The chapters in this topical volume of Advances in Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Public Health present exciting, insightful observations on emerging viral infections like influenza, Middle East respiratory syndrome, or mosquito-transmitted diseases, as well as the potential of social media in preventing and fighting infectious diseases. This rapidly developing field of study, which involves interdisciplinary and challenging research conducted in both industrialized and limited-resource countries, can yield vital information for the life and social sciences, for public health, and for healthcare in general. The aim of this volume is to contribute to the development of knowledge on emerging infections in the endless struggle between viruses and man. The chapters selected are not intended as a systematic collection of all emerging infections, but instead highlight recent discoveries and provide insights on today's hot topics. The book offers a valuable resource for all scientists working in the field of emerging viral infections and possible vaccines, as well as for laboratory and medical staff whose work involves preventing, controlling and combatting infectious diseases.

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.

This volume discusses the interactions between viruses and their host cells, and explores the roles of host and viral genes and non-coding RNAs in the virus replication cycle. During infection, viruses express a variety of genes, encoding proteins and RNAs that serve to subjugate the cell - by redirecting cellular processes to support viral replication and, at the same time, by mitigating the cellular response to infection. In this book, experts discuss these interactions in depth, and elaborate on our current understanding of virus-cell interactions for a diverse range of viruses, including positive and negative sense RNA viruses, DNA viruses, and a vector-borne virus. The roles of non-coding RNAs are also discussed. While each class of viruses has distinct replication requirements, this volume reveals unique features and commonalities in viral replication cycles. Accordingly, it represents a valuable source of information for researchers and clinicians alike.

This book focuses on waterborne pathogens and significant diseases occurring along major rivers around the globe, including key examples like the Amazonas, Mekong River and Nile. Written by leading international experts, it offers unique insights into local riverine infection risks in times of global warming, and addressing these through advances in diagnosis, health management and the development of simple but effective control measures. It also sheds light on why former societies collapsed due to transmitted diseases during periods of climate change, droughts and floods, to help establish effective preventive measures for the future. The book appeals to a wide readership, from scientists in the field of parasitology, infectious diseases and epidemiology, to healthcare managers and general readers with an interest in pathogen spread along the largest rivers on earth. It particularly highlights past and current control mechanisms in times of global warming and assesses potential future health hazards.

This book presents a comprehensive and state-of the-art approach to vascular disease for the geriatric patient, focusing on vascular pathology and interventions but also on perioperative care, anesthetic care, functional outcomes and quality of life, as well as ethical considerations that impact decision making. The book addresses open and endovascular interventions in different vascular beds, as well as preoperative workup and optimization, anesthetic considerations, all aspects and expectations of the postoperative care and recovery and is the only book to include specialize in the intricacies of the care of the geriatric patients, the challenging recovery and neurocognitive changes, and ethical considerations for the end stage geriatric patient or in the setting of postoperative complications. Written by experts in the field, each section addresses patient selection, pre-operative considerations, technical conduct of the most common operations with open or endovascular options, and avoiding complications. A brief review of the existing literature addressing the particular topic follows in each section. With its concise yet comprehensive summary of the field, Vascular Disease in Older Adults is the ultimate resource for geriatricians, cardiologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and all physicians of who care for the aging patient with vascular disease.

The topic of this book, Collectins, is a family of proteins whose major function is in innate immunity, where Collectins act as pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). In general they recognize targets such as microbial surfaces and apoptotic cells, and once bound to a target, Collectins promote the clearance of microorganisms and damaged host tissue. New cell-surface proteins and glycoproteins, which act as Collectin receptors, are currently being identified. Some Collectins, particularly MBL, activate the complement system, which enhances the ability of antibodies to fight pathogens, via three MBL-associated proteases, the MASPs. Additionally, recent research has begun to show wider-ranging activities of Collectins, such as: * Their role in metabolism, and therefore their involvement in lifestyle diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. * Their ability to modulate the adaptive immune response, as well as to recognize and trigger apoptosis of cancer cells, which makes them effective in the annihilation of cancer cells with multiple mutations. * The regulation of their expression by gonadal steroid hormones implicates them with critical roles in both male and female fertility. * Altered levels of Collectins have been associated with various autoimmune diseases. This book brings together current knowledge of the structure, functions and biological activities of Collectins, to describe their integral role in human health.

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."

This book explores the many mechanisms by which the most prevalent Spirochetal pathogens persist in a healthy immune-competent host. Among them are the direct and indirect suppression of host immune signals, phase and antigenic variation, escaping recognition by host complement proteins, and seclusion into immune privileged sites. We also explore antibiotic therapy for control of infection, a baffling topic that lends itself to exalted interpretation.

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.

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 first edition volume demystifies the complex topic of flow cytometry by providing detailed explanations and nearly 120 figures to help novice flow cytometry users learn and understand the bedrock principles necessary to perform basic flow cytometry experiments correctly. The book divides the topic of flow cytometry into easy to understand sections and covers topics such as the physics behind flow cytometry, flow cytometry lingo, designing flow cytometry experiments and choosing appropriate fluorochromes, compensation, sample preparation and controls and ways to assess cellular function using a variety of flow cytometry assays. Written as a series of chapters whose concepts sequentially build off one another, using the list of materials contained within each section along with the readily reproducible laboratory protocols and tips on troubleshooting that are included, readers should be able to reproduce the data figures presented throughout the book on their way to mastering sound basic flow cytometry techniques. Easy to understand and comprehensive, Flow Cytometry Basics for the Non-Expert will be a valuable resource to novice flow cytometry users as well as experts in other biomedical research fields who need to familiarize themselves with a basic understanding of how to perform flow cytometry and interpret flow cytometry data. This book is written for both scientists and non-scientists in academia, government, biotechnology, and medicine.

A volume in the popular Pattern Recognition Series, Practical Hepatic Pathology: A Diagnostic Approach features completely updated and reorganized content, resulting in a truly practical guide to understanding liver pathology. Dr. Romil Saxena presents interpretation of liver biopsies according to a pattern-based approach that begins with recognition of the predominant histological pattern of injury, followed by identification of secondary features and appropriate work-up that lead you away from pitfalls to the best diagnosis. Unique "visual index" at the beginning of the book references the exact chapter and specific page needed for in-depth diagnostic guidance. Superb, high-quality, full-color images illustrate pathognomonic features and common variations. Features comprehensive information on major adult and childhood liver diseases, hepatic neoplasms and pre-neoplastic nodules, including clinical features, laboratory tests, imaging findings and differential diagnosis. Coverage of the clinical aspects of liver transplantation allows you to understand the pathology and practice of this procedure. Virtual Microscope provides your own personal set of over 300 liver slides accessible anywhere, any time on your favorite digital device. Navigate around and zoom in and out to savor these exceptionally high quality whole slide images covering everything from the normal liver to rare challenging cases. New section on Evolving Concepts keeps you abreast of new paradigms in liver diseases such as reversal of fibrosis, heterogeneity of cirrhosis, and biphenotypic primary liver cell carcinoma. Reorganized Table of Contents is even more intuitive. Expert Consult eBook version is included with purchase. This enhanced eBook experience allows you to search all of the text, figures, images, and references from the book across digital platforms.

Sickle cell disease was recognized to have a molecular basis more than 50 years ago, since when knowledge of the pathophysiology of the disease has paralleled the developments of molecular biology. Characterized by a striking red cell deformity, a great deal has been learnt about the mechanisms involved and animal models developed over the last 10 years have contributed to these studies. Despite greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms, this knowledge has had little impact in improving management at the bedside. It is the authors' belief that much of importance remains to be learnt from clinical studies which ultimately may define the questions most relevant for our molecular colleagues to answer. Jamaica has provided a superb setting for clinical studies, which initially documented the extremely variable clinical course and then proceeded to seek the determinants in a Cohort Study based on newborn diagnosis and follow-up which has continued for the past 27 years. This new edition of Sickle Cell Disease reviews the history and many of the recent developments in laboratory studies but retains the perspective of a practising clinician. A critical appraisal of the available observations and evidence has sought to define the best practice in its management.

This book is the second volume in the series Livestock Diseases and Management, and reviews the importance and implications of animal origin viral zoonoses. It also highlights the specific etiology and epidemiology of these viral infections and discusses their various biological and mechanical transmission mechanisms. Further, the book reviews various measures for controlling viral zoonoses and examines novel therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Discussing recent studies on the pathogenesis and host immune response to these infections, it underscores the importance of using vaccines against these viral diseases to reduce the risk of them being transmitted to humans.Lastly, it describes in detail the challenges posed by these viral infections and our readiness to face them.

Key features: Succinct case studies presented in an easy-to-read format, listing patient history, examination and investigations Questions at the end of each case prompt readers to consider their options for diagnosis, investigation and management Answer pages then guide readers through the clinician's sequence of thoughts and actions Subsections include histopathology, laboratory medicine (chemical pathology and immunology), haematology and microbiology Illustrations, information boxes and key points summaries reinforce learning, ideal during exam revision A broad range of common conditions is covered, from acidosis to urinary tract infection, together with more unusual cases

Translational medicine addresses the gap between research and the clinical application of new discoveries. To efficiently deliver new drugs to care centers, a preclinical evaluation, both in vitro and in vivo, is required to ensure that the most active and least toxic compounds are selected as well as to predict clinical outcome. Antimicrobial nanomedicines have been shown to have higher specificity in their therapeutic targets and the ability to serve as adjuvants, increasing the effectiveness of pre-existing immune compounds. The design and development of new standardized protocols for evaluating antimicrobial nanomedicines is needed for both the industry and clinical laboratory. These protocols must aim to evaluate laboratory activity and present models of pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic and toxicokinetic behavior that predict absorption and distribution. Likewise, these protocols must follow a theranostics approach, be able to detect promising formulations, diagnose the infectious disease, and determine the correct treatment to implement a personalized therapeutic behavior. Given the possibilities that nanotechnology offers, not updating to new screening platforms is inadequate as it prevents the correct application of discoveries, increasing the effect of the valley of death between innovations and their use. This book is structured to discuss the fundamentals taken into account for the design of robust, reproducible and automatable evaluation platforms. These vital platforms should enable the discovery of new medicines with which to face antimicrobial resistance (RAM), one of the great problems of our time.

Immunologists, perhaps understandably, most often concentrate on the human immune system, an anthropocentric focus that has resulted in a dearth of information about the immune function of all other species within the animal kingdom. However, knowledge of animal immune function could help not only to better understand human immunology, but perhaps more importantly, it could help to treat and avoid the blights that affect animals, which consequently affect humans. Take for example the mass death of honeybees in recent years - their demise, resulting in much less pollination, poses a serious threat to numerous crops, and thus the food supply. There is a similar disappearance of frogs internationally, signaling ecological problems, among them fungal infections. This book aims to fill this void by describing and discussing what is known about non-human immunology. It covers various major animal phyla, its chapters organized in a progression from the simplest unicellular organisms to the most complex vertebrates, mammals. Chapters are written by experts, covering the latest findings and new research being conducted about each phylum. Edwin L. Cooper is a Distinguished Professor in the Laboratory of Comparative Immunology, Department of Neurobiology at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine.

This book reviews the current concepts in biofilm formation and its implications in human health and disease. The initial chapters introduce the mechanisms of biofilm formation and its composition. Subsequently, the chapters discuss the role of biofilm in acute and chronic infections. It also explores the pivotal role of both innate and adaptive immunity on the course of biofilm infection. In addition, the book elucidates the bacterial biofilm formation on implantable devices and the current approaches to its treatment and prevention. It analyzes the possible relationship between antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation. Finally, the book also summarizes the current state-of-the-art therapeutic approaches for preventing and treating biofilms. This book is a useful resource for researchers in the field of microbiology, clinical microbiology, and also medical practitioners.

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.

This volume presents a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in symbiosis research. It covers molecular, organellar, cellular, immunologic, genetic and evolutionary aspects of symbiotic interactions in humans and other model systems. The book also highlights new approaches to interdisciplinary research and therapeutic applications. Symbiosis refers to any mutually beneficial interaction between different organisms. The symbiotic origin of cellular organelles and the exchange of genetic material between hosts and their bacterial and viral symbionts have helped shaped the current diversity of life. Recently, symbiosis has gained a new level of recognition, due to the realization that all organisms function as a holobiome and that any kind of interference with the hosts influences their symbionts and vice versa, and can have profound consequences for the survival of both. For example, in humans, the microbiome, i.e., the entirety of all the microorganisms living in association with the intestines, oral cavity, urogenital system and skin, is partially inherited during pregnancy and influences the maturation and functioning of the human immune system, protects against pathogens and regulates metabolism. Symbionts also regulate cancer development, wound healing, tissue regeneration and stem cell function. The medical applications of this new realization are vast and largely uncharted. The composition and robustness of human symbionts could make them a valuable diagnostic tool for predicting impending diseases, and the manipulation of symbionts could yield new strategies for the treatment of incurable diseases.

Phytoplasma Diseases of Major Crops, Trees, and Weeds is the second volume in a three-volume series dedicated to the analysis of plant pathogenic phytoplasmas across Asia. With a close look into the different types of plants affected by phytoplasma, the book offers management strategies to develop resistant plant strains. Phytoplasma diseases pose serious economic losses in many Asian countries, for which there is very little awareness within society. The chapters in Volume 2 comprehensively review predominant plant species and how they are impacted by phytoplasma diseases, providing information on host-pathogen interaction, characterization, and genetic diversity. The Phytoplasma Diseases in Asian Countries series will be an essential read for students, researchers and agriculturalists interested in plant pathology. Volume 2 will be of particular interest to those needing to access the latest information on plant management and successful plant breeding strategies.

The great scientific progress in our understanding of the genetics, chemistry, biology and pathophysiology of the cytokines has made clear the need for a comprehensive discussion of these molecules as part of a unified system. The Cytokine Network and Immune Functions provides just such a treatment. It represents the efforts of many of the most prominent scientists studying these molecules. Not only does it present a general discussion of each of the major cytokines or sets of cytokines; it deals in detail with how these molecules affect all aspects of immune function, and how they contribute to a wide range of pathological conditions. As the title clearly indicates, this book does not treat individual cytokines in isolation; it recognizes that they act in a complex web of synergistic and counter-regulatory effects so as to provide opportunities for the very fine control of immune responses. Cytokine biology is not only a fascinating scientific discipline, giving insight into how the immune and inflammatory systems are linked and regulated, but also it is a subject of profound importance in modern medicine. As the chapters in the section of this book entitled Cytokines in Pathology indicate, virtually all insults to the organism, be they r ste or chronic, call upon cytokine responses and virtually every disease entity has a component involving the function of cytokines. In some diseases, such as allergy and asthma and many of the autoimmune disorders, 'abnormal' cytokine responses are at the very heart of the disease process; in others, their impact may be more peripheral. There can be no doubt, however, that the study of cytokine biology has contributed greatly to the growing power of molecular medicine, transforming our approach to disease and building a new armamentarium of drugs and other treatments that promise to revolutionize our capacity to control a wide range of disease states.

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.

Reinforce your understanding of pathophysiology with a practical workbook! Corresponding to the chapters in Gould's Pathophysiology for the Health Professions, 7th Edition, this study guide uses a variety of exercises, activities, and review questions to help you master concepts relating to disorders and disease processes. It lets you practice skills and apply concepts to clinical practice. To make review easier, an answer key is included in the back of the book. Learning activities provide a variety of ways to assess your knowledge or identify areas for further study, including labeling exercises, matching exercises on important terminology, crossword puzzles, questions that apply knowledge to more complex situations, and compare/contrast completion charts. Answer key for all of the activities is provided at the back of the book, providing immediate feedback. The same authors as the Pathophysiology textbook - Karin VanMeter and Robert Hubert - ensure that content in the study guide is consistent and accurate. NEW! Updated content and learning activities reflect the revisions in Gould's Pathophysiology for the Health Professions, 7th Edition.

This is a comprehensive text and atlas of lymph node pathology, providing extensive illustrative examples of characteristic diagnostic findings in the lymph node, including both benign and malignant conditions. All major disorders are discussed, including up to date information on HIV infection and AIDS. Although an emphasis has been placed on interpretation of the routinely stained hematoxylin and eosin stained section, consideration has been given to the important immunologic and molecular biologic advances which have revolutionized hematopathology. The author has integrated classic approaches to biopsy interpretation, including histopathology and clinical features, with newer immunophenotypic and molecular biologic techniques. The Revised European-American Lymphoma (REAL) classification for lymphoid neoplasms, which is coming into increasingly wide clinical use, is utilized in the discussion of the malignant lymphomas. Because many pathologists and clinicians continue to use the Working Formulation in day to day practice, the equivalent terms in that classification are also provided.