Bioanalytical Separations

Of the two disciplines in parallel development for two decades, tumor immunology and transplantation immunology, the latter has thrived and has led to some of the most critical discoveries in immunobiology. The former continues to thwart both scientists and clinicians alike. The goal of immunologists in modern day research is to develop a simple and effective means to manipulate cancer in vivo, possibly encompassing several venues: identifying a phenotypic marker and the use of either active or passive immunization; include the use of passive reagents carrying "warheads" to selectively destroy cancer cells; or altering the basic process of cell survival. This excellent multidiscipline-authored volume presents a theme which has not been well described before. The papers include both basic and clinical science and range from sophisticated molecular biology to little more than phenomenology (e.g. the increased association of cancer in some autoimmune diseases and increased presentation of autoimmune phenomena in malignant condition). This, however, is state-of-the-art. This collection of themes will be of use not only to bench scientists, but also to clinicians who treat patients. The book represents progress at the cutting edge of this discipline, and points the way to further developments in the "black box" of immunology.Natural Products Chemistry continues to grow at an increasing pace and this growth is reflected in the present volume of Studies in Natural Products Chemistry, which is the 20th of this series. The first 20 volumes were largely devoted to structure and synthesis of various classes of natural products, irrespective of their bioactivity. Subsequent volumes of this series will however be devoted to the chemistry of bioactive natural products and will therefore a departure from the earlier volumes.The present volume contains contributions from a number of eminent scientists and covers interesting reviews on terpenes, alkaloids and other types of natural products reported from terrestrial and marine sources. Comprehensive indexes covering all the 20 volumes have been prepared which include a Cumulative General Subject Index along with more focused Cumulative Indices on Organic Synthesis, Pharmacological Activity and Biological Source. This comprehensive indexing of the volumes should make the entire series much more valuable and user-friendly.Bioanalytical Separations is volume 4 of the multi-volume series, Handbook of Analytical Separations, providing reviews of analytical separation methods and techniques used for the determination of analytes across a whole range of applications. The theme for this volume is bioanalysis, in this case specifically meaning the analysis of drugs and their metabolites in biological fluids.