This book highlights treatment strategies for bacterial biofilms in connection with a variety of human diseases. In particular, it reviews bacterial biofilm formation and its mechanism. Topics covered include biofilms in human health, the role of biofilms in mediating human diseases, and methods for testing bacterial biofilms. Further sections concentrate on biofilm-mediated diseases in different parts of the human gastrointestinal tract, while therapeutic strategies for biofilm control and natural agents that disrupt bacterial biofilms are also covered. Readers will also find the latest advances in probiotics and biofilms, as well as the use of probiotics to counteract biofilm-associated infections. Biofilms and antimicrobial resistance are discussed. Subsequent chapters address the management of inflammatory bowel disease via probiotics biofilms, as well as the role of probiotics bacteria in the treatment of human diseases associated with bacterial biofilms. The book is chiefly intended for clinicians/scientists in the fields of medical microbiology, applied microbiology, biochemistry, and biotechnology.

Intraoperative Frozen Sections presents diagnostic challenges involved in the evaluation in the pathology lab of specimens obtained during surgery through the case experience of expert pathologists. Sixty three problems cover the wide range of approximately of problems encountered in intraoperative consultations. Each presentation provides the case information as presented to the consultant, the evaluation and analysis of the specimen, discussion of the results and teaching points observed in the case, and an overall comment providing additional context for the diagnostic problem that has been presented. This problem-oriented format makes the book a superb reference resource for the working diagnostician and an ideal teaching tool for the resident or fellow. Coverage includes paediatric specimens and there is a section describing recognition of artifacts. Each case presentation is supported by several high-quality colour photomicrographs with detailed explanations of each image, including images of the permanent sections and immunostains where applicable. Features of Intraoperative Frozen Sections Include: Cases outline expert approach to diagnostic problems and technical issues most likely to be encountered in frozen section analysis. Coverage includes pediatric specimens and recognition of artifacts. Special emphasis on difficult problems and avoiding diagnostic pitfalls. Provides common differential diagnoses for specific lesions seen in frozen section analysis (e.g. mimics of renal neoplasia). Nearly 500 high-quality colour photomicrographs and detailed discussions of diagnostic features of each image.

Published since 1959, Advances in Applied Microbiology continues to be one of the most widely read and authoritative review sources in microbiology. The series contains comprehensive reviews of the most current research in applied microbiology, and includes recent research on the roles of fungal communities in soil nutrient recycling, the microbial nitrogen cycle in soil, and the inter-kingdom associations between soil bacteria, fungi, and mycorrhizal fungi.

DNA Methods in Clinical Microbiology describes the novel DNA-based technology now used in the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases. It is a concise, yet readable, overview written primarily for clinicians, clinical microbiologists, medical students and undergraduates in medical and veterinary microbiology. The book has two primary aims. First, to explain the principles of these methods at the molecular' level. Second, to provide a clinical perspective by reporting results from actual DNA-based investigations on a range of specimens. Those approaching DNA methods for the first time are assisted by a brief rA(c)sumA(c) of the relevant features of nucleic acids (Chapter 2): this information is essential for an understanding of later chapters. Subsequent text covers detection, characterization and quantification of pathogens by a variety of methods - e.g., target amplification (PCR, LCR, NASBA, TMA and SDA), signal amplification (bDNA) and probe-based techniques; the chapter on typing describes nearly twenty named molecular methods, including spoligotyping and MLST. All chapters include an adequate range of current reference from which, if required, detailed protocols can be obtained. The diagrams are clear, and readers are assisted by a detailed index.

Herpesviruses, classified in the family Herpesviridae, are important human and animal pathogens that can cause primary, latent or recurrent infections and even cancer. The major interest in research on herpesviruses today focuses on understanding the organization of the DNA genome, as well as on characterizing the viral genes in regard to their control and function. Modern techniques have allowed the viral DNA to become a molecular tool in the study of gene function, since it is now possible to implant the DNA into eukaryotic cells. This book contains original studies on the structure and organization of the DNA of human and animal herpes viruses. The various chapters acquaint the reader with the organization of the viral DNA, the mRNA transcripts, the replicative intermediates of the viral DNA, defective DNA genomes and their mode of synthesis, analyses of the viral DNA sequences in transformed cells, and the relationship between the presence of viral DNA fragments in the cancer cells and the transformed state of the cells."

Listeria monocytogenes is still a major threat to public health. A new book in the Methods in Molecular Biology series, Listeria monocytogenes: Methods and Protocols addresses its titular pathogen with protocols and methodologies used in research to gain a better understanding of Listeria at a molecular level. The topics covered include sampling in order to isolate Listeria, methods for their identification and characterization, methods for gene manipulation and finally, methods for control of the organism. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective subjects, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Vital and authoritative, Listeria monocytogenes: Methods and Protocols aims to contribute to the harmonization of the methods used in the field and will therefore benefit all those interested in Listeria research.

To survive adverse and fluctuating conditions, microorganisms possess mechanisms to recognize diverse environmental changes and mount an appropriate response. Microorganisms frequently react simultaneously to a wide variety of stresses, and the various stress response systems interact with each other by a complex of global regulatory networks. Stress response systems can play an important role in the virulence of pathogenic organisms. In this book, expert contributors from around the world summarize the current knowledge on microbial stress response and comprehensively review the recent findings that have greatly advanced the understanding of stress response systems. Each chapter is devoted to a particular organism or group of organisms, including: Gram-negative bacteria * Streptococcus * Neisseria * Listeria monocytogenes * Bacillus cereus * Salmonella * Yersinia * Vibrio * Mycobacterium * mycoplasmas * yeast * Plasmodium falciparum * Toxoplasma gondii * Leishmania * Trypanosoma cruzi * Trypanosoma brucei * Entamoeba histolytica. In addition to providing an up-to-date review of current trends, the book also describes the challenges for future research and provides comprehensive reference sections. It represents a major collection of information and knowledge across a wide range of microorganisms and is highly recommended for anyone interested in stress response, regulatory networks, environmental microbiology, or the pathogenicity of microorganisms.

This book provides a practical guide for all those working in or with Medical Examiner Services in England and Wales. It is an adjunct to the e-learning and face-to-face training required to fulfil the Medical Examiner and Medical Examiner Officer roles. Medical Examiner Services also work closely with a wide range of stakeholders including bereavement and mortuary teams, Coroners and their Officers, Registrars, Funeral Directors and those working in clinical governance and patient safety. This book provides an essential overview of all aspects of the Medical Examiner system for anyone working in these areas, or in any aspect of the support and management of the deceased and bereaved. A concise guide including the knowledge base required to develop and run a Medical Examiner Service Content is completely aligned with required training Written by those with direct experience of establishing and working with Medical Examiner Services Relevant to a wide range of stakeholders who work with patients and the bereaved

The heart-wrenchingly honest and fascinating new book from forensic pathologist and bestselling author of UNNATURAL CAUSES, Dr Richard Shepherd A TIMES AND SUNDAY TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR 'Each chapter is like a finely-crafted detective story . . . Shepherd writes beautifully, and despite its subject, the book is very funny in parts' DAILY TELEGRAPH 'Enlightening, strangely uplifting . . . Shepherd's final chapter on death itself is a meditation of great beauty and light which puts all the darkness of the previous pages into perspective' DAILY MAIL 'Deeply insightful. Unflinching' THE TIMES 'Fascinating' DAILY EXPRESS 'This book is about death, but in it I will take readers on a journey through life . . .' _________ Dr Richard Shepherd, Britain's top forensic pathologist, has spent a lifetime close to the dead. As a medical detective, each autopsy he carries out is its own unique investigation, uncovering the secrets not only of how a person died, but also of how they lived. Through twenty-four of his most intriguing, enlightening and never-before-told cases, Dr Shepherd shares autopsies that span the seven ages of human existence, and have taught him as much about the marvels of life as the inevitability of death. From old to young, from murder to misadventure, and from illness to accidental death, each of these bodies has something to reveal: about human development, about mortality, about its owner's life story, about justice and even about Shepherd himself. From the bestselling author of Unnatural Causes comes a powerful, moving and above all reassuring book about death as it touches our own lives - how to understand it, and, when our time comes (as it must), how to embrace it as the last great adventure. _________ 'He has the ability to examine himself and other people with the same forensic eye that he applies to corpses - one of the reasons why his books feel so life-enhancing' Daily Telegraph Praise for Dr Richard Shepherd 'Gripping, grimly fascinating, and I suspect I'll read it at least twice' Evening Standard 'A deeply mesmerising memoir of forensic pathology. Human and fascinating' Nigella Lawson 'An absolutely brilliant book. I really recommend it, I don't often say that but it's fascinating' Jeremy Vine, BBC Radio 2 'Puts the reader at his elbow as he wields the scalpel' Guardian 'Fascinating, gruesome yet engrossing' Richard and Judy, Daily Express 'Fascinating, insightful, candid, compassionate' Observer

This book series focuses on current progress in the broad field of medical microbiology, and covers both basic and applied topics related to the study of microbes, their interactions with human and animals, and emerging issues relevant for public health. Original research and review articles present and discuss multidisciplinary findings and developments on various aspects of microbiology, infectious diseases, and their diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Advances in Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Public Health is a subseries of Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, which has been publishing significant contributions in the field for over 30 years and is indexed in Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, BIOSIS, Biological Abstracts, CSA, Biological Sciences and Living Resources (ASFA-1), and Biological Sciences. 2018 Impact Factor: 2.126.

Book covers course with topics in infectious diseases in children and is intended for Pediatric Infectious disease clinical researchers, trainees, trainers, and all those who manage the research of children with infections and the children themselves. The conference is being supported by several societies and is sponsored by several pharmaceutical companies, such as Aventis, Baxter, Chiron Vaccines, Wyeth, etc. ToC reflects the scientific program found here: http: //www.oxfordiic.org/#course

A new generation of technological vaccines protect against many infectious diseases. This book describes synthetic peptide-based vaccine prototypes - the future of vaccination. Production of peptides becomes simple using automatic synthesizers. Peptides are weak immunogen and need adjuvants to provide an effective autoimmune response, which is why peptide antigens are conjugated with biopolymers and loaded with nanoparticles. The book illustrates the use of peptides vaccine systems and makes predictions of future development not only for infectious diseases, but also for cancers and brain diseases such as Alzheimer, Parkinson and psychiatric diseases. Key Features Summarizes current studies on technological vaccines Describes the uses of vaccines for the prevention of brain diseases Reviews the ways different polymers are used to enhance vaccine efficacy

This book discusses Prosthetic Joint Infection (PJI), which remains one of the most common problems necessitating revision arthroplasty. It pursues a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together opinions from the leading experts in the field. The book identifies the potential causes of these infections, provides sound diagnostic criteria guidelines, and explains how these prosthetic infections are managed from orthopedic surgery, clinical and diagnostic perspectives. PJI can lead to multiple revision surgeries and significant patient morbidity. Periprosthetic infection rates remain around 1-2% after primary total hip and knee arthroplasty and account for approximately 7-12% of all revision cases. Orthopedic hardware infections are much-feared and costly complications that can occur when these devices are implemented both in traumatic cases as well as in joint replacement surgery. Because these infections can lead to higher morbidity, it is important to understand their pathophysiology and the principles behind their diagnosis and initial treatment. The pathogenesis of these kinds of infections is intimately connected to the biofilm-producing trait characteristic of many microorganisms, which can have a critical effect on the likely success of treatments. The book offers a unique guide for all scientists working in arthroplasty who are seeking an update on the field, and for newcomers alike.

This well-established book on injury biomechanics has been extensively revised and expanded for this new edition. It now includes a fundamental treatment of the mechanics at a cellular level, written by the new coauthor Prof. Barclay Morrison III from Columbia University. Furthermore, considerably more attention is paid to computer modeling, and in particular modeling the human body. The book addresses a wide range of topics in injury biomechanics, including anatomy, injury classification, injury mechanisms, and injury criteria. Further, it provides essential information on regional injury reference values, or injury criteria, that are either currently in use or proposed by both US and European communities. Although the book is intended as an introduction for doctors and engineers who are newcomers to the field of injury biomechanics, sufficient references are provided for those who wish to conduct further research, and even established researchers will find it useful as a reference guide to the biomechanical background of each proposed injury mechanism and injury criterion.

This book provides an overview of Asphyxial Deaths which includes hanging, strangulation, choking, smothering, gagging, drowning, aspiration, mechanical and chemical asphyxiants, etc. Postmortem examination often leads to doubts as a clear distinction between the different type of asphyxia cannot be made easily. Forensic and physiological aspects are discussed with the help of illustrative cases. The author discusses the different aspects of asphyxia deaths and substantiates multiple case studies to establish a scientific approach that can act as a guideline to the autopsy surgeon in providing a precise opinion and clarify doubts for the judiciary involved in such criminal justice cases. Key Features * Presents individual case studies of Asphyxial deaths. * Covers the guidelines to be followed by the autopsy surgeons in different cases. * Discusses the physiological aspects of Asphyxial deaths in detail. * Illustrates the cases in a stepwise manner with more than 350 colored photographs of postmortem examination.

With an estimated 1.3 million new cases and causing more than 20,000 deaths every year, Leishmaniasis continues to be a menace in countries across the globe. The absence of an anti-Leishmania vaccine, the toxicity of current anti-parasite drugs, coupled with the rapid emergence of drug resistant Leishmania strains remain significant challenges for disease control. This has spurred a plethora of research initiatives into the parasite biology, parasite-host interaction, mechanisms of disease pathogenesis, drug development and molecular mechanism of drug resistance. Insights obtained from various such studies are essential for the development of novel anti-Leishmania treatment strategies. In this timely book respected Leismania experts distil the important current research highlighting the most insightful discoveries in the field. Topics covered include: modulation of host miRNA; heat shock proteins; Iron in the Leishmania-macrophage interaction; oxidative and nitrosative stress response; cell death; strategies for immune evasion; STAT signalling; parasite modulation of toll-like receptors in macrophages; T cells in Leishmania infection; vaccine biology; inhibitors of Leishmania DNA topoisomerases; and mechanism of drug resistance in visceral Leishmaniasis. An essential text for everyone in the Leishmania community and recommended for researchers working in related fields.

The field of microbial endocrinology is expressly devoted to understanding the mechanisms by which the microbiota (bacteria within the microbiome) interact with the host ("us"). This interaction is a two-way street and the driving force that governs these interactions are the neuroendocrine products of both the host and the microbiota. Chapters include neuroendocrine hormone-induced changes in gene expression and microbial endocrinology and probiotics. This is the first in a series of books dedicated to understanding how bi-directional communication between host and bacteria represents the cutting edge of translational medical research, and hopefully identifies new ways to understand the mechanisms that determine health and disease.

Scientists and clinicians attending the last "New Directions in Antiviral Therapy" conference in late 1994 could hardly have predicted the revolution in the management of patients with HIV infection that has occurred since. Two new classes of antiretrovirals have been licensed, the second-site RT inhibitors and the protease inhibitors; the long in cubation period of active HIV infection, when the infection is clinically latent, is now un derstood to be a period of intense viral replication and turnover of CD4 lymphocytes; measurements of HI V RNA concentration in plasma have been shown to be essential tools for monitoring the course of HIV infection, deciding when to treat, and assessing the re sults of treatment; and finally, combinations of antiretrovirals, particularly combinations including protease inhibitors, have been shown to have dramatically beneficial effects on patients with HIV infection. These advances, coupled with new drugs for the management of herpesvirus infections, have made dramatic differences in the quality and length of life of HIV-infected patients. Additional advances have been made since 1994 in the prevention or management of influenza virus (zanamavir), respiratory syncytial virus (palvizumab), hepatitis B virus (lamivudine and famciclovir), and enterovirus infections (pleconaril). It is difficult to re member that only slightly more than a decade ago there were only a handful of antiviral agents available (none of which were antiretrovirals), and a number of those were either highly toxic, of dubious efficacy, or both."

This volume provides readers with detailed protocols covering the main cancer cytogenetics techniques needed for clinical utilization and research purposes. The chapters in this book cover topics such as chromosome preparation for myeloid malignancies; chromosome bandings; fluorescence in situ hybridization probe preparation; array-based comparative genomic hybridization; and cytogenetic nomenclature and reporting. The updated reviews on chromosomal abnormalities in hematological malignancies are excellent guides for cytogenetics data interpretations and specific malignant diseases correlation. 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 comprehensive, Cancer Cytogenetics: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for the novice in cytogenetics because it provides helpful guiding protocols, but it's also great for those who are already engaged in the field and are looking for some technical hints.

In this book, outstanding researchers from the US and Japan review recent progress in Epstein-Barr virus research. Most people carry EBV in memory B-cells in a latent stage. Many malignancies such as T/NK cell lymphoma, AIDS-associated B-cell lymphoma, gastric carcinoma and Hodgkin's disease have been causally linked to EBV. The development of molecular biology technique has allowed us to study the roles of individual EBV genes that act in the maintenance and disruption of EBV latency.

This volume provides a comprehensive outline of the current methods used to detect, characterize, and investigate Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and Shiga toxins. 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. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli: Methods and Protocols aims to be a valuable resource for clinicians, epidemiologists, and researchers interested in STEC pathogenesis.

The book comprehensively discusses the mechanisms of pathogenesis and drug resistance; current diagnostics landscape of four key human pathogens; bacterial, fungal, protozoans and viral which are the causes of major infectious diseases. It also assesses the emerging technologies for the detection and quantification of these pathogens. Further, it discusses the novel opportunities to fight against these infectious diseases and to identify pertinent drug targets with novel methodologies. It also reviews the current and future insights into the control, elimination, and eradication of these infectious diseases. Importantly, the book discusses the epidemiological characteristics and various challenges in combating Ebola and Influenza diseases. Finally, the book highlights the growing role of nanotechnology and bioinformatics resources for combating the infectious diseases. In summary, the book provides the mechanistic insight of the pathogenicity, drug-resistance, therapeutic strategies and identification of the novel drug targets of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Plasmodium, Candida, Hepatitis C and emerging viral infections.

This expert volume in the Diagnostic Pathology series is an excellent point-of-care resource for practitioners at all levels of experience and training. Covering all areas of nonneoplastic dermatopathology, it incorporates the most recent clinical, pathological, and molecular knowledge in the field to provide a comprehensive overview of all key issues relevant to today's practice. Richly illustrated and easy to use, Diagnostic Pathology: Nonneoplastic Dermatopathology is a one-stop reference for accurate, complete pathology reports, ideal as a day-to-day reference or as a reliable training resource. Provides a clear framework for a better understanding of the clinical and histopathologic appearances of more than 250 nonneoplastic entities, presenting major histological and clinical differential diagnosis in order of decreasing frequency found in the general population Breaks down the complex subject of inflammatory dermatopathology into digestible chapters, organized into major histological reaction patterns and/or disease categories Features thorough updates throughout, including new chapters on COVID-related rashes, measles, and hair-shaft disorders; new details on infectious process for diseases; new information on drug rashes; new information on rare infections and clinical identification of rare diseases; and updates for unknown and previously unknown side effects regarding long-term immunosuppressed patients Includes approximately 1,500 high-quality clinical and histological images, gross pathology images, radiologic images, and full-color drawings to help practicing and in-training pathologists reach a confident diagnosis Provides practical and accessible clinical references for many lesions not often seen or taught outside of a specific clinical rotation in dermatology or dermatopathology Includes the enhanced eBook version, which allows you to search all text, figures, and references on a variety of devices

This book provides a comprehensive overview of pertussis - also known as whooping cough. The first part discusses the evolution the genus Bordetellae and the molecular epidemiology of B. pertussis, while the following chapters focus on the role of B. pertussis virulence factors in infection and disease and on the mechanisms of the immune response to infection and vaccination. The book also explores the prevention and control of the disease as well as its clinical management, with the finally section addressing vaccination, from improved immunization strategies to novel vaccines. Pertussis remains one of the most poorly controlled vaccine-preventable diseases around the globe. Universal vaccination has dramatically reduced its incidence but has failed to bring it completely under control. In recent decades, changes in pertussis epidemiology have been noted, likely related to the use of acellular pertussis vaccines, which in many countries have replaced older-generation, whole-cell pertussis vaccines. Several years after their introduction, it is becoming apparent that immunity conferred by acellular vaccines wanes more rapidly than expected. Unlike whole-cell vaccines, acellular vaccines, while protecting against the disease, do not seem to prevent colonization and transmission. Increasing incidence among adolescents and adults makes them a reservoir for transmission to unimmunized infants, who in turn are at risk of severe disease and death. This book is a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians in the field of medical microbiology, vaccine research and infectious diseases.

This Series will provide microbiologists, hygienists, epidemiologists and infectious diseases specialists with well-chosen contributed volumes containing updated information in the areas of basic and applied microbiology involving relevant issues for public health, including bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections, zoonoses and anthropozoonoses, environmental and food microbiology. The increasing threat of the multidrug-resistant microorganisms and the related host immune response, the new strategies for the treatment of biofilm-based, acute and chronic microbial infections, as well as the development of new vaccines and more efficacious antimicrobial drugs to prevent and treat human and animal infections will be also reviewed in this series in the light of the most recent achievements in these fields. Special attention will be devoted to the fast diffusion worldwide of the new findings of the most advanced translational researches carried out in the different fields of microbiological sciences, with the aim to promote a prompt validation and transfer at clinical level of the most promising experimental results.