Books published by Caister Academic Press

Real-time PCR technology is an established powerful research tool used in many scientific disciplines and is also utilized for mainstream testing in the regulated markets, such as food, veterinary, and human in-vitro diagnostics. This essential manual provides both the novice and experienced user with an invaluable reference to a wide-range of real-time PCR technologies and applications, and it provides an overview of the theory of this increasingly important technique. Renowned international authors present detailed technical insights into the underlying principles, methods, and practice of real-time PCR. The initial chapters cover the important aspects of real-time PCR, including choosing an instrument and probe system, set-up, nucleic acid synthesis, sample extraction controls, and validation and data analysis. Further chapters provide a comprehensive overview of important real-time PCR methodologies, such as quantification, expression analysis, and mutation detection. This is complemented by the final chapters, which address the application of real-time PCR to diagnosis of infectious diseases, biodefense, veterinary science, food authenticity, and molecular haplotyping. This timely and authoritative volume serves both as a basic introduction to real-time PCR and as a source of current trends and applications for those already familiar with the technology. The editors also aim to stimulate readers of all levels to develop their own innovative approaches to real-time PCR. The book will be an essential text for all laboratories using PCR.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a fundamental tool in scientific research and clinical testing. Real-time PCR, combining both amplification and detection in one instrument, is a rapid and accurate method for nucleic acid detection and quantification. Although PCR is a very powerful technique, the results achieved are valid only if the appropriate controls have been employed. In addition, proper optimization of PCR conditions is required for the generation of specific, repeatable, reproducible, and sensitive data. This book discusses the strategies for preparing effective controls and standards for PCR, when they should be employed, and how to interpret the information they provide. It highlights the significance of optimization for efficiency, precision, and sensitivity of PCR methodology and provides essential guidance on how to troubleshoot inefficient reactions. Experts in PCR describe design and optimization techniques, discuss the use of appropriate controls, explain the significance of standard curves, and explore the principles and strategies required for effective troubleshooting. The book highlights the importance of sample preparation and quality, primer design, controlling inhibitors, avoiding amplicon and environmental contamination, optimizing reagent quality and concentration, and modifying the thermal cycling protocol for optimal sensitivity and specificity. In addition, specific chapters discuss the history of PCR, the choice of instrumentation, the applications of PCR in metagenomics, high resolution melting analysis, the MIQE guidelines, and PCR at the microliter scale. The strategies, tips and advice contained in this concise volume will enable the scientist to optimize and effectively troubleshoot a wide range of techniques, including PCR, reverse transcriptase PCR, real-time PCR, and quantitative PCR. It will be an essential book for anyone using PCR technology.

Details the major current advances in microbial population genetics and genomics.

Leading scientists in the field review the genomics, molecular biology and pathogenesis of these important viruses, comprehensively covering all the recent advances.

Dengue virus (DENV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, is the causative agent of dengue fever, currently one of the most significant emerging disease challenges to global public health. Although dengue is an old disease, recent decades have seen an unprecedented increase in the geographic range, incidence, and severity of infection. The virus infects 100 million people annually and is endemic in many tropical and sub-tropical regions in the world. At present, neither a licensed vaccine nor anti-viral drugs are available to control dengue disease, prompting a plethora of research initiatives aimed at understanding the molecular and cellular virology, genomics, and evolution of this important virus. This book brings together a panel of expert dengue virologists to produce a timely review of the rapidly-expanding dengue research literature. In addition, the contributors identify the most pressing questions that remain to be answered, thus providing a stimulus for future research. Topics include: evolutionary history * epidemiology * translation and processing of the viral polyprotein * viral replication * the role of the viral untranslated regions * pathogenesis * host response to DENV * development of animal models * DENV-mosquito interactions * dynamics of dengue virus transmission * emergence of DENV from its ancestral, sylvatic cycle * vaccines * novel anti-dengue drugs * and passive immunotherapy. It is essential reading for every dengue virologist and is highly recommended for all flavivirus and arbovirus virologists.

Current concepts in molecular phylogeny and their application with respect to microorganisms including a review of current phylogenetic methods, techniques and software tools.

Molecular biology has revolutionized the study of microorganisms in the environment and has improved our understanding of the composition, phylogeny, and physiology of microbial communities. The current molecular toolbox encompasses a range of DNA-based technologies and new methods for the study of RNA and proteins extracted from environmental samples. Currently, there is a major emphasis on the application of "omics" approaches to determine the identities and functions of microbes inhabiting different environments. This book highlights the current state-of-the-art of environmental molecular microbiology. International experts have contributed chapters that describe the various technologies and their applications in environmental microbiology. The first half of the book focuses on the microbial diversity and phylogeny of microorganisms in the environment and describes the molecular toolbox currently available for the study of the composition and diversity of microbial communities and their functions. Topics include the use of the 16S rRNA gene as a phylogenetic marker, metagenomics, metaproteomics, microarrays, and molecular fingerprinting. The second half focuses on the application of these approaches in various environments including soil, marine water, plants, humans, and wastewater treatment. The last chapter of the book discusses the genetics and environmental implications of microbial biofilms. This is an essential book for advanced students, research scientists, environmental agencies, and industries involved in any aspect of environmental microbiology.

In-depth reviews of molecular systematics, bioinformatics, systems biology, transcriptional regulation, genetics, genomics, secondary metabolism, ecology, development, and industrial applications.

The first comprehensive review of Acanthamoeba research to be published. Everything that is known about Acanthamoeba is critically reviewed and divided into easy-to-follow sections. The definitive guide.

Earth is dominated by low-temperature environments including 90% of oceans and 26% of terrestrial soil ecosystems. Once thought too cold for life, these environments have been shown to support diverse microbial communities. Psychrophiles use a wide variety of metabolic pathways, including photosynthesis, chemoautotrophy, and heterotrophy and form robust diverse communities. Cold-adapted microorganisms play a major role in nutrient turnover and primary biomass production in cold ecosystems and have important applications in biotechnology and in the study of food spoilage microorganisms. In this major new work, prominent contributors present cutting-edge knowledge and current concepts on cold-adapted microorganisms. Divided into three main sections, the book covers the major aspects of biodiversity in cold ecosystems, the physiology and molecular adaptation mechanisms, and the various biomolecules related to cold adaptation. Individual chapters cover the various habitats and the diverse strategies employed to cope with the cold. The book represents a valuable source of information to all scientists interested in cold-adapted microorganisms, extremophiles, microbial ecology, and environmental microbiology.

Microorganisms are the most diverse group of organisms and play important and distinctive roles in their ecosystems. They interact with their peers and other organisms (e.g., plants, animals) to form a complicated food web, significantly impacting ecosystem functions and services. However, understanding the diversity, composition, structure, function, activity, and dynamics of microbial communities remains challenging. Over the past decade, microarray-based technologies have been developed to address such challenges. This book is focused on current microarray technologies and their applications in environmental microbiology. In the first chapter, microarray technologies and applications are briefly introduced and, in following chapters, microarray probe design, development and evaluation, and data analysis are described in detail. In later chapters, more attention is paid to phylogenetic arrays (e.g., PhyloChip) and functional gene arrays (e.g., GeoChip). These generic tools - for analyzing microbial communities from disparate environments, ecosystems, and habitats (including soil, water, sediment, animals, and humans) - are described in detail with examples of specific applications. Also included are microarrays for analyzing microbial communities from specific environments, such as soil, bioleaching ecosystems, and human microbiomes, as well as microarrays for detecting specific microorganisms (e.g., pathogens) in the environment. The book's contributors also discuss the advantages and limitations of microarray technologies compared to high throughput sequencing technologies. This book is recommended for anyone working on microbial communities, biofilms, or environmental microbiology. [Subject: Microbiology, Life Science, Environmental Science

Alphaviruses comprise a fascinating group of small, enveloped single-stranded positive-sense RNA viruses. They are usually transmitted by arthropod vectors (usually mosquitoes). Of the thirty known species, eight are important human pathogens (e.g. Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus) whilst one, salmonid alphavirus, is of economic importance to the farmed fish industry. Due to their small size alphaviruses have historically been utilised as model systems for the analysis of viral pathogenesis. Understanding alphavirus molecular biology, pathogenesis and host interactions are key areas of research that have applications not only in disease prevention but also in permitting the exploitation of certain alphaviruses, e.g. Semliki Forest virus, as efficient gene therapy and/or vaccine delivery vehicles. This timely book provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in alphavirus research. Written by a team of prominent scientists the main focus is on the pathogenesis and host interactions. Topics covered include: genome structure and replication; viral evolution; laboratory diagnosis and detection; interaction with the interferon system; antiviral responses in mosquitoes; animal models of alphavirus-induced inflammatory disease; clinical manifestations of arthritogenic alphaviruses; encephalitic alphaviruses; the application of alphavirus vectors for gene therapy; and chikungunya virus pathogenesis and the development of control strategies. As the first to focus exclusively on alphaviruses, this book serves as an invaluable resource for researchers and clinicians working with alphaviruses and related viruses. Essential reading.

The role of RNA in regulating gene expression has become a topic of intense interest. In this book, internationally recognized experts in RNA research explore and discuss the methods whereby RNA can regulate gene expression with examples in yeast, Drosophila, mammals, and viral infection, as well as highlight the application of this knowledge in therapeutics and research. Topics include: gene silencing and gene activation, the hammerhead ribozyme, epigenetic regulation, RNAi, microRNA, and pyknons. This comprehensive publication is intended for readers with teaching or research interests in RNA, the regulation of gene expression, genetics, genomics, and molecular biology.

Myxobacteria have fascinated generations of scientists since discovery over a century ago. These bacteria represent the epitome of complex prokaryotic behavior. Their predatory swarms move over solid surfaces, utilizing two distinct motility machineries: one driven by retractable pili and the other by a novel gliding machinery. Furthermore, under nutrient limitation, myxobacteria enter a developmental program featuring distinct cell fates and culminating in the formation of multicellular fruiting bodies filled with dormant spores. In this book, expert myxobiologists describe important recent advances in understanding the behavior of these bacteria at a molecular and cellular level. The book covers ecology, genomics, and cell biology, as well as modeling and simulation on topics including motility, development, and their associated genetic regulatory networks. It provides the most up-to-date overview on myxobacteria and highlights open questions in the active areas of research. Serving as an essential reference for everyone working with myxobacteria, the book's chapters have been written and structured to be accessible to teachers, graduate students, and advanced undergraduate students new to myxobacteria, as well as to experts in other fields, including physical and computational sciences.