Back to Basics in Physiology: O2 and CO2 in the Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems exploits the gap that exists in current physiology books, tackling specific problems and evaluating their repercussions on systemic physiology. It is part of a group of books that seek to provide a bridge for the basic understanding of science and its direct translation to the clinical setting, with a final aim of helping readers further comprehend the basic science behind clinical observations. The book is interspersed with clinical correlates and key facts, as the authors believe that highlighting direct patient care issues leads to improved understanding and retention. Physiology students, including graduate and undergraduate students, nursing students, physician associate students, and medical students will find this to be a great reference tool as part of an introductory course, or as review material.

Taurine 8 represents the combined efforts of investigators on the roles of the amino acid taurine on human health and disease. The chapters covered in this book are directly derived from presentations of the contributors at the 18th International Taurine Meeting held in Marrakech, Morocco in April 2012. The purpose of this book is to disseminate current findings on taurine's contribution in several organ systems. This book covers the following topics: Taurine in Nutrition and Metabolism, the Protective Role of Taurine, and the Role of Taurine in Reproduction, Development, and Differentiation. Dr. Abdeslem El Idrissi, College of Staten Island and Dr. William L'Amoreaux, College of Staten Island, were co-chairs of the Organizing Committee for the meeting. Data presented at this meeting provided compelling evidence that taurine is not only cytoprotective in cardiomyocytes, but also is a potent GABA agonist, whereby it can facilitate vasodilation of conducting arteries. Taurine conjugates, such as taurine chloramine, may protect cells from oxidative stress via increased HO-1 expression. In adult rodents, taurine has a potent effect on plasma glucose levels, likely through the release of insulin in pancreatic beta cells. As a potential neurotransmitter, taurine is known to work via the GABAergic system, but current research presented at this meeting suggest that taurine may interact with glutamate and serotonin receptors as well. Data are also presented to demonstrate the protective roles of taurine on neurons in neuroblastoma. Perhaps the most important and exciting presentation is the role of taurine and alcohol: the combination may be lethal. Data are also presented at this meeting of the potential role taurine may have as an adjuvant treatment with cisplatin in chemotherapy.

Over the past two decades, due to dramatic advances in molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, and genetics, our view on mitochondria as a relatively static cellular powerhouse has changed radically. We now know that these organelles play a critical role in the normal and in the damaged heart. Written by Dr. Jose Marin-Garcia, Director of the Molecular Cardiology and Neuromuscular Institute, Mitochondria and Their Role in Cardiovascular Disease brings readers up- to-date on the many significant advances in the field of mitochondrial cardiovascular medicine. The book begins with a general introduction to mitochondria, followed by laboratory methods to study the structure and function of the organelle, regulation of replication and biogenesis, and the mechanisms and functional consequences of mitophagia and mitochondrial dynamics. Subsequent chapters deal with mitochondrial oxidative stress and the role that the organelle plays in cell signaling and cell death. Discussions will be undertaken on the biochemistry of mitochondrial cell signaling, including the nature of the proteins engaged in these processes, many of them only recently discovered. Later chapters examine the role of mitochondria and mitochondrial abnormalities in cardiovascular diseases, including their diagnosis, therapeutic options currently available, animal models of mitochondrial disease, and new frontiers in mitochondria cardiovascular medicine, including areas of research that are relatively new or developing, such as proteomics, next generation sequencing, and systems biology.

This book describes current examination techniques and advanced clinical applications of state-of-the-art multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scanners. There are contributions from several distinguished radiologists and clinicians. Each chapter is written from a practical perspective, so that radiologists, residents, medical physicists, and radiology technologists can obtain relevant information about MDCT applications.

Over the past twenty years, stress echocardiography has developed into a well-established technique that is versatile, patient friendly, and relatively inexpensive. This new, extensively revised and enlarged edition of Stress Echocardiography documents all of the very significant advances made since the fourth edition. The early chapters place the technique within a historical context and describe its pathophysiological basis. Thereafter, all aspects of stress echocardiography are discussed, clearly and in detail, by the distinguished pioneer, Eugenio Picano, and other contributors carefully selected for their expertise. Both mainstream and emerging applications are explained, and systematic comparisons with competing and complementary cardiac imaging techniques are provided. The text is supported by a large number of high-quality illustrations. This book is invaluable not only to cardiologists but also to non-experts, such as technicians and students.

This book provides the only comprehensive treatise available on Fanconi Anemia. It gives a detailed analysis from the clinical to the molecular levels of the disorder. It also allows insight into the mechanisms of responses to DNA damage, and the complex interactions of several previously unknown proteins. The book will give research students a platform for further investigation, and act as a source of information regarding experimental design.

Endocarditis: Diagnosis and Management is an important resource of clinical information that provides relevant information on the diagnosis and management of endocarditis. It is useful to all practitioners who are involved in the care of these critically ill patients.

Both scientifically and socially the Vlth International Symposium on Amyloidosis, August 5 - 8, 1990 in Oslo was a great success. There were three and a half intensive days. It started with the Opening Ceremony, particularly highlighted with the Norway-Norway multi media show by David Cochron, and ended with a visit to the Edvard Munch museuro and the Farewell Salmon Dinner on the evening of August 8 (not to forget the "happy birthday" song for Dorothea Zucker-Franklin at the breakfast table the following morning). In between was the intellectual penetration into the science of amyloidosis and amyloid proteins, and a deepening of many friendships among young and old "amyloidologists", together with some of the cultural and historical features of Oslo and Norway. Among the numerous Ietters of thanks and gratitude that we have received, the senior organizer of the previous meeting, Takashi lsobe said it briefly and eloquently: "You have overwhelmed us, you have performed a drama with joy and cheer, you have hosted so nicely with lovely secretariat, you have arranged impressive hospitality in every respect, you certainly did for all of us" Now we are left with the proceedings book for the three coming years until the next symposium in Kingston, Canada, which will be organized by Drs. Robert Kisilevsky and Thomas Muckle from the Department of Pathology at Queens University in 1993. The scientific contributions herein cover all the sessions of the meeting.

Ithaslongbeenknownthatamphibiaandotherlowerordervertebrates havethecapacitytoregeneratelimbsaswellasdamagedheartsorbrains. Overthepastdecade,therehasbeenamajorchangeinthewaythatthe potentialforregenerationinmammalsisviewed.Earlier,incontrastto the acceptance of regeneration in amphibia, it was generally believed that there was very limited if any capacity for regeneration in many mammalianorgansystemssuchastheheartandbrain.Thediscoveryof tissue-resident adult stem cells and the description of the properties of embryonic stem cells have altered this view. This change in paradigm VI Preface has led to the hope that these discoveries can be harnessed in medical practicetocurechronicdisablingdiseases. The use of tissue-resident adult stem cells depends on the ability to either mobilize them or to convert them from one lineage to another. These problems do not arise with embryonic stem cells. Instead, their useisfraughtwithethicalandpoliticalissuesaswellasthequestionof howtodirecttheirdifferentiationtowardthedesiredcelltype.Whichever approachistaken,issuesofsafetyhavetobeparamount.Inparticular,the roleofstemcellsintumorigenesisiscriticalinassessingtheirpotential clinicalutility. The Ernst Schering Research Foundation and the Riken Center on DevelopmentalBiologyjointlyorganizedaworkshopon"ThePromises andChallengesofRegenerativeMedicine,"whichtookplaceinKobe, Japan on 20-22 October 2004. The purpose of the workshop was to discuss the present state of knowledge and future directions in this important ?eld. Leading basic scientists and clinicians reviewed and discussedseveraltimelytopicswithinthreemainthemes:(1)evolution, development,andregeneration,includingstemcellsinPlanariaandstem cell niches; (2)embryonic and adult stem cells, including adiscussion of the regulatory system in Japan for human embryonic stem cells; and (3) regeneration in speci?c indications including a discussion of the role of stem cells in organs such as the skin, brain, liver, pancreas, cornea,andthecardiovascularsystem.Inaddition,theroleofstemcells in glioblastoma was presented along with the implications for other tumors.

The book shows how the various paradigms of computational intelligence, employed either singly or in combination, can produce an effective structure for obtaining often vital information from ECG signals. The text is self-contained, addressing concepts, methodology, algorithms, and case studies and applications, providing the reader with the necessary background augmented with step-by-step explanation of the more advanced concepts. It is structured in three parts: Part I covers the fundamental ideas of computational intelligence together with the relevant principles of data acquisition, morphology and use in diagnosis; Part II deals with techniques and models of computational intelligence that are suitable for signal processing; and Part III details ECG system-diagnostic interpretation and knowledge acquisition architectures. Illustrative material includes: brief numerical experiments; detailed schemes, exercises and more advanced problems.

Until recently, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system has been considered a systemic endocrine hormonal system exclusively. It is now known that each component of the renin-angiotensin system is produced, synthesized and indeed, present in many organisms including the heart and vessels. This volume presents the most recent clinical and laboratory experiences of the leading physicians and investigators in the field of the local cardiac renin-angiotensin aldosterone system. Cardiovascular, renal and hypertension oriented physicians, investigators and scientists would find this book of interest. Edward D. Frohlich, M.D., M.A.C.P, F.A.C.C., is the Alton Ochsner Distinguished Scientist at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is also Professor of Medicine and of Physiology at Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, and Clinical Professor of Medicine and Adjunct Professor of Pharmacology at Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans. He is past Editor-in-Chief of the American Heart Association journal HYPERTENSION. Richard N. Re, M.D., is the Section Head, Hypertension at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is also Ochsner's Scientific Director of Research.

In recent years, the ryanodine receptor has emerged as a new and very promising target for the treatment of several cardiovascular disorders, including cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure. This volume is the most current publication devoted to the major intracellular calcium-release channel, the ryanodine receptor. "In this series of brief but informative chapters, the contributions progress from the basic gene family and primary structure, through its 3D structure so far, to its regulation and physiology." David E. Clapham, MD, PhD Professor of Neurobiology and Pediatrics Harvard Medical School Dr. Xander H.T. Wehrens received his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from Maastricht University in the Netherlands. His research has mainly concentrated on molecular mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias, in particular in the setting of inherited arrhythmogenic syndromes and congestive heart failure. This work has led to the development of novel anti-arrhythmic therapies. He is currently a research scientist in the Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University. Dr. Andrew R. Marks is the Chair and Professor of the Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Marks' research has focused on understanding how macromolecular signaling complexes regulate ion channel function in muscle and non-muscle systems, and on the regulation of vascular smooth muscle proliferation and migration. His work has contributed new understandings of fundamental mechanisms that regulate muscle contraction that have lead to the discovery of molecular defects that contribute to heart failure and fatal cardiac arrhythmias.

Adrenomedullin in Cardiovascular Disease is an up-to-date review of the most relevant aspects of adrenomedullin. It encompasses a broad range of fields including biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease and clinical applications of adrenomedullin to cardiovascular disease.

Computational Cardiovascular Mechanics provides a cohesive guide to creating mathematical models for the mechanics of diseased hearts to simulate the effects of current treatments for heart failure. Clearly organized in a two part structure, this volume discusses various areas of computational modeling of cardiovascular mechanics (finite element modeling of ventricular mechanics, fluid dynamics) in addition to a description an analysis of the current applications used (solid FE modeling, CFD). Edited by experts in the field, researchers involved with biomedical and mechanical engineering will find Computational Cardiovascular Mechanics a valuable reference.

An Atlas of Radioscopic Catheter Placement is unique, and has been conceived as a handy reference guide for students, interventional cardiologists, nurses and electrophysiology technicians. It includes plenty of schemes and X-ray images, and every EP correct catheter positioning is explained step by step through detailed descriptions of the necessary manoeuvres, including some "trucks" brought about by the experience.

Chronic kidney disease with a worldwide prevalence of 10% in the general population is emerging as a major public health priority. Renal dysfunction is associated with a high risk for cardiovascular complications. The relationship between renal insufficiency and cardiovascular disease, termed the cardiorenal syndrome exists whether impairment of renal function is a consequence of primary renal parenchymal disease or primary heart disease. Several pathophysiologic mechanisms have been postulated to explain the relationship between renal dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. Recent studies indicate an integrated response of the vascular smooth muscles and glomerular mesangial cells to traditional and uremia related cardiovascular risk factors. Traditional risk factors can incite renal impairment and cardiac damage. As renal function deteriorates, uremia-related risk factors play an increasing role both in reduction in glomerular filtration rate and cardiovascular damage. Several uremia related factors such as uncontrolled hypertension, disturbed glucose insulin metabolism, microalbuminuria, phosphate retention, secondary hyperparathyroidism, myocardial and vascular calcification, hypertensive-uremic cardiomyopathy, inflammation, oxidant injury, and neurohormonal dysregulation have been implicated in the pathogenesis of the cardiorenal syndrome. Recent data suggest that management of the cardiorenal syndrome requires aggressive control of traditional risk factors as well novel approaches to prevent or reverse uremia -related processes. This book provides a comprehensive update analysis of our current understanding of the cardiorenal syndrome including epidemiology, pathophysiologic mechanisms, and therapeutic approaches.

This book, with its 16 chapters, documents the present state of knowledge of the adenosine A receptor. It covers a wide range of information, including data from 3 studies of theoretical, molecular and cellular pharmacology, signal transduction, integrative physiology, new drug discoveries and clinical applications. It fills an important gap in the literature since no alternative source of such information is currently available. Although the A receptor is increasingly being recognized for 3 its increasing number of biological roles throughout the body and many A receptor 3 ligands have proven useful in elucidating peripheral and central pathologies, many issues remain unresolved. Moreover, research activity in this field continues to grow exponentially, resulting in a constant flow of new information. The chapters in this book cover both basic science and the relevant applications and provide an authoritative account of the current status of the field. They have enabled my goal as editor to make "A Adenosine Receptors from Cell Biology to Pharmacology and 3 Therapeutics" an up to date, scientifically excellent, reference source, attractive to basic and clinical scientists alike, a reality. Detailed understanding of the physico-chemical aspects and molecular biology of the A receptor provides a solid basis for its future development as a target for 3 adenosine-based pharmacotherapies (Chapters 2 and 3).

Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed world. The high metabolism and oxygen demand of the cardiac myocardium depends on both a high blood flow and a rich capillary density. For this reason, the growth of the coronary vasculature is vital, not only in early development, but also in the adult faced with various stresses. Novel technologies have enabled the discovery of the molecular mechanisms underlying the growth and assembly coronary vessels, and this volume covers the hierarchy of the coronary vasculature from its embryonic origins through its postnatal growth, adulthood, and senescence. Chapters address normal coronary development, coronary anomalies and their possible underlying developmental errors, coronary vessel adaptations to exercise training, aging, hypoxia, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac hypertrophy. This comprehensive overview of current research in coronary vessels and myocardial perfusion was written by Dr. Robert J. Tomanek, Emeritus Professor of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Iowa. The book reviews, discusses, and integrates findings from various areas of coronary vasculature research, and as a result, will be a valuable reference source for cardiovascular scientists and physicians for many years to come.

This book reviews the main topics in thromboprophylaxis around orthopedic surgery, from a general scope of the problems with the disease highlighting them in orthopedics to the new specific protocols involving, for example, new oral anticoagulants. The prevalence of the venous thromboembolism in each procedure (from "easy" to "hard" surgeries, with different rates of related thrombosis) and the risk factors to bear in mind in each one (related and non-related with the orthopedic procedure) are also revised. A chapter focus on the diagnosis and treatment of venous thromboembolism, which is commonly "forgotten" in many books addressed to orthopedic surgeons and anaesthesiologists. The methods for thromboprophylaxis have three specific chapters: the most common drugs used and recommended when pharmacological prophylaxis is needed, new drugs which are arising day by day and which management will be of main importance in a close near future, and mechanical methods, recommended both as additional when possible and for sole indications when the risk of bleeding could move us to minimize the real risk of thrombosis. Anaesthetic implications for thromboprophylaxis and, also, main implications of the application of antithrombotic protocols in the anaesthetic practice are covered by another chapter. In our opinion it was very important to divide the orthopedic procedures according to their own thrombotic risk, so having their own protocols for thromboprophylaxis: high risk, day surgery procedures and "special" surgical procedures are included in three different chapters, from three different authors with complementary views. Finally, in a last chapter, we review the problems involving the perioperatory management of antiaggregated and anticoagulated patients, with a special part in hip fracture surgery.

Angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis have become attractive targets for drug therapy because of their key roles in a broad spectrum of pathological disease states ranging from macular degeneration to tumor growth and metastasis. A substantial increase in the research effort over the past decade has deepened our understanding of the basic mechanisms underlying angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, promoting the development of promising therapeutics for the clinical management of vascular-related diseases. These extraordinary advancements have been built upon a vast array of diverse analytical techniques developed globally throughout the field. Over the years, these methods have evolved to suit the specific needs of different researchers and experimental scenarios, resulting in a myriad of technical variants of basic assay approaches. "The Textbook of Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis: Methods and Applications" is an up-to-date comprehensive textbook on angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis techniques and applications. This volume is designed to embody the collective works of experts in the clinical as well as the basic research arenas who have significantly contributed to the development and application of techniques in all areas of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Each chapter introduces and discusses one or a group of closely related techniques and convey step-by-step protocol information and detailed technical guidance to the reader. Emphasis has been placed on explanatory illustrations, critical technical steps as well as divulging information on the benefits and caveats of specific practices related to the methods discussed. This manual is intended to serve as a written guide for both newcomers and established professionals in the field.

This book will provide both an evidence base and practical recommendations for the treatment of patients with congenital heart disease. It will be a resource to all health care providers, including pediatric cardiologists, pediatric intensivists, pediatric heart surgeons, fetal specialists, maternal fetal medicine specialists, neonatologists, nurses, advanced practice nurses, in addition to trainees in the field. It will summarize world knowledge on the topic of heart failure in patients with congenital heart disease. It will provide an in depth analysis of the current methods of diagnosis and treatment of heart failure. Now that surgical results are at record success rates, more patients with congenital heart disease are surviving, and thus at risk for sequelae from their disease, including heart failure. It will provide evidence based and practical recommendations to the practitioner for the management of heart failure signs and symptoms.

Modern signal and image acquisition systems used in the field of cardiology acquire, analyze, and store data digitally. Surface electrocardiography, intra-cardiac electrogram recording, echocardiograms, x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography are among the modalities in the cardiology field where signal processing is applied. Digital signal processing techniques allow us to automate many of the analyses that had previously been done manually with greater precision, accuracy and speed, as well as detect features and patterns in data that may be too subtle to observe by eye. As more cardiologists are becoming more reliant on such technology, a basic understanding of digital signals and the techniques used to extract information from these signals are required.

This book reviews novel developments in the endocrinology of hypertension with emphasis on new discovery during the past five years and perspectives on the future. It is written by authors who have spearheaded recent advances. With a focus on new developments in hormones and autacoids related to hypertension, the book provides a resource that will lead to new, active research in the fundamental mechanisms of hypertension.

In excess of 7 million people worldwide die of coronary heart disease each year. Only one-third of these heart attack victims recover completely. The remainder suffer the consequences of myocardial infarction and its ill fated remodeling process, resulting in chronic congestive heart failure. This malady alone is the leading cause of hospital admissions in the United States. New breakthroughs in stem cell therapy and tissue engineering have promised to reverse this dismal outcome by cardiovascular repair. World authorities, including scientists and regulatory authorities, have joined in a collaborative effort to present for the reader the first collective review of stem cell therapy for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. These contributions in basic science, pre-clinical and clinical experience guided by the regulatory pathways, assure a rapid course of translational research and clinical trials. The contents of this publication will become a prerequisite for those preparing to meet the challenges of this exciting and potentially rewarding field of stem cell research.

Stroke is the leading cause of serious, long term disability. This book proposes different cellular therapies under investigation to promote neural regeneration after stroke. Authored by an international panel of scientists and clinicians, this volume is a vital, one-of-a-kind resource for all scientists interested in regenerative medicine.