This book illustrates the significance and relevance of immunotherapy in modern-day therapeutics. Focusing on the application of immunotherapy in oncology, neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases, it discusses the drug delivery systems, and pre-clinical and clinical methodologies for immunotherapy-based drugs. It also comprehensively reviews various aspects of immunotherapy, such as regulatory affairs, quality control, safety, and pharmacovigilance. Further, the book discusses the in vitro validation of therapeutic strategies prior to patient application and management of immunotherapy-related side effects and presents case studies demonstrating the design and development (pre-clinical to clinical) of immunotherapy for various diseases. It also describes various design considerations and the scale-up synthesis of immunotherapeutics and screening methods. Lastly, it explores the important aspect of cost-effectiveness and rational immunotherapy strategies.

Cell Adhesion Molecules: Implications in Neurological Diseases contains review articles on recent developments in the field of neural cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). The main focus is on the role of cell adhesion molecules in various neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. This perspective has been essentially overlooked in recently published books on neural CAMs. In addition, the contributors cover many newly identified cell adhesion molecules and some that have not received much attention in recent years. This books fills an important gap in the currently available literature.

With the significant medical role that human cytomegalovirus plays in human disease (from acute disease following primary infection, to chronic disease due to life-long viral persistence), the need to better understand human cytomegalovirus biology and pathogenesis is needed. Human Cytomegaloviruses: Methods and Protocols is designed to be an inclusive document covering all of the techniques and approaches necessary to understand and study the pathobiology of human cytomegalovirus. Topics covered include the history of human cytomegaloviruses, techniques to culture and grow the virus in model cell types, the use of primary cells for the study of human cytomegalovirus pathogenesis, modern molecular techniques for assessing the biological consequences of viral infection, animal models for study of cytomegalovirus replication and numerous other topics of current interest. Written in the successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, each chapter includes an introduction, list of necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible, Human Cytomegaloviruses: Methods and Protocols serves as a tool for basic scientists as well as clinical scientists with an interest in the basic fundamental aspects of viral gene expression and specific aspects of viral pathogenesis.

An overview of all the available literature on the various aspects of the regulation of the cardiovascular system`s function and physiology by the adrenergic neurohormonal system, i.e. the catecholamines norepinephrine and epinephrine. Although there are several books describing the adrenergic system`s biology, physiology and pharmacology, and also several excellent books on cardiovascular physiology and pathology, this book focuses exclusively on the interface of these two areas: cardiovascular regulation by the adrenergic system and how it affects cardiovascular diseases and their treatments. Each chapter describe the roles of the adrenergic system first in each cardiovascular cell type (cell type-by-cell type) and then in specific areas of cardiovascular physiology, such as in exercise and in cardiovascular metabolism. Finally, the book concludes with a chapter on the adrenergic system`s role in the currently very "hot" (in terms of scientific investigations) area of cardiovascular stem cell biology. The book covers the adrenergic system-specifically and exclusively in the heart and vessels. It is formatted by cardiovascular cell type-by-cell type manner, rather than in an organ-by-organ or in a disease-by-disease manner, as usually discussed in standard, conventional biomedical textbooks. The book also discusses the adrenergic system in novel, cutting-edge cardiovascular research areas, in which it has not been covered well so far (e.g. stem cells, exercise). These three areas constitute the most important assets of the book, which sets it apart from others in the field.

In this thematic volume of "Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science, "researchers reflect on recent developments and research surrounding G protein-coupled receptors. The chapters cover a large breadth of research, including GPCR role in stem cell function and pharmacology. Authors explore in-depth research techniques and applications of GPCR usage, covering theory, laboratory approaches, and unique qualities that make GPCRs a crucial tool in microbiological and cancer research.

Key features:

* Contributions from leading authorities * Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field

In a normal physiological state, several bacteria are present in the human gut that is essential to maintain the normal to healthy gastrointestinal function. Disturbances in this "normal flora" lead to gut inflammation and infection. This volume explores the potential of probiotics, the healthy bacteria, to manage gut-related diseases including gastrointestinal cancers, ulcerative colitis, H. pylori infections, and diarrhea; vaginosis; oral health; airway inflammation; and atopic dermatitis. The concept of designer probiotics, edible vaccines and future scope of research in the field is also presented. The animal models used for studying the benefits of probiotics in gut inflammation are described for beginners.

This new volume of "Methods in Enzymology" continues the legacy of this premier serial by containing quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. This volume coversG protein coupledreceptorsandincludes chapterson such topics as G protein-coupled receptor trafficking motifs, structure-based virtual screening, and automation-friendly high throughput assays for identification of pharmacoperone drugs.
Continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field Covers G protein coupled receptorsContains chapters on such topics as G protein-coupled receptor trafficking motifs, structure-based virtual screening, and automation-friendly high-throughput assays for identifying pharmacoperone drugs"

This new volume of "Methods in Enzymology" continues the legacy of this premier serial by containing quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. This volume covers G protein coupled receptors and includes chapters on such topics as post-translation modification of GPCR in relationship to biased agonism, structure-based virtual screening, and GPCR oligomerization in the brain.
Continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the fieldCovers G protein coupled receptorsContains chapters on such topics as post-translation modification of GPCR in relationship to biased agonism, structure-based virtual screening, and GPCR oligomerization in the brain

Obesity is an epidemic with enormous health, economic and social burdens. Current drugs for obesity treatment are far from ideal in terms of efficacy and side effects. Reviews in this volume of Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science summarize current status in studies of a number of G protein-coupled receptors that were shown to be promising targets for obesity treatments. Some of these receptors also cause monogenic obesity in humans.
Subject matter: obesity is an epidemic and G protein-coupled receptors are promising drug targets, with significant potential as new anti-obesity drugs.

Chapters are written by leading experts.

Parameters such as membrane transport, metabolism and protein incorporation govern the fate of amino acids in living tissue. Is it possible to use positron tomography to measure some of them, and what is their meaning in normal and pathological situations? These questions have been addressed for a long time and no satisfactory answer has yet been given. This book, which derives from an EEC workshop organized in the frame of the Concerted Action on "PET Investigation of Cellular Regeneration and Degeneration", held in Lyon in February 1992, gives the present state of knowledge in this field based on the most recent studies. Contributions from 24 leading European and American scientists are presented and discussed.

As the first primer on the effects of exercise on human hypertension, Effects of Exercise on Hypertension: From Cells to Physiological Systems provides the state-of-the-art effects of exercise on the many possible mechanisms underlying essential hypertension in humans. The book contains chapters by distinguished experts on the effects of exercise on physiological systems known to be involved in hypertension development and maintenance as well as less well known aspects of hypertension such as 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure profile and oxidative stress. An emerging area, the effects of resistance exercise training on blood pressure is also covered. A unique aspect of the book is that it covers the effects of exercise mimetics on vascular cell adaptations in order to begin to elucidate some of the cellular mechanisms that may underlie blood pressure reductions with exercise training. Lastly, the book will end with a chapter on the interactive effects of genes and exercise on blood pressure. Chapters are grouped by physiological system or mechanism. The text begins with two overview chapters; one on the general effects of aerobic exercise training and the second on the general effects of resistance exercise training on blood pressure. Each chapter begins with a bulleted list of key points. Effects of Exercise on Hypertension: From Cells to Physiological Systems will be of great value to professional individuals in cardiovascular medicine, the cardiovascular sciences, allied health care professionals, and medical and graduate students in the cardiovascular sciences and medicine.

The discovery and genetic engineering of fluorescent proteins has revolutionized cell biology. What was previously invisible in the cell often can be made visible with the use of fluorescent proteins. In Vivo Cellular Imaging Using Fluorescent Proteins: Methods and Protocols presents state-of-the-art research that has contributed to the fluorescent protein revolution to visualize biological processes in the live animal. This volume covers an array of topics from the employment of the chick CAM model using fluorescent proteins and other fluorescent probes, to intravital fluorescent imaging, as well as 3-dimensional imaging, and design instructions on how to create new and improved far-red and infrared fluorescent proteins, to name a few. Written in the successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible, In Vivo Cellular Imaging Using Fluorescent Proteins: Methods and Protocols is the first volume in the new field of in vivo cell biology and it serves both professionals and novices with its well-honed methodologies.

Written and edited by leaders in the field, " Eosinophils in Health and Disease" provides immunology researchers and students with a comprehensive overview of current thought and cutting-edge eosinophil research, providing chapters on basic science, disease-specific issues, therapeutics, models for study and areas of emerging importance. Despite an explosion of discovery in this area over the last decade, this is the onlyup-to-date resource on eosinophils and eosinophilia exists. This full-color volumeprovides an essential collection of world class information that is a must-have for any immunologist s workbench or bookshelf.
The only updated, comprehensive source of information on eosinophils on the market
Written by over 80 leaders in the field Holistic view of the subject, including basic science, disease-specific chapters, therapeutic options and emerging areas of research"

This book provides a comprehensive look at nonhuman primate social inequalities as models for health differences associated with socioeconomic status in humans. The benefit of the socially-housed monkey model is that it provides the complexity of hierarchical structure and rank affiliation, i.e. both negative and positive aspects of social status. At the same time, nonhuman primates are more amenable to controlled experiments and more invasive studies that can be used in human beings to examine the effects of low status on brain development, neuroendocrine function, immunity, and eating behavior. Because all of these biological and behavioral substrates form the underpinnings of human illness, and are likely shared among primates, the nonhuman primate model can significantly advance our understanding of the best interventions in humans.

The middle ear plays a vital role in the sense and sensitivity of hearing. Of the various characteristics that distinguish mammals from other vertebrates, several pertain specifically to the middle-ear system, such as the presence of three middle-ear bones and the four-layer composite structure of the tympanic membrane. The Middle Ear attempts to elucidate the role this system plays in sound transmission, as viewed from both scientific and clinical perspectives.

The discovery of vitamins in the early 1900s, their later chemical characterization and the clarification of pivotal metabolic functions are sequential aspects of a brilliant chapter in the history of modern nutritional sciences and medicine. The name, derived from "vital-amines", indicates their elementary metabolic key functions in human metabolism. Vitamins are truly families of compounds, which include precursors and various free and bound forms, all with individual roles in metabolism and function. A more recent approach therefore searches for the components, the understanding of their roles in physiology and pathology as well as looking for novel pharmacological applications. When used properly, vitamins are, indeed, "magical" substances. Due to their efficacy, they should therefore be regarded as drugs with effects and side effects to be weighted against each other. Today, it is not the previously fatal deficiency-associated diseases that are in the focus of interest, but rather the relation of suboptimal vitamin bioavailability to chronic disease. This is complicated by genetic susceptibility, lifestyle, and the presence or absence of health-compromising habits, such as smoking. In turn, the development and application of new and more sensitive and specific assays further enable us to look more closely into the many functions of vitamins. Water soluble vitamins are complex molecular structures and even today, many areas in vitamin biochemistry are not yet fully understood. Novel effects and functions of vitamins remain and continue to be discovered. This book presents most recent research results and fascinating new knowledge on the role and effects of the water soluble vitamins in man. Some of the most distinguished chemists, biochemists, biologists and clinicians have contributed valuable chapters sharing unexpected novel insights into the biochemistry, (epi)genetics, metabolism, and function of water soluble vitamins, with their potential for clinical applications. Thus, physicians, clinicians, scientists, researchers, epidemiologists. nutritional specialists and health professionals alike will find stimulating and fascinating new insight in the many roles that water soluble vitamins play in human health and disease.

The Human Respiratory System combines emerging ideas from biology and mathematics to show the reader how to produce models for the development of biomedical engineering applications associated with the lungs and airways. Mathematically mature but in its infancy as far as engineering uses are concerned, fractional calculus is the basis of the methods chosen for system analysis and modelling. This reflects two decades' worth of conceptual development which is now suitable for bringing to bear in biomedical engineering. The text reveals the latest trends in modelling and identification of human respiratory parameters with a view to developing diagnosis and monitoring technologies. Of special interest is the notion of fractal structure which is indicative of the large-scale biological efficiency of the pulmonary system. The related idea of fractal dimension represents the adaptations in fractal structure caused by environmental factors, notably including disease. These basics are linked to model the dynamical patterns of breathing as a whole. The ideas presented in the book are validated using real data generated from healthy subjects and respiratory patients and rest on non-invasive measurement methods. The Human Respiratory System will be of interest to applied mathematicians studying the modelling of biological systems, to clinicians with interests outside the traditional borders of medicine, and to engineers working with technologies of either direct medical significance or for mitigating changes in the respiratory system caused by, for example, high-altitude or deep-sea environments.

This volume presents key topics of current interest with regard to several pathophysiological conditions including (a) the basic and clinical aspects of bradykinin receptor antagonists, (b) the kallikrein-kinin pathways in hypertension and diabetes, (c) tissue kallikrein-kinin therapy for hypertension and organ damage, (d) the renal (tissue) kallikrein-kinin system in the kidney and novel potential drugs for salt-sensitive hypertension, (e) the kallikrein-kinin system in diabetes retinopathy and (f) genetic manipulation and genetic variation of the kallikrein-kinin system and their impacts on cardiovascular and renal disease. Written by internationally reputed scientists, the book provides an essential overview of the latest developments in the field of kinin research, making it a valuable asset for endocrinologists, nephrologists, cardiologists, pharmacologists, physiologists, ophthalmologists and rheumatologists. Furthermore, it is also intended for postgraduate students in the fields of medicine, pharmacy, physiology and pharmacology and those working at research organizations.

This book contains the refereed contributions from the 41st annual meeting of ISOTT. The annual meetings of ISOTT bring together scientists from various fields (medicine, physiology, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, etc.) in a unique international forum. Traditionally, ISOTT conferences are a place, where an atmosphere of interaction is created, where many questions are asked after each presentation and lively discussions occur at a high scientific level. This vivid interaction is the main motivation for members to participate and gain new ideas and knowledge in the broad field of oxygen transport to tissue. The papers in this volume summarize some of the outstanding contributions from the 41st annual meeting. Special features in this volume include invited presentations from senior members of ISOTT for the theme "the wisdom of ISOTT" in which founders, past presidents and prize winners from previous meetings provided both cutting edge new knowledge and integrated overviews of critical aspects of the field. The presentations and manuscripts also include those provided by the special opportunity provided by having part of the ISOTT meeting overlap with the EPR-2013 meeting where both focused on preclinical and clinical measurements of oxygen, with a particular emphasis on cancer. Chapters 22, 24, 25 and 26 are open access under a CC BY 4.0 license via link.springer.com.

This special volume of Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science focuses on the genetics of stem cells.

Key features:

* Contributions from leading authorities * Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field

Debates and controversies about how to treat difficult problems or conditions abound in cardiac electrophysiology.? This issue attempts to bring together a variety of controversial subjects and to present differing views on how to resolve these questions so clinicians will have a handy guide to the most current thinking about these difficult subjects.

This book focuses on C-type lectin receptors, a newly emerging family of pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) and a crucial part of the human innate immune system. Above all, the authors highlight these receptors' role in the recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) - one of the first steps in responding to foreign and potentially dangerous structures in the human body. The respective chapters chiefly examine various C-type lectin receptors, their corresponding ligands, and signalling. In addition to offering immunologists and clinicians important insights from the latest research, they may also provide novel points of departure for future drug development.

How does contemporary science contribute to our understanding about what it means to be women or men? What are the social implications of scientific claims about differences between ""male"" and ""female"" brains, hormones, and genes? How does culture influence scientific and medical research and its findings about human sexuality, especially so-called normal and deviant desires and behaviours? Gender and the Science of Difference examines how contemporary science shapes and is shaped by gender ideals and images. Prior scholarship has illustrated how past cultures of science were infused with patriarchal norms and values that influenced the kinds of research that was conducted and the interpretation of findings about differences between men and women. This interdisciplinary volume presents empirical inquiries into today's science, including examples of gendered scientific inquiry and medical interventions and research. It analyses how scientific and medical knowledge produces gender norms through an emphasis on sex differences, and includes both U.S. and non-U.S. cases and examples.