Nutrition

Humana

Microbiologists, medical mycologists, immunologists, and biochemists are increasingly working together to focus on the processes involved in the progression and treatment of fungal disease.  Host- Fungus Interactions: Methods and Protocols is designed for research scientists who are involved in this work and interested in undertaking new or comparative studies of interactions between the mammalian host and clinically important fungal pathogens. Aiming to combine approaches for reverse genetics in pathogenic fungi with methods for their application in in vitro and in vivo models of disease, the book includes methods for the culture and genetic manipulation of the primary fungal pathogens and the opportunistic pathogens, as well as methods for investigating host-fungus interactions in model... Less

In this volume, Supportive Care in Cancer Therapy, a part of the Cancer Drug Discovery and Development series, the contributors provide an up-to-date, concise review of specific consequences of cancer and its treatment. The book will assist those who care for the cancer patient to better understand all of the consequences of cancer and its treatment. In addition, the reader will gain thoughtful information on the care of the older patient as well as the dying patient.

An illuminating and timely synthesis of methodological and clinical studies showing how medical costs can be established, how the value of clinical outcomes can be assessed, and how difficult choices can be rationally made. The methodological chapters review the conceptual and practical issues involved in estimating and interpreting health care costs, making health status and utility assessments, and statistically analyzing cost- effectiveness and clinical trials. The clinical chapters apply these methods to the major clinical areas of cardiology- primary prevention of coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndromes, angioplasty vs coronary bypass surgery, CABG vs medicine, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, and cardiac surgery. Additional chapters consider the use of economic... Less

While much information has been gained regarding the molecular nature of prion proteins, only recently have several research groups begun to cast light on turning the normal prion protein into its aberrant, infectious form. In this book, a team of experts provide the most up-to-date collection of current methods in this unique area of neuroscience. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, this is an ideal collection for researchers investigating the growing field of mammalian prion disease.

This timely volume addresses the intimate pathophysiologic relationship between hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Hypertension is one of the most important global public health challenges, and its relationship to stroke and other catastrophic cerebrovascular diseases is an area of growing understanding. In this outstanding book, the editors and authors clearly and concisely synthesize our developing knowledge and place epidemiologic and physiologic information into a practical clinical context. Comprehensive chapters present the evidence supporting strategies for stroke prevention and care, including blood pressure lowering therapies, anti- coagulation, and management of other cerebrovascular risk factors. In addition to prescriptive measures for first stroke prevention,... Less

Jac A. Nickoloff and Merl F. Hoekstra update and expand their two earlier acclaimed volumes (Vol. I: DNA Repair in Prokaryotes and Lower Eukaryotes and Vol. II: DNA Repair in Higher Eurkaryotes) with cutting-edge reviews by leading authorities of primary experimental findings about DNA repair processes in cancer biology. The reviews cover a wide range of topics from viruses and prokaryotes to higher eukaryotes, and include several new topics, among them the role of recombination in replication of damaged DNA, X-ray crystallographic analysis of DNA repair protein structures, DNA repair proteins and teleomere function, and the roles of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in DNA repair. Authoritative and up-to-date, DNA Damage and Repair, Vol. III: Advances from Phage to Humans surveys the rapidly moving... Less

In this exceptionally important new work, a panel of distinguished authors discusses all the latest developments in the study of ocular transporters. Focusing on the molecular characteristics, localization, and substrate specificities in various compartments of the eye, this volume discusses how transporters regulate the clarity of the cornea and lens, the movements of fluids across the ciliary epithelium and nutrients across the retinal pigment epithelium.

Cartilage Repair Strategies is a comprehensive update of the present state of cartilage repair and regeneration. The information in this volume addresses what methods are effective, what methods are safe, and what methods will lead to an alteration in the short history of articular cartilage injury repair. Contributors present examinations of a variety of topics including the structure and function of articular cartilage, the evaluation of cartilage repair techniques, and the latest cartilage sensitive imaging techniques. Several chapters anticipate new and emerging cartilage repair techniques – such as second generation ACI, resorbable scaffold-based repair, and arthroscopically performed cartilage transplantation – and include descriptions of the rationale and application of these... Less

Although initially described as major regulators of cytoskeletal remodeling, Rho GTPases have been implicated in the establishment of polarity, endocytosis, vesicle trafficking, morphogenesis, cytokinesis, transcriptional activation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis, to mention a few. In addition, Rho GTPases have acquired medical relevance because of their participation in tumorigenesis and metastasis, in cardiovascular conditions, and as targets of infectious agents. The field has broadened even more with the contribution of studies in model organisms (plants, amoebas, fungi, invertebrates), each adding a particular view to the complexity of the family and vastly enriching our perception of these important signaling components. Divided into five convenient sections, Rho GTPase:... Less

Leading researchers and clinicians join forces to explain how malignant melanoma develops from its benign precursor cell type. The authors focus on the molecular mechanisms involved in melanogenesis, in the malignant transformation of melanocytes, and in the further progression of primary melanomas into invasive and metastatic melanomas. They also review recent advances in our understanding of the basic biology of melanocytes and the development, migration, and differentiation of melanoblasts into melanocytes. The book provides an up-to-date understanding of the progressive mechanisms of oncological development in malignant melanoma, a likely model of malignant progress for other types of cancer, and the ongoing development of novel therapeutics.

The volumes included in Antimicrobial Drug Resistance represent the first comprehensive, multidisciplinary reference covering the area of antimicrobial drug resistance in bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites from basic science, clinical, and epidemiological perspectives. The first volume, Antimicrobial Drug Resistance, Mechanisms of Drug Resistance, is dedicated to the biological basis of drug resistance and effective avenues for drug development. With the emergence of more drug-resistant strains, the approach to dealing with the drug resistance problem must include the research of different aspects of the mechanisms of bacterial resistance and the dissemination of resistance genes as well as research utilizing new genomic information. These approaches will permit the design of novel... Less

Understanding seed-related processes is of major social, environmental, and economic concern. The viability and vigor of seeds are the very basis for sustainable agriculture and forestry, and comprehending the molecular and cellular events underlying these processes will become increasingly important to many economical sectors and for species that provide the world’s food supply. Seed Dormancy: Methods and Protocols covers analytical methods and approaches which have already lead to significant advances in the understanding of seed dormancy and germination. Chapters cover explanations of processes leading to the induction, maintenance, and termination of seed dormancy, the classification of different dormancy types, as well as an overview of protocols used for dormancy- termination of... Less

Highly skilled investigators with extensive experience in gene targeting and mouse genetics describe their best techniques for the design of targeting constructs and for the analysis of the mouse phenotype. These include embryo transplantation, in vitro embryonic stem cell differentiation, creation of aggregation chimeras, mouse pathology, embryo cryopreservation, and transplantation. State-of-the-art and highly practical, Gene Knockout Protocols not only constitutes an invaluable source of readily reproducible techniques for those just entering the field of gene targeting, but also a key reference for all genetic researchers today.

A number of abiotic factors such as drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, low or high light intensity, and deficiency or toxic levels of nutrients have huge impacts on crop productivity, and a furthering of our understanding of the molecular, biochemical, and physiological basis of stress tolerance has been widely recognized as critical. In Plant Stress Tolerance: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers cover the most important widely-used techniques, including cutting-edge strategies, in a manner that ensures effective results. Beginning with reviews on dehydration, salinity, and cold tolerance as well as on oxidative stress, the volume then continues with methods involving topics such as describing the identification of stress-regulated genes, proteins, and microRNAs using diverse... Less

The first major collection of techniques for gene therapy and stem cell therapy for heart diseases. The methods include readily reproducible techniques for genetic dissection, signal transduction, and microarray analysis. The protocols include techniques for gene transfer to heart tissue using viral and nonviral vectors and for producing transgenic models of heart diseases, the novel and powerful tools for the study of heart disease pathogenesis. Many of the protocols employ not only molecular and cell biology techniques, but also in vivo approaches to myocardial repair using different types of stem cells, and include methods for expansion, purification, and genetic modification of stem cells. The techniques are at the center of the most recent advances in the study and treatment of... Less

This book offers the most comprehensive and up-to -date examination of research on the biochemical actions of ethanol today. Presenting insightful accounts of original studies as well as penetrating reviews of key areas across the entire field of alcohol research, a plenary collegium of distinguished investigators treat a vast array of topics. Since the key to effective treatment of alcohol dependence is to better understand the mechanisms of ethanol's interactions with cells and membranes, all scientists active in the field today -whether experimentally or clinically oriented- will find this a useful and uniquely valuable desk side companions

At the intersection of metabolite analysis, metabolic fingerprinting, and metabolomics, the study of metabolic profiling has evolved steadily over the course of time as have the methods and technologies involved in its study. In Metabolic Profiling: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers in the field present protocols that are illustrative of the evolution of metabolic profiling from single molecule analysis to global metabolome profiling. Comprised of the most essential techniques, this volume covers topics from inborn errors of metabolism and drug metabolite analysis to nuclear magnetic resonance metabolic profiles. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology™ series format, chapters include introductions to their respective subjects, lists of the necessary... Less

Ranging from the evolution of pathogenicity to oceanic carbon cycling, the many and varied roles that bacteriophages play in microbial ecology and evolution have inspired increased interest within the scientific community. Bacteriophages: Methods and Protocols pulls together the vast body of knowledge and expertise from top international bacteriophage researchers to provide both classical and state-of-the-art molecular techniques. With its well-organized modular design, Volume 1: Isolation, Characterization, and Interactions examines a multitude of topics, including the isolation of phages, morphological and molecular characterization, and interaction with bacteria. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology™ series format, chapters consist of brief introductions to... Less

Hands-on experts from academia and industry comprehensively describe how to successfully perform all the critical HPLC techniques needed for the analysis of peptides and proteins. The methods range from commonly used techniques to those for capillary to large-scale preparative isolation. The authors have also presented a number of specific applications as case studies to illustrate the analytical approaches to a particular separation or assay challenge, with examples drawn from contemporary fields in biochemistry and biotechnology.

This volume includes the latest diagnostic criteria for PCOS and comprises the most up-to-date information about the genetic features and pathogenesis of PCOS. It critically reviews the methodological approaches and the evidence for various PCOS susceptibility genes. The book also discusses additional familial phenotypes of PCOS and their potential genetic basis. All four editors of this title are extremely prominent in the field of PCOS.

In recent years there have been huge advances in the understanding of the genetic and molecular basis of the fibrocystic diseases. This volume provides a thorough review of fibrocyctic diseases that affect the liver. It contains in-depth discussions of the genetics, molecular biology, pathogenesis, histology, clinical presentations, complications of, treatment, and prognosis of the conditions affecting children and adults, and hence will be the gold-standard reference for these conditions. In addition, the histological features that distinguish these conditions from other potentially fibrosing hepatopathies are illustrated. Conditions with syndromic features involving the kidney or other organ systems are also reviewed. Thorough review of the clinical phenotypes, their presentations,... Less

Recent work has revealed that stabilizing G-quadruplexes in telomeric DNA inhibits telomerase activity, providing impetus for the development of G-quartet- interacting drugs, while G-quartet- containing oligonucleotides have been recognized as a potent class of aptamers effective against STAT3 and other transcription factors implicated in oncogenesis, proving these guanine-quartets to be a vital and rich area for future study. In "G-Quadruplex DNA: Methods and Protocols", experts in the field present a collection of detailed techniques for studying G-quartet formation, dynamics, and molecular recognition. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology™ series format, chapters include brief introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and... Less

A continuously evolving technique, immunotherapy for the treatment of cancers now incorporates the use of immune cells infused during bone marrow transplants as well as approaches like cell and gene therapy, while stem cell-based therapies, tissue engineering, and targeting have also contributed to the latest successes in pre-clinical immunotherapy studies. In Immunotherapy of Cancer: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers in the field describe detailed procedures for trainees and experts in the area of basic, clinical science who wish to undertake their own cutting-edge immunotherapy studies. In addition to the protocols, the volume also contains two general overviews providing useful updates in each area as well as summaries of recent pre-clinical and clinical trials. Written in... Less

The availability of new molecular approaches to the selection of drug therapy is an emerging need, as the traditional approach based on the evaluation of patient and tumor characteristics is clearly far from optimal. Many, and in most cases the majority of treated patients do not have significant benefits from the treatment while they often experience moderate to severe toxicities. In “Pharmacogenomics , Anticancer Drug Discovery, and Response”, edited by Federico Innocenti, readers will find a series of chapters addressing the role of genomic information in cancer therapy and in drug development representing a unique source, as it describes experimental approaches, statistical strategies, and clinical examples of the application of genomic medicine in oncology. This book provides the... Less

With nearly one hundred years of intensive study, lipids have proven to be a vital and ever-more-promisin g area of cell biological research. In Liposomes: Methods and Protocols, leading experts in the related fields explore cutting-edge experimental methods involving all aspects of lipids as essential components of the cell membrane. Volume 2: Biological Membrane Models focuses on detailed methods for the use of liposomes in studying a variety of biochemical and biophysical membrane phenomena concomitant with chapters describing a great palette of state-of-the-art analytical technologies. As a volume in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology™ series, the chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step,... Less

Much work over the last two decades has firmly established that loss of cell cycle checkpoint regulation, and resultant unabated cellular proliferation, is an inherent characteristic of cancer. This loss may occur through aberration in any single component involved in signal transduction pathways that orchestrate checkpoint regulation, which may manifest through either a failure to activate the checkpoint or a failure to respond to the activated checkpoint. In normal cells, checkpoint pathways are activated when genetic or cellular homeostasis is compromised, and signals are then transduced to re-stabilize homeostasis, and, failing this, to activate the apoptotic machinery to induce a cellular suicidal response. This implies that both survival and cell death pathways are induced following... Less

A collection of powerful new techniques for oligonucleotide synthesis and for the use of modified oligonucleotides in biotechnology. Among the protocol highlights are a novel two-step process that yields a high purity, less costly, DNA, the synthesis of phosphorothioates using new sulfur transfer agents, the synthesis of LNA, peptide conjugation methods to improve cellular delivery and cell-specific targeting, and triple helix formation. The applications include using molecular beacons to monitor the PCR amplification process, nuclease footprinting to study the sequence- selective binding of small molecules of DNA, nucleic acid libraries, and the use of small interference RNA (siRNA) as an inhibitor of gene expression.

Ever since their discovery more than 150 years ago, astrocytes have proved to be something of an enigma.  Only in the last 10-15 years has it become clear that astrocytes are multifunctional versatile cells that play key roles in a multitude of diverse processes in the CNS, including generation of neural stem cells, synaptogenesis, and regulation of the blood-brain barrier and neurovascular unit. Astrocytes: Methods and Protocols provides scientists with a comprehensive guide to many techniques used for astrocyte cell culture, as well as more specialized approaches for studying astrocyte functions, both in vitro and in vivo. Key cellular, molecular and biochemical techniques are used to study the many and varied functions of this fascinating cell.  Written in the highly successful Methods... Less

A thoroughly revised and updated collection readily reproducible techniques for culturing human cells. This new edition includes a wide range of human cell types relevant to human disease and new chapters on fibroblasts, Schwann cells, gastric and colonic epithelial cells, and parathyroid cells. The protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular Medicine™ series format, each offering step-by-step laboratory instructions, an introduction outlining the principle behind the technique, lists of the necessary equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

A collection of powerful new techniques for oligonucleotide synthesis and for the use of modified oligonucleotides in biotechnology. Among the protocol highlights are a novel two-step process that yields a high purity, less costly, DNA, the synthesis of phosphorothioates using new sulfur transfer agents, the synthesis of LNA, peptide conjugation methods to improve cellular delivery and cell-specific targeting, and triple helix formation. The applications include using molecular beacons to monitor the PCR amplification process, nuclease footprinting to study the sequence- selective binding of small molecules of DNA, nucleic acid libraries, and the use of small interference RNA (siRNA) as an inhibitor of gene expression.