Lymphocyte Trafficking in Health and Disease
Since the discovery of chemokines and of chemokine receptors it has become evident that expression of chemokines at the site of inflammation may regulate the composition of cellular infiltrate, thereby directing the type of immune response. Recently, the molecular characterization of inherited disorders of immune system, (e.g., Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, WHIM syndrome, leukocyte adhesion deficiency), which are characterized by cytoskeleton/adhesion defects or by altered response of chemokine receptors has contributed to clarifying the key players of immune response in normal physiology and in disease. This book, which deals with the description of the role of chemokines in immune response and underlines potential targets of therapeutical intervention, offers a series of contributions of the most challenging aspects of lymphocyte migration in homeostasis and in disease.
Cell Adhesion and Cytoskeletal Molecules in Metastasis
In this volume, the expression of specific adhesion molecules within human cancer tissues are highlighted. The expression signatures from published DNA microarray and immunohistochemistry studies are detailed. The concept that the alteration of specific adhesion molecules influence the cancer migration ability and cancer damage responses is detailed in this volume; both features are essential for the survival of an invading tumor cell. Defining the minimal adhesion receptors preserved on cancer cells during tumor progression will define the metastatic adhesion signature. Understanding the metastatic adhesion signature will reveal vulnerabilities that could be exploited for the prevention and/or eradication of the invading cancer cell.
Breast cancer chemosensitivity
In Breast Cancer Chemosensitivity, a group of world leading experts review critical aspects of resistance to systemic therapy in breast cancer patients. Beginning with a clinical overview of the problem Breast Cancer Chemosensitivity moves on to focus on the latest findings of molecular mechanisms of drug resistance. These include in-depth discussions on multidrug resistance by P-glycoprotein and the multidrug resistance protein family, resistance to therapeutic agent-induced apoptosis, cell cycle deregulation, deregulation of DNA repair, loss of tumor suppressor genes, integrin-mediated adhesion, insulin-like growth factors, epidermal growth factor, and ErbB2 in modulating breast cancer response to systemic therapy, especially, certain chemotherapeutic agents. Breast Cancer Chemosensitivity provides an example of using novel approaches for chemosensitization of breast cancer cells that gives readers an idea about the future direction in breast cancer treatment.
Biomarkers as targeted herbal drug discovery : A pharmacological approach to nanomedicines
Looks at the applications of biomarkers as important tools for herbal drug discovery, presenting research on phytoconstituents with advanced nanotechnological applications for healthcare benefits. Herbal drug discovery based on biomarkers is an emerging area in complementary and alternative medicine that has tremendous potential in healthcare. Conventional medications have limited efficacy and high toxicity, whereas herbal drugs are said to provide wide structural diversity that is not usually seen with conventional/synthetic drug molecules. Recognition of various herbal constituents, such as terpenoids, fatty acids, flavonoids and steroids, are well explored in the management and treatment of various disorders in this volume. These agents target various biomarkers such as nitric oxide (NO), cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, NF- kβ, lipoxygenase (LOX), and arachidonic acid. Reviews the literature on inflammatory biomarkers in the treatment of diseases Looks at the development of herbal drug discovery based on biomarkers Explores emerging concepts of nanomedicines for herbal drug delivery Takes an interdisciplinary approach, with application to disciplines related to medical, pharmaceutical, biotechnological, Ayurvedic, Unani and biomedical engineering fields
Biological adhesives
Many plants, animals, and microbes use adhesive polymers and structures to attach to inert substrates, to each other, or to other organisms. This is the first major review that brings together research on many of the well-known biological adhesives. Emphasizing the diversity of biological adhesives and associated adhesion processes, it deals with bacteria, fungi, algae, and marine and terrestrial animals. It bridges a variety of disciplines including biochemistry, molecular biology, biomechanics, bioengineering, microbiology, organism structure and function, and ultrastructure. As we learn more about the molecular and mechanical properties of these adhesives, we begin to understand why they adhere so well and how they develop cohesive strength. With this understanding comes the prospect of developing synthetic or semi-synthetic adhesives with broad applications in areas such as medicine, dentistry, and biotechnology. The book is suitable for both industrial and academic researchers.
Bioadhesives in Drug Delivery
The topics covered include: Theories and mechanisms of bioadhesion; bioadhesive polymers for drug delivery applications; methods for characterization of bioadhesiveness of drug delivery systems; bioadhesive films and drug delivery applications; bioadhesive nanoparticles; and bioadhesive hydrogels and applications ocular biodhesive drug delivery systems; buccal bioadhesive drug delivery systems; gastrointestinal bioadhesive drug delivery systems ; nasal bioadhesive drug delivery systems; vaginal drug delivery systems; pulmonary bioadhesive drug delivery systems.
Adhesion Molecules : Function and Inhibition
Inflammatory cell recruitment requires the concerted action of at least five major sets of adhesion molecules: integrins, immunoglobulin-like molecules, selectins, carbohydrate structures serving as selectin ligands, and certain ectoenzymes. This volume gives a comprehensive overview on the most relevant leukocyte and endothelial adhesion molecules. The chapters are written by leaders in the field and focus on the biology, structure, function, and regulation of adhesion molecules. Currently approved adhesion molecule-based therapies are reviewed and an outlook for future approaches is also provided. The book is of interest to clinicians and scientists from immunology, physiology, cancer research, rheumatology, allergology, infectious diseases, gastroenterology, pulmonology and cardiology.
Adhesion in Pharmaceutical, Biomedical, and Dental Fields
The phenomenon of adhesion is of cardinal importance in the pharmaceutical, biomedical and dental fields. A few eclectic examples will suffice to underscore the importance/relevance of adhesion in these three areas. For example, the adhesion between powdered solids is of crucial importance in tablet manufacture. The interaction between biodevices (e.g., stents, bio-implants) and body environment dictates the performance of such devices, and there is burgeoning research activity in modifying the surfaces of such implements to render them compatible with bodily components. In the field of dentistry, the modern trend is to shift from retaining of restorative materials by mechanical interlocking to adhesive bonding.
Applied scanning probe methodsVII : Biomimetics and industrial applications
The present volumes cover three main areas: novel probes and techniques (Vol. V), charactarization (Vol. VI), and biomimetics and industrial applications (Vol. VII). Volume V includes an overview of probe and sensor technologies including integrated cantilever concepts, electrostatic microscanners, low-noise methods and improved dynamic force microscopy techniques, high-resonance dynamic force - croscopy and the torsional resonance method, modelling of tip cantilever systems, scanning probe methods, approaches for elasticity and adhesion measurements on the nanometer scale as well as optical applications of scanning probe techniques based on near?eld Raman spectroscopy and imaging.








