Pseudomonas Infection And Alginates

The concept of this book arose out of an international workshop, which we organized and held at the University of Wales Conference Centre at Gregynog. The workshop was the first occasion on which researchers from all the different disciplines concerned with the extracellular virulence factors of mucoid strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in relation to cystic fibrosis (CF) had met to discuss this multifaceted problem. It was deemed a particularly timely moment to gather together experts for the exchange of facts, ideas and hypotheses. No formal abstracts were presented and no proceedings were published. But during the succeed ing months the organizers were persuaded by a number of participants that a wider audience should benefit from what had proved to be such a fruitful cross-fertilization of expertise. Thus we moved from being workshop organizers to book editors, sure in the knowledge that at least we had a willing and enthusiastic set of contributors! It should be stressed, however, that this book is not a transcript of that workshop. Not all those participants are authors, and some new names have been added. Instead we have focused on alginate as an extracellular virulence factor of P. aeruginosa in CF pulmonary infections. Recent advances in the biochemistry and molecular genetics of alginate bio synthesis, as well as in our understanding of the basic defect in CF and isolation of the gene, mean that the book is even more timely than when first planned.

"Alginates: Biology and Applications" provides an overview of the state of art of alginate material properties, genetics and the molecular mechanisms underlying alginate biosynthesis as well as applications of tailor-made alginates in medicine, food and biotechnology. Topics treated are: material properties of alginates, alginate production: precursor biosynthesis, polymerization and secretion, bacterial system for alginate uptake and degradation, enzymatic alginate modification, alginate gene regulation, role of alginate in bacterial biofilms, microbial production of alginates: physiology and process aspects, alginate-based blends and nano/microbeads, applications of alginates in food, alginate and its comonomer mannuronic acid: medical relevance as drugs.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa the Opportunist provides an in depth analysis of clinically relevant pathogenetic mechanisms and selected disease states. The book presents the most current discussion of pathogenic mechanisms logically arranged from the microbiology of the Pseudomonadaceae and initial mucosal adherence, progessing to microcolony formation and release of a wide assortment of virulence factors, and closing with the contribution of host cells to the disease process. Cellular and molecular disease mechanisms are covered, including genetic regulation of virulence-associated bacterial products. Future research trends are highlighted as well. Pseudomonas aeruginosa the Opportunist is an excellent reference for bacteriologists, clinical investigators, and practicing clinicians representing a variety of specialties, including ophthalmology, pediatrics, and transplantation.

This book presents a comprehensive review of the latest advances in developing alginate-based biomaterials and derivatives as well as their biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. It covers the physiochemical properties of alginates, production and formulation methods, derivatizations and characterization methods, the fundamental work on optimizing alginate polymers for defined biomedical purposes as well as the scope and effectiveness of their applications in medicine and therapeutic approaches. The book brings together new concepts and advances in harnessing alginate-based biomaterials in combination with applied technological advances to tailor their applications to medical needs. The contributions by leading academics, clinicians and researchers not only cover the fundamentals, but also open new avenues for meeting future challenges in research and clinical applications.

Assembling the latest research by an international group of contributors, this volume covers the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and control measures of this elusive microorganism. It will provide a deeper understanding of the pathogen to physicians and surgeons caring for patients infected, or at risk of becoming infected, with Pseudomonas Aeruginosa.

Revised edition of: Oxford specialist handbook of paediatric respiratory medicine. 2008.