Library Science

In Hematologic Malignancies: Methods and Techniques, a panel of acknowledged experts review many of the key molecular methods used for the diagnosis and subsequent management of hematologic malignancies. These clinically relevant techniques range from routine test procedures to highly sophisticated methods currently offered only by specialized reference laboratories, and fall into five major groups: cytogenetics, polymerase chain reaction, flow cytometry, cytochemistry and immunochemistry, and apoptosis and cytokine receptors. Serving both clinical and experimental needs, Hematologic Malignancies: Methods and Techniques provides an array of powerful tools that will guide clinicians- especially hematologists, oncologists, and pathologists-to better diagnose and manage their patients with hematologic malignancies, and enable researchers to assess the anticancer effect of agents that impact cancer cells at the molecular level.

Authors: Faguet, Guy B.

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This collection of review articles highlights the latest development of antithrombotics and provides proven experimental methods for the further development of new and improved anticoagulants. Among the cutting-edge developments reviewed are the novel usage of low molecular weight heparins, such antithrombin agents as the hirudin, and such antiplatelet drugs as the GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors and ADP receptor antagonists. Additional innovations discussed include aspirin and clopidogrel, the expanded use of polytherapeutic approaches, antiproteases (factors IIa, Xa, and VIIa), tissue factor targeting, platelet receptor targeting, and antithrombin III modulation.

Authors: Mousa, Shaker A.

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Metastasis Research Protocols describes in detail all the methods needed to investigate why and how metastasis occurs. Volume I presents a comprehensive collection of established and leading-edge techniques for analyzing the expression of key molecules and for examining their production at the genetic level. Volume I focuses on the analysis and mapping of molecules produced by cells and tissues, and on the molecular biology underlying their expression. The traditional methods range from the histopathological and the immunocytochemical to SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and enzyme zymography. Newer and more specialized techniques for analyzing the genetic aspects of metastasis include in situ hybridization to localize mRNAs, FISH, CGH, methylation analysis of CpG islands, RT-PCR, differential display. Volume II presents a comprehensive collection of established and leading-edge techniques for examining metastatic behavior in vitro and whole animal models. Methods are provided for the separation of cell lines with high and low metastatic potential, along with assay systems to test defined aspects of the metastatic cascade. These systems include cell migration assays, assays for matrix degradation enzymes, basement membrane degradation assays, adhesion assays, and assays of angiogenesis. The detailed descriptions of animal models for metastasis cover the use of immunodeficient animals, syngenic and transgenic models, and orthotopic models of metastasis.

Authors: Brooks, Susan A., Schumacher, Udo

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Luke O’Neill and Andrew Bowie bring together a collection of standard and advanced methods for measuring these powerful agents. Their readily reproducible techniques range from the assay of interleukin protein and mRNA-using ELISA, FACS, and RT-PCR-to the study of interleukin signal transduction. Newer techniques are also covered, including the analysis of interleukin gene polymorphisms and the use of cDNA microarrays. Many of the assays are geared to specific pathologies, including breast cancer, depression, psoriasis, Grave’s disease, migraine, and myocardial infarction. Comprehensive and highly practical, Interleukin Protocols offers biomedical investigators a stellar collection of all the major techniques needed to analyze the role of interleukins in disease, to improve diagnosis, and to foster the rapid emergence of new and more powerful therapeutics.

Authors: O’Neill, Luke A. J. ; Bowie, Andrew

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This book offers a wide range of readily reproducible methods for sampling, isolating, and culturing all of the major inflammatory cells involved in the pathophysiology of asthma and COPD. The collection of techniques detailed here involve biopsy and sampling of airway liquids such as sputum and exhaled gases such as nitric oxide. Also provided is a full range of methods for the isolation and characterization of cells and for the measurement of the major inflammatory markers, along with protocols for measuring many of the inflammatory mediators and enzymes released during lung inflammation. Among the more advanced techniques are the measurement of exhaled hydrocarbons and F2 isoprostanes, granulocyte pharmacodynamics in whole blood measured by flow cytometry, and tracing mediator trafficking in eosinophils using confocal microscopy. Comprehensive and highly practical, the methods presented in Human Airway Inflammation: Sampling Techniques and Analytical Protocols provide today’s basic and clinical researchers all the major techniques for investigating airway inflammation, and powerfully illuminate many novel targets for emerging drugs.

Authors: Rogers, Duncan F. ; Donnelly, Louise E.

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A multidisciplinary panel of leading experimentalists details the key protocols for the diagnosis and study of the pathogenesis of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and its isolated cytotoxin (Stx). Described in step-by-step detail, these readily reproducible techniques range from those for the diagnosis and detection of STEC bacteria in patient and animal samples, to those for studying the cellular microbiology of STEC infections, especially host???pathogen interactions and the hemolysin of STEC. There are also protocols for studying the details of Shiga toxin (Stx) biology-from the purification of the toxin to the effects of Stx on various host cell functions-and for exploring STEC-mediated disease in various animal models.

Authors: Ed. Philpott, Dana ; Ebel, Frank

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This comprehensive collection of the major cross-disciplinary methods and protocols used in current opioid research covers topics ranging from molecular and genetic techniques, to behavioral analyses of animal models and to clinical practices. The well-practiced authors describe their best molecular techniques for the cloning and expression of opioid receptors, and for the quantitative characterization of their signaling pathways, as well as for mapping the distribution and detecting the expression levels of opioid receptors, opioid peptides, and their messages in both brain tissues and individual cells. Also included are methods for the creation of in vitro and in vivo animal models to study opioid functions, as well as the clinical applications in the treatment of pain and opioid addiction.

Authors: Pan, Zhizhong Z.

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This second edition of a classic laboratory manual describes cutting-edge methods for the protein-based diagnosis of infectious diseases. Explaining the latest developments in genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, biosensors, high-throughput devices, and recombinant technology, the authors apply these new methodologies successfully to the identification and characterization of valuable diagnostic markers, immunomodulatory components, epitope mapping, the production and purification of recombinant antigens, as well as to diagnostic reagents in immunological assays.

Authors: Decker, Jochen, Reischl, Udo

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Researchers from academia and biotechnology describe proven molecular methods for the construction, development, and use of virus vectors for gene transfer and gene therapy. Offering detailed step-by-step instructions to ensure successful results, these experts detail the use of herpes viruses, adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, simple and complex retroviruses, including lentiviruses, and other virus systems for vector development and gene transfer. Additional chapters demonstrate the use of virus vectors in the brain and central nervous system. Comprehensive and highly practical, Viral Vectors for Gene Therapy: Methods and Protocols provides not only researchers with the basic tools needed to design targeted gene delivery vectors, but also clinicians with an understanding of how to apply viral vectors to the treatment of genetic disorders.

Authors: C. A. Machida

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Leading physician scientists and noted researchers review novel methods for determining the etiology of a variety of lung cancers and present readily reproducible techniques for examining the associated multitude of genetic abnormalities. The methods make it possible to detect these alterations at the cellular, DNA, and protein levels, to study the development of lung cancer in vitro and in vivo-either in situ or in the form of metastases, and to test targeted therapies with detailed model systems. An animal models section gives explicit instructions for setting up and testing these systems, which are rarely described in the literature.

Authors: Driscoll, Barbara

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Leading experts and innovators describe in detail plant cell electroporation and electrofusion techniques for many types of plants. Their protocols cover a diverse set of plant cell types, including different cell types from a single organism (i.e., leaf cells and pollen) and the most important model plants, including maize and tobacco. Each protocol also contains detailed instructions for growth and growth optimization, protoplast generation, and protoplast regeneration for specific plant cell types, along with extensive troubleshooting advice and descriptions of expected results to simplify study design.

Authors: Nickoloff, Jac A.

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