Molecular Techniques for the Study of Hospital Acquired Infection

A guide to using molecular biology and immunological methods for the analysis of food Many of the analytical problems that food chemists face in the lab cannot be solved by chemistry alone, and so analytical chemists are turning to molecular biology and immunology for alternative approaches. Molecular Biological and Immunological Techniques and Applications for Food Chemists comprehensively explains the most important molecular biology and immunology methods, and illustrates their application in food analysis. Written by a distinguished group of experts, the coverage includes: Molecular Biological Methods—techniques explained, laboratory layout, PCR, real-time PCR, RFLP, SSCP, and sequencing Molecular Biology Applications—meat, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), food allergens, offal, and fish Immunological Methods—techniques explained and antibody-based detection methods Immunology Applications—animal speciation, international food allergen regulations (except Japanese), Japanese regulations and buckwheat allergen detection, egg allergen detection, soy allergen detection, milk allergen detection, gluten allergen detection, nut allergen detection, fish allergen detection, lupin allergen detection, mustard allergen detection, and celery allergen detection Clearly written and consistently edited to provide information to a wide range of readers, Molecular Biological and Immunological Techniques and Applications for Food Chemists offers an up-to-date reference for food scientists in government and industry, policymakers, and graduate-level students of food science, technology, and engineering. Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

The continuing global decline of the health of the sea, and the increasing depletion of marine resources and biodiversity, caused by human activity and climate change, have led to ever-increasing international concern. These changes in the marine environment highlight the importance of effective monitoring of the ecology of the benthos which has been shown to be a sensitive index of such alterations. Completely revised and updated to include many new methods and technologies, this Fourth Edition of Methods for the Study of Marine Benthos provides comprehensive coverage on the tools and techniques available to those working in the area. Commencing with an overview of the design and analysis of benthic surveys, the book continues with chapters covering the sedimentary environment, imaging and diving techniques, macro- and meiofauna techniques, deep sea sampling, energy flow and production. An additional new chapter provided in this edition covers phytobenthos techniques. Written by many of the world’s leading authorities in marine sampling techniques and use, and edited by Professor Anastasios Eleftheriou, this comprehensive Fourth Edition is an essential tool for all marine and environmental scientists, ecologists, fisheries workers and oceanographers. Libraries in all research establishments and universities where these subjects are studied and taught will find this book to be a hugely valuable addition to their collections.

Ecosystems of the benthic environment are a sensitive index to ecological change, and as such demand long-term and effective monitoring. Methods for the Study of Marine Benthos provides comprehensive information on the tools and techniques available to those working in areas where the declining health of the sea, depletion of marine resources and the biodiversity of marine life are major concerns. In response to the need for increasingly detailed information on bottom-living communities, this fully revised new edition offers: Contributions from a broad range of internationally recognised experts New information for those compiling environmental impact statements, pollution assessments and working with eco-system management Two separate chapters on Imaging Techniques and Diving Systems A vital tool for all marine and environmental scientists, ecologists, fisheries workers and oceanographers, libraries in all universities and research establishments where these subjects are studied and taught will find this book a valuable addition to their shelves.

A guide to state-of-the-art molecular tools for monitoring and managing the toxigenicity of cyanobacteria Runaway eutrophication and climate change has made the monitoring and management of toxigenic organisms in the world’s bodies of water more urgent than ever. In order to influence public policy regarding the detection and quantification of those organisms, it is incumbent upon scientists to raise the awareness of policy makers concerning the increased occurrence of toxigenic cyanobacteria and the threats they pose. As molecular methods can handle many samples in short time and help identify toxigenic organisms, they are reliable, cost-effective tools available for tracking toxigenic cyanobacteria worldwide. This volume arms scientists with the tools they need to track toxigenicity in surface waters and food supplies and, hopefully, to develop new techniques for managing the spread of toxic cyanobacteria. This handbook offers the first comprehensive treatment of molecular tools for monitoring toxigenic cyanobacteria. Growing out of the findings of the landmark European Cooperation in Science and Technology Cyanobacteria project (CYANOCOST), it provides detailed, practical coverage of the full array of available molecular tools and protocols, from water sampling, nucleic acid extraction, and downstream analysis—including PCR and qPCR based methods—to genotyping (DGGE), diagnostic microarrays, and community characterization using next-gen sequencing techniques. Offers an overview of the latest trends in the field, while providing a foundation for understanding and applying the tools and techniques described Provides detailed coverage of the full range of molecular tools currently available, with expert guidance on the analysis and interpretation of results Includes step-by-step guidance on standard operational procedures, including molecular tests used in environmental monitoring, with individual chapters devoted to each procedure Complements the published Handbook of Cyanobacterial Monitoring and Cyanotoxin Analysis from the CyanoCOST project This handbook is an indispensable working resource for scientists, lab technicians, and water management professionals and an excellent text/reference for graduate students and supervisors who use molecular tools. It will also be of great value to environmental health and protection officials and policy makers.

Molecular imaging is primarily about the chemistry of novel biological probes, yet the vast majority of practitioners are not chemists or biochemists. This is the first book, written from a chemist's point of view, to address the nature of the chemical interaction between probe and environment to help elucidate biochemical detail instead of bulk anatomy. Covers all of the fundamentals of modern imaging methodologies, including their techniques and application within medicine and industry Focuses primarily on the chemistry of probes and imaging agents, and chemical methodology for labelling and bioconjugation First book to investigate the chemistry of molecular imaging Aimed at students as well as researchers involved in the area of molecular imaging

This comprehensive text provides a detailed overview of the molecular mechanisms underpinning the development of cancer and its treatment. Written by an international panel of researchers, specialists and practitioners in the field, the text discusses all aspects of cancer biology from the causes, development and diagnosis through to the treatment of cancer. Written by an international panel of researchers, specialists and practitioners in the field Covers both traditional areas of study and areas of controversy and emerging importance, highlighting future directions for research Features up-to-date coverage of recent studies and discoveries, as well as a solid grounding in the key concepts in the field Each chapter includes key points, chapter summaries, text boxes, and topical references for added comprehension and review Supported by a dedicated website at www.blackwellpublishing.com/pelengaris An excellent text for upper-level courses in the biology of cancer, for medical students and qualified practitioners preparing for higher exams, and for researchers and teachers in the field

The Molecular Biology of Cancer, Stella Pelengaris & Michael Khan This capturing, comprehensive text, extensively revised and updated for its second edition, provides a detailed overview of the molecular mechanisms underpinning the development of cancer and its treatment. “Bench to Bedside”: A key strength of this book that sets it apart from general cancer biology references is the interweaving of all aspects of cancer biology from the causes, development and diagnosis through to the treatment and care of cancer patients – essential for providing a broader view of cancer and its impact. The highly readable presentation of a complex field, written by an international panel of researchers, specialists and practitioners, would provide an excellent text for graduate and undergraduate courses in the biology of cancer, medical students and qualified practitioners in the field preparing for higher exams, and for researchers and teachers in the field. For the teaching of cancer biology, special features have been included to facilitate this use: bullet points at the beginning of each chapter explaining key concepts and controversial areas; each chapter builds on concepts learned in previous chapters, with a list of key outstanding questions remaining in the field, suggestions for further reading, and questions for student review. All chapters contain text boxes that provide additional and relevant information. Key highlights are listed below: An overview of the cancer cell and important new concepts. Selected human cancers: lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, renal, skin, cervix, and hematological malignancies. Key cellular processes in cancer biology including (a) traditionally important areas such as cell cycle control, growth regulation, oncogenes and tumour suppressors apoptosis, as well as (b) more highly topical areas of apoptosis, telomeres, DNA damage and repair, cell adhesion, angiogenesis, immunity, epigenetics, and the proteasome. Clinical oncology: In-depth coverage of important concepts such as screening, risk of cancer and prevention, diagnoses, managing cancer patients from start to palliative care and end-of-life pathways. Chapters highlighting the direct links between cancer research and clinical applications. New coverage on how cancer drugs are actually used in specific cancer patients, and how therapies are developed and tested. Systems Biology and cutting edge research areas covered such as RNA interference (RNAi). Each chapter includes key points, chapter summaries, text boxes, and topical references for added comprehension and review. Quotations have been used in each chapter to introduce basic concepts in an entertaining way. Supported by a dedicated website at www.blackwellpublishing.com/pelengaris We should list the great reviews we got for first edition which are on the back of the 2nd edition: “A capturing, comprehensive, clearly written and absolutely accurate introduction into cancer biology…..This book deserves great praise for the readable presentation of this complex field….the true synthesis of bench and bedside approaches is marvelously achieved.” Christian Schmidt, Molecular Cell “Chapters address the issues of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient care and set the book apart from general molecular biology references….This book is applicable to both graduate and undergraduate students, and in the context of a

This book offers a thorough revision and update to the first landmark book that presented a standardized approach to focused point-of-care ultrasound exams of the abdomen, thorax, musculoskeletal and eye in veterinary practice. Now incorporating new applications for focused ultrasound exams and additional species, this Second Edition continues to be a state-of-the-art reference for using abbreviated ultrasound exams in clinical practice. A companion website features supplementary video clips of these point-of-care techniques depicting actual ultrasound exams for comparison and comprehension.  New chapters in Point-of-Care Ultrasound Techniques for the Small Animal Practitioner, Second Edition cover ultrasound-guided nerve blocks, musculoskeletal, brain imaging, and applications of focused ultrasound techniques in cats, exotics and marine mammals—making it an essential purchase for veterinarians wanting to incorporate point-of-care ultrasound techniques into their veterinary practices.  Presents a standardized approach to point-of-care ultrasound as an extension of the physical exam, including trauma, non-trauma, and monitoring applications Includes coverage of new techniques for focused ultrasound exams, including lung, anesthesia and ultrasound guided nerve blocks, transcranial brain imaging, musculoskeletal, volume status evaluation, and rapid assessment for treatable forms of shock Adds cats, exotic and wildlife mammals, and marine mammals to the existing canine coverage Emphasizes the integration of point-of-care ultrasound techniques for optimizing patient care and accurate patient assessment Offers access to a companion website with supplementary video clips showing many clinically relevant didactic examples The second edition of Point-of-Care Ultrasound Techniques for the Small Animal Practitioner is an excellent resource for veterinary practitioners, ranging from the general practitioner to nearly all clinical specialists, including internal medicine, oncology, cardiology, emergency and critical care, anesthesiology, ophthalmology, exotics, and zoo medicine specialists, and veterinary students.

The heat shock, or cell stress, response was first identified in the polytene chromosomes of Drosophila. This was later related to the appearance of novel proteins within stressed cells, and the key signal stimulating this appearance was identified as the presence of unfolded proteins within the cell. It is now known that this is a key mechanism enabling cells to survive a multitude of physical, chemical and biological stresses. Since the promulgation of the ‘molecular chaperone’ concept as a general cellular function to control the process of correct protein folding, a large number of molecular chaperones and protein folding catalysts have been identified, and it has been recognized that not all molecular chaperones are stress proteins and vice versa. The discovery of molecular chaperones as folding proteins went hand-in-hand with their recognition as potent immunogens in microbial infection. It was subsequently shown that administration of molecular chaperones such as Hsp60, Hsp70 or Hsp90 could inhibit experimental autoimmune diseases and cancer. More recently evidence has accumulated to show that certain molecular chaperones are also present on the surface of cells or in extracellular fluids. A new paradigm is emerging: at least some molecular chaperones are secreted proteins with pro- or anti-inflammatory actions, regulating the immune response in human diseases such as coronary heart disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition to having direct effects on cells, molecular chaperones can bind peptides and present them to T cells to modulate immune responses. This may be significant in the treatment of cancer. This is the first book bringing leading researchers in this field together to review and discuss: our current knowledge of cell stress response and molecular chaperones the changing paradigms of protein trafficking and function cell stress proteins as immunomodulators and pro- and anti-inflammatory signalling molecules the role of these proteins in various chronic diseases and their potential as preventative or therapeutic agents. The Biology of Extracellular Molecular Chaperones is of particular interest to immunologists, cell and molecular biologists, microbiologists and virologists, as well as clinical researchers working in cardiology, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

This book brings the recent dramatic changes in the field of cardiovascular imaging into the clinical setting to enable the clinician to best use the technology at hand. Novel Techniques for Imaging the Heart opens with three chapters reviewing the general considerations and fundamentals of imaging, followed by a series of chapters that address clinical applications of CT and CMR, including critical review of imaging approaches for diagnosis and prognosis of CAD evaluating the patient with new onset heart failure evaluating the patient before non-cardiac surgery evaluating the patient before interventional electrophysiology novel assessment of vascular flow and valvular disease relative merits of CTA and MRA for coronary artery imaging The final section deals with advanced applications of CT and MR imaging, considers technical advances and future prospects of high field MRI, and concludes with a chapter on image-guided cardiac interventions. The book includes a companion CD-ROM with a searchable database of figures from the book and 40 video clips fully referenced in the text.