This book provides a stat-of-the-art coverage of the dramatic extension in the application of mass spectrometry (MS) to biomedical research that has taken place in the last few years. This extension has been brought about through both the developments in ionization techniques and through the improved instrumentation for analyses at high mass. Dr Gaskall has brought together a large number of eminent and innovative researchers in MS, whose major motivation is the desire to solve problems in biomedical research. Three general areas are covered: a) Analyses of labile and polar compounds, with emphasis on new sample handling and ionization techniques and including discussion of compound classes such as leukotrienes, nucleic acid constituents and polar drug metabolites; b) Analyses at high mass, including discussions of peptides, oligonucleotides and oligosaccharides and presenting recent developments in time-of-flight and Fourier transform MS; c) Trace analyses, including the use of tandem MS and of combined gas and liquid chromotography for very high sensitivity detection of analytes such as steroids, prostaglandins, peptides and drugs. Each of the three sections are supplemeted by overviews, authored by Dr Gaskill, which provide relevant background material concerning ionization technques, new mass analysers and tandem MS. Zdroj anotace: Web obalkyknih.cz