Medical Applications of Liposomes

Medical Applications of Liposomes
Author: D.D. Lasic
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 795
Release: 1998-07-22
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0080536085

The development of liposomes as a drug delivery system has fluctuated since its introduction in the late 1960's by A.D. Bangham. While academic research of liposomes as a model membrane system has always flourished, as the exponential growth of papers can testify, the application of these findings to medically useful products has gone through several crises. Following the original optimism in the 70's and early 80's, a period of severe skepticism ensued at the end of the 80's and beginning of the 90's, culminating in a moderate but real optimism in the mid 90's, as a result of a successful launch of the first products in the US and Europe.In this collection of papers, the editors have gathered the most promising ideas, approaches, applications and commercial developments, thereby presenting an up-to-date compilation of the present status of the field. This includes such broad areas as anti-cancer chemotherapy immune stimulation and infectious diseases. Currently, the major areas of progress are in delivery of anti-fungal agents by conventional liposomes or lipid-based carriers and systemic anticancer therapy using long-circulating liposomes. The future applications as characterized by the direction of present day research is in specific targeting and delivery of informational molecules such as DNA plasmids (genes), antisense oligonucleotides or ribozymes. Other future developments may be in topical delivery, vaccination and in diagnostics.Features of this book:• Contributions from almost all the leading labs in the field• Up-to-date, critical reviews bridged by editors' introductions• Organized into a logical framework.

Capillary Fluid Exchange

Capillary Fluid Exchange
Author: Joshua Scallan
Publisher: Morgan & Claypool Publishers
Total Pages: 86
Release: 2010
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1615040668

The partition of fluid between the vascular and interstitial compartments is regulated by forces (hydrostatic and oncotic) operating across the microvascular walls and the surface areas of permeable structures comprising the endothelial barrier to fluid and solute exchange, as well as within the extracellular matrix and lymphatics. In addition to its role in the regulation of vascular volume, transcapillary fluid filtration also allows for continuous turnover of water bathing tissue cells, providing the medium for diffusional flux of oxygen and nutrients required for cellular metabolism and removal of metabolic byproducts. Transendothelial volume flow has also been shown to influence vascular smooth muscle tone in arterioles, hydraulic conductivity in capillaries, and neutrophil transmigration across postcapillary venules, while the flow of this filtrate through the interstitial spaces functions to modify the activities of parenchymal, resident tissue, and metastasizing tumor cells. Likewise, the flow of lymph, which is driven by capillary filtration, is important for the transport of immune and tumor cells, antigen delivery to lymph nodes, and for return of filtered fluid and extravasated proteins to the blood. Given this background, the aims of this treatise are to summarize our current understanding of the factors involved in the regulation of transcapillary fluid movement, how fluid movements across the endothelial barrier and through the interstitium and lymphatic vessels influence cell function and behavior, and the pathophysiology of edema formation. Table of Contents: Fluid Movement Across the Endothelial Barrier / The Interstitium / The Lymphatic Vasculature / Pathophysiology of Edema Formation

Microbial Extracellular Polymeric Substances

Microbial Extracellular Polymeric Substances
Author: Jost Wingender
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 266
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3642601472

Microbial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are the key components for the aggregation of microorganisms in biofilms, flocs and sludge. They are composed of polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and other biological macromolecules. EPS provide a highly hydrated gel matrix in which microbial cells can establish stable synergistic consortia. Cohesion and adhesion as well as morphology, structure, biological function and other properties such as mechanical stability, diffusion, sorption and optical properties of microbial aggregates are determined by the EPS matrix. Also, the protection of biofilm organisms against biocides is attributed to the EPS. Their matrix allows phase separation in biofiltration and is also important for the degradation of particulate material which is of great importance for the self purification processes in surface waters and for waste water treatment.

Microscale Acoustofluidics

Microscale Acoustofluidics
Author: Thomas Laurell
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
Total Pages: 593
Release: 2014-12-08
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1849737061

The manipulation of cells and microparticles within microfluidic systems using external forces is valuable for many microscale analytical and bioanalytical applications. Acoustofluidics is the ultrasound-based external forcing of microparticles with microfluidic systems. It has gained much interest because it allows for the simple label-free separation of microparticles based on their mechanical properties without affecting the microparticles themselves. Microscale Acoustofluidics provides an introduction to the field providing the background to the fundamental physics including chapters on governing equations in microfluidics and perturbation theory and ultrasound resonances, acoustic radiation force on small particles, continuum mechanics for ultrasonic particle manipulation, and piezoelectricity and application to the excitation of acoustic fields for ultrasonic particle manipulation. The book also provides information on the design and characterization of ultrasonic particle manipulation devices as well as applications in acoustic trapping and immunoassays. Written by leading experts in the field, the book will appeal to postgraduate students and researchers interested in microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip applications.

Fungal Extracellular Vesicles

Fungal Extracellular Vesicles
Author: Marcio Rodrigues
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 193
Release: 2022-01-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3030833917

This book provides an in-depth overview on the manifold functions of fungal extracellular vesicles (EV) which span from cell-to-cell communication, pathogenicity and stimulation of host’s immunity to export of hundreds of biomolecules. The book summarizes the present knowledge on the impact of extracellular vesicles on fungal biology. Extracellular vesicles participate in fundamental biological processes in all living cells but only during the last 15 years the production and functions of EVs were identified and studied in fungal species too. Up to date more than 50 independent studies have shown that extracellular vesicles are produced by at least 20 fungal species. The book addresses researchers and advanced students in Microbiology, Mycology and Biotechnology.

Astrocytes and Epilepsy

Astrocytes and Epilepsy
Author: Jacqueline A. Hubbard
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 395
Release: 2016-07-05
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0128026243

Epilepsy is a devastating group of neurological disorders characterized by periodic and unpredictable seizure activity in the brain. There is a critical need for new drugs and approaches given than at least one-third of all epilepsy patients are not made free of seizures by existing medications and become "medically refractory". Much of epilepsy research has focused on neuronal therapeutic targets, but current antiepileptic drugs often cause severe cognitive, developmental, and behavioral side effects. Recent findings indicate a critical contribution of astrocytes, star-shaped glial cells in the brain, to neuronal and network excitability and seizure activity. Furthermore, many important cellular and molecular changes occur in astrocytes in epileptic tissue in both humans and animal models of epilepsy. The goal of Astrocytes and Epilepsy is to comprehensively review exciting findings linking changes in astrocytes to functional changes responsible for epilepsy for the first time in book format. These insights into astrocyte contribution to seizure susceptibility indicate that astrocytes may represent an important new therapeutic target in the control of epilepsy. Astrocytes and Epilepsy includes background explanatory text on astrocyte morphology and physiology, epilepsy models and syndromes, and evidence from both human tissue studies and animal models linking functional changes in astrocytes to epilepsy. Beautifully labelled diagrams are presented and relevant figures from the literature are reproduced to elucidate key findings and concepts in this rapidly emerging field. Astrocytes and Epilepsy is written for neuroscientists, epilepsy researchers, astrocyte investigators as well as neurologists and other specialists caring for patients with epilepsy. - Presents the first comprehensive book to synthesize historical and recent research on astrocytes and epilepsy into one coherent volume - Provides a great resource on the field of astrocyte biology and astrocyte-neuron interactions - Details potential therapeutic targets, including chapters on gap junctions, water and potassium channels, glutamate and adenosine metabolism, and inflammation

Flow Cytometry

Flow Cytometry
Author: Alice Longobardi Givan
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 309
Release: 2013-04-10
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1118688392

Flow cytometry continually amazes scientists with its ever-expanding utility. Advances in flow cytometry have opened new directions in theoretical science, clinical diagnosis, and medical practice. The new edition of Flow Cytometry: First Principles provides a thorough update of this now classic text, reflecting innovations in the field while outlining the fundamental elements of instrumentation, sample preparation, and data analysis. Flow Cytometry: First Principles, Second Edition explains the basic principles of flow cytometry, surveying its primary scientific and clinical applications and highlighting state-of-the-art techniques at the frontiers of research. This edition contains extensive revisions of all chapters, including new discussions on fluorochrome and laser options for multicolor analysis, an additionalsection on apoptosis in the chapter on DNA, and new chapters onintracellular protein staining and cell sorting, including high-speed sorting and alternative sorting methods, as well as traditional technology. This essential resource: Assumes no prior knowledge of flow cytometry Progresses with an informal, engaging lecture style from simpleto more complex concepts Offers a clear introduction to new vocabulary, principles of instrumentation, and strategies for data analysis Emphasizes the theory relevant to all flow cytometry, with examples from a variety of clinical and scientific fields Flow Cytometry: First Principles, Second Edition provides scientists, clinicians, technologists, and students with the knowledge necessary for beginning the practice of flow cytometry and for understanding related literature.

Methods of Soil Enzymology

Methods of Soil Enzymology
Author: Richard P. Dick
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 416
Release: 2020-01-22
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0891188541

Methods of Soil Enzymology provides the first comprehensive set of vetted methods for studying enzymes in soils. Readers will especially benefit from the step-by-step explanation of the lab procedures, as well as background information for using these methods effectively and analyzing data. Main topics include activity assays, enzyme extraction, and synthetic enzyme complexes. Each method covered includes background informaton, step-by-step descriptions of the procedure, and special comments regarding nuances, pitfalls, and interpretation of the method. Learn the latest research methods, including enzyme extraction methods and procedures for creating synthetic enzyme complexes, as well as the newest ways to use small-scale and high-throughput methods for enzyme activity assays. Written for the researcher, but welcoming to those new to soil enzymology, the introduction includes conceptual information to orient those who are not familiar with these methods but want to use them. In the tradition of SSSA methods books, Methods of Soil Enzymology features a comprehensive approach with a focus on ease of use.

Basic Electrophysiological Methods

Basic Electrophysiological Methods
Author: Ellen Covey
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 241
Release: 2015-02-25
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0199342547

Basic Electrophysiological Methods provides a concise and easy-to-read guide on a selection of the most important contemporary electrophysiological techniques, their implementation, applications, and ways in which they can be combined and integrated with neuroscientific techniques. Intended for students, postdocs, and faculty with a basic neuroscience background, this text will not obscure the relevant technical details with textbook neuroscience tutorials as many other books do. Instead, each chapter provides a conscientious overview of the underlying theory -- a comprehensive description of equipment, materials, methods, data management, and analysis -- a troubleshooting guide, and a list of frequently asked questions. No book or online resource can function as strictly a DIY set of instructions on how to implement a complex technique. However, this book provides a fundamental and accessible set of information intended to form a foundation prior to, during, and after hands-on experience and training, greatly facilitating the initial learning process and subsequent fine-tuning of technical details.