Library Science

Andrew Baker and a noted panel of expert investigators describe today’s most powerful molecular methods for investigating the pathogenesis of vascular disease. These detailed, easy-to-follow techniques range from methods that have been used successfully to identify specific mutations involved in cardiovascular disorders, to those for transferring genes associated with cardiovascular disease into various vascular cell types by in vitro and in vivo routes. There are methods to identify novel genes and generate full-length cDNAs, to study gene transcription and promoter activity easily and effectively, and to ascertain precisely gene expression levels within the individual cell types in different pathophysiological conditions. Vascular Disease: Molecular Biology and Gene Therapy Protocols offers today’s vascular biologist and gene therapist an unprecedented ability to study the pathogenesis of vascular disease and readily to probe the potential for gene-based therapies.

Ed. Baker, Andrew H.

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State-of-the-art review articles by leading experts summarize how to develop and employ the highly promising new DNA vaccines, what clinical results can be expected from their use, and what is known about how they work. Key topics range from vaccine design and construction to preparation and delivery methods, including the use of classical adjuvants, “genetic adjuvants,” and the immunostimulatory properties of DNA and selected oligonucleotide sequences. Several contributors provide strategic ideas on antigen engineering and describe the novel applications of DNA vaccine methodology that have recently emerged. Cutting-edge and comprehensive, DNA Vaccines: Methods and Protocols provides a snapshot of the methods and thinking from which the vaccines of tomorrow will evolve. Ed. Lowrie, Douglas B. ; Whalen, Robert

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Leading clinical and laboratory scientists describe cutting-edge methods for examining the mechanisms of cellular resistance to anticancer cytotoxics in human tumors. The protocols contain detailed instructions and extensive troubleshooting tips that allow researchers effectively to study a wide variety of drug resistance mechanisms, including aspects of drug-induced cell death, drug uptake/efflux, drug metabolism, and DNA repair. Each method is designed to help identify the correlation between molecular and biochemical data and the clinical responses of the patient. Cytotoxic Drug Resistance Mechanisms illuminates all the clinically relevant mechanisms used as markers of the biological response to anticancer biotherapeutics today. Ed. Brown, Robert ; Boger-Brown, Uta

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This is a significant collection of established and novel methods for the successful quantitation of nucleic acids. Each method has been refined and tested by its developer and proven to work in such problems as the analysis of eukaryotic gene expression, the quantitation of viral loads in clinical specimens, reporter gene expression, and quantitative oncogene analysis. Particular emphasis is placed on the underlying principles of the design of competitive or noncompetitive standards, as well as on the optimization of the amplification process. In important cases several methods are given for the same problem so that readers may set up test systems tailored to their specific practical needs. With its step-by-step instructions, Quantitative PCR Protocols allows researchers to address biological and diagnostic questions that are difficult or impossible to answer using any other experimental approach.  Ed. B.Kochanowski, U.Reischl 

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G. E. Francis and Cristina Delgado have assembled a comprehensive collection of leading-edge protocols for drug targeting studies. In addition to the detailed step-by-step instruction, the protocols review the principal current targeting strategies, discuss how to build the constructs, examine theoretical considerations relevant to solid tumors, and describe experimental and clinical applications of targeted drug delivery systems. Also present are new chemical and biological approaches to the preparation of targeted biopharmaceuticals, including ribonuclease???antibody chimeras, bispecific antibodies, enzyme???antibody conjugates, and folate-bearing conjugates. Applications include the targeting of myocardial infarctions using liposomal systems, the use of monoclonal antibodies to target malaria and HIV-infected cells, the targeting of fusion proteins to leukemias and lymphomas, and the use of antioxidant enzyme???antibody conjugates to target the pulmonary endothelium. Comprehensive and innovative, Drug Targeting: Strategies, Principles, and Applications documents in practical detail the major new chemical and biological targeting methods now being used to produce today’s emerging rich array of novel diagnostic agents and promising biopharmaceuticals. Ed. Francis, G. E. ; Delgado, Cristina

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Experienced scientists describe-in an easily-followed format-their state-of-the-art techniques for evaluating antiviral compounds. The assays described include systems for investigating drugs used against herpesviruses, hepatitis viruses, human immunodeficiency viruses, human papillomaviruses, and influenza viruses. These well-tested methods range from cellular assays to some of the most up-to-date molecular approaches for identifying compounds that are active against viral enzymes and the development of viral resistance against drugs currently in use. Timely and comprehensive, Antiviral Methods and Protocols offers today’s researchers in academia, clinical departments, and the pharmaceutical industry the powerful, reproducible, and novel methods needed to evaluate compounds effective against both acute and chronic infections. Ed. Schinazi, Raymond F.

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A state-of-the-art collection of detailed synthetic procedures that lead to a variety of scaffolds, turn mimetics, peptide-bound replacements, and enzyme inhibitors. Topics range from unusual syntheses of amino acids to the use of a variety of linear and heterocyclic scaffolds in place of the peptide backbone. Important chemical procedures and methods include the transient protection of charged peptides as neutral prodrugs for improved blood-brain penetration and the replacement of peptide bonds with heterocyclic rings, olefins and fluoroolefins, and ketomethylenes. Synthetic protocols towards the transition-state mimics and reactive “warheads,” applicable in enzyme inhibitors, are also disclosed. Ed. Kazmierski, Wieslaw M

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An outstanding collection of detailed, state-of-the-art techniques for studying many aspects of nervous system cell biology. The methods span a multidisciplinary range of cellular and molecular approaches to both normal and injured nervous system function, and particularly to neurodegenerative processes. Included are basic RT-PCR techniques, cell culture systems, second-messenger signaling methods, and patch-clamp techniques. These powerful techniques will illuminate nervous system function, injury, degeneration, and the repair/regenerative process. Ed. Harry, Jean ; Tilson, Hugh A.

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A comprehensive collection of cutting-edge molecular protocols for the laboratory diagnosis and study of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. The methods-each crafted by a leading expert for comprehensiveness and genuine laboratory utility-cover the major sexually transmitted pathogens, including Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Haemophilius ducreyl, Treponema pallidum, and herpes simplex. Additional molecular techniques are included for detecting the genital mycoplasmas, hepatitis B virus, HIV-1, human papillomavirus. Sexually Transmitted Disease Protocols provides a comprehensive collection of foolproof molecular methods for STD diagnosis, research, and patient management. Ed. Peeling, Rosanna ; Sparling, P. Frederick

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Johnson Lau and his expert collaborators present cutting-edge techniques for study of the hepatitis C virus, a disease afflicting over 100 million people worldwide. The methods range from the detection of anti-HCV in serum and HCV in liver tissue to HCV genotypes and the detection and quantification of HCV in serum. In addition to these key protocols, the authoritative contributors also evaluate recombinant proteins in immunological test systems, including the identification of important antigenic epitopes, antibodies, and recombinant antigens. The methods and systems detailed in this book will play a key role in the development of more effective antiviral’s, in the introduction of vaccines, and in a deeper understanding of viral replication strategies, viron structure, and the mechanisms of viron assembly and release. Ed. Lau, Johnson Y. N.

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The first major collection of cutting-edge methods developed and used by leading researchers in the tissue engineering field. These hands-on experts describe easily reproducible protocols for the production and evaluation of polymers, scaffolds, and composites, as well as methods for the isolation, culture, and analysis of cells, including the combination of cells with a variety of materials or devices. Quantitative methods designed to assess cell performance and cell function that will also illuminate our understanding of cellular processes and the cellular response to the chemical and mechanical environment of a functional organ/tissue are also offered. Ed. Morgan, Jeffrey R. ; Yarmush, Martin L.

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