review of the current literature followed by a more detailed discussion of experimental procedures, a step in the viral life cycle, or strategies for therapeutic development. With contributions from experts in the field of structural biology and virology this exceptional monograph will appeal to biomedical scientists involved in basic and /or applied research on viruses. It also provides up-to-date reference material for students entering the field of structural virology as well as scientists already familiar with the area.

Chikungunya and Zika Viruses: Global Emerging Health Threats is the go-to resource for both historical and current information on this important virus that is rapidly increasing its global range. Epidemics since 2005 have spread from Africa and Asia, and through Europe, and an ongoing epidemic has caused nearly two million cases in the Americas. It causes severe crippling arthritis, with symptoms lasting for months or years. As no vaccine or treatment is available, there is international interest in the virus, thus funding opportunities for research have dramatically increased. This book presents our understanding of the virus, bringing comprehensive knowledge in a single source.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of metabonomics and gut microbiota research from molecular analysis to population-based global health considerations. The topics include the discussion of the applications in relation to metabonomics and gut microbiota in nutritional research, in health and disease and a review of future therapeutical, nutraceutical and clinical applications. It also examines the translatability of systems biology approaches into applied clinical research and to patient health and nutrition. The rise in multifactorial disorders, the lack of understanding of the molecular processes at play and the needs for disease prediction in asymptomatic conditions are some of the many questions that system biology approaches are well suited to address. Achieving this goal lies in our ability to model and understand the complex web of interactions between genetics, metabolism, environmental factors and gut microbiota. Being the most densely populated microbial ecosystem on earth, gut microbiota co-evolved as a key component of human biology, essentially extending the physiological definition of humans. Major advances in microbiome research have shown that the contribution of the intestinal microbiota to the overall health status of the host has been so far underestimated. Human host gut microbial interaction is one of the most significant human health considerations of the present day with relevance for both prevention of disease via microbiota-oriented environmental protection as well as strategies for new therapeutic approaches using microbiota as targets and/or biomarkers. In many aspects, humans are not a complete and fully healthy organism without their appropriate microbiological components. Increasingly, scientific evidence identifies gut microbiota as a key biological interface between human genetics and environmental conditions encompassing nutrition. Microbiota dysbiosis or variation in metabolic activity has been associated with metabolic deregulation (e.g. obesity, inflammatory bowel disease), disease risk factor (e.g. coronary heart disease) and even the aetiology of various pathologies (e.g. autism, cancer), although causal role into impaired metabolism still needs to be established. Metabonomics and Gut Microbiota in Nutrition and Disease serves as a handbook for postgraduate students, researchers in life sciences or health sciences, scientists in academic and industrial environments working in application areas as diverse as health, disease, nutrition, microbial research and human clinical medicine.

Helicobacter pylori Protocols offers an outstanding collection of state-of-the-art protocols for the identification and molecular manipulation of H. pylori. The authoritative contributors supply detailed and readily reproducible protocols for the culturing of H. pylori, for the isolation and restriction endonuclease digestion of H. pylori chromosomal DNA, and for the transformation and insertional mutagenesis of H. pylori. They also provide molecular epidemiological techniques, including ribotyping, PCR-RFLP, and RAPD-PCR. These procedures have been developed by leading practitioners to solve the difficult technical problems created by the application of the powerful bacterial genetic and molecular cloning techniques to H. pylori.

This book discusses the sources, human health hazards and risk prevention strategies associated with aeolian dust particles (fine and ultrafine) in the atmosphere. It covers the challenges of accurately forecasting aeolian dust and the need to raise public awareness on the warning signs and harmful impacts of airborne dust. Also discussed is the presence of microorganisms, heavy metals and other pollutants in dust which contributes to harmful impacts on human health as well as management and treatment options for the various health issues that can result from exposure. The book is a useful resource for scientists, engineers and policymakers interested in dust and health.

Studies on Hepatitis Viruses: Life Cycle, Structure, Functions, and Inhibition presents the latest on this systemic infection that predominantly affects the liver with inflammation that can be acute or chronic. Hepatitis viruses have been the subject of intense study in the last twenty years, with a wealth of information related to their lifecycle, structure, functions and inhibition being presented. This book compiles the most important developments and research, giving users a very useful guide on this evolving area of virology and medicinal chemistry.

The aim of this book is to provide readers with a wide overview of the main healthcare-associated infections caused by bacteria and fungi able to grow as biofilm. The recently acquired knowledge on the pivotal role played by biofilm-growing microorganisms in healthcare-related infections has given a new dynamic to detection, prevention and treatment of these infections in patients admitted to both acute care hospitals and long-term care facilities. Clinicians, hygienists and microbiologists will be updated by leading scientists on the state-of-art of biofilm-based infections and on the most innovative strategies for prevention and treatment of these infections, often caused by emerging multidrug-resistant biofilm-growing microorganisms.

This reference text is a must have for any current or future clinicians or students of microbiology. It is concisely organized to provide vital information on many of the microbes one will regularly encounter and the most efficacious ways of addressing associated infections. Discussion of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and measures to combat them are also one of the key features of this text. Whether you desire to utilize this book at the bedside for prompt treatment decisions or as a reference manual to be used at your leisure, you will find it to be a valuable addition to your library.

Combined fields of Microbiology and Nanotechnology have been most successful in providing novel solutions for protecting the health of humans and environment. This book covers the implications of nano-strategies to combat bacterial pathogens, applications of nanotechniques in microbiology, and innovative advances in the area of medical microbiology. Contents are divided into three sections -- Nanoscience in controlling bacterial pathogens, Nanoscience in Microbiology, Medical Microbiology. This volume is going to provide timely information about the technological advances of Nanoscience in the domain of Microbiology, with a special emphasis on Pathobiology. The book is a useful read for students and researchers in microbiology, nanotechnology and medical microbiology.

HIV/AIDS: Oxidative Stress and Dietary Antioxidants provides comprehensive coverage of oxidative stress in HIV/AIDS, focusing on both the pathological process around molecular and cellular metabolism and the complications that can arise due to nutritional imbalance. It provides a pathway for researchers and clinicians to gain an in-depth understanding of the role of oxidative stress, bridging the transdisciplinary divide between virologists, immunologists, physicians, clinical workers, food scientists and nutritionists to advance medical sciences and enable preventative treatment strategies. Very often oxidative stress is a feature of HIV/AIDs or of the treatment of HIV/AIDs. While immunologists, physicians and clinical workers understand the processes in HIV/AIDs, they may be less conversant in the science of nutrition and dietetics. Similarly, nutritionists and dietitians may be less conversant with the detailed clinical background and science of HIV/AIDs.

Harnessing the Power of Viruses explores the application of scientific knowledge about viruses and their lives to solve practical challenges and further advance molecular sciences, medicine and agriculture. The book contains virus-based tools and approaches in the fields of: i) DNA manipulations in vitro and in vivo; ii) Protein expression and characterization; and iii) Virus- Host interactions as a platform for therapy and biocontrol are discussed. It steers away from traditional views of viruses and technology, focusing instead on viral molecules and molecular processes that enable science to better understand life and offer means for addressing complex biological phenomena that positively influence everyday life. The book is written at an intermediate level and is accessible to novices who are willing to acquire a basic level of understanding of key principles in molecular biology, but is also ideal for advanced readers interested in expanding their biological knowledge to include practical applications of molecular tools derived from viruses.

Hepatitis C in Developing Countries: Current and Future Challenges explores the current state of HCV in several countries, including Africa, Asia and South America. It maintains a dedicated focus on the epidemiology, clinical patterns, virologic diversity, coinfections, natural history and progression, complications, and response to standard of care (SOC) pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy of HCV with recommendations specific to middle and low income countries. Readers will find detailed information on the burden of HCV infection from a global health and economic perspective, along with data from multicenter trials on DAAs that have enrolled patients infected with HCV non-genotype 1.

Immunology, Volume 1: Immunotoxicology, Immunopathology, and Immunotherapy discusses the investment of time, effort and finance that go into making progress in preventing and/or curing serious diseases by using standard treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and hormone therapy). The use of these treatments is accompanied by unavoidable, devastating side effects. At the cost of being repetitious, it has to be emphasized that an improved understanding of the immune system, avoidance of unhealthy habits (e.g., smoking, intake of alcohol, perpetual stress, and lack of exercise) and early detection (using biomarkers) are the only three friends we have to at least delay the onset of serious diseases.

Advances in Applied Microbiology, Volume 100 continues to be one of the most widely read and authoritative review sources in microbiology, containing comprehensive reviews of the most current research in applied microbiology. This latest release includes specific chapters on a variety of topics, most notably, Current interventions for controlling pathogenic Escherichia coli, Microbial ecology and process technology of sourdough fermentation, Diversity, Application, and Synthetic Biology of Industrially Important Aspergillus Fungi, and Advances in the Microbial Ecology of Biohydrometallurgy. Users will find invaluable references and information on a variety of areas, including protozoan grazing of freshwater biofilms, metals in yeast fermentation processes, the interpretation of host-pathogen dialogue through microarrays and the role of polyamines in bacterial growth and biofilm formation. Eclectic volumes are supplemented by thematic volumes on various topics, including Archaea and sick building syndrome.

Saliva Protection and Transmissible Diseases provides a review of saliva protection, raising debate on micro-organisms potentially transmissible in saliva, and also considering the evidence on diseases that may be transmitted by kissing. Saliva is a complex body fluid essential to health, especially mastication, swallowing and speech, and hyposalivation can lead to dysfunction and even infection. More serious pathogens, such as herpes viruses and papillomaviruses can be conveyed by kissing, as can potentially lethal micro-organisms present in some saliva, such as meningococci, fungal organisms and Ebola viruses.

This detailed volume provides the increasing number of SARS-CoV-2 researchers with a useful handbook covering multidisciplinary approaches on various aspects of SARS-CoV-2 research, brought together by leading laboratories across the globe. Topics covered include techniques in clinical and diagnostic virology, basic protocols in cell and virus culture, as well as bioinformatics and proteomics approaches in cellular response studies. This comprehensive collection also covers methods in immunology, animal models, antivirals and vaccine development strategies, as well as biorisk and mitigation measurements for SARS-CoV-2 research. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include the kind of detailed implementation advice that is vital for success in the lab. Practical and timely, SARS-CoV-2: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide for scientists investigating this prevalent and perilous RNA virus and the novel coronavirus disease that results from it.

Chronic viral hepatitis has emerged as one of the most common causes of disease and death worldwide. Because of their unique modes of replication and intimate association with the host immune system, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) pose challenging problems to scientists in basic and applied research as well as to clinicians engaged in disease management. Although approved antiviral therapy is available for chronic HBV, the emergence of viral resistance provides a rationale for the development of novel chemotherapeutic agents. The lack of a robust cell culture system for HCV replication and a readily accessible small-animal model of HCV infection have hampered the development of antiviral agents for HCV. Neverthe-less, new antiviral agents targeting HCV are now in preclinical and clinical development.

This monograph, providing an up-to-date overview of the field of Hepatitis Prevention and Treatment, includes contributions from internationally recognized experts in the field of viral hepatitis, and covers the current state of knowledge and practice regarding the molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry, pharmacology and clinical aspects of chronic HBV and HCV infection. The volume includes salient topics such as: the history and epidemiology of HBV and HCV; recent insights into the molecular mechanisms of viral replication; the host immune response to infection and a discussion of the use (HBV) or potential development (HCV) of vaccines; the current standard of care for chronically-infected patients; and emerging therapies and issues associated with current antiviral treatments. The latest information to researchers and clinicians actively engaged in viral hepatitis research is provided, but also sufficient background and discussion of the literature to benefit the newcomer to the field.

The Microbiology of Skin, Soft Tissue, Bone and Joint Infections: Volume 2 discusses modern approaches in diagnosis, treatment, and prophylaxis of skin, soft tissue, bone, and joint infections. The volume has been divided into three sections. The first section includes chapters on diagnosis, treatment, and prophylaxis of skin and soft tissue infections. It discusses antimicrobial and surgical treatment of wounds, diabetic foot, and different soft tissue infections. Ten chapters are devoted to cutaneous and musculoskeletal infections in special groups of patients, which have their own specificity, i.e. in pediatric and HIV-infected patients. Together with chapters on commonly present diseases, there are chapters which discuss interesting but not well studied pathologies (natal cleft pilonidal sinus) and pathogens (Malassezia and Shewanella spp.). The second section reviews etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of bone and joint infections, mainly osteomyelitis and prosthetic joint infections. Also, one chapter in this section discusses a newly emerging bacterial pathogen that causes skeletal infections, Kingella kingae. The third section incorporates alternative and new approaches-such as nanotechnology, ultrasound, novel delivery approaches and phyto-derived medicines-to the treatment and prophylaxis of skin, soft tissue, bone, and joint infections.

Advances in Virus Research, Volume 98, the latest in a series first published in 1953, covers a diverse range of in-depth reviews, providing a valuable overview of the current field of virology. Topics in this new release include Zoonotic Potential of Emerging Paramyxoviruses: Knowns and Unknowns, Metabolomics: Strategies to Define the Role of Metabolism in Virus Infection and Pathogenesis, The Envelope Proteins of the Bunyavirales, and Insect-Specific Viruses: A Historical Overview and Recent Developments. The series is a valuable resource for information on all topics of virus research, from bacteriophages, to human viruses.

Ebola's Curse: 2013-2016 Outbreak in West Africa is about hemorrhagic fever viruses, especially Ebola, its initial origin in central Africa 1976, its unprecedented appearance in West Africa in 2013. The book records in sequence and detective style how the initial outbreak of Ebola from the index case in rural Guinea traveled to Sierra Leone, the work and fate of those working in the Kenema Government Hospital (KGH) isolation ward in Sierra Leone. The book provides vignettes of the three main players involved with Ebola at KGH, Sheik Khan, Pardis Sabeti, and Robert Garry. Khan was the head of the unit, declared a national hero by his Sierra Leone government. He died fighting Ebola and was/is recognized in the USA by American societies by awards created for his historic work and death. Pardis Sabeti, a geneticist from Harvard and Broad MIT Institute, who was honored as a "Scientist of the Year" by Time Magazine and the Smithsonian Institute. Robert Garry, head of the operation to fight hemorrhagic fevers and Ebola, shuttled between Tulane University, KGH, and The White House to make aware through the press and others the dilemma and tragedy that was unfolding, and the need to obtain additional medical and health care support and supplies. Sabeti and Garry currently work with Oldstone on Ebola at KGH and thus personal communication and knowledge was/is available to the author for the book.

This volume aims to enhance the current understanding of clinical features, treatment and pathogenic aspects in necrotizing soft tissue infections. Various representative case studies are discussed to enhance the readers' understanding of these complex diseases. Necrotizing soft tissue infections are rapidly spreading infections that may cause extensive soft tissue or limb loss, multiorgan failure and are associated with a considerable fatality rate. It is undisputed that rapid diagnosis and prompt intervention is directly related to survival. The initial presentation may be limited to unspecific symptoms such as tenderness, swelling, erythema and pain. Thus, diagnosis and management are challenging due to heterogeneity in clinical presentation, in co-morbidities, in microbiological aetiology, as well as in the pathogenic mechanisms. An international and multidisciplinary consortium, INFECT, has for the last 6 years been pursuing research aimed to advance the understanding of the clinical and pathogenic aspects of these infections. A central part has been to create a comprehensive clinical registry and associated biobank which have also formed the basis for the experimental studies. Using the INFECT patient cohort, as well as an integrated systems biology approach in patients and clinically relevant experimental models, an advanced insight of diagnostic features, causative microbial agents, treatment strategies, and pathogenic mechanisms (host and bacterial disease traits and their underlying interaction network) has been obtained.

Cervical cancer is a major disease worldwide, with 500,000 new cases diagnosed every year. Through aetiological studies, an association has been established with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection throughout the pathological spectrum of this disease. Studies of the molecular and biological basis for the role of HPV in cervical lesions involve clinicians, virologists, cell and molecular biologists, and most recently immunologists. This book is a review of HPV infection in cervical cancer, providing the background to the potential for immunological intervention. Individual chapters have been written so that the reader, irrespective of level or discipline, can follow the text, and each is integrated so that the book as a whole provides a detailed insight into the most relevant scientific issues of HPV and cervical cancer. This book should provide an interface for students, scientists and clinicians with a realistic and critical evaluation of the advances and problems in the implementation of immunologically based prophylactic and therapeutic strategies in HPV-associated disease. This book should be of use to postgraduate students, research scientists and clinicians involved in eith

Advances in Applied Microbiology, Volume 99 continues is one of the most widely read and authoritative review sources in microbiology, containing comprehensive reviews of the most current research in applied microbiology. This volume presents comprehensive information on a variety of topics, including the Physiological Role of Two-Component Signal Transduction Systems in Food-Associated Lactic Acid Bacteria, Fungal Bio recovery of Gold from E-Waste, Stone-Eating Fungi: Mechanisms in Bio weathering and the Potential Role of Laccases in Black Slate Degradation with the Basidiomycete Schizophyllum commune, and the Arsenic Detoxification System in Corynebacteria: Basis and Application for Bioremediation and Redox Control. This serial's eclectic volumes are supplemented by thematic volumes on various topics, including Archaea and sick building syndrome. Users will find invaluable references and information on a variety of areas, including protozoan grazing of freshwater biofilms, metals in yeast fermentation processes, the interpretation of host-pathogen dialogue through microarrays, and the role of polyamines in bacterial growth and biofilm formation.

Microbial infections have been and continue to be a major threat to public health. China has a huge population, among which, microbial infections are of great concern. The Journal of Microbes and Infection, a nationwide journal in China with over 4000 subscriptions, publishes original research articles on microbes and infections in the Chinese language. This book contains selected research articles published in this journal from 2006 to 2007 that have been translated into English, and offers a glimpse of a broad range of microbial infections including the clinical and epidemiological aspects of various viral infections, current status of bacterial infections in hospitals, and severe cases of fungal infections. This book provides a rare opportunity for scientists and physicians abroad to see the completely original research data, rather than just the abstract, based on studies conducted in modern China. Articles on molecular biological and bioinformatic studies are also included. An overview of the recent research trend in medical microbiology and infectious diseases in China will be presented as well. Scientists and physicians working in the fields of virology, microbiology, immunology, epidemiology, vaccinology, and infectious diseases will find the articles in this book fascinating and relevant to their own research and practice.

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.