Fuelled by the application of omics and reverse genetics technologies, impressive progress has been achieved in the field of molecular and cellular biology of Bunyaviridae in recent years. In this book, a panel of international experts review the most important findings, providing a timely and coherent overview of the field. All five genera - i.e. Orthobunyavirus, Hantavirus, Nairovirus, Plebovirus, and Tospovirus - are covered in separate chapters. Genetics and the evolution of hantaviruses are given a special treatment. Additionally, current advances in diagnostics are reviewed in detail. The book closes with an excellent overview of the remaining challenges and future prospects in this fascinating field. It will be essential reading for everyone working on bunyaviruses and related viruses and is a recommended text for all virology libraries.

Plant Virus-Host Interaction: Molecular Approaches and Viral Evolution, Second Edition, provides comprehensive coverage of molecular approaches for virus-host interaction. The book contains cutting-edge research in plant molecular virology, including pathogenic viroids and transport by insect vectors, interference with transmission to control viruses, synergism with pivotal coverage of RNA silencing, and the counter-defensive strategies used by viruses to overcome the silencing response in plants. This new edition introduces new, emerging proteins involved in host-virus interactions and provides in-depth coverage of plant virus genes' interactions with host, localization and expression. With contributions from leading experts, this is a comprehensive reference for plant virologists, molecular biologists and others interested in characterization of plant viruses and disease management.

Innovation in Clinical Trial Methodologies: Lessons Learned during the Corona Pandemic presents a selection of updated chapters from Re-Engineering Clinical Trials that feature innovative options and methods in clinical trials. The Coronavirus pandemic is an accelerator for digitalization in many industries, including clinical trials. This book considers best practices, alternative study concepts requiring fewer patients, studies with less patient interaction, the design of "virtualized" protocols, and moving from data to decisions. This book will be helpful to pharmacologists, physicians and clinical researchers involved in the process of clinical development and clinical trial design.

Published since 1953, "Advances in Virus Research" covers a diverse range of in-depth reviews providing a valuable overview of the current field of virology. The impact factor for 2007 is 3.120, placing it 9th in the highly competitive category of virology.

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

This book provides overviews and updates on basic research, diagnosis, epidemiology, and public health on enteric viruses, as well as on treatment and intervention to prevent their waterborne transmission. Data are presented and interpreted by leading researchers in the field in 13 chapters. An essential resource for virologists, epidemiologists, medical and public health professionals, graduate students and postdoctoral scientists at various levels of their careers.
Key Topics Include:
* Ecology of enteric viruses
* Intervention measures from risk assessment to virus disinfection practices
* Cutting edge technology on procedures for virus detection and monitoring in water and the water environment
* Quality assurance and quality control measures in water virology
* Legal regulations regarding viruses in the environment

Interferons (IFNs) play pivotal roles in shaping the immune responses in mammals and are particularly important for the control of viral infections, cell growth, and immune regulation. These proteins rapidly induce an anti-viral state in cells that surround infected cells. In order to survive, viruses have evolved with multiple strategies to evade the anti-viral effects of IFNs. Elucidating the molecular and cellular biology of the virus-interferon interaction is key to understanding issues, such as viral pathogenesis, latency, and the development of novel antivirals. In this book, international experts review current research topics, producing a timely overview of this exciting field. The book opens with a chapter that comprehensively reviews the antiviral effects of extracellular double-stranded RNA - the viral toxin. This is followed by chapters that review the properties of type I and type III interferons, and the role of interferon-stimulated genes. Additional chapters are devoted to understanding the diverse strategies used by clinically-relevant human viruses to subvert host interferon responses. The book closes with an interesting overview of the clinical application of interferons as antiviral and anticancer agents. It will be essential reading for every scientist involved in interferon or antiviral research and will be a recommended text for all virology laboratories.

Human Papillomavirus: Proving and Using a Viral Cause for Cancer presents a steady and massive accumulation of evidence about the role of HPV and prevention of HPV-induced cancer, along with the role and personal commitment of many scientists of different backgrounds in establishing global relevance. This exercise involved years of personal commitment to proving or disproving an idea that aroused initial skepticism, and that still has difficult implications for some. It remains one of the big successes of medicine that exploited both established medical science dating back to the nineteenth century and new molecular genetic science during a time of transition in medicine.

Rhinovirus Infections: Rethinking the Impact on Human Health and Disease provides a timely review of the impact of rhinovirus infections on human health. It identifies disease mechanisms relating to the virus, human host and environmental factors. This viewpoint allows us to look forward to the development of treatments for a virus for which treatment options are currently non-existent. By providing detailed insights into this virus, its host and the environmental factors that play into rhinovirus induced diseases, this book explains disease mechanisms and summarizes existing and developing therapeutic approaches for better research, diagnosis and potential treatments.

Viral Polymerases: Structures, Functions and Roles as Antiviral Drug Targets presents in-depth study information on the structure and functions of polymerases and their roles in the lifecycle of viruses, and as drug targets. Viral polymerases constitute a vital component in the lifecycle of many viruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis viruses, influenza virus, and several others. They are essentially required for the replication of viruses. Thus, the polymerases that can be found in viruses (called viral polymerases) represent favorable targets for the design and development of antiviral drugs.

Zika Virus provides an authoritative account of one of most fascinating viruses of the 21st century, covering all the main points. It includes coverage of clinical manifestations, such as fever and fatigue, but also delves into neurological manifestations like acute demyelinating neuropathy. In addition, the book discusses new evidence that suggests that Zika fever in pregnant women can cause abnormal brain development in fetuses by mother-to-child transmission. The Zika virus infection has become one of the first where women are actively discouraged from getting pregnant. Readers will find this book to be a comprehensive resource on the topic.

The study of the molecular events leading to cellular transformation and cancer has progressed significantly in the last decade, and it has become apparent that many genes subject to modification in cancer are, in fact, transcription factors that govern the execution of the genetic programme of the cell. Transcription factors can behave either as oncogenes or as tumour suppressor genes. To date only a limited number of transcription factors have been associated with cancer. This volume deals with several transcription factor families that were first identified in oncogenic retroviruses. Each chapter contains a description of the structure of the transcription factors, the nature of target genes, the regulation of their activities, and an explaination of how they can deregulate cell growth and differentiation. This text should be suitable for the specialist scientist and the advanced student

Since its discovery in 1998, RNA interference (RNAi) has heralded the advent of novel tools for biological research and drug discovery. This exciting new technology is emerging as a powerful modality for battling some of the most notoriously challenging viral clinical targets, such as the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, several critical issues associated with this novel technology must be resolved before it can progress to testing in human clinical trials, and these have been the target of intensive research in recent years. In this book, expert RNAi specialists from around the world have teamed up to produce a timely and thought-provoking review of the area. The two central themes are: 1) the latest findings on RNAi-virus interactions and 2) progress in the development of RNAi-based antiviral therapeutics. A number of chapters explain general concepts concerned with the role of RNAi in natural antiviral defense mechanisms. Other chapters discuss how to improve the efficacy and safety of RNAi-based antiviral drugs, as well as describe how this technology is being developed as a new therapeutic tool for fighting specific viruses, including HIV, HCV, and respiratory viruses. The book also outlines potential new avenues for research. RNA Interference and Viruses is essential reading for researchers involved in RNAi or antiviral research and is a recommended text for all virology laboratories.

Retroviruses comprise a diverse family of enveloped RNA viruses, remarkable for their use of reverse transcription of viral RNA into linear double stranded DNA during replication and the subsequent integration of this DNA into the genome of the host cell. Members of this family include important pathogens such as HIV-1, feline leukemia, and several cancer-causing viruses. However, interest in these viruses extends beyond their disease-causing capabilities. For example, research in this area led to the discovery of oncogenes, a major advance in the field of cancer genetics. Studies of retroviruses have contributed greatly to our understanding of mechanisms that regulate eukaryotic gene expression. In addition, retroviruses are proving to be valuable research tools in molecular biology and have been used successfully in gene therapy (e.g. to treat X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency). Written by the top retroviral specialists, this book reviews the genomics, molecular biology, and pathogenesis of these important viruses, comprehensively covering all the recent advances. Topics include: host and retroelement interactions * endogenous retroviruses * retroviral proteins and genomes * viral entry and uncoating * reverse transcription and integration * transcription * splicing and RNA transport * pathogenesis of oncoviral infections * pathogenesis of immunodeficiency virus infections * retroviral restriction factors, molecular vaccines, and correlates of protection * gammaretroviral and lentiviral vectors * non-primate mammalian and fish retroviruses * simian exogenous retroviruses * and HTLV and HIV. It is essential reading for every retrovirologist and it is a recommended text for all virology and molecular biology laboratories.

"The Role of Animals in Emerging Viral Diseases" presents what is currently known about the role of animals in the emergence or re-emergence of viruses including HIV-AIDS, SARS, Ebola, avian flu, swine flu, and rabies. It presents the structure, genome, and methods of transmission that influence emergence and considers non-viral factors that favor emergence, such as animal domestication, human demography, population growth, human behavior, and land-use changes.

When viruses jump species, the result can be catastrophic, causing disease and death in humans and animals. These zoonotic outbreaks reflect several factors, including increased mobility of human populations, changes in demography and environmental changes due to globalization. The threat of new, emerging viruses and the fact that there are no vaccines for the most common zoonotic viruses drive research in the biology and ecology of zoonotic transmission.

In this book, specialists in 11emerging zoonotic viruses present detailed information on each virus's structure, molecular biology, current geographic distribution, and method of transmission. The book discusses the impact of virus emergence by considering the ratio of mortality, morbidity, and asymptomatic infection and assesses methods for predicting, monitoring, mitigating, and controlling viral disease emergence.
Analyzes the structure, molecular biology, current geographic distribution and methods of transmission of 10 virusesProvides a clear perspective on how events in wildlife, livestock, and even companion animals have contributed to virus outbreaks and epidemicsExemplifies the "one world, one health, one medicine" approach to emerging disease by examining events in animal populations as precursors to what could affect humans"

Advances in Applied Microbiology, Volume 119 continues the comprehensive reach of this widely read and authoritative review source in microbiology. Users will find invaluable references and information on a variety of areas relating to the topics of microbiology.

Dengue virus (DENV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, is the causative agent of dengue fever, currently one of the most significant emerging disease challenges to global public health. Although dengue is an old disease, recent decades have seen an unprecedented increase in the geographic range, incidence, and severity of infection. The virus infects 100 million people annually and is endemic in many tropical and sub-tropical regions in the world. At present, neither a licensed vaccine nor anti-viral drugs are available to control dengue disease, prompting a plethora of research initiatives aimed at understanding the molecular and cellular virology, genomics, and evolution of this important virus. This book brings together a panel of expert dengue virologists to produce a timely review of the rapidly-expanding dengue research literature. In addition, the contributors identify the most pressing questions that remain to be answered, thus providing a stimulus for future research. Topics include: evolutionary history * epidemiology * translation and processing of the viral polyprotein * viral replication * the role of the viral untranslated regions * pathogenesis * host response to DENV * development of animal models * DENV-mosquito interactions * dynamics of dengue virus transmission * emergence of DENV from its ancestral, sylvatic cycle * vaccines * novel anti-dengue drugs * and passive immunotherapy. It is essential reading for every dengue virologist and is highly recommended for all flavivirus and arbovirus virologists.

Published since 1953, "Advances in Virus Research" covers a diverse range of in-depth reviews providing a valuable overview of the current field of virology. The impact factor for 2009 is 5.522placing it2nd in the highly competitive category of virology.

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

Parasitoids are parasitic insects that kill their insect hosts in immature pre-reproductive stages. Parasitoids are employed in biological control programs worldwide to kill insect pests and are environmentally safe and benign alternatives to chemical pesticides. As resistance to chemical pesticides continues to escalate in many pest populations, attention is now refocusing on biologically-based strategies to control pest species in agriculture and forestry as well as insect vector populations that transmit human and animal diseases. Parasitoids are an economically critical element in this equation and integrated pest management.

Viruses have evolved intimate associations with parasitoids, and this book features sections on both symbiotic viruses that are integrated into the wasp s chromosomal DNA (polydnaviruses) that play critical roles in suppressing host immunity during parasitism. A separate section with additional chapters on viral pathogens that infect parasitoids to cause disease and act as detrimental agents that limit effectiveness of wasp species employed in biological control of pests is also featured. A third component is a section on parasitoid venoms, which are of interest to the pharmaceutical and medical communities as well as insect-oriented biologists.
Sections focus on both virus evolution and genomics as well as proteomics and functional roles of polydnavirus-encoded gene productsInternational researchers and emerging leaders in their fields provide readers with syntheses of the latest researchIncludes content on both symbiotic viruses and pathogenic viruses, plus new research on parasitoid venomsCutting-edge section on future directions in the field covers the impacts of polydnavirus research on medicine, human health, bioengineering and the economy, increasing the value for researchers and practitioners who need to stay on top of the research in this swiftly moving field"

Published since 1953, "Advances in Virus Research" covers a diverse range of in-depth reviews providing a valuable overview of the current field of virology. The impact factor for 2009 is 5.522, placing it 2nd in the highly competitive category of virology.

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

Published since 1953, "Advances in Virus Research" covers a diverse range of in-depth reviews providing a valuable overview of the current field of virology. The impact factor for 2008 is 4.886, placing it 4th in the highly competitive category of virology.

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

Studies related to pathogen-mediated virus resistance in plants were instrumental in providing some of the historical observations which ultimately led to the vital discovery of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-induced gene silencing or RNA interference (RNAi), which has since revolutionized research on plant-virus interactions. In Antiviral Resistance in Plants: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers in the field detail many of the methods which are now commonly used to study the phenomenon of RNA silencing in relation to viral infections of plants. These include methods and techniques for the isolation and quantitative/qualitative analyses of plant small 21-24 nucleotide RNAs such as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) as well as the analysis and manipulation of virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) in both monocotyledonous and dicotyledenous plants and the use of hairpin RNA (hpRNA) transgenes. Written in the highly 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 laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Antiviral Resistance in Plants: Methods and Protocols seeks to aid scientists in the further study of this crucially important botanical trait.

Published since 1953, "Advances in Virus Research" covers a diverse range of in-depth reviews providing a valuable overview of the current field of virology.
The impact factor for 2006 is 3.48 placing it 7th in the highly competitive category of virology.
* Contributions from leading authorities
* Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field

SARS was the ?rst new plague of the twenty-?rst century. Within months, it spread worldwide from its "birthplace" in Guangdong Province, China, affecting over 8,000 people in 25 countries and territories across ?ve continents. SARS exposed the vulnerability of our modern globalised world to the spread of a new emerging infection. SARS (or a similar new emerging disease) could neither have spread so rapidly nor had such a great global impact even 50 years ago, and arguably, it was itself a product of our global inter-connectedness. Increasing af?uence and a demand for wild-game as exotic food led to the development of large trade of live animal and game animal markets where many species of wild and domestic animals were co-housed, providing the ideal opportunities for inter-species tra- mission of viruses and other microbes. Once such a virus jumped species and attacked humans, the increased human mobility allowed the virus the opportunity for rapid spread. An infected patient from Guangdong who stayed for one day at a hotel in Hong Kong led to the transmission of the disease to 16 other guests who travelled on to seed outbreaks of the disease in Toronto, Singapore, and Vietnam, as well as within Hong Kong itself. The virus exploited the practices used in modern intensive care of patients with severe respiratory disease and the weakness in infection control practices within our health care systems to cause outbreaks within hospitals, further amplifying the spread of the disease. Health-care itself has become a two-edged sword.