Accuracy in Molecular Processes

Accuracy in Molecular Processes
Author: B. Kirkwood
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 550
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9400940971

Molecular biology proceeds at unremitting pace to unfold new secrets of the living world. Biology, long regarded as an inexact companion to physics and chemistry, has undergone transformation. Now, chemical and physical principles are tools in understanding highly complex biomolecular processes, whose origin lies in a history of chance, constraint and natural selection. The accuracy of these processes, often remarkably high, is crucial to their self perpetuation, both individually and collectively, as ingredients of the organism as a whole. In this book are presented thirteen chapters which deal with various facets of the accuracy problem. Subjects covered include: the specificity of enzymes; the fidelity of synthesis of proteins; the replication and repair of DNA: general schemes for the enhancement of biological accuracy; selection for an optimal balance between the costs and benefits of accuracy; and the possible relevance of molecular mistakes to the process of ageing. The viewpoints are distinct, yet complementary, and the book as a whole offers to researchers and students the first comprehensive account of this growing field.

Diagnostic Molecular Biology

Diagnostic Molecular Biology
Author: Chang-Hui Shen
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 590
Release: 2023-06-29
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0323986099

Diagnostic Molecular Biology, Second Edition describes the fundamentals of molecular biology in a clear, concise manner with each technique explained within its conceptual framework and current applications of clinical laboratory techniques comprehensively covered. This targeted approach covers the principles of molecular biology, including basic knowledge of nucleic acids, proteins and chromosomes; the basic techniques and instrumentations commonly used in the field of molecular biology, including detailed procedures and explanations; and the applications of the principles and techniques currently employed in the clinical laboratory. Topics such as whole exome sequencing, whole genome sequencing, RNA-seq, and ChIP-seq round out the discussion. Fully updated, this new edition adds recent advances in the detection of respiratory virus infections in humans, like influenza, RSV, hAdV, hRV but also corona. This book expands the discussion on NGS application and its role in future precision medicine. - Provides explanations on how techniques are used to diagnosis at the molecular level - Explains how to use information technology to communicate and assess results in the lab - Enhances our understanding of fundamental molecular biology and places techniques in context - Places protocols into context with practical applications - Includes extra chapters on respiratory viruses (Corona)

Principles and Applications of Molecular Diagnostics

Principles and Applications of Molecular Diagnostics
Author: Nader Rifai
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 424
Release: 2018-06-13
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0128160624

Principles and Applications of Molecular Diagnostics serves as a comprehensive guide for clinical laboratory professionals applying molecular technology to clinical diagnosis. The first half of the book covers principles and analytical concepts in molecular diagnostics such as genomes and variants, nucleic acids isolation and amplification methods, and measurement techniques, circulating tumor cells, and plasma DNA; the second half presents clinical applications of molecular diagnostics in genetic disease, infectious disease, hematopoietic malignancies, solid tumors, prenatal diagnosis, pharmacogenetics, and identity testing. A thorough yet succinct guide to using molecular testing technology, Principles and Applications of Molecular Diagnostics is an essential resource for laboratory professionals, biologists, chemists, pharmaceutical and biotech researchers, and manufacturers of molecular diagnostics kits and instruments. - Explains the principles and tools of molecular biology - Describes standard and state-of-the-art molecular techniques for obtaining qualitative and quantitative results - Provides a detailed description of current molecular applications used to solve diagnostics tasks

Evolution of Translational Omics

Evolution of Translational Omics
Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 354
Release: 2012-09-13
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0309224187

Technologies collectively called omics enable simultaneous measurement of an enormous number of biomolecules; for example, genomics investigates thousands of DNA sequences, and proteomics examines large numbers of proteins. Scientists are using these technologies to develop innovative tests to detect disease and to predict a patient's likelihood of responding to specific drugs. Following a recent case involving premature use of omics-based tests in cancer clinical trials at Duke University, the NCI requested that the IOM establish a committee to recommend ways to strengthen omics-based test development and evaluation. This report identifies best practices to enhance development, evaluation, and translation of omics-based tests while simultaneously reinforcing steps to ensure that these tests are appropriately assessed for scientific validity before they are used to guide patient treatment in clinical trials.

Molecular Diagnostics

Molecular Diagnostics
Author: George P. Patrinos
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 526
Release: 2016-10-27
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0128029889

Molecular Diagnostics, Third Edition, focuses on the technologies and applications that professionals need to work in, develop, and manage a clinical diagnostic laboratory. Each chapter contains an expert introduction to each subject that is next to technical details and many applications for molecular genetic testing that can be found in comprehensive reference lists at the end of each chapter. Contents are divided into three parts, technologies, application of those technologies, and related issues. The first part is dedicated to the battery of the most widely used molecular pathology techniques. New chapters have been added, including the various new technologies involved in next-generation sequencing (mutation detection, gene expression, etc.), mass spectrometry, and protein-specific methodologies. All revised chapters have been completely updated, to include not only technology innovations, but also novel diagnostic applications. As with previous editions, each of the chapters in this section includes a brief description of the technique followed by examples from the area of expertise from the selected contributor. The second part of the book attempts to integrate previously analyzed technologies into the different aspects of molecular diagnostics, such as identification of genetically modified organisms, stem cells, pharmacogenomics, modern forensic science, molecular microbiology, and genetic diagnosis. Part three focuses on various everyday issues in a diagnostic laboratory, from genetic counseling and related ethical and psychological issues, to safety and quality management. - Presents a comprehensive account of all new technologies and applications used in clinical diagnostic laboratories - Explores a wide range of molecular-based tests that are available to assess DNA variation and changes in gene expression - Offers clear translational presentations by the top molecular pathologists, clinical chemists, and molecular geneticists in the field

Improving Diagnosis in Health Care

Improving Diagnosis in Health Care
Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 473
Release: 2015-12-29
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0309377722

Getting the right diagnosis is a key aspect of health care - it provides an explanation of a patient's health problem and informs subsequent health care decisions. The diagnostic process is a complex, collaborative activity that involves clinical reasoning and information gathering to determine a patient's health problem. According to Improving Diagnosis in Health Care, diagnostic errors-inaccurate or delayed diagnoses-persist throughout all settings of care and continue to harm an unacceptable number of patients. It is likely that most people will experience at least one diagnostic error in their lifetime, sometimes with devastating consequences. Diagnostic errors may cause harm to patients by preventing or delaying appropriate treatment, providing unnecessary or harmful treatment, or resulting in psychological or financial repercussions. The committee concluded that improving the diagnostic process is not only possible, but also represents a moral, professional, and public health imperative. Improving Diagnosis in Health Care, a continuation of the landmark Institute of Medicine reports To Err Is Human (2000) and Crossing the Quality Chasm (2001), finds that diagnosis-and, in particular, the occurrence of diagnostic errorsâ€"has been largely unappreciated in efforts to improve the quality and safety of health care. Without a dedicated focus on improving diagnosis, diagnostic errors will likely worsen as the delivery of health care and the diagnostic process continue to increase in complexity. Just as the diagnostic process is a collaborative activity, improving diagnosis will require collaboration and a widespread commitment to change among health care professionals, health care organizations, patients and their families, researchers, and policy makers. The recommendations of Improving Diagnosis in Health Care contribute to the growing momentum for change in this crucial area of health care quality and safety.

Beyond the Molecular Frontier

Beyond the Molecular Frontier
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 238
Release: 2003-03-19
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0309168392

Chemistry and chemical engineering have changed significantly in the last decade. They have broadened their scopeâ€"into biology, nanotechnology, materials science, computation, and advanced methods of process systems engineering and controlâ€"so much that the programs in most chemistry and chemical engineering departments now barely resemble the classical notion of chemistry. Beyond the Molecular Frontier brings together research, discovery, and invention across the entire spectrum of the chemical sciencesâ€"from fundamental, molecular-level chemistry to large-scale chemical processing technology. This reflects the way the field has evolved, the synergy at universities between research and education in chemistry and chemical engineering, and the way chemists and chemical engineers work together in industry. The astonishing developments in science and engineering during the 20th century have made it possible to dream of new goals that might previously have been considered unthinkable. This book identifies the key opportunities and challenges for the chemical sciences, from basic research to societal needs and from terrorism defense to environmental protection, and it looks at the ways in which chemists and chemical engineers can work together to contribute to an improved future.

Molecular Driving Forces

Molecular Driving Forces
Author: Ken Dill
Publisher: Garland Science
Total Pages: 784
Release: 2010-10-21
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1136672990

Molecular Driving Forces, Second Edition E-book is an introductory statistical thermodynamics text that describes the principles and forces that drive chemical and biological processes. It demonstrates how the complex behaviors of molecules can result from a few simple physical processes, and how simple models provide surprisingly accurate insights into the workings of the molecular world. Widely adopted in its First Edition, Molecular Driving Forces is regarded by teachers and students as an accessible textbook that illuminates underlying principles and concepts. The Second Edition includes two brand new chapters: (1) "Microscopic Dynamics" introduces single molecule experiments; and (2) "Molecular Machines" considers how nanoscale machines and engines work. "The Logic of Thermodynamics" has been expanded to its own chapter and now covers heat, work, processes, pathways, and cycles. New practical applications, examples, and end-of-chapter questions are integrated throughout the revised and updated text, exploring topics in biology, environmental and energy science, and nanotechnology. Written in a clear and reader-friendly style, the book provides an excellent introduction to the subject for novices while remaining a valuable resource for experts.

Ancestral Sequence Reconstruction

Ancestral Sequence Reconstruction
Author: David A Liberles
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 267
Release: 2007-05-31
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0199299188

Ancestral sequence reconstruction is a technique of growing importance in molecular evolutionary biology and comparative genomics. As a powerful tool for testing evolutionary and ecological hypotheses, as well as uncovering the link between sequence and molecular phenotype, there are potential applications in a range of fields.Ancestral Sequence Reconstruction starts with a historical overview of the field, before discussing the potential applications in drug discovery and the pharmaceutical industry. This is followed by a section on computational methodology, which provides a detailed discussion of the available methods for reconstructing ancestral sequences (including their advantages, disadvantages, and potential pitfalls). Purely computational applications of the technique are then covered, including wholeproteome reconstruction. Further chapters provide a detailed discussion on taking computationally reconstructed sequences and synthesizing them in the laboratory. The book concludes with a description of the scientific questions where experimental ancestral sequence reconstruction has been utilized toprovide insights and inform future research.This research level text provides a first synthesis of the theories, methodologies and applications associated with ancestral sequence recognition, while simultaneously addressing many of the hot topics in the field. It will be of interest and use to both graduate students and researchers in the fields of molecular biology, molecular evolution, and evolutionary bioinformatics.